The Just Thought I'd Share Thread

[APerfectLie]

I just bricked my phone. FML.

[fringed n fab]

No Bee nooo!! Old man Sandler dying wasn't the worst part though it was pretty bad... the worst was Sandler replaying the last time he saw his dad :distress:

That part choked me up :( Some movies really get to me and I'll cry, like when Sandra Bullock is busy getting ready for her mothers funeral in Hope Floats and looking for something to wear in her mom's closet and grabs that black dress off the hanger and suddenly smells it, holding it close and then bursts into tears. OMG gets me every time. I'm such a girl when watching sad movies sometimes : /

[nailatixela]

I have a rash. :( I woke up this morning and saw it on random spots on my body. Then it disappeared halfway through the day. and now it's back again and hurts worse and is in worse places!!! Like my face. :( UGH. This has never happened before, hopefully seeing the doctor tomorrow.

[fringed n fab]

I have a rash. :( I woke up this morning and saw it on random spots on my body. Then it disappeared halfway through the day. and now it's back again and hurts worse and is in worse places!!! Like my face. :( UGH. This has never happened before, hopefully seeing the doctor tomorrow.

Sounds like hives.

[louielouie2000]

Sounds like hives.

Indeed. And those have been the bane of my existence the past 2 years with the inordinate amount of stress in my life. Everything from stress, to hot water, exercise, sunlight, and even allergies to soaps and laundry detergents can bring them on.

[Artemis]

Have you used some new washing detergent or worn anything made from a new fabric? It sounds like it could be an allergic reaction.

[fringed n fab]

Indeed. And those have been the bane of my existence the past 2 years with the inordinate amount of stress in my life. Everything from stress, to hot water, exercise, sunlight, and even allergies to soaps and laundry detergents can bring them on.

I've never had them but watched my (one year older) sister all of a sudden break out in them about 10 years ago and she suffered with them for about 5 years and they'd come out of nowhere many times and cause her agony. I took her many times to the hospital for a shot to calm her condition down. These past few years they've seemed to disappear as quick as they came and she's had no problems and they couldn't tell her what caused them or what brings them on in people. I just know they caused her such misery.

[fringed n fab]

I went to Lido Beach today for a bit then left right before sunset. Many people out with Spring Breakers down and all. Then wanted to drive over Sarasota Bay and visit the Ringling Mansion since I haven't done that yet but the road leading around it was blocked off and closed... so maybe next time. Was a beautiful, fun day today though.


http://www.ringling.org/CadMansion.aspx

[chelluversu]

I watched the "Sexy" episode of Glee yesterday, and it made me hella sad.
Santana totally killed me :(

My whole day was kinda depressing...
Well, not the whole day.
Just what happened in the passed 2 hours.

[Meowi]

I am so jealous of Artemis' new signature.
Ya all know I love The Dreaming - its the best Kate Bush album. And yes, I don't care what anyone says. Songs like Tenner, Swallow and Gaffa are amazing.

[McTrouble]

Fox and the Hound I get, but Click? Seriously? It was the season ending of Being Human that did me in lol. Poor Mitchell :(

OMG what am I in for? Recorded it last night, probably won't watch it till middle of the week. Love love love that series, hope we get another one :angel:

[Silver Springs]

OMG what am I in for? Recorded it last night, probably won't watch it till middle of the week. Love love love that series, hope we get another one :angel:

George staked Mitchell :( Nina and the bubs survived though. There should be another series because of the cliff hanger ending. Mitchell staked Herrick but there's a bigger organisation of Vampires they've to worry about now.

[jannieC]

As I sat at the kitchen table, drinking my coffee and reading The Ledge this morning, a BIRD smashed into my window and scared the crap out of me. Good morning!

[McTrouble]

George staked Mitchell :( Nina and the bubs survived though. There should be another series because of the cliff hanger ending. Mitchell staked Herrick but there's a bigger organisation of Vampires they've to worry about now.

I didn't actually want you to tell me what happened:distress: I was slowly whipping myself up into a frenzy of anticipation for when I watch it in a couple of days!

But I forgive you :xoxo: as you are very cool for watching such a brill prog!

BTW did you ever see Aiden Turner (Mitchell) in "Desperate Romantics" where he played the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti? I thought he was really good in that too.

[Silver Springs]

I didn't actually want you to tell me what happened:distress: I was slowly whipping myself up into a frenzy of anticipation for when I watch it in a couple of days!

But I forgive you :xoxo: as you are very cool for watching such a brill prog!

BTW did you ever see Aiden Turner (Mitchell) in "Desperate Romantics" where he played the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti? I thought he was really good in that too.

Gah! Sorry lol. I have an awful habit of ruining endings for people. As soon as I finished reading deathly hallows (took me a day) I couldnt help but post spoilers on a Potter forum. I got death threads. Honest to buddha, death threats lol.

I didn't actually see but I should look for it, because I like him. He's only a couple of years older than me, which makes me happy because he's quite a dish. Now if only I could meet him lol.

[McTrouble]

Gah! Sorry lol. I have an awful habit of ruining endings for people. As soon as I finished reading deathly hallows (took me a day) I couldnt help but post spoilers on a Potter forum. I got death threads. Honest to buddha, death threats lol.

I didn't actually see but I should look for it, because I like him. He's only a couple of years older than me, which makes me happy because he's quite a dish. Now if only I could meet him lol.

It's a really good series anyhow as it's both a bit dark and a lot funny and supposedly true, but he is the best thing in it!

[johnb84]

Do you ever yawn and get a muscle spasm in your neck? I hate those.

[fringed n fab]

Do you ever yawn and get a muscle spasm in your neck? I hate those.

Yes. Or be scrubbing yourself in the shower and get a charley horse up one side of your body. I must be tense in the bones at this age.

[johnb84]

Yes. Or be scrubbing yourself in the shower and get a charlie horse up one side of your body. I must be tense in the bones at this age.
I like your boots. Where'd ya get em?

[fringed n fab]

I like your boots. Where'd ya get em?

Those I think came from an overseas maker. I also custom order some from ShoesUSA and have them made just like my others. I'm very picky when it comes to my custom boots.

[johnb84]

Those I think came from an overseas maker. I also custom order some from ShoesUSA and have them made just like my others.
Oh, ok. They look nice. I thought maybe you got them from Ebay.

[fringed n fab]

Oh, ok. They look nice. I thought maybe you got them from Ebay.

I rarely see boots like mine on Ebay and wouldn't buy someones used boots anyway. That, and it's hard to find a women's size 12. (equivalent to a men's size 10)

[RickRobert]

Do you ever yawn and get a muscle spasm in your neck? I hate those.

Legs cramping suddenly in the middle of the night is the worst!!

[fringed n fab]

I'll be right back in a few. It's 83 degrees here today and sunny and I have to get outside and walk around for a bit. I've looked outside long enough sitting here at the table :laugh:

[WildHeart69]

Just thought I'd share:

Sara and I set a wedding date! Sept 1, 2012!

[vivfox]

Legs cramping suddenly in the middle of the night is the worst!!

This is called 'restless leg syndrome.' I had it several times in Sept.,2010. Never before and never after. I would suspect though, that you are too young to experience such a mess.

[Silver Springs]

This is called 'restless leg syndrome.' I had it several times in Sept.,2010. Never before and never after. I would suspect though, that you are too young to experience such a mess.

I get it alot, having poor circulation because of my iron deficiency anaemia. It clears up when I start dancing in bed.

[RickRobert]

I get it alot, having poor circulation because of my iron deficiency anaemia. It clears up when I start dancing in bed.

Yeah I have bad circulation too, especially in my legs. The weird ways I sit don't help either. Restless leg syndrome sounds about right, though the way Wikipedia describes it makes it sound a lot less painful than it is. In my experience it's a horrible cramping that lasts a few minutes, and afterwards the muscles in the leg feel very weird and I have to limp all day.

[Silver Springs]

Yeah I have bad circulation too, especially in my legs. The weird ways I sit don't help either. Restless leg syndrome sounds about right, though the way Wikipedia describes it makes it sound a lot less painful than it is. In my experience it's a horrible cramping that lasts a few minutes, and afterwards the muscles in the leg feel very weird and I have to limp all day.

If you're sitting in circulation compromising positions, that probably doesn't help with the blood flow. When you have poor blood flow you need to focus on keeping the areas most affected warm and uncompromised in order to diminish the occurences of it. I have Raynaud's Disease, which basically means, because it's a disorder of the arteries, I have severely diminished blood flow in my fingers and toes. Even in warm weather I have to wear two pairs of socks to stop my toes from going numb. When the blood flow is affected by the lack of heat (though it happens just as much when I'm stressed too) I lose sensation in my digits and toes. it is extremely painful when it comes back because they feel as though they're on fire.

[skcin]

Leg crampers - Not sure if this works, but it sure can't hurt!

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2009/04/06/doctor-benefits/

[GypsySorcerer]

I found $36 on campus today. I kept $16, and left the twenty for someone else. :)

Then.... a student was late to my class because she was sprayed by a skunk on campus. She wasn't lying. It must have happened right outside our building, because it reeked all through the halls, the classrooms, and the entryway. :distress:

[DavidMn]

Just thought I'd share:

Sara and I set a wedding date! Sept 1, 2012!Wonderful news! You´ll make a good husband Mike, youre a super guy.:cool:

[vivfox]

I found $36 on campus today. I kept $16, and left the twenty for someone else. :)

What a cool story! You are so generous. I hope the money comes at you in droves for such good karma.:xoxo:

[vivfox]

Sara and I set a wedding date!

Congrats! How 'bout posting a shirtless pic to celebrate? Don't show Jannie though. She's not interested.

[vivfox]

I knew a blonde that was so stupid that ...

1. she called me to get my phone number.

2. she spent 20 minutes looking at the orange juice box because it said "concentrate."

3. she put lipstick on her forehead because she wanted to make up her mind.

4. she tried to put M&M's in alphabetical order.

5. she sent me a fax with a stamp on it.

6. she tried to drown a fish.

7. she thought a quarterback was a refund.

8. she got locked in a grocery store and starved to death.

9. she tripped over a cordless phone.

10. she took a ruler to bed to see how long she slept.

11. she asked for a price check at the Dollar Store.

12. she studied for a blood test.

13. she thought Meow Mix was a CD for cats.

14. when she heard that 90% of all crimes occur around the home, she moved.

15. when she missed the 44 bus, she took the 22 bus twice instead.

[holidayroad]

Just thought I'd share:

Sara and I set a wedding date! Sept 1, 2012!

Congratulations!! :woohoo:

[Enchanted_Stevi]

JTIS

That last week was the first week of school that I stayed ALL week and havent left early or havent gone to school since November LOL My teacher was quite shocked!! She was like "30 hours? Really?" I was like "yea I know!"

WOW So I havent been on here much lately!!! My laptop broke a week and half ago and I just got a new one on Saturday thanks to my amazng grandmother! Its my early bday present...Speaking of birthdays...24 days until my 21sy bithday!! whooop whooop!!! lol

Working right now....4-8....I am rather bored!! Someone should IM me or fb me..

[jannieC]

JTIS

That last week was the first week of school that I stayed ALL week and havent left early or havent gone to school since November LOL My teacher was quite shocked!! She was like "30 hours? Really?" I was like "yea I know!"

WOW So I havent been on here much lately!!! My laptop broke a week and half ago and I just got a new one on Saturday thanks to my amazng grandmother! Its my early bday present...Speaking of birthdays...24 days until my 21sy bithday!! whooop whooop!!! lol

Working right now....4-8....I am rather bored!! Someone should IM me or fb me..

Seeing this makes me realize how long I have been on The Ledge. I'm watching you grow up!

[Enchanted_Stevi]

Seeing this makes me realize how long I have been on The Ledge. I'm watching you grow up!

I know right?!?! I remember going onto the Nicksfix when I was like 11 or 12 and now 10 years later I'm gonna be 21!! Its so weird how you can just chat with people for YEARS and literally watch them grow up!!!

For my birthday I'm gonna go to school at LEASt for a 1/2 day and maybe do my hair and stuff...I'm gonna try and go blonde for the summer...and if I dont like it I can alwaysd change it back LOL Then go home and finish getting ready then go to Assumption College with Ashley..(our friend Katie goes there)...and their Spring Concert is Jay Sean and IYAZ...so we're gonna see them and probs get drunk LOL

[skcin]

I found $36 on campus today. I kept $16, and left the twenty for someone else. :)

Then.... a student was late to my class because she was sprayed by a skunk on campus. She wasn't lying. It must have happened right outside our building, because it reeked all through the halls, the classrooms, and the entryway. :distress:

1) That's awesome!

2) Last year there was a goose attacking everyone coming out of one of the buildings on campus. :p Turned out she had laid eggs under a nearby bush. We also have falcons nesting on 1 of our campuses, and mama takes to dive-bombing people she perceives as a threat for a couple of weeks each Spring.

[HejiraNYC]

1) That's awesome!

2) Last year there was a goose attacking everyone coming out of one of the buildings on campus. :p Turned out she had laid eggs under a nearby bush. We also have falcons nesting on 1 of our campuses, and mama takes to dive-bombing people she perceives as a threat for a couple of weeks each Spring.

