New-Why I'm happy/Why I'm unhappy thread!

That old one was taking forever to load!

Why i was unhappy is that my car broke down again on Mon.

Why I'm happy now is that my car in now runnning again & the bill was less than the original estimate.

If a car has gone nearly 250 Thou i guess it can be expected to break down but it has happened 2x in the last month & it is very hard on my finances to say the least.

So for the time being i'm 'on the road again'. If i lived in town it would be different but when you live in the 'tulies' you gotta have wheels. 8^)

I'm happy becasue I finally settled on paint colors.

I'm unhappy becasue now I have to clean/pack my room.

I am happy because
it has rained here
it is saturday and I am off from work
all is well with my kids
my cleaning is mostly finished for the weekend.

I am not particularly unhappy about anything just now.... :)

and I am happy about that!

That's cool, Kath! :)

I'm unhappy because it's hot and noisy here... as usual.

But I'm happy because it's Saturday, and I get to sleep in and wake up late, and I'm sipping my coffee, and next weekend I'm going to the beach with my friends, and this weekend we'll do whatever's clever to do and hang out, and... well, I'm just happy I'm alive, that's all. :)

~ and that too, is cool, my friend! Most of us here have so much to be happy about :)

And now it's raining, yay!!!!!!! *does a little happy dance*

So now one less thing to be cranky about, and one more reason to be happy. :D

I'm happy because the last group of bear hunters we had here at our house finished early and left yesterday.

I'm happy because my husband and two older sons won't be leaving to go to our other hunting camp until tomorrow so we will actually be able to clean up the camp and split wood together and I won't have to do it by myself.

I'm happy because there will be groceries and mail on the plane that comes to get them tomorrow and the violins I ordered for school should be here.

I'm happy because after three weeks of nonstop work and sleep deprivation I actually get my life back and will now have three weeks of semi-vacation. Now I can catch up on GD posts!

I'm unhappy because my car is in the shop with about $700 worth of damage.

I'm happy because I'm alive!

Well now, it's a DAMNED good thing I don't own a camera, that's for sure!

I met my buddy Dave for breakfast this morning, and then from there we were SUPPOSED to go to the brand new Sports Museum of America down by Battery Park in Manhattan for a Football Hall of Fame special event.

Before leaving Dave asked if I brought a camera. I said "No, I'll just pop in to CVS here and buy a disposable."

He said, "Don't bother. Just swing by my sister's house and I'll grab her digital camera." That may have saved our lives.

Therefore, we were only doing around 30 MPH on a local street, and not 60-70 MPH on a highway, when the front end of my car dropped off!

Okay, well, not OFF, but I heard a very loud BANG and the car started to skid out of control, but I got it under control and eased it to the side. The whole front end was dragging and I thought I lost the whole wheel! The wheel was still attached, but tilted sideways and dragging.

Turns out a ball joint and other sundry parts attaching the wheel snapped off.

Man, if we had not gone back for the camera, this could have been a major accident, possibly with traumatic injuries if the car had spun out of control on a major highway. We were RIGHT AT the highway entrance and bypassed it to get to his sister's house for the camera.

So, cranky because of the damage and lost day, cranky because I won't get to visit my Mom this weekend, but DAMNED HAPPY that I don't own a camera!

I'm so happy you didn't get hurst mrgrooism.

I'm happy because i'm visiting some friends!

I'm happy because I just ate and...

I'm happy because I'm a happy person!

I'm very happy you didn't go on the highway groo!
Thank goodness you're okay, scary!

I am happy that you are safe, too groo.

Ouch, that must've been pretty scary!!!

I'm also happy that you're OK, Groo, really!

Happy that you're safe and well Groo!

Hm..I'm happy, no mildly pleased, that my landlord showed up to fix the latches.

I'm unhappy that it took 6 months and that we'd given up since we're moving out soon.

Do we get one word of 'sorry it took so long'? No.

*steam from ears*

Hubby and I are in the office and every now and then we look at each other and grimace in quiet understanding.

If we hadn't decided to keep the peace, and our mouths shut I'd be in there saying 'why the fuck...'

Sigh.

Groo! That must have been scary! I'm glad you and your friend are okay.

Groo, I'm very relieved you are O.K.! Hope your car gets better soon too.

Groo: I'm so glad you're okay!

Glad you were not hurt Groo.

I am unhappy because school, and second job, start in two days.

Happy because I will get financial aid, and of course budget out a healthy dose of NEW BOOK MONEY!

And happy because a new book store is opening close to where I live, and I am getting money!!!

Happy because a big box of books came in the mail. Happy because Groo has survived (even if his car didn't)

That is so frightening, Groo. I'm glad you are all right.

Thanks, all! Had that happened at high speed, it would have been quite a mess! I appreciate the good thoughts! :>)

I'm happy today because I just started Jasper Fforde's Lost in a Good Book. I loved The Eyre Affair and intend to make my way through all of her books!

I'm unhappy because my eyestrain is a little worse today than most, so I have to keep putting the book down!

I'm happy because I finally managed to store up the amount of patience required to wash the dishes with the garden hose attached to the kitchen sink faucet. And I hate doing dishes, specially the cutlery (ack!), BUT now they're nice and clean (well, almost all, I haven't finished) and with nary a drop of water spilt! :D

I'm also happy because the heat finally broke and it's a lovely sunny, but breezy day! YaY! :D

#20 Isn't Jasper a man? :P "Lost in a Good Book" is just a perfect title! I hope you enjoy it... but don't get lost in it! We need you here! :D Oh and I hope your eyes behave and let you read to your heart's content.

His books have been in my wish list for months! They seem to be right up my alley. I'm definitely including some of them in my Christmas book shopping spree next month!

I am trying a moratorium

again

no books for me until after Jan 1.

not counting the ones already ordered..

or mooches

none!

Me too, Kath, me too! Not for as long, but geez it's difficult! Good luck, hon.

Sadly, the desire to get the to-read piles down isn't compatible with the urge to own as many books as I can squash into my living space.

*heaves melodramatic sigh*

Yay! I'm happy because my friends are coming over to watch DVDs.
And because they almost never come, because I don't let them, because my apartment is usually a mess.
But I'm also happy because my apartment is certainly NOT a mess tonight.
And also because I cleaned it, by myself (hey, I almost never do, so that's an accomplishment :P)
And yay!! DVDs! Wooohooo!

I'm happy because the classical radio station is playing a fantastic suite, and my favorite announcer is on.

I'm unhappy because I got an awful sunburn yesterday, so my scalp and face (especially forehead) sting like crazy, and my arms were burnt just enough to hurt when I scratch or wash them. Showering is fun...NOT. Also, I look like a lobster. Or a tomato. Or a strawberry.

I'm happy because it's supposed to be nice and cool tomorrow morning (won't hit 50 until 9 AM!), so my early escapades will be comfortable. Also, it will be cloudy! Hooray!

Aaaand I'm unhappy because I use bad grammar. Pooey!

I'm happy because Groo is safe.

I'm happy because I'm visiting my grandbabies at the moment.

I'm happy because they're in bed - I love them, but they wear me out.

I'm unhappy because I still can't get the internet on my new laptop at home. I have to go over to school, and their internet feed is filtered. Time for another visit to my nephew. (The computer whiz - president of his own company!)

@24: D, are you sure you're not my friend Kirstin in disguise?

Conversation from yesterday:

'Oh no, you better not come over it's really messy here'

'Well clean it then'

'I just wish I had some decent time'

'It's 11am on Sunday morning. You have time.'

'Mumble'

Kirst hoards. She has so much junk it's great. I hate cleaning too. I just don't hoard. I think that's the difference, cause it sure isn't me with a scrubbing brush and cleaning products every weekend that's for sure.

I'm happy because I'm making myself be happy.

#27: Errr... noes, I'm pretty sure my name is Tess and not Kirstin, last time I checked. :P

But yeah, she sure sounds like me! :D

====

Wargh. I'm unhappy because my stupid stupid stupid DVD player decided to mangle the DVDs. :( AND those were a friend's, not rentals.

We watched half of 25th Hour, with Ed Norton, and half of Hot Fuzz. Because we thought the fault lay maybe on the discs themselves and not my player, and the 2th Hour DVD was pretty scratched. So we started on Hot Fuzz... but when it started misbehaving again, we took the disc out and noticed that the player was scratching the discs!!! Major ouch. So now my player doesn't work AND I have to replace my friend's DVDs. *pouts*

BUT I'm happy because after giving up on watching movies we started watching cable and a Soda Stereo concert was on (has anyone ever heard of them? An Argentinian rock band.) And now, after my friends have already left, I sit here and check my e-mail and I see that I have received several nice messages. :D

====
I'm happy because I'm making myself be happy.
I loved this!!!

I am unhappy to feel distressed at finding no achievement because I am trying to be a "good" and charming person, but failed.
I am happy to find this website just now.
Hey nice to be here, for the first time! :-)

*waves at tryforfun*

Welcome! :) Here, have a pint of the Dragon's finest ale and some cheese.

Thank you Delirium9! you too! :-D

I'm happy because I got up when my alarm went off this morning (also, my alarm went off - last Friday, it didn't go off).

I'm not-so-happy because my bed is uncomfortable, it was 5am when I got up, I don't feel like cooking or eating but I need to, and therefore I'm on the computer when I should be getting ready for work.

Sigh. Going now.

ETA quick before I go, I'm also happy because the board game night is tonight. That's always fun.

Delirium....Tess, friends are more important than tidiness....
tidiness is easier if you put things away when you are finished using them..
but you should never ever deny time with a friend because you need to do a quick tidy up. or think you do.

Trust me on this one..

Glad you had a nice time last night..

I am not too happy because we had winds up to 79 mph last night. No rain, but
wild winds. Lots of power outages..trees down and sadly, the power is on where I work. sigh. Several school districts closed though.

Hey Kath, would ya tell that to Kirstin please???

Mutter. Honestly, the girl has giant great swords laying about the place - as in real ones. A claymore even. And props from the Xena set where she worked. *goes off on Kirstin tangent* Once, we lit candles inside this great candelabra from the Xena set that she has and sat round telling spooky stories late at night (like the ones in the 'Real Life Ghost Stories' thread). What else does she have...ooh handmade puppets, musical instruments (didgeridoo included), books of course, a mysterious collection of penguins even though she 'doesn't collect penguins' - she does, though, but I guess she doesn't know it. A tiny trampoline that she bounces on for random fun, and also doubles as an extra seat, an assortment of weird soft toys, and all kinds of other neat things crammed into a one bedroom apartment.

Ah, I love her, I just wish she'd, you know, let us visit!!!

I'm happy now because I'm tired and don't have the energy to be miserable.

We had high wind today, but I don't think it reached 79mph! Some trees down, and brief power loss in places, but no damage.

I'm happy because the deacons at our church voted to get me (well, the library) a computer! And to let me subscribe to LT!

I'm a little reserved in my happy because that rather means a much bigger time commitment on my part...but, more time at LT with a very good excuse! :D

#28, 33 & 34 - First of all, good for you Delirium, I know the feeling.

My friends (at least three, who are not in touch with each other) have told me I have ministered to them by letting and inviting them over even when my house was not very tidy. A kind of funny compliment. :) I call it the Messy House Ministry. It's my mission in life.

sure severn... send me her email and I will have at her!

swords eh? interesting hobby~ maybe you and other friends can offer to help her hand them on the walls? have a sword hanging party.

No wine or Guinness until the deed is done!

A how that is "lived in" like MrsLee is mentioning, doesn't make others feel self conscious. I wouldn't feel comfortable in a too perfect house. Invite her over to yours and get her to dry dishes or soemthing :)

I'm happy because tomorrow is my visit with the neurosurgeon that I've waited 5 months for.

And I'm unhappy because I'm nervous about said appointment. Holding thumbs would be much appreciated.

thumbs held

*holds theoretical thumbs so typing is still possible*

To carry on with the 'you can't visit theme' - my other best friends, Adrienne and Darian - married - are complete slobs by nature. Well, Adrienne is and I think it's rubbed off on her poor old hubby.

They'll tidy if people are coming over, and I don't really care if the floor is dirty or whatever - it's not like we vacuum every day or anything!

But, and this really is quite funny, their dishwasher broke down a couple of months ago, and they refused to have us over because, as Adrienne put it so grumpily and with an expectation that it made perfect, logical sense - 'if you come over that means we'll have more dishes to clean and we did get that dishwasher for a reason. Hmph. I'm not cleaning dishes by hand.'

Hahahahahaha....I was so annoyed at the time (never having had a place with a dish washer of course, let alone my own home), but now I laugh. Still, to know that she'd prefer not to get her hands dirty over us coming over is a bit sad. Can't tell her that either or we'll get in an argument most likely. Sigh.

*ramble over*

This morning I'm not really happy at all, but I have two cute cats, and a husband who is very comforting.

Enforced counting of blessings!

Iz has a happppeeeeeeeee!!!

I got my very first pet snake! (i know that to some it may not sound like something to be that happy about... but to me its a big deal! yay yay yay!)

His name is Spirit (for now, or until he earns a different one or I think of something better)



Hes still a bit shy so only comes out at feeding time... hence the pic of him snarfing down din-dins...

Cool! What kind of snake is it?

congrats on your new addition!

Oh, what a darling little thing! He's eating a mouse and he's still adorable.

**runs screaming to another thread**

Hubby and I both just said 'awwwwwwwwwwwww, he's eating a mousy' hehee...

He's adorable.

Thanks all!!!

Sorry GeorgiaDawn!!! *blushes*

#43: Its a 'corn snake', native of the Americas and pretty much the staple pet shop snake... they've been bred in every colour imaginable, but this guy is a 'normal' that is the colour of the original wild snakes...

Because I know nothing about snakes, as previously mentioned somewhere, is he actually poisonous? I know you know lots about snakes, but could this little fellow poison you badly?

Or is he as harmless as a lamb, and just happens to chomp mice like meat-pies?

eta - the prodigal 'he' returneth

Corn snakes are SO harmless that even in the wild you can just carefully reach down and pick one up. They enjoy the feel of a human's body warmth so like being held, as long as you are properly gentle.

does he eat live mice...or dead mice? just curious. like do you keep a bag of frozen mice for him or do you have to catch one from a holding pen or.....

like I said, just curious! ;-)

I'm very happy for you Taliska, but won't be visiting in the near future! Enjoy! :)

I'm glad my daughter doesn't read these threads because I'd have a month worth of "But Mom, it's just a corn snake and I can keep him in a terrarium next to Jeremy (the gecko)."

I love snakes too, but we have enough pets. Plus, the pet rats might get yantsy if they were to hear a wee little mousie getting snarfed.

ahem.

I'm happy because I just checked my daughter's grades online (she's in 10th grade) and she's getting 3 A's and one 92.9 B (93 being an A) so in my mind she's getting straight A's. Hooray! She loves all her classes. It sure makes her easier to live with when she likes her classes.

I'm also happy because tonight we get to see the Marching Band perform at our county fair then daughter, husband, and I are going out to eat Mexican food.

And finally, I'm happy because the sun angles are turning fall-ish and all the rain we've had lately has made the grass and plants lush and beautiful.

I'm not really unhappy at all - just a tad stressed about getting budget information in and reclassifying all deposits/expenditures for 9 months worth of Band Boosters for an October meeting. But, I still have time......

#48 Taliska, that's okay. My son is getting a snake, too. He is obviously living on his own now! :)

A snake is the only thing I ever said "NO" to. We've had iguanas, fish, tarantulas, turtles, dogs, cats, and even white mice. The iguana was wonderful! He would sit on my shoulder while I did things around the house.

I'm happy in general right now. Not unhappy at all.

#33 Thanks, Kath, really, THANKS for that! I think I needed it. :) Really. Just yesterday, I went out to lunch with mom and my sisters and a friend of ours who has just arrived from Argentina. And we had a blast! AND I remembered this thread, and I invited them all to come to my apartment tomorrow for coffee and cake. Dirty dishes and dust on the floor be damned! :P Well, I did clean up a little today... I figured that if I do a little each day, in the long run my sanity will thank me.

#34 Hey, Kirstin sounds real cool! What with having giant swords and claymores and a didgeridoo! And a TRAMPOLINE! It would be so cool to hold D&D campaigns in her apartment, I'm telling you. :9 Oh and as for Adrienne, just tell her there are PAPER PLATES for a reason! D'oh.

#36 Congrats, MrsLee! There's always a good excuse to spend more time at the GD. :D Oh and the "Messy House Ministry", I loved that!

#38 Thumbs held here, too. (I love this saying, thanks, Busifer!) I hope everything's OK, cmbohn.

