Michele

Then let me clarify. To me - and it's my own way of thinking - I have a particular set of beliefs and perspectives about God. I don't go to church, I curse, I drink, I smoke...but I pray and I have a connection with the concept of God. To me, that's more along the lines of spiritulism (not the crystals, Wiccan, or any other "catagory"). Whereas religious to me means following one specific church, it's particular doctrines, and going to it and listening to sermons on a weekly basis. The difference is, I'd guess, in the organizational structure. While it works for lots of people, it doesn't work for me. So I am not "religious", whereas I am spiritual (i.e. acknowledging the spiritual side to things). That may not have cleared it up for you, but that's what I meant. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Karen. Why can't you just nod and smile? Since you apparently know it will go downhill from your comment, why make it? You're being just as righteous as he is, and you're pushing your beliefs just as he is. So why engage? Why not just make the comment about how beautiful it is, and let him say whatever, and then go to a topic like..well, cleaning items or something? It takes two to argue...and if you're arguing, then you're the other half, you know? If he thinks you're going to hell, fine. No biggie. You don't think you are, so why not just nod and smile? Lots of times people argue because they really, really want to be right. Why not just be right in your life, and let him be right in his? Doesn't seem that hard...unless you're trying as hard to convince him of something as he is trying to convince you of it. Nope, but if you're going to complain about the arguments, and how you're never acknowledged for being "right", then I'd suggest you re-evaluate your need to announce your belief. And yes, I'd say that to someone who was complaining about not being "right" when talking about their religious faith, too. And actually, I have.

Karen, Does that mean your brother shouldn't pussy-foot around your beliefs? See, this is where I come across problems. Those who are stridently religious tend to prosyletize. Those who are stridently atheist are equally prosyletic. Why should one side not respect the other's right? Why should one side be closed off? It seems that you're not willing to accept your brother's belief. Not for yourself, but for him, in his life, and see that it makes him happy. Why is that such a bad thing? Why are you trying to change him? It's not like he was out on the street committing crimes to get $$ for crack... If what you think is that all folks who are religious have not thought for themselves, do not look at other sources of information, and have given up independent thought and critical thinking...then perhaps you'd like to reconsider that perspective. I think that many, many people who are both religious and spiritual have NOT given up "logic and reason", but in fact find it in places you are not willing to intellectually honestly go. Could it be that your brother has found something which benefits him, and he's trying to "share" it with you? Could it be he's happy and content, doing his life his way (and not your way), and he's satisfied with the results? Why attempt to take that away from him? Why try to interrupt his life with YOUR perspective and the way you live YOUR life? It really strikes me as one-sided here...you're insistant that he gave up thinking "logically" and that you're the only one who does that in your relationship with him. You're in a battle with your brother that should NOT be occurring...and that you won't win. So relax. He's not in a cult, he is happy, and he is living the life he's chosen. Would you respect him if he interfered with you being happy and living the life you've chosen? No? Then stop having it be an issue. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Karen, what if he thought for himself, and still had that opinion? It's hard, having a prosyletizing family member. But the challenge here isn't to change him in the manner he's trying to change YOU, but to accept him as he is, warts and pimples and all, and love him anyway. You're doing the same thing - or wanting to do the same thing - that he's doing to you. He will like it equally as much as you do. And there's nothing wrong, imho, with religion. I prefer spirituality, but like Squeak said, whatever gets you through the night. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh, man, good luck. Let her rest...she won't be resting too much really soon. My sister in law's water broke in the middle of the night; I was the babysitter on call, and the call came at, oh, about 3 am. I got there ASAP, to find her stripping the bed and getting the sheets into the laundry. Her labor was about 12 minutes apart. My brother was making the spare bed for me. I kicked them out of the house, put a pallet onto the floor of the baby's room, grabbed the phone, and went off to sleep on the floor. A few hours later we got the call - Kayla had made her entrance... I knew a lady who baked a cake after her labor started. Another friend of mine just thought it was really bad gas (until it got really bad...then she realized "oh, this is labor!" [yes, that was her first]). As I've never had a child, I'd say that it can happen at any point, and if she can rest until it's time to go to the hospital, then let her. Good luck, Twoply, and make sure you get pictures!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Poor Jane. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Kel, why not find something NEW you're good at? Why go backwards? You're a smart, attractive, vibrant woman...no need to look at the past for reassurance. Just look at the future, and see it for what it is; filled with possibility and potential...and then reach for that rather than reach behind for a little bit of ease. "Go confidently in the direction of your dream (i.e. future)", it has been said. And I'd say that is a great saying. Hang in there...I need reassurances too at times. It does get better...but only when you make it so. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Still thinking and prayers being said, Amber, for you and yours. As isolated as you might feel right now, you're really not. We're all here for you. My love. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thank you, Bob. For your journey, for loving her so much, for guiding her into forever where she waits with a smile. Thank you, Bob, for allowing us to come with you, and help you in this time. And Shannon, thank you for teaching us one of the most important lessons - love transcends all time, space, and artificial boundaries. Your love is pure, strong, and real...and can be felt. And Shannon now is truly dancing free, with a pink boa 'round her neck, toasting all of us. She is complete now, as we are. Bob, God bless and God speed. Know you are loved by many. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Me too. But Dad doesn't, so...since it makes him uncomfortable, I stopped. It's like haggle interruptus, but then again, Dad was happy. So hey, it's all good. And like I said, I can promise that it will be less before the first of the year, so the deal isn't quite yet done. I'll do all that without Dad around, so he isn't uncomfortable and I can do my work in peace . And then just have them credit his card with the difference. Surprise him that way, you know? LOLOLOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

