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Last post by gatchamarie 8 Oct 2010 23:42
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 21 Jan 2007 07:41
Shared sorrow is divided, shared joy multiplied.
-- Spider Robinson, Callahan's Cross Time Saloon
So how come we see so little shared joy?
Do we see it but it doesn't register as strongly? Or are folks just not sharing? I know the joy is out there.
Are we embarrassed by it? Feel guilty? Feel it just isn't done here?
So the challenge:
Share your joy. Find something to be happy about and let us be happy with you. Repeat weekly. (For those online less often, repeat when practical.)
Cricket
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 21 Jan 2007 07:41
Crackers, age 8, got A+ on two tests this week: math and science.
My pup, has started taking obidiance classes and most have said they could allready see an improvement. Hope it continues.
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 22 Jan 2007 03:54
I got new pets a couple of weeks ago - a pair of cockatiels. This weekend, one of them has become sufficiently hand tame for me to let him out for a fly - safe in the knowledge that when he landed badly or got stuck, he'd get onto my hand so I could put him somewhere safe again.
They're called George and Mildred. Whoever made up the saying "eating like a bird" to mean not eating much at all clearly hadn't seen these two. I've got to get Mildred tame enough to come out soon or she'll be too heavy to fly!
They're really cute though. I'm looking forward to a good few years companionship and entertainment with these two.
You called them George & Mildred? Don't suppose you called them after a certain 70s British sitcom by any chance and if so, do they argue a lot?
Springie
Her Royal Fluffiness...Swan of Swans...
posted 26 Jan 2007 14:10
(edited 26 Jan 2007 14:11)
I love this whole "good news" idea! We need more of it! I am going to start a painting class soon...and I have always wanted to take an Art class of some kind! I can't wait! 
Yeah keep the good news coming.
Pup is doing even better with his classes!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 30 Jan 2007 09:14
Rocket fits into Cracker's old skates, and the Replay store had everything needed to outfit Crackers at a decent price. The rink near the new school looks just right for the purposes, and the weather looks fit to co-operate.
Mini-family reunion this weekend; spur of the moment, uncle in the area, so they're coming from far and wide and converging on -- my favorite restaurant. Complete with the out-of-towners other than my parents staying in hotels, so we don't have to prepare all sorts of extra sleeping areas.
Cheers!
Yeah , my mom is coming into town this weekend too, but I will neeed to have her stay here a night or two! ;-}
Good News - I have a week and half work and will just relax and do some house work finally and have lie ins. Sighs with a smile on lips.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 6 Feb 2007 07:37
Rocket loves her new home-reading program. My parents had a great time here and at the family mini-reunion. Hubby's company got a nice contract from a large company; they've said things like, "That will be a change, a matter of us training our counter staff, not you having to reprogram the function to work exactly like our old one." Crackers is almost skating. I got the routine filing for 2006 done.
Cheers!
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 8 Feb 2007 06:09
We have snow! Normally this would not make me joyful, but my daughter's school is closed and my husband's workplace make people take their laptops home so they wouldn't need to go into the office today, and I have dial-in access to my work PC.
So all 3 of us are here at home, and we don't have to struggle to get anywhere because there's nowhere we have to be! Husband and child have had an hour long snowball fight with the kids next door earlier on, and I shall be taking her sledging in half an hour or so. Husband did the snowballing in his lunch break, and I only have to do a half-day's work on Thursdays anyway so I can easily work the rest of my hours later on. So it's not costing us any pay or holiday time to be home.
This is the way snow days should be.
Obviously it only works if you're in a place where it's quite unusual for it to snow though. It wouldn't work if you have snow for 6 months of the year. But then, everyone would know how to travel in snow anyway so it wouldn't be an issue.
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 9 Feb 2007 14:03
A picture of George and Mildred.
George is nicely hand tame now - he will cheerfully jump on to my hand but not fly to me yet. Mildred is not properly hand tame yet. But it's surprising how easy it is to bribe her with a treat. If the only way to get at this lump of tasty, messy, biteable food is to get on my hand, then she'll get on my hand.
The birds have long claws, I think they didn't get much chance to wear them down in the pet shop. My hands are covered in little narrow cuts and grazes from them. But it's worth it to befriend the birdies.
Oh, Meridian, they are sooooo cute!! I should get some....and name them Ken and Jun!!! LOL
Oh, and I'm sooo jealous pf your snow day! I'm a teacher...and I keep hoping for it...but there seems to be a bubble over where I live!
I'm really enjoying hearing about everyone's good news!!! 
My sister in law is visiting right now...and it's been nice having her here...she just cooked us all a big dinner...yum!!
Also, I just started my first Art class ever...we made ink wash paintings of a vase and jar display...I'll try to scan it....heehee...it got a little messy...but, hey! I'm learning!
My sister in law is visiting right now...and it's been nice having her here...she just cooked us all a big dinner...yum!!
Also, I just started my first Art class ever...we made ink wash paintings of a vase and jar display...I'll try to scan it....heehee...it got a little messy...but, hey! I'm learning!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 9 Feb 2007 17:23
We had a movie night. The original Star Wars. First half because of the time. (Late supper, and they've had too many late nights lately.) Crackers has mastered the XBox360 Lego Star Wars demo, so we figured it was time. They were all excited -- even got into their PJs while Hubby found the tape.
The kids loved it and eagerly wait tomorrow night's conclusion.
Ahhhhh....Star Wars...so much fun! Every now and then we break out the Star Wars movies and have a marathon!
Both sound like great news. Your birds do kinda make me miss the one that cohabitated in my house. It's owner was a jerk so the bird actually liked me more.. imagine that a bird liking a cat person!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 19 Feb 2007 11:36
Hubby finally took a turn shoveling and flooding the community ice rink last night; always good for the kids to see us giving back. The guy who is in charge gets $10 from the city per day that it's open; he schedules the team who scrape and flood it, and donates the money to the school. Talking to this guy, he loves doing it, so it's a win-win-win situation.
Originally posted by meridianday A picture of George and Mildred. George is nicely hand tame now - he will cheerfully jump on to my hand but not fly to me yet. Mildred is not properly hand tame yet. But it's surprising how easy it is to bribe her with a treat. If the only way to get at this lump of tasty, messy, biteable food is to get on my hand, then she'll get on my hand. The birds have long claws, I think they didn't get much chance to wear them down in the pet shop. My hands are covered in little narrow cuts and grazes from them. But it's worth it to befriend the birdies.Damm, they are cute. They could be G6 and G7/
Originally posted by Springie Oh, Meridian, they are sooooo cute!! I should get some....and name them Ken and Jun!!! LOLYou could have a third called Joe who is moody, a fourth one called Ryu, who likes to eat chocolate and a small young one called Junipe (sorry can't spell the name) who is likes to collect insects.
Or eat them!!!!!!...... that is Jinpei the bird! muwawawawa
No he could eat the insects.. instead of collecting them Metalliant! 
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 23 Feb 2007 08:52
Windows are in, room is vacuumed and reassembled. Hubby's back at work until his cold forces him home, but meanwhile I've time to get some of my regular life back.
Son didn't argue about his homework last night.
Cheers!
Originally posted by gatchgirl No he could eat the insects.. instead of collecting them Metalliant!I tght you meant that the insects eat the birds.
I have finally finsihed complying some 60s music into 1 album and that's my good news for today.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 26 Feb 2007 09:50
This one's a bit late. When my parents were up, Dad brought his nifty Kill-A-Watt thingy. You plug it into the wall outlet, then plug an appliance into it. It tells Dad (electrical engineer) all sorts of nifty things about the power usage, but the most important thing it told us was the amount of electricity the fridge used over 24 hours. We'd been told our fridge, thanks to refrigerant leak, is costing us tons of money and we should get a new and more efficient one pronto.
Well, unless I mis-read the latest electric bill or got the math wrong, the fridge is costing us a whopping $85cdn a year to run. Seeing as the absolute cheapest new one we'd consider is $750, even if the new one used absolutely no electricity it would take over 8 years before it started paying us back.
Yep, happy!
(BTW, the Kill-A-Watt is available through Amazon.com and a few other places, about $35US, plus taxes and shipping and such. Half the price of anything else which might possibly do the job.)
Cheers!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 26 Feb 2007 10:06
Oooh, forgot to mention:
ADV ships really, really fast, and Canada Customs doesn't give them a hassle at all. Happy!!
At this precise moment, I am listening to a lot of 80s music, which I consider my favourite decade for pop and rock and happy memories. Sigh. 
ITA about 80's music! I love Duran Duran...and too many others to mention! 
I'm into a lot of 80's music.... mostly hair bands but I do love a lot of other ones too!
I will be burning 3 discs of 60s music, 80s music and 1 of 80s music with at least 1 hair band, 90s pop/rap/thingy type music and 1 90s rock music and several discs with rock musicc from 2000 to 2004/2005.
Going early this week.
Finished the last of the liquid fish oil. It's made a huge difference in my moods and my brain function, but the savings from buying the liquid oil isn't worth it. The capsules are much nicer to take. (And they come in a generic brand, which ends up being even cheaper, assuming the quality is as good.)
Finished a private accomplishment. Was very nervous about it, but so far the results are good. Wheee!!!
Rocket asked to do more knitting, and remembered what she was taught last time. Still has trouble with holding the needles sometimes, and used the "tail" rather than the "ball" for a bit, and I do the first and last few stitches of each row, but she did remember how to do it, and her tension is great! Tension is probably the hardest part of learning, and she's already got a good feel for what it should be.
Crackers social skills group has finished; they say they saw a lot of improvement (hmmm, don't see much at home, but that's normal), and agree that taking a break is appropriate; he's on the list for the Fall. Which means one less place to be each week. We'll shift him to Wednesday and Sunday karate, much nicer than Sunday and Monday.
Hubby found My Little Pony Something Something set online for $40Cdn, be $75 all told. She broke into tears a few days ago when she found that Honolu-loo only comes in that set, and is going for $15-$30 separate. The manufacturer's site says it's no longer available and was running around $175. It will be here in time for her birthday!
Went through all the emails from first half of 2005, and the ones I sent for the second half. Over 500 Either tossed or filed them. Some of those I filed might be worth tossing as well, but dragging was faster than reading. Yeah, I'm a pack rat.
Cheers!
Cricket
Sounds like you've accomplished a lot! Congrats, Cricket! 
I'm still going to painting class...and learning alot...here is one of my first Gatch-y attempts...and I'm actually ok with the way it turned out! But, boy, painting is harder than it looks! Gives me new respect for all those great artists out there!
I'm still going to painting class...and learning alot...here is one of my first Gatch-y attempts...and I'm actually ok with the way it turned out! But, boy, painting is harder than it looks! Gives me new respect for all those great artists out there!
Great start Springie.... keep up the practice and you will soon be up to top level...
Originally posted by Springie Sounds like you've accomplished a lot! Congrats, Cricket!Damm good painting Springie. If you need any particular shade of paint or colour with a stupid names, then come to my Homebase store and I will mix the colour for you. Can't paint my self or even draw that well either but damm godd at mixing paint though.
