mousecrazy

When did appeasement, or diplomacy, actually work? Do I need to define "work"? What countries, disregarding entirely the USA(just so we don't get bogged down in that tired old discussion), want peace? Define peace. This sounds a little smarty-alecky, but indeed these are all legitimate questions.

Mandy, I can't make suggestions for Chicago...our climates are so different. We use butterfly bushes down here, too, and they are pretty. We also use salvia, but I think they need a warmer climate. We can't have lavender, because it is too dang hot for that. Hopefully, some of the gals in the northern areas can help you! Darcy, you are the cutest little girl! Thanks for posting that pic! It's finally raining here...we really need it! I had lunch with a friend, and did some errand-shopping...now it's time to cook dinner. Hugs, Cindy

Surprisingly, probably, I believe bad behavior is bad behavior, left or right. Another big surprise to some might be that I do not have full control over any portion, left or right, of the media. So, I can't say that it is possible for me to control any outrage expressed by the media. I can say that I think it was wrong for someone to call Clinton a pig on the floor of Congress, even if someone felt it was true. I would like more decorum by all our elected officials, but they have not called for my appointment on the "arrangment committee" for those rules. With that, I seriously would like to know how you guys can just ignore that almost the entire world's leaders knew Hussein had chemical weapons? Even more, have you seen the films he had taken of the dead Kurds, upon whom he tried out his chemical weapons? How you can you see thousands of dead Iraqis, killed by chemical weapons, and then blithely repeat and repeat and repeat, "Hussein did not have WMD"? Have you seen the films of caravans of trucks leaving Iraq before the coalition troops went in? What do you think was in those trucks? Many people believe there could have been weapons or the makings of weapons in them. Have you seen pictures of fighter jets buried in the sand in the desert? I am just wondering if the news ya'll read and see ever shows you these things. Another question: Is Bill Maher a comedian? Why is he on Bill O'Reilly as a political commentator? I guess I was tricked by Bill into thinking he was a political kind of guy, kinda like Ann. I don't think anyone who is "on the right" and has posted on this thread as a total support of Bush going on...I believe in different threads, most have pointed out that they have certain and specific disagreements on issues. I for one have never met a person who I agree with 100% of the time. I think you'd have to be kinda crazy to do that.

Well, it's bedtime. It is interesting that some people find Savage disgusting. Alert the media. Oops. That would be pointless. Seriously, I've tried really hard, I promise, to point out that there are some on the left and the right who cross certain lines...that I'm not necessarily excusing any of them...that I happen to be apt to like the ones I agree with...I am aware that not everyone sees things from the same perspective. I am sorry, Laurend, that there is someone on the radio you deem to be disgusting. I bet some people think Howard Stern is disgusting, and could quote articles all day long about him, but what's the point? I just love tolerance and diversity...especially when I agree with it. Leatha, glad you found Savage. I have confidence that you will be able to enjoy the parts you want, and figure out for yourself when he's too much for you. It's great to be able to reason things out for yourself! Good for you!

Treason has an actual legal definition, is a crime, and has legal consequences. It is not interchangeable with libel and slander. If this is the "prison or death" consequences referred to...it is difficult to prove treason, although it has been done in the past. I doubt words spoken by talking heads on tv or radio would rise to the level of that charge. Words used by elected officials, however, might. Still, it is a very difficult charge to prove. If treason is overstated on my part, please consider the statement one of political satire. If you would like to conduct a comparative study of murderers, just to put things into sharper focus, since things sometimes seem so fuzzy, try looking into the actions of suicide bombers. Clearly, they are murderers. Saddam Hussein was a murderer, both directly and indirectly. No convoluted reasoning necessary. Clear as day. The creatures who filmed themselves beheading our American journalists are murderers. Again, clear as day. Blood right on their hands and all over their clothes. If some of the conservative and ultra-conservative commentators/writers take extremes to make points, it is a tactic used just as often by writers on the liberal side. Surely, there can be agreement on that. I happen to like the ones who agree more closely with my political views; liberals like liberal writers, even when extreme at times. What's the big deal here? This just doesn't seem like a newsflash moment. Air America, Hardball, etc...they have the same effect on the right that Coulter, Hannity, et al have on the left.

We were talking about comedians. We were talking about how one point of view would see it as okey-dokey, and one would be offended. Like you.

