CC,
You sound happy, and like you are doing well.

Hope it stays that way for a while.

SS

You may be able to guess that while I'm typing, I'm not actually cleaning the house. However, I'm having to make a bunch of phone calls and am spending lots of time on hold, so how better to entertain myself than on MB? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> The girls have made jokes on this site about my not being able to understand why people who know us casually perceive me to be such a strong person. Haha, girls. Have your little joke. I say if people think I'm strong on the basis of how I walk, or whatever, it's a good thing they don't know what I'm actually thinking! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I described once here that I consider my prime characteristic to be resilience. I'm resilient even when I'd rather not be, and would prefer to just stay steamrollered-flat on the ground for awhile! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> But having said that, I am well aware that I have certain areas of vulnerability, both from my childhood, and (as you surmised) from my marriage. Because of the embarrassing memories I still retain from my childhood, youth, and young adulthood, I have developed a strong aversion to blatant attention-seeking behaviors. On the MB board, this translates into a discomfort that was (I think) misunderstood by Pep long ago when I wondered in print something about why people on a site like this would have any interest in paying attention to me. I would hate, loathe, abominate, despise--well, you get the idea--to ever come across as this pathetic, forlorn little person standing off to the side of the "real" action, jumping up and down, waving little flags, blowing her horn, and shouting, "Notice me! Over here! OVER HERE!!!!!" And when I end up "talking" to myself, that's a worry that always springs to my mind. I've had fun on this thread, admittedly more fun some days than others! It's been a good run. If it came to an end, I'd be sorry, but it wouldn't in any way change the fact that it was a blast while it lasted.

The other vulnerability, marriage-derived, is that when I think nobody's listening to me, I tend to withdraw (for my own protection) and go away. And read a book! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I'm not so fond of my own thoughts, or the sound of my own voice, that I'm compelled to yammer on and on just for my own sake. What's the fun in that?! For me, the greatest pleasure of this thread was the free (<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />) exchange of ideas, and the unique perspective each person brought to their posts. Thank you, everyone who did, and if you're too busy living a real life now to be able to chat the way you did before, more power to you! Live with gusto. And to those who are still able to continue the visit, thank you, too--you bring a great deal of amusement and enjoyment to my life, and I appreciate it all. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

t&l

P.S. I'm off hold now. Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work I go! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Thanks SS. I am basically happy. I'm back to being able to enjoy things, at least most of the time.
I'm looking forward to my work related trips, and with my sister here I'm sure there will be many things to do.

I'm trying to gather strength for the holidays. Xmas is a very important "family" holiday for ME. I have been becoming the hostess these last few years and invite not only my family, but WH's (not this year I don;t think) and anyone else who has no where to go to join us. So this will be the first time we will not be together. OW's birthday is the 24th december. My brithday and the twins' is in january.

So in february I will be reviewing the whole situation after 13 months of plan B...


we'll see.

I'm NOT complaining. I'm worrying "out loud." There's a big difference. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> Wow, do I sound like I'm doing "fine" by myself? What a big faker I am! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> If it weren't for those rope knots I'd tied in my toes, to which I'm clinging with fierce tenacity, I'd be long gone by now! I do believe I have previously received compliments, or was it comments about my facade. Still up and functioning, I see. Will wonders never cease?! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Hubba hubba.

Glad you're doing well-er than before. Hope your family visit goes great. Relatives--what would we do without them? Life would certainly be more dull, THAT'S for sure! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

t&l

I'll help you keep this thread going! forever!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I have great fun reading your story. I think you have to start again and give us another perspective! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

CC Said:
I think you have to start again and give us another perspective!

Yes, I agree. I want to hear more about 2nd grade.
Lunch time, 2nd grade.

Also, 5th grade.

You should see me smile while I type.

T&L,
Things will be OK. It isn't as bad as we sometimes think.

If you do your best, it will all work out. If you put your trust in God, and move forward in faith, and confidence in the future, God will take care of you. He will not forsake us, and will help as we live worthy of his blessings. He does hear our prayers.

Now, you already know these things, but if you are like me, it helps to hear them again.

I laughed when you said you couldn't do housework, and type on MB at the same time. Talented, but not that talented huh?

OK, I'll take your word for it.

Hint, I am not getting much work done right now either. I better work smarter - where's the candy bar?

SS

Wow! Well, you can't say everybody hasn't been encouragingly promised. Or warned!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


Thanks. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

t&l

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> You have GOT to be kidding! No, NO, NO-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O, not the Pool of Introspection again!!!!!!!!!!! You must think if they ever made a movie about my life it would be called, Swims With Sharks, only without Kevin Costner.


You should see me laugh right out loud! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Here, to distract you...a few photos from the trip.

OK, no trip photos for now. First I goobered up my URLs; now it looks like I've goobered up Yahoo photos itself. I think I'll give up until somebody with a clue--Hello, Neak!--can help me out. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

t&l


P.S. Did I ever show the picture of what happens to Great Hawaiian Clams when they die? I don't think so, but the last couple of weeks have kinda wiped out trip memories, to a certain extent.

Edit the photo links as follows -
the beginning looks like this
http://http//pg.photos............
Change the beginning to look like this
http://pg.photos........

and they will work.