Thanks, guys! Hey Metalliant, I'm looking for a good aubergine...and maybe a fuschia?
I think the problem will be what shade of those colours. We got so many to choose and so many to mix. Blame Dulux, it's their fault.
I think we did sell aubergine in our own range.
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 11 Mar 2007 04:19
I bought a bath bubble spa. Wheeeee!!!!!
Child got first go, since she did a good job of tidying her room. Then I got my go. Now husband is up there about to have his go.
It is truly a thing of joy. I wish I'd bought one years ago.
Got to admit MD you kinda threw the conversation out a little 
What is it then? Is it like them foot spas?
What is it then? Is it like them foot spas?
ooooo...a spa sounds so nice...hope you guys enjoy it!
I've been doing some drawing lately...so therapeutic!
Hey they are really good 
I can't draw anything better then stickmen myself 
I can't draw anything better then stickmen myself
Thanks, Cep! I've been practicing... 
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 12 Mar 2007 05:48
Weekly update:
Computer may be on the fritz. That's not shared joy, but it'll explain things if I'm out for a bit.
March Break is beginning. So far, so good. Son even got the first of three math quizzes done.
Came up with a good way to do a large project. More on that when it's ready for proofreading.
Think I'll try a bubblebath myself later this week.
Cheers!
Originally posted by Springie ooooo...a spa sounds so nice...hope you guys enjoy it! I've been doing some drawing lately...so therapeutic!I agree with Cep, very good prictures. I wish I can draw like that.
I would like to share this.
I am HAPPY.
Hey, Metalliant...you are the paintmaster! You don't have to draw...you can paint them in! Heehee...
Thanks for the kind words!
Oh, and Cricket...you are amazing...I've seen some of the stuff you are working on...and I can't wait until it's finished!!
My Spring Break is the beginning of April...can't wait for some time off...
Thanks for the kind words!
Oh, and Cricket...you are amazing...I've seen some of the stuff you are working on...and I can't wait until it's finished!!
My Spring Break is the beginning of April...can't wait for some time off...
Happy, happy!
Very productive day!
Got a huge step done on a project for Springie. Pretty repetitive, but nice result, and still faster than automating it.
(Anyone have a list of the real names of the mechas and captains?)
And, speaking of automating, after 4 hours of fighting through PHP, which is, like, absolutely not as nice a language as they say it is (oh, what I wouldn't give for strong typing! And forget this pass-by-copy garbage! And a decent manual that covers what I need up front, rather than in the 27th example in sprintf)!, I finally got a colour-chart working! Give it a list of colours (yes, in hex, and you have to edit the program file), and it will print out a table of showing each colour on each other colour, and the hue, saturation and luminance. It'll even sort by hex. Good for checking colours to use on websites.
Yeah, I know, old hat to the programmers out there, maybe an hour, including time out for coffee, but quite an accomplishment for me!
Tomorrow, though, it's no computer. Time to spend some time with the kids.
Cheers!
(Oh, and I found a nice smilie, right here:
)
)
Hugs, Cricket!
It is gorgeous, too!!! 
I think I saw that smiley somewhere here.
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 13 Mar 2007 05:05
Going back a few posts, the bath bubble spa is like a plastic mat you put in the bottom of the bath attached by a tube to something that resembles a cute vacuum cleaner that's blows not sucks (that sounds so wrong). You plug it in and it makes the bath a bit like a jacuzzi. This one heats the air too, and has 3 bubbleness settings. The high setting does tend to make the bubbles climb over the side of the bath if you're using bubble bath in it.
Great pics Springie!
Ugh, fritzy computers. Good luck with the php Cricket. I've not done any of that myself (done a little bit of asp instead, but really only a little tiny bit). I must do some reading...
I am trying to work out how to fit another bird cage into the living room, in bird corner. George and Mildred are very sweet, especially now they're brave enough to run around on the floor - they feed on the ground in the wild. I've put a mirror on the floor and George spends a lot of his time trying to be bigger than the mirror bird. Fun to watch! Even if he does get a bit psychotic towards it sometimes. The local pet store has some green cheeked conures, and whenever I go in there they're fighting to be the one closest to the person looking at them. It's as if they're saying "take me home with you". It seems that this particular type of conure is not very noisy, and I'm very, very tempted. But I can only even start on trying to persuade husband that we should have one if I can find a way to fit it in, unobtrusively.
I can imagine if you buy any conures that you house may be covered not only in bird feathers but bird poo as well.
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 15 Mar 2007 05:21
I doubt it would me more than an extra 50% of the current bird production level of poo. The kind of bird I'm looking at is slightly smaller than a cockatiel, and I'd only consider getting 1 of it.
They are terribly sweet looking little birds. A bit bigger in the beak department than a cockatiel. A bit more head, and a bit less body. The one I like is a lovely pastel blue. Although I have no idea what the back of it looks like since I've only seen its head and belly - it's always up the bars of the cage begging for human company.
Sounds like a very beautiful bird meridianday
I want to say that last night after much chasing down... little devil went two doors over to see what the neighbors had. My pup graduated top of his class. There was even rain and lightening going on.
There really isn't a valadictorian spot but from what the teacher said... he received it, if there was one...
Congrats Gatchgirl...and congats to your pup, too...he sounds like such a little devil...but a smart little devil! 
I have ordered 3 DVD of the mini-series and the 1 season of V that appeared on tellys in the mid 80s. Yestererday, I got the mini-series DVD and wasn't excited enough to wet myself (to my relieve) and sat down to watch several hours.
I can't wait until I get the remaining DVDs.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 16 Mar 2007 09:18
Those birds sound cute! That bubble-bath thing might tempt Rocket.
PHP is ... progressing in spurts. It's on hold for a bit because I want to do a tutorial for PmWiki.
Computer is better now. The diagnostics first told us that a memory card wasn't describing itself properly to the main board, then it said it shut down because of overheating. So we opened it up and blew it out and wiggled a few connections. Not a terribly huge amount of dust, but if something had been stuck in the heatsink or fan, maybe?
Remember, folks, BACKUP YOUR DATA!
Metalliant, I remember that series. Very good in the early seasons. I think my parents even watched it.
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 16 Mar 2007 14:49
A pic of a bird the same colours as the one I want.
I have discovered that there are breeders who produce that colour of bird for less than half the price that the store is charging. Although it is, of course, the bird's personality that has attracted me. There are 3 birds in the cage. 2 of them are yellow-sided and I can't tell the difference between those two, and the other is the blue one that I like. Although I suspect one yellowside is much shyer than the other birds, and the other is outgoing but nippy. Whereas the blue one is outgoing but not nippy. What to do, what to do.... I don't exactly need another bird. It just seems such a nice little bird.
Originally posted by CricketBeautiful Remember, folks, BACKUP YOUR DATA!Indeed and if you can, get a RAID config.
He looks like such a beautiful little birdie...I say, go for it! You know you really want him!! Can't wait to hear how it goes...and what you will name him!
Ah, the villains are kinda fun to draw...and I was laughing at Captain Doom (aka "Katzenburg")as I drew him ...he *is* one stylin' skeleton with that ascot, isn't he?
Maybe he should have his own fashion show.
Originally posted by meridiandayAll together now, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I agree, go with the blue one as he sounds like he/she is lively but not nippy and maybe we could have a competition on the site to name him?
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 17 Mar 2007 08:10
What is a RAID config?
Looking forward to updates on the birdie... I love the blue look to him.
Cricket, I have no idea of what a RAID is... so I can't help ya.
Springie, continue to do great art work... I'll be wanting to check them out in July.
heehee...I just can't stop drawing and painting...it's an addiction! LOL...
Here's my latest...the Swan finally gets her man...
Also, I am so excited for two reasons...My family is going on a cruise to Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and San Juan in June, and in July...my buddy Gatchgirl is coming for a visit!! WooHoo!!
RAID is where you can sort you hard disks into an array whereby if one fails your data is not lost. There are different types of RAID.
RAID 5 is a striped array, so data spans several disks, if a disk fails a new blank disk can be placed into the system and the RAID will rebuild the data lost. This config is usually used in servers.
RAID 1 is a mirrored array, where data is written at the same time to one or more backup disks. If one falls over the other can be used and if necessary a blank disk can have the information copied to it, so that the RAID setup can continue.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 20 Mar 2007 10:37
RAID makes a lot of sense for more critical systems. Think I'll just stay with Second Copy. One of the few programs I push, and I really want them to stay in business. Buy it! If you know where your data is on your machine, you can tell it when and where to copy it, like "copy changed files to the USB thumbdrive every two hours, unless it's a .jpg".
Joy? Survived March Break. Dentist says daughter is almost ready to brush her own teeth both morning and evening (currently she does all mornings, including today, and half of the evenings)
Those drawings are looking good Springie!
I can't wait springie... it will be gatch central there!
Originally posted by SpringieHope you both won't disappear in the Triangle as it can be lonely in the Rubber Room without you 2.
Don't worry, Metalliant! We've got the team backing us up in the God Phoenix! 
Here's my latest painting...I call him "Ken"...
Ahh Metaliant we would never leave the rubber room without telling ya first. Have no fear though... springies hanging out with another friend on the cruise, work won't let me go.... I'll be down her way to visit a week later....
Yes...it will be very dangerous for the two of us to be together... just imagine the trouble we can cause!!! 
Wonder if we can locate a rubber room there springie.... 
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 22 Mar 2007 09:49
Beautiful pic Springie! I'd never guess you just started painting.
that vacation sounds awesome!
Thanks, Cricket! I've been working on it alot...Drawing class will be next...if I can find one over the summer!
This cruise is the first regular family (just the 4 of us) vacation we've had...I can't wait!
I also can't wait to make mischief with gatch gril when she visits...
That is a really good picture, well done. I've never really been good at drawing, though I did used to do some landscapey pictures as a youngster.
Originally posted by Springie Here's my latest painting...I call him "Ken"...Very good pain. The eagle's face has a smiliar expression as on Ken's face.
Originally posted by Springie Yes...it will be very dangerous for the two of us to be together... just imagine the trouble we can cause!!!If you 2 did go at least the captain of the ship won't have to worry abouot any silly monsters from Galactor.
LOL
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 23 Mar 2007 05:12
Agreed Springie, that picture looks really good
Thanks for the encouragement...I'll keep working at it!
Ah yes, when Gatchgirl gets here, this place will never be the same...chaos will ensue!
I'm going on the cruise with another gatchy buddy...who I keep trying to join over here too...that boat won't know what hit it!
will be a blazen with the two of you on the boat!!! 
Is the nam of the ship Titantic by any chance? 
Last Thursday morning, I had a box set of the first and only V season 1 and just stayed in all day and Friday to watch it.
Bliss.
AND I will be watching Season 3 of Dr Who, starting at 7 pm on Saturday. 
I have finally started to buy and watch the Voltron series.... Not bad but I can see why it only ranks as number 2 in my book!