Birds can be some mean mofo's! Near my house there are protected breeding grounds along the beach for the Piping Plover, which is supposedly endangered. They look like harmless cute little birdies.

http://www.fws.gov/southdakotafieldoffice/images/PLOVER.JPG

But, OMG, heaven forbid you should accidentally walk in front of their nests. Dozens of them will circle you and dive at you at breakneck speeds. I swear, I felt like Tippi Hedren in The Birds. They won't actually hit you, but they will come right at you before shooting upward at the last possible second. My only defense was to wave a beach towel around my head. Scary stuff!

[TerraRhiannon]

I just seen a "Ledgies in the US" thread. Are there any Canadian Ledgies out there? :)

[Enchanted_Stevi]

JTIS

That Ashley's(my gf) Nonno(grandfather in Italian) is passing away today ='( He's been in the hospital for almost 3 weeks and he's gotten pregressively worse. He was/is on a breathing tube and he's still having trouble breathing so today they made the decision to take him off the tube, put him on a morphine drip until he just stops breathing =( I am SOOO devistated!! ashley's family is WAAAAAY more like family to me then my own family and it sucks horribly!!! I love her family SO much and loosing her Nonno is like loosing my own grandfather...

So please keep Ashley's family in your thought and/or prayers!!

[Meowi]

Sorry to hear about Ashley's nonno.
Thoughts and prayers with the two of you today :nod:

[LikeAWillow]

I'm sorry to hear about what's happening with Ashley's family, Caitlin.

In much different news, drunken laundry? Much harder than sober laundry and not much more enjoyable to make up for it. Do not recommend.

[Enchanted_Stevi]

Sorry to hear about Ashley's nonno.
Thoughts and prayers with the two of you today :nod:

Thanks Matt...Its only matters of hours until he passes

[Enchanted_Stevi]

I'm sorry to hear about what's happening with Ashley's family, Caitlin.

In much different news, drunken laundry? Much harder than sober laundry and not much more enjoyable to make up for it. Do not recommend.

Thanks Marissa...I appreciate it...

OMG I would never attempt something like that drunk xD I can barely do laundry sober lol

[Enchanted_Stevi]

JTIS that I'm coloring my hair blonde lol

[Enchanted_Stevi]

JTIS that Ashley's Nonno passed away this morning...shortly before 8:30am...I called out of school and went to the hospital with Ashley to see her family...a couple days ago I asked the head Pastor at my work to visit them...and they thanked me for that. I cried a LOT!!!

Ashley's Nonna and Nonno are straight from Italy and they have THICK accents...Especially her Nonno so I have never had a whole conversation with him...but this one time...He was talking to me and asking me questions and I had to have Sarah(Ashley's sister) translate for me lol He was shaking my hand and everything!! So that is my one on one moment that I had with him

But I would always visit Nonna and Nonno with Ash and Sarah...Her family took me in and treated me like I was part of the family and they are all so loving!!

It killed me today to see the people who I love be so sad!! Especially Nonna...she was crying and she looked so tired and sad!! Ashley's dad and sister were trying to get me to in the room where Nonno was and I just couldnt!! I tried to go in once and got up to the doorway..saw him and walked away crying..

So now we're all looking through pictures and I'm gonna make a DVD for the wake

[daniellaaarisen]

Life's actually going pretty well lately. Heading home for spring break tomorrow night, almost done with finals (currently procrastinating). Dating someone that I have a really good feeling about and we're taking a weekend trip to Vancouver in a few weeks.

However, I haven't communicated with my mother for the last two months. It's a weird position to be in but at the same time, I'm happier without her in my life right now. The only problem is that she's refusing to give a slice of her monthly payments from my dad to my college fund. They've recently separated and they are in the process of divorcing, so she'll get half of his pay check for the next 11 years and she won't give any of it towards my education. I may not be able to go to school next year but instead, will have to live at home and work.

I've made a lot of sacrifices for my education over the past five years, so this is nothing short of heartbreaking. It definitely isn't set in stone yet-- I may still be able to go to the UK next year-- but it's really on my mom's shoulders right now.

[Enchanted_Stevi]

Life's actually going pretty well lately. Heading home for spring break tomorrow night, almost done with finals (currently procrastinating). Dating someone that I have a really good feeling about and we're taking a weekend trip to Vancouver in a few weeks.

However, I haven't communicated with my mother for the last two months. It's a weird position to be in but at the same time, I'm happier without her in my life right now. The only problem is that she's refusing to give a slice of her monthly payments from my dad to my college fund. They've recently separated and they are in the process of divorcing, so she'll get half of his pay check for the next 11 years and she won't give any of it towards my education. I may not be able to go to school next year but instead, will have to live at home and work.

I've made a lot of sacrifices for my education over the past five years, so this is nothing short of heartbreaking. It definitely isn't set in stone yet-- I may still be able to go to the UK next year-- but it's really on my mom's shoulders right now.

I'm sorry to hear about your parents!! My mom gets child support from my dad and my mom never gives any of it to me...towards school or anything!!! She keeps it all to herself...while I work my butt off only to get paid less then $100 a week.....so lame

Seems like since I've "moved" out of my house my mom has become more greedy...Like today...Ashley's Nonno passed away and she said sprry and stuff but then she was like "why arent you in school?" then I wanted to call out of work and she was like "dont tell me your calling out of work!?! your not even imediate family" WOOOW listen bitch....I spend probably 24/7 there and do SOOO much with her fasmily that they practically are my family!!

[daniellaaarisen]

I'm sorry to hear about your parents!! My mom gets child support from my dad and my mom never gives any of it to me...towards school or anything!!! She keeps it all to herself...while I work my butt off only to get paid less then $100 a week.....so lame

Seems like since I've "moved" out of my house my mom has become more greedy...Like today...Ashley's Nonno passed away and she said sprry and stuff but then she was like "why arent you in school?" then I wanted to call out of work and she was like "dont tell me your calling out of work!?! your not even imediate family" WOOOW listen bitch....I spend probably 24/7 there and do SOOO much with her fasmily that they practically are my family!!

Wait, she' still paying chid support even though you're 20? God, my dad is screwed....

[Enchanted_Stevi]

Wait, she' still paying chid support even though you're 20? God, my dad is screwed....

Yea...my dad pays child support til I am out of school...plus he owes $$ in back child support

[RickRobert]

I'm 17 now, have never lived with my dad and he hasn't payed child support even once... so technically he owes me thousands of pounds.

Boo hiss boo!!

[ButterCookie]

My dad pays child support until I'm 18 and I get my share to pay for my travel to school.

Unfortunately, my dad is a complete asshat :)

[camchristo]

Life's actually going pretty well lately. Heading home for spring break tomorrow night, almost done with finals (currently procrastinating). Dating someone that I have a really good feeling about and we're taking a weekend trip to Vancouver in a few weeks.

However, I haven't communicated with my mother for the last two months. It's a weird position to be in but at the same time, I'm happier without her in my life right now. The only problem is that she's refusing to give a slice of her monthly payments from my dad to my college fund. They've recently separated and they are in the process of divorcing, so she'll get half of his pay check for the next 11 years and she won't give any of it towards my education. I may not be able to go to school next year but instead, will have to live at home and work.

I've made a lot of sacrifices for my education over the past five years, so this is nothing short of heartbreaking. It definitely isn't set in stone yet-- I may still be able to go to the UK next year-- but it's really on my mom's shoulders right now.

Well, college expenses of the children are one thing that should be addressed in divorce proceedings. Generally speaking, in my state anyway, the parents are responsible for two thirds (to be divided between them according to their respective incomes) and the student is responsible for one third. Maybe you should have your dad ask his lawyer.

For the record, I disagree with parents being required to pay for their child's college education. They are not required to do so if they stay married but if they divorce, it becomes an issue under the jurisdiction of the court. I got a scholarship for undergrad and my first year of law school and took out loans for the rest. The only thing my parents paid for were my books in undergrad and my grandpa paid for my books in law school. Other than that, I did it myself. I'm still paying for law school ten years later and will be for quite some time. There's nothing wrong with doing it yourself.

Besides relying on your parents, have you considered looking into student loans? You might not qualify for financial aid due to your parents' incomes (until you establish that you are no longer a dependant), but you can certainly apply for student loans. Also, with your academic background, did you not qualify for any scholarships?

[jannieC]

I watched a young girl (16) having her first psychotic break this afternoon. SO so sad for everyone involved.

[daniellaaarisen]

Well, college expenses of the children are one thing that should be addressed in divorce proceedings. Generally speaking, in my state anyway, the parents are responsible for two thirds (to be divided between them according to their respective incomes) and the student is responsible for one third. Maybe you should have your dad ask his lawyer.

For the record, I disagree with parents being required to pay for their child's college education. They are not required to do so if they stay married but if they divorce, it becomes an issue under the jurisdiction of the court. I got a scholarship for undergrad and my first year of law school and took out loans for the rest. The only thing my parents paid for were my books in undergrad and my grandpa paid for my books in law school. Other than that, I did it myself. I'm still paying for law school ten years later and will be for quite some time. There's nothing wrong with doing it yourself.

Besides relying on your parents, have you considered looking into student loans? You might not qualify for financial aid due to your parents' incomes (until you establish that you are no longer a dependant), but you can certainly apply for student loans. Also, with your academic background, did you not qualify for any scholarships?

Thanks for your input. I told my dad about your two-thirds comment and he's planning on asking his lawyer.

I have a big scholarship to Seattle University ($30,000 a year out of a $36,000 tuition) but it's difficult to say what's going to happen because my mom is taking half of my dad's salary and refusing to contribute any of it. I know my dad could do it but with debts to pay off and my sister's college education also coming around the corner... it's hard to say. Also, I was hoping to leave Seattle U and go to the UK or another American school next year. Luckily, the UK is only a little more money than I'm paying at Seattle, believe it or not, so it may be possible. Who knows.

Student loans work in weird ways. I already have a small loan pulled out of a private investor but I should probably talk to Seattle U and figure out what they can do for me.

[vivfox]

Welcome to Spring! I wake up to snow coming down real hard, sticking to the ground and car already and the fukcer hasn't stopped. I thought this sh&t was OVER!!!!!

[ButterCookie]

Viv, your newest Sig is perfect!! Ann & Nancy look so beautiful ♥

JTIS, I just got some tickets to see Clare Maguire next month and I see Debbie Harry in 4 DAYS!! :]

[skcin]

^Sweet!

I just seen a "Ledgies in the US" thread. Are there any Canadian Ledgies out there? :)

There are a few. We try to keep them in their igloos. :( Bikerchic is Canadian, but she's rarely around these parts anymore. I think golddustsongbird is too?

I watched a young girl (16) having her first psychotic break this afternoon. SO so sad for everyone involved.

Awful. :distress:

Welcome to Spring! I wake up to snow coming down real hard, sticking to the ground and car already and the fukcer hasn't stopped. I thought this sh&t was OVER!!!!!

It's supposed to snow here later this week. :(

[HejiraNYC]

Thanks for your input. I told my dad about your two-thirds comment and he's planning on asking his lawyer.

I have a big scholarship to Seattle University ($30,000 a year out of a $36,000 tuition) but it's difficult to say what's going to happen because my mom is taking half of my dad's salary and refusing to contribute any of it. I know my dad could do it but with debts to pay off and my sister's college education also coming around the corner... it's hard to say. Also, I was hoping to leave Seattle U and go to the UK or another American school next year. Luckily, the UK is only a little more money than I'm paying at Seattle, believe it or not, so it may be possible. Who knows.

Student loans work in weird ways. I already have a small loan pulled out of a private investor but I should probably talk to Seattle U and figure out what they can do for me.

I just cannot fathom what kind of mother, who is (I assume) financially stable, would not beg, steal and borrow for her child's education. I suspect the situation is much more complex than I could possibly imagine, but it just seems off to me.

You have an incredible scholarship. Use it wisely. You do not know how wonderful it will be to graduate with only minimal student loan debt. I know people in their thirties with Wharton MBAs who are still over $100K in debt. It's almost like having a mortgage payment. It's going to handicap every financial decision you make until it's paid off. I went to a cheap state school and I thank my lucky stars that I never had to borrow myself into oblivion.

[daniellaaarisen]

I just cannot fathom what kind of mother, who is (I assume) financially stable, would not beg, steal and borrow for her child's education. I suspect the situation is much more complex than I could possibly imagine, but it just seems off to me.

You have an incredible scholarship. Use it wisely. You do not know how wonderful it will be to graduate with only minimal student loan debt. I know people in their thirties with Wharton MBAs who are still over $100K in debt. It's almost like having a mortgage payment. It's going to handicap every financial decision you make until it's paid off. I went to a cheap state school and I thank my lucky stars that I never had to borrow myself into oblivion.

She hasn't made a dime since she married my dad 25 years ago, but she's getting nearly half of his very big salary every year. She can spend $10K to assure that I get an education. Ugh. She wrote on my FACEBOOK WALL a few days ago, asking to see me when I'm home. We haven't spoken in months.... what a half-assed way to reach out to me.

Anyway, I am definitely loving my scholarship and I'm very grateful for it. My dad is trying to pay for every dime of my education until grad school and so far, he's done it... but these next few months will really decide how the next three years go!

[camchristo]

Thanks for your input. I told my dad about your two-thirds comment and he's planning on asking his lawyer.

