mousecrazy

Great quote, Darcy! When I come to this thread, it is like coming to a soft place, a safe place. Thank God and blessings on all of you! It's a sunny Sunday, and probably anothI'er scorcher down here! They are saying we're going to cool off this week...I think it will get all the way down to 99 tomorrow! Yea! I'm doing laundry, and planning out the week...we have a family picinic thing at DD's school on Tuesday, voice lessons on Thurs., a rehearsal on Friday, a make-up lesson on Sat., and the big fall Sunday school kick-off thing on Sunday. Can we say, "Here we go!" The fall whirlwind begins... I'm watching the news while I'm writing and when I see that Karr guy, all I think is, well, that's what happens when you live your life in the Dark. Seriously, does the depravity ever end in this guy's life? Whether or not he had anything to do with JonBenet...(shivers down spine). Back to happy land.... The dryer stopped, so better go get those jeans out and hung up before they are all wrinkled! Love you all! Cindy

I wonder what time they finally fixed this site? I tried to get on most of today, and couldn't. Did that happen to ya'll? We did a "makeover" on my Dad's bathroom today as an early birthday present for him (my sister and I, and DD helped, of course!). It was fun! My mom had decorated it in pastels and seashells, but considering he lives alone now, we thought he might like a more manly look, so we shopped at Cabela's, and got him a hunting them...you know, ducks, labs, pheasants, etc...he likes to hunt. We found pictures of him and his father hunting and hung them in there, moved some of his duck decoys in, etc. It looked pretty good, if I do say so myself! LOL! He REALLY liked it! So, now it's off to bed...I'll catch ya'll tomorrow...sure missed you today!

T.O.M., I read with interest your continuing theoretical confusion. Try as I might, I cannot find where you would draw a line...or if you would draw a line. You are worried about N. Korea. Me, too. Would pre-emptive action be warranted here? Spying? Wire-tapping? Neutralization? Of course, this has nothing to do with Islamic radicalism. Does it? What do you do when there are no more conversations? When the bottom line is: You exist, and we do not want you to exist. Only Muslim countries shall exist. Muslim countries where no more religious freedom will exist, where women will be subjected to honor killings, stonings, and God knows what else, where children are raised to aspire to suicide. There's a bright and shining future. Earlier I asked only a couple of questions. No one has answered them. I think that is interesting, too. Also interesting is that there have not been any Muslims speaking here...they are certainly welcome. It would be refreshing to hear from that perspective if they are happy with the radical Islamists taking over their religion. Criticism isn't all that difficult, is it? I extend the invitation to enter the world of reality, and grabble with these issues. What would be the perfect plan, sir? And remember, no one here in the U.S. is trying to kill all the non-Christians, so let's not go there.

You've got a point, there. I'm not complaining about my government, either.

To further expound on Dawg's outline, and very lucent illustration, it is important to understand that they have no interest whatsoever in pursuing peace. None. A peaceful world in counter productive to their goals. This is another lesson in reality. Not everyone is interested in pursuing peace. If a country (Iran, Syria, and many others) specifically call for the total destruction of another (Israel), it can be safely assumed that "peace" is not at the heart of it. These groups like Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas...they work at the bidding of these terror states. Let's imagine a world free of Israel. Will they now be happy and peaceful?

Speaking of other country's military forces, and speaking of UN peacekeeping "forces", perhaps this would be an interesting illustration of reality: France is considering providing only a symbolic force for the United Nations contingent in Lebanon, and not the thousands of troops UN officials had hoped, Le Monde newspaper said on Thursday. If true, such a move could seriously delay the UN mission, seen as vital to securing peace between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas, or even scupper the whole operation. Quoting UN and diplomatic sources, Le Monde said France might send just a dozen officers and around 200 personnel from an engineering division for the beefed-up UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). President Jacques Chirac’s office said the military options “were still under review.” I understand they would also like "safety guarantees".

Wow! Wow! Did I say WOW! You look positively stunning! Glowing! Young! Lively! What a great year! Congratulations!

