Insimenator.org

Question:
Where does one find News or post News of recent life events for self or fellow InSim comrades (birthday, new babies, death in family, etc.)?
Nonni

Usually it gets posted here in General Discussion, Nonni. :)

But hey, you might've just started a new thread where you can post them all in one place!  :D

Is that allowed?
I've become close to many fellow InSims here. I feel it is important that we know when to celebrate, congratulate, commiserate or just send a warm fuzzy when a comrade needs a thumbs up or a pat on the back.  I know these things are scattered throughout the forums. That is one of the things that drew me to this site.  It's the Love, baby. XXXOOO
Nonni 3heart
 

well, i just wanna say that i'm excited for my band because we got sweepstakes at contest for the first time in seven years!

I dedicaet this to you soulofthesea yahoo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sogKUx_q7ig)

WAHOO! Congrates, soulofthesea. But could you elaborate for an out of touch granny like me?  I know it has got to be good.  What does getting sweepstakes at a contest for your band mean?

well nonni, here's the run-down:


bands performing at contest are ranked from one to five, with one being the highest you can get and sweepstakes is getting straight ones on your band's stage performance and in sight-reading. ;)

Wow.  I am awed. 1goodjob
Thanks for explaining.  That is sooo exciting.  Do you have anything on the net where I could hear your band?

actually, i did find some audio performances of our songlist. here it is:

The White Rose March (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFGZsDB_jjQ&feature=related) (but we didn't play it that fast though and that sax melody we only had the first clarinets and piccolo playing. we performed it around 112 beats a minute), Chester (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSw_gaijSCg), and Suite Divertimento. unfortunately, i had no luck finding a full audio recording of Suite Divertimento. :( sorry.

Boy, that takes me back.  I was in many competitions for I was in the Mixed Chorus, Girls Chorus, The Madrigals and Women's Quartet.  I did soloist work also.  I was 16 and flying high but that summer by brother died and my parents moved us to another state.  It was like the end of the world, no friends, no music, no brother.
Sorry, I started out good but wandered off the happy track.  I have those good memories and life is good now.   I'm with you guys now.  1glomp

Me and my girlfriend (whom i've met at Insim) will become parents around August.  ;D

Awww! Congratulations, Sir.Cheatalot and girlfriend.  :D

You and Chroi are still together and having a spud now, eh, Cheats? My deepest condolences, sir.

...erm, I mean...uh...congrats! *plays innnocent*

Whoopee!  Yes, sometimes one thing leads to another like that.  Congratulations!
Nonni

absolutely Nonni, this is general discussion area so pretty much anything goes :D

I'm waiting to see if I'm finally going to be made permanent at work - I've been temping since August last year. When I first started I was going to be made permanent at the end of September, then it was the end of October, then it was the end of January, then the end of March and currently it's 4th May. The company I work for is selling part of the business off and when that finally happens I will be made permanent. It's been put back so many times I wonder if it's really going to happen at all!


1giggle

I've already given my congrats to Decora, Cheats but I'll give them to you also!! Make the most of the next few months because once the sproglet comes along you will have no personal time!!

We expect to see some piccies ;D

Ali, I'm rooting for your permanancy at your job.  Anytime someone has a shot at a permanent job, its a very good thing.
My daughter (recently divorced with 2 small children) lost her job yesterday.  My sister-in-law, also single due to divorce lost her job last week.

I am a great Uncle my oldest brother just becam a grand daddy...

Becoming a great-aunt was a shock.  I wasn't yet 30.

Impressive, Everyone!
I just finished 'War and Peace' for the second time...

aww everyone has such grand lives outside the sims.So wonderful.
um.
nothing major for me. sorry

Thankies for the nice way of telling me my life will be over now    2laugh 

We try to be gentle when we can. :P

I have a world-shaking announcement!  I just found out that my Nanner (parakeet) really, really loves me.  I thought our relationship was in the toilet because she thinks the computer mouse should be HER toy not mine and she nailed me when I was using it.  Then later she starts stretching her neck and opening her beak like she is going to cast up her accounts.
While researching parakeet biting behavior on the web, I glanced thru the FAQs and saw one question on a bird acting like they are going to or really do bring their food back up.  It said that was the ULTIMATE parakeet compliment because they not only are sharing food, they have prepared it also.  Ain't that sweet?

awwwwww, but parakeet puke? mmmm, tasty!!

still no permanency at work 1cry

but on an up-note, my best friend from 25 years ago found me on facebook and I'm really made up about that!

Wow!  25 years!  Awesome.  Hope to hear "permanency" soon.

Hey everyone.
I just found out that I am pregnant for the second time. I am only about 3 weeks along to my best judgment. Excited about the baby, and still waiting on word as to whether my husband will be a part of the police service.

 3yay Congratulations Senkotwiik!!!! What GREAT news!!! I am soooo happy for you!!! Good luck to you and your husband , and I hope the word is a GO on your hubby's new career!!!

Thanks for the support hawnsimmer!! I sure hope everything works out.

Congrats or we say here YeeeHAAA hope the little on is as cute as you.....

My deepest condolences.

Er, I mean...uh...um...heh heh...*runs away* :P

SenkoTwiik, whoopee! I wish you and hubby all the best.  Take care, little mama.  I just had an odd memory of carrying my first baby - I actually lost weight, I was so happy to be expecting.

Congrats to all.

I'm excited my fiancee got a raise. In today's economy it's a blessing.
My daughter is graduating from Pre-K. (Fl is ass backwards if I was still in NY she would be going to first grade in Sept.)
I'm meeting my IN-laws in JUNE. We are going to MN. What a culture shock that is going to before me ;)

Alotta, congrats to you, Hubby and the little one too! Oh, and have a pleasant visit with the In-Laws!!  ;)

Congratulations about the raise. That truly is a blessing. Good luck with the inlaws, and another congrats to your little girl on her completion.

Thank you very much :)

BTW I'm going to see my sister on Mother's day. I haven't seen her in over 5 years. I finally get to meet my 2 nieces. Yay :)

Five years, huh? Enjoy!!  ;D

Just remember to slow down when you talk..Midwesterns are easy to unstand but if you have a thick Rican accent the my not understand you...I say that with my West Texas draw...

Ha you jerk lol...yeah When I speak Spanish watch out. AND BTW I have a NYRICAN accent  :p :p

OK remember Slowly Alotta Paine X2 trust me on that one. Ok lets to to musica as far as tempo, Ava Maria not  La Vida Loca. ;D

Good News!  My daughter (who was laid off 3 weeks ago) got a new job.  Actually, the layoff became a blessing in disguise.  She was able to clear up some projects at home and spend more time with her children.  During this time when so many are unemployed due to companies downsizing or going out of business, obtaining this new job is nothing short of a miracle.

Ali, any good word on permanency at work?

Congrats & best wishes to all.  Aww Senko 2hug.... 1thumb

That soo great Nonni!  It's so true about the economic stuff kudos to you both.
No worries Sir. Cheatalot, you'll have plenty time to yourself...after about 6 years when school starts! 2laugh Put on your running shoes 1yay ;D

Nah just kidding I have munchkins of my own 1angel

Ha ha, well yeah I have spoken to them on the phone and I think they understand me. lol I'll take your advice and slooooooooooow my roll. BTW my daughter talks 5x faster than I do. They might have a problem with her  ;D ;D

Luckely in this country school starts at the age of 4  ;D

You'll enjoy that time you don't get to have to yourself. Trust me. Kids are so freakin fun, except when they are being little turds. You'll savor it.

Yeah, kids are fun.  My grandson is such a clown, at 10 months he was walking. Around 15 he already had a stage act worked out. One bit involved putting a big pot on his head and running into the wall.  Another was "running" with a little beach ball and "tripping" forward - he would land on the ball and bounce right back into standing position.  It was probably funnier to his Nonni than anyone else.

My due date is on the 23rd anniversary of my son death... Oh and my sister's going to get married. Which means I have to talk to my family who I have spoken to in oh... 3 some years.

We all keep you and your baby in our good thoughts...

Aww thanks.

I second Brats sentiments... 1love

Aww you guys! 2hug

Congratulations.

May your baby grow up strong, healthy and happy.

A few weeks ago I was at church when a miracle happened.  It was near the end of the service, and the pastor was talking about miracles and God's love, and I did something I haven't done in about a year...something I thought I'd never be able to do again because of my disease: I stood up and walked a little.

I was so happy I started crying right there in church.

Pickles!  CONGRATZ!!! Whoot whoo!

God Bless, pickles...that is wonderful!!!! 1angel

 3yay Thank you guys.  It's been almost 3 weeks since that happened, and I still get tears of happiness in my eyes when I think about it.

Even though I’m only human, I consider myself indestructible.  When my physical body is gone, the strength and determination of my soul will never die.

I would like to wish my daughter Michelle a Very Happy 23rd Birthday!!! I love you Sweetie Darling!....Mom

                                                              1love 

Your daughter and my Mom share a birthday. Well, not year wise, but day wise.  ;)

A Happy Birthday wish Tiffany's Mom.... ;D

A very happy birthday wish to Naria's mom and hawnsimmer's daughter...

Thank you pickles!!! I shall pass it along to Michelle.... :D

Happy birthday to Michelle and Naria Mom..  2hug

And thank you Brat....message passed on to my Sweetie Darling Michelle.... ;D

I can haz layoff nao!

It was recently announced at work that in two weeks, my company is shutting down our distribution center and moving everything to a newer, shinier one a few hundred miles north of here.

...summer vacation, anyone? Feh.

(Actually, this isn't a bad thing at all. I was actually leaving at the end of July to pursue other interests; namely, to return to my music career. Got a number of things set up, and I've also rebuilt my clientele list for the piano lessons I used to teach. Fleecing upper-middle class yuppies is hella profitable. :D)

...it still is a kick in the ass though since I'll be losing my health and dental insurance.

Now the good news?

Sorry to hear about the loss of health and dental, Jenna.

It is easy to give advice when you are retired (that's my euphemism for 'can't take the pressure any more/lose your job or lose your mind'). 2mad

Like I told my daughter when she was laid off, "Think of it as an exciting opportunity for change."    But, honestly, she said, AFTER she, got another job, that she enjoyed the time with her baby boy. That's him where my avatar should be.

Best wishes on fleecing the rich little yuppies and developing your muse.

Happy Birthday to Michelle & Tiffany's Mom!

Sorry to hear that Jenna, this economy is horrendous.  Glad you have a positive outlook...of course with your supermodel looks you should land on a runway somewhere :).  (Send me a managers cut when you do ;) ).

Thank you DaSpecial1!!! She is right here so she got to see yours and the others birthday greetings!!!

                                    Thanks for all the birthday wishes !!!
                                                                      -Michelle

 1wave *Waves to Michelle*   1birthday  Hau'oli la hanau!  3birthday

I went to my daughter's wedding last night and had a great time. I have a good son-in-law that loves her very much and will take care of her. It was hard, though. I had only just gotten her back and now had to let go of her again. Ah, well, at least this time there's nothing to stop us from staying in touch and visiting each other every chance we get!

Congratz For your daughter Paden!

Congratulations Paden, it's great to hear good new these days.  Many happy years to your daughter and your new son (in-law). 1beer

Paden, I know what it is like to be separated from a daughter by fate or ill will. It is sweet to be connected again and now the I enjoy the additional perks of grandchildren!

So, congratulations and best wishes for the future.

UGH! They've postponed my due date!
On the other hand my crackberry can get this website!

I am happy for you Paden, and congratulations to your daughter and new son-in-law! The future looks bright for all of you!!!

It's been several months since this happened, but it has made me the happiest woman alive so i'm still excited about it! :D My fiance proposed to me on our 3 Year Anniversary, on the 21st December 2008! :D

We hope to get married Summer 2010 providing finances allow us! The funny thing is, my fiance told me that the woman who sold him the ring said that I was the smallest ring finger she'd ever done - i'm only a Ring Finger Size "E" [UK] :p I made her history :D

Congratulations scarletlady!!! How wonderful!! May you get married next summer and have a fantastic life together!!!
                                                                        1love 

I'm an aunt! Phishfood1301 just had her baby!

Yeah!!! Congrats to you all!!!      1clap

I'm so happy! As phish's says "It's like discovering a third arm or a holy grail"

Yay for another tax deduction! :P

A new potential Simmer, hooray.  Congratulations, Phishfood1301!
Enjoy, hawnsimmer the benefits of being auntie.

Congrats again to phish and lolita. Hope little Aiden is doing good.  :D

It's my parents 35 year wedding anniversary today!  :eek: Holy crap!!

Right on for your parents Naria! That's a big accomplishment. Most people don't make it that long. I sure hope I get to know that joy someday.

Daemian used the potty for the first time today. YAY!! Soon there will be no more diaper changes!

Congrats! And, I just found out last night that I may be a grandmother in nine months. Where in the hell does the time go from when they're just a little thing in your arms to the time when you're holding their little thing in your arms?! Seriously, though, she was frightened to tell me, like she was scared that I was going to yell at her because she's only eighteen. I just told her that if she and her husband have a baby now, it won't stop them from getting their college educations and if she's not pregnant, then a baby will come in time. I also let her know that as long as my husband and I live, she and my son-in-law and their kids will always have a home if they need it.

That is wonderful that you reacted in such a positive way, Paden. I am sure your daughter is very grateful to have an open, understanding mom like you. There are far too many parents that react negatively, and even cruelly when their teenagers get pregnant. I was 18 when I got pregnant with Daemian. I gotta say, even though the timing wasn't right, it was the best thing that has happened to me. It is so cool that you and your husband are being so supportive. Congratulations on possibly being a grandma.

I would like to wish my grandson Jaden A Very Happy 3rd Birthday!!!  2yay   
                                                                   

         (http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt87/hawnsimmer/1birfday2.gif)   
                                                         1party 
                                                 
(http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt87/hawnsimmer/DSCF0294-2.jpg)  3birthday
 
I Love You!!! Mama  1love

                                                             

Awww look at that big smile!

He's so adorable, Angela!!! Wish him a very happy birthday for us.  ;D

Paden:  Congratulations! You will love being a grandmother and with your support the child will be blessed.

Hawnsimmer:  Wow! how cute, perhaps a bit of mischief peeking out, too?

adorable :) I hope he has a wonderful birthday!

(and that smile reminds me so much of my 4 year old nephew...  ;D)

woohoo! I passed my driving test on the very first try! 1yahoo

Congrats Soul, well done on your first attempt-no wonder you're dancing.