I have a big scholarship to Seattle University ($30,000 a year out of a $36,000 tuition) but it's difficult to say what's going to happen because my mom is taking half of my dad's salary and refusing to contribute any of it. I know my dad could do it but with debts to pay off and my sister's college education also coming around the corner... it's hard to say. Also, I was hoping to leave Seattle U and go to the UK or another American school next year. Luckily, the UK is only a little more money than I'm paying at Seattle, believe it or not, so it may be possible. Who knows.

Student loans work in weird ways. I already have a small loan pulled out of a private investor but I should probably talk to Seattle U and figure out what they can do for me.

Well, with that kind of a scholarship, you should be able to make up the difference whether your mom decides to help or not. I know all about student loans - I had a few to get through law school. You should be able to get a student loan for the $6,000 difference with no problem. I know you've mentioned before that you work so you should be able to use that to supplement your living expenses.

You might just have to stay at Seattle. It might not be what you prefer to do, and you might have to work a little more to get by, but you can do it. It certainly doesn't sound to me like you'd have to abandon your scholarship to move back home and go to a community college which will likely cost you close $6,000 a year anyway. Your preference might be to go to the UK or somewhere in NY but you really should take advantage of your scholarship.

You have an incredible scholarship. Use it wisely. You do not know how wonderful it will be to graduate with only minimal student loan debt. I know people in their thirties with Wharton MBAs who are still over $100K in debt. It's almost like having a mortgage payment. It's going to handicap every financial decision you make until it's paid off. I went to a cheap state school and I thank my lucky stars that I never had to borrow myself into oblivion.

Yes. I agree. Be thankful for your scholarship and take advantage. It might be fun and exciting to go somewhere else but you'll pay for it later if you have to take out huge student loans. You'll have plenty of time to travel and have fun once you settle into a career. I only had loans for 2 years of lawschool and I'm still paying for it ten years later. Luckily for me, I was able to lock in a low interest rate and the payment is minimal. That and I have a decent job. I know people coming out of law school now with three times the debt I had when I graduated and they can't find a job. Or they're getting offers of starting salaries of $35,000 per year.

[daniellaaarisen]

Well, with that kind of a scholarship, you should be able to make up the difference whether your mom decides to help or not. I know all about student loans - I had a few to get through law school. You should be able to get a student loan for the $6,000 difference with no problem. I know you've mentioned before that you work so you should be able to use that to supplement your living expenses.

You might just have to stay at Seattle. It might not be what you prefer to do, and you might have to work a little more to get by, but you can do it. It certainly doesn't sound to me like you'd have to abandon your scholarship to move back home and go to a community college which will likely cost you close $6,000 a year anyway. Your preference might be to go to the UK or somewhere in NY but you really should take advantage of your scholarship.



Yes. I agree. Be thankful for your scholarship and take advantage. It might be fun and exciting to go somewhere else but you'll pay for it later if you have to take out huge student loans. You'll have plenty of time to travel and have fun once you settle into a career. I only had loans for 2 years of lawschool and I'm still paying for it ten years later. Luckily for me, I was able to lock in a low interest rate and the payment is minimal. That and I have a decent job. I know people coming out of law school now with three times the debt I had when I graduated and they can't find a job. Or they're getting offers of starting salaries of $35,000 per year.


Agreed, I would be happy to be able to stay in Seattle at this point... but it's not just the $6,000. I also have room and board, a meal plan, plane tickets to and back.... It all adds up. Frankly, I think I'll at least be able to stay in Seattle but no one really knows for sure.

[RickRobert]

I've spent two hours trying to find a way to answer one three-mark question on a Maths paper. It's led to this

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1892/thett.png

Spilled out my entire file, all the papers don't even fit on that photo. I'd venture to say there's about 250 different pieces of paper spread across this room, I've looked through them all but can't find anything, not one thing that will show me how to answer this one stupid question. It's almost midnight and it's gonna take me hours to somehow put all this in some kind of respectable order.

I genuinely cannot cope

[HomerMcvie]

I genuinely cannot cope

This too, shall pass. :wavey: Good luck with the math problem.

[Enchanted_Stevi]

JTIS

That my stress is finally over for now LOL As most fo you know Ashley's grandfather passed away Thursday ='( Since that day I have been wicked stressed out helping out Ashley's family doing stuff and I helped make a DVD of pictures and music to play at the Wake..Everyday for the past 6 days I've been only getting 4-6 hours of sleep a night..going to bed at 3am or 4am...getting up at 7 am or 8am...getting ready for the wake and funeral and visit Ashley's Nonna and helping out get stuff ready...I've been so stressed out and such I lost 8 pounds this week!!!

The Wake and Funeral was beautiful! Now...tonight calls for an early slumber to catch up on sleep lol

[DefDumbandBlond]

I've spent two hours trying to find a way to answer one three-mark question on a Maths paper. It's led to this

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1892/thett.png

Spilled out my entire file, all the papers don't even fit on that photo. I'd venture to say there's about 250 different pieces of paper spread across this room, I've looked through them all but can't find anything, not one thing that will show me how to answer this one stupid question. It's almost midnight and it's gonna take me hours to somehow put all this in some kind of respectable order.

I genuinely cannot cope

I'm not the biggest math whiz but what's the problem like? I managed to get through pre-cal somehow even though I kinda flunked the last term of it. :laugh: Luckily I didn't need it to graduate at that point, I don't even know why I decided to take the class.

[RickRobert]

This too, shall pass. :wavey: Good luck with the math problem.

Thanks but I gave up. There's no hope of me being able to sort out those papers tonight either so I just threw them in a heap in the corner.

I'm not the biggest math whiz but what's the problem like? I managed to get through pre-cal somehow even though I kinda flunked the last term of it. :laugh: Luckily I didn't need it to graduate at that point, I don't even know why I decided to take the class.

Something about binomial distribution, but both numbers they gave me are too big and so there are no values for them on the tables :shrug: But thank you anyway :xoxo:

[jannieC]

I've spent two hours trying to find a way to answer one three-mark question on a Maths paper. It's led to this

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1892/thett.png

Spilled out my entire file, all the papers don't even fit on that photo. I'd venture to say there's about 250 different pieces of paper spread across this room, I've looked through them all but can't find anything, not one thing that will show me how to answer this one stupid question. It's almost midnight and it's gonna take me hours to somehow put all this in some kind of respectable order.

I genuinely cannot cope

That looks and sounds like a bad dream to me :shocked:. Best that you are stepping away for now. Looking at it with a rested set of eyes may do wonders. Hang in there!

[Zombie]

*tap tap* Is this thing on?

[APerfectLie]

I've spent two hours trying to find a way to answer one three-mark question on a Maths paper. It's led to this

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1892/thett.png

Spilled out my entire file, all the papers don't even fit on that photo. I'd venture to say there's about 250 different pieces of paper spread across this room, I've looked through them all but can't find anything, not one thing that will show me how to answer this one stupid question. It's almost midnight and it's gonna take me hours to somehow put all this in some kind of respectable order.

I genuinely cannot cope

Damn, if only I'd seen this earlier! In two months, I will have my bachelors in Mathematics, so if you ever need help feel free to ask!

[HomerMcvie]

Damn, if only I'd seen this earlier! In two months, I will have my bachelors in Mathematics, so if you ever need help feel free to ask!
Argh, I could've used you, back when....for stats...
Know what? I'm great at math, up to a point. When it becomes some 20 page calculation, for ONE problem, is where I begin to fail. I think I may have ADD.:lol:

[APerfectLie]

Argh, I could've used you, back when....for stats...
Know what? I'm great at math, up to a point. When it becomes some 20 page calculation, for ONE problem, is where I begin to fail. I think I may have ADD.:lol:

Stats can be a pain in the dick! And I hate 20 page calculations too. I can't tell you how many times I have thought of changing my major just because a homework problem was so goddamn long! Alas, I'm almost done. This last semester sure is dragging slow as hell tho.

[vivfox]

*tap tap* Is this thing on?


Where the heck have you been?

[daniellaaarisen]

Discovering that Cher's Farewell Tour is on Netflix guaranteed that I'd get zero sleep tonight. Wakeup call in less than 4 hours, WIN.

[holidayroad]

*tap tap* Is this thing on?

:wavey:Glad to see you here! I've been enjoying your gamer blog!

[skcin]

So it's March 23rd, 3 days into Spring, and we have 4" of FRESH snow on the ground - with 4-6"more predicted for this afternoon. :mad: It's bitter cold & windy too. I know I live in Buffalo, but come ON Mother Nature! You whore!

[jannieC]

So it's March 23rd, 3 days into Spring, and we have 4" of FRESH snow on the ground - with 4-6"more predicted for this afternoon. :mad: It's bitter cold & windy too. I know I live in Buffalo, but come ON Mother Nature! You whore!

I would die. I remember NY winters with sadness.

[skcin]

I would die. I remember NY winters with sadness.

I'm used to it for the most part, but this is just ridiculous! :distress: We had a few warms days last week & the flowers started coming up. Mother Nature is both a whore AND a c*cktease!

[HomerMcvie]

I would die. I remember NY winters with sadness.

It's 70 here! God, I pray that it stays this way!:woohoo:

[louielouie2000]

It's 70 here! God, I pray that it stays this way!:woohoo:

Spring lasted about a week here. We've been in the mid-upper 80s for some time. I just wish it'd rain some... it's not even summer yet and the lake is already down 20 feet.

[McTrouble]

Spring lasted about a week here. We've been in the mid-upper 80s for some time. I just wish it'd rain some... it's not even summer yet and the lake is already down 20 feet.

We are currently having the most beautiful spring but I am a winter girl.

I do love the wonderful flowers and spring freshness everywhere but I count down from now until the autumn as my favourite months are October thru February.

[Silver Springs]

We are currently having the most beautiful spring but I am a winter girl.

I do love the wonderful flowers and spring freshness everywhere but I count down from now until the autumn as my favourite months are October thru February.

I always thought I was strange for preferring the Autumn and Winter. I love the extremes in weather and being able to walk in the rain with my music :)

[HomerMcvie]

Spring lasted about a week here. We've been in the mid-upper 80s for some time. I just wish it'd rain some... it's not even summer yet and the lake is already down 20 feet.

:distress: It's been 75 and sunny, all afternoon! I've been out in a T-shirt and khaki shorts.
I just heard on the radio, that we might get freezing rain, tonight, and a high in the low 40's, tomorrow.


&*)(*&()&%&)*^)&*+_**^%*^R*G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bite me winter!!!!

[Silver Springs]

I love the fact that I just looked on BBC Weather under my post code for the week's weather, and for tonight the forecast is "Dark"......Nooo!! Fu.cking really? I think the forecast really means "The Meteorologist couldn't be fu.cked to look out of the window..."

[chelluversu]

Soo... a dead body was discovered in a dumpster in the neighborhood I used to live in after residents saw smoke and a blue flame come out of it.

[McTrouble]

I always thought I was strange for preferring the Autumn and Winter. I love the extremes in weather and being able to walk in the rain with my music :)

I also love the dark mornings and the very early dark evenings, makes me feel all cosy in front of the fire!

My husband says it's probably something to do with my northern Baltic blood.

Also, apart from holidays, all the best things happen in the winter - my birthday, Halloween, bonfire night, Christmas, New Year, husband's birthday, Valentines Day: all excuses for pressies and great meals out :blob1:

And I adore rainy days!

[BTFLCHLD]

JTIS sometimes I get so sick of reading all the negs. for goodness sake, cant a performance just be a f*cking performance not a neg critique fest???

:mad::(:mad:

[louielouie2000]

JTIS sometimes I get so sick of reading all the negs. for goodness sake, cant a performance just be a f*cking performance not a neg critique fest???

:mad::(:mad:

Ehh, there are other boards which only gush over Fleetwood Mac and I find that equally as grating.

[HomerMcvie]

Ehh, there are other boards which only gush over Fleetwood Mac and I find that equally as grating.

Seven Dunders, anyone?

Meh, I don't even care about FM of today. I'll just live with my DVDs, and memories of FM days gone by.....:woohoo:

[BTFLCHLD]

Ehh, there are other boards which only gush over Fleetwood Mac and I find that equally as grating. that's nice. did I click the POLL option?

[louielouie2000]

that's nice. did I click the POLL option?

Nope! I "Just Thought I'd Share" ;)

[BTFLCHLD]

Nope! I "Just Thought I'd Share" ;)
:p welcome to my bitchmode. :xoxo:

[Ghost_Tracker]

Gonna go see Stevie and Rod @ Madison Square Garden in New York tomorrow.
Looking forward like you wouldn't believe! :)


JTIS my not-so-secret love is singin' and dancin' and twirlin' and as Steve Perry
once said I-AM-THERRE!!! :wavey:

[McTrouble]

Gonna go see Stevie and Rod @ Madison Square Garden in New York tomorrow.
Looking forward like you wouldn't believe! :)


JTIS my not-so-secret love is singin' and dancin' and twirlin' and as Steve Perry
once said I-AM-THERRE!!! :wavey:

Hope you like Rod (if it's the first time you've seen him).

I've seen him live 5 times and love him, but I've got the impression that quite a few Ledgies wouldn't give him the time of day! Would love to hear your comments about him.

Enjoy Stevie too, of course!

[vivfox]

There are so many threads to read in the Stevie forum and it is hard to keep up. I will read every single post because I always want to read what all of you have to say, whether I agree with your opinions or not. I'm about 200 posts behind in one particular thread and I don't know how I'm gonna have time to read ALL of that, watch the sizzle reel once every 10 minutes AND learn what Homer ate for dinner all in one evening!:wavey:

[Artemis]

Urgh. This week has not been good to me.

