Michele

Interesting question. I don't think I'll answer it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Done. What a patient cat. None of mine would stand for that.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope, not yet. I've been very sick: influenza, bronchial infection and a sinus infection. So at the moment, I'm not thinking of going there. But soon, as soon as I can swing it, I'll be there. Some of the suggestions are very interesting, so I think I will be able to explore new authors. This is good! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No, it doesn't sound odd. It sounds like what Lew wanted. A great time. And that's what is great about this...to be able to celebrate - truly celebrate! - someone's life is a gift for the living, and there should be no shame nor guilt attached to that whatsoever. Celebrate, laugh, enjoy, and love. Ciels- Michele Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope, it's not at all easy. I understand your position much better from the last few posts, and for the most part, I agree. Someone mentioned that if someone wronged you, they weren't that close nor did they care about the relationship in the first place. I agree to a point, but also disagree. If someone intentionally wrongs you, and continues to do so (for whatever gain is realized), I agree that the person didn't care about the relationship in the first place. But if the wrong was done without intentional betrayal, and isn't repeated, but sincerely apologized for, then I would say that the opposite is true. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm not attacking anything, just pointing something out. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Michael Moore is a very creative editor. iThis would not be the first time he edited a speech to make it say something it didn't... Is there another source? I'd suggest you find it, and link it. That way, this argument can be put to rest. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Paj, would you expect that forgiveness if you didn't ask for it, and didn't sincerely apologize? Would you expect a person to just "forgive you" if you didn't make amends? Would you just carry on with that person, hoping silently that they understand you've grown up and changed? Or wouldn't the change manifest itself in your ability to address the issue with that person, and apologize? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I completely understand the economics of the situation. I also understand that for me, going there right now would not be an appropriate thing. I would suspect that many travel agents, hotels, airlines, and other accommodaters would be more than willing to find a way to postpone a holiday/vacation for someone. If I could not postpone it, I would either choose to not go (and take the financial hit), or to go and to volunteer/assist in the recovery (which I would more likely do). I would not sunbathe on a beach where thousands had died. If all I did was go there and hand out clean water, then that would be far more satisfying than laying on a beach. Consider also that many of the islands have places that weren't hit/devastated by the tsunami. I'd also look at going to one of those (sister hotels) if I couldn't do either of the above. I am not sure that some people can wrap their heads around the magnitude of this catastrophe. The enormity of this event is astounding, and horrifying. And I think that is part of the problem, as well. (And KelpDiver, "Ghouls Rush In" was the title of the article I linked. Not my creation.) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yeah, no kidding. It's just so distasteful...such an enormous tragedy - expected dead over 150,000, not including resultant disease and/or starvation - and people treat it as if it's "just another day at the beach" or a tourist attraction. Horrid. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I thought this absolutely abhorrent. NY Times Article, "Ghouls Rush In" "On Patong Beach and Kata Beach - where hundreds died or disappeared four days ago - the smell of suntan lotion wafted from the shore as a new influx of tourists determinedly ignored the carnage around them, frolicking in the surf or reading under umbrellas. An indignant Russian who arrived at the Novotel Phuket Resort on the day after the tsunami loudly complained that there was no champagne reception. Other guests have pestered the hotel's grieving staff with complaints that their rooms lack good views." I looked around, and sure enough, it seems to be true. Here's another article about it: Tourists Return To The Beach "PHUKET, Thailand (AP) - Six days after one of the worst natural disasters in decades, foreign tourists were back on the beaches of this Thai resort island Saturday, frolicking in the gentle waves of the Andaman Sea, riding jet skis, posing for snapshots and sunbathing topless on the sand." Now, I am all for keeping their economy moving. But to sunbathe on a beach where 1500+ people are still missing from? To swim in the identical water where bodies, refuse, and sewage may be floating just under the surface? To play on the same sands that mothers were torn apart from their children? Not me. If I were there, I'd be one of those people who go out and help, somehow. Join up with a group and sweep debris from streets; put on a mask and search (should that be possible, me being untrained). volunteer with an organization to help distribute the goods being brought in. Something - anything - other than sunbathing on the beach. I would not be hanging out on the beach. I don't dance on caskets, either. Ciels- Michele (Edit: typo in title) ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Anne, sounds like you're celebrating according to plan. Just remember: while it's tough, it's also an amazing event, and should be enjoyed. Don't be afraid to laugh and smile...it's what your Dad would want. Hugs to you. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No, Mouth, cry not. There will be more boogies, more friends, more laughter. The sky isn't going anywhere. Glad to hear some people had fun. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Beautifully stated. Intentional betrayal should never be forgotten, lest one finds themselves on the wrong end of it again. And it's always interesting to watch karma in action... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Speedy, great thread. I've been thinking about this topic for a while. I would also add that forgiving yourself, when you make an error, is critical as well. And asking for forgiveness - acknowledging a mistake and asking for pardon - is also critical. I don't think that receiving forgiveness from someone you've hurt is equally as critical, though. If you've "manned up" and asked for forgiveness (especially if the hurt was not deliberate), and that person is unable to find compassion and understanding and then continues to carry the grudge, it becomes their bitterness, their grudge. And it's their life that becomes affected. Forgiving oneself is important, too. If we can't fogive ourselves for doing something wrong, then we can't really move on from that place, either. Forgiveness does not mean acceptance, nor does it mean forgetfulness. It simply means forgiveness. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, Wayne. And thanks, Ori. Well, irrespective of if Sri Lanka is a muslim country, it sounds like what I heard was true. I hope they get that resolved quickly, and can get the aid they need, from where-ever it's offered. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