That is worth a Waa-hoo and Wow-EEE! I didn't make it on the first test. I'm impressed.

Thanks, Nonni. The sad thing about it is, though, I have to hold on to my permit until December 21, and I'll be out of town that week in. :-\ Oh well, getting my license will be a great New Year's present. ;D

There ya go, Soul, keep a positive outlook.

Still, getting driver's license is a very important event and worthy of celebration when and as often as you like.

 1goodjob

Tomorrow is my nephew little (Hayden) Clay's 4th birthday! We are so glad he's made it a whole four months with Duchene and is still proving he can still do anything he wants!

Also my sister is moving out this month, so that means you'll see me on here and happy a lot more often!

Tell that tough little guy Happy Birthday, Katie.

Guys, keep your fingers crossed for my husband if you will. A friend of his is partly in charge with hiring for the KOA (Kampgrounds of America). She says that they are opening a position for MANAGER of the store there, and Brandon's application is on the top of the list. He has a couple people pulling for him. This lady really likes Brandon, because he beat up a guy at work that attacked her 73 year old husband, got the guy off of the old man before he could do any real damage. They both respect him and are really trying to get him this job. It starts at $10 an hour, has benefits, and has raises every few months.

If he could get this job, we would be able to make a comfortable living, instead of struggling all the time. I know if B got the chance, he could do it, and he would be able to be proud of himself at work. It would be a go-somewhere career and we wouldn't have to worry about money anymore.

I'll keep my fingers crossed it would be nice for someone with a family to have a good job.

I told him and he gave me this huuuuuge smile like, the biggest one I have ever seen! He is like bouncing off the walls from you Jamie!

Yay! I love making little kids happy!

Well you are good at it.

I am getting glasses because the muscles in my eyes are 'weak' so I have to go to the doctor and finally find out whether I have MD and if it's severe or not.

Something else important I forgot>> Clay's having his first openheart tomorrow....wish him luck.
and did I mention he's going to have another younger sibling in about three months?

SenkoTwiik and 0BretttterB0,

You guys are special. The job for hubby, the congrats on nephew's birthday, prayer for surgery, glasses, outcome of diagnosis regarding MD - I will be remembering in my prayers.

My dear, sweet mother-in-law had hereditary MD. Two of her children died young but the cause was not MD. None of her other living offspring show any symptoms. My son has a condition involving "loose" or "lax" connective tissue it was very painful for him as a toddler. Makes a parent or caregiver feel so helpless when they can't relieve a child's suffering.

He is a grown man now and does just about anything as long as it doesn't involve strenuous activity like heavy lifting. He walks for exercise and is a developer, engineer, game programer - whatever you call it. He loves his works, so this mom is grateful.

Thanks  for the prayer, nonni!

I found out a lot about MD today in biology class, and I almost freaked out during it!

It comes from the mitochondrion, and it's when the mitochordrion malfunctions, so...

I also would like to say I prayed for all of you!

I just heard some good news! My best friend (sister in spirit) Lavada and her wife Samantha are trying to adopt a baby! Same-sex couples can't legally adopt from their state, so they are doing a private adoption, which is legal. They are going through a trial period and the birth mother will fully decide in exactly one month if the girls can keep the baby, then she will sign her rights over to Lavada and Sam.

The little boy is one month younger than my son, and his name is Slater. My friends are really excited about getting to be moms, and they really hope that it will work out and the mother won't change her mind. Keep your fingers crossed for them, y'all.

I wish them the best of luck. I'm sure they'll be terrific moms. ;D

This is me agreeing with soul, I'll pray that she decideds to do it for them, that would be difficult for her, but I'm glad that they can take care of the little guy, aww~!

Boys are stupid. Don't care if its the wrong topic. I'm telling the truth. Yeahh. broke up AGAIN. seriously i fail at relationships..

Hon, break-ups are an event in life that have an important effect on how we see ourselves and our futures, so don't go thinking you posted in the wrong thread. Also, no, you don't fail at relationships, sometimes it's just not meant to be no matter how sure you were at first that a particular person is the love of your life. You're a good person, you just need time to heal and move on. Trust me on this, young one, I've been there many times over and I can honestly say that the guys that I broke up with were not the right fit due to issues they had or that I had. It may take some time for you to see it, but it will happen.

Not all boys are stupid, either, just some of them and especially when a break up happens and we don't know what in the heck caused it, other than they just didn't want to be with us any more. Not your fault, not his fault (well, not much anyhow :D , unless there were things going on that you didn't mention) but it's part of growing older and wiser. Give it time and when you look back on it, you may even laugh at the little wanker years from now. Chin up, eyes forward and meet the world with a smile on your face because it makes people wonder what in the heck you're up to! Good luck.

Try a girlfriend, pinksword.
I'm kidding. Break-ups happen. Just give yourself some time to heal and feel better. You'll find a good one out there someday around the bend.

Haha thank you guys. really makes me feel better. But i'm still young and there's tooons of fish in the water i guess. I'm not sad that he dumped me actually. for a while i was thinking, : '' hmm he kinda is an a**hole , why am i still with this guy'' and a week later it's over. so hello to you single life !

<mod edit: watch the language! PG-13 remember.>

Today is m cousin Keira's first birthday, and my MOM has to take me because my dad is a friggen momma's boy, and my grandma doesn't think I should go to the party I was SPECIFICALLY invited to.  :mad:

Katie, sounds to me like your grandma needs her false-teeth slapped out, and your pops needs to grow a spine sometime. Hehe, have fun at the party.

Guys, I am REALLY trying hard to toilet train Daemian before Rosie is born. I have tried everything, and they have all failed miserably. Today I am starting the "Diaper Free" quick method. It was my last resort, but so far it seems to be doing okay. He hasn't gone to the bathroom on his potty seat yet, but he hasn't gone on the floor either. So he's doing good. I hope this works.

Have you tried throwing Cheerio-s into the toilet and asking him if he can sink them by piddling on them? Hey, don't look at me like that, I've been told that it works.

For some strange reason, that actually sounds like it might work  1tehe

That's creative, if anything. Sounds like it might actually work too.  ;D

That's brilliant Paden!  ;D

We have tried that with him. He just stands there and looks at us like we're on drugs. He's still trying to understand the concept of using the toilet. Right now he is pretty much thinking, "Going in my diaper is so much easier." But I'm trying. He does seem excited about wearing underwear like his father. So that's my ticket I think. I am just going to keep telling him that Daddy uses the toilet and that might make him want to do it more. He likes sitting on the potty seat, but he doesn't get why he should go to the bathroom in it. Since I just started the diaper-free method today, he may quickly find that he likes being dry and not having a poofy diaper stuck to his butt.

My brother and his girlfriend had it a lot easier with their kid. He was potty trained before he was 3 (though he did have some... night troubles at first :-\). Now it'll start all over again, as they're expecting another baby boy in a few months  ;D)

Next year is a real baby-boom in my family. At least two of my cousins are expecting babies, plus my brother :). The funny thing is that the babies' parents are around the same age, and were playmates when they were kids :)

Next year is a total baby boom year! Your family, my family, what's with that!?

My brother Brett and his almost wife are expecting yet another... :-\ hopefully another girl!

It's the same with my family. I'm expecting and so are two of my second-cousins. I just really, really, really hope that my sister-in-law doesn't get pregnant again. That's the last thing she needs.

My oldest completely refused the potty seat looking at us like we were monsters for suggesting she go in a "chair."

I bought her underwear (hoping she'd use the potty if she felt like a big girl) and the first day she used her baby step to climb up & balance precariously on the edge of the toilet.   I thought she'd fall in 1titter but that's how she decided to do it.  It seems the potty chair was what she didn't want...she wanted to use the same one we use I guess.

You never know what those little minds are thinking--try the regular toilet. They even sell kiddie smaller seats with lids to snap fit over the regular one, although mine preferred the balance act.

I have tried the regular toilet with the soft foam baby seat on top. He sits on the toilet but eventually gets uncomfortable and cries. He just seems like he is obsessed with going to the bathroom in his diapers. But when he had an accident today, he at least gasped and didn't know what to think. Maybe this is a step in the right direction with him.

Did you try it with no baby seat? Just a suggestion.  I know they look like they're hanging on the edge of a cliff (especially at 1) but it's the way she choose on her own. Also the urge usually comes right after meals or snacks a potty break right after might help him establish a pattern.

I think you're right ;) & the gasp means he's earnestly thinking about doing it or was trying and misjudged the timing. Good luck.

I hope so, for your sake!

I emeber when potty training Clay he hated the potty chair, and couldn't get on the big potty by himself, so they made everyone do the "peepee dance" before going to the bathroom, and then he caught on and started doing it whever he had to go potty, and then  they knew to help him!

1tehe Cute.  :D

maybe to make up for all the lost celebrity lives this year? :P

I guess lemme think maybe 6/7?

Katie that is so cute. The peepee dance.
I make sure that both Brandon and I announce that we have to go to the bathroom so that Daemian might catch on sometime and tell us when he has to go to the bathroom too.

Starting today with the Diaper-Free method, I also started documenting when he does things throughout the day. Like when he eats, has a big drink, naps, and goes to the bathroom. So when I have a basic idea of when he goes to the bathroom each day, I can get him on the potty at those times and hope I catch him. I think he might get the hang of it after about a week of trying. He has at least 2 hour dry periods, so it should work.

I hope that works! I wish you luck!

We're still doing the potty training thing with our boy, but he's suspected of being autistic so is rather slower at it than other children the same age. One thing that we've found that works is taking him to the potty first thing in the morning and asking if he'd like to make a potty drop, after first dropping in some toilet paper. He loves to sink it, which really does help. We do that through out the day and right before bed, and he's catching on to that part of. The only problem is getting him to recognize that he needs to do that with the solid messes... He'll get there, but dang does it ever seem to take an eternity.

Further note: We're going through the process to have him evaluated for the autism, and being very slow to potty train is one of the key signs, as is slow speech and other things that we've noticed.

Oh I hope he isn't autistic, that would be horrible.... seems like this year wont be too good for anyone, huh?

I'm sure Autism won't make Paden love him any less. That's pretty impressive learning on his behalf (autistic or not, that's a pretty good grasp on things). My mom worked with an autistic and down syndrome class of children during the summer. She said that they were actually very intelligent children, just a little different. She said that it only got hard when some of the autistic children didn't understand the lessons. She said she could see that they were really trying hard to understand but it was just frustrating them immensely.

Good news. No accidents yet today! He has either been just playing, or he has released his bowels when he's asleep (naps and bedtime). It's okay though, because I at least diaper him while he's sleeping. A book I read said it is a lot harder for little ones to control themselves while they sleep.

It is indeed. At first, my nephew had accidents all the time when sleeping (at least if he had gotten something to drink other than water just before going to bed). Once when he slept over at my mom's house (in her bed) she had to change covers twice  (and she has a double bed) :-\

I remember my cousin Connor once shared my grandparents bed with his two brothers, while my cousin Bree and I used the guest bed, and they slept on the couch, and he wet the bed...lol

My brother was a bed-wetter too. I never did for some reason. When i learned, I just kept the idea through the day an the night. But Jake would pee his bed all the time, and my mom thought he was really struggling. We found out he just didn't want to drag his butt out of bed to use the toilet. My mom's ex-husband gave him a warning to get up and go to the toilet. He didn't listen and got one spanking, never did it again.

I know my brother sleepwalked a lot. Once, he woke up while ringing the doorbell on my aunt's door (the next-door house)...  :-\

o.O wow.

My brother once sleep talked, he was like "I love you Bailey" (His girl freind.) ha.

Sleepwalking isn't fun and can be dangerous, especially when you try to drive. I'm lucky my dad followed me out of the house at three in the morning and took my keys out of the ignition before I could fire it up. He just told me that it wasn't time to go to work and I got out of the car and went back to my bed. I had a hard time believing him in the morning when he told me about it but had to accept it when I saw that things were out of place in the car even though I always locked the door. Bleh. I still sleepwalk when stressed.

And if my boy is autistic, just one more thing in life to cope with and we'll love him no matter what. He's pretty advanced on some things but woefully behind in others, which is par for the course with autistic kids. His physical development is OMG, though. He's coordinated like anything and can balance like a tightrope walker.

Well either way, I know you will live him, of course, but I still hope he's not, being autistic makes life very hard... :'(

No harder than being broke, unemployed, or anything like that, but there are rewards too, like you can't imagine. Such as the smile that breaks out on a kid's face when they finally learn something they've been trying to master, or playing a game with you or saying those three little words a parent loves to hear, and those aren't, "I gotta pee!" :D

I guess your right...

Not to mention, a good deal of Autistic people have very special gifts. Where they lack in a lot of things, they usually excel at a certain subject. Like that kid that can draw perfect pictures from a single memory.

Yes, my freind's little cousin is autistic, and he is really good at playing, he can do almost all sports, he can play any games...

their "Rain Man" abilities, I'm guessing? :D

More realistic than Rain Man. I watched a special on it once. It was about people born with mental abnormalities having exceptional talents.

One guy was mentally challenged but could calculate the first thousand digits of PI in his head.

Another kid was born with a twin. One girl was Autistic and the other was born without any deformity. When the Autistic twin was learning to speak, she would babble in what her parents thought was jibberish, but her sister understood it and they could communicate with each other perfectly in their own language.

My husband's uncle was mentally challenged but he was a complete car expert. He owned a huge collection of Hotwheels and could name off all of them by a glance and had a whole bunch of information on each car.


I read an article about a mom who had a mentally retarded son, and then had a son without deformity two years later. At first, she resented her mentally challenged son because he didn't do things like other children did. But her husband told her, "You're his mom. You need to stop this and appreciate him for who he is. Why can't you just focus on all the amazing things he can do instead of being so negative about him being special?" So she saw what he was saying and looked at her boy in a different light. He was more loving than his little brother, always wanting hugs. He was more concerned for others than his brother, and always wanted to make sure everyone was okay when they got hurt. He smiled all the time and was an incredibly helpful little boy. You just have to look at things the way they are, without throwing negativity into the ring.

On the special ed team in my school, all the kids are amazing.

There are about 6 really good singers, 2 amazing artists, and they all care about everyone!

                                            Happy Birthday Zordac with much love always and forever, Hawnsimmer.

                                 

It's zordac's birthday!? HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZORDAC!!!

Also, on a side note, I am going to have a new (and hopefully healthier than his older brother) nephew! ;)

I'm unsure if I've posted it here or not, but I am currently in the hospital.  :-\

:eek: what for Katie?

by the way, I've been meaning to post this for a while, and since junior year's taking up most of my time right now, the Mighty Ram Band got sweepstakes at marching UIL a couple weeks ago, for the eighth year in a row!