Lost out on another flat because someone else got their application in first. One of my friends, the girl I'm supposed to get a flat with, has ignored me all week for some god-forsaken reason (like, we were talking just fine on the Sunday night, texted her on Monday... nothing since then) and now my Grandad's been rushed to hospital after having complaints with his chest, we think he might have had a minor heart attack, so a bit panicked over here.

All in all, not a good week. :(

[Meowi]

My new English teacher is an unsympathetic whale.
Tips anyone? :lol:

[DavidMn]

My new English teacher is an unsympathetic whale.
Tips anyone? :lol:Tell them you're favorite book is Moby Dick!:laugh:

[Meowi]

^^
HAHAHAHAHA! :thumbsup:
She is the biggest pain I have ever come across in all my year levels at school. Don't get me wrong, I am a good student and all my English teachers love me... BUT HER!
One example: I have very poor hearing and I was made to sit at the back of the classroom because she ordered in alphabetical order. I have concentration issues, and when she found out I had not done some homework, she blatantly told me to sit at the front and stop talking to my friends and to listen. I don't even have friends in her hell-hole of a classroom.

[CreepingDeath]

My new English teacher is an unsympathetic whale.
Tips anyone? :lol:

Harpoon is the obvious choice. :shrug:

[holidayroad]

^^
HAHAHAHAHA! :thumbsup:
She is the biggest pain I have ever come across in all my year levels at school. Don't get me wrong, I am a good student and all my English teachers love me... BUT HER!
One example: I have very poor hearing and I was made to sit at the back of the classroom because she ordered in alphabetical order. I have concentration issues, and when she found out I had not done some homework, she blatantly told me to sit at the front and stop talking to my friends and to listen. I don't even have friends in her hell-hole of a classroom.

Get your doctor to write a note about your hearing and concentration issues. Your teacher would look pretty bad if she didn't fix things then.

[HomerMcvie]

Harpoon is the obvious choice. :shrug:

:mad::mad::mad:I hate it, when somebody beats me to my own joke.:mad::mad::mad:








:xoxo::lol:

[Silver Springs]

Uck. Attention span lacking. I'm sure this could be a side effect for my lovely new Sims Medieval, even if it's not as good as I'd expected. Then again, it could also be a case of "I have a PDP essay due in a few days and have yet to look over the instruction sheet". I'll get it done. But....considering how much I've already done for my other courses....In the nicest possible way....I just can't be arsed.

[RickRobert]

One of my friends, the girl I'm supposed to get a flat with, has ignored me all week for some god-forsaken reason (like, we were talking just fine on the Sunday night, texted her on Monday... nothing since then)

Gah I know how this feels. Sometimes all my "friends" except for a few who aren't supposed to be my best friends per se will just ignore me for days with no explanation. There's just a handful of them who don't treat me like crap when it suits them or try putting me down all the time for fun. Can't do anything about it until I leave for uni late next year though. C'est la vie :shrug:

[fringed n fab]

Ew it's storming bad here and out in the Gulf right now....


http://seesarasotalive.com/point-of-rocks.php

[fringed n fab]

^^ That is friggin awesome and so cool....!!!

[Silver Springs]

something needs to change.. i cant breathe...

[Silver Springs]

i dont even know why i post anymore....its not as though i have anthinig of interest to say

[Silver Springs]

god....im such a tool *sigh*

[Silver Springs]

should just learn to keep my thoughts to myself if i have nothing useful top share with the board

[Silver Springs]

i miss the people who used to keep me company on this ste. one by one they all deserted me.

[Silver Springs]

where did you all go? is it that im just such bad company that you couldnt take me any longer? i know his sickness well. i had it my whole life

[Silver Springs]

They say life boils down to a series of moments, each moment dictating the course of your life for years to come. But what if the most important of your moments are merely fragrant dreams, possessing you with desires that could never possibly sustain themselves? Some may call it a delusion, a fallacy even to believe in the infinite; In the stark revelation that one could be anything more than what they present themselves to be. But what if this is a dream? What if the only way to make our dreams a reality was to take life by the overbearing horns and march into the face of the abyss? It seems illogical to expect the best from what seems to be the worst, but one can never be too sure about what really is the true face of it. Life may seem ugly, scary and downright terrifying sometimes, but maybe its just part of the grand design., its true form only presenting itself on the pinnacle of perfection. But what is perfection? Nobody has an exact definition, hence nobody has ever seen the complete, wondrous freedom life could be if you just let go. Maybe it is only in death that we can finally understand the illusion,i want to understand the illusion. like a magician's favourite trick. It doesn't simply come down to pulling a Rabbit out of a hat, it being so crass it couldn't possibly be the full, complete meaning of it. One must have to think of the deeper illusion. How did the Rabbit find itself lost in the dark, texturous mass? How did the magician know to find it? How did they know how to work together in order to save each other from looking the fool? It all comes down to luck. It is said that we make our own luck, if one chooses to believe in the dire concept. But maybe, just maybe, life involves more than "luck". Maybe one giant leap of faith is required. Unquestioning, constant belief in the unbelievable and unforeseeable. But we as a people have lost that ability to trust. It was lost when we discovered ourselves. When we discovered that we could be so much more than fire and the wheel presenting itself in dreams. To the err apparent, we are but fleeting. It is only in dreams that we may truly evolve.

[Silver Springs]

as though i expect anybody to read that anyway...*sigh*

[Silver Springs]

so if you wanna burn yourself remember that I LOVE YOU
and if you wanna cut yourself remember that I LOVE YOU
and if you wanna kill yourself remember that I LOVE YOU
call me up before your dead, we can make some plans instead
send me an IM, i'll be your friend

[HomerMcvie]

Gah I know how this feels. Sometimes all my "friends" except for a few who aren't supposed to be my best friends per se will just ignore me for days with no explanation. There's just a handful of them who don't treat me like crap when it suits them or try putting me down all the time for fun. Can't do anything about it until I leave for uni late next year though. C'est la vie :shrug:
You need to fire the ones who treat you like crap. For a long time, I was pretty much a loner. I mean, I had friends, but not a sh*t ton of them(because I didn't really want any more). But, for the past 18 months, I've sort of blossomed, socially. And as I've gained many more friends, I decided to delete the ones that treated me like crap. And that was the best decision, ever. Really.

And it can have positive consequences, too. One of them, who constantly insulted me...I fired him. I explained quite clearly, that I did care about him, but his constant insults made me feel like sh*t, about myself, and I just didn't need someone like that in my life. And after about six months of us not talking, we're now friends again. And he now treats me with respect...because I won't have it any other way. You should do the same, IMO.:):wavey:

[Meowi]

My school bus never came.
No school today!

[RickRobert]

WTF Bee!

You need to fire the ones who treat you like crap. For a long time, I was pretty much a loner. I mean, I had friends, but not a sh*t ton of them(because I didn't really want any more). But, for the past 18 months, I've sort of blossomed, socially. And as I've gained many more friends, I decided to delete the ones that treated me like crap. And that was the best decision, ever. Really.

And it can have positive consequences, too. One of them, who constantly insulted me...I fired him. I explained quite clearly, that I did care about him, but his constant insults made me feel like sh*t, about myself, and I just didn't need someone like that in my life. And after about six months of us not talking, we're now friends again. And he now treats me with respect...because I won't have it any other way. You should do the same, IMO.:):wavey:

Thanks, I have tried before but when it comes to school I pretty much have no chance at this point since after six years I've pretty much established myself in that group so to speak. They're not so bad half the time but I'm not gonna make the same mistake next year.

[Silver Springs]

sorry.....

[RickRobert]

:( If you need to talk to someone you can always PM me.

[Sahara]

Feeling a bit disconnected from people lately ... too much time studying, too much time on my own. Nice to get back to the Ledge and feel like I'm on the same page with people :o

[CreepingDeath]

Bee, you can PM anytime. My life is in shambles, but that' not an excuse to be a bad friend. My apologies.

[daniellaaarisen]

I've worked out 8 out of the last 10 days and have been eating really well TO NO F*CKING AVAIL.

I'm stepping it up tomorrow. This is ridiculous.

[louielouie2000]

I've worked out 8 out of the last 10 days and have been eating really well TO NO F*CKING AVAIL.

I'm stepping it up tomorrow. This is ridiculous.

Boy do I know how you feel. My body is refusing to drop weight right now too.

[daniellaaarisen]

Boy do I know how you feel. My body is refusing to drop weight right now too.

I've gained over 20 pounds in the last year, 30 since I stopped riding horses consistently. Jesus...

[CreepingDeath]

My laptop fell of the table a broke. It was pretty new, too. So, here I'm am using my younger brother's. :/

FML :mad:

[mezzoforte]

I've gained over 20 pounds in the last year, 30 since I stopped riding horses consistently. Jesus...

I totally, totally feel you. I've FINALLY lost a little weight, but as of January I was 15 pounds heavier than I'd been 6 months before. Still have a ways to go.
And there's nothing more disparaging than feeling like you're doing everything right, only to have it make no difference.

[markolas]

My left ear has been blocked for several days now. I'm pretty sure it's allergies, since it's happened before. Does anyone else get this? What do you do? It's aggravating the hell out of me!

[louielouie2000]

My left ear has been blocked for several days now. I'm pretty sure it's allergies, since it's happened before. Does anyone else get this? What do you do? It's aggravating the hell out of me!

Have you tried getting an earwax removal kit from a pharmacy? One of my ears blocks up every few years and I have to use one of those kits.

It very well could just be allergies, though. With the drought here in Austin, all this oak pollen is insane right now.

[skcin]

^Try Mucinex. It helps drain out excess fluid from sinuses & can help your ear too.)

as though i expect anybody to read that anyway...*sigh*

It might help to PM or call or text people, rather than post things on a message board that people may not see for hours or even days. :shrug:

For people trying to lose weight - change it up. Instead of 30 min do 45. Instead of only cardio, add weights. Make sure you're really & truly working your ass off - your heart rate really needs to increase quite a bit for you to see any results. Make sure you're eating enough, and make it balanced & healthy. Eating a handful of almonds or 1/2 an avacado is a hell of a lot better than eating 1/2 a bag of low-fat chips or fat-free cookies. And don't give up - usually takes several weeks for a noticeable difference (I speak from experience.)

[SapphireSister]

They say life boils down to a series of moments, each moment dictating the course of your life for years to come. But what if the most important of your moments are merely fragrant dreams, possessing you with desires that could never possibly sustain themselves? Some may call it a delusion, a fallacy even to believe in the infinite; In the stark revelation that one could be anything more than what they present themselves to be. But what if this is a dream? What if the only way to make our dreams a reality was to take life by the overbearing horns and march into the face of the abyss? It seems illogical to expect the best from what seems to be the worst, but one can never be too sure about what really is the true face of it. Life may seem ugly, scary and downright terrifying sometimes, but maybe its just part of the grand design., its true form only presenting itself on the pinnacle of perfection. But what is perfection? Nobody has an exact definition, hence nobody has ever seen the complete, wondrous freedom life could be if you just let go. Maybe it is only in death that we can finally understand the illusion,i want to understand the illusion. like a magician's favourite trick. It doesn't simply come down to pulling a Rabbit out of a hat, it being so crass it couldn't possibly be the full, complete meaning of it. One must have to think of the deeper illusion. How did the Rabbit find itself lost in the dark, texturous mass? How did the magician know to find it? How did they know how to work together in order to save each other from looking the fool? It all comes down to luck. It is said that we make our own luck, if one chooses to believe in the dire concept. But maybe, just maybe, life involves more than "luck". Maybe one giant leap of faith is required. Unquestioning, constant belief in the unbelievable and unforeseeable. But we as a people have lost that ability to trust. It was lost when we discovered ourselves. When we discovered that we could be so much more than fire and the wheel presenting itself in dreams. To the err apparent, we are but fleeting. It is only in dreams that we may truly evolve.

Did you write this? Are those your words? They are astonishingly beautiful and so are you...

[CreepingDeath]

Suicide is painless...


And, fyi, that's directed at me, no one on this board.

[skcin]

Suicide is painless...


And, fyi, that's directed at me, no one on this board.

Are you in a bad place? Or are you watching M*A*S*H?

[markolas]

^Try Mucinex. It helps drain out excess fluid from sinuses & can help your ear too.)

Thanks. :) I'll try it.

For people trying to lose weight - change it up.

I lost 20 lbs, but that was b/c I had a panic disorder and basically stopped eating for a month. I do not recommend this as a weight loss tool.

Have you tried getting an earwax removal kit from a pharmacy? One of my ears blocks up every few years and I have to use one of those kits.

It very well could just be allergies, though. With the drought here in Austin, all this oak pollen is insane right now.

I haven't tried one of those, but I'll see about getting one. I don't think it's earwax, tho - my ears seem pretty clean.

The pollen is terrible. My dark green Nissan has turned yellow.