Happy Birthday Pat!!! I'm soooo glad to see you posting on here! I've missed you! Well, we all have, but hoped so much you'd pop back on. Thanks for giving us a birthday present! Kat, shopping for someone else sounds like so much fun...and being the granny with the checkbook is fun, too! We're probably the same age, but I'm only at Mommy stage...I'm such a late bloomer! Betty, your trumpet vine is totally gorgeous! We have a relatively new one in the front yard, but yours is much more lush. Our wisteria is just now starting to bloom...it looks like a good year for it! We're just finishing up getting our taxes ready...YUCK! That's all the fun we're having for today! LOL! Tomorrow DH and DD go back to school, and I get to have lunch with a gal pal...that will be a nice day. See ya later! Cindy

What was that comment directed toward Cheney, when he could have been killed, and some "comedians" speculated that it might have been a good thing if he had? T.O.M., you are totally off-base on this one. The comedians on the left are harsh and treasonous, in my opinion. I recognize that I have an "opinion", and do not try to masquerade my opinion as fact. I hear them call our president a murderer and a liar, and I, for one, do not find it humorous. I find it offensive to the highest level of offense. Of course, this is only one little person's opinion...unenlightened and unsophisticated as it may be. As to the "dead bodies" comment. Knock it off. I am trying to think of a president who has NOT sent troops into harm's way, whether or not one of us commoners believed in the purpose of the mission, or not. Anyone want to get back on the topic of this thread? There is a whole thread for the Bush-haters...can that topic stay there?

Also, Jack, you have made cogent and well-placed arguments regarding the inability of the public to engage in true discourse. It seems that looking at many sides of issues is just not encouraged any longer; and the quick, one-sided, superficial response is all that anyone can expect. I remember your requests for a "good" president...I do recall a few people making some suggestions. But, you are right. Most just want to name-call their boogeymen presidents. Sad. I don't understand the hatred of Bill O'Reilly, though. His show always includes spokesman of both sides of issues...he fights very hard for laws protecting children, and has even been on Oprah a couple of times. I kinda think that he's been named another boogeyman...and people use his name as one, without ever having watched 4 or 5 of his shows to see for themselves. It is so much easier to be told what to think...

Great news, Mandy! Have ya'll had any of the bad weather I am seeing talked about on the news in the Chicago area? We are just finishing up our spring break here...I'm glad yours is later...probably better weather up there!

I simply can't believe that people do not understand satire. I certainly "get" that Bill Maher is a satirist, if not truly a comedian. Ann Coulter is a satirist as well. Sometimes, I laugh at both. Sometimes, both cross lines. What would good satire be, if it did not cross lines? People have DIFFERING views. Even I understand that, as unelevated and unsophisticated as, apparently, I am.

He is definitely not politically correct; like Jack said perfectly, at times he cuts through the fog and at times he raves. I have thought him both brilliant and "way out there", depending on his mood and topic. I have read a couple of his books. People like Bill Maher offend me greatly; but he definitely has his supporters and fans. Rosie O'Donnell, though not in his league, says things every week that make me very angry, but she has her fans. To each, his own. I would deem Maher's and O'Donnell's speech as "spewing hatred"...others say the same of Savage and Coulter. I like Coulter; I saw her speak in person, and stood in line to get her autograph. Point: your way isn't the only way. One person's hate speech is another's "hey, good point."

I'm 18 months out, like you. I relate to the ups and downs of motivation. I think that's a normal process, and wouldn't be so concerned about that. Slipping into old behaviors, a little here, a little there...that's a concern, and you've rightly recognized it as one, so kudos to you for that! One thing that has helped me in the past to get back on the path, is instead of conquering everything at once, I choose one thing to concentrate on. Doing that, it becomes manageable. Also, the other things start falling into line. Suggestions: quit the diet drinks, add more water, get proper sleep, add more protein....you choose. Choose one. If you are a new bandster reading this, please internalize these concerns now, so you plan ahead for these eventualities. They do happen. Good luck, TexasRose....you can do this!