Doesn't hold up to Gatch/ BOTP
There is a certain charm about BOTP that I like. Don't really know why but it's there somewhere.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 2 Apr 2007 06:49
I'm getting lots of exercise. We have a deal with Crackers, age 8. For every letter he gets perfect in cursive practice, and every math flash-card he does within 10 seconds, I (or Hubby) do an exercise, like a push-up, jumping-jack, crunchie,... There are 24 flash cards every day, and cursive practice is 50-75 letters a day, so I'll be in great shape by summer vacation! He's also doing reasonably well with "choose your own homework time". Mommy bites tongue, and he does it on his own time without complaints, otherwise Mommy sets the time.
Rocket is now a level B reader. Started the year as AA, teacher thought a good goal for her would be level C, so she's progressing nicely.
And we've found and purchased all the gifts for the spring birthdays. Except for the roller blades for Crackers; they're not out yet, and he already knows he's getting them.
Cheers!
What a great idea, Cricket! I need to try the exercise thing!
Sounds like your little ones are doing welll...you have so much to be proud of!
I finally got my final V DVD. Now, I got th Mini-sereis, the Final Battle and the complete series, which include an extra episode which wasn'/t shown orignally and kinds much up the continueity a tiny bit.
Also, Happy Easter everybody.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 19 Apr 2007 09:25
The inevitable question when doing writing homework came up last week. "How much do I have to write?"
Tried new approach.
"What grade do you want on it?"
"I want an ... A-"
"Well, you know what to do to get one."
I think the end result was worthy of a B -- far ahead of the D he'd have done under duress.
He thinks of himself as an A student!!!! With reason, might I add.
It's going to be a nice, sunny and warm day and I have put some classic rock tunes including the God of Guitars, Jimi Hendrix himself on my MP3 for when I go to see my football in Wolverhampton later this morning.
Haoppy days.
Nah, the other team fouled a lot and as typical with all Wolves matches, the referees are all ant-Wolves fans. discriminate bastards and they are totally blind as well.
As for today, I listened to classic rock music as I am now as I am posting and it's St Gorges Day and I am.....er....welll.....just......happy. 
I wish Cep, I only wish. 
, but alas I was at work today and I will be tomorrow but for the mo though, 
, but alas I was at work today and I will be tomorrow but for the mo though,
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 26 Apr 2007 15:44
Had a great day today!
No admin at school today! Means I do not have to feel like they are looking over my shoulder all the time.
Got to read lots of Smut! Three or was it four new stories.
I have lots of new links to look at.
AND .......
I arrive home and what do I find in my mailbox. The OAV DVD. (Thank you TJ, it arrived, it arrived.)
Rubs hands together. I can't wait until the weekend. *insert Clouddancer doing the snoopy dance here*
Do I really have to go to work tomorow? Come on Friday, lets get you over with. *insert tapping nails on desktop*
I am going to have a busy weekend. Clouddancer hopes for rain as an excuse to sit in front of the computer all day.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 27 Apr 2007 15:30
Eeeeps! I missed my Monday shared joy!
I like that one!
So many posts! I swear I was here less than a week ago, but I'm having to go through the forums one by one. Patience, it may take a while.
Finally realized I was taking more time fighting through webmail than it would take to get ThunderBird running properly, so now I have all my email archives back. Definitely need to purge them.
Unpacked the china boxes from the move last spring. Too many fancy things we never use, can't even remember the history of them.
Mid-week seemed horrid, had nothing done. Seem to have caught up somewhat today. Helps that I found a short, easy-to-learn story to tell. Three potential new members have called for the guild, ranging from maybe come listen to definitely want to join as a teller.
Teacher says son needn't do math flash cards this weekend, she's not worried about him. Well, I'm outspoken with the Moms about not worrying about them learning the tables really fast (and not buying next year's books for him to work through, learned from experience there), but I do think they need a bit more practice than they're getting. I much prefer her being the heavy, not me. Still, it's good to know he's got it mastered it well enough to be rewarded with time off.
Cute.
Wish hubby luck, he's doing his purple belt test as I type. Should be nicely into the fitness portion by now. They've got some senior belts being tested tonight, so it will be brutal.
Cheers!
I like that one!
So many posts! I swear I was here less than a week ago, but I'm having to go through the forums one by one. Patience, it may take a while.
Finally realized I was taking more time fighting through webmail than it would take to get ThunderBird running properly, so now I have all my email archives back. Definitely need to purge them.
Unpacked the china boxes from the move last spring. Too many fancy things we never use, can't even remember the history of them.
Mid-week seemed horrid, had nothing done. Seem to have caught up somewhat today. Helps that I found a short, easy-to-learn story to tell. Three potential new members have called for the guild, ranging from maybe come listen to definitely want to join as a teller.
Teacher says son needn't do math flash cards this weekend, she's not worried about him. Well, I'm outspoken with the Moms about not worrying about them learning the tables really fast (and not buying next year's books for him to work through, learned from experience there), but I do think they need a bit more practice than they're getting. I much prefer her being the heavy, not me. Still, it's good to know he's got it mastered it well enough to be rewarded with time off.
Cute.
Wish hubby luck, he's doing his purple belt test as I type. Should be nicely into the fitness portion by now. They've got some senior belts being tested tonight, so it will be brutal.
Cheers!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 28 Apr 2007 11:18
karate. And, yes, he earned it! So proud of him.
I did one style of Karate at college and just got an orange belt and started to doanother syle a year after me getting knocked over by a car and did it for 2 years and got a puple belt myself. I was quite please for getting it,so congrats to him.
I bet the kids are behaving themselves now. 
I just played Space Invaders ad invaded space at Number 1.
SJ_SwanJun
Forum Goddess
posted 28 Apr 2007 16:48
Whenever I think of Karate I always think of the Simpsos episode where Bart did, like, a nonosecond of a class and then boasted about "the Touch of Death"...
Good on the wee one, Cricket!!
I'd put mine into something like that, but he's already dangerous enough ...
He's definitely a Condor - no doubting that ...
SJ
There are so many different styles of Karate, both in traditional and freestyle. The proper name is KarateDo which means in Japanese Way/Path of the Empty Hand, but as Karate wasn't originally Japanese but started out in the Ryukyu islands and meant The Chinese Hand as it was influnced ty the Chinese martial arts orignally but changed to The Empty Hand when the islands becamee influnced by Japan.
As the name suggests, Karate is used by the hands only and no elbows or kicks were orignally used and there were only 3 main styles of Karate called after the names of ciies where the started.
One style used straight moves, while another used circular moves and the third used a combination of straight and circular moves.
Gichin Funakoshi, the man who is generally thought of as the grandfather of Karate developed Shotokan Karate, which is the first "modern" style
I did Shukokai at college for jusovera year and gota orange belt and did Wado-Ryu freestyle for 2 years and got the purrple belt and proud of it as well.
I just wanted to share I had a great day! Work was satisfying and time did not drag on. got home and cooked up a lovely spaghetti bolognese . found out kids had very good days at school and at Tafe. And tonight , even tho once again I burned the midnight oil. I enjoyed catching up with threads and reading more fics from links. Im so glad they are now in one place , where they are easily accessible!
Thankyou for a wonderful evening guys !
I'm just coming off a glorious weekend here in SE. Wisconsin!!
I attended the wedding of my next door neighbor, and while I didn't know anyone there, I had an awesome time at my assigned table. The people I sat with were fun and engaging and I was all swoony when the handsome guy next to me said that he couldn't believe that I was single and then we exchanged numbers. But alas...I'm still waiting for him to call.
Sunday, was so incredibly beautiful out...Spring has arrived here in the midwest.I went on a 2 hour hike with my best friend in the state forest. The time flew right by as we chatted it up and we've decided to make it our weekly catch up session.
This morning I was up early and practicing yoga and I was finally able to reach and hold a pose that has been eluding me for awhile...
Life is good!!
Yep life is good over in the Black Country (West Midlands) as I listened to classic rock going to and from work and it's been a glorisously sunny and warm (not too hot) day. Now it's time for 
, damm good mug of 
and an hour of telly.
, damm good mug of and an hour of telly.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 30 Apr 2007 13:45
Another Monday, another ...
Can I rant instead? At whoever decided that broken bricks make good mulch for flower gardens? After a few years they break (into shards) and get moved to other places, and burried, and, well, just look ugly. And I hate digging around them. Good news is ... I'm 1/10 done.
Forsythia tree seems to have survived my enthusiastic pruning last week. Still got the yellow buds on it. (So do the branches I cut off, so maybe it's too early to be relieved.)
My men do the Okinawan style, seems to have a lot of straight in it, but I wouldn't rule out curves for blocks. Think there's something about Shotokan in the handbook.
Other good news is we're definitely getting the roof redone. The last guy to quote went up with hubby and they found enough rotten board edges that they'll be pulling up enough that we can check the ventilation and insulation from that direction, much easier than crawling through the attic.
Cheers!
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 30 Apr 2007 14:25
One of my brothers-in-law is a good roofer. Shame he's at least 3000 miles away from your roof, really 
I have done some much needed gardening. My husband has decided to grow tomatoes - hope he does better than me - and I'm going to see if the slugs will stay away from my strawberries. I am looking forward to the hopes of edible home-grown fruit.
I have done some much needed gardening. My husband has decided to grow tomatoes - hope he does better than me - and I'm going to see if the slugs will stay away from my strawberries. I am looking forward to the hopes of edible home-grown fruit.
This is more of a Shared Shocked Joy Challenge post.
About an hour before I left work, my supervsor came upto me and gave me a £5 note sayig the our useless store manager not only thinks I do a great job but paid me our of his own pocked. 
WOW! Congrats, Metalliant...that is an unusual thing to hear...very rare to even get a pat on the back...much less...money! 
He went to LIverpool to watch their football team play and then came back. His team won and I think he's either to happy or too drunk.
Next tuesday, he might ask for it back. Maybe I should have asked for a pay rise. Hee, hee.
I so would Metalliant... and congrats on the praise received
Hey Met...what a nice suprise for you!! Congrats!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 3 May 2007 12:05
Congrats Metalliant!
Shared joy for everyone here!!! Yuki has returned to the nest!!! wheeeee!!! Give us a hug!! How have you been? How are you wee ones?!?!?
So many posters!! The legends and the newbies alike!! What a fun couple weeks this has been!!
So many posters!! The legends and the newbies alike!! What a fun couple weeks this has been!!
Well it wouldnt be possible without all the lovable peeps here keeping the place alive and fresh
And it certainly wouldn't be possible without you Ceppers darl....
Today, my football team not only won but are playing in the playoff matches and hopefully, they will go up to the Premiership.
Also, I have the top 3 spots on Space Invaders, which an achievement for me. 
I have watch several episodes of Fraggle Rockj and Thundercats. My god, I have been doing this since about midday. Help me, I am an eagle, get me out of here.
I'm no better.
I've been cleaning house and watching the BSG Marathon on SciFi.
I have seen the final 4 minutes of Season 3 and watchd bits of the classic series episode War Of The Gods and watched the episode of Galactica 80 Return Of Starbuck (not the lovely Thrace but the other one).
