Just got a mass mailing from my school.

Congratulations Grads of 2005, 2001, 1996, 1991 and 1986! This year represents a significant anniversary of your graduation. To celebrate, Alumni Affairs is hosting a reunion for you to get back in touch with former classmates and to see how the school has changed.

And, I can't remember what year I am! My wedding ring's in the shop being resized, so I can't look at it. (I was married a few months after graduation.) 2005 is just too recent. 2001 was the second kid (checks password to be sure). 1996 is too close to the first kid (checks another password to confirm). So it must be 1991. Eeps. Five years of advanced math, and I'm reduced to this, just to figure out which year I graduated. In other news, the house is now empty of all clothes fitting anyone younger than 6 months. Except for the three outfits I couldn't bear too part with. Sob. The next box is scheduled for this weekend. Cricket

I checked Friends Reunited a couple of years back, in case anyone had signed up from my old school that I might ever want to get within 5 miles of again. And I had trouble working out what year I ought to sign myself into as well. So it's not just you. On the other hand, I wasn't doing advanced math....

Thank god it isn't just me! Had to ask my mom what year I graduated. Course, I also keep thinking my daughter is only nine . . . always have had a hard time remembering dates. Gave me a really good excuse as to why I "Forgot" to show up at my reunion. *Grins* I did that too. Still have two baby dresses, and a really cute tartan outfit. You need to hang on to something besides photos!

Only recently I actually forgotten how old I was.

My problem would be working out which year to sign up for because I stayed on for 6th form.

Er either go for 50/50 or ask the audience or even phone a friend.

Hmmm now the dilemma of which friend to phone

Whichever one got you drunk on your 19th (in Canada) or 21st (in the states) birthday? Chances are they still have your missing photo I.D.

Blimey, we get drunk legally at 18, but that doesn't stop kids getting drunk under 18.

Originally posted by Metaliant Only recently I actually forgotten how old I was.

Thank god, I thought I was the only one!

I think I am 33 but not 100% not sure. OH GOD, I'VE FORGOTTEN AGAIN. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Heh, I'll always be 19. Much easier that way.

*writes on blackboard* I will not laugh at the older Gatchamaniacs... I will not laugh at the older Gatchamaniacs... At least not the Galactors. Don't kill me Meridian!

Grrrrrrrrr Round and round and round it goes Where my rose bomb lands, nobody knows Except me, cos I threw it And even as aged and decrepit as I am, I can still aim.

At least I shall die with a smirk on my face.

*Moves as far outta range as possible* Just make sure you're wearing your glasses before you throw it, K?

Oh yeah, I have a range finder attached to my zimmer frame. Now if I can just lift the thing up high enough...

Changes motorised wheelchair into birsstyle motorised wheelchair and moves away very quickly.

Ask me how old I am, and I have to think. Ask me how old the kids are, and I can tell you in years, months, days and hours. Aha! Gathers the kids and has them aim the missiles.

Im 18, been 18 donkeys years now

Originally posted by CricketBeautiful Ask me how old I am, and I have to think. Ask me how old the kids are, and I can tell you in years, months, days and hours. Aha! Gathers the kids and has them aim the missiles.

Okay, how old are you? Also do you know how old your kids are in minutes and seconds? AND. Are you sure you want the kids to play witht he missiles?

eldest is 7 yrs, 6 m, 2 days, 4 hrs, 20 min and, okay, maybe I don't know the second. youngest is 4 yrs, 5 m, 11 days, 8 hrs, 21 min and 25 s

oops, add 28 seconds ... 29 ... 30

Good grief.

*Ducks behind 11 year old daughter, whose rolling her eyes at the "Old fogies"*

Whats the topic of this discussion again?? *mutters under breath while popping some more Pre-Alzheimic pills* I can barely remember my age let alone the kids! I think they overtook me in age a good five years ago. lol

I think I know my physical age but don't know my mental age though as it changes on how mad I am.

What does age matter when you're having fun!

Oh god don't let me start thinking. I will be still thinking after the end of time.

ummm - does time have an end?

Oh god, I am starting to think about that one as well.

ROFL I swear, we have the strangest discussions here sometimes!

