He just called me about something else and I asked him about the chain-of-command issue, and he said the only work I'd be doing for him would be for the general  keeping things run smoothly, so that concern sounds like it's not a big issue.  This firm has just increased from 5 lawyers to 19 lawyers, so they probably need more people as general staff.
 

MAM: I was right?? [blink] So each season is a continuence from the last one? As you've probably guessed already, I don't watch it. Never had, never will.

Thanks to Jazzo, the wonderful angel, for making the clip into an animation for me. It sure looks great, doesn't it? No one have to wonder no more on how he looks like when he's having an orgasme... What a relief.

Half right.  There's about 18 months between seasons, though.  Days 5 and 6 are 20 months apart, but the story is a sort of continuation.  Cliff-hangers...  I won't ruin it for those still watching.

Wonderful work, Jazzo.  And it sounds like the job is a great opportunity.

lawrence - I forgot to say of course I planned on taking over cookies to brad and angelina! seriously - they have been in town for a while - getting to be old hat - my sister saw angelina in a toy store on magazine street - with maddox - said she was very nice to everyone - down to earth - the bought something in the quarter near the river and are having fun getting to know the local hangouts - the big bet is which school did they pick - so far no one knows but we are suspecting Newman - where the Manning brothers went to school - probably the best school here  - and VERY pricey.

I am excited to say that one of my english professors, John Gery,  is a fulbright scholar - going to study and teach in belgrade - I am very happy for him - he is the only teacher I ever had that made me like and "get" poetry and he was most supportive during a dark time in my life.  A fabulous british literature teacher and the head of the ezra pound center for literature in italy. not to mention  a fantastic guy!

black and gold fever is rampant here - the kids get to wear black and gold - saints stuff to school tomorrow - unheard of! so the hubbie went to get saints jerseys for the girls - and came home with enormous shirts that cost $60 each! to wear to school one day! the littlest and I went back to the sporting goods store to see if there where regular t-shirts that were more appropriate for school - and it was like pirhana on a carcass - the feeding frenzy for these shirts was incredible!  If you found something that you might want, don't put it down - the other 50 people aroung the 6 racks of shirts might take it up - people were checking out with hand fulls of shirts - 3 to 6 shirts average per person! I couldn't believe it. and the crowd never got smaller! people just kept coming!  amazing!

raining again... still

Karen - y'all need to take care - heard the winds there are about 75 mph  - terrible - like a small hurricane blowing thru - only cold - snow instead of rain. I hope Oliver could get home safely.

all of y'all in the bad weather - please take care and stay safe! Keeping a good thought for you!

good morning, sweeties: good news:  today the school certificates were issued, and my daughter did exceptionally well...I´m so proud of her[] ......

Sunshine all around:  although the storm was awful yesterday, and obviously over twenty people in Europe got killed.[] .......

The good thought for Julie will get coming, Renée , promised......

Lawrence: I´m afraid that I can´t make it to NO.......pity, I would have loved to be your piggy-back [] ...but unfortunately if I get the job then I wouldn´t be allowed to take a leave so early, you know!!  But I´ll keep next winter in mind....for some snow-crunching !!![Y]

Kiryava : your daughter is so lucky to get the chance to outlive her skills, I´m really glad for her.

sev: Much ado about nothing....loved the film with E. Thompson, I think it was and her then-husband Brannaugh......very funny, very sweet

Jazzo,
probably it's nothing for long term, but it's perhaps much better as a
"safe ground" for looking for another job than temp work... why not
just trying it - going back to temp work is something you can do all
the time anyway, in case it doesn't work out.... 

renee
I must say... this was the first time I was in a storm which was really
kind of frightening... Germany is quite windy usually, but we are not
used at all to hurricanes or tornadoes or so, only some stormfloods
sometimes happen at the coast but this was really strange. Oliver
luckily found a guy at the train station who could take him and some
other passangers home in his car.  And he arrived safe here.

But
all the night I heard ambulance and fire-alarms and when I went to work
this morning it looked a bit like a war-zone.... broken windows,
complete trees on the street and houses which lost half of their roofs.
It's a wonder that not much more people died or had bad injuries...