My appendix rupshured. They say it's no longer fatal though, and you can live without one. ;)

Cool!  :D

If there was ever a useless body part included, it was the appendix. As far as they know, it has no useful function and indeed, you are better off without it. Get better soon, kiddo.

That's an optional body part I actually still have. LOL. Lost my tonsils, lost my adenoids, lost my gallbladder and all but one of my wisdom teeth.

Take care of yourself and get well.

Thanks guys!

It serves a purpose, but not a special one, just filters some of the poisons out, nothing special, see?

I got my tonsils out a while back, I had a bad case of tonsil-itis even though I hadn't had strep throat first.  :confused:

You don't have to get strep to get tonsillitis, it can be a totally separate critter. *shudders* Mine was chronic when I was a kid.

Mine was caused by a massive infection that spread through my ears, eyes nose and throat. It wiped my tonsils and adenoids and I ended up needing shunts in my ears. There was some other lovely stuff going on, but I'll save you the joy of that mental image. LOL, but there is something kind of funny. I love olives. Any olive. Yum. I couldn't swallow anything without agony. Even breathing hurt. My mother couldn't get me to eat a thing. One night she woke up hearing me cry in the pathetic little mewling sound I could make at the time. She found me in the middle of the kitchen floor with a jar of green olives between my knees. I was eating them one at a time and bawling my eyes out because it hurt so much. Sad, yet funny.

Lol, all that for some olives?

This I did not know, huh, people lie too much *grumbles at mother*

Chronic, that sounds.... not fun at all, chronic anything seems to be bad!

It could be she just didn't know. Yes, all that for some olives. I can vaguely remember it. I remember not being able to hear properly, because of the all the gunk in my ears and I remember not being able to see properly, because my eyes were swollen and I had so much gunk and ugly crap coming out of them, as well as the eternal headache because my sinuses were so inflamed. I also remember being so hungry and each olive tasted so good, but it felt like I was swallowing corrosive acid laced with glass shards.

Oww, well you must be glad that that's over!

Wow Joy, that sucks. Do you still love olives?

Oh I absolutely do! Problem is, I still can't eat a lot of them, because they're quite acid and my mouth doesn't like acidic. That cuts a lot out of my diet. I can't have oranges at all and that makes me sad.

No oranges?! What?!?!?! I would die!

Same here, I love oranges! I drink orange juice out of habit everyday now.  :p

Now for an important life event,
This weekend, I've officially started practicing driving!
On Saturday I drove around a parking lot for about an hour, getting used to the gas, turning, signals, basic stuff like that.
Today, I actually drove around my neighborhood, so I actually had to deal with traffic and stuff. I have to say, tailgating is pretty freaking annoying. I mean, I'm going the speed limit! If you don't want to do that, go ahead and overtake me. Just don't tailgate me!  :D

Lol, good luck with that... I start drivers ed. I think... soon, Cause you have to be 14 1/2 correct?

As for a life event:
Brett and Bella (Clay's parents) are expecting a boy I think I already told you this, and they are about to find out if he might have DMD or not, they'll get the news Tuesday I believe. Pray for their little kiddo everyone!

(I got my permit at 15 1/2, and I'm doing my driver's ed in school.)

I hope he doesn't have that, when I read about it, it just sounded slow and painful.

Well Clay seems decently okay with it so far, I'm proud of him he's a little warrior, let's hope by some miracle there is a cure before his time comes! And if his little brother does have it they can have eachother's back, ya know?

Well, it's not for sure yet, but I may be going for a Bachelor's in the Science of Advertising at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh!!! ;D I'm quite close to being accepted, then I have to apply for financial aid.

Keep your fingers crossed!

For more information: http://aionline.edu/tour

I'll say a little prayer for you mooncat!

My husband just got hired for the transfer job! He's now an engineer at his work, starting at $10 an hour with raises. Yay!! We really need the money!

Awesome Senko!!

I'm officially out of the hospital as of today! (I say as of today 'cuz I had to go back for tests a lot for weeks there.) :rolleyes: I'm sooo happy! :D

Good news indeed Junior, here's hoping it stays that way.

My big little boy is 13 today, a big day indeed, anyone see that sketch where Kevin (Harry Enfield) turns 13?  Then you know what I mean.  A whole new phase of parenting is starting-wish me luck!

Last night, I made my grand debut as a guitarist for the jazz band at my school. Sure I've been playing guitar for three years now, but have never performed outside my bedroom. I got a lot of compliments on my performance from a lot of people, mostly my classmates.

That's awesome soul!

I have my first choir concert of the year coming up, too bad I missed the solo auditions I think I had a killer Silent night going! Oh well, it's still going to be fun, we wear pretty dresses and pumps (guys wear dressy shoes and suits) and in the second half we wear PJ's and reindeer antlers!  :D

Congrats Miriam on your son's birthday. Good luck on the teen years!!

I just got back from my OB appointment, and the doc says I have Strep B infection and I've dropped 5 lbs in 1 week. That means I will have to take antibiotics during labor to keep Rosie from getting seriously sick. The doc tells me it's fine but I'm worried. Keep my daughter in your thoughts, guys.

Will do, Jamie.

I'm hoping everything goes according to plan! When are they going to induce labor, the 19th?

Brandon needs to speak with his boss 1st thing Wednesday when he goes to work. His schedule has been changed and Brandon needs to have Bill change it again so that I can get induced a little earlier. The sooner I get the induction, the more likely it is that Rosie won't just try to come on her own. I need to have enough time to get treatment before she's born, at least 8 hours worth. So I am going to have B try to get his vacation started earlier so we can induce as early as the 17th.

I hope all goes well Jamie, and I will pray for you guys!!!

Please keep us posted if you can. You are in my prayers.

She'll be in my thoughts, Senko. I wish you luck and hope everything goes well

Be careful with that Strep, it can mess with your pancreas! My daughter has acute pancreatitis, which cost her the baby and could make her diabetic if it goes untreated. Apparently, she's had it for awhile, since her last bout with Strep and it has done that to her pancreas, so I'm keeping positive thoughts for you and your little girl, specially since they share a name...

Today, Brandon is going into work early to have a talk with his boss about what's going on with me. He and his boss are going to sit down together and re-figure Brandon's schedule to see when the earliest time is that he can get his days off and vacation time started. We are going for the 17th. Rosie is full-term now, so she can be born safely at any time. The sooner we get induced, the less likely the possibility of going into active labor on my own and missing the treatment. I need 2 doses of antibiotics during labor (which takes about 8 hours to administer, 1 shot every 4 hours) to be considered "treated". If I'm treated, there is very little risk (so I've been told) of Rosie having any complications. So hopefully Bill will let B take me to the hospital on the 17th. He's a nice fella, he will understand and I'm sure he will do his best to help.

I'm sorry about your daughter and her baby, Paden. That's horrible. The Strep worries me. I don't know how I got it, because I'm very clean and I eat healthy and everything. THe doctor said it just happens to some people, they produce more bacteria than others. I guess that's another reason why I am so prone to UTI, bladder and kidney infections. I'm just glad I got the test, so they will be able to help my daughter.

Thanks, for the update. Still praying.

Well, the hospital finally got ahold of me. I'm scheduled to be induced on the 18th and I check in at 4:00am. So, thanks for thinking of us, guys, and please continue to keep my daughter in your thoughts throughout that day. The doctor is fully confident that she will be fine, but it doesn't hurt to have hope.

 @ Senko = Good luck Senko. I hope Rosie will be okay and I will keep her in my thoughts always. I bet you are probably tired of being pregnant by now, but 4 am is early!


@OBretttterBO (Katie?) = Feel better!!

@caffinatedjoy = My two best friends have chronic tonsilitis, (They won't remove them for some dumb reason) and it flares up a few weeks every month. They can't swallow!

Oh wow, the 18th is my mom's birthday! She would have gotten such a charge out of knowing that another little girl is coming into the world on that day! :D Awesome and congrats in advance!

I finally got my driver's liscense! It looks like the past seven months of driver's ed, crazy and b****y driving coaches, three extra months of driving practice, a five and a half hour wait at the DPS, and two extra weeks of waiting have finally paid off! And no, my accident last night doesn't count as anything...well maybe it does...

Admin note: Language.

@madkitty (yes I am Katie) thanks, I've been feeling great now :DD and tonsillitis in and of itself should have you headed to the door, let alone chronic.

@soul WOOOP!!!!


Uhm, er, my niece Jade turns two on February 3rd (at 12:56 in the morning, she was born on Superbowl Sunday, they watched it in the hospital room!)

My best friend's name is Jade :P

And that was today's random fact about madkitty.... lmao.

Senko you've started a trend...just found out I'm expecting 1faint.

Yep went in for extreme fatigue/flu-like symptoms yesterday and got that news, so it's a huge surprise for me. Seems like only a few days ago I was fawning over Rosalia and drifting thoughts of cuddly baby bliss washed over me, lol I'm totally blaming Senko :p. Although my spouse may have had something to do with it

Oh my goodness! You're having a baby?
Congratulations! How far along are you?

That is awesome, the New Year is off to a pretty good start already, I'd say.

Clay had a doctor's appointment a bit ago, and the DMD is slowing down in progression!!! :D

And, we found out that he's going to get yet another sister, his mommy is expecting a girl! :D

Senko: quantative blood test results puts it between between 1 and 2 weeks. I know, way early!! I didn't even know they could tell that soon.  LOL which is why It's totally your fault  I can literally say I wasn't pg before Rosalia was born  3wink.

3birthday Rosalia :D Yay I hope I was first to say it! 3yay  (after all, the rest are really birth anniversaries aren't they? ;D)


Paden You nailed it, last year was rough it's good to see this year begin with life being renewed.

Yay Obrett, so good to hear!  My older sis welcomed twin girl grands last week (cool because she is a twin to my other sister).

There are at least four successive generations (no skipping in this family ) of twin/triplet birth history in my family: grandma had 3 sets, mom had 2 sets, two in from my siblings , nephews and nieces stand at 2 sets now. I don't know history of generations before my grandma but it would be interesting I'm sure.  All of my siblings are betting on twins, citing among other family tales, the early of detection by all tests, & the severeness of the symptoms at such an early stage as proof, but I'm not stressing over it.

I just have to watch because my pressure was a little elevated (not normal for me) and I do have a mild bug. Other then that I'm really excited. My girls were jumping around the house like they won the lottery, so it has been fun.

Yep, they can tell that early in some women, depending on how much hormone you have flowing through you. Some women get a detectable amount of hormone early. I knew I was pregnant at 2 weeks with each of my babies, because I keep a firm track of my cycle. With Rosie, the "implantation" at 2 weeks was the only time I threw up with her. Embarrassing because it was at Walmart in front of a bunch of old people. Brandon was just like, "I think you're pregnant."

Hopefully your morning sickness dims down some. Morning sickness that early sucks. They should be able to tell if you're having twins at 8 weeks. Congrats, that's awesome news. How did your hubby take it?

Katie, that's great. Good to know that the little guy is hanging in there.

Hubs tried toning down his joy by holding back smiles etc., ( I don't know why, it's a guy thing) but he wasn't successful at it.  What can I say?  He was in the Marines so I guess they're not supposed to be softies, still he couldn't stop beaming lol it was funny really because everyone could tell.

I had morning sickness the entire pregnancy with my first (don't even get me started on the "why do they call it morning sickness if it lasts all day" kick) "Hyperemesis Gravidum" is what they called it.  It was hard because it was wretchingly no warning-stlye like your bout at the walmart, the whole time. I couldn't take the smell of anything. The second was the same, but I had more time to reach restrooms (ha) instead of decorating the world.

Despite that I kept the mindset that I had all the suffering during the pregnancies because my kids were going to be awesome :D.  So far it's not so bad, just some nausea, and tiredness.  My girls are mothering me to no end, which is adorably funny--for now anyway. I imagine at some point it might drive me bananas.

How's everyone now?

Oh man, smells are the worst. When I suspected I was pregnant with Daemian (but didn't take a test yet), Brandon in his infinite wisdom decided to make NE Clam Chowder and Split Pea Soup, in a small house, on the SAME DAY! It was horrible! I didn't throw up, but I had unbelievable gag going on.

I am so tired right now. Daemian has really been trying my patience. One moment he will be a sweet, helpful little guy. The next moment, he's loud, whiny, and doing the world's stupidest things for no reason at all. It's driving me nuts. Rosie is doing good. Always hungry, though. My boobs hurt like crazy trying to keep up with her needs.

D is just trying to figure out where he fits in, normal with the oldest child. He'll find his balance in a little bit, specially if you reassure him that you love him just as much, if not more, since the birth of your little girl. The one thing I couldn't stand to smell cooking in any form was corn. Which was odd because corn chips were the only thing to settle my stomach when I had the morning sickness so badly with my son, due to that thick thatch of hair he was born with. (And no, he didn't shed one BIT of that, it's still on his head six years later, thicker than ever!)

Precious, Darlin' Dasi!!  Thank you for sharing your Joy. This is monumental. I knew the girls would be estatic. It is so important how this is a Family event, not just a Dasi event. I will be praying for your health and the babies safety. God is blessing you and yours.

Don't worry Senko, Daemian is fine. He's just used to having you all to himself so it's all just part of adjusting.

Try fitting in some "just Mommy and D time" among the craziness of the day if you can. It's hard I know but it may provide some relief. If you do that once per day (when you're up to it, don't stress) and B does it while you and Rosalia rest, it  could really help.  I say this knowing how alike our spouses seem to be at goofy moments, lol so good luck 3wink. I'm so happy for you.

 
3yay Thanks Nonni 1hug.  Yes the whole family being thrilled is really a boost.


On a serious note my neighbor's little girl came over the day after I came home bearing the flu. She had heard and wanted to join in the excitement. I don't know how but I could tell almost immediately that she was ill, so I managed to get my spouse to let her parent know (keeping my distance) & sent her home. They had played outside before I saw her. My youngest has been burning up with fever since yesterday.  Her sister has other symptoms but no fever so far.  Your prayers, well wishes and warm thoughts are appreciated.

They've been in bed and maintaining some distance, but my spouse had to work all weekend.  I've had a migraine all day & a bit of a sore throat so I'm going to see a doc w/ the girls, if my spouse is up to driving when he gets home. They'd all had both flu shots (neighbor's daughter too) months ago (swine & seasonal) but procrastinating me got no shots at all, so keep me in your thoughts.