[louielouie2000]

So I watched 'Eat Pray Love' tonight out of sheer desperate boredom, and came away with one of the deepest, most succinct quotes I've ever heard: "God resides in me... as me." That just hit me as one of the most profound things I think I've ever heard. It says to me that humans are not supposed to aim to be perfect, assimilated, mindless robots... but instead embrace the beauty and quirks we were all born with. That when we stray and try to force ourselves to be what we are not, that's when we as a species run into real problems. It seems so simple, but I think that quote is just so uplifting and affirming. And to me, simple love and happiness is what it's all about. :nod:

[markolas]

^^I've deliberately avoided that book & movie, but that's a beautiful idea and one I agree with wholeheartedly. :nod:

In other news, my ear seems to have cleared up on its own, and not a moment too soon; it was sooo uncomfortable, and it was making me really irritable.

[vivfox]

I was thinking about Paula in Buffalo when I just found out that we are expecting a winter storm Thursday night. 4-6 inches is expected. This bull***** just won't end.:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: How much snow did Buffalo end up getting last week? And is it still there?

[skcin]

I was thinking about Paula in Buffalo when I just found out that we are expecting a winter storm Thursday night. 4-6 inches is expected. This bull***** just won't end.:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: How much snow did Buffalo end up getting last week? And is it still there?

We got 7" last week Wednesday. It's mostly melted as of today, but most of it was still here this past weekend. Grrrrr....

[CreepingDeath]

Are you in a bad place? Or are you watching M*A*S*H?

I've never seen M*A*S*H.

[daniellaaarisen]

So I watched 'Eat Pray Love' tonight out of sheer desperate boredom, and came away with one of the deepest, most succinct quotes I've ever heard: "God resides in me... as me." That just hit me as one of the most profound things I think I've ever heard. It says to me that humans are not supposed to aim to be perfect, assimilated, mindless robots... but instead embrace the beauty and quirks we were all born with. That when we stray and try to force ourselves to be what we are not, that's when we as a species run into real problems. It seems so simple, but I think that quote is just so uplifting and affirming. And to me, simple love and happiness is what it's all about. :nod:

I agree that the quote is beautiful and empowering.

On another note.... JAVIER BARDEM IN THAT MOVIE.

[skcin]

I've never seen M*A*S*H.

The theme is an instrumental called Suicide is Painless.

[ILoveFM]

I'm alive!!!!!! Hahaha, I haven't psted here in forever. How is everyone?

[CreepingDeath]

The theme is an instrumental called Suicide is Painless.

I know the theme, just not the show. I've just been feeling very down lately, and the theme just came to mind.

[Sahara]

I'm alive!!!!!! Hahaha, I haven't psted here in forever. How is everyone?
Hey, nice to see your lovely face again! :wavey:

[RickRobert]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!

... there we go :D

[ILoveFM]

Hey, nice to see your lovely face again! :wavey:

It's nice to be back :D how are you??

[vivfox]

I'm alive!!!!!! Hahaha, I haven't psted here in forever. How is everyone?


A friend asked me who you were. You are pictured on my formspring page in one of your artworks. Here's the link: http://www.formspring.me/VivFox

Welcome back Sara!!!! Looking forward to any new banners!

[McTrouble]

A friend asked me who you were. You are pictured on my formspring page in one of your artworks. Here's the link: http://www.formspring.me/VivFox

Welcome back Sara!!!! Looking forward to any new banners!

Oh I LOVE that pic of The Monkees - they're touring here in the UK (but without Mike I think). Love em to death :]

[APerfectLie]

I have been awake since yesterday and am now on my way to take an exam I haven't even studied for. The fact that this is my last semester in college has really thrown all my motivation out the window. Graduation cannot come soon enough! JTIS

[ButterCookie]

I have been awake since yesterday and am now on my way to take an exam I haven't even studied for. The fact that this is my last semester in college has really thrown all my motivation out the window. Graduation cannot come soon enough! JTIS

Good luck!!

Tell me about the motivation thing. I've had an unconditional offer from my first choice uni so basically I don't even need to be going to college or sitting my final exams. I'm meant to be working on English Lit coursework right now. I've got one sentence and I'm stuck.

[vivfox]

Oh I LOVE that pic of The Monkees - they're touring here in the UK (but without Mike I think). Love em to death :]


Hey Viv! Remember the good ole days, those innocent times, when Davey Jones was a sweet sex symbol?

[vivfox]

One of my cleaning clients hung a picture in his bathroom and it looked silly in its spot so I moved it. He asked me why I moved it and I said, sarcasticly funny"you're a straight guy. You don't know anything about decorating.":lol:

[APerfectLie]

Good luck!!

Tell me about the motivation thing. I've had an unconditional offer from my first choice uni so basically I don't even need to be going to college or sitting my final exams. I'm meant to be working on English Lit coursework right now. I've got one sentence and I'm stuck.

Thanks! I just finished it and I have no clue how I did. Some of them definitely threw me off.

[markolas]

There's a fine line between being a low-key homebody and being a complete agoraphobic freak. My toe is currently on that line. :o

[skcin]

I'm alive!!!!!! Hahaha, I haven't psted here in forever. How is everyone?

I was just wondering where you were a few days back, when I saw an old post of yours.

I know the theme, just not the show. I've just been feeling very down lately, and the theme just came to mind.

Aha. Feeling any better today?



JTIS: going out to dinner with coworkers tonight for www.localrestaurantweek.com Very much looking forward to it.

[ILoveFM]

I'll start working on new banners as soon as I buy a new laptop! I have so many ideas overflowing in my head haha. Anyway, I'm glad to be back, it's been forever!

[fringed n fab]

Idk what's going on down here today but we're having storms coming in off the ocean and there's 71 mph wind gusts in places around Tampa and it's not looking too good here right now. I'm busy listening to the news as I type. They're saying hurricane force winds in places. Pray for me. :laugh:

[louielouie2000]

There's a fine line between being a low-key homebody and being a complete agoraphobic freak. My toe is currently on that line. :o

Same here... though my exile is self imposed to save money until I'm amongst the working class again. Thankfully I'm getting out to go visit my cousin in San Antonio tomorrow, and am leading a ride with my scooter club up into the West Lake Hills Saturday :D.

[CreepingDeath]

I was just wondering where you were a few days back, when I saw an old post of yours.



Aha. Feeling any better today?



JTIS: going out to dinner with coworkers tonight for www.localrestaurantweek.com Very much looking forward to it.

Just trying to stay strong hour by hour. It's strange for me to talk about myself, so I won't bother you or me with any sob stories. Thank you for asking, though. I appreciate it a lot.

[HomerMcvie]

Just trying to stay strong hour by hour. It's strange for me to talk about myself, so I won't bother you or me with any sob stories. Thank you for asking, though. I appreciate it a lot.

But we don't mind lending an ear, or shoulder. I hope you know that.:wavey:

[CreepingDeath]

But we don't mind lending an ear, or shoulder. I hope you know that.:wavey:

Thank you, David. (Forgive me if that's not you're name.)


Now back to living under my rock...

[markolas]

Same here... though my exile is self imposed to save money until I'm amongst the working class again. Thankfully I'm getting out to go visit my cousin in San Antonio tomorrow, and am leading a ride with my scooter club up into the West Lake Hills Saturday :D.

To be fair, when I posted that, I'd been up for a couple of hours without having taken my anti-depressants. I'm feeling much better now. :)

Technically, I have a job, but it's seasonal and I'm currently on furlough. I go back Sunday, provided there isn't a government shutdown. Generally, I need a *lot* of alone time. I live with my bf, and we live within spitting distance of his mom and sister; that more or less fulfills my limited social needs (along with the Internet). But the bf has been complaining lately that we don't have any friends, and I'm not sure what to do about that. :lol:

[APerfectLie]

To be fair, when I posted that, I'd been up for a couple of hours without having taken my anti-depressants. I'm feeling much better now. :)

Technically, I have a job, but it's seasonal and I'm currently on furlough. I go back Sunday, provided there isn't a government shutdown. Generally, I need a *lot* of alone time. I live with my bf, and we live within spitting distance of his mom and sister; that more or less fulfills my limited social needs (along with the Internet). But the bf has been complaining lately that we don't have any friends, and I'm not sure what to do about that. :lol:

Louie and I can be your friends. We can all have a Stevie party. Then your bf will be so tired of Stevie Nicks, he will never mention wanting more friends to you again :)

[HomerMcvie]

Thank you, David. (Forgive me if that's not you're name.)


Now back to living under my rock...

That's it!!! I wish I could change my Ledge name!
I hope things are looking up for you, today.

[CreepingDeath]

That's it!!! I wish I could change my Ledge name!
I hope things are looking up for you, today.

My screen name is a little strange too. When I first joined one poster described having CreepingDeath matched with Kimberly, was like mixing apples with battery acid. That sums me up, I guess.

[APerfectLie]

I have been awake since yesterday and am now on my way to take an exam I haven't even studied for. The fact that this is my last semester in college has really thrown all my motivation out the window. Graduation cannot come soon enough! JTIS

I'm still awake... :shocked:

[ButterCookie]

Trololololol

I'll never top the year I Rick Rolled the whole Blondie forum. That was mighty.

[cristochango]

I have been awake since yesterday and am now on my way to take an exam I haven't even studied for. The fact that this is my last semester in college has really thrown all my motivation out the window. Graduation cannot come soon enough! JTIS

Exact same way for high school. Except for us they freeze our GPA, Class Rank, and everything else needed for graduation.

So nothing materials, at all.

[LikeAWillow]

GUYS.

I QUALIFY TO WRITE A SENIOR THESIS.

I'M WRITING THAT THESIS ON JOHN MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.

MY FAVORITE PROFESSOR, AND THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT HERE, IS WILLING TO ADVISE ME.

IF ALL GOES AS IT NOW SHOULD, I WILL GRADUATE FROM THIS PLACE WITH AN ENGLISH DEGREE WITH HONORS.

AND I'LL HAVE F*CKING WRITTEN ONE HUNDRED PAGES ON PARADISE LOST. MY FAVORITE THING. EVER.

Bam.

#winning.

#so pumped.

#done being obnoxious

[equeen102289]

GUYS.

I QUALIFY TO WRITE A SENIOR THESIS.

I'M WRITING THAT THESIS ON JOHN MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.

MY FAVORITE PROFESSOR, AND THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT HERE, IS WILLING TO ADVISE ME.

IF ALL GOES AS IT NOW SHOULD, I WILL GRADUATE FROM THIS PLACE WITH AN ENGLISH DEGREE WITH HONORS.

AND I'LL HAVE F*CKING WRITTEN ONE HUNDRED PAGES ON PARADISE LOST. MY FAVORITE THING. EVER.

Bam.

#winning.

#so pumped.

#done being obnoxious

Oh, wow! That is amazing! Congratulations!

I studied Paradise Lost in my British Lit class freshman year. Milton definitely had some very intriguing ideas. What approach are you taking exactly?

[LikeAWillow]

Oh, wow! That is amazing! Congratulations!

I studied Paradise Lost in my British Lit class freshman year. Milton definitely had some very intriguing ideas. What approach are you taking exactly?

!!!! You have no idea how much this excites me.

So basically what I love about Milton was that he was a closet freak. This guy built a career out of the idea that the only way you can truly be good to is want to be bad, want to be bad more than anything, but resist that urge. With every line he writes about morality/theology, you feel the tension between what he wants and what he is. I want to analyze the way that tension influenced the works that came after him. Did what we think of as standard Christian doctrine only evolve because it's what John Milton told us Christianity is (though little of what he said is actually supported by the Bible?) I'm so pumped. I can't even put it into words. I just want to dedicate my entire next five years to this, starting now, and do it the justice it deserves. BUT. I get two semester to prove my point.

Favorite moment in PL?

[daniellaaarisen]

Marissa, I'm so proud of you, and I'm so happy with your choice of work. I recently took a class that was split-- half Donne, half Milton. I have a HUGE appreciation for him now and I feel it growing to be a Marissa-sized boner for the guy.... you'll have to talk to me about your thesis as you write it. :)

[chelluversu]

Whenever I think of Paradise Lost I think of Frankenstein. I just finished most of the book (Frank.) a few weeks ago and wrote a 5 page paper. 100?! That's amazing.

I'll be 18 in like twenty minutes, but it's friggin cold outside and raining :(
I want 80 degree weather on my birthday!

P.S. I never told you guys about how my science fair thing went. I got honorable mention in the school, but at regionals I got 2nd or 3rd or something ( the announcer confused the crap out of me). I was also the only person from my school who recieved a check for 350 bucks :D

Now my life is not dominated by science fair but by practice ap exams every Saturday and tennis...yay.

[LikeAWillow]

Marissa, I'm so proud of you, and I'm so happy with your choice of work. I recently took a class that was split-- half Donne, half Milton. I have a HUGE appreciation for him now and I feel it growing to be a Marissa-sized boner for the guy.... you'll have to talk to me about your thesis as you write it. :)

Thank you so, so much. I've never been academically happier than I was when I got the notification that this professor whom I admire more than any other was willing to take me on. And you know I will, if you're honestly interested. Paradise Lost/Regained/Milton in general just kills me. It's like if you got to spend a year just really perfecting a portfolio that honestly represented you. Weird, geek, heaven.

[LikeAWillow]

Whenever I think of Paradise Lost I think of Frankenstein. I just finished most of the book (Frank.) a few weeks ago and wrote a 5 page paper. 100?! That's amazing.

I'll be 18 in like twenty minutes, but it's friggin cold outside and raining :(
I want 80 degree weather on my birthday!