But
despite all this- I always felt safe in the house; it must have been so
horrible for you and your family and your town, renee, to loose even
that... 

I'm so glad you and Oliver are okay, that must have been really scary.

Chicago seems to be torn between Bears fever and not wanting to get hopes up too high.  Very different from 1985 (the last time the Bears played the Super Bowl) when it seemed like more of a sure thing, no "Super Bowl Shuffle" rap video this year. 

Sounds as if they really
need  some more people at the office Jazzo, I would take the
risk  - really. You can go back to what you have now anytime. But
I understand that it's not easy to work close to parents. I couldn't
even work in the same TOWN as my mum *lol*. I already turned down a job
offer because it was in the same city where I grew up. But that's
probably a special case [lol].

Where will you see the super bowl? 

I think I've heard something about their being 7 "days" planned for 24, so it won't make it to 24. They really would be running out of plot by then, you'd think [lol] particularly as each season doesn't even have just one plot or even one 'bad guy', so they use them up very quickly!

Why are you so against watching it Bobleblob?

Just to let people know, wont be on here until adsl is back up again..Damaged greenhouse, destroyed garage and shed. No adsl line and just taken 14 minutes to load the last page via dialup....( thats not good eh ? )

Wind got up to 81 mph here yesterday...Looking forward to Ronnies and seeing people there.

jazzo...good news ! best of luck babes.

Renee - Heres hoping for New Orleans at football.[]

Caren - Hope you are o.k

lawrence - Got the dvd, thank you so much ![] pm page taking an age and wouldnt load..will PM when back up with decent speed.

I haven't gotten a job offer yet, my dad just thinks my needing a job and the firm needing more help could work out for each other, it now depends on whether the rest of the firm agrees.  And I know what you mean, if it was my mom at the firm I wouldn't even consider it.

 The Super Bowl's not playing yet, The New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears game Sunday is another playoff game and whoever wins goes to the Bowl.

EDIT:  Yikes Dave!  But I'm glad you're okay and your house is mainly okay.
 

Thanks Jazzo

[lol] Would you believe it, ten minutes after posting and everythings o.k with adsl now !! []

That's all our positive vibes Dave [lol]...but  they won't be able to fix your garage sadly.

But most important is, that nothing happened to you!!

That sounds bad, Dave.  We've had dodgy electricity for the last two days because of trees being blown over all around us.  Some damage like yours for our neighbour.....

Hope the weather improves  - it's wassail weekend here !

OK - anticipates question:  Look up wassailing apple trees ceremony here: http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/cu...mas/wassail.htm ..........

I know, it's crazy, but fun and very traditional! It's been done for at least 300 years in our village!

QUOTE

QUOTE

Why are you so against watching it Bobleblob?

I just don't like it. I find it confusing with how the screen
is set up, and the count down in each episode. Not my kind of
entertainment.
And I'm not "against" watching it...

fair
enough. I just got the impression from your earlier post that you'd
never ever watched it and wondered if there was a reason, since you
sounded so absolute about it. If you have seen it and just don't like it then that's understandable enough. []

There
are certain good reasons for not liking it and I have to admit that it
kind of "promotes" torturing people as a good way to fight against
terrorists. I can enjoy it cause I see it only as fiction, but I could
imagine that there are people who use those arguments and conflicts for
political discussions.

[lol] you're not even a woman of many words today! What are you doing this weekend? I mean apart from sulking not to be at Ronnie Scotts...

I need to get my act together soon though as I've been given notice to move out of my flat and need to find somewhere to go. Not sure yet when I have to move by, but it's not going to be long (about a month or so). 

I've got a week off work coming up, so hopefully I'll be able to put that to good use. I've had to pull out of a ski trip with my friends though, which is what the week off was originally for. It's a shame though. I mean I am hopelessly underprepared for skiing, but it would have been nice to spend time with them and get away a bit. And since I'm cancelling so late in the day I'll still have to contribute towards the cost of the chalet. Ah well [rolleyes] finding somewhere to live is more important than finding waterproof trousers, at this point. 

