Michele

Went right through the brick, too...LOL, for my black belt test. Clean shot, a bit scratched, but none the worse for wear. As for "regular" walls, yes, many...in my high school, I-can't-handle-it years. Never broke anything, but damaged a few walls. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ah, I see...thanks for the explanation. It looks like you really are in between two riggers. I also understand about making your kit last; I'm in the same boat that way. Good luck, then. Sorry I haven't anything to add pro or con...maybe after the weekend some of the regular posters who are also riggers will chime in. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I recently had the opportunity to shoot some self portraiture stuff. In one, I am pulling a turtleneck down, and it's caught my hair and made it "short." I took one look at that, and realized that short is NOT a good look on me...not at all. I look downright scary with short hair (at least in that shot...which is good enough for me). So I'll stick with my to my very thick, waist-length long hair...it just looks better. I don't straighten it; just shower and a good, quality shampoo and conditioner, and I'm good to go...clip it up, leave it down, pony tail/braid...but it's gonna stay long. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I knew a girl named Candy Kane in high school. And yes, she was a cheerleader. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks for the info...I still am unclear as to what your rigger says; you know, the one who repacks your rig and does regular maintenance on it. I think, for me, if my rigger said "do this" or "don't do that", then that's what I'm going to do. The person who does most of my repacks is someone who I trust with my life (obviously) and not only my rig, but I jump with him when I can. So, the one who you trust your shit with, what does he say? Not just "a" rigger, but the one who works on your kit. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Curious as to both where you learned this (I've never heard of it) and also what your rigger says. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Indeed, Jack, Marie is smiling. She is smiling in the Light of God, and happily telling all those around her "look, love lasts forever. That's all that really matters, you know? Love..." Well done, Jack. You and Lynn have been in my thoughts and prayers, and will continue to be so. Love is what matters most, and it lasts forever. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I thought there was one more after this one...perhaps I should go re-read his stuff and Mother whatshername, too... As for the topic of this thread, it's sad...family notwithstanding, Chris was an interesting actor, and had something to share *(and had not been given a role that would've allowed the blooming). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL...and there's something about a man who feeds raccoons...LOL. Pity you're so far away. But them's the breaks, as my Pop would say... ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well, Walt, you know what you need to do, don't you? Write them down...or act them out. Or just sit and imagine things.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well, yes, you're right. Some days the thoughts just flow like honey from a comb... ROFL. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh hell, Walt, so could I (and have...ahem...). Romance novels were interesting to me for about 3 months when I was 12, and haven't even looked at them since. LOL... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Peej, NacMac would've handled it well; he's got a little bugger of his own, and despite the rumors, he's a nice guy. As for someone calling JR, you, or Paj to handle two children, I don't think that would be the best idea...LOL. Besides, these two were not ogres; they were just little kids. No guns or angry voices needed at all. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Not sure, Rehmwa, what the long term repercussions are. However, there seems to be some infighting going on, with the Fatah movement very angry at Abbas at the moment for losing power. Apparently, there is a "demonstration" going on right now against Abbas by Fatah (and I used the quotes because that's what it looks like, but as all angry demonstrations, the tendency for it to become violent is there). As for a global view, I think that we are in a waiting period. Bush stated clearly that the US will not work with terrorists, and because of a part of the Hamas platform is terroristic in nature (i.e. the destruction of Israel), there is a wait and see attitude taken. In a worst case scenario, Hamas links formally with Iran, and the State of Israel is in great danger of yet another war with a neighbor. If that should happen, proxy fighting will occur (nations backing one or the other side, ala Afghanistan), and we will see a resurgence of big kid on the block syndrome, with lots of interestingly formed allies and bedfellows. Best case scenario, Hamas declares that Israel has a right to exist, clears that off their platform, and we can all start really working for peace. We won't know, however, until the Israeli elections (in March, iirc) are complete and a new administration is installed. What their direction is, seems to me to be one key factor in what will occur. So at the moment, it's a waiting game...who will do what with whom, when they will do it, and how it will be carried out. I don't think we can know anything concrete at the moment; things are in great upheaval on both sides of the fence, and until things start to shake down, we just won't quite know. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I lived there for a while; you are correct indeed...it does rock. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My father bought and paid for me a long, long time ago. He purchased that by teaching respect, honor, integrity, values, and self-worth. He purchased that by letting me learn early and often, so that as I matured and grew, I would not have to learn again, harder. And he purchased that with undying, unconditional love. I'm not for sale. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No. What you have to look forward to is many years of purring, cuddling, loving and amazing friendship from a feline fuzzbutt. The hairballs and gacking is simply something one learns to overlook, and treat if necessary, but a small price to pay for a warm bundle of love laying in your lap while you're postwhoring. And thank you for bringing this furry critter into your home. It makes a difference. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. As always, if I don't know the answer, I'll find it out (usually ask one of my vets that I know well from my rescue/rehomeing efforts.) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