As always, I'm hoping for the best  :cool:

Oh man! That's no good! I hope you don't get sick, and the kids get better soon!

Quick! Drink some honey and chamomile tea and eat something with garlic in it for an extra immune boost. Perfectly safe for both you and the baby.

Thanks for the advice Paden and Dasi. I'm sure Daemian will get back to his own self soon. He has gotten steadily better, but he seems so tender-hearted lately. He does things that he knows he shouldn't on purpose, but as soon as I barely scold him (without even yelling) he bursts into tears. I have been calling him over to me lately and telling him, "Bub you know I love you, right?" and he will say "I you" which means I love you too. I make sure to give him plenty of hugs and kisses, but I also don't coddle him when he's being bad. I just try to explain to him why he shouldn't do things.

Brandon is thinking of starting up a daddy/son day with D. His friend Nick, who has 8 kids (3 that are in his custody) said he did it with his son when his youngest boy was born and it worked, gave daddy and little boy some time to have fun together.

The spousal unit is supposed to call before coming home tonight, so I'll put in the tea & garlic request.  I usually keep honey around so I should have some, thanks for the suggestion.  My only problem now will be getting the spouse to remember the two things on the list.
1giggle


Now that I think of it I'd better not say "tea & garlic" so close together before he goes off looking for chamomile & garlic tea, and comes home empty-handed...sad but true.

heh heh heh  :rolleyes:

There actually is a such thing as garlic tea. It's absolutely foul and it burns your mouth. It's used for sick people to drink and it instantly works wonders if you can gag it down. It's more like a broth than a tea...so if he comes home with that in hand, mix it with a soup or something, don't drink it plain. Just ask him to pick you up some Italian food and chamomile tea. Italian food is usually packed with garlic...but then again it is also packed with oregano, which is linked to miscarriages in large doses.

My husband actually remembered the two things on the list this morning. I asked him to pick up water and dish soap and he did it! The first try. I was so proud.

2hug Senko aww I'm proud too.  No worries about mix-ups last night...he forgot to call 2laugh.

*sighs* Of course you & B have just given me hope for success with tomorrow's list.

You're so lucky, Dasi. You and your man have been together a long time and the two of you are happy and in love. B and I have been together for three years, and no one really has any faith in us. My mom doesn't believe in marriage (because two of hers failed) and wasn't happy for us. She says she hopes we will be together forever like we think, but she really doesn't. She's just waiting for us to fail so that she can be right about how "marriage doesn't work, and the people that have been married for a long time just force themselves to be together because they aren't actually happy anymore."

It's really sad sometimes. When I told her that B and I were engaged (which I admit was very early in our relationship) she said that we probably wouldn't even speak to each other in ten years. B and I promised each other we would make ten years, just so we can get pictures taken of us, put them in a card and send the card to my mom with a "You were wrong." message embossed in gold across the cover. We have two kids together, and we really do love each other. We make each other laugh and we are happy to be together. I wish she would just get it through her head that our marriage isn't a joke and it isn't something either of us will walk away from at the slightest problem.

On a happier note, how are you feeling? Getting plenty of rest?

When you make it ten years, send her a shot of the two of you flipping her the bird. When it's twenty, send her another shot of the two of you flipping her the bird while you wear Groucho Marx glasses with mustache and eyebrows. Keep it up every ten years, with a message that says, "Nyah, you were wrong!"

Hehe, that would be funny. Just get sillier and sillier every ten years. I wonder how man 10 year cards I'm going to be able to make.

Usually I get along with her really well, but this is really just cruel of her to act like that. Her marriage failed with my dad because she let it, and because she let her own mom stick her nose in where it shouldn't have been (according to dad). I am not going to make the same mistake with my mom and my marriage. The first year Brandon and I were together, we almost split up because she was getting too far into our business and causing a lot of tension. Ever since I told her nicely to butt out, me and B have been fine. Sure, we have our arguments, but every couple in the world does. That's what makes married life work, you argue and then you make up, instead of walking away.

To be fair though, the end of the second marriage wasn't her fault. My step-dad was a four letter word. I prayed for them to split up every day that they were together (and it took over a decade). He was a horrid person and she was never happy being married to him. It was obvious.

Senko honey, I know how you feel. It's all how you look at marriage and my first hard lesson was that no marriage is "perfect". Second lesson was don't look for your family members to be happy for you--well not all of them anyway.

That's why I like the "dumbest things your SP/SO has ever done" thread as well as threads like this one because you get to commiserate without judgment.

Really some of those things can drive you bonkers! Just laughing about them with folks going through similar situations gives you a chance to lighten up and see the humor in it (it also lets you see your spouse is not the only absentminded professor out there ;D.

All that sorrow I had last year (4 deaths & health problems) really made me take a hard look at the issues I allow to bring me down.  I see so many family arguments (most of which were/are just plain dumb) now as a huge waste of my time.  I simply called everyone after my brother's death and said:

"I just want you to know I love you but I'm not listening or getting included in any more family drama, it's not worth my time. If you want to chat about yourself or your kids, life, fun etc., call me--I'm here for you.  If you wish to rant, bicker, or criticize me, let me warn you: I won't tolerate it. I have a dial tone and i'm not afraid to use it"

At that time my mom was still alive. When I told her (that I was telling everybody else that) she laughed and said "Good! I hope they listen."  The irony is as the baby of the family I'm rarely involved in any of the disputes, I just get the earfuls of drama. Of course as the last child, I also got the most critiques on marriage, mothering, etc. although not from my mom or dad.

I've found that people don't care when they stress you out. After the moment is gone while you're stressing over it for weeks, they've had their laugh and forgotten about it.  In the grand scheme of things you have to decide if it's worth your time to waste on stressing. The good thing about feeling ill, or being in pain (or nauseous) is I have little patience with drama and am driven to ignore idiots (older and wiser does that too).

I think you and B are just fine. You guys are the only ones who determine your outcome. Don't wait ten years though, start sending the cards at five  >:D. That way you'll have double the fun.  3yay

Thanks Dasi. It's just so sad that she can't put her own screw-ups away and be happy for two people that love each other. It's my right as an American adult and I want to take advantage of it. It's weird, Brandon's mom has had FOUR failed marriages and a whole bunch of failed relationships, but she was still happy as could be for us when we got married. She said she liked me and she knew that Brandon was making a good choice with choosing me for his wife. I would never intentionally do anything to harm him, and I know he would never do anything to harm me. For some reason, my mom thinks that B has this dark evil side and that one day he is going to just take everything from me and leave. He loves me, and would never do that, especially since taking from me would be taking from his kids, whom he loves even more. It's obvious that he cares for me. He busts his butt day in and day out to take care of me, doesn't ask or expect me to work and all of that. She just needs to see that we are good for each other.

Speaking of stupid SO moments, Brandon Lee did one just today. I need to post it up.

Hi everyone, bit of sad news today. My oldest girl (10 yrs) was admitted to the hospital last night. They're still running tests but it looks like a liver infection.  We don't all the answers yet, please keep her in your thoughts this next week. I appreciate it.

Bless you, Dasi, I will be praying for your daughter and for all your family.
Hugs from Nonni

Thanks Nonni.  I am staying in the hospital with her now, just watching over her as she rests quietly. I'll keep you posted.

Keeping you and yours in my thoughts, hon. Nothing is worse than your child being sick, so I feel for you.

Well, today marks my third anniversary with the paramour! We're not doing much to celebrate, other than staying in and staying warm.

...although, there is plentiful amounts of chocolate, whipped cream, and wine to be had. *grins*

Congrats, Jenna and stay warm! (Like I need to tell you that!)

Third anniversay, impressive. Congrats, Jenna. Hope your connection will prosper and give you joy.

My daughter is out of the hospital and recovering at home now. She still has a way to go, but is worlds better. Thank you so much for your well wishes and support.

Oh & a Happy Valentines Day to all the lovebirds out there.  3yay Congrats to you Jenna, enjoy some chocolate for me :D.

While I was at Animex, I got the news that my brother and his girlfriend had their baby  ;D
He's just as adorable as his brother, and I can't wait to see him (other than on crappy mobile phone pics)

Now I'm officially aunt to two boys 3yay

Great News! Thanks for sharing, Raven.(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Images/Emoticons/1clap.gif)

Cool Raven :D aw I love babies.

On another note...calling all mothers (& dads who may have had to live through it) for home remedies for extreme nausea/"morning sickness". Oy,  Nausea meds aren't working and I'm feeling a tad like linda blair atm 1titter.  Seriously nothing worked before, then again I don't know all the serious home remedies out there. 

I have made the move from warm and sunny Hawaii to beautiful and cold Indiana and there is no place else that I would rather be.

Welcome to the deep freeze, Hawn! :D

Thank you Paden!! Call me crazy, but I'm loving it. :D

Put it like this; it's been so cold that when we were at the store today and I mentioned that I wanted some ice cream, my husband got me some of the freeze dried stuff that you can take camping with you. He told me that I didn't need to be any colder than I already was! :D

Remember I said there were three babies coming in our family this winter? Well - my other cousin just had her baby. Almost a month too early, but everything is fine with both baby and mother.
(She lost her unborn twins last year, so I'm really happy everything went fine this time.)

So now I can't wait to see all the babies  :D

This is a lot of news.

Dasi, sorry I have no advice of help, I just chewed gum a lot.

So you like Indiana, Hawn, good for you. I prefer Seattle to Daytona and some may call me nuts.

We still eat ice cream in the winter, Paden.

Raven, I'm glad to hear the early baby and mommie are doing fine.

Hugs to all from Nonni

I got a one on my solo at Solo and Ensemble! As for the ensemble, we got a two, but at least I'm still getting a my letterman jacket! ;D

 3yay soulofthesea
(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Images/Emoticons/623571e48aec40oi.gif)

Hello Everyone!
Sorry it has taken me more than 2 weeks to log on recently. Everyone is fine. My computer just completely took a dump on me. Something happened to my drivers and they fried themselves. It took the tech guy FOREVER to fix my system. My internet connection still has something wrong with it. It;s working very slowly, at only 9.6 kbps right now, so it is taking me a long time to get anything done. I'm trying to get it all fixed, because I know my update is due. Just to let the staff know, I do plan on getting this week's updates posted by Sunday morning if my internet works long enough to allow it.

On a happier note, Rosie is already smiling all of the time. I'll try to see if I can get a picture of it up. Daemian and B are both doing well too.

So thats what happened to ya. Glad to see the comp is back up and running!

You are such a trooper.

Eagerly waiting on pics of Rosie.
(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Images/Emoticons/1gj.gif)

Oooh, I was wondering where you were, Senko! Just glad to hear it wasn't anything health-related. I was afraid you had fallen ill or something.

...and don't worry about the updates, we have other updaters who can fill in until you get your computer and internet issues sorted out!

Thanks guys, you're so understanding.
I missed this site a lot.

My mom sent me some pics (in the mail) of little Lukas a couple of days ago, and he's sooooo adorable  ;D. He looks a lot more like his mother than his dad (unlike his big brother, who is the spitting image of his dad)

Almost can't wait to see my two nephews next week (going home for a little vacation)  3yay

So, Raven, when are you going to share some pics? I would be flooding the site with pics of my grandbabbies but my daughter says that it scares her to see pics of her children on the internet.

Here's one I can share just for a chuckle, it was an important life event about 62 years ago.
(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Family%20and%20Friends/Diannasbabypic-1-1.jpg)

OK so I'm not too panicky, but all the same would appreciate all the kind thoughts for the best as this Tsunami approaches us in the next 30 min. Thanks to all of you. ;).

Dasi!

So good to hear from you. I will be praying for your home.

I thought the tsunami had already made it to Hawaii.

Please keep us posted if you can maintain internet access.

Love and prayers from Nonni

I clearly understand why other people don't want pics of themselves or their kids spread all over the net, since I feel it that way, too. I'm generally very careful with real-life pictures, so I probably won't put up any baby pics (even though it's a little tempting).
I hope people understands this  :-\

And you were really cute as a baby, Nonni  ;D

You got it, Dasi!!

I just heard that the first waves are hitting Hawaii. We don't have TV does anyone have a good update link for news? I have been searching the net but it hasn't been very satisfactory.

There are a couple  but KFVE (http://www.k5thehometeam.com/=1) Hawaii is one local station that has online live reports, KHNL, KGMB (http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/=1) Hawaii is another. I'm floored by the number of people that have to be asked not to go to the beach to watch the wave come in.

Right now, there have been heavy recessions of water in Hilo, (big island, Island of Hawaii) but so far the incoming surges following them have been slow. It's nowhere near over yet so we're just waiting and hoping for the best.

*updated with news links

I found a live feed from Hawaii at this link:
http://www.kitv.com/video/22691778/index.html

Right Now they seem to think it is it is not as bad as they expected but they say they will not say for sure. They are waiting for the 3rd wave but they say that the tsunami effect will circle the island for several hours. They are really hoping that there will be no significant damage. They think they may have "dodged the bullet" this time but will not say for sure.

I updated my links (apologies for missing them the last time) It should be noted that the other channels are stressing stronger views in contrast to KITV who really appear nonchalant about it.

True it may not be much yet (and I hope) will pass with little damage; Still one county representative has asked that the news not lighten this as tourists returning to beach areas /surfers, etc pose serious problems for officials trying to keep order and minimize casualties.  Then of course KITV (one of my favorite stations, btw) airs from Oahu which is the third or fourth island in line to receive impact, if any, so that could be why the effects aren't seen as seriously there yet.

It's currently 12:45 pm & civil defense is still on high alert.  Thanks for watching over us folks, (hugs Nonni & Paden :) ).

P.S. Nonni you are so adorable in that pic! Don't feel bad Raven I feel the same about my kids pics though I love seeing others on here. I'm just internet wary. Congrats to you Auntie Raven.

I am seeing people going down to the beach with their Children!!! The experts say you cannot predict what the energy in the water will do. I see surfers and swimmers going into the ocean. Hopefully, God will protect them.

I see what you mean about the nonchalance of that station. They are giving a false impression of the possible danger.

It true the police have had to circle and clear the beaches several times.  It's sunny and warm on most of the islands so even seeing the drastic water recessions looks picturesque. Mind you even with the huge receding lines, (visible on all the other channels) the water may surge back in slowly causing little or no noticeable damaging effect., which is a good thing.

