Kat817

Well I am out of here, to go to a funeral. No fun, but DH is having to work, they had a crisis breakdown last night, so I am going alone. It is my BIL's brother. Then I am meeting my Mom to go shopping---------on a Saturday, just before school starts, there is nothing about either one that appeals to me today! I love my Mom and spending time with her, and with me working, we are reduced to going on Saturdays, but it sucks big time! Didn't have anything to drink last night so feeling fine. I know myself well enough to have known if I had drank anything last night, the slightest twinge would have been cause to get out of going anywhere today!!! LOL Have a great weekend everyone!

Beth, I can totally see you answering ads in a similar manner....but (didn't we all know there was going to be a but????) I think you should leave the Craigslist ads to him, and you should do personal ads. I would love to see what you could do with a whiny, needy personal ad!!!! I am outta here and off to bed!

People with the TAS2R38 genotype have a heightened sensitivity to bitter taste. Their genetic makeup includes a gene discovered in 2003 that controls the presence of receptors for a bitter-tasting compound called 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP). Scientists believe that the presence or absence of this gene can help account for individual taste preferences and eating habits. A study published in February 2005 found that children who had this gene were more partial to sweet beverages and foods than those without it (though this effect seemed to wear off by adulthood, when race/ethnicity was the strongest determinant). Researchers theorized that these children may be less likely to find vegetables palatable, which could limit their intake of important nutrients. On the plus side, an earlier study suggested that those with the TAS2R38 gene were less likely to indulge in underage alcohol consumption, experiencing it as more bitter and irritating than do those without the gene. Nutritionists hope that this type of information will help improve dietary planning for children. We were just discussing this on another thread I am on regularly. It was a subject on a Nova Science program. It was common among the group of us, that those of us who disliked broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts as kids, were also the ones who disliked bitter alcohols. And some of them who really liked those foods, even find swishing VINEGAR in their mouths to NOT be horrid! There were of course exceptions to the rule--but it was kind of interesting...... Not of course as interesting as hot handy men, or sponge baths given by hot handy men, or giving sponge baths TO hot handy men......deep, deep sigh.......

I would love to be in a financial situation that would allow me to do things of that nature regularly. She was telling the truth, it was all about how it made her feel---knowing she was doing something good. I have handed the cashier in the store a $10.00 to cover the things an elderly man was going to have to put back, when she hit total. He was so flustered, he never even saw it, and the clerk deducted it, and said she was sorry and gave him the new amount owed, and he looked SO relieved. I would love to be able to give that relief to others----there were times I would have loved to have received it!!! Would be a great time wouldn't it? Been a great night. Had a great ride, and been sitting in the lawn swing, reading!

Oh that poor baby! You don't have to beg me, prayers have already been said, I hate when kids are sick!!! When my Dad had kidney stones, they told him to go home and drink a 6 pack of beer! Seriously. I know you can't give her beer, but maybe something like tea that has a bit of a diuretic in it too, that makes her pee a lot-----have you looked online for ideas on dealing with it, with kids? I would love to have a Kindle.......but $$$$ is what I am trying NOT to spend! Weather here was good---not hot as it was, but not storming either. And I do not have to work tomorrow!!! I do however have to go to a funeral, think I would rather work. Rick is working, so I am going alone....will likely meet up with my inlaws there, but not going WITH Them as they will go to the dinner with the family etc. I am not. I feel for my brother in law, but eating with him is not gonna help him!!! I am coming HOME! I would really like to go yard saling instead, but have no way to get out of going....dangit. Space shuttle landed safely, that is always nice to hear. Jane, if you find the lotion, just let me know, and I can send you money to cover it, and shipping. I am not pressuring you, I just thought about it, as I realized I need lotion on my elbows!! I am off to ride for a little while.....perfect weather for it, little warm....but the horses are happy to go. BBL~

