Michele

I could use a break...and I will definitely bring the rig. What a kick that would be - to finally get a jump in with you. How excellent. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Your treehouse rocks. It really does. And it's a great place for the original owners' grandchildren to come play in. I know it feels like the closing of a chapter. But the good thing is that there are so many more chapters waiting to be written, and now you can write them in Illinois near family and on the farm. How great that is...how absolutely wonderful. Congratulations, and well done. Cry as you need to, but also look forward with a smile; for there are many, many smiles to be had coming in the future. My love and hugs to the whole family; even the dog. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, Daug, you'd best have no comment...it's YOUR FAULT! ROFLMAO. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Kewl. So now we can blame the pirates! BTW, I voted for ninja. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well...see...yes, once I did whale on someone pretty badly. After years of being bullied by her, one day I lost it and took her to town. There was some blood, none of it mine. Problem was, when a teacher got involved, I managed to slug him in the stomach too. That's why I got suspended, not because I took out the bully. For mixing up his abdomen with hers. She was put into the JD classes after that, from what I remember...I just got two days off. And a discussion with my father about hitting. The talking to was worse than anything any teacher or administrator did to me. LOL! I still feel bad about it. Sorta. But mostly, I just got beat up. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh, man. With a single post, a friend of mine from way back in high school has taken me on a journey he had no idea would occur. (And yes, it's waaaaaay back, thank you very much...) I have been spending time looking at my high school alumni pages, and thinking about all those people who, for whatever reason, made an impact on my life and my thinking. And be it good or bad, the walk down memory lane has been fascinating. I remember those people I had fistfights with; those I dated; those I had crushes on. I remember Band and Drill/Flag team, and how heartbroken I was to not have made it into a leadership position on either one (and how bad I was at Short Flags; I kept losing them, and they created a flying hazard to anyone near...). I remember Drama, and being cast in the smaller, less important roles because I couldn't sing. And I remember leading the classes in english comp, and art. I remember riding my bike to school through the rain...learning about LSD from the Stoners, learning about chess from the Brains (and I still can't play it). I remember learning about politics from the Soshes - those perfect teenagers who somehow knew how to play the game and were gorgeous (according to that time's fashions) to boot. I remember Teacher's Aiding in the Retarded Classes (yes, that's what they were called back in the stone age), and knowing how fortunate I was that my genes came together the right way. I remember charity drives, and knowing how fortunate I was that we weren't the recipients of the charity. I remember school dances, alternately broken hearted and exulted that I was asked to go or not go (I wasn't asked to my senior prom, so I went to San Francisco for the weekend with my high school best friend...that was fun, but it wasn't the prom). And now, looking at the pictures of those I hung around with but with whom I've had little or no contact with over the years, I realize how silly we were, how much emphasis we placed on looking right, dating the right person, and hanging with the right people at lunch time. Somehow, it was all about who you had lunch with...and still is, if workplace behavior is any indication. It was all about the name on your fanny, whose jeans you wore (and could afford), what clubs you belonged to (chess v. cheerleading...). It wasn't too much about education in the literal sense, but the social education one acquires without realizing it. And in reflecting, for the first time, about those high school days, I realize how much of my self image had been formed then; how, when I wasn't included in the Soshes' circle, or not elected to leadership, or not going to the prom made me feel as if I were less than someone else, somehow not as good as they, especially if I wore corduroy pants on those days when everyone else seemed to get the "wear jeans" memo. And as I look at the photos of how they look currently, I wonder: what made them so special, and did they have a good life? One's turned out to be a porn star, and looks exceedingly unhappy in her altered skin. One guy I had the worst crush on turned out to be gay (proves my gadar was broken even back then...). Most just look like people I'd see on the street, or at the workplace, or driving their cars. And I feel guilty when someone shows their age, or looks like they've been 'round the block a time or two. And there is a bit of sadness I feel, that the beauty of their youth did not hold through their years. That the promise of their connections did not come through, and that the hopes of their high school did not occur. And I feel less lonely, too, somehow. Which goes against my better sense, but it's the truth...I feel less like I've lost myself somewhere along the road, while they had it all. Walking down Mem'ry Lane...an interesting and enlightening traipse through the thickets of youth...and one, when done with honesty and the brilliant clarity of hindsight, shows me some things about myself that it's time I toss...because they were begotten during the tumult of the teenage years, and the turmoil of highschool. And I noticed, there's not one skydiver in the bunch! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