*ponders strange* Is that strange as in weird or strange as in extremely peculiar?

*ponders the above ponderers with some amusement* You are all strange in both the most wonderfully wierd and irrepressibly peculiar way.

and what does that make you Imi?

I'm wondering if it's a bad thing to have to try to remember what guy a person is "dating" as to what year things took place. That can be just as bad sometimes.

Personally, I lost my process of thought within this thread. So I am going to abandon that idea and have a tea.

Eh?

Originally posted by gatchgirl I'm wondering if it's a bad thing to have to try to remember what guy a person is "dating" as to what year things took place. That can be just as bad sometimes.

Yes please. Milk and no sugar as I am sweet enough.

Originally posted by Cep Personally, I lost my process of thought within this thread. So I am going to abandon that idea and have a tea.

ooh tea *sits and waits for her tea* Milk no sugar here too Should I get the scones and cream for a devonshire tea?

Who a person was dating to remember the year. Anyone who knows me will know how useless that one is! Grins happily.

I dunno I just read that and it didnt make any sense

Some people use the person they were dating as a way of keeping memories organized. Like, "I was dating Joe at the time (I wish!), so it had to be 1995." In my case, it would be, "I was with OneBit at the time, so it was between 1988 and now." Two more years, and I'll have been with the guy half my life.

Similar thing here - me and the bloke have been together since 1990.

Didn't want to stir things up too much, that should be saved for the tea. My guys usually last for 2-3 years, hopefully this one goes on longer.

You make it sound as though you wear them out

wear them out in what way? (Darn it I'm still in jumping castle mode)

well ive been set up for life me. My lil lady and I havent been going a year yet but she's so smitten with me as I with her. Weve already planned the rest of our lives

Well you already know me and my guy are staying together. Maybe Ill post a pic of the wedding after it happens in 6 and a bit weeks

Oo six an a bit weeks? Yay! We have a nice new gallery for that

Originally posted by CricketBeautiful Some people use the person they were dating as a way of keeping memories organized. Like, "I was dating Joe at the time (I wish!), so it had to be 1995." In my case, it would be, "I was with OneBit at the time, so it was between 1988 and now." Two more years, and I'll have been with the guy half my life.

What happens if you get the people you dating mixed up, that would be

I think I am glad to be single as I don't have the money for a girlfriend to spend.

Originally posted by Cep well ive been set up for life me. My lil lady and I havent been going a year yet but she's so smitten with me as I with her. Weve already planned the rest of our lives

Ooooh, does this mean what I think it does? So excited for you! And Firebird, Wheee!!! A whole day set aside for everyone to send good thoughts your way. Enjoy it!

Ive lost count of the cars I have owned. most of them were bangers anyway. I hope to have a long term relationship with my Skyline though. (I hope to continue with my Datsun 120Y too.) The skylines going back to the garage for stage two of welding next month. oh, wait, this was about MEN.... Ive never owmed one of those.

Own a man? That's like owning a cat.

Well my present guy and I have been together for 3 years today. Hope that it goes on for many more years then that!

well I am over the moon but I won't get ahead of myself just yet but even her mom thinks im the best ever!

It's always fantastic when the two families get along. It makes for HUGE family gatherings though. O_O Side note: I find myself intrigued by the random smilies. I just want to stick all of them in my post. But I'll stick with one.

Yes feel free to do so at your whim

Originally posted by Ronin Ive lost count of the cars I have owned. most of them were bangers anyway. I hope to have a long term relationship with my Skyline though. (I hope to continue with my Datsun 120Y too.) The skylines going back to the garage for stage two of welding next month. oh, wait, this was about MEN.... Ive never owmed one of those.

NO woman will me.

Originally posted by Metaliant NO woman will me.

I must agree although this a man owning me. Along with any form of control... I find myself getting very irratated at any type of control!

Gotta admit, I'm too territorial to let any mere male into my life. Fortunately, if the kid doesn't scare 'em off the "attack cat" does! *Cuddles Falkor-kitty*

I can just imagine the reception you give Ashke

Originally posted by Ashke Gotta admit, I'm too territorial to let any mere male into my life. Fortunately, if the kid doesn't scare 'em off the "attack cat" does! *Cuddles Falkor-kitty*

Is the cat trained to attack men or is it a hobby of the cat's.