Lu, heart has a point with her meds maybe causing some change in the friend. When my DH had his Major GI bleed, he was in a coma for days, then when he come out, he was wierd for a couple of days, then settled down. Scared me because they didn't know if there might be problems from lack of blood to the brain during the worst of the bleed. I kept praying he not always be that way! He didn't recognize people, and would say inappropriate things---and got "he" and "she" mixed up all the time! In a few days he was good again. Then we moved out of ICU and they changed his meds. They began using benadryl to help him sleep and he was allergic to the chemicals they add to blood platelets, so he was getting LOTS of benadryl. So he would sleep a lot. He had company one day and they give him his meds, and suddenly he decided it was time to go walking! He was WEAK! He always had 2 of us walk with him using a walker, and he decided to use his IV pole. When I tried to steer him back to bed he...I SWEAR this is true.....bared his teeth and growled at me!!!! I was dumb founded! I was mad, sad, scared and cracking up all at once. The nurse got him back to bed, and he was flopping all around, the benedryl had turned on him, and instead of sedating him, it hyped him up. Well he was supposed to be being still for the wound in his esophagus to remain closed, so they knocked him totally out again. He woke up my Rick again. He does remember it tho, and he said he was just ANGRY beyond belief, and he has no idea why other than he was scared, and unhappy with being sick.....sounds kinda familiar huh? So tell your friend to make sure HE brushes HIS teeth so if he bares them and growls at her, she won't be knocked out with bad breath!!! Taps, sopapillas, are not donut like. They are not sweet. Have you ever fried a flour tortilla (like for a taco salad) and had them puff up----that is more like a sopapilla. I in fact prefer them with salt and pequi--------a crushed red chile....mmmmmmm Yeppers I think uncooked flour tortillas are on my don't like it no more, no more list! I even thought about the hair down his back comment, and unlike the sexy shirtless guys, this guy I was lucky enough to never see without his tight tshirt, so have no idea if the fake curls continued anywhere else!! Son, DIL and DGS coming to dinner. Frying chicken, mashed potatoes, fresh squash from the garden,and biscuits. DH told DGS he would take him to ice cream after dinner so I don't have to make anything else. I ask DIL what she would like and this was her choice.....so guess I will go get busy. Rescued a Golden Retriever today at work, walked out to get some air and he was wondering around so I petted him, and checked his collar. We called the animal control, and sure enough someone who was visiting at the hospital lost him, a friend was sitting with him outside and he took off following a truck with dogs in it. I told the animal control officer I would spring for the $$$ to buy him a leash. She agreed. Was cute, she said they told her he was 7 months old....silly teenager dog!!! See y'all later!

Which side Tracy???? High or low--from the sound it is higher, if you are hoping a rib. Appendix always worries me! Rick and our son have lost theirs, the girls and I both still have ours. And both of them it was out of the blue, no warning....well guess the pain WAS warning!! LOL Will be in touch, off to a BUST MY BUTT day. Ready for the weekend.