The downside is when the islands prepare (like they are required to) for serious impact  and newscasters take a "much ado about nothing" approach and then little or nothing occurs-- it can lead visitors/tourist and even some islanders to think "ah it was nothing" and make it worse to get folks to listen should aftershocks cause sudden impact damage, or even take other warning events lightly.

I've been amazed and very relieved to see the water retact to the bottom (over the past two hours) repeatedly and then surge in slowly instead of rushing back. Imagine seeing the ocean floor you've never seen exposed in areas where you fish or swim!   Color me relieved when this is all over, but there is no way to see that and not brace for impact.;).

I'll be considering those who lost their lives in Chile & Argentina (who was just hit with an earthquake as well) as we ride out the rest of this alert...my thoughts go out to all the families affected in those countries.

Update:

All clear has been issued now as the areas with the worse incidences of recession have seen the water return slow and steady.   As Hawaii is my home so this issue has been foremost in my mind, thank you for hanging in there with us.

Chile and its residents are still picking up the pieces after this tremendous quake. Godspeed to all those who need assistance during this crisis.

Prayers are being answered. Thanks for update, Dasi! XXXOOO from Nonni

I am so glad Hawaii wasn't hit by any serious damage and that you are safe, Dasi. Still, Chile ... :(

Anyway, guys, I haven't been around much lately but it's because we found out my father has colon cancer that has spread to his liver and he's been battling that, and now this morning our dog, Kody, who was only 8 years old, died suddenly. It's been a really, really terrible few months.  :'(

Ah, hon, so very sorry to hear that things went into the toilet for you, very sorry indeed. I'll be keeping your dad especially in my thoughts, for some reasons that are too personal to get into here because people being people, they just don't wanna hear it. We're here for you when and if you need us, don't hesitate to reach out, hear me?

Naria, I'm so sorry to hear about what's happening. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts as well. I'll second what Paden said regarding reaching out to us if you need the support. A lot of  us understand, in our own way, what you are going through.

Bless you Naria and please know that you and your family are in my thoughts. I third Paden (& Joy) in that many of us are dealing with the similar issues concerning our parents & family and are trying hard to deal with them--it just gets to hard to share at times especially when the tragedies come in waves and people seem to lose interest.

Our pets mean everything to us and I know this sudden loss has got to be awful for you.  Rest in peace, Kody.  

I wish you much strength in facing your Dad's crisis with him and offer you a listening ear if you need one.

Naria, I was so sad to hear of your troubles. My precious puppy dog helped me through many trials. I will be praying for your father and you and your family.
Hugs from Nonni

I held my nephew for the first time today, and the little cutie fell asleep in my arms (while his big brother was running around, playing his own invented airplane games with my mom - when she was not taking pictures, that is...). Think he slept there for at least half an hour or so, before my brother took them both home. I really hope I'll see some more to them before my vacation is over.
When his big brother was born (4 1/2 years ago), I don't think I ever changed a diaper on him (yeah, poop diapers grossed me out back then...), but it didn't bother me at all now. Even milk burps landing on my t-shirt only produced a little smile (instead of running to the bathroom right away). I even surprised mom and my oldest nephew with fresh baked buns (My nephew's comment was something like "auntie baked buns? All alone???"  ;D. Not the first time I did it, of course, but it's not often I get the chance to bake anything at home).
Still, I guess I've managed to grow up a bit lately...  :-\

Raven, this news so sweet and cute. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on maturing.
Hugs from Nonni

Raven it's so nice to see you experiencing all the joys of being an Auntie :).


Update :D: I found out yesterday that my daughter's blood work is finally all healthy and her liver is completely back to normal. She has just returned to school and is doing well.  It's been scary and we were told the bacteria (which still hasn't been identified) most likely came from our water supply.

We were renting and had used a purifier, as we were never happy with the water here--but now are totally on bottled water.   You just can't filter everything out of a bad supply (a reminder that some misgivings should never be ignored).  Thankfully we'll be moving soon.


Thank all of you for your kind wishes, prayers and quiet support.

Dasi,

Thanks for the good news! It makes me so Happy.

(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Images/Emoticons/hugscandykiss20a.gif)

from Nonni

Tiffany...as I had told you the first time you told me of dad, my prayers have been with you and yours. So is my love.

Dasi...Great news!!

My move from Hawaii to Indiana has been natural, as though I have always been here...where I belong.

Hawnsimmer,

Glad to hear you are content in your new environment, Indiana.

Good for you!

Hugs from Nonni

This is somewhat important... I just came back here after, what, a year's absence I think?! I don't know why I left. Mostly spotty net access after moving out of my parent's house and being busy with school most likely. But, um, anyway... I'm here again.  3yay

Coming back is a good thing. Glad you made it here. Good luck with your internet and hope school is also going well unless you are finished - that is a big event and worthy of mention.

well i recently started collage and started dating yha its sorta sad since im 20 but hes a great guy! and thats about it for now!

Thank you so much Nonni!! I appreciate it.. *hugs*   ;D

Great, starting college is a big step!  3yay
I didn't have my first date or kiss until I was 19. If you can believe this, I was terribly shy.  ;D

Awww, that's sweet Nonni.
I had mine at 14, but I was "innocent" until I was 18. Hehe.
Brandon was a little horn-dog and had his first "kiss" kiss when he was 5.

5 years, eh?

That reminds me a a very funny story about my son.
But he won't let me tell it. Now if you were sitting beside me I could tell you, he is not home right now.
 >:D

Haha Nonni :P
I'm too shy, I've never kissed anyone for real  :rolleyes: I just haven't really liked someone  :p

you and me both lol!

I just had a disaster the rocked my Sim world. I have a spreadsheet that I have been working on for many, many months. I tried to change the extention so that it would be sharable with those who don't have the latest version of Excell. I got a message that there was some imcompatibility problems and I lost most of the info.

This was all the Creator's I've used, links to their downloads and their policies. I went into mourning last night.

My son came home and after he was relaxed and told me all his news and had his dinner, I told him about losing my Sims spreadsheet. He said he would take a look (he hates MS programs and won't have them on his computer) so I was surprised that he offered. I didn't know it but he set up a program to back up my computer to an external hard drive (an old one of his). He was able to re-cover just about all my work and restored my spreadsheet.

I am such a fortunate mom.

Our Family Welcomes Gossip's colt, Faris!

Here are a couple of pics of the latest addition to our family.
His mother, Gossip, came very close to not making it. She gained so much weight that her joints were very inflamed and the bones of one of her hooves almost came through. She had daily treatments by vet and animal chiropractor. Then my niece and her mom had to give her treatments twice a day soaking that hoof to keep infection and inflammation from overcoming Gossip. Then she went past her due date and my niece and her mom and her daughter stayed with her 24 hours a day for 3 days.
My niece learned to ride on Gossip when they were both very young. Gossip is a very patient and calm animal and she loves very small children.
One more thing, we were praying that the baby horse would have some white markings because the white markings on a horse make it more valuable in this type of horse.
So behold:
(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Family%20and%20Friends/ProudMama.jpg)
(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Family%20and%20Friends/aaFaris.jpg)
(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Family%20and%20Friends/aaaevenmore.jpg)
God answered our prayer for safety of mother and colt and then He really splashed on the white!

Nonni they are beautiful!  My girls want a horse (I promised them two when we move if we find property with enough space) I'm glad you have some so I can get care advice 1titter when I need it :D.

What a cute little colt. They're so adorable when they're little!

By the way, Dasi, how's the baby? You been to the doc?

Yep, boy have I been to the doc 1titter! I have hyperemesis with this one like I did with the other two so I'm monitored very closely.  The upside is I've had three sonograms already because of it :D and it's been fun marking the growth. I'll be fourteen weeks this Sunday & we're all hoping the nausea will end by week fifteen.

My girls are quite nutty--they wish that like a sim I could have it in three days and tell me so often, the little loons. It's fun seeing them so excited though. I seem to have finally found a nausea med that is working so I'm good and I was able to spend spring break with the kids at the beach all week.

How are your wee little ones?

^ your having a kid?... Congrats I hope you got enough dippers!
Well for me I guess its not as happy! I have really bad health issues and of late they seem to be getting worse! Like yesterday I became highly forgetful and its starting to worry me! but on a lighter note I'm passing all my collage classes with a B  ;D

14 weeks, eh? Not much longer until you get to find out the baby's gender, if you plan on doing that. Personally, I have no patience and hate surprises, so I couldn't wait to find out my kids' genders...though I already knew what I was having each time through instincts and dreams. Are you getting any idea of what the baby might be? I'm leaning toward a little boy for some reason.

Both of my kids are doing well. Rosie got her first vaccines Tuesday. She was very brave. Only cried when they poked her, and stopped as soon as it was over. She's a tough little bird. She smiles at me all of the time. I'll have to upload a picture of her smile soon. She can hold her head up and is almost able to roll over. She makes lots of baby noises, but still doesn't sleep at night.

Daemian is also doing well. We're trying to teach him how to count. I can do "123" but that's it. He can say "Please" when he wants something now, and we are trying to get him to say "thank you". He's getting better at using  fork, but not so good at a spoon.

Get plenty of rest Dasi. Upload some belly pics on the photo album if you can.

Aww vaccines are my most unfavorite part...I'm a wimp so (we agreed) my spouse does all the holding during shots. I wanted them to be much braver then me. As a result my kids were bearing their shots with no complaints or tears from about 2 years old, even holding my hand at three years cause they know mommy hates needles. Of course that's when they were adorably sympathetic,  before they began to find mommy's needle terror hysterically funny--the monsters.

I dreamt that I was having girls with the first two. I even saw my second clearly in a dream four months before she was born and was surprised that she looked just like she did in the dream. Like you I'm leaning towards boy this time but am not sure. My girls want another girl :D.

 Hug them both for me and treasure this time he'll be counting money before you know it ;).

I'm trying to swim often as it helps with the nausea and other symptoms to be out in the fresh air. My comp is still kaput so I only get on when I can borrow one, boy do I miss my sims games.


Hope you feel better mizer congrats on the good grades.

Dasi,

I am so happy to know you are able to get out and swim and that it helps with nausea.

I had no idea when my son arrived that I would have a boy. I was totally convinced the he would be a "she".

Hugs from Nonni

Weird bit of info: Even though "Jamie" is a unigender name, my parents were going to name me Travis had I been born a little boy.

April 1st, applications for the prison open up. Guards start at $25 an hour supposedly. B spoke with the hiring people and they said he was the kind of guy they were looking to hire.

It's scary how things can change in a few moments...

My mom called me yesterday, saying she had seen an ambulance outside my cousin's house. It turned out their newborn baby had stopped breathing, and almost died. Luckily they checked on him in time, but found him turning blue. None of them knew much first aid, but with some struggle they had managed to get him back to breathing before the ambulance arrived (after driving the wrong way, and taking ages in coming).

Now I'm seriously considering taking a first aid course, dragging my family along with me. My mom says she doesn't have any idea what to do in a situation like that, and I'm not sure abou tthe others. I've had some lessons before, and I know the basics around CPR and such - but when you are in a scary situation, that lifesaving knowledge tend to disappear quickly. In any case, it's better to know what to do, and never come up in a situation where you need it, than not knowing what to do if something does happen.

Oh my goodness! I sure hope the little one is okay! That's scary.

First Aid never hurt anyone. It's a very helpful course and just takes a few hours of your time...plus it can save lives, so good idea. I have taken First Aid, Child CPR, Regular CPR and both Heimlich Maneuvers. I just want to be prepared if I ever need to use those tactics. Heimlich and First Aid have come in handy with Daemian.
-He decided to choke on a nickel in the split second it took me to put my hoodie on (Like you said, things can change in a few moments)
-He also split his lower lip at his cousin's birthday party, playing and not paying attention.

Good idea, theraven.

Oh, my! How terrifying! Raven, you are doing the right thing.

SenkoTwiik, little ones love to try things and their logic is perfectly sound - to them!!

Oh man, lots of bad things happening... and good too, I'm glad for that bit.

Well after a dramatic month long boyfriend and breakup-ness, we were pulled together when his Aunt had her baby the other day, and she was born not breathing. He left school early and went to the hospital, and I waited to hear what happened for seven hours. In the end, little Jane is okay.

On a slightly less scary note, my niece Jade has caught the flu, and now Clay is locked in his room.

Just came back from the TCGC (Texas Color Guard Circuit) State contest in San Marcos. As it turned out, the event was at my future home campus, Texas State University, so, I got to have my own little private tour of the campus! Unfortunately, I didn't have time to go to the music building, since it was all the way on the other side of the campus! :-\ Also, our color guard placed second in their class. ;D

As far as I know, he's OK. They think he had a cold or bronchitis or something like that, which plugged him up and caused the breathing trouble.


Quite the contrary, since it tends to save lives instead  ;)

On personal experiences, I know that to be true... When I was three or so, I figured out putting a coin in my nose was a very good idea. Well - it wasn't... Caused an uproar, and they took me to the hospital for an X-ray. At least it came out...uhm... the right way.  
When I was maybe six or seven (not really sure about this), I could have set fire to the livingroom. We had visitors, and I was so proud of something I had made that I just had to show it to them. It stood on a shelf where a candle was burning. When I tried to reach the thing, without even thinking about the candle right in front of my eyes, my sleeve and the tablecloth caught fire, and of course I panicked (which is a bad idea when your sleeve is on fire...). Luckily, my dad quickly managed to put it out. I didn't get burned, but I've been very careful around candles since then - and even nowadays I'm sceptical to burning candles (If I do buy candles, I find those which are too pretty to fire up...) :rolleyes:

Good to hear :)

Hope they (or is it only her?) get well soon!

So far it's just her, but knowing how weak little buddy's immune system is we don't want him catchin' it, but he was with her for the first three days when she was coughing but had no temperature...

Candles are scary! Wax hurts!

Oh, did I forget? I seem to be a walking accident. Literally. Now I have slid down the edge of my bed, which is ten feet off the ground, and scracked two ribs. Once they start healing what do I do? I fall down the staircase to the basement, which coincidentally isn't carpeted. Then later the same day before I had even told my mom I was walking into the living room and I tripped over little Jade's stupid bus-thingy that you sit on and ride around in, and for like a whole minute I was falling tripping on it in the dark... I have a problem, no?

Ouch... falling down stairs isn't fun. Not long ago I managed tripping in ours two times in one weekend, hitting the exact same spot on my back. Didn't fall more than a few steps, but I still had a huge purple bruise (at least 20cm wide) for weeks... Let's just say sitting hurt. A lot.