Sorry I feel a little rude interrupting a conversation like this...firstly, sorry you have to move out of your flat Flechesbleues and good luck wtih finding somewhere else. 

If you're struggling to find waterproof trousers it might pay you to cross the border to Decathlon they tend to have some skiwear quite cheap normally and at this time of year they'll have a sale on (though normally it'll be really busy in there).  I take it by planning a ski trip there's finally been some snowfall in Europe?

Hi my favourite aunties,

It's a long time since I've been here.Even before Xmas I got very very ill, the artrithis and fibromyalgia were getting so bad I couldn't take care of myself. Because I live on my own and there's no-one to look after me I had to give in and go into hospital in the CFS Department.

There they tried new painkillers, but my joints still felt like they were in a vise and someone was tightening it. So they gave me muscle-relaxants and sleeping pills and most of the time I slept 16 hours a day. Even in such a dazed state I just kept on sobbing because I felt so miserable, so they treated me for depression. It helped a bit and I could come home this weekend to see if I could cope on my own.

I begged them to let me go last Wednesdag, because I got a ticket for Ed Harcourt's gig in Amsterdam on Thursday Jan. 18. The psychiatrist thought it a good idea, because it was the only thing that had kept me going or the last weeks. She did insist I would take someone with me, and I fibbed and told her that I went with a friend.

Doped up to the eyeballs with painkillers I set of to Amsterdam at 11.25 am. I had my bag packed, a hotel room booked and my train and gig ticket. I forgot to check the weatherforecast ...

Normally it takes about 3 hours from Gent to Amsterdam, but then this huge storm kicked in. At 4 pm we got kicked out the train in Rotterdam, but I managed to take 2 stoptrains and ended up in Utrecht by 6 pm. And there it became crystal clear: no more trains were running for the rest of the day and certainly not to Amsterdam, that had been hit very bad. I tried to hitch a ride, but the hightway between Utrecht and Amsterdam was closed off due to falling trees.

The stranded passengers were refered to the Jaarbeurshal (a building for trade fairs). Just crossing the street on my own was impossible, the wind blew me right back but in little groups we managed. I aimlesly walked through the building where there was coffee in abundance (but I can't stand the stuff) but no food. It's been a long time since it happened to me but the pain, stress and low blood sugar resulted in a seizure and I was carried off to the First Aid Post. I couldn't speak, my body trembled all over, but the sweet people gave me my medication and found a can of coke (sugar, oh sweet sugar). I don't know how long I was out for, but finally they found some sandwiches for me and I regained a bit of my strenght. But I couldn't stop crying: all I had longed for so much was gone and felt so lonley. Every ounce of strengh I had build up in hospital was swept away, so I guess they were absolutely right about the depression.

In the end the Red Cross people put up a 1000 beds in Hall 3, about half of them strechters and as "patient" I was wheeled there and got a strechter, an army blanket and even a pillow. Lots of people had to sleep on thin matresses on the concrete floor, probably very uncomfortable and cold.

At 5 am we got the wake up call and this time there was tea and a sandwich. I couldn't look at my face in the lavatory mirror, all blotched and swolled red eyes, but by pure exhaution I had slept that night. After I wolfed down my sandwich, took my medication I wanted to get out of there. Took the train to Rotterdam at 6.17 am and arrived home before 10am. I went straight to bed and slept all through the afternoon. The rest of Friday was horribly: I just howled like a wolf at the full moon, I can't remember feeling so sad (well there were other times like when hubby left me to fend for myself) but I just crawled in the corner of my bedroom and wanted to fade away. Some sense came to and I gulped down a few sleeping pills and was uncounscious for a full 12 hours. But awake only one second it started again: the crying and wailing. And then the pain shot through me (forgot to take my painkillers again), but I managed to eat some cookies for sugar. The rest of the day were spent in catnaps and crying fits.

My mum texted me if I woudl come around tomorrow and I answered yes. If I can make it through tomorrow without crying, then I suppose I will be able to stay at home and just go to the hospital for hydrotherapy and phychiatric evaluation. If I can't manage a few hours with the only people I have left in the world, making it appear like I feel better, than I'll have go back on Monday.