Glou, the powers that be--as in Alex and his crew can follow the IP address, and is one of the ways they know if you have multiple names. The info and the IP do not match up for the "pinks". I too ask the question in a mod room!!! Susan told me no it is not the same person. Sopapillas, are like Lu said, they are made with dough, then deep fried, and they puff up, turn into pillows. The most common way to eat them is with honey following a meal. There is a reason for that! The honey is supposed to take the burn out of the chili as it passes the next day!!! LOL Seriously!!! Another very common way to eat sopapillas, is to stuff them with meat and beans, along with chile, onions, cheese, tomatoes, and topped with sour cream or guacamole. They ARE bread, so eating them is a slow thing for me, but I manage!!! I took the food over there, met my MIL and the table looked like a carb feast! Mac & cheese, and tons of different kinds of potatoes, and a couple of rice dishes. Some of it made my mouth water, but I did not eat a bite! Not because I was behaving---we were headed to dinner! LOL. I managed a chicken taco, and it was not an easy task. I was having eating issues last night which is really unusual for me. It stayed down just fine, it was just kind of painful going down, even tho I chewed well. Probably the flour tortilla it was in---they are hard for me. Then I dealt with some reflux last night. So gonna do an easy food day, drink lots, and give it a rest. We are going to be slammed at work, and I hate that, it means I get drug to the front office to help. NOT my favorite place! Makes the day fly by tho. I am supposed to get off at 2---I look at getting off somewhere between 3 & 4.......there is just no way to get it all done with as many patients as we have going through. Oh well. Weekend is upon us....YAY!! Rick brought me home tickets to an outdoor theater production of "Annie Get Your Gun", for this weekend, so I am looking forward to that. It is done in a natural sandstone ampitheater. They do 2 different productions each summer. The local Lions club rents cushioned chair things to sit on, as the natural seating, is carved out of stone. If you have ever been the the Redrocks outside of Denver, this is very similar, only in sandstone. Very cool place. The last couple of years, they have branched out, it used to only be Native American historical type plays----like the Anasazi story, etc. DH does most of our work here at the house. But the last few times we have had workers, they did not look like that. One was a very short hispanic man--like 5'2" who thought he was hot! He had permed hair down his back, and wore tight clothes---and was so drunk he fell off his scaffolding twice! In the end, he did REALLY good work, when he showed up sober! Then we had a shop built. But it was built by a local Menonite church group. They are along the lines of the Quakers, or the Amish people, bearded, long sleeves, certain style dress. But hey they had a great price for a great shop----so it worked! I was not tempted to look! They did NOT like dealing with me tho, kept asking if my Man was home! Made me mad! Time to go to work. Will see y'all this evening.

Awww you guys caught me on kind of a crappy day and almost reduced me to tears!! Thanks so much---I will say I might be able to teach some of you a few things....NOT to do!!! We are off to my SIL's. Her DH, my BIL, lost his mom about 6 weeks ago, then a granddaughter 2 weeks later, and now he just lost his brother. So I have went on a cooking spree (tap you would be so proud of me!!!). I made a huge pot of green chile stew,with homemade tortillas, some sopapillas, and a chicken broccoli casserole, and some apple enchiladas---and for the kids some rice crispy treats. We are delivering it in a minute here, then we are going with Rick's brother and going out to eat!! No more cooking!! I bought 7 new shirts today at JCPenney's. Feels kinda wierd to walk in and pick up Large shirts and know they will be fine. I know some of you (LU.....LU....LU....) probably did not need a large in the beginning! But I began in a 3-4X and am still a DD at 5"9" so a large is reasonable and makes me HAPPY!!!! I have just begun being able to buy tops and bottoms together. I prefer Junior bottoms, I am boy shaped, not much in the hip dept. but then I always had to keep going to womens for tops. Now I can buy in all one place again! Well time to deliver food. Oh yeah---heart your DD will love riding the pony! I told my DGD she could ride on her own at 5. She is 4.5 now, and I am regretting my words!!! Although she is ready and able. She has rode with me since she was months old. She loves the horses. My inlaws have a couple out there now and she wants on them sooooo bad!!! BBL~~again, thanks for making my day Diva, you and g4e---made me feel awesome!

LOL, I remember that BJ!! I actually have no issue with everyone else discussing religion, I have made my beliefs known, it has been proven that no matter what words I use, someone will take it upon themselves to straighten my path to righteousness--and I was just sick & tired of it. It is like dealing with a misbehaving child, sometimes the best way is to ignore them. Short of beating them, which we know I support as well.....LOL

I did not try to sleep in today--but it happen! Power must have blipped in the night, and I learned the hard way the batteries in the battery back up on the alarm must be dead!!! Woke up and DH had to be to work in 15 minutes, interesting since it is a 25 minute drive!!!! OOOPs!!! My late day in to work, we have no patients on Thurs. Just me, lab work, paperwork, and the ever present, ever ringing stupid phones! TY for the kind words all. I need to take the test, I usually blow them off, because they are way off the mark!!! I took one once that said I was a Trailer Trash Barbie Doll, made me laugh!! Will check in after work--yeehaw! NOT