P.S. I never told you guys about how my science fair thing went. I got honorable mention in the school, but at regionals I got 2nd or 3rd or something ( the announcer confused the crap out of me). I was also the only person from my school who recieved a check for 350 bucks :D

Now my life is not dominated by science fair but by practice ap exams every Saturday and tennis...yay.

Dude, that's awesome. I wish I had any sort of understanding of science. Congratulations and HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY.

[LittleCharmer]

Thank you so, so much. I've never been academically happier than I was when I got the notification that this professor whom I admire more than any other was willing to take me on. And you know I will, if you're honestly interested. Paradise Lost/Regained/Milton in general just kills me. It's like if you got to spend a year just really perfecting a portfolio that honestly represented you. Weird, geek, heaven.

I love how passionate you are about this! Well done and enjoy it :D

[LikeAWillow]

I love how passionate you are about this! Well done and enjoy it :D

Thank you :) But srsly, how can anyone NOT be passionate about "from thy state mine shall never be parted?" That **** is going on my wedding ring someday.

Seriously, I'm trying to stop being weird, but I'm SO EXCITED. This is what I've been building myself towards since the ninth grade. I just ordered a pizza to myself to celebrate haha.

[CreepingDeath]

GUYS.

I QUALIFY TO WRITE A SENIOR THESIS.

I'M WRITING THAT THESIS ON JOHN MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.

MY FAVORITE PROFESSOR, AND THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT HERE, IS WILLING TO ADVISE ME.

IF ALL GOES AS IT NOW SHOULD, I WILL GRADUATE FROM THIS PLACE WITH AN ENGLISH DEGREE WITH HONORS.

AND I'LL HAVE F*CKING WRITTEN ONE HUNDRED PAGES ON PARADISE LOST. MY FAVORITE THING. EVER.

Bam.

#winning.

#so pumped.

#done being obnoxious

Congratulations!

I've always loved Paradise Lost. :thumbsup:

[RickRobert]

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/3866/rszrszcimg1456.jpg

Should I physically be able to do this or I should get a doctor, and soon? :lol:

[HomerMcvie]

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/3866/rszrszcimg1456.jpg

Should I physically be able to do this or I should get a doctor, and soon? :lol:

It just takes LOTS of practice. I drove my Mom crazy, when I was in middle school. I'd sit on the couch and play, for hours a day. You've just gotta keep trying, and it gradually gets easier. Actually, that's why I started on electric first...because they're lighter gauge strings, and don't hurt as badly!
Keep up the good work!

[RickRobert]

Oh I've been playing six years, I meant like am I supposed to be able to do that, cause I do 12th-19th fret stretches like that all the time instead of tapping - which a few people have told me is the weirdest thing they've ever seen and it shouldn't be possible :lol:

[HomerMcvie]

Oh I've been playing six years, I meant like am I supposed to be able to do that, cause I do 12th-19th fret stretches like that all the time instead of tapping - which a few people have told me is the weirdest thing they've ever seen and it shouldn't be possible :lol:

Oh.
Wanna know something funny? The music scene is really dying here, and as a result, we've started taking a few gigs as a 3 piece(instead of our normal 4 - leaving the extra guitar player off). And I swear, my playing has improved, probably 30-40%, in the past year. Just as a result of being the only lead instrument, for 4 hours(I also play keys, so I play keys on maybe 20% of the songs).
I love being forced into that "pressurized place", of being just me, singing and playing, with a 2 piece rhythm section. It forces you to become a better player.

[equeen102289]

!!!! You have no idea how much this excites me.

So basically what I love about Milton was that he was a closet freak. This guy built a career out of the idea that the only way you can truly be good to is want to be bad, want to be bad more than anything, but resist that urge. With every line he writes about morality/theology, you feel the tension between what he wants and what he is. I want to analyze the way that tension influenced the works that came after him. Did what we think of as standard Christian doctrine only evolve because it's what John Milton told us Christianity is (though little of what he said is actually supported by the Bible?) I'm so pumped. I can't even put it into words. I just want to dedicate my entire next five years to this, starting now, and do it the justice it deserves. BUT. I get two semester to prove my point.

Favorite moment in PL?

Sounds interesting. Maybe I'll go back and try to read Paradise Lost again. And by try, I mean actually comprehend what the hell Milton was saying.

[Meowi]

Today I found out that one of my best friend's mother passed away. :distress:

[CreepingDeath]

Today I found out that one of my best friend's mother passed away. :distress:

I'm sorry, Matt. You and your friend's family have my condolences.

[vivfox]

OMG the REAL Vivica Fox responded to a tweet of mine today!!!

My tweet:
VivFoxFireFlies nick alberts
@ @MsVivicaFox @slimofplushblue Viv, you look smokin' hawt in that blue dress!!!!
3 hours ago Favorite Reply Delete

Vivica's response:
MsVivicaFox Vivica A. Fox
@ @VivFoxFireFlies Thankx soo much! I had fun last nite! Enjoyed wearing that blue dress 4sho! :-)
42 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

THE BLUE DRESS

[daniellaaarisen]

Isn't it a great feeling when your favorite celebrities respond to your tweets?!

[RickRobert]

OMG the REAL Vivica Fox responded to a tweet of mine today!!!

You mean you're NOT the real Vivica Fox?! :eek:

[tilthefirefades]

OMG the REAL Vivica Fox responded to a tweet of mine today!!!

My tweet:
VivFoxFireFlies nick alberts
@ @MsVivicaFox @slimofplushblue Viv, you look smokin' hawt in that blue dress!!!!
3 hours ago Favorite Reply Delete

Vivica's response:
MsVivicaFox Vivica A. Fox
@ @VivFoxFireFlies Thankx soo much! I had fun last nite! Enjoyed wearing that blue dress 4sho! :-)
42 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

THE BLUE DRESS

Aww, yay Viv!! I know how much that must mean to you :xoxo:

This inspires me to start tweeting Janet relentlessly again :lol:

[LikeAWillow]

Congratulations!

I've always loved Paradise Lost. :thumbsup:

Thank you so much. And really? I knew I liked you haha. It takes a very specific type of person to like Paradise Lost, but I feel like if you are that person, it WILL become on obsession.

In other just thought I'd share news, Kayne West ~speaks mah lyfe~

On the bathroom wall, I wrote, "I'd rather argue with you than be with someone else." I took a piss and dismissed it...like, f*ck it, and I went and found somebody else.

I've listened to this line about ten times in the past three minutes.

[Ghost_Tracker]

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/3866/rszrszcimg1456.jpg

Should I physically be able to do this or I should get a doctor, and soon? :lol:


That depends - Do you have a bad case of the Blues??? :)

If so, drink one bottle of beer and listen to some old
Fleetwood Mac records in the morning. :woohoo:

[Ghost_Tracker]

GUYS.

I QUALIFY TO WRITE A SENIOR THESIS.

I'M WRITING THAT THESIS ON JOHN MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.

MY FAVORITE PROFESSOR, AND THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT HERE, IS WILLING TO ADVISE ME.

IF ALL GOES AS IT NOW SHOULD, I WILL GRADUATE FROM THIS PLACE WITH AN ENGLISH DEGREE WITH HONORS.

AND I'LL HAVE F*CKING WRITTEN ONE HUNDRED PAGES ON PARADISE LOST. MY FAVORITE THING. EVER.

Bam.

#winning.

#so pumped.

#done being obnoxious

If you can easily get hold of a copy of "The Western Canon"
by Harold Bloom, I can tell you that he comments on it in there -
it's easily findable using the index at the back.
I can't promise that it's good, bad, ugly, useful, whatever -
just that he comments on it. :)

He may also have commented on it "at length" elsewhere.

[Ghost_Tracker]

!!!! You have no idea how much this excites me.

So basically what I love about Milton was that he was a closet freak. This guy built a career out of the idea that the only way you can truly be good to is want to be bad, want to be bad more than anything, but resist that urge. With every line he writes about morality/theology, you feel the tension between what he wants and what he is. I want to analyze the way that tension influenced the works that came after him. Did what we think of as standard Christian doctrine only evolve because it's what John Milton told us Christianity is (though little of what he said is actually supported by the Bible?) I'm so pumped. I can't even put it into words. I just want to dedicate my entire next five years to this, starting now, and do it the justice it deserves. BUT. I get two semester to prove my point.

Favorite moment in PL?


You might just have to turn it into a Ph.D. dissertation someday.
Or even a Full Professorship. ;)

[fumidesigns]

for bfast i had grits and salmon and now i'm eating hershey kisses. smh @ my fatness! and i'm trying to lose another 10-15 pounds! lol!

[CreepingDeath]

Thank you so much. And really? I knew I liked you haha. It takes a very specific type of person to like Paradise Lost, but I feel like if you are that person, it WILL become on obsession.

In other just thought I'd share news, Kayne West ~speaks mah lyfe~

On the bathroom wall, I wrote, "I'd rather argue with you than be with someone else." I took a piss and dismissed it...like, f*ck it, and I went and found somebody else.

I've listened to this line about ten times in the past three minutes.

I can definitely see how it can become an obsession. I've read it twice, but you're making want to get it out again...

[LikeAWillow]

You might just have to turn it into a Ph.D. dissertation someday.
Or even a Full Professorship. ;)

If I didn't have other interests that resonate more with me, I definitely would just go ahead and get the Ph.D. I've talked on here a little about how much I value working in education as a means of social justice, though; working as a professor to help the privileged become even more so would just never do it for me :lol:.

And Harold Bloom is my boy. Shakespeare, the Invention of the Human. Nothing will top it.

[LikeAWillow]

I can definitely see how it can become an obsession. I've read it twice, but you're making want to get it out again...

Do it do it do it do it do it.

[LikeAWillow]

The degree to which I do not want to go to my psych class in twenty minutes is truly astounding. Blahhh. I hate Mondays.

[bluefox4000]

So excited to pick up Robbie Robertson's new album tomorrow. It's been 13 years since his last one. I love everything he put out so far. So pumped:thumbsup:

Mick

[RickRobert]

So excited to pick up Robbie Robertson's new album tomorrow. It's been 13 years since his last one. I love everything he put out so far. So pumped:thumbsup:

Mick

I haven't heard his stuff outside The Band, but I do like his guitar playing and some of his songs. Any recommendations?

[bluefox4000]

Oh sure his first 2 albums which are called Robbie Robertson, and Storyville. His voice takes a little getting used to.....But both those are top notch records:nod:

Mick

[HomerMcvie]

for bfast i had grits and salmon and now i'm eating hershey kisses. smh @ my fatness! and i'm trying to lose another 10-15 pounds! lol!

I've only put on a couple of pounds, but I just feel so flabby, right now. I've stopped wearing the small shirts I love, and have been wearing looser mediums, the past few days.:mad::mad::mad:

It's.go.time.now.
I'm gonna kick this flab to the fukcing curb.

[louielouie2000]

I've only put on a couple of pounds, but I just feel so flabby, right now. I've stopped wearing the small shirts I love, and have been wearing looser mediums, the past few days.:mad::mad::mad:

It's.go.time.now.
I'm gonna kick this flab to the fukcing curb.

I've just officially started your prescription salad diet, by the way. I over being doughy in the middle.

[HomerMcvie]

I've just officially started your prescription salad diet, by the way. I over being doughy in the middle.

Yep, I'm back on it today. I'm serious. I've only gained 2-3 lbs, but it FEELS like 15. I wanna wear small, tight T-shirts. And I can't, right now.:(
So it's go time!

I just have to retrain myself. Not that big of a deal. I don't mind being hungry. For some time now, I was getting away with eating more, without much consequence. Now, it's starting to catch up with me.:(

[ButterCookie]

A wise woman once told me (OK, so it was Joanna Lumley in her own autobiography but whatever :laugh: ) that the trick to losing weight and keeping it off is to stop craving food and use it just as a means to stop your stomach rumbling.

Must work, she's still in fantastic shape!

[LikeAWillow]

I've just officially started your prescription salad diet, by the way. I over being doughy in the middle.

I'm trying to drop five-ten before the summer comes as well. My goal is to go to the gym twice a week (I'm at zero now, but once spring fully comes, that'll be really more than enough. I'm just outside and more active in general more when I can be), and I'm trying to make one healthier choice at every meal.

[daniellaaarisen]

I've been a hardcore dieting bitch/gym rat the past few weeks and I only feel the slightest improvement. I <3 having a thyroid disorder that screws with my metabolism.

[HejiraNYC]

My rules for weight loss:

-no calorie counting.
-avoid any food that is white (except egg whites). This includes sugar, milk, white bread, white pasta, cheese, etc.
-no meat.
-lots of veggies, fruit and nuts.
-low salt.
-no eating three hours before bed time.
-no cardio. Only weights

[skcin]

My rules for weight loss:

-no calorie counting.
-avoid any food that is white (except egg whites). This includes sugar, milk, white bread, white pasta, cheese, etc.
-no meat.
-lots of veggies, fruit and nuts.
-low salt.
-no eating three hours before bed time.
-no cardio. Only weights


I agree on all above (except no meat), but...

Why no cardio? Increasing my cardio frequency & intensity (along with weights) was what kick-started my weight loss a few years back.