Remember that the 1st 6 weeks is really for healing, and that should be your focus. The weight loss is a pleasant side-effect. Please don't worry about this at this early point. Start practicing taking the long-term point of view, don't rush things, and stay focused on health. I promise you will be happier and healthier, and you will lose weight. This is not a race. You are doing great, don't jeopardize it by getting in a big hurry. Good luck! Cindy

Exactly. We do not live in a theoretical world. Thank you for attending this seminar.

Gadgetlady, thanks for your answer. I am hoping someone is doing some research and will give an example of another country who can deliver the type of aid that the US delivers...just one example? Also, looking for examples of reimbursements for assistance delivered? On communism: Why hasn't a pure form of Marxism/communism ever existed in a country? Theories? Anyone?

Okay, asparagus slime is the grossest thing I've thought about today. Thanks, Darcy! Hope you have a great time at the shack! No asparagus for you, girl. Sherry, glad I was transparent on that Christmas thread...surely he will go away. What a bully. Sometimes I have to stand up to bullies, but not on the Christmas thread. See, I've got that Jersey girl spirit! Allison, whatcha doin'? Patty, I'm thinking about you! Betty, hope you are resting your foot, and having a little rest this weekend! Eileen, what's shaking for you this weekend, and don't tell me it's your arms! LOL! Is it cool yet? I think it was 109 today....OMG! Well, I'm gonna go read some stuff, and I'll check back later... OH yeah, Darcy? You're not a brat...(((hug))) Cindy

The U.S. military is the world's delivery system for all relief efforts and humanitarian aid throughout the world...hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, famines, and so on. What other country or company can do this job? Are they absolutely, 100% perfect? What is? Are they better than 99% of the other choices out there? Absolutely. When there is a need for a rescue operation, I bet most people would pray for an American Marine or Special Ops of any branch. That kind of thing does cost $$. I wonder if any of the countries who have received this help have reimbursed the United States for the cost? Maybe somebody out there knows the answer to this question.

Guess what my nickname was in high school? Fireball! As you can see, I've been a spirited conversationalist for quite some time! LOL!

What fantastic progress!!!!!!! I know you are very proud of your achievements this year!

Good plan, Patty! You can do this! I wanna go with you to the BBQ...it sounds so good!

I won't comment on your doctor. My belief is that "something is better than nothing." Fit in what you can, both in relation to time and your current ability. As you lose, your ability and desire will change, and you can adjust as you go. Believing that you "should" exercise for an hour 7 days a week is a sure-fire set-up for disaster as this point. Don't go there. Please, be realistic with your goals. You'll be happier, and lighter, in 6 months. Good luck, and hugs, Cindy

HI ALLISON! (Natesmommy)...I feel bad I haven't said hi sooner, so I said it louder! LOL! Welcome to our most fabulous group! Darcy, I loved reading your long and newsy post...I so enjoy "listening" to you! Beanie, and you! It's great to see you so often, now! Keep it up! Patty, hope you are feeling more calm, and looks like you've got a consensus on here with us...we just don't want you being mistreated, cuz we love you, girl. Eileen, I see you out there! It's hard to play when people are looking over your shoulder...right now, my kids are reading or writing, so I've got a minute. The principal isn't here (don't even ask!), so I don't have to quick minimize the LBT screen when the door opens! LOL! Sherry, I'm glad the fill is feeling okay...try not worry about the "missing" fill...I think these thing fluctuate, depending on if you are standing or lying down...just go with how it feels right now. Are you able to eat solid protein, even if it is slow and small bites? Darcy reminded me...it is so frustrating sometimes after 3 bites, when you feel hungry, but know you can't eat any more! I'm accepting that better now than I would have when I was a newbie. Oh yeah...just wanted to ask you about T.O.M (I am using his initials so if someone searches they won't pull this up)...a person who posted on our Christmas thread and also posts some really disturbing stuff (IMHO) on other threads....I just decided to ignore his Christmas post, did you understand what I was doing? I don't want to give him any more attention than he is already getting, so I just posted again about shopping and stuff. If this doesn't make sense, just PM me, and I'll explain more. As an aside, do you think the people who say that communism and socialism are "refreshing" have ever lived in a communist/socialist country? I work with a lady who left communist Romania to come to the US, and her description of it does not sound at all refreshing. Anyhoooooooo....I swear that ol' soapbox keeps finding me. Happy Friday to all!