PJ, you can consider it what you want. I shall consider it what I want, all right? Deal. However, it seems that someone fucked up big; not the media, they were just reporting what they had been told. But the news came that the remaining 12 were alive and in a barricade of sorts. The truth is that one was alive, and the rest were dead. And that, friends, is a fucked situation however you look at it. How utterly horrifying for the families, to have heard they're alive and then that they're dead. How utterly unconsionable for those releasing the news to have done so without verification. And I hope the families end up owning the mine, the mining company, and everything the mining company owners currently own. What news to wake up to this morning. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Michael, thanks for that. I don't know what day he gets tested, but I think it's Friday. I spent some time with him today, and he seems like he's doing very well; good color, no problems breathing, and I was helping him costume for an audition. LOL!! But we'll know more soon, and I'll update the thread. Much love to you and my Tennessee family; have a blessed new year filled with love and joy. (brief hijack over...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Peej, 13 were missing. One body was found, basically intact and without a mask. The others have been found alive, but no real information has been announced other than that; they were something on the order of 2 miles underground, and there were very high carbon monoxide levels so the damage could still be severe. They need a very quick assessment and treatment, but they have done a great job in staying alive. However, I do consider this an order of miracle; there had been very little hope, and when the body was found, most people began to believe that nothing good was going to come from this. And yet, 12 people have survived, with only one death. Good news. Good news indeed. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Had you read the other posts, PJ, you'd've seen the condition was dead... Now there's not much hope for the other dozen, as they can't seem to be found. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm a bit late entering this conversation, but I've got a thought or two I'd like to share. I *do* believe that when a woman says no, it means no. If she says stop, it means stop. I also believe that men have that right, too. In those areas which are consenting role-playing games, having a safe word other than "stop" or "no" is imperative to doing it safely and enjoyably for all involved. I further believe that a woman (and again, man) can get themselves into positions where the risk is higher that they will have to use the word "stop" or "no." And yes, while there is freedom of choice, association, travel and so forth, there are certain things a woman/man must be aware of, and accept the risk of. If they still choose to be there, wherever there is, "No" and "stop" still mean no/stop, and any additional activity would then be rape or sexual assault. In the OP's postulate, he stated that there was heavy petting and so forth going on. Anyone has the right to say No/Stop at any point during intercourse, up to and past the moment of orgasm. When one hears that word, one needs to stop...and if they don't, they must be willing to accept the consequences of their actions. Does a woman saying stop, as in Mike's two strokes from orgasm, and in HappyThoughts case, mean stop? Yes...and then I'd recommend that the man get as far away from her as possible, as quickly as possible. That's nothing but trouble, and nothing but pain in the future. If the situation happened to me, where I had said stop and the contact continued, the contact would indeed continue...but with a significant difference; I am a black belt, and have no concern that if it's one on one I can handle the situation...and handle it I would. And frankly, if the roles were reversed and I were the sexual aggressor, I would absolutely expect the same from him. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

One confirmed body; still unknown about the others. Rest in peace. What a horrid thing. Apparently, the mining company had many safety violations (some reports have it more than 200) in 2005... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Year? LOL. What with the reading I do on-line, and combined with the rest of my life, they should last approximately 2 months. Then I've got another gift certificate to B&N, and I'll go spend that, as well. That, considering it's a hefty amount, might last me through the end of summer. (And they generally don't have pictures, either, unless I've picked up a book with art or diagrams in it....) Oh well. Readers of books there are here, and again, Jeanne, don't sell someone short simply because they don't agree with you. If that were the case, there are many educated people on this site I'd sell short...like Bill Von, for example. My Dad, a staunch democrat, had a similar opinion. He used to believe that republicans were not educated as widely as dems, but after discussing some things with both my brother and I, both not college graduates, he's changed his opinion...he still doesn't agree with us, but it's now far more honest intellectually instead of based in a prejudgment that repubs aren't educated. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm considerably south of you, Jerry, but we've gotten our share here this morning as well. Power was out, the rain was heavy (a worm was found on my 2 foot high porch...I suspect the wind blew it up there...), and a wind gust of 96 mph was clocked about 15 miles away from me. Nasty, nasty, nasty. At least I'm not dealing with indoor flooding...best to you! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

It is indeed terrible. Living in a fire prone area, it's always scary to see vast expanses of land burning. We're not flooding just yet in my neck of the woods, and likely won't from this storm, but the floods up north are pretty bad, too. Good luck to all affected, and I hope there is rain soon. And if not rain, then lots of fire fighters. And best wishes for them, as well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jeanne, I read a whole lot. For Christmas, I got a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble, and it's already gone. 9 books... So likely I'll end up reading this book, too. What I'll chalk it up to is something else altogether, seeing as I haven't read it yet I can't say word one about it. Don't sell everyone short; there are readers here, I promise. Happy New Year! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Linz. Sorry for not replying sooner. I didn't see your reply to me, as well. While I don't have the clinical experience you do, and while I completely respect your education and knowledge, I've got to say that I've seen the mood lability appear within minutes, usually triggered by an argument and/or repressed rage, but also from a phobic reaction (plane travel, claustrophobia, et cetera in this particular situation). Sometimes the lability is not noticable to those who aren't aware of the diagnosis (in this case the Marshalls), especially since they don't have a lot of time to understand what's going on. And the warning signs could be easily concealed, or fought, until the explosion occurs. While it might not be a usual reaction, I've seen it, dealt with it, and thanked God I knew what was going on or I'd've been in serious jeopardy of exacerbating an already volitile situation. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Happy New Year's to all, as well. May this upcoming year be the best one yet, for everyone. And if there are bumps along the road, pretend they're speed bumps; slow down, and look around. Find a rose to smell, a sunset to enjoy, and remember that you are indeed blessed. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Lisa, you're not alone. I came home from Oregon with a nasty cold, and it's gotten worse. Of course, my neice is 19 months old and has never had a clean nose in her life (does any toddler??) so it's no wonder. I'm on my 3rd box of tissue, and shaking I'm so weak... In addition to what you already mentioned, the best remedy is water, water, water and then sleep, sleep, sleep. And take something to help you sleep, too. Tylenol PM, or another sleep aid...it's hard to sleep when you a)can't breathe and b) are stiff and sore. Sorry you're sick...hope you feel better soon. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My prayers, vibes, and hugs to you all join the rest of the DZ.com group. It can do wonders... Blessed be. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, I've always loved that song. Todd Agnew has a version called "Grace Like Rain" which is absolutely wonderful...give it a listen sometime. But Amazing Grace as a solo on bagpipes, when done well, is likely the most mournful, hopeful, graceful song I've ever heard. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I couldn't get the clicky to work. If, however, you are talking about the terrorist who was released after a few years from his "life sentence" then I agree - it's a big "fuck you" to the US...and does not bode well. I watched an interview with the SEAL's brother yesterday, and he and his family are hurting badly...and I can't say I blame them. I don't understand why they released him...he was "LWOP'd", after all...and from what I heard, he's already left the country and gone back to the ME. I don't think we'll be able to extradite him to stand trial here, though. Sucks. (BTW, if this isn't about the SEAL, ignore my post...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am loving you, praying for you, and knowing that your faith will work miracles...hang in there, all right? You rock. Besides, next summer we have a play date in a thunderstorm. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Flygurl, well done. Very well done indeed. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Markus, my prayers are added to those already sent. Much love to you, your family, and your Gramma. Grammas are special people...I know how hard this is. Please, God, let there be little suffering, and that her passing, if it must happen, be swift, peaceful, and easy. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~