Rude awakening this morning to the realization that at some point the power must have flickered in the night, and my battery back up on the alarm is shot as well! Rick and I were snoozing so good, the storm last night brought in some cooler weather, when all of a sudden he bolts upright and says a bad word. Brought me out of my warm and snuggly place quite quickly! He raced around and was out the door. It would have been normal time for me to get up pretty much, and we usually are chatting before the alarm goes off, but it was kinda darker than normal, and cool and just perfect sleeping in weather....just the wrong day unfortuately! Pamela, hope today is less painful than it is going to look. Just keep in mind how it is going to look soon! My Mom is having her arms done in a couple of weeks. It is a genetic thing, and we have HUGE arms, that the fat pad eventually drops over the elbow. She would never spend the $$$ on it, then when she got this unexpected inheritance, we convinced her to do something she wanted that she refused to use retirement $$$ on! The PS told her with the type of weight gain in her arms, she could get down to 89 pounds and not have body fat ANYWHERE else, and there would be a pad of fat there--he said there is no effective way to help a muscle in that area to make it "defined" fat, it is just there, and if you are genetically disposed to the type of thing WE have then it is the only way to get rid of it. So as soon as the rest of my debt is paid, I am starting to save for it. I have several errands to run before work, and all involve money flowing like water....sucks in a major way! I gotta go get my allergy drops in my eyes, I am miserable, wish the corn would finish tasselling everywhere and my eyes would be almost normal again.....grrrrrrr Sorry about your pie Jenn, I dumped a fresh baked one perfectly upside down in the floor one time. I so wanted to jump up and down in the middle of it, had to settle for saying bad words....

Sorry to hear all of you with your expensive glasses. I get mine for the cost of the lenses---which is usually under $20.00, and my frames at cost. My contacts are free.....so I take advantage!! One hint I can offer is that if your RX does not change drastically in the year---you can send your "old" glasses in to be dipped----they just tint the lenses, as dark as you want, and use them for sunglasses. Even before going to work for the eye clinic I am at, my DH and I always take last years pair and turn them into sunglasses----and we still send them in for people, and charge them $15.95. I just ordered a really cute pair of Carlo Bellini frames, in Navy Blue today----hope I like them on as well as in the catalog! We got DH some Blues Brothers like sunglasses for the bike! He actually has prescription goggles, he uses on the chopper and the bikes he has with no windshields. He has a totally high dollar Rx----he is legally blind in one eye, so the Rx in it is high, and a + where the other eye is a -, and he has prisms. So we have taken advantage and got him new ones since I am working there too! Still no new grandbaby.....he is not done baking I tell her. She is sooooo ready. The heat of the summer and the last weeks have really taken their toll. We have been taking my 3 year old grandson more often so she can rest. I lost twins (identical boys) days before scheduled c section. It was devastating. I can sympathize with anyone dealing with that. I know it was less traumatic than "knowing" your child. But nothing prepares you for that, and you never quit wondering 'what if?'. In my case I dealt with much guilt, as I did not want to be pregnant for months in the beginning, and prayed to miscarry, and did things trying to bring that on---lifting, straining etc. I was married to a highly abusive man, and trying to arrange a way out. I knew he would NEVER allow it with kids---and I was sick over the idea of HIM being their father. I adjusted, and had grown to love my babies, but to let go of the guilt took a lot of time, and lots of support. To lose a child you "knew" would be more than I could imagine. How do you ever eat their favorite foods again, or watch Sponge Bob again.....I simply cannot wrap my mind around it. My heart goes out to the families dealing with the losses. Will be hoping for good news for you Ebony!!! You too Beth, not sure when you will fit in a job tho!! LOL Lu---prayers and good thoughts for your friend. My next door neighbor is in Albuquerque in the VA hospital dealing with throat cancer, that has grown into his ear canal, and down into a lung---but it is one tumor that began in the throat. We have been taking care of his wife, who is handicapped. We take in meals, so she will eat, she just doesn't want to cook. She says she knows he can't eat, so she just hates to cook things she knows he is missing. Rick takes care of their lawn. It is a helpless feeling. I am glad your friends have you and DH. We have good friends that way....the family you CHOOSE!!

