Sad tonight, anyone out there?

“"Lyra's advice is good."

Oh yeah??

Lyra, you run?
I thought you had butt implants and you actually did it the natural way!

That, I can admire too!
Well..........not too closely!”

“Well thanks, le Subtil! :-)

And notice I never said I didn't have butt implants, MarkO...”

“Well, what ever the deal is..............they are holding up quite nicely!

(_!_)”

“Hmmmmmmmm. let me try again:

No one wants to see your huge "admiration". Well, maybe Lyra does.”

“So you're the net manny today?”

“No. Apparently just a bad joke teller.”

“yeah that one did go thud”

“i thought it was funny bmag”

“Net Manny....is that like a net nanny with a baseball bat and a tire iron?”

“Mostly likely a tired iron.”

“flacid ferrous?”

“"And notice I never said I didn't have butt implants, MarkO...”
lyra
12:29:36 PM
8/30/06

That's right, you said you DID!”

“I think she just had the one side done and is saving up for the other:)”

“posterior projections?”

“Butt B**bs?”

“Thanks to all. Your friendship means a lot to me.”

“Chilimeister... a good group at Kickapoo. We'd even welcome chili chillun


(children, that is!)”

“Chili,
ALong with the running, or any other serious exertion, that you can do, something that helped me through my darkest days was to chart my emotions on a line graph. What this does is give you a visual reference of your good and bad days. When you are having a really bad day you can look at this chart and see that while today is really bad, yesterday wasn't quite as bad, and three days ago you actually felt halfway ok. If you were there 3 days ago then you know you can get back there again, maybe even tomorrow. I went through some pretty wild swings for a while, so I have a good idea where you are coming from. My mantra has become "hang in there, it'll get better" believe it. It has to. And it may be a good idea to use a little extra moderation on the bottle too (don't want it to become a habit you know). Take care dude.”

“Drinking - It's going on 14 years since my last drink. Ever since getting rid of my last wife, I have not had a good excuse for drinking. Basically, I refuse to let a breakup be the cause for drinking. I'm determined to make a go of it without being fortified by alcohol.

You do what you like. Personally, I'm extremely pleased with myself for getting along without it, finally. Although I've drunk plenty during my life, I do not feel that a person is ever old enough for alcohol. It never helps and is frequently a source of trouble.”

“I haven't had a lot to drink in the past six weeks. It hasn't helped at all.

I am trying to draw strength from my friends who care and I am trying fully put my destiny in the hands of God.”

“Glad to hear that you're not falling to booze. After my first breakup and some poor experiences, like a lousy job, I found work in the Panama Canal Zone. This was like the beginning of a new life. I loved it. I might still be there, if the job had been any good. Eventually, I found a job taking turns going out to sea on a large, radar tracking ship. This was the best job of my life, in many respects.

Life can take many twists and turns. Eventually, life can turn out wonderfully. It's usually when you least expect it. So, hang in there. Your day is coming.”

“There are basically two ways to help, Empathize which means I have walked this trail of pain and so I can walk it with you. And Sympathize which means I do not know the trail but I will walk beside you and allow you to lean on me.

I can only offer the latter. But if you need to lean away. Nigal remembers...you would be amazed at what you can carry for a friend.”

“One night I had a dream--
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord
and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,
one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way,
but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,
you should leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never, never leave you
during your times of trial and suffering.
"When you saw only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

...Mary Stevenson”

“hang in there chili.”

“Thanks, baume. I just have my moments. The best thing I can do is let go. If she doesn't know I love her by now, she never will.”

“Here's a new sport you could try, that might cheer you up!

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/strange/news-article.aspx?storyid=63840”

“Dude....I think I know what you are talking about....um..it aint you I guess you know. Remember you matter here. Thats why I came back.”

“You know, sometimes even I whine about this place and how sometimes I think it sucks.

However, on this day, I have had calls, emails and many, many notes from people that not only have I hike with but those who I only know from here. I do, truly, feel blessed to know that people will do that for me.

It makes me realize that not only do I take this place, but maybe many others for granted. I love cottonsox, I truly do. But it is quite clear she has other plans. I can't do anything about that. The only thing I CAN do is to conduct myself with such integrity that my friends will still be with me years from now.