#42 Taliska, I can't decide if that's scary or, err... cute. :S

#53 And finally, I'm happy because the sun angles are turning fall-ish and all the rain we've had lately has made the grass and plants lush and beautiful.

This is pure poetry. Thank you! :) Made me smile big time.

I'm happy because one of my clients finally paid me, yay! So I was able to pay some overdue bills. :S And I'm happy I finished my work for the day (well, I still have to do one more thing starting in a few minutes.) And because I have company coming over tomorrow, and we'll have a nice time, and I get to buy yummy bagels...

But I'm kind of grumpy because I have a mild headache, and the loud traffic noises coming through my window don't help.

But I'm happy because I've been working a lot, and all that work means more money, which in turn means I will be able to buy those noise-cancelling earphones soon and I won't have to whine about traffic noises anymore! :P

Tess,

yummy... bagels!

I am glad that you had fun and have more planned for tomorrow.
Treasure your friends and moments with them... and you have a great plan for tidying.. a little here and there adds up.

and I know what you mean about the sun angles and how wonderful it is. Autumn is my favorite, but each season has its own light and its own beauty.
I always have something to look forward to with each season :)

oh! and glad you got paid, finally~

I am very, very, verrrry happy that the children are back in school.

I am unhappy because I am almost back in school, and work, and doing stuff for the kids school...

I am happy for the cooling of the fall weather, the trees turning and the sun hiding behind high clouds.

So his name is "Spirit" and he's adorable even when eating? You should send in a picture to Cute With Chris.com, for the Cutedown voting.

AWWWW! He's like... "NOM NOM" and I just want to hug that little reptile!

I'm unhappy that my daughter sliced her pinky up and had to have 4 stitches. I'm especially unhappy because she plays trombone and they have a competition next Saturday and she won't be able to practice the music for at least 3 days this week although she'll be able to at least march and be there for all the practices.

I'm happy because she's taken it so well and was so good in the emergency ward. My good, stoic girl.

Poor kid! There's never a good time to get stitches, but it always seems to happen at the worst time. None of mine have had stitches, but my daughter got a black eye from a head injury. She was okay, but her eye was at its most spectacular right before her dance recital. And then there's the way they get hit in the face or cut their own hair right before pictures.

I hope she heals quickly and will still do well in the competition.

Hey, a trombone player! Me, too! And the son before he went off to college. Hope she does well and the finger doesn't bother her too much...

#50: yup, harmless as lambs, have to constrict dinner (like pythons) or have to overpower thier food and swallow it still kicking!

#51: He eats dead mice, that have been humainly killed and frozen... so, yup! big bag of mousies in the deep freeze, when feeding time comes, whip out a few, defrost, warm to body temp, and viola'... din-dins

Its is considered very bad practice to feed live animals to captive carnivores
1) it is not considered humane
2) believe it or not the mouse can kill your snake!

If the snake is not hungry it wont kill the mouse, and the mouse will bite or start to chew on him! Pythons are especially bad, as they just curl up in a corner and wont fight back, seen horendouse injuries caused by intended dinner...

Im happy 'cause its been a wonderfully uneventful and productive Monday!

as compared to my usuall monday where I start of grumpy, nothing works, i drop everything, nothing works, i lose everything, nothing works, i bark at somebody cause im frustrated, feel bad cause i over-reacted, go home and sulk...

*mental image of mouse chomping on snake*

You know, mice bites bloody hurt. Ginny (one of my kitties) and I lived at a place that had lots of mice outside. She'd bring them in and I'd rescue them. Had a mouse living under the fridge for a week - it was really cute, actually - I filled up a little jar lid with water, and he'd push it out when it was empty. Likewise with food he didn't like. Anyway, he made a run for it one day, I caught him, and he grabbed onto the tip of my index finger with his teeny, painful teeth. I carried him out, swearing, and threw him in the grass.

It's hard to remember pain, but I have a shadow memory of that - it really hurt! I can see how they could kill a non-fighting back snake.

I am going to blithely ignore the images of mice and snakes now and say...

I am happy today because I'm making apple butter in my slow cooker, it's a two day recipe (well, start the night before and finish this afternoon) and makes my house smell absolutely wonderful. These aromas also evoke lovely memories of making the apple butter with my girls when they were little and it also reminds me of the 100 year old farm house we lived in which I adored.

I'm also happy 'cause this recipe will make lots so I'll be able to share with neighbours and take some to my daughters when I go to see them in the next week or two.

These happy things are enough to keep unhappy things at bay :-)

I'm happy because I've finally moved on from a painful emotional experience, and I truly feel good (or at least at ease) for the first time in a while.

I'm happy because I stumbled upon 2 new (to me) bands over the weekend, whose albums I now own. I'm on a psychedelic blues-rock kick right now.

Good for you monohex.

I'm happy I got season 2 part 2 of csi:ny, unhappy because I still don't have season 1 part 2

I would be happy that I saw stars at 3:30am, but I'm unhappy because I saw them after I ran my forehead into the corner of a cupboard door which had been left ajar. Lovely headache and red spot on my forehead, but my pupils are the same size.

I'm happy that Heroes starts tonight.
I'm unhappy I can't watch it.
I'm happy the OH got DVR so we can watch it later.
I'm unhappy because it will probably increase the amount of time spent in front of the idiot box.
I'm happy because I took today off and actually spent it doing something productive - the annual cleaning of the library.
I'm unhappy because it's going to take a few more days and there's not enough shelving.

I'm happy because my limerick's on the GD page.

I'm unhappy because I only just noticed it, and I think it's been there for a while.

Owww MrsLee!! Those aren't the right kind of stars to see! Ones outside are better. Poor you. Hope your head feels better soon.

I'm unhappy cuz my colonoscopy is on Wed. & I'll be doing the preparation routine tomorrow. 8^(

I hope to be happier on Thurs. about this time. 8^)

Getting old is the pits! 8^P

I'm unhappy because... *sigh* Nah, it's not really that important. AND I gotta stop brooding about silly things.

But I'm happy because I'm making myself be happy. Therapy through 80s pop & rock music. :)

#69 ExVivre I call it the idiot box too - and that's what my mother has called it all my life.

I'm happy because I got two books from BookMooch.
I'm unhappy because one of our dear pet rats died and we had to bury her last night.
I'm happy and unhappy because my daughter has a high school band competition Saturday and it's going to be a long tiring day but I get to watch them play and compete.

oh karen... I am so sorry about your little rat. Its very hard to lose a pet...
I understand about the band competition, as my daughter was in the band too.

I'm sorry, karen for the loss of your little friend. I was in band in high school and I think it's great that you are going to watch the competition. My parents were always busy and weren't able to come to mine.

I'm happy because monohex is happy.
I'm happy because Mrs. Lee's pupils are equal and reactive.
I'm unhappy about Vanye's colonoscopy (been there, done that), but
I'm happy that it will be over soon.
ExVivre: there are NEVER enough shelves. Trust me on this one.

I'm happy because Amazon shipped one of the books I ordered. I'm unhappy because I ordered it last week, and the two cds I ordered with it still haven't shipped, despite them all saying that they were available. I hope I don't get charged extra shipping. It was expensive enough.

Meanwhile I'm happy because the book I ordered from the Book Depository came yesterday - I ordered it after the amazon books.

I am happy because I have successfully threaded my little-used 1960s typewriter (although the ribbon isn't perfect so it won't screw on exactly).
I am unhappy because my oft-used 1930s typewriter is broken.

I am happy because I am starting a new foreign language literature journal on my campus.
I am unhappy because I have to begin disseminating information about that and putting together my editor group, and I am already very busy.

I am happy because we are reading some excellent literature in Chinese class (at long last)!
I am unhappy because I read Chinese incredibly slowly; also, our first book is a week late in arriving.

I am unhappy because I am generally stressed and overworked from school and college applications.
But I am very happy because I'm bringing my chinese zither to school - I board - and I will be learning the erhu at some point in the year as well. (Starting with beginning to learn the language, I am really gettin' in touch with my Asian heritage! It's all awfully exciting.)

etc.

Ooh - Amaranthic, what are you reading in Chinese? I like Yu Dafu and Ba Jin, and of course, the unforgettable Lu Xun. Or are you reading older classics?

I'm happy because Nation and Brisingr are on thier way to me. Unhappy because my mum will lecture me about not having any money when they arrive, but she goes away on saturday so if it doesn't turn up till then...

Also unhappy because the other part of my order Blood of elves isn't coming yet.

Will - unfortunately I'm a beginner in Chinese, so no ancient prose yet. (Although Zhuangzi is my fave in translation.) Right now we're doing Ba Jin, various short stories on loose leaf papers and then a book of collected essays and shorter pieces, but no full-length novels. I can't say that I have ever FINISHED a Ba Jin novel due to time constraints, but I like what I've seen, and finally finishing Jia is definitely on my list of things to do this year... we're also currently reading essays and short pieces by Bing Xin, Zhu Ziqing, Li Aiqing, and assorted authors who stood out less. (My favorite thus far might be Wang Meng, who is excellent.) Unfortunately, I don't know what the full-length books we'll be reading this year are yet, as due to budget cuts we seem to be approaching the book ordering process on a novel-by-novel basis.

People keep on telling me to read Lu Xun, but I never know quite where to begin. What would you recommend starting with?

If you know a decent amount about Chinese history, particularly the end of the empire, and the early republic period, the best place to start with Lu Xun is Diary of A Madman (狂人日记), but it's best to read that one in translation, because the beginning's in Classical Chinese. Also read The True Story of Ah Q (阿Q正傳) and the other stories in Nahan (呐喊 A Call to Arms).

I've never read a whole novel in Chinese. The literary style is very difficult to comprehend for me. I read the English version and then selections in Chinese. For Ba Jin, Family is very interesting and definitely the best, and a good portrayal of the transition period. I've never been able to find translations of his other books, and although I have them (秋 and 春), I haven't had the courage to look too closely at them. The other one I enjoyed was Camel Xiangzi/Hsiangtzu by Lao She/Law She

I'm unhappy coz I just had an embarrassing teary @ work :(

A customer complained to me about how a collegue had responded to their enquiry & as I'm menat to do, I mentioned that in the note I put on the customers account. The collegue is an older guy who doesn't like to be questioned about his actions & he saw the note I'd made & came up to me with his chest puffed out all agressive & saying if I use his name like that again he'll take me to HR, then he stormed off before I even had a chance to react... Now I know I didnt need to get worked up about it, but I did, I started shaking (probably build up of adrenaline coz I didnt get a chance to react to him having a go at me) & I had to walk away from my desk for a while, but I couldn't shake it & when I tried to explain to my boss what had just happenned I burst into tears. I was so embarrassed that I came back to my desk & sat under it crying for a couple of minutes...

I'm happy coz I'm OK & can laugh about it now (I really need to get an off switch installed on my emotions, lol)...

It's good you can laugh about it. Following procedure is the right way to do it, even if someone takes it as being a prig.

Seanie... sorry to hear about that..

maybe you should go to HR intimidation is not acceptable ...

Unhappy because I had to have another MRI today and I hate those!

But I'm happy because it's over. And they gave me Valium this time and my husband went with me.

Happy because I'm taking myself out to lunch as a reward for surviving the stupid thing.

I unhappy because I have to go to Macy's in person after work to dispute a credit charge.

I'm happy because I know I'm in the right; and they better rectify it, or I'll sic the marmosets on 'em.

I am not-so-happy because I'm really not feeling at all well today. i should really get off the computer as all the moving stuff and scrolling pages and so on seems to be making it worse...

I am happy because my supervisor is a really nice guy (possibly too nice for that job, actually) and basically said it was ok for me to not come in today if I still wasn't feeling well (I left work early yesterday). I was absolutely NOT planning on taking him up on it until I woke up this morning and...well, felt the way I felt. Sigh.

Well it's Wed. & my colonoscopy is over & I got to eat something-so I'm happy. I'm not supposed to drive & get some rest.

Sorry you're not feeling so great bluesalamanders-that's the pits- so you get a good rest too!

Also happy cuz our state fair begins Fri. here in town & I'll be working in our Rock Club exhibit on 4 of the 9 days. Since I get in on passes I can see lots of stuff when I'm not working. If I had to pay my way in wouldn't go more than once anyway! The admissions have gotten so high it's ridiculous! When I work in the club exhibit I get to talk rocks w/lots of folks & we recruit lots of new members that way! 8^)

#84 Ohh, Seanie, what a mean jerk! :( *hugs* You followed protocol, so he's the one who should be ashamed of himself and apologizing to you!

I totally get you, because I can be emo as hell. It'd really be nice to have an OFF switch, though!

=======

I'm happy because yesterday I got to hang out with my mom all day. :) We had breakfast together at one of our favorite cafés (my treat!), and then ran errands (went to pick up FOUR checks from clients! woohoo!), and then got to be lazy for a bit at home, with the A/C on (it was such a hot day) and listening to music and playing with Max, the crazy dog. :) And later went to a lovely tea shoppe where I bought a box of really good Chai mix to split between mom and me. Aaaandd... even later we each had a cup. Hmmmm!

I'm happy because today a client (the US Embassy) asked me if I wanted to have lunch tomorrow (his treat), because a couple of guys from the Florida office are down here and would like to meet me (I work on a project that they run.) At least I'm assuming it's their treat. Dunno if the embassy is actually picking up the tab, though. :P AND they have told me my work (which I've only just begun to get used to, and I'm really anxious to do it well, and it's kinda difficult) is excellent. :D

okay

I had to get dentures about 5-6 months ago. Lots of problems and issues and stuff. it has been an ongoing nightmare. I am happy because tuesday they took them to do the permanent reline which is meant to make them fit better. They have tokkep them for 24 hours. It is overwith... it was awful.

I am unhappy because during the 5 months the dentist and lab I had gone to vanished into think air ( after 30 years in that bldg) just poof! with no word to anyone. I am stuck with people I don't know anything about to finish what the others started. I do not think the reline was done right. In fact, I am sure something is wrong.

terrible~and ouch

92 - Given the quality of your English here, and your intelligent posting, I have no doubt whatsoever that your work is excellent.

#94
Awwww, shucks, thanks!!! *blushes furiously*

I'm really, really, really self-conscious when translating into/writing in English. So your kind words touch me deeply, they do. :)

(P.S.: Also, Firefox's automatic spell-checking option is my friend! Shhh! :P)

Im unhappy 'cause the boot (trunk) of my car got remodled yesterday :(

I was waiting at a red light with one guy behind me, when all i hear is skreeching brakes and crash! a car from behind hadnt noticed that the light was red, and rammed the guy behind me hard enough for him to shunt my car all the way into the intersection!

My bumper is trashed and my boot is badly dented and the paint is off in several places... thank God no one was hurt, and the lad who caused the accident was nice about it, and he has insurance...

But my car has a boo-boo... Whaaaaaaaa *sniff*

Taliska - That's awful! I'm glad nobody was hurt, but still, how terrible!

I'm happy because I feel a lot better than I did yesterday.

On the other hand, I sort of wish I didn't have to go back to work, though. I got quite a bit of tidying, not to mention marathon lounging and dvd watching, done yesterday. It doesn't help that I think work is part of why I wasn't feeling well - all the people I sit near either smoke or wear heavy cologne, so I sit in this cloud that makes it awfully hard for me to breathe sometimes.

#92 -- What Will said. You mean you don't speak English at home? You had me fooled!

#96 (((((((Taliska)))))))

{{{{{Taliska}}}}} Thank goodness no one was hurt... but still, you must've been badly shaken up, poor you!! And you were wearing your seat belt, I assume? Are you sore from the whiplash effect? Did you go to the hospital to have yourself checked out? Sorry to be so nosy, but I know how it is to have my car hit from behind (had to edit this sentence so I didn't sound like something else! haha), and the whiplash effect can be nasty!! Hope you are well!!

#97 Blue: from other posts I've read of yours, I do think that maybe your workplace is what's making you sick. And those cow-orkers (heh, the way Dilbert spells it! :D), how rude are they!! Couldn't you do something about it? Like asking them very nicely to not smoke or apply perfume heavily? From a highly-sensitive person to another: I feel your pain! :(

BTW, if I remember correctly, your work involves digitizing paper documentation, right? I would think smoking around all that paper would be forbidden... (!?)

Oh my, I've really filled my quota for butting in today. Sorry!! :S

#98 Hugh, you're too kind! :)

I'm happy because I got my pickled peaches finished today and they smell great.

Unhappy because my head hurts again.