My poor BIL who lost his Mom last month, just lost his brother late last night....and we all lost Marvin right in the middle of those. Poor guy has had a rough time.

I am worried about TracyK-----hope all is well, and that the girls are ok. Heading out to the store here in a few minutes. I have a dozen errands to run in the morning so going to try to get things done tonight too! Had a massive wind storm, my inlaws had a roof blow off of one of their rental trailers. Wonder who they will expect to fix that??? I am being really bad, I have horrible mean things running through my head, and cannot quit. I am not voiceing them, but I know thinking it is as bad as saying it....shame on me. Somebody needs to smack me!!! Will try to check in later tonight. Pamela---thinking about you tonight sweety-----gentle hugs goin' your way.

Getting ready to head off to work. Overcast here as well, hope it rains. Yesterday it tried, thunder and lightning, and heat so severe, the rain never made it to the ground! It knocked out the power at work---the computers and refrigerators (tests) are all on battery backup but the AC was not---oh man it got hot in a hurry!!! Then the wind was whipping so hard it was a massive dust bowl outside. I walked out sweaty from the lack of AC, and into the sand---I was covered, it was soooo gross, I come straight home into the shower, while Rick cooked dinner!!! Yes, on his own, with no prompting. He just made burgers, but he did it on his own, and sliced the tomatoes and onions, and had a salad---was good enough for me!!! I was just watching on GMA as they put someone to sleep for surgery using the same meds they say Michael Jackson had used in the IV----wow. I am not going to use it as a sleep aid! I slept wrong and my neck and left shoulder are killing me! It is like my head weighs too much to hold up. And the weight of my bra strap on my shoulder area hurts too---all those muscles are just tight. Should make work fun! Well I am going to get my stuff together to go....get my iced tea, and phone---all the necessities! See y'all tonight, everyone have a good day. Remember you are all worth good decisions, not based on weight, but based on staying healthy for you and for those you love that love you....like us!

FINALLY the sermons are over and we are back to the original topic....aren't we? Screwed??? Prostitutes??? Yeah Original Topic back in the room!

I didn't watch the show, but looked at some of their pics in People and thought the same thing! But you said it first so you get the flames!!!!

Yep Jane, I'll take 'em!! LOL Let me know how much---and I'll send a check your way---I am so excited, TY TY TY!!! This handcream she sent me did such wonders with my cuticles! The paper and all the files, along with the sanitizer, and constant hand washing at work was killing my hands. It was like night and day the first time using it! Heather, you and Laura are talking about sizing in baby clothes---it is terrible! A couple of weeks ago, we were going to a family thing, and Kinsey was wearing a dress, so I told her to go in to "her" drawer at my house and get a pair of shorts--pink ones--to put on under her dress. I told her then she could swing and play without showing her panties. So off she goes and she comes in and Manda says "lemmee see" so she pulls up her dress, and Manda frowns and asks where she got those, she hadn't seen them. Kinsey said they were in the bottom drawer. Manda looks at them, her eyes widen, she pulls her over and looks at the tag--she is WEARING them quite nicely--fitted, but not tight...and they are Newborn 5-7 pounds!!! They were from an outfit she had when she was a baby!!! She is 4 1/2 YEARS old!!! And about 22 pounds heavier than the recommended 5-7 pounds!!! So, look at it, and guess, because their sizing is ridiculous!!! Terry----believe me,the 20 odd pounds has come off slowly!!! Since I finally got off the steroids. I wish it was a fast slide back down, but it has not been! And even with it going, I am flabby beyond belief, so am going to HAVE to get with the program, or I will never get back to my other clothes, even if the scale says the old #. Sucky but true. Suzanne I am so sorry you are going through this with your family. I know it is so hard, addiction is such a horrible thing. My brother was a raging alcoholic for years, and we all walked on eggshells, not trying to be enabling, but we were all afraid of losing him, and being the one that said the crappy thing to him before he did something that cost him his life. Sounds extreme, but he had come so close to dying in the accident years before, it was like we had that thought in our minds at all times. And we just wanted to be sure if something happen, we were not going to regret our words forever. I know why your nephew is with you, I just forgot who and why else is living with you and DH. I hope DH "gets it" and figures out how to walk away and take a breather. I understand where he is at----his turf is invaded in a big way and his wife is stressed----he wants it to be better, but is only making matters worse.....just like a man isn't it!!! LOL TracyKS---like the new haircut!!! New start! I would keep the letter, making sure his family sees it, so they might be watching in case his anger is now turned to someone else, and can be prepared. Tracy---I had a little girl in the office who reminded me so much of the pictures of Macy---I was expecting her to talk with a Tracy like accent, and was totally disappointed when she didn't! Hey everyone else---I miss ya! Judy, Michelle, Pamela, Jenn, Haydee.......HUGS!