If WB has the same as we do (and the numbers match), yes, it's the skinny one. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Dad's a Jew. LOLOL, actually, I don't like Christmas Cookies...sugar cookies with green and red sprinkles just don't do it for me, somehow.

WB, I am sure you got a better deal...and Gawain, it's not a bad deal, but you could do better. The problem with Dad is that he doesn't like negotiating. Doesn't like shopping around, even. Just decides what he wants, goes to a reputable dealer, pays what they ask, and is happy. Me? I like to shop around, especially when it's something like this. But Dad got uncomfortable when I told the guy I could find it at three other places for less...so I stopped negotiating. Except I got free shipping and delivery, and because it's headed to Oregon, there was no sales tax, and they threw in a 1 year unlimited service contract for free...I could've gotten it for a few hundred less via the net, or at one other store...but...well, Dad didn't want to bother. So that's the best I could manage... We got it at Circuit City. I know Best Buy had it for less several days earlier, and I'll bet a donut that closer to Christmas it will be less expensive, too. So what I'll do is lurk the 'net searching for an advertisement or something, and make CC hold the promise "if you find it for less within 30 days, we'll refund you the difference." So my bargaining isn't quite done yet...lol. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Stay in school and get it done when you actually have the energy to do it...'cause it's damned exhausting and stressful to do it when you're 41. Other than that, I echo Karen above - I am who I am because of the choices I made. I'm not necessarily the best person around, but I like who I am and what I stand for; and the ability to think for myself and learn for myself and stand up for what I believe in has come from not doing that, and learning the hard way that it's difficult to live with oneself until one lives with one's true self. But man, I'm tired. I'm supposed to be studying right now, but all I have the energy for is sharpening colored pencils for anatomy class. I should be learning all about the kidneys, but the closest I can get to that is thinking about nephrons while I sharpen red, and considering the structure of the liver while I sharpen green. Sigh. I'll be awake in class in three hours, but my brain is tired already. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Of course you're not a hypocrit, Amber. You really aren't. You and your family will be in my prayers until you ask me to stop. And know that you have friends far and wide who will be doing the same thing. I can say I am so glad you and your husband are here, that your father is getting incredible care, and that your Mom has you to lean on. If you need to talk, don't hesitate to shoot me a pm. I know how you're feeling and I know that sometimes a person listening can help. And again, know that I pray for your health, your father's healing, strength for your mother, and your husband's safety. Hugs, darlin. Hang in there. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I have no idea how much it weighs - only that I don't have to worry about it! LOLOLOL! I think my brother will be totally happy with it, even if he has to get the neighbors to help. And I know Pops is delighted. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Panasonic, 50 inch, plasma. Signed, sealed, delivered to my brother's house with a note to NOT OPEN UNTIL CHRISTMAS. Total price? $2299. Making Dad happy? Priceless. It's so good to see my Dad buying something he knows his son and family will love. It's delightful to see him grin and feel good. And it's priceless to see his face when he makes the arrangements, turns to me, and says "let's go buy a bunch of movies for the family!" My brother will love this, but I think Dad is getting the best of this - he's really happy he can do this for my brother. 'Tis indeed better to give than receive, even when it's a 50 inch plasma tv. Thanks so much for all the help on the other thread... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sinker, Sudsy, and quite a few of the "old gang." I really miss Sinker and Sudsy though - had great discussions and learned a whole lot from the both of them. GUYS! If YOU'RE LURKING, STOP AND START POSTING AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!! Me misses you.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I hope she goes with Jane Harmon...Hastings was a trainwreck, and I'm glad he's no longer in the mix. Harmon deserves it, and is a darmed good leader. And if Pelosi lets personal issues stand in the way of good leadership...man, what a fiasco. 'Course, it is Pelosi...so who knows. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope, but I don't have time to rest anymore. Another Anatomy lecture exam a week from today, and then finals start. A paper due in Bio, a presentation for Bio, a lab and a lecture final in Anatomy, and a final in Political Science...so I have to be back at it. And tomorrow, Dad and I are getting the Christmas shopping done, and likely do a wrapping day over this coming weekend, so I can get everything into the mail ASAP (avoid the seriously expensive shipping charges otherwise). And from what I understand, this is a lingering kind of thing. It can take up to 4 weeks to fully clear your system...which means two week before Christmas I should be all better. My Dr. wants to see me then, so that seems about right. Suffice it to say I'll not be running the mile any time soon *(as if I did that before I was sick...), but I'm up and around and studying. Thanks for asking, though. I'll just bundle up and trundle along...at least it's not nearly like it was last week.