99 Delirium

They don't smoke in the building, lol, they go outside for smoking breaks, smoke before work, smoke during lunch...It wouldn't be quite so bad if M didn't sit in her car and smoke. Everyone else stands outside and the breeze takes most of it away, but M sits in her car and the cloud of smoke just hovers around her. It's disgusting.

so sorry, blue. I wish there was a good answer for you. Perfume addicts are my particular pet peeve. And you can't pass laws against them.

cmbohn: I've never heard of pickled peaches, but they sound heavenly. Got a recipe?

{{{hugs}}} for Taliska (and kudos for your excellent English!) I think someone should make giant magnetic Band-aids you could put over the dents in your car when you get a boo-boo. I know it would make me feel better.

102 MerryMary

There was a company I temped at that I wasn't especially fond of in some ways, but one of the great, fantastic, amazing things about it was that it was against company policy for employees to wear strong perfumes, colognes, lotions, etc in the building. The bathrooms didn't have scented deodorizers. The soaps weren't scented. It was fabulous.

MM-

Pickled Peaches

8 lbs. peaches, washed, peeled, halved, and pitted
6 c. sugar
4 sticks cinnamon
2 Tb. whole cloves
1" piece fresh ginger
1 quart white vinegar

Treat peaches with Fruit Fresh or similar product to prevent darkening. Dissolve sugar in vinegar in large sauce pot and heat to boiling. Boil 5 minutes. Add spices tied in a cheesecloth bag. Drop peach halves into boiling syrup and cook until they can be pierced by a fork, but not until mushy. Remove from heat and allow peaches to set in pickling liquid overnight to plump. (When liquid is cool, place in refrigerator) Bring liquid back to a boil. Pack peaches into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space. Remove air bubbles. Adjust caps. Process 20-30 minutes in boiling water bath. Makes about 3 quarts or 6 pints.

I have complete directions on how to can on my blog, http://chocolateandotherfoodgroups.blogspot.com/

And they smell so good right now!!! It's making me crazy because I have to let them cool and refrigerate them overnight. At least I got to lick the spoon!

I'm happy because I have a date next Tuesday.

I'm unhappy because my mother lost her job of 18 years today. She wasn't fired; it was a firm collapse. Now, at 58 years old, she must write up a resume and hope that she can find a job. She hopes she won't lose the house (mortgage payments and all that.) She's intelligent, and great at what she does, but she has a specialized skill set, and it's tougher to find work the older you get. I think I'll go home tomorrow and give her a big hug.

I have date tomorrow (happy, obviously). I mean, it's been planned since Monday, but we got the details figured out yesterday. Lunch again, and this time we're actually going to see the new Batman movie.

Good luck, monohex, and have fun on your date! And best of luck to your mom, as well. My mom switched careers in her mid-40s and it took a while, but she did find work in her field.

monohex

your poor mom. I feel her pain... I hope she is able to find something very soon..

terrible. I am sad for her.

I am happy that it is friday and that they are predicting rain.

I'm happy because I got to see my "otaku girl in bookshop" crush again.

I'm unhappy because both of us are too shy to make the next move.

Happy because it's Friday.

Unhappy because the weekend's supposed to be a washout. Hopefully Sunday will be better.

WillSteed, message 83 - Thank you for the recommendations. I've heard of Diary of A Madman and definitely want to try my hand at reading it sometime, although I'll definitely follow your suggestion of at least having a translation at hand, because my classical chinese is very weak indeed. I agree that the literary style can be a little thorny, but the more I read, the more logical it seems - it's just that I don't necessarily know what logic that is... oh well. I'm hoping that it will all get better with experience. We finally received our first novel of the year today - Yu Hua's To Live - and although the first page alone caused me no end of agonizing ("I can't believe I don't know that word!"), I'm very excited to see how my grasp on reading Chinese firms over the months to come.

Message 108 - I would say just go for it. I've learned from experience that things are rarely as traumatizing or awkward as they seem (those being the main reasons I would retreat into shyness - you're probably different, but you know). And anyway, as long as you're aren't overly sketch about it or whatever, if a relationship doesn't seem to be in the air, at least you're making steps towards a more intimate friendship... or something. I wish you luck.

Message 105 - good luck to your mother! My mother recently re-entered the workforce too, although she was only in her 40s. I hope your mother has as much luck with finding a great job as my mom did.

Thanks for the recipe, cmbohn. Can't wait to try it. (every time I type your name, I want to sing "Se Cie Bon." Why is that?) (I can't even remember enough of my high school French to know if I spelled it right. Probably not.)

Good luck, Jake. Baby steps. Smiles are good. Try a shy smile and a little "Hi." Go from there.

Monohex: Hope your date is excellent, and you are having a good time. Hugs to your mom from all of us.

I'm unhappy because I have a really bad cold. I had a temperature last night and couldn't stop shivering.

I'm happy because I have lots of reading material to get through, including 2 Stephen King books.
I'm happy because other than the bad cold, life feels good right now =)

I'm unhappy because I have a toothache. :( A mild one, not a very, very bad one, but still... it hurts! *cries*

I'm unhappy because I've been feeling pains on the heel of my right foot for a few days now. I figured I had stepped wrong (!!! - don't know how to express that - wrong footing?) or something. Last night I remembered that I had tripped and fallen last Sunday at the movie theater. The fall was nothing out of the ordinary (I'm always tripping & falling *sigh*.) And I expected to have bruises, but there aren't any. Still, it's as logical an explanation as I can find for the pain in my foot. :(

I'm happy, I guess, because last Sunday I got to see Hellboy II: The Golden Army, at the theater. Yay! Not that it was as good as I expected. (Note to self: remember to always go to the theater with very low expectations.)

I'm unhappy because I have work to do... on a Saturday. :/

I'm happy because I'm making coffee and that always makes me feel better.

*sigh* Guess the list isn't balanced today... :(

#112 neverbaby: Stephen King is *always* a good pick-me-up! :) I hope you get well soon.

ouchies! poor you, hurting at top and bottom. I hope the toothache goes away fast! hold whiskey on it.. then swallow.. three times. that should help. And I hope your heel is only a bruise..

I have plantars fasciitis and it is awful :(

I'm happy we're all packed up and headed for Scotland tomorrow. I'm unhappy we have to wait until tomorrow.

I'm unhappy that I am not going to Scotland tomorrow.
Have a great trip drneutron!

Thanks!

drneutron - enjoy every minute of your trip and tell us all about it on your return. And remember you can join the Green Dragon group on Flickr and post your photographs there!

Thanks, Kath! :) I took some painkillers and the toothache went away. (Hmmm... I don't have whiskey at home, since I don't like the stuff, but there's a half bottle of rum in a cupboard, which a friend left here ages ago... I should use that next time! :P Sometimes, I've found that it helps rubbing a bit of ground cloves on the gum where it's hurting.) So I'm happy for that! The pain in my foot is still there, though, it's starting to worry me. :S Ouch, plantars fasciitis does sound painful! :(

Also, I'm happy that I'm halfway done with one of the four work assignments I have to do over the weekend. :) One of the three I'm the most apprehensive about. And it's not as hard as I thought. I do hope the other two turn out so well... :P

Ohhhhh, Scotland! *turns green with envy* :D Have fun, drneutron!!!

better than green with food poisoning!

I'm happy coz I'm gettin affections from this spunky creature:


I'm cat sitting/house sitting for my auntie for a week. I stayed here for 3 months last year, so me & Mary got pretty close, but its been jst over a year since I've seen her so I was worried I might get snobbed, but I've only been here about an hour and she's already following me arround purring & demandin luv :)

*purrrrrrrrrs*

Oh, she's beautiful, Seanie!!

I'm happy because at my daughter's first Marching Band Competition yesterday they took 3 second places (Best Colorguard, Best Drum Major, Best Battery), 3 first places (Best Music, Best Pit, Best 2A Band), and Grand Champion - Best Band of the Competition. Finally, best of all, they got a Superior Rating, the only band at the competition to do so.

I was so happy for the kids - they deserved it - and we've got a fantastic Band Director. He promised he'd shave his head if they got a Superior Rating, and since they did, it's bald time for Mr. C! Last year at the same competition they got a 60, so hooray! I'm going to try to see if my daughter can take a cell phone picture Monday so I can see the baldness.

She started getting a cold Thursday and was hoarse by the end of the night last night, but she was so excited and happy. It's always fun to watch Miss Stoic get emotional.

I'm minor unhappy because I walked way more than I should have because I have major foot problems. However, they needed help with the pit crew (parents who take out the pit instruments - tympani, chimes, drums, cymbal, etc.) so I trudged. But, today is a rest day so I can recover.

#122 bluesalamanders - Isn't she just! & she's a photogenic lil thing, but not only is she gorgeous, she's also very easy going & no trouble at all to look after :) No "meal times" for Mary, just keep her bowl topped up thanx, she eats when she feels like it, plus she's happy to stay inside all day & never causes any mischief (that we've been able to discover), she wakes me up early for a morning outside mission, but is always waiting at the door to come back in by the time I actually get up & although she was a bit standoffish at first when she met me last year (typical cat i suppose), once we were comfy with eachother that changed, she's got lots'v luv to giv me now :)

Makes me sad that I'm only here for a week :( if only i could somehow get mum & dad to live with her for a lil while, they'd change their minds about not liking cats for sure...

pretty kitty!

Karen... what a wonderful day for your band ! Congratulations to all :)

I am a wee tad unhappy because I continue to wake very early (4 am) because my body is still on French schedule. I do stay up as late as I can but the new schedule has not yet kicked in. I am very happy because I was able to go to France, no complaints there.

The kitty is very pretty and I know the attention and love that our pets give us are very satisfying and heart warming. My puppies continue to sit next to me on the sofa, and "lean in". Just like a puppy hug. Of course, I do remember that they are looking for their morning meal, too.

I'm unhappy because there's someone in my dance class who horribly annoyed me by pushing a beginner around in class today. He's experienced enough to know better, and he almost made her cry.

I'm happy because I'm still drenched in the loveliness of having been to the bookfair.

I do not like seeing anyone pushed around either, Will. In fact someone here at LT got angry with me for defending someone who was having a hard time with that. So be it. I cannot bear to see it. I have been known to pull over in my car to get out and stop something like that.. ( pushing around)

You are in a dance class? or do you teach it?

I am sad because I have never been to a bookfair.

I only teach occasionally. The man who runs the class as much as told him off, but he's got a bit of a reputation. He's also an old friend, so to speak, so they can't easily ask him to leave, but rather have to remind him to tone himself down. The dance class is historical ballroom and folk dances - an odd obsession of mine.

Historical ballroom and folk dances - so cool. Do you get to use your skills outside of class a lot though? Are there events for this kind of thing? I'm so envious that you have the opportunity to learn such things - I'm sure there are similar groups around where I am (well, I hope), despite my being not in the city no mo, but I have no idea where they are!

I honestly admire anyone who can dance. That is very cool Will. Then the fact that you cared so much about the student? also cool... no longer common and very admirable.

I am happy it is Sunday! My favorite day.

I am unhappy I am grading papers instead of reading a perfectly good book on a perfectly good rainy Sunday. (Obviously I am now procrastinating getting through the mountainous pile of sorely written musings on the state of the economy)

edit: long post, but I am happy today!

I am happy because yesterday I had some rather decent apple wine to celebrate my birthday/my parents' anniversary (rest assured, I was not born at the wedding), and light but civil wine is always great.

I am happy because I secured a most superb red teapot as a birthday present, and I am always fond of more teapots. Also happy because on my birthday, I always give other people presents, and this year, I have them all planned out: just three presents (because I'm broke), but they are quite excellent in my eyes:
1. a picture book in Chinese for the girl who just did SYA in China. Chinese is very hard and this picture book is for young adults, so I have faith that she will struggle a little bit while reading it straight - a challenge! - especially since I did, with all that glancing talk of souls via buddist terminology or whatever - but it is very pretty, it's "i've lost my cat" or something like that by jimi.
2. two in-french books for my french-learning friends, although I am at a dizzied loss for what to buy - Sartre? Foucault? Proust? Perhaps I will buy one french book and one spanish (Borges? Marquez? Neruda? Calderon? I really don't know).

I am also happy because I finally read a translation of what is intact of Longinus' On the Sublime and it was pretty good, actually.

I am happy because I am going to two pretty good-sized book sales today, one a library sale, both with amenable prices (sorry, I've been trying to use that word everywhere to train myself to use it right since I used it incorrectly for so long - I guess it doesn't quite go well here), and I get to go to the earlier of the two in an hour and a half!

I am happy because I am finally getting my 1934 royal portable fixed! I can't tell if it's my fault or the machine's, but it's been typing funky for ages - only the top halves of letters and all that. So I am taking him into town to our 92 year old typewriter wizard for a check-up.

Speaking of old but common objects - am currently bidding on a kodak box camera that I really hope I get and that I really hope, well, works. But I don't think much can be broken about a box camera except the shutter mechanism, so I have high hopes. I don't know anyone in my area who fixes old cameras though, so I guess if it's broke, it'll just have to be a collector's piece.

I am not happy because I have an essay for a scholarship that I should write but still haven't. And my reading rate in Chinese is slow-slow-slow! Drastically improved since three weeks ago, but still kinda redonkidonk. We only have 10 pages to read for Tuesday (because the first chapter is always the toughest part), but after that we're increasing our reading speed to that of an 9th grade English class, which I'm afraid I might not be entirely prepared for, as I frequently have to look things up in the dictionary and all. I am not happy because it is proving AMAZINGLY difficult to find copies of simplified-characters Chinese literature online - I have been seeking a jiantizi Family (Ba Jin) for the last week and have had no success at any of the English-friendly outlets thus far. Unfortunately my Chinese is not good enough to go online and root around, otherwise I would probably just do that for better chances. Similarly, books in ancient Greek are hard to come by on a physical plane, although my preferred local used bookstore had a nice copy of Antigone a while back. I'm sure they are somewhat less hard to procure online, though.

I can't think of anything else I am especially unhappy about - so I guess that's happy again!

@99 - Thank goodness no whiplash :) was wearing a seat belt and I braced when I heard the screeming brakes behind me... so no harm done, was a bit shaken up and wobbly though... my good friends remedied that by plying me with alcohol, food and company... nice to have good friends :D

@ 102: Thanks for huggs!

I'm happy that my paper is finished! I'm unhappy because I'm still working on the charts and graphs to support my paper. I'll be very happy Tuesday night after I present it to the class.

I'm a math person. I only use letters in equations! Why am I writing?? :)

(((((((hugs))))))) to Taliska! Very glad yr safe and still with us!

I'm happy that I've just catalogued my 2500th book; Helene Hanff's 84, Charing Cross Road, in a heap rescued from late mother's flat.

2,500 !!!!!!!!!!! Hugh, you devil you. That is one load of books. Congrats on an awesome milestone.

karenmarie: Congrats to your daughter! I'm so jealous - I had such a wonderful time in marching band when I was in school. My best memories are of being in the band and the competitions. Keep us posted as the season goes on, so I can live vicariously through you and her! What instrument does she play, btw?

I'm happy because Charlie is two-weeks old today and doing well.
I'm unhappy because I finally stepped on the scales this morning and faced the cold hard facts about how much pregnancy weight I've gained. The diet starts today. Yuck.

Happy because I got a few good books from the Housing Works book fair. Unhappy because it was rainy the whole time, and I accidentally bought one book that was only Volume 2. Happy because it was only $1.

Unhappy because I have a headache. :( So what else is new? *sigh*

Happy because I work at home, and even though I have tons of work to do (and I should be doing it instead of "wasting" time here)... I am my own boss! Wohoo! (Sorry, it's only been a month and a half and I still can't believe it.)

#138 scaifea - first off, happy birthday to Charlie! I'm happy for all of you.

Thanks on behalf of my daughter! She plays trombone. This is her 5th year. She started in 6th grade and is in the 10th grade. She's very talented, if I do say so - she's got music genes on both sides.

She's sick as a dog, BTW, because she was getting a cold, then it rained on Saturday and they competed in the rain (not marching - just standing) and yelled when they won in the rain.

She's also excited because Jazz Band starts up on Wednesday - she was in that last year, the only freshman - and she loves that more than anything. It's extracurricular and she will have practices 3 days a week at 7 a.m. (which, of course, means that I have to have her at school at 6:55.... ) Thank God we're early risers.

It's so much fun to be a band parent. I'm Treasurer, too, so I get to be on the inside.

I'm happy because I had a nice afternoon date drinking pints of ale in a mellow pub with a cool, down-to-earth woman yesterday.