I have also watched more episodes of Fraggle Rock.
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 20 May 2007 12:25
I have been blowing glass today. That was an interesting experience. Brutal heat, but hopefully I'll have a nice few things to pick up in a few days.
Did you say blowing up glass or blowing glass? Sorry I am too tired to read properly.
I am going to imagine blowing glass and I cannot but smirk at the thought.....I am soooo naughty!!! 
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 21 May 2007 03:46
You are naughty! It's definitely not something you'd want to suck on. 
I burnt my fingers and that was bad enough.
I burnt my fingers and that was bad enough.
Ooh BEE-HAVE! * grins a la Austin Powers*
Seriously tho kudos on a very interesting hobby! I recall a documentary on how glass is blown and it looked like a very dangerous procedure , altho the beautiful vases and bowls and glasses that were created were breathtaking! You are a brave soul to take on such an experience Merry!
I hope the end result will be worth the burnt fingers!
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 21 May 2007 07:51
Heh, I don't think it's going to become a hobby for me. My husband's already done the glass blowing course twice and loves it (there's a fairly local evening class that he may start on in the autumn), and it was my go to have a turn. However, I don't particularly enjoy the risk of getting burnt and you'd be amazed how heavy the bits of glass are to heft about on the iron rods. So while it was an interesting experience, it's not something I'm likely to be doing again.
I am still struck by the experience of trying to get the glass out of the furnace. The glass is heated to 1050 celsius (or more), and at that temperature the entire inside of the furnace glows yellow hot. This makes it impossible to see the molten glass. As you open the door and a wave of eyebrow singeing heat reaches out for your eyebrows (it takes the hair off the back of your hands quite fast) you have to locate the molten glass by looking for the reflection of the iron rod in it. You pick up the glass by turning the rod in it, and it sticks on like glowing gloopy untouchable honey that within 2 minutes has cooled down enough to have lost all its flexibility. It is the most amazing physical demonstration of localised non-flaming heat I've ever experienced. Are flames even that hot?
My pottery kiln can get hotter, but the only way to look into it is through small holes that I bung up with, um, bungs anyway, so while I can see the glow I don't have to get so close to it. I can't feel it trying to remove my hair and skin.
Fascinating experience, anyway. If my pieces of glass turn out to be photographable - how do I photograph a paperweight? - I'll post pics of them after I've picked them up.
Does this mean, that you are going to have glass heads of the team, Zoltar and the phoniex?
Meridian, I'd love to see a finished piece! Good lucck with it! 
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 21 May 2007 13:47
Originally posted by Metaliant Does this mean, that you are going to have glass heads of the team, Zoltar and the phoniex?Uh, yeah, I have a lump of misshapen coloured stuff that I might be able to pass off as a head of someone.... I think that might be a little complex, actually. Might make them in clay one day, though. I did plan to make a Gatch scene on the side of a pot recently, similar to the ancient greek pot decorations. Except with more clothes. But I ran out of time so didn't actually do it. I do hope these things will be photographable.
I am sure your stuff will be brillant and photographable. I can remember some disaster I made from making pots and such at school and as for my wood work. My go I hope Zoltar doesn't ask me to design a mech for him. It will the most cack wooden thing ever ad all you need to do is touch it with your little finger and it just falls down, so no bird missiles for the condor to fire then.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 22 May 2007 02:53
[quote]Originally posted by SJ_SwanJun
Whenever I think of Karate I always think of the Simpsos episode where Bart did, like, a nonosecond of a class and then boasted about "the Touch of Death"...
I just think of the Karate Kid....know a few people who tried to do that move on the pier at the beach with disasterous results wasn't pretty
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 22 May 2007 02:57
My pottery kiln can get hotter, but the only way to look into it is through small holes that I bung up with, um, bungs anyway, so while I can see the glow I don't have to get so close to it. I can't feel it trying to remove my hair and skin.
Do you do much pottery???
I have a kiln but I use it for porcelain which fires really hot about 1300 or hotter for a bisque fire higher than ceramics. I work with clay to but not to do pottery. The glass blowing sounds facinating but not for me either.......I saw your post after my last one Cheers
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 22 May 2007 04:05
I go to a pottery evening class each week and I tend to use the college kilns rather than my own - it's a bit cheaper on the electricity! I've only fired my own up twice, although I have to make the effort to fire it up again this summer as I've got a nice looking glaze that I can't use at the college as it has a lower firing temperature. I'm only planning to use my kiln for earthenware as I think it'll last longer that way.
Do you make a lot of porcelain ware? I'd love to see some pics. I've never tried porcelain myself, I've read that it's harder to work with than clay because of being less flexible, and the need to keep it thin to get the translucence.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 24 May 2007 09:47
Go Fraggle Rock! I loved that show, but that's about all I remember about it. Loved the Trash Heap.
Son took kid/parent pottery this spring. Two sessions, he took a different parent to each. He enjoyed it, but is very disappointed that they really don't recommend the wheel for kids under 14, as they claim it's quite difficult. He does want to take the longer kid-only session next fall. No clue what the clay was, probably cheap and reliable. Creamy colour.
As for me, I've been gardening. This place came with huge gardens. The front one is 10x20ft, as is the main back one. Both seriously over-grown, the front by euonymous and the back by snow-on-the-mountain -- never thought I'd see something that won against wild violets! Still, I'd rather have an aggressive ground cover that I trim back than something I have to baby along.
As of today, the big front garden is done and one of the small ones; we'll see how everything takes. May want to squeeze in some colourful annuals; most of what's there is spring colour, but I want to see how it looks after some growth before adding more perennials. Still have to weed and thin-out the back garden and add ground-cover to the gardens along the walls. I prefer ground covers rather than mulches, and don't like bare dirt.
So, happy, happy, in anticipation of how the front garden will look next week (when things recover a bit) and for the rest of the summer and more.
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 24 May 2007 11:11
The thing with the wheel is that most kids just wouldn't have the strength to work the clay on it. If the clay is soft, then it's hard to work on the wheel because it flops over. If the clay is a bit tougher, it holds its shape better but it takes more strength to work it. My daughter had a go on the college kick wheel a couple of weeks back and was quite happy with the vaguely circular lump she produced, but she really didn't have a hope of controlling the clay.
I have also been gardening. We hope to try to sell this house and move next year, so this year I'm trying to get the garden in shape to make it more attractive to buyers. But we're also growing tomatoes, chillies and strawberries in the hope of getting some kind of fruit off them (as long as we remember to water them enough!).
Water them? If they need water beyond the first two weeks (or their new toy shine fades), they're not the right plants for us. Although,... the neighbour loves gardening, so the excuse of not having someone to water them is gone.
And thanks for the wheel info. Not that he'll learn from any other person's experience, mind you.
Great news! The new computer is 90% up and running. I'm using it now. Still have glitches and such, though. The external hard drive failed half-way through the first test backup. Firefox bookmarks didn't come over yet; I told him I'd been putting all NEW bookmarks on an external site, he heard ALL bookmarks. But, it booted in well under the 10 minutes I'd been used to, and there's sound! With any luck, I'll have my husband back later this week.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 31 May 2007 09:43
Our chicks are hatching.
For the last 21 days our grade one classes have been egg sitting a dozen egg. At this time three chicks have hatched and it looks like 5 more to come.
Whee! 
Even I am excited. We were not sure if this would work. The children are going to have a very hard time focusing for this last month of school.
Even I am excited. We were not sure if this would work. The children are going to have a very hard time focusing for this last month of school.
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 31 May 2007 14:26
Baby chicks!! That's so sweet....
I found that I can watch whole episodes of my favourite programmes, excluding the new BSG on YouTube. At the moment I have decided to watch Blake 7.
I can now go and die happy.
Hiya MET!!
You can watch new BSG at
http://www.torrentspy.com/
For some reason torrent and my computer don't like each other but I will try it, thanks.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 15 Jun 2007 08:47
Hurrah!!!
I am all done report cards. 
I just handed them off to my Principal to review, check for editing and signing.
Now I can get a life again.
AND This means one and a half weeks of elementary school left!!!!!!!
Then I am free.......... free to browse all the Gatchaman sites and read all the stories I can find. Maybe even get onto chat on this site. 
Now for the bad news. Just had a furnace maintainance check and it is producing too much CO2. This means I am spending my vacation money on a new furnace. No trips for me this summer. 
I just handed them off to my Principal to review, check for editing and signing.
Now I can get a life again.
AND This means one and a half weeks of elementary school left!!!!!!!
Then I am free.......... free to browse all the Gatchaman sites and read all the stories I can find. Maybe even get onto chat on this site.
Now for the bad news. Just had a furnace maintainance check and it is producing too much CO2. This means I am spending my vacation money on a new furnace. No trips for me this summer.
WOOHOO! Today was my last day of school...it's great to be off for a while...and better yet...I'm meeting Transmute Jun and her family tomorrow in New York ...and we're going on a Carribean cruise together...how dangerous is that???
awwww. clouddancer 
...I'm sorry to hear about the furnace...I do hope you will do something fun this summer. I have to say I can identify with you....many of my summers end up the same way for one reason or another. But at least we have our Gatchaman stuff to keep us happy! 
awwww. clouddancer ...I'm sorry to hear about the furnace...I do hope you will do something fun this summer. I have to say I can identify with you....many of my summers end up the same way for one reason or another. But at least we have our Gatchaman stuff to keep us happy!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 16 Jun 2007 01:00
Originally posted by meridianday I go to a pottery evening class each week and I tend to use the college kilns rather than my own - it's a bit cheaper on the electricity! I've only fired my own up twice, although I have to make the effort to fire it up again this summer as I've got a nice looking glaze that I can't use at the college as it has a lower firing temperature. I'm only planning to use my kiln for earthenware as I think it'll last longer that way. Do you make a lot of porcelain ware? I'd love to see some pics. I've never tried porcelain myself, I've read that it's harder to work with than clay because of being less flexible, and the need to keep it thin to get the translucence.Porcelains value is on it's translucent look when held to the light. All my poured dolls are thin, not too thin but to maintain the quality. I work with "liquid porcelain" and moulds. It can be tricky geting it out of the moulds. It' all about timing. The dolls I make start out as raw (green ware) porcelain. I'm starting to sculpt my own now.(out of clay, I'll use porcelain over earthen ware clay much smoother for moulds) I have a model (a young teenage girl who is gorgeous) So I will make progress. That's the tough part, then I have to do the moulds out of plaster etc. I will be doing edtions over the next few years, I'm changing jobs to get more hours to work etc. I have not used a pottery wheel but I know it's not an easy skill to master. Firing Porcelain you have to spot on fro the intial bisque or it will collapse or go to crap after a few colour fires. That's what we get for working with clay. I don't know much about glazes etc. I do know you cannot fire earthen clay and porcelain clay in the same kiln as it stuffs up porcelain clay's finish!