It's one of the most effective tricks I've ever used when trying to get a frightened animal more comfortable with it's new surroundings. When you drop treats down, they come to the idea that your smell=yummy things, and that's a good way to begin the trust. It still hasn't worked well with Pengy. While she has lived here 9 months, and does sleep on my rocking chair (with a stinky shirt), she still won't let me too close without significant fear. But we've come a long way, so I figure it's working. Bear in mind that she may rip it to pieces, so use one that you don't mind losing. If she's already joining you on the bed, she may be all right to go to the vets. And give Lucky B a hug for me, and tell her "welcome home!" Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

HAH. I'd never be found. They've got Starbucks in there and everything. "A Boy Called It" sounds sad and interesting. I think I'll get that (or the entire series.). "Tis" I read a while ago, but thanks for the suggestion. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, Andi girl! Glad you had a good time! I got two in as a Christmas Eve gift in Oregon, but alas, I'm very very ill right now, so I can't jump for a bit. The flu', don'tcha know. But soon.... Happy New Year, everyone. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I find myself in possession of a gift card from Barnes and Noble, with a nice large amount on it (thanks, Mom!)...just waiting for me to decide which books I will start '05 off with. Any suggestions on what to get? It doesn't matter what genre, I read most of them. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Congratulations, and thank you! Yes, please get her vetted ASAP...and see if they'll scan for a chip. Lessee, as for names.... Christmas (Chrissy for short) Emily (she has an "Emily" look about her) Flea Bait ('cause that's what she is) As for her timidness, she'll adjust. You may want to put down an old stinky tee shirt where she likes to hide/sleep, and lay a treat or two down on it for her as well. This will associate your scent with treats and safety, and that might help her adjust. And thanks for taking her in. She looks like a dear one, for sure. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Fine. You exist, therefore you are. Or something along those lines. Or you don't exist, and Todak had an hallucination. Or you do exist, but Todak doesn't. Or whatever other permutation I could come up with if I didn't have the flu. Geesh. I swear, I must be running a fever again. This nyqil stuff gets me loopy. Doesn't make me sleep, just makes me loopy. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Poor you. O.K., fine. You don't exist. Not even in an existential kind of way. There, feel better? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I just read through this whole thread. I've got a single question.... Did anyone have any FUN??? 'Cause that's what it's about, in the end. Fun. With friends who you know, or who you've just met. Whatever else it is, it's about FUN. I hope you all had tons of it! Happy New Year. ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~