I'm unhappy this morning because I seem to have gotten an infection in my left thumb in the past 72 hours, and now it's swollen, hot, stiff, red, itchy and very painful. I should probably head to a minute clinic today. Not having insurance sucks.

I'm happy because I've finally fixed my broken lab instrument. It took 2 1/2 days of undoing bolts and fittings, dissamebling, cleaning, head scratching, and generally going "errm". But I finally found a piece of glass where no glass ought to be. Removed that and 20mins of rebuilding later it's as good as new.

Time to read LT boards now!

I'm happy because I just started BookMooching and a whole two books have been mooched from me! I love wrapping books to send out (can you tell I'm a whore for giving presents, too?), so I really hope some more people find something they like in my three-item inventory soon, haha.

I'm unhappy because... well, going back to that three-item inventory - that took me hours of agonized inner debate before I FINALLY selected five books I might POSSIBLY be willing to part with, and two of them were duplicates! I love to get rid of things, but then again sometimes I'm just a complete packrat about the most bizarre items, and lately I've had to get rid of more and more. Breaks my heart.

I'm also happy because I just finished deseeding a pomengranate and will shortly be sitting down to enjoy the fruits (haha) of my labor!

I'm very, very happy because I got new batteries in yesterday! Our old ones wouldn't hold a charge for even a day and I was having to run the generator twice a day to have electricity. One of our assistant guides flew out with them and helped get them installed, which was wonderful because they are too heavy for me. And now I have a functioning electrical system again!

I'm unhappy because they didn't have time to go check my mail and I know I have books waiting there.

I am worried because I tried to start the generator to run the vacuum last night and I couldn't get it started.

#144 amaranthic, I just joined BookMooching too and had the same problem! I only had four books I was willing to part with, but two were mooched right away and it was fun to package them up and send them away. It is fun emailing back and forth. And now I get to look forward to books coming back to me too. I think I'm going to like this mooching, but I'm not sure how much I'll use it as I don't part with very many of my books.

On topic, I'm happy as my nephew and his wife just had their first baby, a lovely little boy, mother and son both doing well. And my niece, who is a midwife, helped in the delivery, which is very cool.

I'm just a little unhappy - more like impatient, 'cause I haven't received any pictures yet!! *tapping toes*

katylit - congrats on a new member for your tribe. Baby joy!

I am happy because tonite the Green Dragon book group in Seattle area is having its first meeting. We are meeting in a place where maybe some of us can watch a bit of the debate, too.

I am a little unhappy because it conflicts with another commitment I had made and I hate backing out of important commitments. But I did help start this little book group so I am very much wanting to be there and help make it fun.

#146 Congratulations and welcome to the new baby! :)

#147 Ohhh that's nice, Maggie, have fun!

I'm happy today because, well, just because. :) It's a good day. Yesterday was such a humongously bad one, that I'm glad for the niceness of today. For nice friends who cheered me up, and for the stupendously good music that's put me in the flow for working peacefully today. :)

Nothing in particular to be unhappy about either, so that's another huge plus! :D

Holy adverbs, Batman!

Thank you! My nephew is so happy. He's had to go back to work, but he set up the computer camera in the living room so that he can see baby at playtime while he's at work. Hopefully he has understanding bosses!

I'm unhappy with coworkers who can't follow a simple directive, thus making it impossible to definitively say which anethesiologist may be diverting narcotics.

I'm happy because we're going to a VP debate party tonight where we will have excellent pizza and play a Sarah Palin drinking game. ;)

Let me guess, ExVivre - The trigger word is 'hockey mom'? You'll be drunk.

Here's the version we're going to use:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Todays-News/Tvguidecom...

And yes, we will be drunk. Very, very drunk. :)

I'm happy coz its friday & i dont have to come to work tomorrow :)

I'm unhappy coz I think I can feel a coldsore coming on...

I'm nervous because its my mum's 60th birthday party tomorrow nite & I'm not very good at the whole party thing. I wanna be there for my mum coz she wants me to be, but there are gonna be over 70ppl there & most of them will be drinking, so I'm gonna get pretty uncomfy pretty quick :(

Ooooh, maggie! A Seattle Green Dragon group. How very cool. Anybody I know/met last August?

Are you meeting at Third Place Books maggie? I feel like I'll be there in spirit :-) Have fun - of course you will...books, Green Dragon people, it's a natural!

I'm unhappy because my thumb doesn't seem to be getting any better, and I may have to return to the hospital where it could be operated on.

I'm happy because I got some rest this afternoon. Chronic pain is exhausting.

I'm also happy because I'm eating a croissant in an empty coffeehouse, ticking away on my laptop. It's very relaxing.

monohex: I hope you don't have to hitchhike to the hospital. Ok, sorry. Bad mental picture. Seriously, I hope you find relief soon. I can't hold my thumbs for you - I have sympathy pains in my thumbs!

Thank you, MerryMary. The clinic is only 3 blocks from my office downtown, so I think it'll be okay.

Hey di ho, Green Dragon buddies: we did it. Went to 3rd Place Books, watched a little of the Joe and Sarah show, then recessed to another table and talked about In The Woods. The Green Dragon was there to referee any big disagreements but we had none. All three of us liked the book, liked the idea of a book group, and had a great chat. Talked about all sorts of stuff, set the next date, and choose the next book.

Success!!!!!!!!!!!! and I am very happy.

I am not so happy with the debate. I think it was too even and will not help make up people's minds.

Assorted medical news around here and that's why I'm happy/unhappy.

OK, trivial stuff first - (but still very nice, really) My son's last soccer game of the year.

Happy - they won again, making them undefeated - the only team their age to be so. They had one tie and the rest wins, including one against the team they tied with. Also happy because he has improved consistently and made some friends. This was his first year and most of the other boys had played a lot before, so they are all better than him. But he learned a lot from them and still had fun.

unhappy because he blocked a ball with his face (OK, not on purpose) and got a spectacular bloody nose followed by a headache. Nothing broken though.

Here's the serious stuff

My appt. with the neurologist was today and it was pretty happy. My latest MRI showed that my spine is normal, my neurological tests are normal, and they gave me some new meds for pain. My sciatica is responding to massage and I'm feeling somewhat better.

Unhappy part. My mom and I have both been having itchy skin stuff. Mine is just hives and is caused by stress. Hers has been hard to pinpoint. She got her biopsy back today and found out it's cancer. Just typing that word was really hard for me and I'm going to try not to cry.

apparently she probably has lymphomatoid papulosis - which is extremely rare. I always knew my mom was one in a million, which is about right. Various reports on the internet say either yes, it is cancer and it can be serious because it can lead to lymphoma or no, it is not cancer, and whatever it is, it can last for years and is probably not fatal, just itchy and miserable.

I don't know what to think or even how I feel. She is 68 and she's not in great health anyway. This has been rotten because it's lasted for weeks and she feels terrible. She saw a dermatologist today and will meet with an oncologist in 2 weeks.

I had to tell my kids and they are trying to be calm and not panic. But remember those stress-induced hives? They came back, right in the middle of the discussion and now my lip is starting to swell up.

I know everyone has stuff to put up with. But I've just about had enough for a while. I had my daughter in the psych hospital earlier this year, car trouble that lasted for months and cost over $1000 to fix, my own exciting health stuff that resulted in 2 MRIs and lots of visits to doctors, none of whom seem to agree on what's going on or why, my single parent sister is going to lose her job just about Christmas time, and now my mom has cancer. It sounds like I'm making this all up for sympathy, but I'm really not. Oh, and the hives are not fun, but really are just the icing on the whole cake.

I should probably go to bed, but I had to get this out tonight. It's much too late to call any friends here and my husband is asleep. I don't know what I'd do if it weren't for LT and the GD. I know I'm more casual that a lot of folks here, but that doesn't mean that I don't really, really appreciate being able to talk about this and know that you are all understanding and kind.

I think I'm going to cry now.

{{{{{Hugs}}}}} to you, cmbohn. I am so sorry to hear about everything, particularly your mother. I hope the doctors will be able to give her some answers and some help. Most cancer is very treatable now, and I will be sending good thoughts her way. And yours, too. I am glad your MRI turned out well, and I really hope your neurologist can find some way to make you feel better. It always seems like it's never just one thing that goes wrong- it comes in waves. Let's hope that the worst is past you and things will start looking up very soon.

I'm unhappy because my housemate's cat shat in my dirty washing.

I'm happy because it was the dirty washing, not the clean washing.

(((((cmbohn)))))

Hugs to you, cmbohn.

I'm happy because I'm on the mend, I think. Still gets dizzy from moving around (fever), but in between I'm feeling quite good.

I'm unhappy because... well, a lot of things, but let's focus on the happy stuff, now, will we? Because if I think of the other things I'll never get well.

#160 cmbohn, lots of hugs to you and your mum. I'm so sorry, I will be thinking of you all and hoping for the best.

#160 cmbohn sending positive energy to you and your mom~

((((((((((cmbohn))))))))))

Thinking of you, kleenex in hand.

(((((cmbohn)))))))

I wish I could be there in RL for that hug.

(((cmbohn)) for as long as you want. I am happy that LT and GD can be here for you, and for me, whenever we need it. It really is remarkable that no matter what time of day, or night, I can get on here and find somethings to smile with, laugh at, cry over, and just enjoy. A great support in the awful day to dayness of life.

cm - I am holding you in my heart, that all your troubles and problems will fade away easily in the coming days.

*big hugs* cmbohn, I'm "holding you in the light" as Arctic told us, thinking about you and your family.

**Big hugs for cmbohn**

#168 I couldn't have said it better myself.

Hang in there, ok? We're here for you. Oh, and thanks for the pickled peaches recipe. I'm now in a mood to make that, even though peaches are not that common here. But now, every time I think of peaches, I'll remember you. :)

#162
Will, that made me laugh. :P

I'm happy because it's raining. And it's my sister's birthday. And we're going to have dinner together tonight. Should be fun.

I'm not particularly unhappy about anything right now. I'm happy for that.

Blessings for you and your family, cm. You are wrapped in GD hearts like a warm blanket.

I am happy because our little book discussion group succeeded in getting together for the first time. And I am not so happy because I am afraid I talked way too much and dominated the discussion. I do that sometimes and as this group is in its infancy I am worried I may discourage the participants from returning to talk on another day.

Oh, well, all I can do is wait and see what happens next month. I think I'll go read a book.

Thanks for all the hugs and support (and Kleenex!) today. It made me cry again - but in a nice way.

I'm happy because of my friends at the Green Dragon.

Hugs, cmbohn. sounds like you need them.

After work today, I went to the hospital, per the recommendation of my primary care physician. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to walk a mile in the pouring rain, uphill, knowing that pain and the loss of several hundred dollars was waiting for me. So, I had minor surgery on the thumb, which was very uncomfortable, as I was already tired & shaky (hadn't eaten any breakfast, and have been in constant pain for days). Couple that with the stress of being poor and having to pay out of pocket for everything right now.

Before the procedure, I passed out in the bright, cold little patient room. No idea for how long, but it was scary when I came to, slumped back over the chair with my head back and eyes fluttering. The nurses were a little worried, but we went along with it. Later, the surgery went well, I'm told (I was awake, but didn't watch.) I got some dinner about an hour ago, but I'm still shaking and sore, lonely and worried about my bank account.

Have a nice weekend, everybody, I think I'm gonna lie on the couch 'till midday tomorrow.

monohex, hon, at least until midday Saturday, if not the whole weekend. Can you get someone to make you some chicken soup. You sound like you could use it. ***Hugs*** until you feel better. Be sure to give your body lots of support in its healing you thumb. Lots of good food - rely on the kindness of friends. And take really good care of yourself by sleeping as much as you can. Keep up informed on how you are doing.

((hugs)) for you, monohex. I understand all those horrible emotions, but don't let loneliness overwhelm you. We're here, and we won't let you be alone. If necessary, I'll hop a train and come back out there!

Ouch!! That sounds like quite an ordeal. :(

What Maggie said: rest, but get someone to care for you! To look out for you while you rest. Infections demand attention, rest, and chicken soup. Lots of chicken soup.

And don't let money woes overwhelm you. If you worry too much, your body will resent it, so concentrate on getting better, ok?

We'll be here, like Mary said.

What everybody else said, Mono. Well, except MerryMary, because I can't possibly travel across the world to spoon some chicken soup into you ;-)
Take care, get well.

I am happy that it is over for Monohex. I am a huge fan of Hot and Sour soup for its restorative powers.. seriously. Do you have a chinese place that delivers?
Don't be lonely, you know that you have friends here and in RL who care about you...

I am happy that most of my cleaning is done and most of the laundry and I have a whole weekend ahead of me.

I am happy that my sister is getting away for a week with her family to Myrtle Beach

I am happy that I told off the Dentist deSade and he agreed that if he had listened to me, my denture issue would never have happened. I am happy that my mouth is now healed . It felt as if my mouth was on fire for a while there. No fun.

I am unhappy because I miss my kids.. and I missed my daughters phone call last night...

I am unhappy because they turned the heat on in the school where I work, and
It seems I have some sort of allergy or something... because one they do I feel terrible and stuffy and congested until they turn it off again. Also they keep it way too hot in there.

(((((((((monohex)))))))))), take really good care of yourself until you're feeling totally back to your old perky self! What everyboday else has said, lots of rest, good soup and pampering is in order. Poor you! That must have been pretty scary at the hospital, passing out like that! Please do make sure you keep checking in here with us and let a RL friend come over and help take care of you too.

#42 Taliska - My son called to tell me that I'm a grandmother....of a snake. I'll have to get back with you on the type and a picture. It's some sort of rat snake that is most common on the west coast.

I'm happy that the snake is not here! I will "meet" the scaley, hideous beautiful creepy, slithering reptile snake soon. Oh, joy.

I'm unhappy because I have alot to do and all I want to do is read today.

Georgia, I am so there also. All I want to do with the rest of this afternoon (it is 2 pm here now) is curl up with a soft blankie and read the day away. But there is stuff to be done! damn! laundry, dishes, cook dinner, grocery shopping, water the house plants, - oh, well, I am retired and I could do those things tomorrow. I will not think about that right now, I will think about it tomorrow. There's always tomorrow.

Thanks, everyone. I'm taking it real easy today. I didn't realize how worn out I was until the ordeal at the medical center. I think the compounding factors of cold, dark, rainy weather, being hungry, thinking about payment, and no special person to come home to just really hit me hard in addition to the major physical discomfort. I feel much better today, after the removal of the most of the infection (I'll spare you the gory details). I slept for 12 hours, so that helped.

I was unhappy to hear: My daughter called ..she was out running with her dog on Thursday night. He sort of ran through her, tripped her. and she had a terrible fall. She is bruised from head to foot and has a dozen stitches in her left hand.

I am happy that she is okay, and that she works for a team of doctors who will help to watch over her and take out the stitches when the time comes.

I am also happy that her hubby takes such good care of her.

cmbohn - I'm so sorry for everything you are going through right now. I've been going through a similar situation with my mother. If you ever need to talk, just let me know.

monohex - I'm glad to hear you're feeling better.

monohex - yay! you're better. Glad to hear. Weather is quite different, huh? Blowing big time out here; reminds me of dead of winter or even Halloween night. Brrrr....... time for a snuggle on the sofa with a blankie, warm puppies, and a good book.

My daughter bought a rat. It's very small and cute, but still pretty shy. I really am not unhappy. I like rats.

I like rats too. They can be very affectionate...

cmbohn - you are in my thoughts and prayers. It's a sad fact of life than when it rains it pours. I'm so sorry for your troubles.

monohex - I'm sorry for the ordeal but glad you're recovering.

MrsLee - I'm glad you like rats. We had two but one just died. We're just getting up the gumption to think about a companion for Sake. She's lonely.

mckait - of course you like rats! I wouldn't expect any different.

I'm happy because today's weather is going to be gorgeous, my daughter is just about recovered from her bad cold, I've finally gotten the right antibiotics to fight the awful sinus infection and chest congestion and am feeling human again, the UNC Tarheels whupped UConn, and I have bookclub tonight and am going to shred, eviscerate, and otherwise bend, spindle, and mutilate our book Pretty Little Mistakes by Heather McElhatton. It's the book of my least favorite member of bookclub. She's an extremely outspoken person who sometimes hurts feelings (not only mine). She's always trying to hijack the discussions or change how we do things. Tonight is her turn to control the discussion because it's her book, so it will be interesting. If she follows the form she suggested WE ALL FOLLOW at last meeting (which we shot down and said everybody can determine the structure for their own book), she's going to ask us each for 3 words, then just open it up - which will mean 6 separate conversations. Most of us don't like lots of discussions going at once.