SS

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> So, tell me, does SS stand for "Speaks Swahili"? I tell you, I was MEANT to live in the 1800s. I am simply not equipped for technology. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> But thanks for the nice try...

t&l

I'm not seeing any pictures! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Oh, I see what she did. (They don't call me head of IT for nothing.)

AW, I think you're on to something. Harmonicas would be even worse for the enemy than Nancy Sinatra. (In case that's only an American joke, in armed standoff situations where noise warfare is used, Nancy Sinatra songs are one of the weapons in the arsenal, as she is one of the more annoyingandpiercing songstresses on the planet. Sorry in advance to anyone who likes Nancy Sinatra.)

I can vouch for the efficacy of harmonicas after the camping trip. Our neighbors had one. I would have surrendered had there been anyone to surrender to.

FF, that pun was even worse than the dogs!!!!!!!! Do you know any more?

My, how busy everyone has been while I've been cleaning house.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> You and me both! See above edit about techno-dopes, born into the wrong century, and mercifully un-named. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I never can understand why posting pictures works one time, and then doesn't the next, when I think I've done exactly the same both times. I'm leaving for Neak's house now to meet with the "expert" about the septic and will see if she can help me while I'm over there. Goodness knows, after talking about this whole septic situation, I'm going to need a good laugh, too! It's bad enough that it's going to cost another $40-50,000; it's also extremely ugly, and he told me today, "I sure wouldn't want one at MY house." Oh.

Goody. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Well, gotta cinch up my corset and garters, hitch up my horse and buggy, and mosey along...

t&l

well is it evening 'over' there ?

A bright cloudless morning here ..... not warm just pleasant 75 with expected high of 85 ..did some shopping ... came back to "MESS" DS & his mates in the pool, sink full of cups & dishes..get the picture?

I was slightly annoyed ...... then DD got up ...shes does like her sleep in's!!

'Ms in command' stormed off outside and gave them a few choice words just before me.... being slightly cynical I'm not sure which got DS mates attention ...DD in her ..um ..less than full coverage clothes or her decription of their less than thoughtful behaviour. I'd go for the first. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Probably not a good idea if I was those blokes though. DD is not exactly in kind mood right now, her man is a week overdue on contact. Know how she feels, Aussie is 3 days over.

But its not abnormal, its unpleasant when you watch the news of course and you worry, but usually its due to operational duties.

As for Nacy Sinatra........ well she can sing better than me, but so can the dog <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />



The Army SAS major was used to harassment from Air
Force fliers about crazy SAS troopers jumping out of
perfectly good aircraft. "Obviously the Air Force knows there's
no such thing as a 'perfectly good aircraft,'" the irritated
officer finally countered one afternoon, "because they pay
you ****** four times as much to stay in one as the Army
pays its men to jump."

"You've got it all wrong, Major," an Air Force flier
replied. "The Army figures anyone stupid enough to jump
out of an perfectly good airplane voluntarily is gonna be too dumb to ****** about the salary."

Now THAT sounds far to close to the truth!!!!!!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Well, Neak, if you see what it was that I did wrong, that makes one of us! I'm going to try this one more time tonight, and then I'm going to bed. It's 5:30 in the evening, and I'm all finished for today.


Is it possible to have a less-flattering pose?


Yes, as a matter of fact, it is.


t&l at the USS Arizona Memorial



ceremonial costumes

When my dad saw these, he said, "Well, I bet none of 'em was a smoker!!"

SS, fortunately Neak speaks Swahili and mid-1800s both, and you were right about the problem, but I didn't "see" what you were talking about until she explained it while I looked at the screen in question. And THAT was after I had to call Neakbro to find out how to locate my suddenly-missing toolbar. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Even Neaksis is better than I am. Pathetic. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

t&l

DS even if he is messy got some good news ...well for HIM I suppose. Of course the bad news is that it means he's being groomed for things closer to the action.

he's off on 3 Dec on a training ship for advanced leadership training, but you know the BEST news out of all this?

I get to go along as a guest for a day!! all food included and I dont do anything but admire DS doing his army command thingy. Waited on, served high tea. I love THOSE traditions!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Sail
sail 2
sail 3

FINALLY...the service & treatment I obviously deserve !! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

May I join your century, please? Puh-leeze!!!!!!!!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Anytime t&l <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Isnt that nice of them?

Of course DD had to punture my happy balloon..... she's become very cynical since getting engaged to a soldier!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

I withhold the word bitter... she not bitter with the world at all ..just the Army right now <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

DD COMMENTS" Oh yes bloody charming isn't it.. Dear DS Mom come have some nice cakes and a cuppa, oh by the way thanks for the canon fodder." OUCH <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Of course she is just worried about Jonnie. 7 days overdue now. I'm not worried about him yet, nervous, but no letters returned so should be ok in the end.

AW, it is indeed evening here, Friday evening to be exact. I always used to love going into Mom's work and leaving a dirty cup in the sink under the sign that read, "Clean up after yourself. Your mother doesn't work here."

SS and cc, nice to hear from you again. It reminded me of the good old days when I got to do fun stuff (pre-marriage, pre-children). We used to go to our aunt's house during the summer to go swimming.

One of our favorite games was to have the "it" close their eyes and shout, "Marco!" Then from all around the pool would come the echoes. "Polo, Polo, Polo, Polo, Polo."