Wonder why this above post come to me in my email sent out to me as opposed to Heather, but yet shows no editing?????? Heather I agree with you completly. I personally do not care to hear any more from you personally Patty as to what YOUR beliefs are or what YOUR interpretations of scripture are. This post is NOT directed at you or asking you for response to this. I am simply stating, that I CHOOSE to believe and worship a loving and forgiving God. I do not care whether you agree with my beliefs or not. I do not want to "discuss" it with you any more. And oh yeah....I STILL believe prostitution should be legalized!

Uh-oh......I sense a fit of giggles coming on with some of the members here with the terminlogy of "the end".....or maybe they will be brought on with my use of the wording coming on..... it will never be over!!! I said BE over, NOT bend over!!! Sheesh!!!

Getting ready to head out the door. It is increasingly hard to make myself leave some mornings. Today is one of those days. The weather is beautiful, it is cool and clear out, and being outside is calling to me LOUD and clear! If I could wait and go in to work when the heat makes it too hot to be outside, I'd be fine! But no.......they want me there during THEIR hours. Pretty inconsiderate wouldn't ya say???? As it stands right now, I am down 3 for the month, but unless I seriously get with it, that will be my final. I should, I KNOW I could do it! But, I just have no gumption! Will check in with y'all after work....have a great day. I'm off to "look" at people as they "look" at me!

Good plan Jane, excellent plan!!! I know that is why I challenged everyone to say something good about themselves that day---just because I don't think we do it very often. And we are really an amazing group of women! We have such diversity among us, and yet we don't just survive in spite of it, we revel in it!! I LOVE being a Violet, and what each of you bring to my life. Jane, just let me know about the lotion-----YAY!!! I have not "worked out" per say---I helped Rick mow the lawn----but not much of it! I have been lazy. I did not sleep well. Connor spent the night with us last night, and it takes me a few days to get used to light and sound at night----so it was strange last night, so kept waking me up with his TV and nightlight---which is how he sleeps at home, so trying to keep it easy for him. He will be staying with us some when the baby comes, since she will be in the hospital for a couple of days with the c section. So just getting him into practice! Meanwhile, it left me dragging today, and it was a wierd day at work---so feelin' kinda drug out and blah.... So on that note.... I am off to bed..... Hugs!