I know my three words.... p.o.s. Can't wait. I'm not usually so vitriolic, but really really hate this book. It was a waste of paper. It's going onto BookMooch tomorrow.

I'm unhappy because today is Band Boosters invoicing day - 45 letters and envelopes for 3rd installment of Fair Share. Good stuff, but will take a lot of time - probably 4 or 5 hours.

#189 - So, they still give antibiotics in the US?
Or was yours a particularly bad case, making antibiotics the last fall back?

Busifer, they are far less liberal with giving abx, but they do still prescribe them.

They also make sure our meat is filled with them and with estrogen... to help us all die sooner and make room for the new folks.

I am seriously unhappy because I am sitting in a hotel room in Mexico and my suitcase is still not here, 36 hours after I arrived. My laptop battery is about to die, I have no clean clothes left and no one is answering the phone at the lost luggage place.

oh, Barry, I feel your pain! Having just gotten home from travel I know how important clean clothes are! Gads! I hope you speak Spanish well so you can argue your case effectively and fluently. I really hope this does not last too long and that your battery will last longer than you think.

Hello, Barry? Barry? Are you still there?

Sending positive thoughts your way.

#190 busifer - they gave me something called Avelox (moxifloxacin). I took one at 2 p.m. on Friday and by Friday evening I could feel it "kicking in."

#191 - we've just started buying hormone-free naturally raised chickens from a woman in my bookclub - I made one into soup and it was so good. I'm going to rotisserie one for dinner tonight.

We've been eating mostly hormone-free beef for about 3 years now - we buy half a cow at a time and have it in the deep freeze in the garage. (with the occasional lapse if I see London Broil for sale at the regular grocery store.)

#192 Barry - I hope by the time you read this you have your luggage. I'll assume the laptop's been charged or at least plugged in..... I hope the rest of your trip is better than this beginning.

Selling meat containing antibiotics and other stuff is forbidden by law here. Or at least the levels are regulated. An governmental agency is there to enforce it (among other things).
In Sweden we are VERY concerned by the microbes ability to evolve strains resistant to antibiotics and I may remember wrongly but I think people have died by ordinary things just because the antibiotics didn't take.

Barry... how horrible! I hope everything has turned out OK by the time you get to read this, and hopefully sooner that later. What you're experiencing is one of my worst nightmares, and one of the reasons I avoid checking in luggage.

#192 Ouch, that is a nightmare indeed! :( I hope that you have your luggage by now.

I'm happy today because last night I went to a concert in this very, very cool place that I'd never been in before. And it was free admittance! Yay! And beers were only $2. And I saw lots of friends I hadn't seen in a long while. And I'd actually hadn't left my apartment to go anywhere cool in a loooong while.

The event was called "La noche morada" (The Purple Night) because the band (a new local band, sort of shoegazing) is called "Uva", which means "grape". So I promptly dyed my hair purple to get into the mood. Plus it's my favorite color, too. :P Well, it's not actually purple, but only because I couldn't find any properly purple dye. :(

I really loved the fact that this wasn't a club atmosphere (I hate clubs and discos and crowds of people bumping into each other, and not being able to breathe, and very loud music, and not being able to speak comfortably without shouting.)

The venue used to be an officer's club, back when Panama had an army. At least, I think so. I found a blog which mentions the venue and it says something else. Anyway, this blog description of the building: A little bit like gypsies, La Casona model is based on “opening” spaces in unrestored buildings until they are up for restoration, giving the building life and sometimes breaking into areas that aren´t well known. Too bad I couldn't find any good pictures...

The dreamy, surreal quality of the venue, the music, good friends, good conversation... The night was perfect. :)

#187 MrsLee - Oooooh I luv pet rats! I had 3, they were all adorable & sooo friendly - I miss them!

#189 karenmarie - When the oldest of my rats died the other 2 had separation anxiety :( They both ended up with tumors within a couple of months & had to be put to sleep as well, so sad :( Not sure if a new rat would have helped or not because they still had eachother, but I'd recommend anything which may help your remaining rat get through the loneliness!

#192 - Barry! - Eeek! I would be a big ball of stress in you situation! Hope your bags came to you very soon after you posted!

cmbohn & monohex - my thoughts & hugz to you both!

I'm happy coz I lasted 2.5 hours @ mums 60th party on sat night :) I know its kinda sad for that to be an achievement, but it was for me & mum was happy that I stayed that long :) Here's a pic from the party of me, mum & my sister:

Your mum looks great! Sounds like a fun night, overall. I still have to finish the fruit pizza for my sister's birthday today.

I am happy because I have a brand-new freshly built by loving friends shed.
I happy because I have loving friends to build such a shed.
I am unhappy because those friends are not happy.
I am unhappy because my nearest and dearest are terribly terribly miserable and not only can I not fix it, I fear I am making it worse and I am struggling not to spiral into a depression of my own.

On the other hand I have nearest and dearest so I shall resolve to be happy

I bought a DVD rack today, that has 3x4 squares that are 19x19cm each, so yeah, the right size for paperback books. 200 cm of shelf space instantly full. Thats my happy. My unhappy is my baby brother, 14 years old and he can't make sandwiches, can't get to his friends house because its too far away and he doesn't know the way, when its a 15 minute walk and he's walked there with me 4 times, and he has a bike. Wouldn't eat his tea today, takes forever to go to bed, announced at 10 he needed a shower when his bedtime is 9.30. He shoudn't be such a baby.

Rats are great, I had two - though cheech died 4 days after chong died of an infection, cheech refused to eat or even move after chong was gone. (My stoner brother named them)

So I got my computer charged which was the main thing and I went shopping today so at least I have some "essentials" and the maybe good news is that the lost luggage website says that my luggage status as "delivery process initiated" so I'm assuming that it will be here by the morning and at least, as I had been fearing, it isn't lost.

Thanks for all your kind thoughts and I'll keep you updated.

Maggie, sadly my spanish is severely limited, ie non-existent but I'm here working with a mexican company full of spanish speakers if I need to crank things up a notch. Less usefully I came with a Hungarian and we try to converse using German which is amusing and why I really need to have a decent PC charge so that I can come online and communicate in English.

Busifer, I know what you mean about avoiding checking luggage and my firm is sufficiently enlightened to allow us to fly business class on long haul so I can theoretically get away from checking in luggage but then I'm a bit of a girl when it comes to cleaning myself and that 1 litre plastic bag thing is a real hassle, added to which I have local flights at both ends where I would have had to check a second bag anyway - I'm here for over a week so one bag was never going to be enough.

The bags actually disappeared at Schipol where I have had problems before. I once flew to Finland from the UK via Schipol and arrived to 20cm of snow and no luggage. A friend of mine flew UK to Murmansk and also arrive with nothing but what he was wearing and then my wife flew to Syria via Schipol with the same result. Oh well it's quite a nice airport otherwise. At lest because of this I was expecting it so at least I had a change of clothes. And fortunately both my books A spy by nature and Crusaders made it through by being in my laptop bag.

On the positive side I really like Mexico, particularly the people :-)

I'm happy because it looks like a might have 2 prospects. One is the woman who I met for drinks last week. She's cool and easy-going. She's a maybe. The second prospect is the woman who actually sold me my camera. She's probably 1-2 years younger than me, is very knowledgeable about photography, is pretty in that intellectual way, and has an outstanding smile. Plus, we already have something in common to talk about.

I have to say, a big, genuine smile from a woman can transfix me and melt my heart. It's the single most attracting feature to me.

You just a big sap aren't you monohex?

Sending hugs and loving thoughts to cmbohn, monohex, and everyone else out there who is under the weather. Cute pic of the kitty and the snake!

I am happy because I got an unexpected promotion to department head, so now I'm "Major Wasserman" instead of "Captain." Unhappy b/c there's no corresponding bump up in salary, though! Happy b/c I now have the authority to implement some changes in how the department functions.

Unhappy because monetary woes are becoming quite grave -- my daughter sent me a virtual bumper sticker that says "I work 40 hours a week to be this poor." It's all too true -- though it's more like 60 hours or more ("I lesson plan in my sleep" was another truism she sent me). I am so much worse off financially now than I was under the Clinton administration that it's downright scary. And I work full-time as a multi-degreed professional! I don't know how folks who work at minimum wage jobs are managing at all.

I'm unhappy because a friend's significant other died suddenly Friday night, and she's very torn up about it. But I'm honored that she called me to tell me about it early Saturday morning "because I knew you'd know just what to say to make me feel better, Rachel" she said. And doubly honored because she asked me to conduct his memorial service.

I'm happy because my classes are going very well this year, and I finally feel as if I'm in control of my curriculum and able to really teach kids what they need to know. I'm also happy because our city newspaper (the Sarasota Herald Tribune) asked me to be one of a panel of teachers who evaluated the first presidential debate.

I'm happy because I'm starting a reading contest at our school, with the help of two other teachers.

I'm happy because I really like my youngest daughter's boyfriend and they seem to be taking good care of each other. AND, knock on wood, she's doing okay in her first term of law school! (Huge sigh of relief)

I'm happy because I've been asked to speak in public for a community group I volunteer with (CERT).

I'm unhappy b/c my refrigerator, disposal and roof all need replacing, and I have no money to fix any of these things. I'm happy because my children are healthy, fairly happy, and productive, and helping me out as much as they can -- though I wish it weren't necessary to accept even a penny from them.

I'm happy because I just finished reading a slew of great books, and nagging myself to get reviews about them posted on-line. I'm happy because I'm learning to believe that everything will work out okay in the end -- "I don't know how. It's a mystery."

Warm wishes to all!

#204

Yes, I guess I am.

monohex, I know what you mean about a nice smile. Melts my heart, too.

Barry, I'm holding my thumbs you get your luggage. Re: cleaning yourself away from home - try some local products. Sometimes there are real treasures behind the Spanish or French or German..... I love my French soaps.

Right now I am happy because I am relaxing on the sofa with a nice cool drink, half heartedly watching TV news while I LT/GD, with my two happy, full puppies curled up on sofa pillows next to me, warm and snug in my house. I really can't have any complaints. I am so fortunate; on the other hand, I am unhappy because the kitchen cleaning is only about 1/2 done, the laundry needs to be put away, the kitchen and bathroom floors still have not be mopped by me - Procrastination is my middle name. I did get a few things done today but I do have these half done jobs weighing on my mind. And it is evening.

Ah, life, it just keeps coming, doesn't it?

I'm happy because my first class in this series will conclude tomorrow night. I have an entire week off before I begin the next class.

I'm not really unhappy about anything right now. :)

Barry - Yes, there are times when even I check in my luggage. Never had an incident but know enough people who've had their stuff permanently disappeared to be careful... I like my stuff ;-)

Never had problems at Schipol, but that's because I've never transferred there - only had it as destination (had an assignment in Zwolle, in the Netherlands) and always managed with a carry-on.

When in Florence this spring attending a conference I met an American woman whose luggage had acquired little legs and gotten itself lost. She came in via Milan Malpensa, I think. I met her on the fifth and last day.
Italian women are quite small, and while not in any sense overweight she was tall and had had a hassle getting new clothes.

#198 Seanie, that's a really nice picture, you're all so pretty! :)

I'm happy because I just spent the entire afternoon and evening being lazy with dear friends. :) We went for lunch at nice deli, and then went to a friend's apartment to watch DVDs. The entire first season of "Arrested Development". I had already seen most of the episodes, but I don't mind watching them a million times. That show was so funny!

I'm unhappy because one of my friends is really going through a bad time. Just broke up with his girlfriend of four years and he's slipping into depression. But I'm happy that I got to talk to him a lot during the weekend (both last night and today), and that I could help him a little to get things off his chest and feel better.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes etc..

My luggage is here.

Good for you! I couldn't imagine being somewhere and not having my familiar things. At least you had books and a laptop.

Hip hip horray for Barry and his bags! Now you can settle down and enjoy your stay. We'd love pictures when you get back. Congrats on having luggage!

Yay, I'm glad for you, Barry!

Happy for you Barry!

I'm unhappy because the project I'm working on is a MESS.
I'm happy because I'm back in business and am (hopefully) able to steer it back up on track again.

I'm a little unhappy because when I was all in a stink about the cat poo on my laundry I chucked it all in the washing machine. I didn't realise that I had three pairs of light coloured socks and my Radiohead shirt in there. Now they're not quite so light. Oh well.
I'm happy because none of my housemate's clothing was in there.
I'm also happy because I spent the long weekend at the coast and had a good time.

I'm happy because we made it back safely from Scotland and had a grand time!

I'm unhappy because tomorrow's going to be a rough day what with the jet lag and all...

My cat likes to sleep on the dirty laundry. Fortunately, she is fast enough that I've never thrown HER in the laundry, but only because she's too fast. She's made me jump several times because I didn't know she was in the room and then she moved!

My kitty Merlin loves to sneak into the dryer if the door is left open, especially if there are warm clothes in there waiting to be taken out. She squeaks indignantly when you pull her out.

I'm uncomfortable because a family who are all friends of mine are having a large-scale dispute that's spilling out into the surrounding people. I won't go into details, but neither parents nor (teenaged) child are helping the matter at this stage and there are layers of misinformation floating about. They're getting a mediator in, but it'll still be uncomfortable. I'm trying not to say anything too much, because most things I want to say are harsh truths which should come from someone else.

As you were all so kind and I'm so grateful for the good vibes you put out I'll break one of my golden rules and post a picture of me with a dinosaur pinata from my travels (no hints as to which is which, and I know which one looks oldest) as well as a tortoise I met. Sorry no puffins available.

#221 Cute pictures. :)

Also, I failed to mention it up there, but in case you need help with something in Spanish, don't hesitate to ask. (I'm a translator.) Mexican Spanish is kind of a language all on its own, though, but I'll do what I can! :P Seriously, just ask, ok?

#222 many thanks, but I have to hand it to the hotel staff when the stress started to kick in for me they pulled their finger out and started calling the help desk number for me every hour. It only took a couple of their calls and things happened, though they may have happened by themselves at that stage they were very helpful. I've been lucky enough to have stayed in some truly amazing hotels over the past couple of years at my firms expense but this is one of the easiest to stay as well as being spotlessly clean and friendly to boot at a reasonable price. Should you ever need to stay in Saltillo, Mexico I'll send you a link.

The photos in this thread make me happy. :)

I'm so sorry for those of you who are sick or out of sorts though. :(

I'm happy because my sister's birthday party was a lot of fun and the fruit pizza turned out well. (I have a picture to post later.) And tomorrow my youngest daughter turns 14!

Same old stuff going on, but I'm not going to be unhappy about it right now because it call all wait until later.

aww Barry, you and the tortoise are both pretty cute!
Thanks for posting.

I am neither happy nor unhappy..

Cranky though..... *wanders off in search of appropriate thread*

I'm happy because Barry's photos made me smile.

I'm unhappy because I'm stuck at work (as I always am, M-F, 8-5) and it's a wonderful fall-ish day. I'd rather be at home cleaning or reading or LTing......

But, I'm happy, in this sucky deteriorating-rapidly economy, to actually have a job to go to that I mostly enjoy.

karenmarie I'm glad that the pics made you smile and I'm happy that my job gives me the chance to travel but I'm unhappy because right now I'd love to be at home a bit more. I have now three straight weeks on the road but as you say this sucky economy means that we have to cut costs so my company's response is to ask me to go away at the weekend too so that the flights cost a lot less. Meanwhile my wife has three small kids alone and no family for 500km.

#228 - Not fun. Not for you, not for her.

#222 - Ever tried Cuban spanish? My spanish is quite bad but I knew a peruvian woman who, when she encountered cuban spanish, just looked flustered. And when I went there myself I had not much use of 2 years worth of spanish lessons...

I feel extremely... neutral today. Vaguely content, I suppose. Maybe it just means I'm not paying attention.

Barry - I'm sorry you're away from your family so much. And with three little ones and no close family support.

I'm happy that I finished the backup tapes procedure for today.

I'm unhappy because our network administrator installed some software on my PC but didn't ACTUALLY SIT DOWN AT MY DESK AND TRY TO EXECUTE IT and of course it can't write a file to my C drive. Then he tells me to figure out the file and folder permissions like I have the know-how to do it and the inclination. He just irritates the crap out of me.

Thank you for the pictures, Barry. I really enjoyed seeing you and your shirt looked clean, too. Hope the remainder of your trip is wonderfully successful and that your job will pay more attention to what you need to do their work so well. Leaving a wife and 3 small children on their own, well, that is tough all around.

I am happy today. I am cooking up a big vat of vegetable stock so that I can begin the autumn soup making fun. I am not so happy that I have to worry a little bit about money. I have to clean up those credit cards before the bad economy starts to affect my life lines.