Happy observation:
The bunnies prefer our pesticide-free lawn and garden over the neighbours' unknown lawns. (Well, ours was likely under lawn care until last year, but it's now p-free.) We haven't planted anything the bunnies are likely to destroy this year; sticking with tomatoes rather than peppers and lettuce.
Also, insulating son's floor was easier than we'd feared. His room hangs out over the porch, and there's a very noticeable difference as you walk across the floor -- like within four inches. So we took down a sheet of plywood (ugh, pulling nails from overhead). The 4 inches of pink was right on the bottom of the space, meaning air right against his floor would be cold. And the pipe carrying warm air went through that space. But only about 2 ft needed doing. $35 of pink insulation and two hours later, and it's packed in just the way the package says to.
Now, to see why turning the air conditioner on this weekend made no difference. It worked earlier this year. Still under warranty.
Katze is sending me the first three eps. of Gatch F.
God, Katze, I thank you!
#bows in front of the mighty lord Katze and kiss his feet#
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 19 Jun 2007 00:13
Originally posted by Metaliant I am just happy.Good to hear! A happy soul in the world! Don't worry be happy and sit back and relax with a nice glass of red wine...all is well in the world.
Originally posted by Metaliant I am just happy.Care to share your happiness?
I just booked a SOLO trip to Mexico in August for a couple of days. I'm so looking forward to it. Life has been really almost unbearably hard on me the last 6 weeks. A solo trip will do wonders for my soul.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 19 Jun 2007 12:20
Cricket heads the line to hug Lola and hope the trip works the wonders she hopes.
Despite the day going worong, I am happy (again) because despite my supervisor told me to do, which is to do 2 bays of overs and 1 bay of paint overs, within the 21 hour week I have and which will finished tomorrow at 2 pm.
Now, this means that any stock that can't go onto the shopfloor needs to be looged into the computer system as "overs" and put in bays for each department, eg paint/wallpaper, cookshop/cleaning, electricl, tiles/bathroom accessories, etc, which all have about 3 or 4 shelf per bay.
Now I have done 2 AND HALF bays and 1 paint bay in 16 hours or 2 days.
In other words, I did do what my supervisor told me to do and then some.
Originally posted by LolabellaWell, last night, I was just happy. Could be that I was helping to torturing.......I mean welcoming the 3 newbies in the Rubber Room, but I just felt happy at the time of the post.Originally posted by Metaliant I am just happy.Care to share your happiness?
Originally posted by CricketBeautiful Cricket heads the line to hug Lola and hope the trip works the wonders she hopes.awww...thanks Cricket. Things will get better in time. Just have to keep the faith. (((HUGS)))
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 21 Jun 2007 12:05
Shhhh, he'll start demanding it of you! (Or replace the coworkers who goof off so much they can't keep up with you.)
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII''MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 27 Jun 2007 18:17
Today is my last day with the kids at school. HOORAY!!!!!
Actually, I am quite sad to see them go. I really enjoyed this group of kids. We had a great time together.
I have to go into work for a morning staff meeting tomorrow, to wrap up all we did this year and start thinking about next year. And then I am free for the summer.
I can rest, read for MY pleasure, and relax. 8 weeks of not thinking about school, marking or assessments. (I wonder how long that will actually last - usually 4-5 weeks and then I start thinking about the next year.) Besides, I have volunteered to work on our school website this summer so I will probably end up thinking about school more than I would like to. (I just hope this continues to keep me on my Principals good side. I need a good recommendation if I plan on moving schools the following year.)
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 28 Jun 2007 04:41
The SALE at work finishes next week and I get to ship it all out to another store...ahhhh no more long hours until christmas!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 3 Jul 2007 10:36
Perfect weekend at the cottage. Weather dry and between shorts and long pants. The leaky pump Oma was worried about was a single loose joint. Found how to save mega bucks on shed and boathouse; she wanted to put up siding (seeing how little time we get up there, she's always looking for ways to reduce the maintenance), but staining is 1/10 the cost. So, we do some work instead. And *I* was the one to think of sticking a door skin (think very thin plywood. 1/16 or 1/8 inch) over the door rather than an entire replacement. Kids didn't want to go to the big fireworks; good, since is more waiting than fireworks and is very late. Son got all excited about hosting a bonfire, excited enough to accept the need to write out invitations (cursive is the only thing we're intentionally working on this summer, although other things do sneak in); it was a success.
I or rather my mum but I gave her a cheque for the amount....ooops, I am rambling here......I am going to have a spanking new telly, which has Freeview and HD install, a DVD Hard drive recorder with Freview installed. It's coming in about an hour or such and it's going to be installed by someone else.
I have also had to buy a stand for those 2 things and my Xbox 360.
I just hope my huse doesn't get blown up or something daft like that.
Originally posted by Springie I love this whole "good news" idea! We need more of it! I am going to start a painting class soon...and I have always wanted to take an Art class of some kind! I can't wait!I used to teach Porcelain doll making classes, it was so much fun to see someone who thought they could never paint or think they had no talent take home a finished doll and feel good and happy with themselves...I miss that, but full-time work took over....... I am passionate about it really... you will love painting and shading once you start...You can draw well so that's a start...I can't wait to see your work!
I took one class in the spring, but they don't offer any during the summer...so I'll just have to wait until fall...
You should start those classes again...there's no way you can make some time for it? Your dolls are truly gorgeous...can't wait to see Jun...
Yes my original Springie painting is well worth it's wait in gold. Thanks so much for giving it to me!! 
I loved the insight about your cruise with TJ ( 
than silence ) muwawawawa!!!!
I loved the insight about your cruise with TJ ( than silence ) muwawawawa!!!!
I never did get to show you the pics, though...ah well...you've seen a couple...
Glad you liked the painting...I always connected you with the fiery phoenix... 
I am happy because my new telly, stand and DVD recorder thingy hasn't blown up (yet) and the weather forcast says it's going to be dryish, warmish and sunnyish.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 7 Jul 2007 00:57
Originally posted by Springie I took one class in the spring, but they don't offer any during the summer...so I'll just have to wait until fall... You should start those classes again...there's no way you can make some time for it? Your dolls are truly gorgeous...can't wait to see Jun...I have been doing more of my own work at the moment... I have been asked to do communtiy college teaching in sewing or dolls but I can't fit it in without quitting full time work, not an option at the moment..Thanks for the compliments Springie...The doll I put in the thread is my favourite... I have a mould for a doll looks like Jun, all I have to do is paint her with dimentional green eyes and a dark wig and she would look like a spinning image of her...I am thinking of pouring some greenware of her and making a Jun doll from that one...
OOOHhh...I can't wait to see it! 
That would be a great thing to see Ebony!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 10 Jul 2007 07:55
Did something crazy, and it paid off.
I gave R's teacher business cards with R's name and number and "classmate wants to play with you", to put in the Bee bags. Got a call last week. Little A was begging her mother to invite R over all week, and she finally emptied the school bag!
(Is there anyone besides A's mother and myself who wait that long?)
Hahahahaha! My son's and daughter's school bags are still full of stuff...I'm afraid to look....
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 10 Jul 2007 11:45
Have you heard Stuart McClean's story about the the night before school? With Morley looking for the lunch bags and the kids buying last-minute supplies? The story is called "School Lunch".
http://www.btmon.com/Other/Unsorted/Vinyl_Cafe_On_Tour.torrent.html
(Tried googling it; they all give away the ending! But still worth listening to if you've any kids or teachers at all in your life.
It's bound to be on again, the story's a classic for that last week before school. http://www.cbc.ca/vinylcafe/
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 16 Jul 2007 08:29
It's camp week! Both kids away from 9:30 till 4.
Shorthand speed is up to 25wpm, with some passages at 35. Might be able to create some dictation "tapes" with the computer to help boost it higher. Purchased recordings are expensive.
Yeah! Camp week! Any chance you'll be doing any more of your wonderful writing, Cricket?
BTW, that story is a hoot...thanks for the info!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 16 Jul 2007 10:58
Nope. Working on Bird Scramble right now, and the muses are silent again this issue. Might get around to posting stuff that's only appeared in Scramble, but no promises.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 16 Jul 2007 12:02
SO?
Is this another one I need to add to my list? I may have to get me another whip. 
I didn't know Cricket had stuff she was not showing.
I didn't know Cricket had stuff she was not showing.
Scramble us, Cricket!! 
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 19 Jul 2007 10:50
Half of my storytelling repertoire is now in a nice binder! Mind you, every time I try this project, I start with the oldest stories, so this was the half that was already half-done. (Sounding like Kipling, here.)
So, yay! (And my plants that needed repotting six months ago still need it. Maybe they'd get by with some water.)
Speaking of storytelling / tellers, anyone know how Buffy's doing?
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 24 Jul 2007 04:45
I finally got over the flu! Yay I can talk again with coughing lots!
Life is good! I have great people around me
And I am going to New Zealand on a holiday on the 4th August!
Ahhh all is well in the world....
around me
And I am going to New Zealand on a holiday on the 4th August!
Ahhh all is well in the world....
Love hearing this good news!
Those coughing fits seem to last forever, don't they? Sounds like you've earned a vacation!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 25 Jul 2007 01:12
I wen and booked it today!
Going to the South Island of New Zealand and I have 2 tours booked.
One up right up to the top end so it should be beautiful. and then out on the water around the rock formations.
TJ will probably see them on her cruise in January...
We have planned to go for years but it always got put on the back burner...
So 2 days ago I managed to get my Eagle to stop analysing it and I just went and booked it!
Now he is excited as well...burning dinner better go!
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 26 Jul 2007 15:03
A few weeks ago my mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer (hence the recent MRI scan). She's been into hospital and had a hysterectomy last week, and is now out of hospital and looking really well considering. She's got to have some radiotherapy starting at the end of next month, but as a "just to be sure" rather than "to try to finish it off". Uterine cancer is fortunately one of the more localised cancers, as long as it's caught early enough. So the prognosis is good and I'm really optimistic.
I'm so glad to hear that, Meridian...please keep us posted...
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 27 Jul 2007 22:24
I hope she has a good recovery Merinan
Hope she continues to improve Meridian...
Ebony I hope your trip goes smoothly. Glad to hear that you are over the flu.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 30 Jul 2007 07:31
Hope all goes well, Meridian. I've known a few people with uterine cancer, and you're right, it is one of less nasty ones.
I just go home from work and I have been told that the stocktake that I was very stressed about looks like it will be a green light form the initial count...so that cheers me up a bit...
My favourite Aunty died suddenly last week 
(I was very sad and miserable, she had a great sense of humour.) , so something good had to happen this week... I go on holidays in 4 days...thats good.
So Ebony got inside her house and walked over to kitchen bench and spied the bottle sitting there calling her name, she picked it up and looked at it and smiled...
Jim Beam is a friend! And coke can join in as well...so she poured herself a glass...
Then she turned on her computer and looked in her emails to find Amy has a new Fic! "The curse of the poisoned apples."(Amy you really should have a folder here as well you know to post them!)
That cheered Ebony up even more, and she printed it out so she read it on her way to New Zealand too drop in on the Kiwi's for a visit.(Love your country guys!)