I can't believe that my illness has made me so self-centred and all I feel is sorrow. Nothing else gets to me - I'm not fit to be an auntie ...

Thanks to Dave, Hobbitlady, Incognito who mailed me wondering what had happened to me. So now you know - thank you so much for caring. And to everyone on PN: it not to late to wish you all a Happpy New Year.

Hope to be back on this thread when I'm better. Thanks for listening. Lots of love form sadie xxx

Sadie, please darling, for one youre always an auntie, I know that sounds a bit daft coming from a bloke but its the idea that you are among friends, and among people who really have had eevrything thrown at them as well.....if its just a rant or a scream...there are people on here always willing just to listen....and not Judge.

Dont worry about feeling self centred, thats what you need to do to get through the day....dont apologise for that.

You know where we are....[]

But
waterproof trousers can be very handy, in case you don't find a place
to live [lol]. I just did my declaration of taxes for 2006... am I not
a HERO..doing that already in January? Well I hope to get some money
back that  I could use for a little trip to London in February,
that's the only reason for being fast, to be honest.  

Sadie, please darling, for one youre always an auntie, I know that sounds a bit daft coming from a bloke but its the idea that you are among friends, and among people who really have had eevrything thrown at them as well.....if its just a rant or a scream...there are people on here always willing just to listen....and not Judge.Dont worry about feeling self centred, thats what you need to do to get through the day....dont apologise for that. You know where we are....[]

I can only second that, Sadie! I've already sensed something like that [huh]. All I can add is that I really know how you're feeling, at least concerning the depression [ph34r]. Be as self centered as you can and take all help you can get from others![}]

Not sure what you mean by the screen part.  Like... how they show three or so shots at once of the various plot lines before switching to the next story?  (And the counting is just to add drama... and remind viewers what time it is.  cheesy TV trick.) 

Sadie, darling, that story made my heart ache for you.  I do hope you find a way through your terrible storm.  If they let you, do come back to visit us here.  It might help you, even.  []  Do you have a friend that might stay with you if you wanted to live in your own place?  Or is it just best to stay with your mom or in the hospital?  [:^)]  Either way, keep those you love near you. 

sadie - I am so sorry to hear that things are going so badly  - and that on top of it all you missed your concert!  I understand how sometimes a get away is what you look forward to most - been doing a bit of that myself this past year.  I send you lots of virtual hugs and prayers that the pain goes away... and please visit here and let us chat with you - it is most helpful when you are having a bad day or month.... I ought a know.. been having alot of them this past year! (although not so much health wise) always remember that we are here to listen and sometimes it is best to get things off your chest - makes you feel better to let it out!  Please know we all care!

almost forgot - our friend's daughter has a second blood clot in her lungs.. having an even worse time of it - please keep julie in your prayers

and good news - it is official that harry connick jr is closing out jazz fest this year  -the first sunday in may on the big stage

the rest of the artist appearing will be announced on thursday of this week... can't wait!

Wat een vreselijk nachtmerrie, sadie.....I´m so sorry to hear that you have such weary times....Please, please, let us know how you are.....and if we can we will try and comfort you.

I did a 12-km-walk yesterday, due to the post delivery.....and I think I showed that postwoman that small people can be very strong and determined....and don´t give up!!  So, Lawrence, no piggy-back necessary : I´m going to be fit as a sports-shoe!!

My mother is sick and I won´t be here for the rest of the day.....take care, all of you, my thoughts for Julie are always on their way towards the west.....Dave, have fun in London, so sorry to hear that so much is broken at your place......do you need a small, fit , librarian for rebuilding??

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!  HC,j?!  WOOHOO!  I saw him when he played smaller venues in NYC before he was well known and had a grand time.  Most recently I saw him on B'way in PAJAMA GAME.  Oh, my dear, you have positively made my morning!  When the Visa bill arrives next month, It'll be so much more easier to pay knowing he'll be there. 