Speaking of which, I have been eating crap way too much lately (lots of birthdays & lunches with friends & parties at work - they all seemed to happen within the past week or two.) Need to start watching my portions (like, just stop eating when I'm full would help.) I kicked up the workouts 2-3 weeks ago & that's going great: 45 min Spinning class once a week, 45 min on my eliptical 4 days a week, an hour-long group weight class once a week plus strength training on my own on another day. It would be nice if it would EVER warm up here so I could add walks & bike rides with the baby on weekends. :mad:

[LikeAWillow]

It would be nice if it would EVER warm up here so I could add walks & bike rides with the baby on weekends. :mad:

Preach. Walking/jogging/hiking/biking outside are the only forms of exercise that I ever really ENJOY and would do just to do.

I know that a lot of ledgies are really versed in nutrition-- question for you. What's the story on coffee? Is it healthy? Do the gains outweigh the risks? This might seem like a situation where I could just do a google search for my answer, but I've tried to look into it on my own, and it seems really nuanced.

[skcin]

Preach. Walking/jogging/hiking/biking outside are the only forms of exercise that I ever really ENJOY and would do just to do.

I know that a lot of ledgies are really versed in nutrition-- question for you. What's the story on coffee? Is it healthy? Do the gains outweigh the risks? This might seem like a situation where I could just do a google search for my answer, but I've tried to look into it on my own, and it seems really nuanced.

A cup or two a day is fine, as far as I'm aware, unless you have a heart condition or something prohibiting you from having caffeine. I just read a study where they recommended it before a workout. :lol: It supposedly speeds up the metabolism. I don't know if I'd do that - it dehydrates you as well, but I suppose if you chugged enough water it'd be all good?

The problem with coffee is that we (well, I) put extra **** in it - creamer, sweetener, sugar, milk, etc. And many people have more than 2 cups each day. I'm pretty sure any benefits are reached with 1-2 cups - more than that won't make it better (and could be harmful.)

[ontheEdgeof17]

I know that a lot of ledgies are really versed in nutrition-- question for you. What's the story on coffee? Is it healthy? Do the gains outweigh the risks? This might seem like a situation where I could just do a google search for my answer, but I've tried to look into it on my own, and it seems really nuanced.

I know with bars, they can be held responsible if the drunker driver stated where he got drunk at, the bar could be in trouble for serving too much alcohol to one person and letting him leave.

[mezzoforte]

Today has felt infinitely long. I had a Latin midterm and English essay due this afternoon and spent all of yesterday procrastinating (terrible choice; totally my fault). I was up until 6 AM and still had more work to do, but figured I needed a cat nap and would finish in the morning.
Of course I overslept. And I never oversleep! Not in years! But of course today was the day. To make matters worse, my 11AM seminar was meeting at the Met to see some of Winslow Homer's watercolors (amazing opportunity--they aren't on public view). I woke up at 11:08 to a call from a friend in the class telling me to get my ass there.
Didn't have time to finish the paper and study for the midterm, so I'll have to take a half grade deduction on the paper and hand it in Thursday.
Eph. Just finished the exam and I'm basically a mound of jelly.

Sorry--that was long and boring but I needed to vent about the mini-crises of my own making.:o

[CreepingDeath]

Having no 'real life' friends sucks.

[APerfectLie]

I've just officially started your prescription salad diet, by the way. I over being doughy in the middle.

wait, what salad diet??

[jannieC]

Having no 'real life' friends sucks.

That does suck, Kimberly. I hope things get better for you soon.

[chiliD]

What's the story on coffee? Is it healthy? Do the gains outweigh the risks? .

A cup or two a day is fine, as far as I'm aware, unless you have a heart condition or something prohibiting you from having caffeine. I just read a study where they recommended it before a workout. :lol: It supposedly speeds up the metabolism. I don't know if I'd do that - it dehydrates you as well, but I suppose if you chugged enough water it'd be all good?

Coffee has both diuretic and laxative properties, so "consumer beware". ;)

My Dr is on my case about my weight and said that each cup of coffee is about 60-100 (or more with sweeteners/creamers), that just drinking water in the mornings should give you enough "kick" to get your day started. Water= 0 calories. So, say two cups of coffee each morning, you'd be cutting back on 840-1,400 calories (or more) a week, that's a couple of meals. :shrug:

[LikeAWillow]

Thanks for weighing in, Paula.


My Dr is on my case about my weight and said that each cup of coffee is about 60-100 (or more with sweeteners/creamers), that just drinking water in the mornings should give you enough "kick" to get your day started. Water= 0 calories. So, say two cups of coffee each morning, you'd be cutting back on 840-1,400 calories (or more) a week, that's a couple of meals. :shrug:

Okay, do you guys promise not to give me too much hell for it if I confess my number? Seven cups a day. The calorie argument is huge, though.

[LikeAWillow]

Having no 'real life' friends sucks.

People are idiots. I'm sorry.

[HomerMcvie]

wait, what salad diet??

Mine. I lost 45 lbs in the past year and a half, mostly by just eating a big spinach salad for dinner, every night.

[HomerMcvie]

Having no 'real life' friends sucks.

I used to feel like that. I don't know the answer to tell you, only that I hope it gets better for you, and hope you know that at least we're here, and care about you.:xoxo:

[mezzoforte]

Weight loss:

The best choice I ever made was to give up gluten three years ago.
I've always been weird about body image (my mother and great aunt were successful models--it screws with your head), and developed a moderate case of bulimia in high school. All of the foods I was binging on were wheat based--I craved pasta and bread and couldn't stop eating it. Since I knew I couldn't stop purging as long as I was binging, I went cold turkey and haven't looked back.
I later found out that when you have that kind of an addiction to a food group, it can be a sign that your body doesn't process it well. Sure enough, the constant stomach aches I've had all my life got much better and I even lost some weight. Now I no longer crave bread and I can finally show some self control.
Obviously not everyone has those specific issues, but I always encourage people to look at their problem food areas and consider cutting them out entirely. I'm also a big believer in long-term changes as opposed to diets.

Not that I'm great all the time--I did put on some weight this fall (transferring to a new school through my routine a little) and have about 5 pounds to go.
Good luck to everyone else working on it!

Oh, and as for coffee: I agree with everything Paula said, but had to throw in a warning about artificial sweeteners if anyone uses them. They aren't caloric like creamers and sugar, but they're probably ultimately less healthy. I still use them in small amounts, but since they cause an insulin response and are often hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, they screw with your body's reactions to sugar and can often make you gain weight. Definitely worth googling, though, because I know there's more to it than that.

[mezzoforte]

Having no 'real life' friends sucks.

I'm so sorry. I think most people have felt like that at one point or another--I definitely have--and it really, really sucks. It can take a while to find your way out of that situation, but remember that things do tend to get better eventually.

[HejiraNYC]

Coffee has both diuretic and laxative properties, so "consumer beware". ;)

My Dr is on my case about my weight and said that each cup of coffee is about 60-100 (or more with sweeteners/creamers), that just drinking water in the mornings should give you enough "kick" to get your day started. Water= 0 calories. So, say two cups of coffee each morning, you'd be cutting back on 840-1,400 calories (or more) a week, that's a couple of meals. :shrug:

No, no, no... black brewed coffee is virtually calorie-free. Why would you want to ruin a perfectly good cup of black coffee with sweeteners and gunk anyway? :shrug:

Weight loss:

The best choice I ever made was to give up gluten three years ago.
I've always been weird about body image (my mother and great aunt were successful models--it screws with your head), and developed a moderate case of bulimia in high school. All of the foods I was binging on were wheat based--I craved pasta and bread and couldn't stop eating it. Since I knew I couldn't stop purging as long as I was binging, I went cold turkey and haven't looked back.
I later found out that when you have that kind of an addiction to a food group, it can be a sign that your body doesn't process it well. Sure enough, the constant stomach aches I've had all my life got much better and I even lost some weight. Now I no longer crave bread and I can finally show some self control.
Obviously not everyone has those specific issues, but I always encourage people to look at their problem food areas and consider cutting them out entirely. I'm also a big believer in long-term changes as opposed to diets.

Not that I'm great all the time--I did put on some weight this fall (transferring to a new school through my routine a little) and have about 5 pounds to go.
Good luck to everyone else working on it!

Oh, and as for coffee: I agree with everything Paula said, but had to throw in a warning about artificial sweeteners if anyone uses them. They aren't caloric like creamers and sugar, but they're probably ultimately less healthy. I still use them in small amounts, but since they cause an insulin response and are often hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, they screw with your body's reactions to sugar and can often make you gain weight. Definitely worth googling, though, because I know there's more to it than that.

Just to clear up a misconception about gluten: it is not a bad thing for everyone. It's only bad if you have celiac disease or some other kind of intolerance to it. I am not sure why you had gastric problems secondary to consuming wheat products, but I am glad you were able to diagnose the cause of your distress.

Another misconception- artificial sweeteners do not cause an insulin response in humans. It is just mechanistically not possible. However, I do agree that it's not a good thing; in fact, anything that does not exist in nature in a non-refined state is probably not good for you. Whew, triple-negative!

[LikeAWillow]

No, no, no... black brewed coffee is virtually calorie-free. Why would you want to ruin a perfectly good cup of black coffee with sweeteners and gunk anyway? :shrug:


Agreed. Black is the only way I drink it. The virtually calorie free just comforted me, thank you :woohoo:

In other news, I am officially the nerd's version of Patti Boyd.

[CreepingDeath]

People are idiots. I'm sorry.

Yes, they are. I won't bore you with the details, but people who I thought were friends completely disappeared when I stopped doing certain things. Las Vegas isn't the easiest place to live sometimes...

[cristochango]

There are officially less than two months until graduation.
Absolutely insane. Where did the past 12 years go?

JTIS :p

[louielouie2000]

I *REALLY* miss Edisto Island :(. Edisto is the absolutely only part of the Carolinas that I grieve. The Lowcountry is just in my soul... I escaped down there constantly while living in North Carolina. It feels so wrong to not be down there during the Spring! I miss my Shrimp & Grits too!!

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/Picture1-2.png

[fringed n fab]

I *REALLY* miss Edisto Island :(. Edisto is the absolutely only part of the Carolinas that I grieve. The Lowcountry is just in my soul... I escaped down there constantly while living in North Carolina. It feels so wrong to not be down there during the Spring! I miss my Shrimp & Grits too!!

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/Picture1-2.png

That's so pretty. I thought parts of Texas had spanish moss trees? Or at least I've seen it in movies unless they were filming somewhere else and calling it Texas. There was spanish moss in scenes from Ryan Phillippe's movie Stop Loss set in Texas a few years back with Channing Tatum. Good movie. :nod:

[daniellaaarisen]

My rules for weight loss:

-no calorie counting.
-avoid any food that is white (except egg whites). This includes sugar, milk, white bread, white pasta, cheese, etc.
-no meat.
-lots of veggies, fruit and nuts.
-low salt.
-no eating three hours before bed time.
-no cardio. Only weights

Agreed with everything but no cardio. That's a weight loss staple....


Weight loss:

The best choice I ever made was to give up gluten three years ago.
I've always been weird about body image (my mother and great aunt were successful models--it screws with your head), and developed a moderate case of bulimia in high school. All of the foods I was binging on were wheat based--I craved pasta and bread and couldn't stop eating it. Since I knew I couldn't stop purging as long as I was binging, I went cold turkey and haven't looked back.
I later found out that when you have that kind of an addiction to a food group, it can be a sign that your body doesn't process it well. Sure enough, the constant stomach aches I've had all my life got much better and I even lost some weight. Now I no longer crave bread and I can finally show some self control.
Obviously not everyone has those specific issues, but I always encourage people to look at their problem food areas and consider cutting them out entirely. I'm also a big believer in long-term changes as opposed to diets.

Not that I'm great all the time--I did put on some weight this fall (transferring to a new school through my routine a little) and have about 5 pounds to go.
Good luck to everyone else working on it!

Oh, and as for coffee: I agree with everything Paula said, but had to throw in a warning about artificial sweeteners if anyone uses them. They aren't caloric like creamers and sugar, but they're probably ultimately less healthy. I still use them in small amounts, but since they cause an insulin response and are often hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, they screw with your body's reactions to sugar and can often make you gain weight. Definitely worth googling, though, because I know there's more to it than that.

My mom was a major high-end fashion model for the majority of her young life and eventually did Playboy shoots (all while dating Clint Eastwood). Girl, no one hears you like I hear you on family pressure to be hot. It has dramatically affected my entire viewpoint on life, and it's given me some serious insecurity issues from a very young age. Yaaaay.

[daniellaaarisen]

Just to clear up a misconception about gluten: it is not a bad thing for everyone. It's only bad if you have celiac disease or some other kind of intolerance to it. I am not sure why you had gastric problems secondary to consuming wheat products, but I am glad you were able to diagnose the cause of your distress.

From what I understand, the gluten thing has been a bit of a weight loss "trend" in the past few years, done as a seemingly flawless way to dramatically cut your carbs. Hey, it works for some people, but when you're eating rice based pasta and pizza crusts with extra cheese, it's not doing much good...


On another note, I did a light 30 minute cardio workout this morning and still had energy to burn around 5:30PM, so I went to the gym again. I’ve never felt better. I worked twice as hard as I usually do and was in there twice as long, for a 30 minute cardio workout and then 45 minutes of strength training. Jumpstarting my day with a shorter workout made me more amped to work hard later in the day. I got TWO workouts in today and feel surprisingly great. So over 1000 calories burned today and I'm not even tired/achy/blah blah.

…..this is awesome.