Joy was found in the world again...just thought I would share...
(I was very sad and miserable, she had a great sense of humour.) , so something good had to happen this week... I go on holidays in 4 days...thats good.
So Ebony got inside her house and walked over to kitchen bench and spied the bottle sitting there calling her name, she picked it up and looked at it and smiled...
Jim Beam is a friend! And coke can join in as well...so she poured herself a glass...
Then she turned on her computer and looked in her emails to find Amy has a new Fic! "The curse of the poisoned apples."(Amy you really should have a folder here as well you know to post them!)
That cheered Ebony up even more, and she printed it out so she read it on her way to New Zealand too drop in on the Kiwi's for a visit.(Love your country guys!)
Joy was found in the world again...just thought I would share...
So sorry to hear about your Aunt, Ebony. 
But I know you will have a wonderful vacation...especially now that you have some new reading material. 
But I know you will have a wonderful vacation...especially now that you have some new reading material.
Sorry to hear about your aunt.. Ebony.
Glad that the fic was there to cheer you up.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 31 Jul 2007 18:32
Well I have had a busy week and a half.
Got my new furnace installed.
*RANT Was that ever a hassle for nothing according to the independent installer I had in. He said the Big name company I had sevicing my furnace was using high pressure tactics to get me to but a new furnace from them. I mean I knew the furnace was 30 years old but they did not need to shut off the gas line to the Furnace and threaten me with Shut off to the entire house. After the furnace was removed and the installer inspected the furnace outside he would find no cracks or leaks in the heat exchanger. There was NO CO getting into the house. Deep breath and relax. .......Okay, feeling better. Rant over*
Any ways I now have a brand new energy efficient furnace installed. At a lot less than I thought so I have started to do what I planned to do this summer ..... Renovate my kitchen.
This was so much fun. I enjoyed choosing the cabinets style and colour. Talking to the designer and selecting which size and type of cabinet I was more likely to use etc.etc.etc. Now in two to three weeks I should have a new dishwasher, countertop and cabinets arriving to be installed. Not sure if I am happy about the thought of packing up my kitchen during the installation but ..... I just keep thinking at the end of it I will have a new kitchen.
Last thing, with all the free time I have on my hands, (I could not go on vacatin because of the furnace, so now I have to hang around the house), I rented a carpet cleaner today and the carpets in my dinning room and living room are now clean. (All the furniture is scattered all around the main floor of the house but...) I now have nice clean carpets that will match my nice new clean kitchen.
I wonder what trouble I can get into, or how much money I can spend, during the month of August before I have to go back to work and earn some money to pay for all these improvements.
I enjoyed choosing the cabinets style and colour. Talking to the designer and selecting which size and type of cabinet I was more likely to use etc.etc.etc. Now in two to three weeks I should have a new dishwasher, countertop and cabinets arriving to be installed. Not sure if I am happy about the thought of packing up my kitchen during the installation but ..... I just keep thinking at the end of it I will have a new kitchen.
Last thing, with all the free time I have on my hands, (I could not go on vacatin because of the furnace, so now I have to hang around the house), I rented a carpet cleaner today and the carpets in my dinning room and living room are now clean. (All the furniture is scattered all around the main floor of the house but...) I now have nice clean carpets that will match my nice new clean kitchen.
I wonder what trouble I can get into, or how much money I can spend, during the month of August before I have to go back to work and earn some money to pay for all these improvements.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 1 Aug 2007 17:11
CD your gonna love your new kitchen! It sounds like your having a fun time at home getting the place sparkling.
Sorry to hear about your furnace issues...does it snow where you live???
Cd, you'll have to post pics of your new kitchen so we can "OOoooo" and "Ahhhhhh"... 
Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Sorry to hear about your furnace issues...does it snow where you live???Thank you Ebony. Yes we do get snow in this part of Canada, although with the climate change not as much as we use to, or as much as I would like. (I am a snow lover. Walking in the snow, skiing, snowshoeing, skating, tobogganing.) We can get temps of -25 degrees celcius. Can't remember if we had anything that low last winter, but it is not unheard of. And then today we have 33 degrees and a humidex making it feel like 38. Good time to go to a movie, or the malls.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 1 Aug 2007 18:44
So your Canadian, I love Canadians, so friendly in general(well all the ones I have met so far)
My Husband wants to go to Canada and France for the scenery and my parent went there a few years back and just raved about Canada...
I have seen snow only once in my life!(that was not on TV, Christmas is spent at the beach, or playing cricket.)
I want to see more again some time. Well maybe one day...
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 1 Aug 2007 20:10
I visited Singapore in 1994 for two weeks at Christmas time.
I really enjoyed my stay but I have a nice memory of being on the beach on Christmas Day and building a snowman instead of a sandcastle. The snowman was only one to two feet tall with sea shells for eyes and buttons and twigs for arms.
Snow is fun. It is the extreme cold I really hate. As a teacher the extreme cold is a stess during the day because the students get to stay indoors and it means extra supervision for us. We don't get that 15-20 mins. of down time for a relaxing coffee or tea.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 1 Aug 2007 21:14
A sandman way to go!
I always built my own cities out of sand, I had forts, walls and streets with houses...
I live in a very temperate climate, we really don't get extreme cold.
It will drop below Zero only for a few weeks over night, right now it is unusally warm today...better get back to packing I suppose!
You do need down time at work, so I can see why that would irritate you!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 2 Aug 2007 08:56
Son finished two weeks of climbing camp. Apparently all the investment of this winter was worth it. He's no longer the slowest kid on the hikes, he climbed to the top of the bouldering wall (12 feet) and used the boulder swing several times (hang in middle of nowhere), use the ascender (rope with toe loop) up to the top (30 ft) and climbed the wall all the way to the top (30 ft)! Last year he barely made 5 ft!
Yes!!!!! (And very glad we went for the second week; that's when his confidence and self-challenging kicked in.)
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 5 Aug 2007 13:55
I have just spent a week away in near Weymouth, on the south coast of England. Lovely weather (slightly sunburnt, I guess factor 20 wasn't quite enough for me), lots of beach time and great scenery. I'm back for 3 days at work (just stretching my holiday out over the school holidays, my husband is still there with daughter at the moment) and then I'm off back there again, until Sunday when we drag the caravan back. And then a week and a half later, we go on holiday again! 
It is rumoured that we have seen the last of the rain in August and it's going to be a scorcher this month.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 27 Aug 2007 12:04
Back! And I see 1543 new posts, eeps! I'll be a while catching up!
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 27 Aug 2007 13:05
I guess you wont get to all those is one day Cricket. 
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 27 Aug 2007 14:33
Down to maybe 15 threads. But I've skipped an awful lot.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 27 Aug 2007 14:39
I have been forgetting we have been pretty busy keeping about 10 threads alive for the last few weeks. (or I should say the others have. I just throw out a few suggestions once in a while. hehe.)
Two IF's and lots of Condor, Eagle and Swanie pictures. A lot of reading but more fun looking at the picccies.
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 27 Aug 2007 14:56
And, done! Four hours, I think. Now to see if the KD is salvageable. With any luck I'll be able to avoid this place for another week and get some visible stuff done, so hubby doesn't get suspicious.
Only problem with going for a week is you will come back to loads more!
Could always say you are erm researching or something?
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 28 Aug 2007 08:28
Week? I was out for over two!
And, I'm mostly caught up on all the boards and such. Bills? I've got another few days before the first one bounces.
Well this isn't exactly joy but this month my borhter was 40 and I made only a tiny bit fun of him but unfortuantely I am slowly catching up as I was 35 last Wednesday.
Bought 4 pairs of shoe today! And the 70% discount really made me happy! 
shoppings
shoppings
Belated Happy Birthday Metaliant 
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 28 Aug 2007 13:00
Hipo Birdies, Metaliant.
Shared Joy: $2000 per annum payrise & is now decided that Ste will be moving to Australia - hopefully during 2008.
Yes - we have both decided our future is together. 
And the silly boy keeps asking what makes me love him!!!!!
And the silly boy keeps asking what makes me love him!!!!!
Congratulations Maddy!
I know you will both be happy together
Congratulations Maddy! Were is he from???
Happy Birthday Meta!
Amy I love to hear about GREAT bargins...my DH doesn't believe me any more about getting it on sale...so now I say I paid full price...
Well I am just having a good day!
Amy I love to hear about GREAT bargins...my DH doesn't believe me any more about getting it on sale...so now I say I paid full price...
Well I am just having a good day!
I think we have one rusty English Eagle here! Happy b'day, Met!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 29 Aug 2007 12:49
Maddy, that's wonderful! So excited for you two! Of course you do realize that everyone who has gotten together now spends less time online? (Except hubby's coworker; he and his wife sit in the same room and email each other. 'Course him being a Kiwi might explain it.)
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 29 Aug 2007 16:39
mmm my DH likes to do that...it is sad when he emails me to ask what I was palnning for dinner...we must be related Cricket to your Co-worker! LOL
The most I do is send email messages home from work telling my DH that I am thinking of him.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 30 Aug 2007 04:26
Originally posted by Firebird The most I do is send email messages home from work telling my DH that I am thinking of him.Very romantic firebird!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 30 Aug 2007 07:52
Sometimes it's easier to email than phone. His voice mail at work is broken, and for non-urgent things, I know he'll get to it in an hour or two. Messenger inspires me to bug him too much.
Originally posted by amyltrer I think we have one rusty English Eagle here! Happy b'day, Met!I wil put some oil to make it more quiet.
Originally posted by amyltrer I think we have one rusty English Eagle here! Happy b'day, Met!I wil put some oil on so I doesn't squeak.
Happy Belated Birthday, Metalliant!! 
I just finished doing Open House (which I dread each year)...I hate public speaking...and now I don't have to do it again until next year!!
I just finished doing Open House (which I dread each year)...I hate public speaking...and now I don't have to do it again until next year!!
Originally posted by MetaliantOh, Met, now you can join Zark in the Ready Room for a ten second oil break!Originally posted by amyltrer I think we have one rusty English Eagle here! Happy b'day, Met!I wil put some oil on so I doesn't squeak.
Originally posted by amyltrerOriginally posted by MetaliantOh, Met, now you can join Zark in the Ready Room for a ten second oil break!Originally posted by amyltrer I think we have one rusty English Eagle here! Happy b'day, Met!I wil put some oil on so I doesn't squeak.
Oh dear, I did not think anyone deserved that punishment
Originally posted by FirebirdOh, maybe he can use the ocassion to screw something at Zark's circuits. Wouldn't that be great?Originally posted by amyltrerOriginally posted by Metaliant [quote]Originally posted by amyltrer I wil put some oil on so I doesn't squeak.Oh, Met, now you can join Zark in the Ready Room for a ten second oil break!
That would be perfect
Joe
Joe
Well, after a lot of plumbing difficulties, and getting sent some wrong boxes my kitchen cabinets and counter top is almost installed.