Good morning, almost afternoon to all! Good to see you, Patty...keep up the good fight. Congrats on winning your technology war! Beanie, I understand your decision about the career change...like I said, you'll know best when the time is right, and doing both together is a good idea. I hope your story is wonderful...lucky Abi! Eileen, bummer on that little bubble burster. Hmmmm, I wonder what that meant, if anything? I hate stuff like that, and always on a Friday...they are mean and cruel, that's what. Let's continue to hope for the best. Sherry, glad you are doing well on your stained glass project! Kat, I enjoyed your story about your DH's mullet...gosh, those were just so good-looking, weren't they? I do my DH's hair, now, too...we just shave it off. He likes it; I like it. Mandy, you are doing what you need to do. Take notes, take notes, take notes. It's always so great to take a notebook to a meeting, and say,"Well, let's see here...(flip some pages)....back on Oct 14, we were told blah, blah, blah, and yet on Feb. 23, this still had not been achieved." It puts a rock in their stomachs, and motivates them to see things from a different point of view. I'm glad you are seeing changes and progress, and glad you are getting some reassurance from the program. Betty, don't over-do it this weekend, let your back rest! Darcy, I hope you have a great time at the cabin, even if there aren't live mouse shows! Our house painting is complete...it looks so nice. DD and DH go back to school next week, which is kinda sad and kinda happy (you know what I mean?). I spent yesterday with my sister at my dad's, going through all of my mom's "get well" and sympathy cards...another sad thing that feels good to have over with. Big sigh. I guess all in all, I'm proud of all of us for moving ahead and not letting grief keep us from life. I still miss her so much, and I will, I guess, always. Like Mandy said so well, thank you to all my friends here, all around the country, who have provided so much support and friendship! I love all of you! Cindy

Oh, Kat! Glad DH is so much better! With soft food and protein, how about some soup? Or chili?

Good afternoon, pals! Well, we've got action on the house painting! Even though rain is threatening, I guess after taking off yesterday, waiting on rain that didn't come, they decided to get started and take their chances. I cant wait to see it all done. Yeah, Kat...we'll see that Onederland someday...I really think our bodies are just hesitating to set that new weight. I try not to think about it. Also, I did try to make a ticker that wasn't just like yours! Mandy, I'm glad to hear your daughter's school is working out...there willbe ups and downs, and some of the behaviors will worsen for a while until they get better, because that is normal in behavioral psych practices, but if they know their stuff, they will stay consistent, and those behaviors will begin to extinguish. Good luck with the school district...you are right, they will have to provide the services she needs, and you will have to prove they cannot provide them in their standard services. Each state has slightly different laws, and I only am familiar with Texas, but they are enough alike that I know you are on the right track. You may have to do a partial pay thing, but you should be able to get something. Betty, glad to hear you are feeling a little better...take it easy, and no pressure to get caught up on personals. We just keep moving along...you know how it is! Darcy, are you out running? I'll stop back in later...hugs! C.

I can't resist. Maybe Sandy Berger's theft had something to do with it?

My take on it is that the "money" is a symptom of something else, mainly a lack of communication and trust. Admittedly, I don't have near enough info to really delve into it, but if you two do not know everything there is to know about your finances, it would seem that there is not the "we are working together as a team" aspect going on. Why? Only you and your DH can answer that one. I'm sorry you have been blind-sided...do you choose not to participate in the finances of the family, like checking account balances, bill paying, saving, etc.? If you do not currently do any of this, ask to start.

I know you won't believe this, right now. Time will prove us experienced bandsters true, though... Scales lie. Period. I have had plateaus that lasted longer than I wanted...months sometimes. Still, during that time, my measurements changed, my sizes changed. I promise I am not making this up. Just today, after being at this same weight for at least 6 weeks or so, a t-shirt that did not fit me before, fits like a dream. No change in the scales, but a change in the body. Try not to become very impatient...you are doing really great!

