Michele

(This was sent via pm first, but because you chose to not wait even 18 hours for a response to your pm, and put this public, I thought better of it and posted my own pm to you here since you "went public") Well, Chris, I'm kinda pissed off at you right now for this thread...but here's the news. None yet. And BTW, it was 7-10 working days...so no results yet. But I am bleeding like a fucking stuck pig, and have massive cramps in my hips, back and legs. Nothing new there. The scratch I got from Esse on Monday night on my cheek and temple got very badly infected, and I was at the Dr's twice yesterday. The eye swelled shut, the dr. had to drain the abcess, and put me on massive antibiotics -Augmentin, 850 mg 2x a day. Major pain, puss leaking down the side of my face, and loss of vision acuity in my right eye. I also helped pack a great friend's entire apartment contents yesterday, in between Dr's visits. It was me, her, and one guy. He and I did the heavy lifting... I lost my phone line, so couldn't get on until just now. The phone company cut me off because the check processing thing ate the routing numbers on the bottom of my check, and so it was deemed no-pay, and I got disconnected. It took me until this morning at 11 to get it back. I've gotten a summer cold, and am sniffling, congested, sneezing, coughing, and headachy. And to top everything off, I just got something into escrow. Yes, I am still trying to make a living. And I need to get into the office soon to handle the opening paperwork. Tonight, I have an office thing to go to, and then dinner with friends. I am far too sick and tired to go, but I need to, even just to make an appearance. And then I expect to come home and completely collapse. If you think I am ignoring you, and you think that because I didn't answer your pm (which was, btw, one of 15 which are waiting for me...) because I hate you, you are either paranoid or something. Get a grip...it hasn't even been 24 hours. For heaven's sake, Chris. Yes, I really am pissed. Had you bothered to call, you would've heard the phone line was disconnected. Had you bothered to call me, you would have realized something was up. Instead, you slam me and Sinker in public on a thread whining about how we hate you. You may have meant it as a joke. I didn't take it that way. Granted, my pateince with life in general is rather thin at the moment, but still. And just fyi, Sinker has been busy making a living, having computer problems (you told me that, remember??) dealing with three children (one who's just an infant - 4 months old!) and his wife, and travelling. I'll bet he's a tad busy, too. But that's a guess, as he hasn't had time to pm me or call either. Oh well, you know? Irrespective of that, I do hope you're feeling better, or will be soon. And you're still in my prayers, despite me being rather angry at you at the moment. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Just playing devil's advocate here... Don't you think, however, that Johnathan Chait, being senior editor, would have a difficult time stepping back from his self avowed "hatred" of Bush and report things without being involved in them? Wouldn't his inability to find anything likeable about Bush create such a spin as to be a serious detriment to the veracity of the news his paper/mag (whatever) prints? Isn't this indicative of spin? Further Deviling here... I don't know about that, Bill. This isn't a posting on some forum...this is an article which is contained on-line in an E-zine, similar to how Newsweek has an on line e-zine. Ramesh Ponnuru has his (her?) article also contained on the E-zine. I'm not sure you can simply discount it as a "flame war". Just wondering... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I have nothing to add to the rest of the really good advice....Wendy and PLFKing nail it beautifully, imho... And remember, you rawk, you're excellent at what you do, and you deserve to get the same compensation as others who are doing what you do get. So be confident! Many hugs, and good vibes to you - I hope you get far more than 3%! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I remember a question one of my JMs asked me somewhere around level 6..."Have you had the "bounce" dream yet?" My answer was (and still is) "no...they always get something out before they hit". Seems that the "bounce" dream is fairly common, if my instructors were asking me about it. I dream about skydiving, and yes, they are recurrent themes...generally standing on the ground watching someone struggle to get something out, and then voila, it comes out right before they hit. They land safely and walk away. The other skydiving dream I've had is about landing in weird areas...the enclosed mall, for example, or inside a hangar with an opening about 100 feet up in the side where we are supposed to enter. Those dreams are where I say, no, I'm not ready to try that yet.... Again, I think it's really common, and not much to worry about. This is a stressful sport, and it's normal to have that manifest in dreams. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, Chronistin... Remy's right - you've been around for a long time. And even if you weren't, you're a skydiver, and among friends. So sit back, know you've always got a place to bring that unnamed feeling, and get lots of hugs and comfort. Besides, I love your avatar photo - perfectly done, catching the brief moment when we all hold our breath as we are leaping into the sky... Many hugs! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nah, Deucy has a nose. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Be patient, and talk to her about it tonight. Reassure her you are curious...not judgemental. Let her know she's adored just the way she is - and that includes whatever "flaw" she may perceive in herself. And good luck. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

So here I sit, with a swollen eye. Why, do you ask, is your eye swollen? (I knew you would ask that...). I got a beautiful demonstration of the "fight or flight instinct" last night. I was stupid, not realizing Essie was as tense as she was, and while she was in the window, I cuddled her. And she went bonkers. Scratched me, yowled, and whacked me a good one - in the eye. Bloody runnels under my eye and to the side, as well. She seemed surprised it was me. You haven't been decked until you've been decked by at 17 lb cat who's freaked out. Essie got spanked, I got ice. Then she kept looking at me, like "sorry, Mom, I thought you were the orange beast". And I woke up with a swollen eye. Pumpkin is fine. Essie is the nut ball. Charlotte is sitting back, saying "see? They are the weird ones. I'm the good kitty." Oh, the joys of integrating kitties... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, well, I almost named her Mujie..... She is a goofy one. She keeps hiding from me (well, from everything), and when I reach into whatever nook or crannie she's fled to, she spits and hisses...and then nuzzles my neck and purrs. It's almost fun.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, guys. She got a little too warm sitting in my lap, so she is currently in a kitty claw bowl scratch thing, with a pillow on top of her. She can't be comfy, but yet she seems to be. I do think that BK had a hand (or would that be "paw"??) in it. I tend to try to bring in full grown cats - Charlotte and Esse were both full grown, several years old. I haven't had a kitten since BK, 19 years ago or so now, and it's wonderful. Charlotte just climbed into the other bowl scratch thing after hissing like mad at the cowering Pumpkin...who didn't even look up, just buried herself lower into the bowl. Its good to see that Charlotte is "trying"; she is leaning over and "posturing" to Pumpkin's bottom. It is too funny to watch....Esse, however, thinks I am the Devil himself for bringing this wee thing into the home. She is so like the elephant with the mouse...ROLF... Right now, I need all the love and cuddles I can get...and this was without a doubt a good move - both on my part - and on hers...and thanks again... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

She's called a Calico...but you're right, she has very unusual markings.... Well, if she didn't before, she chose a totally mixed up human mommy just to be sure! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

By a 3 1/2 lb Pumpkin. You can choose a dog. They are utterly loveable, and will be incredibly loyal. However, you cannot choose a cat. So when a cat chooses you, you know there's something very special. I went to the pet store yesterday to get some cat food for Charlotte and Esse, and I walked by the rescue cages. I usually walk by, wiggle my fingers through the cage, and tickle some of them. And then buy whatever I need, and I'm on my way. But not yesterday. I got to the first cage, and there was this little fuzzy kitten, older than the other kittens, all by herself. She laid there, blinking her yellow-green eyes at me. Not meowing, nothing. Just looking at me. I reached through the bars, and she rolled over onto her back so she could get a tummy rub. I rubbed on her wee belly for a bit, and her purr was so loud you could hear it from outside the cage, and her little ribs were heaving with the purr. She was a happy kitty. So I opened the cage, and brought her out, and laid her on my chest. The storekeeper said "hold onto her - she's feral, and will bolt". So I kept one hand on her, but she never bolted. Never even moved, just adjusted herself. Nuzzled her head into my neck, and just went to sleep right there, purring. Humming, almost. Uh oh... I plop her