I'm happy because we paid off our mortgage this month.

I'm unhappy because ... because ... heck, there is just no downside to this.

#112 - I'm happy to see that neverbaby is back!

I'm even more happy to hear life is good!

Unhappy that I am way behind in my Green Dragon posts and missed a lot here!

Happy that I've been getting more reading time in!

#160 - CM, hugs to you and your mom, here's hoping that this will be very treatable!!!

#174 Ouch M'hex, hope the thumb is healing properly!

#184 - Yow, hugs to your daughter, sounds like hubby is taking good care of her, though!

#198 - Wooo, great pic of three lovely women! Happy 60th, Seanie's mom!

#203 I know what ya mean, M'hex. A radiant smile trumps all!!!

#205 - Oh Rachel, I am so sorry to hear of your friend's loss, my most sincere condolences.

Congrats on your promotion, raspberries at the cheapskates who give promotions without money!

I am happy because I am sitting on an overstuffed couch (ok, loveseat, but man, I hate that name), with my cat sprawled next to me. He likes it too, because he often likes to be as near to me as he possibly can, and on my chairs that can be frustrating for both of us.

I am happy because I have friends and a...guy that I am dating, so for the first time in a long time I feel like I actually have a social life, with plans several days each week.

I am less happy because my sister is not well. We're not sure exactly what's wrong, but she's been unwell for a while and while she'll complain left and right about some things, there are other things that she doesn't say a word about, even to me, and this was one of them. Well, I can be the same way, I guess. She's finally seeing a doctor and trying one medication (which seems to be making her feel worse, but we can hope that is in advance of feeling better...) and when that is done, they'll do some tests and see if it worked (that is, if she had the problem they gave it to her for in the first place).

Having no health insurance is fantastic, really. It was cheaper to take the medicine and hope it worked than to take the test first to see if it was the right medicine to take.

I am happy because I went to Irish night at Kelly's Saloon last night to hear my favorite local band, Corned Beef and Curry. I had a wonderful time. Their music is magical, the food is good ( I had Guinness Stew) and the company is the best!

I am unhappy because I went to Irish night at Kelly's Saloon last night to hear my favorite local band. I am tired and now I have to go to work.

It sure could be worse, eh?

So I guess that I am happy.

I'm happy 'cause my new great nephew looks to be such a sweetie:

I'm unhappy 'cause they live too far away for me to visit and cuddle him and give my nephew and his wife a hug.

#223 & #228
Wow, Barry. I'm glad your ordeal ended and that the hotel staff rose to the challenge, so to speak. At least you got rid of that unpleasant bit. But it's still sad that your wife and kids are alone. :( Hope you can get to them soon!

#229
Actually, one of my current work assignments involves listening to a Cuban radio newscast and then writing up a report... in English. Cuban accent is not easy to understand. :/ And it's not only the accent, it's the strange words they use that I'm not familiar with! For anyone who thought that "Latin American Spanish" was one huge block of the same accent/terminology from Mexico down to Chile... no, it's not! :P

#232
Maggie, autumn soup! Well, I've never been in any place that had an autumn season, but I'm sure it'd be lovely, and blissful to have hot soup to warm me up! Hmmm!!

#235
Blue, I'm glad for you. :)

#237
What a cute little baby, Katy!

I'm happy because I have a new coffeemaker, yay! The old one had been broken for a while and I hadn't replaced it because I hadn't been able to find a good one. I'd been surviving on instant coffee all this time (yikes! I know!)

I'm happy because yesterday I went to my favorite coffeeshop and spent time with my favorite sister and a friend, and tore up the world and then put it back together again. ;P Also, bought bagels to stock up in my freezer.

I'm happy because I just finished one crossword puzzle at USA Today.com and got an A+! :P

I'm somewhat cranky (not unhappy, thank goodness) because I'm a bit behind on some work assignments. So now I have tons of work to do, but yet, I'm still here in the GD. You're all so nice, it pains me to leave you! *sigh*

I'm happy because my daughter's birthday cake turned out well, she liked her presents, and the dinner out was fun.

The party (family only) was mostly a success, but I'm a little unhappy because there was more drama than I wanted. I know my family is under a strain right now because of my mom's illness, but things were said that upset me.

Happy because it's over and I hope we can just forget about the drama and enjoy the fun.

Edited to add:

Unhappy because I bought my daughter a computer game download for her birthday and we can't get it to work. I contacted customer support, so I hope we can get it resolved. She was so excited to get to play (It's called Aveyond - she loved Aveyond 2) and now it won't even open. I even uninstalled the game, shut down the computer, and then reinstalled, but the same thing happened. I'm stumped, but then, I doesn't take much for me to be stumped. >:(

My new monitor came and it's HUGE! My eyes bulge looking at it. Not sure whether I like that or not. Still, happy. A bit unhappy because we can't get the speakers to work, but I have an idea they will work fine when my son gets home from work.

Unhappy coz its 5mins to 6 & I'm still at work :( Sleeping in til 8:30 thismorning was nice, but I've gotten so used to the earlier shifts (finishin @ arround 4pm) that this feels sooooooooo much harder than it used to!

Happy coz I've got just ove half an hour left :)

Unhappy coz I've gotta before 6am tomorrow :(

Happy coz I'll be finished work by 4tomorrow :)

Unhappy coz my sister has an interstate funeral to go to this wknd :(

Unhappy coz this means we wont be going kitten shopping for her as we planned :(

Happy coz I get to sleep in til wheneva i want on sat now :)

Ooooh I forgot - Happy coz I went & saw the Rocky Horror Show with my mum & sister last night :)

Happy coz I spent half the show eyeing off one of the dancers who was absolutely gorgeous!!!

Unhappy coz he wasn't one of the main characters so I cant find any info about him - i'd love to go see anything else he's in - but I dont know who he is! :(

Was that the one with iOTA, Seanie? One of my friends saw him in it and thought it was awesome.

I'm OK today, but neither highs nor lows. I suppose that's decent.

Happy because I have the new Terry Pratchett book Nation.

Unhappy because my girlfriend has a cold and was cutely sniffling at me in a way that made me feel bad because I couldn't be with her at the time.

By the way, she phoned me and sniffled at me. That solves that mystery for you.

Not so much unhappy as I am disappointed (in me). A woman who exchanges smiles with me at the bus stop nearly every morning actually sat down next to me on the ride to work this morning. I had been hoping for just such a chance event for weeks.

Being flustered, I said nothing. Aauugh! I learned I can still freeze up when in the presence of a woman I'm attracted to but don't yet know. The first move is always the hardest, but I had been getting much better. Damn, missed opportunities suck. I'll be kicking myself all day. I resolve to introduce myself the next time I see her. I swear this by Odin's beard.

monohex, don't be so disappointed in yourself. Sometimes a surprise encounter, no matter how much you have wanted it to happen, just feels too unexpected and you can't take advantage of it. It will probably be easier for you to take the initiative. And, TA, it is awesome that you two are talking now.

I am happy because the weather is clear today and we will be going to Anchorage for a few days. Bookstores! Restaurants! Movies! Indoor plumbing! Yay!!! I hope the lake doesn't freeze while we are gone.

Well, I should have seized the opportunity. I had nothing to lose. Anyway, I'll try again tomorrow.

I'm happy because I'm in the best physical shape I've been in since high school. I've cut down on the beer, and I'm trying to cut down on greasy foods.I lift weights and stretch every day, and I swim at least once if not twice a week. I've noticed a distinct increase in chest and arm girth and definition in just the past 2 months. Improvement is satisfying.

Good on you, monohex! Feeling physically fit usually helps with mood improvement, too. Plus you will look a good deal more attractive, don't you think?

Plus you will look a good deal more attractive, don't you think?

Hey, what do you mean by that?! Just kidding. Yes, better looking body-wise, I believe.

I'm happy because Yomiko's cold is easing up, so she tells me in a text message.

I'm unhappy because I have study to so so I can't see her for a while.

I'm unhappy because I'm not Monohex. I wish I could say that I was cutting down on beer and in the best shape since High School. I feel very lardy and tired and I'm sure that if I was fitter and healthier I'd be better. Oh well there's always tomorrow. In the meantime I admire you Monohex.

But I'm happy because I'm going home tomorrow (hopefully this time with my luggage) to see my family though I won't get there til 7pm Saturday. I'll miss Mexico but will be so happy to see home. Thanks to the Internet I've had plenty of contact but none of it physical.

#243 Willsteed - yup thats the one, twas alot of fun :) I just wish I could find out who the dancer I like so much is!

I'm unhappy because my post to this thread (233) jinxed me and my furnace died last night. I'm about to have a hot cup of tea, wrap myself in blankets and read until the repair shop opens.

I'm happy because it's not the dead of winter, which is when this usually happens.

#252 Barry

Wow! That's a first. Most days I don't even wish I was me. Thanks for the compliment!

Seriously, though, I never thought getting fitter would feel so great. Each time I swim, I attempt to go farther without breathing- I'm up to swimming 1.75 lengths of the pool completely submerged.

I'm happy today because I made smalltalk with the lady at the bus stop this morning. Just being casual and positive. Smiles work. I'm also happy because I managed to eat breakfast this morning.

I am not happy because I feel icky and my Stupid Upstairs Neighbors(TM) woke me up again at 3-freaking-am last night, so I had to yell at them again. Who DOES that? Who think it's a great idea to be so loud at 3am that you wake someone out of a sound sleep?

On the up side, I just got a call from someone at my landlord's office saying that first, the maintenance guy is going to be out next week to start fixing all the fixes that need to be fixed in my apartment (this is me not holding my breath, I admit), but second, they'd had several complaints about the people in 6 and do I have anything to add? Oh, DO I...!

She sounded nearly as disgusted as I feel when I told her about being woken up in the middle of the night and the guy spitting off the balcony and so on, so hopefully enough people have complained/will complain that, well, frankly, that they'll be kicked out, because I don't see them as the 'change their ways' sorts.

#256
Oh Blue, I feel your pain. And I'm glad that you could do something about it, speaking up to your landlord. I hope the issue gets solved soon, so you can get the sleep you need!

Right now I'm having the first cup of coffee out of my new coffeemaker. Coffee laced with cinnamon. I'm trying to embrace the aroma, enjoy the experience and just ignore the loud traffic and construction noises coming through my closed windows. I'm really, really trying to ignore them... so I can work in peace.

I love cinnamon in my lattes. Yummy. I also loved visiting a spice warehouse in the Caribbean once. Smells of nutmeg and mace. Yowzer!

Made some Krusteaz cookies and added nesquik banana milkshake powder to a few of them, they came out gooey but taste nice.

#258
Ohhh I love spices! Specially cinnamon, nutmeg and mace. Remind me of Christmas. :) Also remind me of my dad. He loved cooking, and he always had a batch of candied fruit soaking in liquor in the fridge, for his annual fruitcake baking spree. In fact, I think there's still an old batch in my mom's fridge. Maybe this year I'll work up the nerve to bake some fruitcake. Liquor does preserve candied fruits forever, right? 'cause that batch is ooooold!

It's raining! Yay!! I've decided not to be grumpy today. I was, for a bit. But the rain makes me happy.

I've just received notice from the embassy that they want me to work on another project and drop the one I'm doing right now, and it would entail a change in schedule, working from 5pm to 6pm, instead of from 7pm to 8pm. So now I'll have my evenings free! Yay!

I'm happy because my husband took over watching Charlie yesterday and kicked me out of the house. It's the first time in nearly a month that I've been out of the house and not to take Charlie to the doctor's office! It felt so good to get out, but it also felt good to get back home to the little one.

I'm also happy because I've lost 10lbs so far on the post-pregnancy diet!

well done scaifea! on all counts.

I think it was years after I had my first one before I got out on my own. I forgot how to be me. Glad you are on the right track.

and weight loss is never easy, good for you!

I am happy because I have my new printer/fax/copier ready to go. I just have to do the softwear thing with the computers. I am also happy because it only cost me 50$. It was on sale as costco, and gave an extra 10$ off if you bought extra ink, which I would have done anyway. Free shipping!

I am unhappy because I have no idea how to use it with my laptop.. or Dan's.
I am hoping that the manuel will explain it for me. I am determined though and a computer hasn't beaten me yet.. although my macbook does keep trying~

I'm happy, my mum has been on holiday in the canaries for 2 weeks, but she just phoned from the LDS bookshop near london and is going to buy me 6 books, the 3 women of Genesis books by Orson Scott Card and The Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull, they didn't have any Brandon Sanderson though so I still don't have Alcatraz and the evil librarians.

Not looking forward to all the cleaning I have to do before they get back here.

I just got Mistborn by Sanderson. I read Alcatraz and the Evil Librarians, but I didn't think it was as good as it sounded. The ideas and the characters were fun, but I didn't like the style.

#265 - Cool, just finished Mistborn last week, you're in for a treat!

I could use a good book. I've had a string of duds lately.

I'm happy because Monohex is happy. I've seen your smile - of course it worked!

Thank you, Mary. That's very flattering!

I'm unhappy because I'm jealous.

Right now I don't have anything that's making me happy. I'm sure that will pass soon enough though.

I'm sure that will pass soon enough though.

I like your optimism. It's comforting.

I'm happy because I got a new stationary bicycle which is great fun to ride - it's also a rowing machine. I've been using it for a couple of weeks now and I love it.

I'm unhappy because my legs feel like limp noodles and my arms and shoulders are very stiff and also feel like limp noodles! Not really unhappy, 'cause I know it's a good kind of discomfort, but it does show how incredibly out of shape I've become.

I'm going slow, having fun and looking forward to feeling better :-)

Congratulations katylit! I admire your work to become more physically fit. You go, girl!

I am happy because a cute little piece of land is for sale over on Vashon Is. for a price I can afford. I am unhappy because it may not be a very smart thing to do.

Oh, choices, choices. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em.

But haven't you dreamt of moving there?

Some dreams should not be made real because the important thing was the dream in itself. But other dreams SHOULD be made real, given the opportunity, or you spend the rest of your life regretting the decision.

Aye, there's the rub. Telling the difference. Yes, I would like to move there but the prices are so high that it is pretty much out of my range, even with the small amount of price reduction recently occurring. I had kind of given up on it until I went over yesterday for a visit. We had a lovely walk with our 4 dogs and we went thru woods, meadow, dirt road, view property, a cliff path down to the beach, and back up from the beach. All on one walk, all near this little piece of property.

Sigh. I am thinking I could buy this little 1/3 acre and park a little travel trailer on it from time to time; just camping.

Oh, happy happy! I just heard from my mom about her visit with the oncologist. All the prayers and happy energy must have paid off, because the dr. said this skin condition is nothing to worry about. It is either a type of cancer or a kin to cancer, but it doesn't really cause much damage unless it gets into the lymph nodes. They are going to test for that, but he doesn't think it has progressed so far. And in most cases, it never does progress any further than this. So her main problem will be the itchy, ugly sores. But those are not fatal, so Mom says she can certainly live with that.

I am so thankful! It's funny how your frame of reference can change so quickly. Before those painful sores were just horrible to Mom and she was so miserable. Then she heard that they were cancer. Now that she knows she'll be all right, the sores are nothing! Plus she says the Zyrtec helps with the itching.

So just happy, happy now!

That's wonderful news cmbohn, I'm really happy for your mom, you and your family :-)

Wow maggie, that's exciting even to think about buying a lot on Vashon. I know it's nerve-wracking - the whole real-estate thing, but it's exciting too. I'm happy for you, whatever you decide. And thanks, it is fun with the bike :-)

wonderful news cmbohn!

I'm happy right now coz there are 2 events in the next few months that I'm really excited to be going to :) I’ve been a real home body lately, not much interested in socialising or going out, so having to big events that I’m looking forward to rather than dreading is exciting :)

The first is Rainbow Serpent Festival at the end of Jan. It’s a 3 day psytrance festival in the bush that I’ve been to twice before & absolutely loved, so I’ve been wanting to go to this for a while, but was told that I couldn’t get the time off work :) Then at the start of the week, I checked the leave calendar & the dates are available *woohoo* (we’ve hired a few new staff which opened up the spots), so I bought my tic today :)

Also on Monday, a girl at work told me that Infected Mushroom (one of my fave psy trance acts) are playing at an event called stereosonic at the end of november, so I bought 2 tix & will be takin my best mate Marky :)

I’m unhappy coz I cant take Marky to Rainbow Serpent too, he’s in a wheelchair & it just wouldn’t work – tho he would have loved it :)

I’m unhappy coz my bank balance has severely depleted this week (i even dipped into my savings *blushes*) which means no new books for a while :( I've paid for 4 tickets (paid my sister back $90 for the Rocky Horrow Show tic, 2 tix @ $95each for stereosonic & 1 @ $150 for Rainbow Serpent – peeved coz if I had have known I could go earlier then I could have the rainbow tic for a lot less), plus I’ve booked us a hotel room for after Stereosonic, another $195, but worth it coz its in walking distance of the event so we can go back there for a break in the middle if we want (event goes from midday til 10pm) & Marky lives aaaaages away, so will save hassles getting him home…

#273, 274 & 275
Oh wow! I'd say go for it, maggie! After weighing in all the pros and cons, of course. That's more or less the decision I'm facing now, only buying a bookstore is quite a bit smaller in scale than buying property!