Hi guys! So much going on! Hey, Patty! I'm just glad to see your face, and hear what's going on with you! No permission ever needed to rejoin us here in the chat thread...so glad you stopped in. And, so sorry to hear of the troubles you are having. I will continue prayer for you and your surgery, and the well-being of your family. Don't feel like you have to do personals all the time if it's too much; just post what's going on, and let us know. Beanie, I'm sith Darcy on this one...check on your DH's cognitive state...that high fever plus lack of sleep plus meds could be trouble. It would freak me out too. I guess you are still going to put some thought to your career path, which is good. You'll know when you have the answer that is best for you. Kat, what in the world...your poor DH, and YOU! How is he doing tonight? He's going to need to read a copy of the bandster rules...small bites and time between bites; and we know how hard they are to follow. So sorry you are going through all this again, but hope he is doing well now. Take care of yourself, too...that's important! Mary, how fun to plan a surprise trip! Let us know what you have cookin' for that! Deb - seriously, check out that fill, and see if you need to back off on that. Sometimes slower really IS faster...sounds weird, but it is sometimes true. Darcy - hope your FIL gets a grip on his issues...I know it is such a struggle for the family. What is the situation on your sister's business? Sounds interesting. You're still treading heads and tails above all of us in the exercise dept., you know. I just wear the pedometer, and tally all of that up. Mandy, did you change your ticker? On my screen, it is showing up with a little red x. 159! Yahoo! I only dream of that...but some of my dreams have come true already, so maybe that one will too, who knows? I hope your meeting went well this afternoon, and I think we all agree that you have made a great decision in intervening early. You are very wise. I think you are blessed with clear vision, and the ability to take action, and that is indeed rare in this world. Let us know how it went, okay? I have an NSV to report...strangely enough, even though I am stuck like chuck at 202 lbs, my body is definitely shrinking/changing...today, I pulled out a t-shirt I bought a few months ago, and couldn't wear, because it was skin tight. Today, slipped it right on, and it fits perfectly! Get this, it's a Junior size 17. It makes me laugh, just thinking about it. You may ask, why is this older lady buying junior clothes...well, it has Tinkerbell on it, and it's for the trip this summer...LOL! For Deb, who's a little "newer" than the rest of us...even when the scales don't move, your body still changes. I swear it is true! Betty, how's it going, lady? Are you working and working? Are the roses blooming? We don't have roses blooming yet, but irises and tulips are out! Eileen, nice to see a long post from you! ((hugs)) Love all of you...Sherry, Chrispy, and Dianne...and anyone else I missed! Cindy

Hey, I posted last night, but it's not here....hmmmm. I wished you luck, Mandy, with getting your fridge installed...I bet your kitchen is going to look fantastic! I think the colors sound great! Dianne, I hope you are resting while you are healing...getting around is good, too...not too much, though, sweetie! My girls are up playing hide and seek...they ended up in the bed with me, what a surprise. The housepainters have checked in, they are going to powerwash, but had to leave and get a part for their equipment. Unfortunately for the painting, but fortunately for Texas, it is supposed to rain, so our project will most likely experience delays. Isn't that always how it is? Well, tonight is the Josh Groban concert...I bet it's going to be good. Not as good as Aerosmith or Steely Dan, but good in a different way, if ya know what I mean. See ya later, Cindy

Hi, just a quick stop tonight... Haven's friend, Karley, is here, and they are both in the living room with me. Go figure. I guess when you're 9 and 10, hanging out with Mom is still fun. I've gotta figure out a way to get them out of the living room....LOL!

Please, try to evaluate the impatience and perfection feelings. I may not be able to tell if they are just excitement and motivation, and they well may be. I'm asking you to evaluate them. Wanting it NOW...well, that's exactly the feeling that led to me being over 100 lbs. overweight and having to consider lapband surgery in the first place. Something to ponder....

Happy St. Paddy's Day! I usually make corned beef/cabbage...but forgot to do it this year. We make this sauce for the corned beef with sour cream, coarse ground mustard like Dijon, a titch of sugar...it's yummy! But, this year we're having meatball sandwiches! LOL! I AM wearing a Dublin Rugby Club t-shirt, though...so I'm in the spirit! This Disney trip is a land/sea combo in Florida this summer. Like Mandy (and Patty), I am a full-out Disney fan...it's a wonderful place to vacation...I love it there, and am looking forward to "feeling" my mom's presence as we celebrate our happy achievements there (nephew's college graduaduation/my retirement). I recommend highly taking all kids and kids-in-spirit to WDW or Disneyland!

Hello, everyone1 I certainly didn't expect to see Dianne already posting on here, all doped up like that! (wink, nod, and giggling!) Good for you, Dianne, girlfriend! Those aren't 15 year old boobs...they are yours! Do you remember all those newbies freaking out right after band surgery? I bet this anxiety is just like that, and will pass...and you'll get used to your new skin. You're doing great, it seems to me, and you still have your sense of humor, so that's another good sign. I would take my 15 year old upper arms, if I could pick...followed by my 15 year old thighs! Beanie, your job ideas sound pretty good...I bet it's hard to decide. Whatever you think, I'm sure it will be good. I bet the story you are writing for Abi is great, too! Hey, Eileen! Please, I hope you are not just cleaning house this weekend. Is it snowing up there? I'm kinda just planning our Disney trip for this summer...everyone's on spring break in the coming week, so my sister and I can do some finalizing of the overall "plan". One of DD's friends is coming to spend the night with us on Sunday night...then DD goes over there to spend the night Monday night. We're taking DH's dad to see Josh Groban that night. I guess that's about all...hope everyone is having a great Friday night!