Just a few minor details left, well minor if you call waiting for the flooring to be laid, before the kitchen is done. Flooring is to be done under the insurance damage and will not be done for a few weeks. I love the cabinets, the kitchen will look beautiful when everything finally comes together. *Ebony I promise to post the pictures you wanted when everything is done.*
Mean while the Contractor for the insurance work is being a pain in the A** as he is not showing up or returning calls when he says he will. I am seriously considering calling my insurance company and asking if there is someone else I can work with.
Next week I start back to work and the contractor has not come in to pick up my house key, drop off the carpet and flooring samples or the paint chips he said he would. Guess the work will not be starting on Tuesday as he suggested.
I am going to my parents for my last relaxing long weekend of the summer. I need to get away from all the stress and mess in the house, before I start back to work and have to deal with the mess 20 six year olds create in one classroom.
Glad to hear things are getting back to normal for you, CD! Relax this weekend...I know I will...but I never seem to get much sleep on the night before the first day of school...there's always a dream about me standing up in front of class with no lesson plans...LOL 
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 31 Aug 2007 19:29
That is not one I have had. I just worry I have not planned enough for the first day.
I am usually stressed about whether I will be able to behaviourly "manage" this new group and if I will be able to win them over.
For once I want to be that nice teacher. Not the 'witch', start that with a "B", again this year. LOL
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 1 Sep 2007 00:57
CD... Great to hear your kitchen is coming together the way you want it to!
I'm looking forward to the piccies CD!
Met...Don't let them lure you into Zarks ready room...those Swans...especially that Devilstar! Cannot be trusted!!!
After what they did to the Condor in the IF...mmmm
Well it is the first day of spring here...and it a beautiful sunny day!
meridianday
Galaxy Girl
posted 1 Sep 2007 01:40
I got back from my holiday yesterday. Despite this being possibly the wettest summer in the UK for a long time, I've been amazingly lucky with the weather on both holidays. Bloody good job too, since we took one of my daughter's friends along - that would have been painful if the weather had been bad we'd all have been stuck in the tiny caravan together.
CD look forward to seeing the pics when the kitchen is done. You certainly deserve a nice relaxing weekend. AS do all of you who start teaching when school restarts next week. *huggles*
I am hoping the weather here is good for another week as I go away Monday to the Lake District. So will catch up on things when I return no doubt
Originally posted by amyltrer Oh, maybe he can use the ocassion to screw something at Zark's circuits. Wouldn't that be great?"I get on it right now Amy." Starts to run towards Zark's room Ninja style.
Originally posted by meridianday I got back from my holiday yesterday. Despite this being possibly the wettest summer in the UK for a long time, I've been amazingly lucky with the weather on both holidays. Bloody good job too, since we took one of my daughter's friends along - that would have been painful if the weather had been bad we'd all have been stuck in the tiny caravan together.Especially if you were in Gloucesterhsire, Worcestshire and Herefordshire. I am glad that you enjoyed both Holidays. Man I need one myself.
This week is turning out to be a rather great one.
First I have a 3 day weekend.. my place of employment has been rather busy , so most weekends are only one day.
Next I have won two different times from a local radio station. One is for 4 tickets to the state capitols zoo. The next one is 2 tickets to see the Counting Crows... too bad it's on a work night... may still go though.
Then the big lottery in the area was up to over 300 million... while I did not win the big amount (only 2 stinking numbers away) I did win about a half a weeks paycheck.. SO WHOO HOO!!!!
Congrats, Gatchgirl!!! Sounds like you have had a great week!! 
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 1 Sep 2007 13:34
Congaratulations GG.
Hope you have an exciting plan for the winnings.
Congratulations Gatchgirl - A wonderful run of luck
Thanks FB, CD and Springie... most of the money has went to making myself ahead when it comes to September bills and groceries, not to exciting but well worth it.
Has anybody noticed that this is the 13th page and for the past few pages including this one it says it's the last page if you click the View New Post link?
It hink I am a b it ga ga after having listening to the Dare da tune for far too long now.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 3 Sep 2007 16:25
Well, it is back to school tomorrow.
In most ways I am excited. Back to work, get to educate and have fun with a whole new batch of children. Watching them grow and learn.
In some ways I am sad. No more sleeping in and spending hours on line during the day.
To all you parents out there, enjoy the time to yourself you are given while the children are back in school. Just think 15 weeks until Christmas Break and 10 months until next summer.
Good luck, tomorrow, CD! We are in the same boat...I never get any sleep on the night before the first day... 
Originally posted by clouddancer Just think 15 weeks until Christmas Break and 10 months until next summer.Yep, that's my only comfort at the thought I'll start school over two weeks. Not fair, I want more holiday!!!
To all of you teachers out there (there really does seem to be a whole lot), may your beginning of the school year go as easy as the last day of school! Hugs to you all!
Originally posted by gatchgirl Hugs to you all!Ahem, does this applies at the students 'roud here? Anyway thanks, CD. Starting school always depress me.
#Amy looks frightened at the calendar files#
Hope you all had a wonderful first day at school.
It was shocking yesterday as Ebngland won at the cricket, won their rugby match AND won their football match all in one day. Weird.
lol They had to do something right Met
Probably not.
I must admit I was surprised we had nice weather while away I must get around to uploading some holiday pics. We had this cute little rabbit that lived near our lodge.
Originally posted by Firebird Hope you all had a wonderful first day at school.Thanks, FB! I had a great first day, and I have another great class this year...so I lucked out! But work, in general, is kicking my butt these days...hopefully, it will get better!
I sometimes think that life would be so much better if we could work from home
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 11 Sep 2007 07:17
More joy to share.
Son got the same teacher for second year in a row. It's a 3/4 split, with 8 4's. 4 of the 4's were in his class last year; two discipline problems who already know they have to stand at opposite ends of lines, an English Second Language kid who's often late as he has to look after his grade 1 brother (in Daughter's class), and my Son. She already knows what he can do, where he needs help, and how we're dealing with his problems, and my own quirks. Homework's consistent and relates to each day's lessons, and she's got a week or two prepared in advance in each subject (organized, but with flexibility). Firm but flexible discipline, as opposed to jellyfish or brittle. It'll be good for him to be an older kid; he socializes better with the younger ones. She really adapts to the class and doesn't rush ahead just to cover the curriculum; nor does she omit the tough stuff. Overall, a great teacher and Hubby and I are thrilled. He's a bit disappointed he didn't get the teacher who doesn't give homework, but on the other hand that one makes her kids run for 20 minutes a day.
Daughter got a teacher with very high expectations. From other parents, she may be brittle as far as discipline goes; her voice is heard all down the hall, and she had them put their heads on the desk till all were silent. I rather like that, provided she has something else for when it's just not gonna work.
So, happy!
PS Wish me luck; Core Dynamics Pilates today; I haven't done aerobics in ages, but I love Pilates and this instructor.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 11 Sep 2007 09:53
Originally posted by Springie [ But work, in general, is kicking my butt these days...hopefully, it will get better!Work always gets better after the first few weeks and the kids have got back into the routines. My class, is going to be great (sarcasm here please) and after reorganization day next week I will probably have 5 more students added. Woo Whooo!!! I will just have to sit on the minor behaviour problems and I am threatening duc tape on the Big problems.
I recieved a fantastic new DVD and MP3/4, which I am uploading or downloading or sideloading as much music as I can tonight.
Also I had the day off as I went to hospital to check up on my eyes.
Good news - Cataract in both eyes doesn't seem to get worse and I probably don't need an operation which could, if done make things worse.
Bad news - I may need to wear tinted glasses again, which I personally don't think will help much and anyway I got sunglasses.
Oh, I got a little goodie to share.
I made the front page of the lifestyle section of our newspaper for my storytelling (my RL job). This is the second news article in 6 months on me, and this time I was invited to a city founder formal dinner being held in recognition of people of note in the community. My mind, she is blown. Does this mean I need to go buy a dress and high heels?
Not to mention, as a direct result of the articles, I currently have more gigs coming my way than I can fill! I'm pointing them in the direction of a fellow cohort and storyteller who is momentarily hitting a dry spell. And best of all, also as a result of the articles, my library is getting some really awesome recognition in the community--something really needed with the high influx of new residents in our rapidly growing area. This promises to be a good year (yes I know it's October, but libraries and educators work on the school calender year of Sept. - Aug. )
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 17 Oct 2007 11:41
Congratulations Buffy.
Thats wonderful news Buffy!
Hooray for Buffy the storyteller! I wish we could hear you!
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 18 Oct 2007 08:36
That is awesome! You have sooo got to get up to the Toronto School of Storytellers. (Given the number of Gatch fans here vs there, you coming here is more cost-effective.) (I can see it now: Aniki and the Golden Box of Stories.)
You folks who have the guts to demand money for it just blow me away. And it's worth every penny!
Today I am happy and this is why:-
1) It's cold but dry and SUNNY.
2) I am off to watch (hoefully) Wolverhampton Wanderers (my football team) win.
3) I be in a pub before and after the football match. Sod I be warm inside and outside my body with one or two 
4) Hopefully see England win the World Rugby match later tonight in said pub.
And finally listening to 
music before going to Wolverhampton and coming home tonight.
4) Hopefully see England win the World Rugby match later tonight in said pub.
And finally listening to music before going to Wolverhampton and coming home tonight.
So did your team win Met?? I know the Leafs lost, but that's nothing new...*grumbles*
He might be still celebrating Wolves won their match.
Lost the rugby though
*starts singing*
What do you do with a drunken Eagle?
What do you do with a drunken Eagle?
What do you do with a drunken Eagle ...ER-LAY in the morning?
Leave him in the ditch where you found him,
Leave him in the ditch where you found him,
Leave him in the ditch where you found him...ER-LAY in the morning!!!
OOOO! RAY UP! SHE RISES!
OOOO! RAY UP! SHE RISES!
OOOO! RAY UP! SHE RISES!...ER-LAY IN THE MORNING!
I'm a proud mom...my little 5 year old Swannie wants to draw like her mommy...here's her version of Mark and Princess sitting and talking...teehee...
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 23 Oct 2007 14:45
Awwww! Look at that.
And she has even given the Eagle that glazed eye look.
That's great skills for a 5 years old, Springie. I bet she'll best you when she grows up!
Hahaha...thanks, guys! Oh, she'll definitely surpass me...she is soooo serious about her art! LOL 
Great pic Springie.... she has some potential to be a great artist!
Springie that is really good!
Did you tell her how much we love pics?
Please thank her for us
Please thank her for us
In the honour of my 1500 and of my new rank.
Now tthere's a Lunatic Gallactor roaming around! Beware!
Originally posted by Firebird Springie that is really good! Did you tell her how much we love pics?I'll be sure to tell her...*grin*
Originally posted by amyltrer In the honour of my 1500 and of my new rank. Now tthere's a Lunatic Gallactor roaming around! Beware!Yeah! Another fellow loonie!!! Welcome to the club!
I gotta long way to go to catch up with you! LOL
I am sure you will make it Kimi
I bet you'll make it in no time! All you have to do is... 