Beth, so sorry you are going through this, never think you are going it alone tho. All the advice has been given---I agree with it all. The lack of emotion is a give away to me, that you have been drained of all desire to live this way any longer. I understand you took vows you want to honor, but I also feel like to stay and know that in order to do so that you would in essence have to look the other way---is like condoning it, and surely THAT is not what a loving and forgiving God would ask of you. I accept myself, feeling that God did not expect me to sit at home and accept whatever diseases my 1st husband who was out sleeping with everyone around was going to bring home to me. Nor did he expect or want me to stay married to #2 and see if next time he succeeded in killing me, with his beatings. God give me the ability to look out for myself. And I did. And you will. Some religions do not believe in medical treatment, that God will save you if it is meant to be. Personally I believe he (God) gave some the talent and intelligence to help save me and I am going to let them! I like your friend, found myself with husband #3----who I had went to school with since 4th grade! I resisted marrying him for years, lived with him instead, convinced if we married, things would change. We married, nothing changed, he is the one for me. We too laugh and make our kids cringe with our open loving actions with one another. I am sorry I did not get to spend my young years with him, and give birth to his children---but I am so thankful to have him now----I KNOW he would wipe my hiney if in my old age I could not. And he would not tell anyone he had to do it. He considers my DD his. He calls and checks on her like he does his 2----he takes care of her, and gets irritated with her just the same. Ironically of all the kids she is the one "accused" of being most like him!! LOL You mention that you come across as curt on the computer----maybe it is because it is in a way part of the enemy! He surfs it for porn. You may have been taking crap from him to keep the peace at home, but the computer is not gonna get away with anything! To it, and on it, you can say what you want, and not give a damn if anyone likes it or not, it is not going to affect your life like the one surfing on it does. If you feel a need for a road trip----NM is nice, and I am just minutes from the Colorado border, and some nice quiet mountains. You have lots of options for getting away where no one knows where you are at. Might think about utilizing them! I think from the sounds of the issues in the past, your DD will understand, and be less likely to put up with crap herself if she sees you stand up for yourself in this situation. You have tolerated a lot for a long time, do not act hastily now. Bide your time, build your case, and your nest egg. If something convinces you to stay---no harm done. I will PM you my email, make yourself a folder and email any of us details you want to discuss without putting them out in front of the world, and possibly him. Hang in there.....I will tell you I have felt far more alone in a room with someone who was not right for me, than I have ever felt when sitting alone in a room. If that makes any sense. You are supposed to feel alone if you are, but not if you aren't.....I get the impression you have gone it alone for awhile emotionally.

I personally believe that many people DO CHOOSE homosexuality. I also believe with all my heart that others are born that way, and no amount of bible quoting etc. will alter that opinion. My oldest DD's best friends youngest brother was obviously gay from the time he began walking and talking. He grew more and more flamboyant, and was wearing dresses in Kindergarden. He had NO idea of sexuality then----he was just being who he was, same as most kids. He is now out of high school has been open about his homosexuality since late junior high, and has never questioned it, no one around him EVER has. It was a huge issue with his redneck Daddy! But are you saying then God made a mistake? This boy made the choice, before he knew there was a choice to be made. Last month we lost my niece. She was born special, both physically and mentally. My adult DD ask me, in all seriousness, about her. She said she had always been taught that when your soul goes to heaven all your earthly restraints are removed, and you are fully restored. She was concerned that that would mean my niece was not going to be "herself". We discussed that she was born that way, it was not through an accident following birth that she had her issues, so I believe God sent her to us the way she was. Always happy, always innocent. I believe when we meet again she will be as we knew her. She was not a mistake. Neither in my opinion are people who are born gay, nor is the man with no legs, or the blind or deaf. There are many different things one can be born with, and with those different abilities, or lack of them, you teach those around you. My DD's friends brother taught his entire family and those around him acceptance---everyone knew it was not a choice he made, it was how he was born.... The thing about original greek translations or any other kind, is unless you know the language, it can say that it translates to anything! None of us has ever read or seen THE original bible, or even one of THE original books in the bible, as it has not always been in one place as a book. So through the years, it is entirely possible things have been changed or omitted entirely. It is possible that entire chapters have been "made up". I am not attacking belief, just saying that it is not as cut and dried in most peoples minds, and that does not make us less christianlike, that is not for you to decide for us. Doing so would be wrong in your way of believing. It is beside the point. I know we will never agree, and I really do not care.