Ouch, I know how that feels, raven. I usually catch myself when I fall down stairs, and I almost dislocated my shoulder trying to catch myself once.

On a happier, more exciting note, I just found out that I got accepted into the Miller Career and Technology Center! Almost a month overdue, I finally got that acceptance letter today! ;D

That is wonderful news, soul! Congratulations!!
(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Images/Emoticons/CONGRATULATIONSweb.gif)

Hi guys!
I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm in the middle of a move right now. I'm getting a divorce and it has been really hard. I am still going to get on to do my updates. I will try tomorrow, but if I don't update tomorrow, I just need a few more days. This weekend is real busy.

Take care of what you need to, OK? If you can't make it on, don't worry about it. Take care of yourself. *hugs*

Thanks Joy. The support really helps. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

Move? Eh, just compounding the stress I bet.
Like Joy said, don't worry too much about us, just focus on what you have to do.
 ;)

Damn hon, that really bites and I'm sorry to hear that it's happening. We're here if you need us but take all the time you need because real life comes before internet life, as we've always stressed to each and every member here. If you need us, we'll be like Hoggle: here for you.

Aw, well... you have the support of every insimmer around ;)

Health & other rl issues have me coming and going sporadically, but I'm here for you if you need Senko. 

Oh Senko, I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope everything gets better soon.
 2hug

Dearest Senko,

I am so sad to hear of these trials. Please try to take care of yourself for these stresses will be taking a big toll on you mentally, emotionally and physically.

You will be in my prayers. I know everyone supports you with all their love.

Hugs from Nonni

I'ma here for you Senko. I'm not very supportive and I tend to say the wrong things I think, but I can make you laugh :D

On another note, I've finally finished my work experience and got real good things about that.

It's my sister's birthday today, and the good thing is, when she says she's 22 and has a 2 year old, no one with look at her like she's insane anymore the way they love to. Everyone criticizes. Yeah she was still technically 19. Big whoop.

But on the bright side, I get cake.

I've heard worse... being 19 or 20 isn't that young. My brother's girlfriend was 19 when they got their first, her mom was around 16, and her mother again was around that age, too. So my brother's firstborn son is 4 years old, and has very young great-grandparents (in their late 60's, I think). One of my cousins is 30, and is mother to four... She was actually 21 or 22 when she got her first.

I get cake too - it's my nephew's christening ceremony next weekend, and my birthday is just around the corner :D

Oh fun! I love christenings...

oooohhhhh. My brother, and his "girlfriend" are now engaged! (It's about time, they're expecting their third kid!)

I'm going through a difficult but overall beneficial move. I'm feeling stressed as the deadline approaches which is normal I guess but for some reason this week idiotic people have just been doing some unbelievable things.

For example: My spouse loaned a neighbor some expensive equipment (which they hadn't returned for months). Of course now that we're moving we asked politely for all of it back.  They said "sure thing! It is yours after all." But when he went to pick it up, the stuff (which had been sitting right in the yard) was moved. They had actually hid it!

He had to go back to work so I called up and asked them to bring it all over. In two sentences the conversation went from "could you please return it?" to them huffing and puffing over having to return it, to saying they shouldn't have to, to "oh we can't find them" to calling us all kinds of names (I don't even want to get into all the unfounded stupidity they said) and saying fine you low lives can keep your junk!! (and more)."

We basically keep to ourselves and have lived in this house for years. They moved here a year ago. The most contact I've had with them is when they needed something: a ride to the airport, to borrow anything, help when their car broke down etc. We've always pitched in to help when we could and that was it.  I don't drink with them, party with them and have never even walked across the yard to their house.

So I was livid. Giving them a piece of my mind I told them I don't care what contrived opinions they have or want to use to avoid the topic, return my stuff and go home. Really what is that preschool behavior? Oooo they want the stuff we borrowed quick go hide it!

I had been caring for my kids home from school with the flu, packing in between, and trying to rest when I could.  Catching flu from them, I was just advised by my ob to go to the ER for suspected bronchitis when this happened. And after all of that they only returned a few things claiming they "can't find the rest." $300 of equipment gone--an expensive lesson in neighbor ethics.

In any economy that sucks but in this one that really irks me, though maybe if I were rich it wouldn't.  Still with the chest congestion and now (after Friday) being put on bed rest with 9 days left to move I have more to focus on so I'm asking myself why this bugs me so much?

I think it's because:

1. It was totally out of left field (bringing me to a "you see this is why I don't associate with people" sentiment).

2.  I can't replace what they took at this time & had plans for use at my new home.

Overall at the ER the doc said he's worried over my health and stress level and wants me to refrain from packing, lifting, cleaning or anything that might kick up dust or cause me more swelling. My spouse had been telling me the same thing but he's not superman--I do feel I should help where I can.

On the bright side the baby is way active, much more then my other two were, so I get all the mini-updates from the interior football game (every half hour) that he or she is doing just peachy.

Please focus some positive energy in this direction so I can put the #@$^& stuff behind me and focus on the important issues and the great things yet to come.

Sending the energy and advising you to make a list and then call the cops and see if you can file a complaint about theft by omission to return your property in a timely manner when it was requested to be given back. Either way, they were in possession of your property and have a responsibility to either return or replace it. Don't take their crap and don't let them get away with this behaviour. You also might get a positive feeling of, "got ya, sucker!" for going through these steps.

I agree with Paden :)

What's going on right now:

-Still on speaking terms with B. He is trying to get work for now, get 15 college credits in August, and then he is joining the military to try to prove himself to me and the kids. I am pulling for him to chance his ways and do the right thing, but I don't want to get my hopes up.

-I am settled in at dad's and I am getting in contact with a home-based school program to become an RN. Should be nice. I go up to my mom's now every weekend to let B see the kids, so we are at least trying to get along.

That's good to hear, and honey, I really hope that things work out for the best for all involved. You deserve to be happy!

I'm sorry for what you are going through... but chin up, things will get better soon; right?

I hope so guys.
B called me and let me know he now has a job at Checker auto part store. So that's good. He made no argument about paying child support for the kids. We are trying to work toward being a family, but nothing is going to happen until we are both better people.

I am about to enroll in school, I need to talk to the people tomorrow.

That's so good to hear Senko, I wish you guys the best.

Paden, thanks for the support (you too Obrett) and advice.  The jerks have returned some more (well sat them across the yard--too lazy or stubborn to bring them over courteously) but I'm focusing on my immediate health right now.

I suddenly have extreme edema on my right side which is very painful. Weird because swelling for me has been mild but evenly distributed. I just need to make it through this move. 

Oh boy, edema sucks! I had it in my feet and lower legs so much I got stretchmarks just from that. It was owwie.

How are you doing other than that, Dasi? Find out the baby's gender? Everything okay with the little one?

I didn't know you could get stretchmarks on your legs! *breaks out the cocoa butter* Thanks for the heads up, my right leg is a balloon, it's scary.

My kids have asked me that twice (after each of my last two drs. visits) lol.  Believe it or not I forgot to ask each time. I've been having a sonogram per visit, not normal I know, but normal for my pregnancies which come with extreme nausea, weight loss and dehydration. This baby has been so active each time I spent the time laughing & being relieved of course, but it just slipped my mind.

My other two never did all the olympic flips and turns that this one is performing on screen (& off). It was like watching a trick video. For all my suffering the baby is awesome :D. I couldn't ask for more then that. 3yay

Dasi,

Thanks for keeping us updated. I sent you a message but I think I forgot that you never look at emails. Did you tell me that once?

Right side edema - sound weird. I am glad you are already having fun with your baby.

Hugs from Nonni

True, I rarely visit my email 2blush. I'll check for your note though.

I can't figure the right side only thing either, except that until yesterday, when I was forced to rest out of exhaustion, I hadn't been following the bed rest order.  It's hard to when there's so much to do.

I'm dealing with more then my share of stress to work through but yes the baby is fine. I just have to remind myself to ignore the idiots.  I'll be so relieved when this week (and this move) is over.

Thanks for the hugs    For all of you--->2hug

Remember back in the day, after Clay was diagnosed with DMD last summer? How they thought- then proved that I had some form of Muscular dystrophy? Well they are trying to figure out which it is...

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/understanding-muscular-dystrophy-basics

I have symptoms of Facioscapulohumeral (upper arm bone weakness a little, and the fact that it progresses slowly and can be mild), Oculopharyngeal (weak eyes, and weakening muscles around eyes, pneumonia; however I'm a bit young for this one...), and Distal (Hands, lower legs, and feet, mild, slowly progresses)

That's just an update...

I might be moving in with my older sister if all goes well.
Funnily enough, its not cause I don't get on with my rents. Its because I do.
They suggested that I move out, live with my sister and get a feel of the world before I get chucked into the deep end.

Yay, last move out day is finally here!  I can't wait to get settled in.  It means no net until cable is installed :(  so I'll have a couple weeks of web withdrawals after tomorrow (going to get my fill tonight ).  See you folks then  1dance.

Take care and see you when you get back!

Take care of yourself, Dasi! See you when you get back!

Hey, Katie, I hope and pray that you have a very mild form of MS. It ran in my husband's family. His mother had it and she was in her late 82 when she died. She was worried that she might have passed it to her children, but none of the living children or grandchildren exhibit any symptoms.

Take care, sweetie!

Dasi, darling hope you can read this message soon.  ;D

Hugs from Nonni

Thank you Nonni, just what I needed :)

I just found out the other day that my favourite half-brother's only son has Michado-Joseph disease, which is what killed my brother. It is passed along genetically to people of Portuguese heritage and it is similar to MS from what I've been told. He's been undergoing experimental treatment and so far, the progress is halted and reversing, so there is help, we hope. The worst part is, my brother had four children and they all have this time bomb hanging over their heads, unless they get gene tested to see for sure. If they test positive, the insurance companies will refuse to cover them for it because it would be a known pre-existing condition. I hate insurance companies...

Genetic diseases are no joke...

My oldest brother was healthy as any of us one moment. Then all of a sudden, just before turning ten, he started having multiple seizures every day, and soon had troubles walking and several other problems. Less than a year later, he died.
Much later, it turned out he had an extremely rare genetic disease, one both the parents has to be carrier of.

I just pray and hope that neither me nor my other big brother (or his sons or my future kids) are carriers...

One of my former english teachers had mild MS. Been a few years since I last saw him, so I think he's nearly 60 now.

What on earth is MS?

What disease was it raven?

I hop none of you are too!

Katie, MS is just an abbreviation for Multiple Sclerosis, which is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system and is often unpredictable and symptoms varying from person to person. It's a form of muscular dystrophy, since symptoms include loss of muscle function, and irreversible muscle tissue damage. Some people with MS are still able to lead productive lives, have a normal life-expectancy, and the majority of people diagnosed with MS don't become severely disabled.

Hey, the Katy Ram Challenge is an MS-150 recommended bike ride, so I have to know a little bit about the disease! :rolleyes:

MS is Multiple Sclerosis. There is literally a crap ton of info out there on the 'net for you to find. Years ago, I used to work with a woman, also called Joy, who was voluntarily taking a demotion to a position in the company with fewer responsibilities, because she had MS and it was getting in the way of her ability to do her job, which I was hired to take over.

Genetic conditions really are no joke and it's unfortunate so many insurance companies have to be so pin-headed about it.

I can't remember, and would need the paper with the name on it to even spell it (it's a long and difficult name, and even mom needs that paper). Mom told me that as far as the doctors knew, very few people in the world has ever had this disease, none lived longer than around their twenties, if that. Since it's this rare, and since both parents must be carriers (it's a reccessive disease) I'm not very concerned. But there is always a risk...

My brother also got some medications he never should have gotten, and as a result his liver failed. If this had not happened, he could have lived much longer than he did. He probably would not have grown very old, but maybe he would have lived to meet his first nephew, or maybe both. Who knows?
My oldest nephew knows he has an uncle in heaven, his only uncle, and he often asks about him.

In our living room mom has a little corner dedicated to my brother. Pictures, things he made or we made to him, fresh roses, some cute angel figures, and a candle she lights up once in a while. There is also a picture of him in the hospital bed, just after he died. When I was little, I always wondered why his skin was yellow on the picture. Now I know it was the liver failure.

It was a shock to see my grandmother's skin turn yellow when she was sick (stomach cancer). Everyone just thought she had some bad case of stomach flu or something at first. I was ironing some clothes for her when I noticed her skin had a yellow tint. She had some yellowish curtains in her bedroom, and I remember I wished so strong that the color came from them, because I knew what that yellow color might mean. About a week later or so, they figured out about the cancer. She was so sick we thought she would die right there and then. She lived for three more years (can't say the old lady wasn't tough) but I remember very well when the yellow color started to return. She passed away not long after.

Luckily, insurance companies cover me, because no one had any way of telling until very recently...

MS sounds... horrid.

Yes, Katie, MS is horrid, as is all disease. But the level of severity and quality of life differs greatly from one form to another. My mother-in-law led a very full and productive life. She was surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren until her death. She had more pain from arthritis than from MS.

The entire family suffers and continues to carry a burden of grief long after losing a child or sibling.

And then the logic of insurance companies revolves solely around the all-mighty dollar - they are in business to make money, that is their bottom line. Moral obligation has no room in that realm.

Genetic diseases... UGH. I mean, I'm okay with knowing I have one, but we're talking me nephew? No! I refuse. You know... my brother could have been a carrier of whatever I have, and then how would his children turn out?  :eek:

It makes me glad I live in Canada, where we have universal health care.

I feel sad about all the genetic diseases that make our lives ill. But I have some happy news. I finally have a gig as a lead singer in a fundraiser for the Cancer Council in Australia (http://www.cancer.org.au/Home.htm (http://www.cancer.org.au/Home.htm)) so, I can get my name out there and help cancer research too!

That is awesome news and it really touches close to home for me. I fought childhood sarcoma when I was in my early teens and my sister had a brush with breast cancer a few years ago (one of my aunts and my maternal grandmother died from breast cancer). They caught it in my sister early on, which was good. It doesn't end there, sadly. My father passed away nine and a half years ago from lung cancer less than two months after going into remission with throat and mouth cancer. Any chance I get to support cancer research here at home I take.

Good luck with your fundraiser!

Pixy that is jut amazing!!!  :D

Aloha  2hug,

Blessings to all of you dealing with health issues (MD & MS and others as well). My family has dealt with it's share of issues (mostly cancer related) so I understand the insurance run around. I don't get the government allowing the "take your money until you're actually ill and need to use your coverage" game that the insurance companies have been allowed to play for so many years.