Patty, Well, I've kinda got the same thing going on with a friend of mine...I want her to be able to talk to me, because I try to keep coming with the ethical side of things. BUT, and it's a big BUT...I would draw the line on being her "cover." That is just not right. She is using you...you don't "feel" used, you ARE being used. And, then, if it goes to court, guess who will be supoened? Won't that be fun? You get my drift. I'd put a stop to that game pronto. Since you are friends, even though she's not treating you much like one right now, you can simply tell her that she has her own decisions to make about her family and marriage (God, I hope there are no kids). But when it comes to using you, that will have to stop now. She has put you in this position, and don't let her turn that around on you. I know you want to help her, so remind her about the consequences this behavior could possibly have. If she is unhappy in her marriage, there are many solutions to that besides infidelity, which isn't a known positive or effective solution, is it? Dang, what a mess. Good luck! Stay strong.

You lost a lot of weight in a pretty short time...so, first of all, congratulations! I think now you just need to settle into to your new "self." What if you're not at a normal BMI? It's only a number. Are you happy? Do you feel good, healthy? Learn all about your new light body, and get used to it...it might take a year. So what? You've worked hard...enjoy it.

I don't really know the signs of a slipped band, but we are probably all more likely to experience a "slipped headband"! I have had periods of time where I had more difficulty with the emotional issues, and during those periods the loss was very slow, or nonexistent. Then, a breakthrough...and the loss would start again. Stick with it...if today is a bad day, make tomorrow a better one. I think we get trapped in that all-or-nothing thinking. "Oh, I already blew it today, might as well keep going." That's not a good thing. Even one good decision a day can add up.

I had some of the same worries you are having, but as I went along, I found out something really amazing. In fact, it is so amazing you probably won't even believe it can happen to you! I actually lost my desire for some of the same food I thought I couldn't live without! Some examples are cereal (4-5 huge bowls at a time), soft drinks, most fast food (I still get some, but 1-2 times a month, not 1-2 times a day)... See, it's just hard to believe...but I bet others will tell you the same thing!

It's a pretty good lesson in learning to "wait and see" and not jump to conclusions based on what you hear in the media, no matter what station you hear it on... That said, I did hear that before Mrs. Ramsey passed, she was aware that there was an imminent lead for her daughter's killer...even if she didn't know before she died, she knows now (that's what I believe, anyway).

Wow! Looks like everyone's doing great toward their goals for Christmas Wishes! Anyone doing any shopping? Does this count? I have decided what to get my nephew... he is graduating from college this year, so he needs a nice suit for job interviews, so we're all going together to get him a gift certificate for somewhere, so he can get a suit...I feel like I have already crossed that name off my mental list...and can't wait to see him in that suit!

I don't feel the way I did before. I do not feel exhausted all the time. I do not feel like I can't bend over and tie my shoes. I do not feel like I'm going to pass out if I have to bend over to pick up a ball while TRYING to play Putt-Putt golf with my daughter. I do not feel sad every time I go in the closet and most of my clothes are too small and the others are too tight. You see what I mean? I am more active, more energetic, and much healthier. My cholesterol and blood pressure are normal, whereas before they were way too high. I can walk and climb and run and dance. And I want to. Things are WAY better now...good luck to you!

This is posted in the lounge, so the topic is fine. I like politics. Sometimes, though, the "juice ain't worth the squeeze" (that's a little East Texas slang). For the "record" ( as if anyone is keeping one) I used to be left, now I am right (pun intended), and find it easier to avoid these topics on LBT...if they bother you, you might try taking a deep breath, and moving on. It helps with the sanity portion of your journey. See ya on another thread.