A teacher got in the way of my fist. No, really. I was in a fight with Sandra *(I still remember her...stonerchick all the way...). We were really going at it. A teacher stepped in the middle of it, and I didn't see him until my fist met his face. I was so startled at the blood that the fight stopped. I only got sent home from school for the rest of the day. Sandra? Well...Sandra wasn't allowed to come back for a few days. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Best guess is Oliver's about 9 months old...might be a little younger, but not by much, and might be a little older, but not by much. He's not spraying, and not yet reacting to cat nip (which, if he has the genes, won't happen til sexual maturity anyway). He's definitely a hormonal cat...so he needs to be clipped ASAP. And he is old enough, so no worries there. Simon knows he'll always be my baby...he's just pissed at the new male, unneutered and full of energy. At about 4 am, I heard a strange noise, accompanied by ringing bells. See, that's not a normal sound...and it was coming from my bathroom. I got up, went around the corner, flicked on the light, and there Oliver sat. In the tub. Surrounded by 5-6 of the cat toys from the basket. He was playing soccer with the ball with a bell in it, whacking it up the sides and chasing it around the tub. It would roll, he'd chase it, whack it, it would roll...over and over. He was having too much fun, and since I'd identified the noise, I went back to bed, listening to tinkle/thump mrrrrrrroooowwwws. I hope to have some time to photograph him tomorrow, so I'll get some shots up. And yes, I'm officially the crazy cat lady, and the vet does give me multiple cat discounts. Still expensive, though. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I just wanted to post script the thread...I got my anatomy exam results back today. Not as good as I wanted, not as good as I had prepared for, but definitely not bad at all for as sick as I was. I missed an A by one question. Can't say I'm upset with that. I can't say I'm disappointed at all. Had I been well and able to concentrate and remember what I had studied, I'd've made close to 100%. I read the questions I missed; with the exception of 1, I was one muscle over each time. So I'm not displeased at all. And I would've been all right with a C, too. I was terribly sick...I am happy I remembered to put my name on the paper, you know? That I was even there and taking the test was simply a test of will....so I'm not displeased at all. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I loved those! I still remember summers passed sitting under a tree wishing I had my own dragon. Threadfire! Fardles!! Great suggestion, and definitely a group of books that will keep her occupied for a while. And the Crystal Singer trilogy, too...those were wayyyy cool. The Ship Who Sang as well. Lots of Anne McCaffrey books out there that are fantasy, sci-fi, and perfect for a high school girl. You also might want to consider the first few Dune books. I love the whole series, but it gets rather intense and pretty complicated, so it's not light reading. And I'd also echo the Wrinkle in Time group by M. L'Engle. It gets very interesting, especially the last book. Introduction to tesseracts and black holes and mitochondria as well as being a wonderful adventure story with a female heroine as the good guy. Madeleine L'Engle has a great additional group of books, too, entwining science fiction and fantasy in a real world setting. Great stuff, classics all. And last note, 'Mama...my father gave me a gift card tucked into a great book last year. I didn't realize it was there until I was about 1/2 way through the book, and it was for Barnes and Noble. I had some great fun going there and choosing which book to read next - several times. Gift cards are great, especially for a young lady. That way, you can get the first book in a series, tuck the card into it, and let her choose to buy the rest of them in the group, or choose something else. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I have one professor who will take off a point if something is misspelled. I haven't misspelled a word in there yet. And I think that's fair; he is working, I have to do the work as well. And so I do. *(In a few hours I'll find out if I managed to score halfway decently on the exam I took last week while suffering from walking pneumonia...). However, and this needs to be said...I have another professor, in Political Science, that wrote "registeration" for registration. And questioned my use of the word firstly, and mien. If he were not a native english speaker, I would not be as perturbed as I am about that...but he's not. He's from Britain originally, and is quite competent in his teaching. However, his spelling sucks. And also to give him credit, he did not mark off at all for those two words, so I can only hope he looked them up after questioning me; and that he learned something. I do have sympathy for the teachers who have to grade papers, though...I do my best, and like to think I'm a responsive student. My grades generally show that, as well. (Again, dunno about the last Anatomy test...that could really hurt me in the final outcome. But there is no retaking a lab exam. Either you do it or you don't...walking pneumonia or not.) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~