My very best friend was born with Cerebal Palsy and is now dealing with arthritis (from the way she's had to walk & handle things all her life) at 40. I can't imagine her being made to fight with insurance companies for coverage just to survive.


Under the current health care reform now being enacted there is some immediate protection provided for people with preexisting conditions (for children only I believe and others in a high risk pool whatever that is).  I understand that after 2014 companies are barred from such exclusion...a shame that anyone has to wait that long for protection.  (btw I'm just stating facts--not opening the door for debate).


Hooray for cable internet they finally arrived today.  The cable co. actually gave me a 3 hour window (instead of the usual "we'll be there anytime between 9am-5pm") and came an hour early! Color me pleasantly surprised.

Good to be back on the air thanks to all of you for your advice & positive energy.

(Hiya Nonni! 3yay)

I'm sorry for your friend... But very glad to have you back!  ;D

Hey, DaSpecial1, there seems to be a new "Dasi" so I feel like I need to Just Call You Special!  ;D

It is a relief to see you back. I missed you. I was concerned about you trying to get ready for and then making the move.

How are you doing?

Hugs from Nonni

I feel brand new but Dasi is still good enough for me :D.

All things considered I feel pretty darn great. The good thing about health and other serious rl issues is that they make you focus on what's really important.  I have daily reminders to sit back, breathe, and just enjoy life. The baby is super active and healthy & my daily battles with nausea and other pg trials are rough, but much milder then my previous two pregnancies.  I've lost about 14 pounds since the start ( a side effect of hyperemesis) which is one reason I've been monitored so closely but the loss has slowed down and we're both doing well.

It's good to be back the folks here always make me smile. 2hug

P.S. Thanks Obrett & no worries, I believe medicare has covered her most of her life so she missed the insurance snubs.

My mother died from Metatastic breast cancer last year in Novermber and I didn't even get to say goodbye because it was hard for me.

Marco I was unable be by my mother's side when she died and couldn't attend the funeral. Keep with you the love she had for you and the love you carry.  It feels awful, but know that you are no less of a person for struggling with goodbye.  2hug

I received a letter from
The President of the United States Barack Obama.

Losing my mom going on 3 years now. I picked up the phone and yelled into it "Moma!" I can't get over it. Just walking through. Finding Sims and the Sims community online has helped a lot.

Congrats on the letter from the President.

I'm really sorry that happened to you. I never realized how much a relative with cancer effects you. My grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago, but we're pretty sure it hasn't spread and the tumor was removed.... The tumor was only 1mm away from her chest wall when it was removed, and she only found the tumor because she picked up something heavy one day. To think what could have happened if she didn't... It's a scary thought

Wow, it seems like everyone here knows somebody who is or has ben deathl ill, and I hope everyone gets well soon, and I'm sorry for all the losses.

Hi everyone just checking in with the sims crew :D.

I haven't been on much due to health issues, baby is ok though.  The severe nausea caused dehydration, weight loss and began to make my heart beat irregular (who knew that could happen?) like racing suddenly or skipping beats.  It had began to affect the baby, i.e. slower growth, due to low food intake & I've been overwhelmed at times by fatigue etc., but still taking it all one day at a time. I'm slowly trying to improve daily. I have awesome doctors though who are on top of everything which helps immensely.

I wish my computer was setup 1titter I can't move the huge desktop and hubby hasn't put it up for me yet.  I'm on bed rest and all my sims games thru M & G are on there waiting for my to get to them.  Since I have a little time on my hands I'm going to try and convince him to set it up so I can start creating stuff again.

Anyhoo hope all of you are fine and healthy. Ciao! 3yay

Dasi, I am so relieved to hear from you. I think I am going to cry.

In fact, I am losing it.

Love you, Nonni

Shame on you, DaSi, for putting your health before your addiction to the Sims. I am ever so disappointed. :P

Jenna, I thoroughly enjoy your input :)

Dasi, I really hope you feel better  ;)

I really hope so as well

Aww thanks Nonni I miss you too. My hubby (not an online person) doesn't have yahoo or most any im programs on his comp & he's kind of like in the dark ages when it comes to adapting to change lol so we can't chat until mine is setup 1titter.

Ty Obrett and Rock for the kind wishes 2hug.


*hangs head in shame 2blush* Ya know that's probably the reason for all this nausea & junk I'm going through--severe sims withdrawals.  I'll get that comp up asap (salutes Empress) ;D.

Well, we are now moved away from the flood-prone hell hole that we'd been in for near to six years and into a smaller house, but at least it's dry and well-insulated! Sadly, my Suzie cat passed away about a week before we made the move. I don't know what got her, but it took a week of her going slowly downhill to bring the end. I nursed her through it all, feeding and watering her with a vet syringe, and medicated her, but all for nothing. The day before she died, she had so much energy and was looking so much better, but then the morning came and she could barely raise her head. I held her most of the day, knowing that she wasn't going to make it through another day. I gave her water to drink and just let her know that she was loved, and she slipped away in my arms. That was last month and I still miss her like all hell...

Paden, you have my condolences. I still cry over my best friend, Prissy (toy manchester), and she died, gosh, over 40 years ago. I'm counting on seeing her in heaven.  2flower

Dasi, just take care of yourself. When is baby due, again?  1glomp

Glad you were able to make to move, aww rip Suzie.  I fell worlds better now that we left the tiny problematic house we lived in for the past four years into this lovely one. I still miss my Misty (first cat) aftersome twenty years now--I think she'll always be in my heart.

 2hug to you Paden




Edited: cause I just read Nonni's message ;)

September 28 is the working date but delivery has fluctuated from August to early September.  I can't risk labor so it was scheduled for August when things were going better (actually by coincidence they set the early delivery date on my mom's birthday originally which made me cry) but since the weight loss and baby health concerns they want as much in utero-growth as possible.  

Funny they actually apologized for not being able to allow me to go into labor... yea ok sure I was really looking forward to labor it's every woman's dream isn't it? 1eyebrow  :D.   Looking at mid-September delivery now I think.

Thanks for the Update, Dasi. I really, really appreciate it.
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Hello, Insim! And a special hello to Nonni, Dasi, and Jenna! I have missed you ladies!

As you've probably noticed, (or maybe not, ha!), I haven't been on here in ages. RL has been getting in the way of my Sims time, unfortunately. Anyway, I finally have some time to spare, so I thought I would give you guys an update on my crazy life.

First of all, I finally finished that silly thing called college, however, I'm going back for more. I just can't seem to stay away from it! I'm only going for another semester, to become an Emergency Medical Technician. I had a big job interview at a local Fire Dept, and they are interested in hiring me. Which is great news, of course, but I'm also enlisting in the Army National Guard. Currently, I'm just trying to juggle all of these things, (and my current job, as a Caregiver to an elderly woman, and my side job as Freelance Photographer), and I may have to give up on one of them, and it will probably be the job opportunity. Although, if they are genuinely interested in hiring me, there's always a chance they'll still be interested once I finish Basic Training.

Basically, the military is currently my first priority. I have wanted to enlist since I was 16. When I was 17, I actually started the process, but couldn't finish, (I ended up getting sick and had to have emergency surgery. I managed to lose ten pounds, putting me UNDER the minimum weight to enlist). Now, things are looking good - I'm almost done with the entire enlistment process, (it's not as quick and easy as it seems).

So, if all goes well, I will be able to sign my papers/swear in on September 3! The main concern right now, is that I'm still a bit underweight. We always hear stories about people having the opposite problem, but being underweight is just as bad! Some people seem to think it's a blessing, but it's not. I just *love* having random people stop me, and ask if I have an eating disorder.  :rolleyes:

Anyway, that pretty much sums up my "Important Life Events" at the moment. School, more school, work, military... I guess I've been pretty busy!  :p

P.S. The Sims is way better than real life!  ;)


 2hug to all of you!

So good to hear from you Aralie, I've missed you!!  Take care and I hope to chat with you soon :D.

News from me: My uncle, my dad, my cousins(Bree & Connor) should  - for some reason or another - all be dead right now, but we're not... It's like an annual thing for my family that someone or two/three someones to come very close to death.

Last year my dad almost died trying to save my uncle from dying of electrocution up in a tree... This year, me and my cousin were on my dads boat, a rope from our tube flew up and burned her butt so she jumped (if she hadn't we both would have died!) and then it wrapped around my stomach and ripped it up while pulling me out of the boat and into the water. Then it burnt my arm and leg... and I was holding my phone out of the water because I was the only one with a phone and If I had like, lost a leg... well, you get it.... XD  But my uncle turned around in time to stop my younger cousin Connor from jumping out after me, and told my dad I wasn't in the boat and I turned out okay... Except for nasty looking bruises and burns.

Just thought you might like to know  ;)

Wow! Nothing exciting happening here. Just "treading water".

Dasi is waiting on the "Big Event".

Aralie's life is full of exciting possiblities (super to hear from you, my friend!).

OBretter, oh, my goodness! *alarm* you have a danger filled life. Reminds me of a James Bond thriller.

I just love, love, love it that you guys touched base. Thanks and
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all 'round! Nonni

Hehe, well It could have been much worse, so we'll stick with ALMOST dying, rather than dying. ;)

:D

Does it count that I have the dishes done and the house is almost totally sorted out at long last? :D

Space Case! *jumps on you*

...it's been far too long since I've seen you around here, girly. Don't make me tie your ass down to keep you from leaving again. Got that? Hmm? Hmm?

Oh, and furball...you can go clean out my basement if you're still looking for something to do. It's a royal mess, and...the last few people I sent down there haven't returned yet. Best of luck!

Oh, no, that's how you offed the Pookins, so I ain't up for it. In the words of Kerr Avon, "I'm not stupid, I'm not expendable, and I'm not going."

Eeee! I have been put on a short list with two other people for an awesome job! I go in on Friday morning to convince them I am the One to Hire!

*giddy*

Joy, congrats! That's awesome news. Best of luck to you! :)

Thank you, Hammie!

More big news! I am a proud great-aunt as of 4:00 this afternoon. My niece gave birth to a healthy 7.5 lb baby girl.

That is so cool! Congratulations!  ;D

Thank you! :) We're both too young for the titles of "mom" or "great-aunt", but, for me, it's one more child to be Cool Aunt Joy to (and to happily spoil).

 :D That's always fun.

Well I became an aunt at the age of 10 1/2, and my friend Chris became an uncle at 9 so I wont talk about ages! Ahaha!

Hehe. Give her a cuddle from me Joy. XP

At the moment, I have about a 80% chance of becoming an aunt. My sister is trying with her boyfriend of almost a year.

Congrats Joy! Nice healthy birth weight too :D.

No worries about titles though I've been an aunt since 8 months old. My niece and I used to argue (can't remember what age that started) because she refused to respect her elders (me of course, 1titter) or call me auntie.

Thanks, everyone. Dasi, I've been an aunt for years, but this is a first time for great-aunt. But it makes my mother a great-grandma! LOL.

Eight months really? AHHAHHAH! That's wonderful. XD

Two weeks of band camp are gone. We now have the entire opener for this year's show on the field, which is almost half of the show! Oh, and I got my schedule for the school year, and apparently, I don't have an English class. :confused: Instead, I have two band periods, 3rd and 4th period. But the funny thing is, when I went to try and get my schedule fixed, one of the principals asked me what needed to be changed on my schedule, and when I told her, she took one look at my schedule, and said, "Well, what do you need English for, Mr. [insert last name here]? Your father's the band director, and I'm sure he'd rather you have jazz band than English!" And this was an old lady prinicpal I was talking to! 2laugh

Hey everyone! Sorry I've been so absent, it's been a difficult time.
My father passed away this past weekend, after years of being ill, and our whole family is reeling. Please send prayers and good thoughts our way as we try and get through this rough time. Thanks  :'(

simneesee, I can't possibly adequately express my sympathy for your loss. *hugs* One of the hardest things you can do is watch your beloved father suffer through a long illness. I know hard it is. Many of us here do, I'm sure. You and your family will be in my thoughts and please know we are here for you. 

 2hug My heart goes out to you simneesee, it is so hard to lose a parent.  As Joy said many of us know how rough it is & continue to struggle with that loss.  Take care and know that you are in our thoughts.

Oh man! Loosing a parent is really though! I really hope everything is okay with you. Stay strong simneese.

Blimey. My heart goes out to you simneese.

And my sister hates me. Yup, she finally admitted that she thinks I'm a freak and I should be locked up and that she's homophobic.
But we also think she has bipolar.
And I'm off to the doctors on monday to see if I have anxiety and if I need medication or anything for it.

Just came from the doctors on Friday.  It was an ob checkup with an hour of testing monitoring of baby, who did just great , he or she is very active :).  I had developed chest congestion the night before and felt flu-ish. Turns out I have bronchitis. I'm concerned because they will be taking the baby in about two or three weeks and things were going well for the baby finally.

The bad part is that Friday was a holiday so the pharmacy was closed.  I probably would have gotten a lot of relief after the first 24 hours of antibiotics. But I have to wait to Monday *sighs*.

I've been using steam treatments in the meantime. That really clears up a lot of the heavy congestion that makes my chest hurt nights and mornings. Chamomile tea, hot liquids, and soup (I can't really swallow right now) are what I've been using.  They've helped somewhat but I just feel so darn achy & awful. Just now I tried hot water with honey and lemon so I'm hoping that will ease the pain some.  Is salt water or Listerine overkill?

I'm just trying to deal until I pick up the antibiotics tomorrow. Last time I had bronchitis it progressed to pneumonia so I worry about the baby :(.  It will be a c-section so I need to be healthy to avoid more complications.  Send some healthy energy this way, I sure could use it.

Every ounce of  my health is coming your way! I do hope nothing goes wrong with the baby!

Aw thank you Katie hang on to a few ounces for yourself too ;). I'm looking forward to the antibiotics kicking in so I'm telling myself the awful icky feeling will be gone in a day or two.  The warm thoughts you sent have given them a head start.

The baby must be in training for the Olympics or something in there though.  Seems to stay awake twirling, running, and flipping nearly all night and half of the day :D. 

Sounds like you've got a little gymnast! ahah!  ;D

Lots of good thoughts and lots of hugs to you and your family, Simneesee. Losing loved ones isn't easy. I've been through that more than enough myself, so I know how much it hurts...