But if that's your dream and you can afford it, then... what are you waiting for? :) Wise words those of Busifer.

Ohhhh I'm looking at pictures of the island and it's gorgeous, maggie!

#276
Those are wonderful news! I'm so thrilled for you! I actually got goosebumps right now. :) *big hugs*

#279
Oh, Infected Mushroom! Those guys are cool! Have fun, Seanie!

I'm somewhat unhappy because I have a cold and I'm feeling blah, and I'm also stressing about this weekend's trip to scope out the bookstore. :S (I know I should follow my own advice over at the cranky thread, the one I gave TA and not stress!! but I can't help it!) We still haven't decided on ANYTHING yet. Going by bus or renting a car? What time are we leaving on Friday? Are we definitely going this weekend or the next? Decisions, decisions.

On the other hand... road trip! Yay!

I'm also unhappy because due to this icky cold I couldn't go to a FREE SHOWING OF ROCKY HORROR!!! *pouts* I've never seen the film! Only a local production of the musical. I was supposed to go with friends, but I cancelled. They didn't go either, apparently. We can always rent it on DVD, I guess...

I'm unhappy because a dear friend is depressed and crashed his car today. Nothing major, though, it wasn't actually a crash per se, but he did scratch it badly. Mercifully, nothing happened to him or to the other driver, or to anybody. But I worry about him.

I'm happy because I just had a big bowl of spicy Mexican chicken tortilla soup, and it made my stuffy nose feel better. :P Plus, I've stocked up on cold meds and Kleenex and fruit juice.

And I'm happy because there's a big, looming, lovely, bright full moon out and I love looking at it.

Oh, the full moon was just drop dead gorgeous here last night. Even early this morning before it had set it was still very beautiful. I love the autumn full moon. Tonite it is raining buckets and we can not see the moon, damn. But I do love my part of the world and how beautiful is in the autumn.

Oh I bet! :) I've never been to Washington state, maggie, but it sure is in my top five US destinations I'm planning on visiting before I die! It seems like such a gorgeous place!

Such happiness in the pub tonight. cmbohn's mom is going to be alright, maggie is dreaming about a perfect piece of land and Seanie is going out on the town. Hugs to all of you.

Delirium9, there are many Washington States interestingly enough. So it will be important to know what you want: skiing - come in the winter and visit western Washington; bird watching, beach walking, laying around in the sun, gambling, bike riding, etc. What you want will determine when to come and where to go. Just like most places. But I do think we have a huge amount of variation in locales: desert, ocean, mountains, cities, lakes and rivers.

Im happy today 'cause the insurance companies have eventually stopped bickering and are going to pay for repairs to my car... Yay!

Oh! Oh! Oh! and 'cause Ive decided to buy a scooter! canary yellow if I can help it... now I just have to decide which make/model/brand whatever...

#136: thanks Dr. G :) good to be here!

#181: Oh Dear! my thoughts are with you! courage! btw... if you make no sudden moves, niether will the snake :) good luck!

I'm happy today because I got a night of sound sleep. Also, I talked more with the woman at the bus stop this morning (and got her name), and she waved and smiled at me when she exited the bus. I'm perfectly content for the day.

Thanks, thanks! Chicken tortilla soup sounds yummy! And fun events coming up all around!

>275 maggie1944: buy it and you can rent that trailer out to visiting GDers.

I'm happy because I finally got a haircut.
I'm happy because the salon is across from the wine shop.
I'm happy because I had a nice glass of cabernet while shopping and chatting with the ladies.
I'm happy because I've got another case of wine.
I'm happy because after I got home, friends called to invite the OH & I to do a tasting at the wine shop. It's nice to be thought of.
I'm unhappy because I passed on it so we can clean for our party tomorrow night.

Happy 5 - Unhappy 1

>#289: After reading the 4 wine-related Happy messages, for some inexplicable reason i read the Unhappy message as:

I'm unhappy because I passed out...

Yeah, Maggie & Deleriuim-I've lived in the desert for 35 years & lived before that in the coastal climate for 25 years & all w/o leaving the state of Washington! There are things i like about both: in the desert lengthy periods of heat or cold can get me down while the coast just has too many people nowadays. But the only other place i've ever wanted to live is Oregon which also has the contrasting climates w/in it's border's. One of my brothers lives in Oregon & the other in British Columbia. Only our sister has deserted the Pacific NW for the sunny climes of California. She lives on the Central Coast @ San Luis Obispo which is admittedly is a nice place to visit but i'm stayin here.

Now to get back to the subject of this thread i'm happy about the fall weather & colors we're having here & it feels good to need a jacket in the morning Which is one of the main things i like about this part of the coutry i.e. the definite seasonal differences-you don't need a calendar to tell what the season is! 8^)

I was happy because of the fun plans I have for this weekend; now I'm annoyed because I have to decide what to reschedule: my appointment with the career counselor, or my date?

Three weeks ago, when I had the last appointment with said career counselor, we scheduled this next one for the afternoon instead of the morning. I forgot that until this evening, and (under the assumption that my meeting was in the morning) I made plans to go to a gorgeous-looking state park that afternoon with the guy I'm dating.

Decisions, decisions...

#290
Bwahaha, me too!

And now I'm on the verge of passing out myself from the cold meds... I really should get to bed, I have many unread threads here, but I can't deal with them right now. *yawn*

Good night, everyone!

I'm happy coz I'm sittin here eatin yummy pizza (margerita w/mushroom & pineapple from nando's) & watchin old episodes of friends :)

I'm unhappy coz on my way to pick up the pizza, i drove past a sign that said "bookfair today 8am til 6pm" - it was 6:10pm :(

where was it, Seanie? Maybe it's on again tomorrow.

I am happy because I had a phone call from a sweet GDer last night. We had a nice long "getting to know you" talk.
I am happy because I woke up in a house that was already clean, 'cause I did it last night after work.
I am happy because I have a pot of soup started on the stove.
I am happy because I found a handbag on sale online at kohls on clearance. It is one of those travel bags that are sort of ergonomically shaped with a place for the phone on the bottom of the strap. It is big enough to stick in a trade size paperback.
I am not particularly sad about anything.

>290 MrAndrew: Hehehe! I just had the small glass, so no passing out for me. Just a light uplifting of the spirits.

I'm happy because our Halloween movie night went really well. There were a few tense moments where our friends' 3-year-old nearly dropped a paperweight through our glass coffee table and laid a grubby paw on my books, but it was otherwise nice. (Our style is neither child-friendly nor child-proofed.) We had fried chicken, salads, chips and salsa served in a coffin, and mulled apple cider (with optional splash of brandy). By guest consensus, we watched the Garfield Halloween special and Army of Darkness. Klaatu, Verata, Ni*coughcoughcough*!

More news about my mom! (Hope you guys aren't sick of hearing about it already.)

Her scan showed her lymph nodes are clean, so no cancer so far after all. They did find that her arteries are a little blocked, so she's going to have to give up hamburgers (which are her favorite food on the planet). And she has a little emphysema, so she says she's going to quit smoking this time for sure. I'm not holding my breath. I've heard this before. The way she coughs sometimes, I don't see how this can be a surprise, but she wouldn't believe me. Maybe now she'll really do something.

Happy mom does not have cancer. maybe unhappy that she has emphysema, but if it makes her quit smoking, that will be happy too.

#297
Sounds like a cool evening! :) Watching Bruce Campbell is always a treat, eh? :D

*I'm happy because a storm is coming.
*I'm happy because the cold seems to be going away.
*I'm happy because I've made plans to go see my sister's play tonight with my friends.

*I'm somewhat unhappy because my apartment is not clean, but at least I'm feeling better so I'm actually contemplating doing housework later...

*...and I'm excited at the possibilities of that road trip next weekend.

Overall, a great report, cm! I'm happy for you and holding thumbs for your mom's attempt to quit smoking. Virtual hugs all around!

I'm happy because I just found out that a local college is doing a production of Macbeth and on Halloween night they are handing out garbage bags to the audience so they don't get covered in blood. It's a one night deal, all the other performances will be sprinkled with lectures, but this one is to be sprinkled with blood I'm going to break my rule and go out of the house on Halloween. :)

I'm happy because the son's home this weekend from college. I'm unhappy because - well, I'm not really unhappy about anything, I guess!

I'm unhappy 'cause I'm single again. However, I am happy because major, important compatibility cracks were beginning to show and I'm also learning some stuff from the ex before me now...I also learned some important stuff about myself, so all in all, it's a plus. Onward, ho!

And no, that's not a mating call :P

I should hope not, kawika. Your reputation could suffer if it were! ;-)

#298 cmbohn: Great news about your cancer-free mom!! And does she know about Boca Burgers? They're not too bad, really...

Thanks MM and scaifea! Yes, she does eat veggie burgers, but she really prefers red meat.

Oh, MrsLee, I am so jealous! Macbeth is really my favorite Shakespeare play, at least to see. I love to read the others, but Macbeth is so much fun to watch. Have a great time!

cmbohn - Wonderful news about your mom! I hope things continue to look up!

Mrs. Lee - I am SO very jealous! That sounds like tons of fun.

MerryMary - We certainly don't want Kawika's reputation to suffer. I'm glad he cleared that up! :)

Kawika - Be careful how "onward, ho" you go! :)

I'm sparkly happy 'cause I got my CueCat today! It's fun. I want to go around scanning everything, and I've named it cutiecue. I think now is the time to enter all my TBR books...oh wait, I bought it for the church library. Well, when I'm done there. Anyway, very happy.

Also, I found parsnips in the store and I am very partial to baked parsnips with brown sugar, butter and whipping cream. It's like sucking all the nutrition out of veggies to cook them like that, but it's almost as good as a chocolate cake.

I'm happy because I got to out and took pictures today, as well as walking around in a semi-natural setting. The turning leaves are spectacular.

I'm happy at this moment because I'm sitting in a coffeehouse, using the Wi-Fi, and I'm the only male. Everywhere I look, there's ladies!

Enjoy your embarrassment of riches!

#295 MrAndrew - It was at the Senior Citizen centre next to my local library & drove past today to check it out & there was nothing there :( Oh wellz, I gotta sort my shelves out b4 I can get more books anyhoo...

#298 cmbohn - Thats great news! :)

#301 MrsLee - That sounds fun!

I'm happy coz I think my sister will be very happy with her new cats & once they settle in more I think they'll both be very happy with her :)

This is Marty:

He's 6 months old & his owner had to part with him because he's moving overseas :( He was pretty quiet on the car trip, but immediately claimed the bathroom as his haven when we got to Shelly's house & slowly ventured out from there lil bit by lil bit til he'd claimed the whol house, lol :) & Shel told me this morning that he's taken to folowing her arround the house everywhere too :)

& This is Dee:

She's about 10 months old & we bought her from a cat shelter. Its a bit strange with her, she was really cuddly with us & very confident wonderin the shop/shelter, she happily walked into the travel cage & waited for us to take her away, but I think the trip/move has been pretty traumatic for her :( as soon as we got in the car she started crying & didn't stop the whole trip home which was about an hour's drive - tho it felt like so much longer coz there was nothing we could do to help her calm down :( She was still pretty timid when we got back to Shelly's, spent most of the 2 or so hours I was there behind the couch, but my mum went & visited them today & said Dee hardly spent any time behind the couch so hopefully she'll adjust pretty soon :)

The shelter/shop was a pretty cool place, we took Marty straight there after picking him up & the girl who owns & works the shelter let all of the cats she had there (about 15 i think) out of their cages & let them all run arround together to see who Marty took to the most :) They were so funny, all runnin round climbin on everything & playing together & with us :) Marty was a lil shell shocked I think, he was too timid to really take to any of them & didn't make the choice for us like we hoped he would, but the shelter lady told us a lil bit about all of them & suggested that Dee would prob be the best choice for us personality wise so we chose her :)

I'm happy because my daughter's high school marching band won first place in every category and took Grand Champion in the A/AA class at their competiton yesterday. They did such a great job and we were very proud.

I'm unhappy because we have to have her at the State Fair at 6 a.m. to work 4 hours at the Kiwanis Booth. She's in Key Club, the high school club sponsored by Kiwanis and we have to leave in half an hour. Since it is about 4:25 a.m., I had to get up early and am not looking forward to traipsing around in the dark and cold. It will get nicer as it gets lighter and warmer but I can't wait to get home. We were gone all day yesterday (see "happy" above), so I'd like some home time this weekend.

#308 - Does sparkly happy look like this?



Or like this?

I am unhappy because I like to get drunk first thing in the morning. I'm happy because I left a full Steele Reserve in the fridge and am now comfortably numb.

#311 seanie, they are soo cute, I wish I had my cat but she went with my ex when we broke up because my parents won't let me have a cat.

I'm happy because I've been liking this song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pslelhTk8Ss and found it on the internet, unhappy because though I found out the name of the artist and song, there isn't much else to find out because it's not avalible in any way, shape or form.

I'm happy (and a little nervous!) because today we're going on our first official outing with Charlie (besides the doctor visits we've had so far), and it's to my favorite Chinese Buffet! We're meeting some friends there for lunch. Here's hoping Charlie doesn't start crying in the restaurant!

Jody: I like the first one best. But they're both cute.

Seanie: Great pictures. I'm sure they'll be bosses of the house in no time.

Scaifea: Babies cry. It's a fact of life, and most people are ok with it. As long as you're meeting his needs and not obviously ignoring him, you'll be fine. Your lucky friends will enjoy being with him.

Our first outing was a success! Charlie slept most of the time and didn't cry. He got lots of attention from people in the restaurant (because he's adorable, of course!) - all in all it went well. Of course, I realize that this won't always be the case, but I'm glad that our first attempt to take him out in public went well. Whew!

I'm really pleased you all enjoyed your first day out.

I am happy because I finally uploaded, edited and emailed the pics I took of our students last week at fire safety day.

I am unhappy because I had to do it at home, because our IT guy is a
{ insert variety of rude adjectives and four letter words} and the classroom next door always has our wing camera so I can't get pics of our kids unless I use my camera and work on them at home.

#318> What a coincidence! My sister has a Charlie and he's adorable too! In fact today is his 1st birthday.

some great looking cats!

I'm happy because my kids have the day off tomorrow.

I'm unhappy because my kids have the day off tomorrow.

Yes, it was a very long day.

#321 VeraMarie: Well, happy birthday to *your* Charlie! Great name, btw :)

In general, babies named Charlie are well-mannered diners and adorable throughout their lives. ;)

Jody: I'm definitely the second one, though I do not have a cool hat like that. The first one reminds me of when I banged my head on the corner of the cupboard. Ouch.

Seanie: Lovely cats. :)

For some reason, the name Charlie always makes me smile. I guess because all the men named Charlie that I've known were very nice and funny, too.

I'm happy today because I got more sleep than usual, and I had a pleasant, long, organic conversation with the lady at the bus stop. I also listened to one of my favorite albums, Ramones Live in NYC (1978) on the way to work. The day is looking good.

I'm happy because I had a good birthday in general, but...

I'm unhappy because my brother is... not a very nice person to me, and forgot my birthday. Even though we're living under the same roof and I told him yesterday I was going out today... FOR MY BIRTHDAY... argh! *tears hair out*

I'm unhappy because today hasn't been a very good day... I'm not feeling well, I have a headache, I don't know if it's migraine or just a byproduct of the stupid cold I've had for a week now... Also, my left hand had the shakes... :S And I haven't even had caffeine today.

Ah... there you go, stupid headache. I'm the stupid one. Of course my head hurts. I forgot to feed it its morning coffee. :/ *sigh*

Yeah, today's just... blah.

I'm happy that it's already 4pm and the blah day is almost over.

Also, yesterday was a good day sandwiched between two bad ones... so maybe tomorrow will be a good one again...