One of mine, Charlotte, long hair black cat, does the same thing. And on a regular basis, as well. She will, for whatever cat reason she has, bypass the food in the dish, but when it's replenished, she'll wolf it down like there's not going to be another meal. She only does this sometimes, and when she does, she brings it all back up - unchewed. Eyychhhh. Then she'll go and get more. The second round she chews, though. Yes, it can be an indication of an illness. No, it is not usually an indication of an illness. Someone above mentioned Laxatone, which is a wonderful supplement that all my cats get on a regular basis. It helps them with processing (read 'shitting') out the hairballs which can block the belly and prevent digestion, and will help them with overall intestinal health. I wouldn't worry too much unless it becomes an on-going (daily) thing, or she's gacking so hard she falls over *(happens to one of my other cats...). Then yes, take her back to the vet, get a CBC and a worm check, and go from there. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Liz, how free he is now. How perfect, and how happy, and how free. And how blessed he was to have you there; to have you be with him during his last moments made them easier, I'm sure. My love is sent to you. Know that the separation is only for a bit; that again, you will see him. And until then, you have his smile and his love to rely on. Hold fast to those, Liz, and know that there will be more to come. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am very, very close to Glendale, CA. About 10 minutes out...if someone needs me to go talk to the Glendale PD, or to door knock an address (or three...), feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to help in any way I can. If someone wants to give me more information because I'm outside the BASE community, and wants/needs to remain private, please feel free to pm me or you can set up an anonymous email on hotmail and send it to me at this site. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

ROFL...that's a great story. Very funny, and thanks for sharing. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

A turbo racer is a simple plastic thing which is circular, with a golfball sized ball in it that cats cannot get out. They push it, it goes round, and round, and round. They will attack it, play with it, puzzle it through; it's a very good toy for them because it makes them think, plan, and be proactive with it. The kind I have also has a scratcher (cardboard) center, so they can flop and pounce and grapple that, too. It's not a remote control toy; I've found that the noise can scare a cat if not introduced properly, and then the price is wasted (unless you play with it). Also, be very careful of laser pointers. They can damage the cat's eyes, and you can't always anticipate when they'll turn and look at you and accidentally get a laser in the eye. And don't bother with catnip toys until she is about 9 months old...a reaction to catnip is a genetic thing which will take place in just about 75% of cats, but only once they've reached sexual maturity (which is NOT the first time they come into heat...but usually by 9 months to one year). So don't waste $$ on catnip toys right away. And I also use catnip as a corrective, positive re-inforcement measure for them when I'm teaching them something, or am working to prevent some behavior, so toys with catnip in them can interfere with that sort of technique. Yes, I have lots of experience with cats; I rescue and rehome them on a regular basis, and have 6 of my own. A note to your concerns about aloof and independent cats. All of my cats have started their lives with me coming from a trauma of some sort. One of the things I've learned is that lots of patience, some careful positive reassurance (with treats), and lots of me headbutting them (meaning I get onto the floor and let them come to me, then nudge my head on them...it's catspeak for safety and comfort...it's what they do with each other, and the scwent glands in their cheeks are "safe zone" markers...) tends to make them more comfortable with me as the "big, scary monster" that they might've experienced, and allow them to realize I'm all right, and that they will be safe with me. With the exception of one (Penguin), all of my cats are cuddlers and lovers. While they all have their own ways of doing it, most often of a night I've got at least three cats on the bed with me, and during the evening, all six are in the same room with me, often within several feet of my feet. Bringing out the cuddler that lurks within all cats can be done; it just takes the right technique for that cat, patience, and treats... Thanks for getting her fixed...I am sure that she will appreciate it, as heat cycles are both painful and frustrating for the female cat to experience (not to mention it's enormously irritating for the human in the house...). Again, should you have questions, or just want to discuss techniques, you are welcome to contact me (and that's with anyone here reading this). And btw, if you take good care of her, she will last longer than 10-15 years; I have not had a cat pass before 17 years old, and two who've lasted into their 20's. Good food, lots of love, and good, proactive vet care is the key. But mostly love. (And Peej, the way I wrote it was anatomically incorrect, I know; however, the repeating "b's" made the sentence work...). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Her face is gorgeous, and her rosettes are just perfect. A great bengal speciman, aside from her kink. Be very aware that the energy these little buggers have is enormous. Have lots of chase toys (not other cats...) available for them, and places to climb. Cat trees have saved many owners' irreplaceable items in the bookshelves by giving the cat a place to climb, lurk, and leap from. You already know how fast they can be; so be very careful when opening/closing doors, cabinets, and laundry facilities...they can get into more trouble than your average kitten, both because of size as well as speed. You likely already know that they love water (the photo you included shows that), and so it's likely you will have a shower buddy unless you train her early. And if you don't plan on breeding her (please don't for several reasons), get her fixed ASAP. Most vets will do either subsidized and/or low cost...that way, if she DOES get out, she won't come back with a bunch of babies in her belly. Again, have lots of toys that are interactive and moveable - turbo racers, bouncies, door hanger toys...a cat tree...and lots and lots of wrestling (appropriately, of course; no teeth, and only light claws...). You'll have a great relationship with her. Any questions, don't hesitate to pm me. I'll help if I can, and should I not have a good answer, I'll get one from you from one of my vets or friends in rescue like me. And CONGRATULATIONS! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Broke, I understand your thoughts, and feel a bit of clarification might be in order. Yes, while there's a twinge of "hah!" when it happens, I am not yet perfect and don't quite expect to get there in this life. When someone is being an asshat, or has done you dirty, to be able to hold your tongue and walk away, knowing that it's better to not say anything (or take action, in some cases) and being able to not say anything, and then see the wall of cards they built based on their asshat-ed behavior come crashing down is the sort of thing I am talking about. Not name calling, and not helping the situation along; rather, just really getting, once again, that what goes around does indeed come around. And yes, it's a good reminder to watch my p's and q's, so that I behave in the best manner possible given a set of circumstances; and not simply because of karma, but because it's the right thing to do. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Absolutely. And it's not simply here, it's elsewhere...and it's verbal, too. Some things are indeed best left unsaid. But what's fun is to know you were able to keep quiet, and then sit back and just watch karma come by and slap someone so hard their head rocks...and you just sit there and smile...chuckling... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~