*Shrugs* Both Falkor and Tinkerbelle (The stray my kid rescued) are demented, I just chalk it up as normal behavior around here. Wouldn't surprise me to find out that Amy trained him to do it though.

I am not going near your house then.

My cat loves to "launch" himself off a guys private area. I have to keep an eye on him so he doesn't "hurt" anyone. Now I have a dog that loves to "claim" people alot. I would love to have him fixed but he really belongs to my "better" half and it's his decision to have it done. Unless I do it and take the heat from it.

I ain't gonna go to your house either and if I did, then I amke sure ther's no legs for your dog to "claim". Thank god I am not a postman.

A postman would have it even worse cause he only claims people that he likes, all others he likes to pretend to rip their legs off. Don't see it happening though unless someone tried to hurt me.... GOOD DOGGIE!!!!

allright now I just want to get to my next level!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, then there's the tiny dog that attacked Rocket's legs. Home business, was in the front room -- the one with the "open" sign on the door, heard noisy dog in next room in. Woman opens door and lets this oversized and over-noisy rat into the room, immediately goes after the kid. I grabbed the kid and yanked her pants out of the dog's mouth. Mike says he'd have kicked the dog, hard -- and I doubt the dog's skeleton was that strong. She got a scrape marks from the teeth. Given the marks, I suspect only the dog's friends would be upset if Mike had been there. I just wanted to escape the situation. If there'd been blood, it would have been to the hospital and, assuming someone pointed it out to me (I wasn't thinking too clearly) a report to whichever group looks after dangerous dogs. Seems the owners who muzzle their dogs are the ones where the dog's not likely to attack in the first place. End rant.

Some of my friends have dogs like that. You can't get anywhere near them and they are ready to attack. I think my dog has a lot more bark then bite but a lot of my friends are afraid to go anywhere near him so I'm not really sure. We keep him outside, close to the steps leading up to the house but he can't reach the actual steps only along the sides. Most people don't know that so I have very few visitors. Part of his problem could be his one coller, my guy pointed out to me that it has the word Spectra in big print on it. I always wondered what they have been up to since the battles ended!!! (the coller part is the truth though) I laughed when I saw it on him, he's my spectra doggie.

Originally posted by Metaliant I am not going near your house then.

Can't say I blame you. Even my brother-in-law is terrified of him. I'm a firm believer in keeping animals with questionable behavior away from children. I'm also impressed you didn't boot the little *BEEP* through the nearest wall. Glad there were no serious injuries!

Truth be told, I was terrified of the entire situation, only conscious thought was to escape. So, no credit at all for self-control (other than not racing to the car, not buckling her in, and not causing an accident while escaping). In hindsight, maybe I should have reported it as a dangerous animal. They keep track of such things here, with progressively stronger action for each occurrance. Yeah, the owner wouldn't understand why we're persecuting her dear little Fluffy who wouldn't harm a fly / is just misunderstood. In all my time here, I've only seen two dog / owner combinations I didn't like. One was a 10-year-old who, seeing terrified kids (trust me, it's obvious they're terrified, no clue what started it, but by now it's an ingrained habit) didn't shorten the leash at all on the dog that was a bit too strong for him (and got a few words about common courtesy), and this one, who seemed to think it was mildly embarassing but not out of the ordinary -- like gas in public. The rest of the owners know their dogs, and usually go out of their way not only to restrain their dogs so my kids aren't scared, but to offer a chance to pet it.

The problem is if an animal attacks and its normal for it to do that one day, if not reported or retrained it may cause serious damage or worse yet permanently scar a young child. So whether neighbours beloved pet or even yours that thinks it okay to go for someone it needs to be dealt with because fines etc for having these animals and not doing something are severe. Apologies if that sounded like a rant but through work I have dealt with kids seriously hurt by this sort of thing and had to deal with ranting parents who could not understand why they were reported when their beloved cat/dog attacked their child and they said but they always play with people like that. Its just the way they are! These started off with them harmless (in the owners opinion) going for people and just one day for no reason they went further. Better to retrain that have an injured child and a beloved pet put down. (Then of course there is the culture of suing)