[louielouie2000]

That's so pretty. I thought parts of Texas had spanish moss trees? Or at least I've seen it in movies unless they were filming somewhere else and calling it Texas. There was spanish moss in scenes from Ryan Phillippe's movie Stop Loss set in Texas a few years back with Channing Tatum. Good movie. :nod:

My Mother's side of the family lives in the bayou country in East Texas right along the Louisiana border. Lots of Spanish Moss over there. In fact, several of the shots during the opening credits of True Blood are filmed at Caddo Lake, which is just 5 miles east of the town my Mom's side of the family lives in. Caddo Lake makes several appearances in True Blood, actually. When Jason Stackhouse meets Amy Burley and is making out with her beneath spanish moss near water, that's Caddo Lake. When you see Sam Merlotte running naked through the swamps, that's Caddo Lake. Here are some shots of Caddo from True Blood:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/Picture3.png

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/Picture2.png

I actually went right past that house in the second picture a few months back. :)

[fringed n fab]

Oh now you have me singing the opening credits and song in my head :lol:


<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vxINMuOgAu8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vxINMuOgAu8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>


Grrr can't wait!!!

[mezzoforte]

Louie--those pics are gorgeous; I definitely understand why you'd miss it.




My mom was a major high-end fashion model for the majority of her young life and eventually did Playboy shoots (all while dating Clint Eastwood). Girl, no one hears you like I hear you on family pressure to be hot. It has dramatically affected my entire viewpoint on life, and it's given me some serious insecurity issues from a very young age. Yaaaay.

:eek: One of biggest old guy crushes. Wild...

Destined for insecurity by our mothers' magazine shots...glad I'm not the only one, I guess?

[daniellaaarisen]

:eek: One of biggest old guy crushes. Wild...

Destined for insecurity by our mothers' magazine shots...glad I'm not the only one, I guess?

That's hilarious! Yeah, she was 18 and he was 45 or 50 at the time. She worked at his hair salon in Carmel, CA and they dated for a year or so (while he was with Sondra Locke hahaha).He introduced her to Hef a few years into her modeling career and it all spiraled from there. She's bitter that she aged and couldn't model anymore and that she turned down the opportunity to be an actress, and the bitterness really rubbed off on my sister and I growing up. We were forced to model for years...

[APerfectLie]

Mine. I lost 45 lbs in the past year and a half, mostly by just eating a big spinach salad for dinner, every night.

Is that all you ate for the whole day? Or just dinner? I'd kill to just lose 20 pounds.

[louielouie2000]

I'd kill to just lose 20 pounds.

You and me both... I'm trying once again to make myself walk around Town Lake every day. I so need for the pudge to be gone.

[daniellaaarisen]

Is that all you ate for the whole day? Or just dinner? I'd kill to just lose 20 pounds.

You and me both. I'm trying to do it the healthy reasonable way but I'm getting pissy....

[Meowi]

I might have a date on Saturday!

[HomerMcvie]

Is that all you ate for the whole day? Or just dinner? I'd kill to just lose 20 pounds.
John, the whole day.:(
And I'm failing now. It just ain't a working no mo'.

And I'm pissed.

Starvation, is what I'm staring down.

I'm getting lumpy. FUKC lumpy. Lumpy can bite my ass.
Thank god this ASSHOLE of a winter, is finally over. More than anything, I just need to get out, and WORK my ass off.
This is 2011, can we really not regulate metabolism with a pill?

[GODDESS6]

My Mother's side of the family lives in the bayou country in East Texas right along the Louisiana border. Lots of Spanish Moss over there. In fact, several of the shots during the opening credits of True Blood are filmed at Caddo Lake, which is just 5 miles east of the town my Mom's side of the family lives in. Caddo Lake makes several appearances in True Blood, actually. When Jason Stackhouse meets Amy Burley and is making out with her beneath spanish moss near water, that's Caddo Lake. When you see Sam Merlotte running naked through the swamps, that's Caddo Lake. Here are some shots of Caddo from True Blood:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/Picture3.png

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/louielouie2000/Picture2.png

I actually went right past that house in the second picture a few months back. :)

i'm soooo jealous, i adore 'true blood'~

[APerfectLie]

John, the whole day.:(
And I'm failing now. It just ain't a working no mo'.

And I'm pissed.

Starvation, is what I'm staring down.

I'm getting lumpy. FUKC lumpy. Lumpy can bite my ass.
Thank god this ASSHOLE of a winter, is finally over. More than anything, I just need to get out, and WORK my ass off.
This is 2011, can we really not regulate metabolism with a pill?

Damn!! I wish I had that willpower.

[HejiraNYC]

Agreed with everything but no cardio. That's a weight loss staple....




My mom was a major high-end fashion model for the majority of her young life and eventually did Playboy shoots (all while dating Clint Eastwood). Girl, no one hears you like I hear you on family pressure to be hot. It has dramatically affected my entire viewpoint on life, and it's given me some serious insecurity issues from a very young age. Yaaaay.

There is no question that cardio is good for the heart and it helps to develop fitness and stamina. But I am a bit skeptical about it as a means of transforming your body. The problem with cardio is that it tends to burn off carbs, then muscle, then fat. Hence, you don't see lots of big-muscled endurance athletes. And when the body is depleted of carbs, the tendency is for it to crave more and more carbs, which can be a vicious cycle. Muscle burns more calories at rest and actually transforms the shape of your body. Strength training not only helps to build/preserve muscle, it also helps to strengthen bones, improve posture and the increase in strength leads to an overall feeling of wellbeing. I hate to say it, but I think people who do only cardio are, well... lazy. Not physically lazy, but mentally lazy. Cardio is mindless and repetitive and requires no concentration at all. Weight training, especially when you are working your muscles to the point of absolute fatigue (which is needed to stimulate growth and strength gains), requires absolute concentration and mental focus. If you are really serious about attaining/maintaining an ideal physique, I think weights (supplemented with a sane, non-gimmicky diet) are the way to go; walking and taking the stairs should be all the cardio you really need. Just IMHO.

Also, contrary to popular myth, women are not going to become instantly "bulky" from weight training. Unless you are in the gym 6 hours a day and bench pressing 300 pounds, you aren't going to get bulky. It's hard enough for a man to build muscle mass; it is a gazillion times harder for a woman.

[HejiraNYC]

John, the whole day.:(
And I'm failing now. It just ain't a working no mo'.

And I'm pissed.

Starvation, is what I'm staring down.

I'm getting lumpy. FUKC lumpy. Lumpy can bite my ass.
Thank god this ASSHOLE of a winter, is finally over. More than anything, I just need to get out, and WORK my ass off.
This is 2011, can we really not regulate metabolism with a pill?

Just for $h*ts and giggles, just try my tips on for size. To recap:

-no calorie counting.
-avoid any food that is white (except egg whites). This includes sugar, milk, white bread, white pasta, cheese, etc.
-no meat.
-lots of veggies, fruit and nuts.
-low salt.
-no eating three hours before bed time.
-no cardio. Only weights

This is a very simple set of rules to follow. First of all, this is not about starvation. It's mostly about eating as much natural, unprocessed food as you can. Instead of white bread, try whole wheat or sprouted grain. Instead of white rice, try brown rice. Instead of cow's milk, try soy/almond/cashew milk. Instead of Skippy peanut butter, try the Trader Joes version with no added salt or sugar. Nuts are your best friend- full of protein and essential oils and very filling. If you are used to eating lots of salt, sugar, butter, cream, etc., yes, it takes some adjustment. But your tastes will adjust over time.

BTW, after a winter of being a sloth and eating poorly (e.g., TJ's honey mustard pretzels- the love of my life! :eek: ), I have my abs back. :)

[skcin]

Coffee has both diuretic and laxative properties, so "consumer beware". ;)

My Dr is on my case about my weight and said that each cup of coffee is about 60-100 (or more with sweeteners/creamers), that just drinking water in the mornings should give you enough "kick" to get your day started. Water= 0 calories. So, say two cups of coffee each morning, you'd be cutting back on 840-1,400 calories (or more) a week, that's a couple of meals. :shrug:

Well, yeah if you put all kinds of crap in it! :laugh:

Thanks for weighing in, Paula.

Okay, do you guys promise not to give me too much hell for it if I confess my number? Seven cups a day. The calorie argument is huge, though.

That's...a lot. :laugh:

Weight loss:
I later found out that when you have that kind of an addiction to a food group, it can be a sign that your body doesn't process it well. Sure enough, the constant stomach aches I've had all my life got much better and I even lost some weight. Now I no longer crave bread and I can finally show some self control.
Obviously not everyone has those specific issues, but I always encourage people to look at their problem food areas and consider cutting them out entirely. I'm also a big believer in long-term changes as opposed to diets.

Oh, and as for coffee: I agree with everything Paula said, but had to throw in a warning about artificial sweeteners if anyone uses them. They aren't caloric like creamers and sugar, but they're probably ultimately less healthy. I still use them in small amounts, but since they cause an insulin response and are often hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, they screw with your body's reactions to sugar and can often make you gain weight. Definitely worth googling, though, because I know there's more to it than that.

1) I went to a seminar about food addiction. Crazy. It's mainly regarding processed food - so much of our food is so far from being natural that it kind of f*cks with our brains & makes us crave it more, even though it has less nutritional value for our body.

2) Sweeteners are scary bad. The Food Addiction lady (who is a dietician) recommended no more than 1 serving a day. I thought I was all good since I limit myself to 1 diet soda per day at lunch. But then I realized I take 2 splendas in my coffee every morning, a shot of sugar-free flavored creamer, and a glass of diet iced tea with dinner. Ooops. I do drink an obscene amount of H2O, so I can only hope it flushes me out (but I really do need to cut down.)

No, no, no... black brewed coffee is virtually calorie-free. Why would you want to ruin a perfectly good cup of black coffee with sweeteners and gunk anyway? :shrug:

Another misconception- artificial sweeteners do not cause an insulin response in humans. It is just mechanistically not possible. However, I do agree that it's not a good thing; in fact, anything that does not exist in nature in a non-refined state is probably not good for you. Whew, triple-negative!

1) It tastes good. :o
2) I agree. But I need to practice what I preach.

Yes, they are. I won't bore you with the details, but people who I thought were friends completely disappeared when I stopped doing certain things. Las Vegas isn't the easiest place to live sometimes...

I know it's really, really hard but it's worth it. You need to keep yourself healthy. You will make new friends, but it will take time.

I might have a date on Saturday!

Good for you! Yay! :blob1:

This is 2011, can we really not regulate metabolism with a pill?

HA! No, unfortunately we need to work hard to achieve results.

There is no question that cardio is good for the heart and it helps to develop fitness and stamina. But I am a bit skeptical about it as a means of transforming your body. The problem with cardio is that it tends to burn off carbs, then muscle, then fat. Hence, you don't see lots of big-muscled endurance athletes. And when the body is depleted of carbs, the tendency is for it to crave more and more carbs, which can be a vicious cycle. Muscle burns more calories at rest and actually transforms the shape of your body. Strength training not only helps to build/preserve muscle, it also helps to strengthen bones, improve posture and the increase in strength leads to an overall feeling of wellbeing. I hate to say it, but I think people who do only cardio are, well... lazy. Not physically lazy, but mentally lazy. Cardio is mindless and repetitive and requires no concentration at all. Weight training, especially when you are working your muscles to the point of absolute fatigue (which is needed to stimulate growth and strength gains), requires absolute concentration and mental focus. If you are really serious about attaining/maintaining an ideal physique, I think weights (supplemented with a sane, non-gimmicky diet) are the way to go; walking and taking the stairs should be all the cardio you really need. Just IMHO.

Also, contrary to popular myth, women are not going to become instantly "bulky" from weight training. Unless you are in the gym 6 hours a day and bench pressing 300 pounds, you aren't going to get bulky. It's hard enough for a man to build muscle mass; it is a gazillion times harder for a woman.

I get your theory, but only to a point. I think cardio is good for the body - it certainly doesn't make you gain weight & is great for your heart. BUT I don't think anyone should do cardio only. You absolutely need regular weights/strength training as well. :nod: I also think that lots of people don't do hard enough cardio - if you're not sweaty & slightly short of breath with a noticeably increased heart rate, you're not working hard enough & there's no point.

[markolas]

My rules for weight loss:

-no calorie counting.
-avoid any food that is white (except egg whites). This includes sugar, milk, white bread, white pasta, cheese, etc.
-no meat.
-lots of veggies, fruit and nuts.
-low salt.
-no eating three hours before bed time.
-no cardio. Only weights

Oh dear. Most of that just isn't happening for me, I'm afraid. :laugh: Especially the no cheese or meat thing. And I find most veggies flavorless without a little salt.

[markolas]

My Mother's side of the family lives in the bayou country in East Texas right along the Louisiana border. Lots of Spanish Moss over there. In fact, several of the shots during the opening credits of True Blood are filmed at Caddo Lake, which is just 5 miles east of the town my Mom's side of the family lives in. Caddo Lake makes several appearances in True Blood, actually. When Jason Stackhouse meets Amy Burley and is making out with her beneath spanish moss near water, that's Caddo Lake. When you see Sam Merlotte running naked through the swamps, that's Caddo Lake. Here are some shots of Caddo from True Blood:

Just so you know, I'm originally from Bossier City, so just seeing the word Caddo makes my blood pressure spike. I hate that whole area, but b/c of the people, not b/c of the landscape.