====

#326: monohex, how does an organic conversation go? Is it organic as opposed to being artificial? Sorry if I'm being dense... Also, that was cool. Here's hoping you have more pleasant conversations with her in the future.

D-9 I admit that when I read that I had a flash of monohex talking to a girl all wrapped in tomato vines....''sorry mono"...

I guess an organic conversation is one where you're not just saying pleasantries and making small talk, but actually talk about something you're both interested in without 'artificial growth hormones'. I think I might adopt that turn of phrase. I like it.

I'm guessing a conversation that progresses naturally from point to point without preplanning. But I must confess, the mental image of of a conversation conducted while swinging from unadulterated tomato vines is intriguing.

#330, #331 WillSteed, MerryMary

I think you're the closest here. It made me happy because there was no awkwardness; we just kept filling the silences with easygoing banter and common interest insights and stories. She's cute. Lustrous black hair. Neat glasses. Something I just realized is that nearly every woman I've "gone after" in the past year has worn glasses at least part of the time. I don't know what that's about. I never thought about it before. I wear contacts now; I used to wear glasses.

I think I might ask her this week if she'd like to meet me for coffee or tea sometime.

I'm happy 'cause we got a new wireless keyboard and mouse yesterday and it's so lovely to use! Look! No strings :-)

And it's a gorgeous day, I'm going to plant pansies in my porch planter, my husband is preparing to go on what is probably going to be one of his last motorcycle rides of the season and it's just shaping up to be a great day.

Happy because I am feeling better, I got to finish several books, my hubby is on the mend, and it's a beautiful fall day.

Unhappy because my 13 year old is being a pain.

I guess on the whole, I'm still on the plus side for today.

It is the job of a 13 year old to be a pain, so you'd best hang on for the ride! Happy that i'm not raising any human of that age range tho i am living in the same house w/a 12 year old (my grandchild). Her mother (my daughter) is just starting to realize what she is in for. 8^)

Remember the Mother's Curse: May you have a child just like you while I'm still alive to laugh at you.

Too true, both comments! But I was a sullen, withdrawn 13 year old, reading in my room. This is a much louder version! Still, it could be worse. I could have twins!

I'm happy because my daughter's marching band competition went so well yesterday. They are a 2A band (this refers to the number of playing members), so Best Percussion 2A, Best Music 2A, Best Marching 2A, Best 2A band, and, beating 2 AAA and 2 AAAA band, Runner Up Grand Champion. She was ecstatic. I was ecstatic. Her Dad was ecstatic.

I'm unhappy - and this is pretty small potatoes - that I have so much to do today and only today to do it in since yesterday was ALL Band.

Additional small happiness - one of our boy kitties, Kitty William, just joined me and is sitting here waiting for a scritch.

merry~ my mom cursed me with 10 just like me...thank goodness it didn't work~

#339> *shudder* My mom has ADD and ended with 11 just like her. We had a rollicking, frolicking household as she said she could have a clean house or happy kids. Looking back, it must have been very difficult for her, though it hardly ever showed. Especially since my dad was Navy and was away several times on cruises that lasted 6 - 9 months.

I do remember once, when I was in second or third grade that she loaded us all up in the van and took us to a double feature at the drive in. The movies that night were 'The Boston Strangler' and 'What's the Matter with Helen'. Which may explain a lot, actually.

Edited for clarity. Though the last time I did that, it didn't actually work. Hmm.

Of course we can all get our 'revenge' by living long enough to become a problem for our children! So when your kids are having the conversation that begins-what are we going to do about Mom/Dad, you can smile & know that you have succeeded!! 8^)

I remember an old joke about be careful how you raise your children because they will be picking out the "retirement home" for you. Of course, few of us will afford such a "retirement home" so we need to take care in case we will be in the "back bedrooms" in our childrens' homes.

Too funny maggie1944. At this rate your right, we will not be able to afford living in any form of assistant living.
#334 I can relate big time.I survived those years with two teens who are 19 months apart. At he same time I was going through the change. OMG You can't imagine the turmoil. But all three of us survived. Oh by the way, hang in there because they do become human beings after all.LOL My daughter recently apologized about how much of a pain she was back then. She is 23 years old now. So, it does happen. We are much closer now then we have ever been.

#342-Maggie- I already am in the back bedroom of my house which i've made my daughter & son-in-law half owners in. Since we own it free & clear i'd like to believe that i know where i'm going to live out my life.

jewels-My daughter & i get on much better now than when she was a teenager! Since we live in the same house that is a nice bonus. 8^)

UGH!! The contractor who was scheduled to come TOMORROW MORN (Monday) to install washer & dryer (a week-long job somehow) just called to say they won't start 'til Wednesday . . . which means another Friday slog to laundry room (up/down steps multiple time lugging it out & in). Not happy.

Bummer, Esta. I hate laundries and lugging...

I hate being put off like that~ waiting isn't one of my few talents.

I'm happy because I just went to a conference where I learned some great things and met some cool new people.

I'm unhappy because I saw an ex-friend there who I'm still feeling some grief over. We didn't talk.

I'm ecstatic because I have more prospects relationship-wise now than at any previous point in my life. I've recently communicated with some cool ladies, both online and in real life, and it's a great feeling.

I'm a little unhappy because I think I'm developing a mild cold. I'm going to go drink some tea.

Rest well, and dream of large women.

I am unhappy because I have *mutter mutter* kidney stones and I am in pain and ill.

I am less unhappy because my boyfriend called Sunday evening to see how I was doing and sounded actually interested in my problems and like he really meant it when he said I should call him if I needed anything, anything at all. It seems more and more like I've found a genuinely nice guy (or he found me, rather) and that is very, very cool.

#349 - *snork*

#349: As you wish.

I am content because all in all I had a good weekend. Nothing special, but good. I read a fantastic book, and had some down time.

I am unhappy because while doing dishes yesterday I dropped the lid to my crock pot. It shattered into a zillion pieces and clean up set off my back again. ouch!

I am happy because all is well with my children...and that is a good thing.

gak! a double post.

#349

Well, I dreamed of several women, anyway. I wasn't expressly thinking about their sizes, though! Women are appearing out of the aether!

I mean, I always looked and hoped (how could I not?), but now it seems I have much better chances. Are there more available, receptive women out there now, or am I somehow more desirable to (some of) them now, as opposed to in the past, when they wouldn't have given me a second thought? Whatever the answer is, I'm happy about it.

I'm happy because Hero of ages arrived in the mail today.
*does a happy dance!!!*

I'm unhappy because I'll not be able to read it instantly!

#355 - mono, go watch The Princess Bride...8^}

I've seen it countless times, but I haven't a clue!

...Is it because I'm a pirate?

Maybe you're just more comfortable in your skin. And don't forget you've been smiling more.

On the other hand, you'd make a great Dread Pirate Roberts.

Have fun stormin' the castle.

**waves~~~~~~at mono and merrymary.....

Another wonderfully sunny day today! that makes me happy! but the weather experts suggest rainy, windy, and cold for Halloween night....oooooo
wonderful ghost, goblins, and witches weather. But it kinda makes me unhappy as I love the nice weather and its probably gone now for the winter.

I'm happy because Babyreadseverything was happily kicking away at the midwife's listening-in appointment today.

Every time she got the microphone over BRE, BRE kicked it and moved away, so it took the midwife ages to listen to the heartbeat but it was fine when she finally got to listen to it and it proves that BRE has a playful nature.

And I'm not unhappy one bit today because of all that.

*~~~~waves and tickles babyreadseverything~~~*

Great news!

Jody: That's great news - I'm glad BRE is so active and healthy. Charlie was the same way - the doctor always had a hard time getting him to stay still in there long enough to listen to his heart, and he's still wiggling like crazy!

#361
Ohhh that's wonderful news, Jody! :)

At the moment, I'm happy because I had a great weekend. And now I'm drinking my coffee and feeling content.

I'm not unhappy about anything. Just wishing I had stayed in the mountains with that lovely cool weather, instead of getting back here to the noise and heat of the city... *sigh*

With this happy baby news, I can't be very unhappy! Besides, the sun is shining and I got to sleep in today.

I'm happy because hearing about babies makes me smile.

I'm happy because my husband surprised me with tickets for the Celtic Thunder that was on Friday. We had such a nice time. The music was great.

I'm unhappy because I'm back to work.

But I'm happy because at least I have a job to be unhappy about.

I'm unhappy because I stopped to pat the cat on the way out of the house this morning and got a handfull of scratches in thanks for it. Now I have red lines all over my left hand.

I'm happy because it makes me look kind of dangerous.
.
.
.
.
No, that last bit wasn't serious.

I have two hands covered in scratches and bites... but not from my cats, from one of the students.... ouch.

!

I'm happy coz Mum has bought me tickets to see Pink for Christmas :)

I'm unhappy coz its not until May 31st & that feels like its aaaaaaaages away!!!

Im unhappy cuz I think..I gained 10 lbs :(

Happy cuz I always wanted a butt!!!:)

I'm unhappy and upset because I just had a fight with my older sister. She worries constantly about me, so much to the point of obsession, which drives me mad. I mean, it's not that I'm not thankful for my family and for their worrying about me, but they can make me feel... smothered? Would that be the word? I'm so upset I can't think straight and I need to finish a report for work. Not good. :(

During the weekend, my mom and sisters called me more than 10 times, combined. I'd say 10+ calls in two days is a bit excessive. And my older sister is the worse. She actually left me six missed calls on my cell phone yesterday, and since I didn't answer (we were already driving on our way back, through torrential rain, me as co-pilot stressing about my friend driving and trying to be his second pair of eyes, so to speak), she called my friend. Who was driving. Through the rain. With enough on his mind not to be distracted by his cell phone ringing. :/ That was the straw that broke the camel's back.

I let her know today what I thought. That her obsession is unhealthy, that I'm an adult and I'm not required to call them (meaning mom and her, specially her) every single day nor report to them every single hour on what I do with my life. She said I'm being absurd. :/

This is one of the reasons I want to move away to the mountains... *sigh*

I don't know if I'm being unreasonable or not. All I know is I'm upset. I think I will go out with a friend to clear my mind... As soon as I can finish this report...

I know it isn't helpful to remind you that they care about you, and thats why they do it.

I do believe it is excessive though.. what they did this weekend. Can you head them off by calling before you leave for a trip and saying I am leaving and will call you as soon as I arrive? Please don't call along the way because it isn't safe to talk while driving or even navigating... thanks.. love you .. bye bye

?

Try it and good luck!

((D))

(((((((Delirium9))))))) Hugs D9. Let me share a little something with you. I have lots of sisters. Lots. They sometimes drive me crazy too. I'm darn near 50 and my oldest sister, who is just two years older than I am, still thinks she needs to supervise me if I'm doing a task for Mom. But I try to take a deep breath and remember that she doesn't know she's driving me crazy. She just figures that she was always the one responsible for the younger kids and she's never been able to give it up completely. Afterwards, I go home and vent to Mr. H. It works for me.

Delirium9, you are not being unreasonable. For your family to call you so often does send the message that they think you are incapable. You could try reversing the "favor" and try calling one or more of your family members multiple times one day. That is unless its would cost way too much.

My foster daughter who hates my advice because she is, after all, over 40 years old usually just thanks me saying she appreciates that I care. And she does not tell me what she is going to do. Sometimes, I laugh out loud at her acting like an adult, even!

Life can be very funny.

Thanks, ladies, for the wise words and the hugs. :) I feel better. I went out to dinner with two dear friends and just tried to not think about it...

I will talk to my sister tomorrow and apologize. After all, I was rude to her today. I know she worries because she loves me. And I know I bring this upon myself too, by not being clear about boundaries.

I guess it could be worse, I could be really alone in the world and not have a single soul to worry about me...

Ack, quadruple post!!!

LT is misbehaving reaaaaal bad tonight.

*spanks LT*

You be a good boy, now, or no grilled cheese for you, and no playing with the Roombas!

.

I'm unhappy because I've just had to go to the funeral of the mother of a dear friend and ex-employee (deceased was the victim of a singularly gruesome traffic accident over the weekend).

I'm happy because on the way back I saw the local Hindu primary school is right next to the Sufi mosque -- if they were any closer they'd share a wall. That set me thinking of the fast-food joints a kilometre or so up the road; one of these is a halaal Chinese takeaway. I love this town!

I am happy because I am taking a class called "Personality-Styled Organizing" which is teaching me to recognize a personality style which then makes doing the organizing tasks easier because they go with my style. I learned that creative sorts, like me, don't necessarily need traditional filing systems, that filing in piles is not necessarily dysfunctional. Yipeee!!!!!

I am unhappy because it is also my personality to start too many projects and have a really hard time getting any of them actually finished. Which is why I need the class - laughing all the way.

maggie- think that i need to take that class! Always tell my family that what they see as that 'total mess' in my room is, in fact, (get ready for it) 'intellectual clutter'! My proof being that most of my college professor's offices looked just like my room, if not worse. I also tell people that my filing system is very simple-just file everything under Miscellaneous! 8^)

The instructor gave us a book that you could probably get: Organizing for Your Brain Type by Lanna Nakone. She gives many practical solutions. I too have my piles which most of the time work for me but recently my house is getting overwhelmed by boxes of stuff I just need to sort, toss, and file. Left overs from teaching and I have been retired now for over 7 years! My piles just keep getting higher and deeper so I decided to work on clearing things out. I am enjoying the class and we will see whether it works long term. (^8

I'm unhappy because my immediate supervisor called to tell me he'd received e-mail complaints from a few other supervisors about how my office is completing a specific task - even though we are doing it exactly as the administration has told us they want it done.

I'm happy because he's pretty steamed and plans to give the other supervisors what for. It's nice to have him on our side.

Delirium9 - I don't think you need to apologise to your sis. Exception being if you were very rude, but I think what she's doing is borderline obsessive. And a line needs to be drawn.
It's hard when it's a relative, you want to be nice and friendly. But sometimes the description of 'relative' is 'someone you have not chosen to be friends with but have to be friends with nonetheless'.

Organising stuff... one of my teachers at school once said 'empty desk, empty head'. I totally subscribe to that, and if others can't navigate the archaeological layers that surrounds me then the problem is theirs ;-)
Also, a mess often only means you haven't a decent place to put those items. So you either have to throw those things away or get the shelfspace or drawers or boxes or whatever is needed for those things. IMHO.

Happy - because BRE is happily kicking away again tonight.

Unhappy - because this is giving me the worst acid indigestion and nothing is helping. It's worse than my morning sickness was.

Happy - because I know someone here will have a great remedy I can try to ease it.

I'm unhappy because I wake up in the mornings from dreaming of work related things like how to solve certain problems.

I'm unhappy because I have to work in the evenings so to catch up with everything I should had done during daytime but couldn't because the meeting spectre has kidnapped my calendar. When what I really want to do is reading The hero of ages.

I'm happy because apparently there are people out there who care for me. And because all things said and done the people who are on this particular project with me are great fun to be around.

I did the Tums while pregnant and they did exactly nothing. But you might try Pepcid AC or Prevacid, if your dr. okays it. Also don't lie down flat. Prop up on pillows.

Really, Jody, you can hardly blame your poor abused digestive system! It's doing all of its regular work, plus some for the baby, with about 10-25 percent of its regular room! BRE is just sitting right on top of your intestines and squishing your stomach as well.

(hugs)

And don't tell me anything about Hero of Ages! I still have to read Well of Ascension. I'm hoping I get it for my birthday next week.

I'm happy because I'm really enjoying my new job. And it looks like I might actually have the chance of doing well in it. So much more fun than my horrible horrible PhD :-)

Plus it's wonderful reading about babies (glad that BRE is doing well Jody!). Although I don't have any helpful suggestions I'm afraid :-(

new thread here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/48434

#386
Thanks, Busifer. I haven't talked to her yet. Mainly because I still don't feel like it, and I'm afraid I'll make it worse by venting off, saying what I want to say but saying it badly (I'm not very diplomatic when I get emotional, I'm afraid), which will not very productive.

One of my other sisters (I have three; I'm the second of four) called me today to ask me to return the camera I borrowed, and I noticed she talked to me very curtly, not like the usual way she talks to me. I have no idea if she's mad at me, or why she'd be mad at me. And this upsets me.

I don't want to care, but I do. I hate it that they make me feel guilty, as I've done something wrong. All.The.Time. It's a nightmare having them for a family. Are they supposed to be mad at me because I haven't called? But why would that be a problem? I don't understand and it drives me crazy. And I can't function properly like this. But on the other hand, I want them to realize that I cannot and will not be reporting every single event in my life, because that's just the way I want it. They need to learn to respect my privacy.

Sorry for the long rant. :(