Hey Kimi, I've hit the 1500s in 5 months! It's not not that long time!
I guess I'm not doing too bad then since the end of september... 
I liked the forum god rank better. And babbling loonie just doesn't appeal to me. 
alas that is what I am at the moment
Oooo! I'm a Boardie now...Exaulted Member did sound a little more sophisticated if not slightly perverse!
Ohh, Kimi, Boardie sounds just perfect for you!
I'm still way behind you guys, but this is post #100 for me!! I can't believe how quickly the first 99 went.. I'm sure it won't take long until I'm officially a looney too! 
Has it really been over two months since the last shared joy challenge entry?
Here's my contribution:
After just under 40 years of wanting music lessons (we'll ignore clarinet in at school for three years; I never practised), and six years of taking music lessons with the kids when they were toddlers, I've cut out the middle man, and am taking singing lessons. After the trial lesson, I like my teacher, her voice, and her personality. (The first one I looked at had a website, which was fortunate, because I absolutely hated her voice.) I sang "ooooo" while she played notes and I tried to match them. She hasn't said it's too late for me, nor has she said I'm nuts.
That's my submission.
Next?
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 22 Jan 2008 11:50
It was my student teachers first day today. She will be staying until March Break. Although it took my focus off my students today, so they got away with more than they usually would have, I think this will be a great thing. She will eventually taking over part of my program and will be an extra ear, to listen to the woes of 6 year olds and to be read to.
Tomorrow, Yuki should be coming in as well so I will be innundated with adult help. I will not know what to do with myself.
I am not sure if I know how to hold an adult conversation during the day any more. 
CricketBeautiful
Forum God
posted 22 Jan 2008 13:27
LOL, at least you hold them in real time and use voice and ears! Crackers has had lots of student teachers; they're great!
"WHOO HOO, IIIIIIII'MMMMMMMMMMM BBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKK." He shouts aloud and the echo just goes on and on and on and on...........
If you are wondering where I have been, then here's my long story short.
Are you sitting down comfortably? Good. I will begin. Long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.........
No seriously, just before Christmas my wireless connect from my PC to the modem/router was working perfectly one Saturday morning. Went agaw for couple of hours to do whatever it was, come back, sat down and found that I was disconnected. I won't say what I said as I might offend the ladies here, but I didn't have a clue what happened or why or even the exact time.
both my Xbox 360 and PS3 were still connected the internet via the modem/router, so it had to be either the PC or the wireless PC adaptor.
At the beginning of Around the end of Feburary, I re-newed my internet connection with my ISP (Internet Service Provider) and had a new wireless modem/router, so I could buy a new wireless PC adaptor as the old ones wouldn't work with anything else. I know this from reading form the instructions.
Anyway, just got my wireless PC adaptor and it seems to have a Excellent or Very Good signal, which is better than I had with the old stuff, which was nornamlyy Good or Low depending on the damm mood.
And yes I could have use my phone as I demostrated some time ago but I was too lazy and I blame Zark, so there.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 4 Mar 2009 11:44
Well, anyways we are glad to see you back Met.
I have been missing our Eagles recently..... 
What, you mean the others have gon EMIA (Eagle Missing In Action). Blimey.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 4 Mar 2009 11:56
Hino, shows up irregularly now, I think all the swans and Condor's have chased her away. Either that or the lack of Eagle support.
But then it has been fairly quiet around here recently .... Maybe every one has the winter blues (or summer blues if you are in the other hemisphere)
It has been a little quiet around here without many Eagles roaming about.
Great to have you back Met.
I can't remember if it happened while I was away or not, but I have noticed that we have a Swallow clan now. Does this mean the first and only team can be picked and ready for action?
Galactor would have a tough time getting into here. Cause I'm not sure if anyone of us, wouldn't go into battle. 
What about our Galactor friends like Amy for example. It does seem that Galactor is already with us.
Originally posted by Metaliant I can't remember if it happened while I was away or not, but I have noticed that we have a Swallow clan now. Does this mean the first and only team can be picked and ready for action?Welcome back, Met!
Yes, Cain Highwind is our one and only Swallow so he is guaranteed a spot on the team.
shamrokchick
Forum Legend
posted 4 Mar 2009 20:33
MET!!! It is great to see you back! All the Eagles have gone MIA...
Yeah the board has been quiet lately. I know I have some winter blues, but Zark is a good excuse too.
Thanks lborgia88 and Shamrokchick. I do like your avatar Shamrokchick.
So has Snack J shut down yet as a lot of the Eagles gone MIA?
shamrokchick
Forum Legend
posted 5 Mar 2009 18:46
It might have... we haven't run up the tab or had a party in a while...
Originally posted by Metaliant What about our Galactor friends like Amy for example. It does seem that Galactor is already with us.I'm not afraid of of Galactor friends, I'll just blast them with a SBM!
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 6 Mar 2009 13:27
Met, SBM=Super Bird Missile
(I assume)
I didn't think of that. I had an inkling that it could be something to do with a missile.
Thanks CD for solving that mystery for Met.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 6 Mar 2009 20:23
My honour, GG.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 13 Nov 2009 06:33
According to the Comic Con website, 1 day memberships will be available staring December 15.
I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I am doing a happy dance over here. 
I found out yesterday that I won third place in the non-fee category of the annual FundsforWriters essay contest. The theme this year was "invisible writing" and I wrote about how writing BotP fanfic -- and sharing it with my beta readers -- has made me a better writer:
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/Julie%20Kelsey.htm
Who better to appreciate this piece than my fellow Gatchamaniacs?
I found out yesterday that I won third place in the non-fee category of the annual FundsforWriters essay contest. The theme this year was "invisible writing" and I wrote about how writing BotP fanfic -- and sharing it with my beta readers -- has made me a better writer:
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/Julie%20Kelsey.htm
Who better to appreciate this piece than my fellow Gatchamaniacs?
Becky Rock
Gatchamaniac
posted 2 Dec 2009 15:59
Julie,
I saw your post over in Yahoo and will say Congrats! here too!
I also want to say I like all of the new avatars I've been seeing lately, whether they be holiday themed or not.
My shared joy involves one of my older brothers, who was diagnosed with cancer in March. He had surgery to remove the tumors and recently completed his chemo. Tests this week show no sign of the cancer.
I've been working on the next part of the IF What Happens in Vegas, but its stuck!
Congrats, Julie! I'm so excited for you! And Becky, that's wonderful news, I know it must be a huge relief!
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 2 Dec 2009 16:23
Congratulations, Julie! You are well-deserving!
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 2 Dec 2009 16:31
Congratulations Julie, I have not had time to read your article, but Fic writing has made me a better person ..... I think.
Becky, I am glad to hear your brother's treatments have been successful. I know that must be a huge relief to you and your family.
Thanks, all. It's nice to be able to share a win like that with friends who understand. 
Becky, that is wonderful news!
clouddancer, where is your avatar pic from? It's cute!
Becky, that is wonderful news!
clouddancer, where is your avatar pic from? It's cute!
Someone cut my avatar from the larger pic I posted in the Christmas pictures thread. I do not know who (created) drew the original unfortunately.
And now I am just thinking, I hope they do not mind that I am using this picture. I usually ask an author before using it as an avatar.
Congratulations, Julie!
Becky, I'm glad to hear that your brother is doing well.
Becky Rock
Gatchamaniac
posted 3 Dec 2009 13:10
Thanks.
It was weird. I'd been working on The Simple Things in Life, the latest of my BotP/OAV crossover series where Jason is a cancer survivor. In the fic, he fears his cancer had returned.
After my brother announced his cancer, I had to put the fic down for a while. I felt like I was tempting fate.
Now, with the good news, I've picked the fic back up.
gatchamarie
Gatchamaniac
posted 4 Dec 2009 06:42
Congrats, Julie! You deserve it!
Becky, I'm so happy to hear about your brother! It must have been very hard for all of you! Take care.
Congrats Julie...
Becky, I'm glad that your brother has some happy news!!!
After a long day of work yesterday, I actually got to rest enjoying some time in the garden.. The weather was wonderful, not too hot or cold, and now we know that a previous crappy garden spot is most excellent for growing potatoes. Just next year we will have to listen to my dads advice and really do the garden right.
My mum has a semi feral cat that has been visiting her for about 6 years, it comes in demands food checks out the house and leaves.
She has had several litters in these years and mum, my sisters and I and an assortment of neighbours have endevoured to catch them all and re-house them safely, mother cat has eluded us, we have scars to prove it.
5 weeks ago she had another litter, which mum found and for some strange reason only known to the mother cat, she moved them all into an old bird avary, it is off the ground, safe and sheltered
She gets regular food, clean bedding, and has allowed us to touch her kitten, she seem very content and has allowed my mum to pat her
This wednesday, she goes to get desexed and if the vet gives her the ok she will be returned to mum (we think she was a pet at one time), she may never be totally tamed, but if she was to go to an animal shelter or the pound , her chances are slim to nil.
The kittens have a foster carer from 'Little paws rescue" they leave us on wednesday as well, mother cat is part Russian Blue and her kittens are fur balls.
So BIG THANKS to all and everyone who does out of their way to help our 4 legged children!!!
G]
G]
Oh, LW! It's people like you and your mum that re-enforce my faith in humans! As a confirmed animal lover myself it always breaks my heart when I hear the bad news on TV - not enough time is given over to people like yourselves who make the world a safer and healthier place for these beautiful creatures who are feral, semi-feral or stray through no fault of their own.
littlewolf
Forum God
posted 27 Sep 2010 05:23
I sometimes think animals of all kind, are so much easier to be with than people.
I know we are doing the right thing for mum cat and her 6 kittens, though it saddens my mum to see them go, over the last few weeks she has added more cat toys to the avary, and plays with them when she can.
We grew up with animals on the farm and I remember when I was little seeing mum give mouth to mouth to a new born lamb, at the time i did not understand why she was swearing, now i understand she was trying to revive it.
She always had a "Gift" for animals, our own "animal whisperer"
now in her late 70's she still sits on the ground to play with our dogs, and teases kittens with bits of string
I'll add her to my joy list for her " gift " to myself and my sisters for the love and respect of all things, 2 legged, 4 legged, 8 legged,wild free, winged and scaley/reptile
Thank you mum your the best.
littlewolf, I so was trying to pet the cute kitties on the screen
gatchamarie
Gatchamaniac
posted 29 Sep 2010 01:31
So cute! And, what you, your mum, and all the other helpers are doing is just priceless, LW! I totally agree with you ... sometimes, you can trust animals more than you can trust humans! Many thanks to people like you!
I have nothing to say except I am an idiot
Honestly - when these idiots come on this board and see the level of activity, do they actually think we won't notice their spam?
Cep??? Anothery for the official Big Red Button.... 
gatchamarie
Gatchamaniac
posted 8 Oct 2010 23:42
Whoa ... I guess it's spammers' season, or something! 
I don't wish you any more trouble, Cep, but it seems that your intervention is required again!
I don't wish you any more trouble, Cep, but it seems that your intervention is required again!
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