back into her cage, listening to the storekeeper's story about her. They had rescued her about 6 weeks ago. She was found with her brother abandoned, mother likely dead as they were malnourished and ill, and they were feral. Won't let people near her. Her brother was adopted several weeks ago because he was a lover, but no-one wanted her. They spayed her, hoping it would calm her down, but it didn't. Wild little pussy. I knew I was in trouble.... So I went over to Cora's unannounced, grabbed her, and told her she had to come with me to assess this independently. I can't make a decision clearly holding a warm fuzzy little bundle of cuddles... And when I reached into the cage, she came right over. And snuggled back into my neck like she had always wanted to be there. I peeled her off me, and gave her to Cora, to see what she'd do - hey, she might just want to cuddle - it might not be me she wanted to cuddle with...but no, she was not resting on Cora like she was on me. Cora looked at me, and told me to take her home - I had been selected... And so, I did. Of course, Charlotte and Esse believe that their world is over. I don't think Esse knows what a kitten is - and Charlotte is just plain ol' jealous. Esse is terrified of this wee thing; Esse, 17 lbs, fearless...the one who will bolt out of the house if she sees another adult cat to defend her territory - Esse runs, screaming and panicking at the sight of this little (maybe 3 1/2 lb) kitten...Charlotte just hisses, and sniffs. Here's a few pix of the wee Pumpkin. I am thrilled she is here in my life. She's sitting in my lap as I write this up, purring and snuggling...watching me. What a cutie pie... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, Skip. No, it was a clear area, landed on the floor (wood), and it was totally clear behind me. I looked, because he has dogs, and I didn't want to hit one of them. hrm... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I went to my rigger's last night, and pulled the handle on the reserve. Beautiful launch - about 10 or so feet. I was very impressed...until I walked over and picked it up, and noticed a rip in the mesh of the pc. It was about 2-3 inches from the bottom of pc (not the top part), and was easily 3 inches long, on both sides of the seam. The seam, however, was intact. There was no fraying at the edge - very clean rip; and when additional pressure was applied, there was no further ripping. The mesh does not look like it's worn, very white and clean. this is my inital repack cycle with this rig...and when it was put together, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the mesh. My rigger and I went over it together then. The rip was easily spotted, so it's not as if it were missed during the initial inspection. Does anyone have any idea what could've caused this? My rigger is confident it can be repaired easily, and that it would've worked had I needed it, but I am really at a loss to understand what caused it. For reference, it's a Javelin, DOM early 90's. It's in spectacular condition (thanks again, Diablopilot!!). I just dunno.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Don't worry - she hid herself a while ago, and I haven't found her yet. ROFL!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

YAYAYAYAY for you, Muj! Too f*&^n kewlio!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh, Rosa, honey....if I gave you the wrong impression, I'm sorry. I didn't buy anything at the store, nor have I used anal beads of any size. It was sort of a dare, and it took a hell of a lot for me to go into the store...It's not mainstream in my life. Chris, as to the scapula, it was in my purse. Which never opened. I hope I didn't get God mad at me. I don't think I did...but hey, let's leave that for another thread or for pms...'kay? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Don't. Until recently, I had never been inside an adult store. And boy, was I, um, well...huh. I don't think there's a good word for the way I felt. And let's just say that neon purple anal beads the size I saw would be decidedly painful. At least, I think so. I have no idea, really.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Casch, your "timid" dude isn't so timid. While I do believe that cats are utterly capable of very sneaky things, this, uh, "TP display" is far too neat for a cat to have organized. I suspect your "timid" guy used your computer. For what, I dunno. Maybe check not just the cache but also the history - that will show what websites were visited ( I think...some computer person help me out here...). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