Sometimes those who chase a good time get disgruntled when it comes time to "pony up". But true friend, that are not pursuing some selfserving quest, are the ones I want. Thank you all very much for helping me get focused on that.”

“Drinking
nowslimmer
6:22:54 PM
8/30/06

I'll join you”

“When I met ped last Sun he was talking about how the internet is the "new community," and here's that example.

I liked XL's analogy. I can sympathize for sure. I hope Wed was better than Tues and that Thur will be a bit better too.”

“

“Drinking
nowslimmer
6:22:54 PM
8/30/06

I'll join you”
bearmagnet

You sure? My first step was to kick my wife out and send her back to her old country. I can't believe you're going to do that!”

“Poor Dani.


Chili, hang in there. I found a little something this summer that really has helped me move on and away from "friends" that continually hurt me, it's hanging above my kitchen sink and I remind myself of it consistently:

"Never let Yesterday use up Today..."

It's simple but it reminds me to move forward instead of chasing my tail or wallowing in what's past and done. I hope it helps you too.”

“Funny, the phrase that works best for me is "this too shall pass." Wish I could remember where the quote came from. I know it came from a book I read but that's about it. When things get bad I think of this phrase and of blowing wind. It helps a lot.”

“The origin of the saying "this too shall pass" appears to date back to a story told about King Solomon. It is said that the King, feeling blue, asked his advisors to find him a ring he had seen in a dream. "When I feel satisfied I’m afraid that it won’t last. And when I don’t, I am afraid my sorrow will go on forever. Find me the ring that will ease my suffering." Eventually an advisor met an old jeweler who carved into a simple gold band the Hebrew inscription "gam zeh ya’avor" – "this too shall pass." When the king received his ring and read the inscription his sorrows turned to joy and his joy to sorrows, and then both gave way to equanimity. More recently the saying has been popularized in the West by spiritual leaders imported from or inspired by the East, including Ram Dass, the Dali Lama and Tich Nhat Hanh.”

“I like the story, but I think it came out of a sci fi book for me! ;)”

“Colonel Potter said it to someone on MASH regarding some bowel issues.”

“Actually it was said by my 7th grade teacher while holding me up by the scruff of my neck during a conference with my parents.”

“In '96 I skipped out for Idaho. I had been qualified to teach Construction for some time by then, but had failed to get beyond a couple interviews. I was up to here with wearing my toolpouch - knowing that with every passing day my hopes of landing a teaching job were growing more dim. So, after two or three years of this mid-nineties depression I scooted for the Northern Rockies... tools in tow.

My Idaho Bro kept me busy helping him with odd jobs around town. Over the years John had become the village handyman. We worked prolly 2.7 days per week. We stayed in his camper. I did my first high altitude hike. I learned the ways of the wily trout. Saying "you bet" instead of "you're welcome" became second nature. Life was great.

Meanwhile, after numerous pleas by another brother back in the ATL (is this where I wanna dwell?) I returned to help him/his company complete a school addition before the new school year. I got home on a Friday.

By the following Tuesday, I was interviewing with Henry Co. Schools. The following Monday I was attending the week-long Teacher Induction Program. The following Monday was the beginning of Pre Planning. The following Monday I was charged with 800 fingers and 8000 different means by which a teenage boy (or girl) could instantaneously sever either of the former.

I spent seven years of nights without sleep and days filled with frustration. The 11 weeks of vacation were not enough to escape the truth that I will disclose here and now for the first time ever to anyone: I had made a career blunder of the highest order.

Dispite 10,000 mile roadtrips and hikes in our nations greatest destinations with some of the most genuine people on earth, I couldn't escape the realities that awaited homeward. I could not gain enough altitude in Colorado, or burrow deep enough into the Everglades to escape the cloud that lingered on the horizon.

When standing at the end (Michiganders say "beginning" - pffffft) of US 41 - the end of the earth to which Sunshine had brought me - I stood atop the bluffs of Copper Harbor and viewed the cloud far across Lake Superior.