Can't say I like dogs much. When I was a child my family had a dog they inherited from a relative who emigrated to Australia. The dog was a small white poodle, and I was very fond of her. She was a bit of a character, and didn't suffer fools gladly. I would get nipped regularly for stuffing her basket full of my toys while she was trying to sleep in it - more fool me for not learning to leave her alone when she was trying to sleep. When she was being walked, children would of course want to stroke the dog. My father, knowing that the dog was temperamental, would tell them not to stroke the dog as she didn't like it. The children's parents would say, "oh don't be silly, it's such a cute little dog", or the children would stroke the dog when my father's back was turned. They'd go for her floppy ears or her sensitive tail and the children would get nipped. Note nipped not bitten, she didn't break the skin. While I adored her, she wasn't a dog who liked children. And she didn't like her ears or her tail to be touched, which, unfortunately for her since she was cursed to be born a poodle, were the bits children would go for because they were all fluffy and unusual. Having floppy ears left her susceptible to ear infections, and maybe her tail was so sensitive because it'd been docked. But she'd never run up to people and attack them, or even jump up at them in that overly curious way than many dogs have, and she'd never do anything to people who left her alone, or at least didn't go for anything she didn't like to be touched. My grandmother also owned a poodle, which was a far more unpredictable creature. I recall being quite frightened of him because, even though he never nipped me, he'd always jump up at me. I suspect he was the dog that left me nervous of other dogs, and a couple of experiences with other dogs after that turned that nervousness into dislike. During my teens, when I was out with my much-younger sister, we met a boy with a dog that she wanted to stroke. He said yes, and as soon as she started to get close to the dog it started growling and warning that it was going to bite. So I dragged my sister away, but it was odd that there was no hint of malice about the guy while his dog was so obviously unfriendly. My daughter, of course, always wants to stroke dogs. She knows to always ask the owner and to not go near a dog if she can't see the owner. But if the owner says no, she looks like a kicked puppy, no matter how often I explain that the owner is saying no because their dog would bite her, rather than because they just don't want her to stroke the dog. She's only had one bad dog experience, when we were on a caravan site and she wandered off to stroke a jack russell, that turned out to be guarding the caravan's territory. It growled and chased her for about 10 feet, and she was very shy of all dogs for a few weeks after that. I think it's helped her remember the "if there's no owner don't go near the dog" rule.

Children aren't the only ones who touch without permission. My little Pekingese had a slipped disc in his back (eventually causing him to need to be put down). As a result, he did NOT like being picked up unless being aided onto furniture. A woman picked him up without asking at all. So he, of course, growled and snapped at her. He was branded as being tempermental when the truth was he was a very sweet dog with a condition that was painful if he was picked up improperly. I almost always ask before petting a dog I don't know. The only exceptions would be when dogs on campus specifically run up to me for attention. For me, if a dog approaches me with friendly intentions, I'll go for it. It's always important to ask the owner before approaching a dog, however. I've known tempermental/aggressive dogs to be sweet to people they've been introduced to. The owner just standing there doesn't count, especially if the dog is aggressive. On the other side, however, my collie LOVED children. We'd have parents warn us when dropping the children off that they had dog phobias. By the end of the day, they were often playing with him. It's a weird experience to watch. At some point, he kids like to go outside, whether to play with cats or whatever other animals we had running around. If he sensed they were afraid, he would go off and lie down a ways back, as low as possible. He'd then inch up closer and closer. Eventually, he'd get up to them and nudge them with his nose. He'd then back off. He repeats the process until he has a new best friend. Aaaaaaand I'll stop gushing about my dogs now. *sigh* I miss them so much.

Lots of cute pet stories, especially yours Elvin! My sis breeds bull mastiffs, and she loves to tell about the teen who tried to break into her house and ended up being sat on for roughly an hour before she got home. Good thing Dauber loves kids!

Does her dogs do that to the postman as well?

LOL! Nope, she keeps 'em in the back yard surrounded by a 6 ft fence. Still not sure how the kid coulda missed something that flipping big.

Must shop at Homebase in Wolverhampton then. Customers can't see anything and most of them drive cars which is a bit worrying for me.