I went to see THE DROWSEY CHAPERONE yesterday, all about this guy who sits alone in his apartment blocking out life's harsh realities by listening to old musicals...hmmmmmm...this guy seems very familiar to me...kind of an older, gayer Bill Irwin type...hmmm...oh, I know...IT'S ME!  The show is just a lot of fun, charming and witty from start to finish.  I'm sure there will be touring companies.  It's a smash here in NYC so keep an eye out for it.

Atroi...I'm so glad Saturday went well...posting you many light weight kisses. 

Sadie, lots of hugs and I agree with what's already been said, this is a wonderful place for comfort when things aren't going so well.

I hope the Saints like snow! [lol] 

Sadie: I hope you'll get better really soon. Your story was heartbreaking to read. *gives you a hug* And I fully support what the others have written, this is truly a great place to get support when you're having a hard time. All my best of luck to you.

Maria xxx

*hugs Sadie as well* 

Thanks for the tip [] It's not just that I don't have the gear, there are other reasons. The main one now being that it'd be more useful for me to use the time off work to look for flats. I've heard conflicting reports of how tough it might be, so I guess only time (which is fairly short!) will tell. I'm thinking of moving over the border though, just because it'd probably be easier permit-wise, with France being in the EU and all, and I might be able to rent in my own name there, rather than subletting.

And no, I don't think there's been much snow yet, still. Higher up things are ok, apparently, but a lot of the resorts are having trouble. Our trip wasn't planned around the weather, we started planning it months ago. 

OH *expletive* [8o|]  I'd nearly forgotten, I've got to do mine by the end of the month (for 2005-6, I think [unsure]). I ought to get on it. I don't even owe them any tax, but I still have to file the return or they'll fine me, grr. *looks up password and attempts to file online*

I got a message from his mailing list the other day saying his new album is New Orleans inspired too, with profits going to charity (the New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village) Here's the link they gave in the email []

I decided to go out with friends last night and had a fun time 10-pin bowling, playing table football, pool & table tennis - haven't done that in years. The nostalgia was probably emphasized because they were playing Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill on the PA for ages (which I listened to a lot in my teens [lol]), although it was the re-recorded version which I hadn't heard before (everything just seemed s-l-o-w-e-r... I'd stick with the original, although, thinking about it, I only have that on cassette, and it's probably not available anymore, if she's redone it all [rolleyes] )

Oh, how awful.  Definitely saying a prayer right now.

And horray!  That weekend is my first choice so far. 

My kind of cheese!  [lol]  Actually, I
have come to mostly ignore the clock.  That is, until it's not
beeping.  They only do that when something really serious has happened,
like a main character dying.  Then it's somber.

Okay, enough analysis of 24 effects.

*take a look around...carefully* ... hey, atroi!!!  *knknknknkn*

hi chan!!!! []

good to see you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

aaaarrrrrgggghhhhh.... what a heart breaking game!

the saints did not like the cold and snow... fumbled the ball several times and just were not as together as usual.... they were respectable despite being behind until the last quarter when the bears just steam rolled them... oh.... there is black and gold all over soldier field... so sad...

ahhhh welll we can still hope a peyton manning and his colts make it.... he is from here... it is 2nd quarter and the patriots lead by a few points

gumbo is cooking... tea is hot.. and I suppose we just might survive the disappointment.... maybe

jazzo - I thought I would wait till Harry's new cd comes out jan 30 to pay up on the bet... okay?

Lawrence, sweetheart, I thought you knew it had already unofficially leaked a few weeks ago on wwoz radio... branford and harry have committed to be here - both missed last year despite alot of work to help things here - the list of artists comes out thursday - look at nola.com or the festival sight - or wwoz.org - all should have it posted thursday am when it is in the times picayune.... now if only i can survive till then waiting to see if mr cullum turns up on the list! that would improve the mood here in our house... alot!

welcome chan.... hope you enjoy the forum!

ah well.... no more who dat... just the superbowl shuffle.... sigh... off to stir the gumbo......

(wonder if the Ronnie Scott's crowd has made it home / to hotels yet - bet not! )

okay... while I was typing this, new england made 2 touch downs.... I think I need something stronger than tea!