VanillaSkyGirl

Ugh...I almost forgot about your "EYE" avatar, JT. It still creeps me out!

WTH? Well, thank you...I think.

Never seen it... any good? It was very odd, but sometimes, I like odd.

I've had the pleasure. Karen is extremely down-to-earth, kind, smart and lots of fun. She is definitely more "normal" than you or I, Jeffy.

Gonz~ That "redneck" one is so funny. I remember seeing it as your avatar...and it reminds me of a film called Gummo.

That's great...and FREAKY, too!

Soooo Sexyfrenchbitch! Makes me want to break out my goggle avatar...

That's awesome, Gonzalesna! Thanks for posting. Squeak~ Thank you.

What can you do with your MAC Photo booth camera effects? Apparently, I can transform myself into a Powerpuff girl with mine. Now, it's your turn to post funny pics of yourselves...

mmmmm, Avacados I agree. Avocados are so good!

Of course, you should apply for the position. Good luck, G!

I agree that it's up to the students to take the initiative to learn because it's their future, but sometimes, it takes a village to raise one child. If you are good in Algebra, then perhaps you and the concerned parents can host study groups or tutoring sessions for the rest of the children in your child's class. Also, arrange a meeting with the teacher, the principal, the parents and the students to talk about what can be done to change this situation. Make sure to bring your questions about class performance, and seek suggestions/alternatives as a group in response to teaching methods that might not currently be working for the class. Before you have that meeting, you might want to have an informal meeting with the other parents, so you appear well-organized as a group, when meeting with the teacher/principal. One more thing...give the teacher the benefit of the doubt. Try to understand why he is choosing his stance and teaching methods. It sounds like he is burnt out, so a positive approach is best. If you are able to encourage the teacher to go beyond, he just might take the initiative. Let him know, that the parents and students want to work positively along with him towards better grades. The students need to be able to promise that they will study harder and try to learn, not just rely on the teacher to handle all of the changes. Finally, be sure to thank the teacher for being open to working with you, the parents. Even if he doesn't inititally want to do this, if you react in a positive manner and display confidence in him, he will probably want to make a difference. The parents, students and the teacher should always work together as a team when seeking a positive and difficult change. Good luck!

This story is great! Samantha Larson is the youngest American to reach the summit on Mt. Everest. Her father and her are the first father- daughter team to have finished the seven summits, which are the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Read more here.

I remember that night...awesome photo.

Stumbled across this thread and wanted to bump it because it made me smile. I hope that JP sees it and smiles, too.

Congratulations to you both!

Yes, it was a great event, Mel. Thank you!

THAT is almost exactly how I felt about him, except I'd call him my protective "big brother" because I'm only about 6 years younger than him. He was so gallant from the first time that I met him at the Byron Boogie in 2003. Even before I went, he offered me his "protection" and told me to not fear traveling alone (I didn't then), while he was around. That was the cop and nurturer in him. After my Florida trip as a newbie skydiver, it felt so good to have someone like him in my corner at a boogie. JP certainly made me and many others feel that he WAS looking after us and our well-being. He had good morals. He respected people, and he always knew how to treat a lady like a lady. I will remember him as a good family man, a wonderful skydiving videographer, a protector of many and a crazy storyteller. May he find the internal peace that he was seeking. May everyone remember him as he lived in happier times, not how he died.

This is so sad. I was just thinking of JP, earlier today. Fly free with Shannon, our beloved Deuce.

I never saw this one, when it was first online. Of course, you matter...you've always mattered. HERE you go. Fly free with Shannon, Deuce.

This is very sad. JP, you've always mattered. You've been a good friend to many. More than once, you told me that you loved me (as a friend). Your special compliments always made me feel like gold. Thank you for all the kind words and the good times. You were one in a million, and you will be deeply missed. Fly free, my friend. Edited: I almost forgot to post that I loved you, too. I've told you this, and you've always been like a protective big brother to me. Thank you so much for looking after me at all the boogies, like you promised. I wish that I could have looked after you better. You will always matter and will be greatly missed. Love and peace to your family. R.I.P. my brother.

I don't give a poo about American Idol or other TV shows, either. I haven't watched televison for the last three or four years, and I do not miss it.

That sounds wonderful, J! Congrats on the line-up, thus far. I wish that I could go, but I'm unable to confirm at the moment, due to my Masters classes & credentialing. My schedule is rigorous and sequential. I don't have (summer or otherwise) vacations; otherwise, I would try to make it. Well, we shall see.

Clay, Remi, Deuce and Sunshine all used to crack me up! They don't post as much, nowadays. GFD was one seriously funny girl, too. (R.I.P., lovely angel.)

Yes, he does ROCK. Squeak sent me some Tim Tams a while back, too. That's not the only reason why he ROCKS, though. His friendship at a time, when I was a bit down and didn't realize that I needed it, is what made me realize that he ROCKS. Squeak's brutally honest, and that kind of "tough love" sometimes pisses people off online. Big props to him for not being more fake to appease the masses.