From Bonnie Pass, I stood at the Continental Divide and viewed Titcomb Basins huge swath that it cut through the Wind River Range, and there, far below, hung the cloud.

The view of Grand Teton and her sisters was obscured from the view atop Paintbrush Divide.

The "hoodoos" of Bryce.

The sunrise in the Keys.

The teeth of the Beartooths.

The endless miles of beans and corn - corn and beans from Kentucky to Kansas.

The hillsides of Minnesotas Bluff Country.

The smiles of the hundred-plus that I've met here - one in particular.

So.
What next?
I got me some gas. I'll get back in the truck, pretend alls well with Gizmeaux and Belle, and what the hell?

I'll drive somewhere not too far (I ain't gat THAT much gas) and park and listen to the radio or peruse my photo album and ponder my next meal. My next cigarette. My next feeling...”

“Two men are sharing a hospital room. They both have nearly the same identical afflictions. One was robbed at knife point and was stabbed, losing his spleen. The other man suffered an illness and lost his spleen. The one man who was ill was bemoaning his loss and horrible luck and asking why would G-d do this to him? The man that was mugged was so grateful to be alive and thanked G-d for his wonderful fortune for not dying from his wounds.

The same outcome. The same injury. The same pain. What’s the difference?

Attitude.

It’s sometimes tough to see the fortunes life brings us but they are there none the less. Your heart will mend big guy.”

“gogo that's poetry! You're making me long for a road trip. It's been too long. Life is a tricky little bugger isn't it. I think we've all felt trapped in jobs we didn't really want.

Chili, I hope each day is getting better for you. Only advice I can give is to concentrate on yourself. I became a stronger more confident person after my divorce. I'm struggling hard with letting some of that go with a new relationship. Only time will heal. You commin to Indiana for the Knobstone trip?”

“But when you're really hurting you can't always just "suck it up."”

“Chili -
I must've missed something, ie, the cause of your misery. I s'pose knowing would be of bennefit(sp?).

Dude you'd better get up NOW. The puffy words these folks are doling out ain't #&%!$. Get counseling or something. Whatever. Just get the #&%!$ UP!!”

“My story is quite simple, really.

Joey's gone. To where I don't know.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - how I do miss him.

We all miss him.

That boy could work a room!

When he entered, all heads turned.

He was quick witted and quite complimentary.

He was generous. His was yours.

He was industrious.

He called a spade a spade.

He had a heart of hearts.

He was a diamond, even among diamonds.

He carried a club to clubs. Okay, he never carried a club to the clubs - didn't hafta. *Almost* everyone there enjoyed his company.

Most of all, he had a steadfast optimism. Chiseled in Georgia marble it was...”

“Chili,

I have an idea of what you are going through. I lost my wife of 32 yrs to a car wreck 10 months 8 days ago. That left a humoungous hole in my world and at times it feels like things will come crashing down around me. Good days, Bad days. It would be so easy to give up and succomb to the doldrums and gloom and doom. I can't do that, I have two kids. They both are pushing 30 so they are out of the house. I have to pick myself up and go on for them. They miss 'Mom' as do I but we can't stay stuck in the mud forever, we must move on because we can't change what has happened.

This saying makes me feel better:

Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you back! Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart but if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours. It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.”

“Over the years John had become the village handyman. We worked prolly 2.7 days per week

Wouldn't it be easier saying "21.6 hours"? I mean, assuming 8 hour work days?”

“Bmag if you can do that math you haven't had enough to drink. LOL!”

“2.7 days"
"21.6 ower..."
"31.6 horse..."
"21.7 houses..."

Nope. Reckon not.”

“Lugnut, thanks for that saying.

Someone told me a long time ago that no one ever drowned by falling face first in a mud puddle. The only drown by not getting out.

It is just a sad, miserable feeling when someone tells you they love you, make you feel like they love you and then you find out they really don't and probably never did. It is a feeling of failure.

I know time will help.`”

“Chili, pardon my bluntness, but you found out, and got out.
Much better than never finding out, or finding out and never getting out.
Sorry you're hurting...”

“Hy chili, If you need to get away the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo chili cookoff is Nov. 18. I've registered a spot, sure could use some help.”