1:0:0 One new kitten. "Pumpkin". 3 month old calico short haired, totally adorable. I adopted her about 3 hours ago from the rescue people; she's already spayed. She is starting to make the adjustments (by that, I mean she's finding some really good hiding places). Charlotte and Essie, however, believe the world has ended. What can I say, I felt the need for cuddles. I will post with photos sometime soon... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Rev, I tried that already when Cora wrote the erotica thread...it didn't work. Photoshopped stuff won't work. Nothing will. I should just give it up and go off to a convent...I'd be the only jewess in a convent. I wonder if I'd owe beer for that?? And if I did, who'd I pay it to? Sigh... M ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yeah, no shit... Your soul is worth 74567 english pounds. That's $121,987.137 "For your peace of mind, 6% of people have a purer soul than you." And they all live in some internet unaccessible area where there is also no tv or magazines. Or in a convent, high in the alps (yes, I wanted to be "Maria" in the Sound of Music when I was little. So what???) And for your peace of mind, I answered honestly, they lie, I tell ya. Lies, lies, lies. Damnit. I will never be seen as a wicked girl. ever. My life is over. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Young Frankenstien... Gene Wilder and Chloris Leechman, no less... ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The other day, as I was filling my tank in my '96 Jetta (about 89K miles on it), I noticed the tax chart stuck to the side of the pump. $.37 of each gallon of gas is for taxes (Federal, surcharge, and sales). A low average of 300 miles to the tank (it varies - highway v. street, etc.but that's about right in a 14 gallon tank means for each fill-up I do, I pay $4.78 in taxes. I figure I average about 10,000 miles per year. Give or take a bit, but again, it's a good estimate...) So, 300 miles/10,000 per year means I fill up something like 33.3 times. That means, per year, in fuel taxes alone I pay about $159.17. Add to that my registration this year, which was something on the order of $280ish (i don't remember exactly, and don't feel like digging up the receipt)... So, between the registration and the fuel taxes, I pay about $440 in taxes/fees. Again, not such a large burden. Big enough, but still. Except... How many cars live in my area? Dunno, exactly. But let's say a rough estimate of a million cars in the San Fernando Valley. Taking my very conservative mileage (I have no daily commute), that means my little valley alone generates $159,000,000 per annum in fuel taxes alone. Add to that registration fees which vary so widely I can't really even make an estimate, and you have a whole passel of money. And that's just off the top of my head figures. Throwing more money at a problem will not solve the problem. It will only encourage the problem's origination and not correct the fundamental flaw which created the problem in the first place. If the flaw is not identified, and resolved, as it grows, more taxes/fees will be levied; and the vicious cycle continues unabated. If I recall correctly, Cora bought a new "economy" car recently (within the last 6 months). She paid something like $45 to register her brand new, never been driven car in that state. Here, she will pay a whole lot more... So why can't the state of CA do the same as the state of WI? I bet, with their freezing and thawing, their roads need just as much - if not more - upkeep than we do here in California (barring the occasional earthquake). If it's the national economy, don't you think that WI would've followed suit, and trebled their registration? I mean, if it's the national economy, the need would be present there, too, right? Grey Davis' fiscal policies suck. He spent so much money on things that were designed to get him re-elected, and has been nothing short of deadly to our local economy. I never found a petition to recall him, but had I, I would've signed it in a heartbeat. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Without laughter or color. Actually, the article was kinda odd. Some sort of threat at the bottom, kinda like "well, if you take my crayons, I'll get my big brother to open a can of whup-ass on you"... Back to the planet thing. Just today, I noticed we had several people from other planets living here. They're easy to spot. They usually wear collanders on their head and great big pink fuzzy slippers over the tin shoes. And, if you watch carefully, you can even see them talking on the intersteller communication thingy attached to their jeans. But I think the communication thingy hurts them, because sometimes they squirm and leap around or let out a huge yell in whatever language they speak. Someone should fix those communicator thingies so they don't hurt.... Those're the folks Mr. Davis lost touch with...he needs a new communicator thingy. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~