And I really hope everything turns out well, DaSi, both with you and the little one. Lots and lots of luck, and best wishes to both of you ;D

My youngest newphew (6 mnd) is a future gymnast, too, I think. He loves to bend backwards, especially while someone bottle feed him. Wants to see what is behind him or something. He bends and turns all the time. And when he is not, he lies entirely stretched out (both legs and arms). If we hold his hands, he also stretches out in an upright position, and either stands jumping up and down, or walks up the chest of whoever sits with him. He does "flying lessons" on the floor, too (balancing on his belly, arms and legs up) - so it's not long before he starts crawling (if he hasn't already). If we carry him around, he turns his head all the time. I think he's curious on everything around him. And he has already started to turn around if a nice car drives by, so I think he'll share the car enthusiasm with his older brother and their dad (my bro)  ;D

You've either got a gymnast or a world class soccer player in waiting. I remember both of my kids would do barrel rolls and we'd sit there identifying the body parts that were outlined against the skin of my tummy. Whoops, there's a hand, no it's a foot, OH NO!! You've been MOONED! Yeah, it was like that most of my waking hours... :D

First day of senior year was today. And here's to a great last year in school. 3beer

School for me starts pretty soon. I hope today was fun for you soul!

That sounds like fun Paden. I bet it got a little annoying after a while though.  ;D
You started today soul? I still got a couple weeks before I have to head off. Junior year! Here I... nevermind. I'm not ready. Summer can last a bit longer.  :p
2 Weeks.

Heh. I can't wait till my holidays start XD I think they only last for two weeks before I'm back again for another term.

And I went to the doctors and found out that I have social anxiety and I'm going back again on Friday for an assessment by myself then I'm off to counselling for some therapy that starts with C and that I can't remember what it is.
Turns out my sister has Borderline-Personality Disorder, which is what we think my nan has as well.
So my families got it good. My dad has ADHD and depression, my brother has asbergus, I have social anxiety, my aunt had anxiety and depression, my other aunt has bipolar and my nan and sister have borderline personality disorder XD

On a not bad note, I'm sick :( I have been for the last week

Nice to know it isn't just me :D.   It's very much a blessing though, even though like Carl suggested it can get a bit annoying ( & painful) at times.  I just found out I lost almost eight pounds just since last week due to the bronchitis and not really being able to eat much more then broth.  After being monitored closely the doctors even had to laugh at the amount of activity with the baby. They let me know that basically all that activity means the suffering was all mine and baby is doing just peachy.

Hooray! Only two weeks left until delivery!  3yay My girls & the hubby can't wait. Going to spend these last weeks decorating the nursery...I gave up on boy or girl decor due to not knowing and am going with Pooh bear & friends.

Unbelievably I still don't know what sex it is.  I had a brief sonogram and just when the Doc went to look the little one put its leg and foot out across completely covering the private parts as if to say "hey can a baby have a little privacy in here?"   Try as she might the Doctor couldn't get the baby to change positions *sigh*...my first two did the same thing.

Thanks for all of your prayers, kind wishes, and support.

Don't feel bad, Dasi, both of my kids mooned the docs when they did the ultra sound. They'd try to see what the kids had for gender and I swear, both of them turned and pushed their little butts upwards! Then again, these are my kids so what else can you expect in the way of attitudes towards those that are snooping into what they don't wanna share. :D

Moonings, and camera shy, funny stuff, I miss those cute days.  Prayers and best wishes to you Daspecial1 on your delivery day.  And warm fuzzy slipper feelings to all mothers who love the title as much as they should.  As for fathers -remember this is just one persons minor opinion- just be grateful we let you near them at all.

2laugh @ Happy's message to fathers. I just wish they could share in the labor >:D. 

Paden, my first two did the same thing also!  You know I thought at the time that they were doing it on purpose now you just confirmed it.  They always turned their backs or crossed their legs at just the right time--like the doctors had some nerve trying to see.  But mooning, ha that's a good one! That will teach people not to invade their privacy.

I have one more sonogram coming up this week so here's to hoping I get to know ahead of time.

You know, I saw a test where they let the man go through something around the same as a woman in labor... Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdA1VV2mOQc)  ;D

I saw the same test (with different people) another place too, but there was a whole lot of swearing, so I thought it best not to post it here :rolleyes:

2laugh Thanks I needed that.  All I can say is 2 weeks 36 hours.  I was fully effaced (moms will get this) at the end of two weeks so yes it was actual labor,  but still was made to try 36 more hours before they decided to do a c-section.  Never had another pain that compares to it.  Wonder how many other men would agree to test that?

Alas I've never heard of gas being used here in the US only epidurals. Nice to have other options.

As far as I know, they use mostly gas and other reliefs (like bath tub) here where I live, and try to avoid epidural.

I've never given birth myself, but that time will probably come some day... In the mean time, I'm just enjoying the single-life.
I know that mom had the hardest time with my oldest brother (he who died at 10), and second hardest with me, but my other brother was halfway out before she even got into the birthing chair. Impatient since the day he was born, that one  ;D

My aunt (or something like that...) had done artificial insimination with both of her children, and had had to have an epidural with the first. About a month before her second child was born she said "this one's coming out on his own!" and she was very right- he was born on his due date (which was the 4th of July!) ahaha.

Raven, that sounds very interesting haha!  :D

Epidurals are evil. If they get the needle in the wrong position, they can paralyze you. Sorry, don't like anyone messing with my back and it freaked me out both times when they did them with my kids, because they were both c-sections. Water broke with both labours, but due to a pelvic injury inflicted when I was a teen, I don't dilate. I don't get along with pain meds in my IV's, either, threw up on the nurses that slipped them in... That will teach them not to believe me when I tell them I'm intolerant to the things...

Eeehh.. So glad I'm never having children.

My shoulder is so sore. I got my third Hep B vac and it hurt so bad I cried! And I don't cry easily XD
So now I can't lift my shoulder and even the brush of fabric against it hurts. :P

Yikes Paden.....  that sounds awful!

Haha though I do remember vomiting on my doctor when he shived his stupid tongue depresser down my throat....  >:D

I feel the need to add that because of  my (the above mentioned) doctor, I haven't recieved any shots n five years, and I have had blood drawn once when I had swine flu. Other than that I haven't been to a doctor since I was five (which was when I got three shots in one leg, only to later find out about my allergy to bees- since one stung the back of my knee on that leg).

Aww Glamily that sounds bad! I do hope you feel better!

Yeah, never having children either. I live vicariously through my niece and nephews. Besides, after having seen all three of them born, I don't ever want to experience that myself. Ever.

...how they consider watching an event akin to an alien bursting out of someone's chest beautiful, I don't know. *cringes*

2laugh I'm a mom and yep I would say the preg/birth experience as a whole I might consider beautiful but the actual visual of the birth--not so much.

I'm looking forward to seeing the little one but thinking/ visualizing the actual birth still terrifies me (yes even after two other children), especially since I know it has to be a c-section, and I've lived through one incorrectly placed epidural already  That's a horrific story for another time...

As it draws now to the last two weeks I'm just focusing on the joyous after part and tapping into the spouse's and kids eager anticipation to calm the nerves.


P.S. Glamily I hope that feels better soon.  Have you tried warm moist heat on it?  It may help some.

Yeah.. I've tried that and it hasn't helped :P
My dad poked my arm and now its sore again.
Ah well, And you guys can call me by my name XD It's Steph, I used to be the Mad Hatter

Oh goodness, I didn't even know it was you Steph!

Hehe. Yeah, I got a new obsession so I changed it XD

Just finished (mostly) decorating my baby's room (yes the real life one  1titter), the girls want to surprise me with touch ups for when I get home. 

My hubby had a time with the wall appliques 2laugh all the little leaves kept sticking to each other and him.  I wish I had video taped it.  It came out lovely though, visitors thought we'd had it painted.

Went with Pooh Bear since I have no clue what sex baby is.  Baby borrowed a page from Paden's story and mooned the sonogram tech at my last visit this week, so surprise it is.  My bassinet came this week I can't wait to see it up.    Had to get one since the furniture was delayed and won't get here for a few weeks.

What can I say, my kids like to influence others...

Bumped to say that today I got to watch my cat, Sally, give birth to three healthy kittens. Two are marked like their mama and she is a brown tabby. The third one is an orange tabby, like their older half-brother Sherbert. There would have been four but the first born was breach and stillborn. I think that one would have been black. I named it Snookie because I don't think any pet should be buried without a name. While I'm sad that Snookie didn't make it, I am very happy that the mother and surviving kittens are doing fantastic.

Aw. Poor Snookie. And I love that name.. Snookie XD
Pretty sure most of you have gathered I'm gonna be an aunt from my sister yeah?
Well my foster brother's girlfriend is having his second child. XD
Meeting her on Saturday.
My counselling is going pretty well. Dealing with issues one at a time. At the moment its my fear of the dark :P

And I miss you guys.. I'm not on here very much any more am I?
I had to uninstall my games and I've been busy with school and everything.. but I do miss you all!
And now I sound soppy XD

Hello everyone :). Happy to say I had a beautiful baby girl (6 lbs 4 oz) and am now at long last back home. I had an excellent surgical team so I had none of the issues that I faced before. Thank you to all of you for your well wishes. 

It feels so good to be home again 3yay.

Yay! Congrats, Dasi, on the birth of your beautiful baby girl! Welcome back!

Wow! Congrats!  :D

Congratulations Dasi!
Hope you and your precious little girls are all fine and happy.

Congrats Dasi! Does she have that "new baby smell" to her? ;)

 2hug Thanks :D. My girls are overjoyed my only problem is they never want her to sleep, whereas we all know baby & mom need a rest sometimes.  The older ones are loving this whole experience so much--it's very uplifting.  Now husbands can be a bit much for your nerves pre/post childbirth :rolleyes: unless you happen to have a perfect one *sighs* ...however my girls keep me smiling.

Yes soul 1titter she totally does and I'm inhaling every minute of it.

Haha. The reason I asked that was one of my friends, when her brother was born, she commented that he had that "new baby smell". :P

On more recent news, my ACT scores came back today. 29 out of 36. Not bad at all. :)

Oh, I just lost my identity card last month in the Airport. Still ain't got a new one  :-\

My Grandson Jaden started pre-school.  3yay  I'm a proud grandma!  1:D

Was on my first job interview ever today... Really hope it went well enough...

Today my son started his evaluation to see how severe his autism is. He met the school nurses, the principals and the person that will be tailoring his learning program. We're going to start transitioning him into school slowly and then he'll be going all day. I'm excited for him and he seems to be really jazzed about it, too. He was very social with all of them and joined into our world for a long time today, which is awesome! Yeah, I'm a happy woman tonight! My baby gets to go to school!

So many awesome things to celebrate although losing your ID card is not one of them ;).  I waited once for a month after losing mine to replace it and the day I went and got another I returned home to find my old one waiting in the mailbox--the person who found it had returned it to me...hope someone does the same for you ( but sooner of course 1titter).

Congrats on the scores Soul & lots of luck to you with those interview results Raven.

Aww Hawn that is so sweet, does he live near you or back here?

That is wonderful news Paden. I know you must be proud 3yay congrats and I wish much success to you and your son.

Btw, how is Rosalia Senko?  I've been meaning to ask that for a while :D.

2hug to all of my InSim family for the strength they've shown in dealing with life's challenges each year & the support they show to each other each daily.

All this wonderful, warm news:

DaSpecial1

hawnsimmer

Paden

My heart is singing.

I think I will be getting stronger soon. It will be nice to participate more in the Simming Community.  3yay

Here's more good news for ya, Nonni! My boy met his teacher today and already they have an excellent rapport. We're going to start integrating him into the school setting slowly and we hope that by his birthday in November, he will be going to his classes for the full day. We'll start out with half an hour, move to an hour, then two and cycle up from there until it's a full day. I'm so happy for him!

On Monday he will be meeting his speech therapy teacher when she comes over to the house to meet him. I cannot believe the outpouring of support and help from the school district that we are getting! We've been going this alone for almost seven years now and all of a sudden, we find out we're not alone and there are actually people willing and more importantly, WANTING, to help us and our son.

Wednesday was pretty awesome because after he met all of those people, he spent the entire day in our world. That's not something that's ever happened before and we adored it, it was so nice to have him participating and responding to us. Not to mention reaching out to us... Yeah, I'm a happy woman again tonight. ;D

In my own way, Paden, I understand. As you may remember, my nephew is autistic, which is complicated by hearing difficulties. It was a struggle in the beginning and it still can be, but school has been the best thing for him, ever. The moments when his world meets ours happen a lot more frequently. Of course, the people around him (his teacher, et al) have a big role in this change in him. He still struggles with vocalizing, because of his impaired hearing, but he's so enthusiastic and happy. He'll voluntarily approach people to talk to them. It's just wonderful.

I'm so happy for you, Paden. :)

I'm a bit late, but congrats (or should I say condolences?) on the birth of your sprog, DaSi!

Congrats with the little one, DaSi 2hug

And I'm really happy for you and your son, Paden!  :D

Thanks raven, Nonni and Jenna :D.

2laugh  I think it is maybe condolences for my simmes who will most likely get neglected while I tend to the little princess.  Hmm...nope it's all joy --I'll always find a few moments for sims ;).

Dasi, I'm a bit late here, but congrats on the birth of a lovely and healthy baby girl. May you share much joy and laughter and love your whole lives through!

Paden

I know the relief you are talking about when you find out you are not alone with the burdens you carry. I am so delighted with your updates on your son. I really love to hear about his progress. Still, do share when you feel able for good or sad news.


Awww! Oh, well that is a price I am willing to pay to have you and your new princess safely with us. Hugs to you my precious friend.

I just got my ID card back yesterday.  3yay

 3yay Zooey!

Let's see here: 

My little sister has decided to start Graduate school in the Spring, and is trying to goad me into finishing up grad school as well. I got burnt out after my first year, and never went back. Maybe it's time. Hah.

More power to ya, Jenna. School of any kind is really hard to NOT get burnt out on. I hate college!

Today, my son went to the school for a bit over an hour, in keeping with integrating him in slowly and surely. He did great! No meltdowns and he's starting to open up and learn a few things. He cried when it was time to leave; he adores his teacher and she really impresses me with how patient and caring she is with him.

That's great, Paden. It is always nice to see a teacher that is in the business of education for more than just the paycheck. I sure hope that when the time comes for my little ones to go to school, I am met with kind, caring teachers with a passion to shape young minds. But since I am now living with my mother in one of the nicer estate communities in my town, we are literally just around the block from a BEAUTIFUL school. I can't wait for my son to attend.

On another note, I now have a job as an Avon rep. Its comission only, so i have been workin hard to get clients. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Hopefully they don't get stuck with ****'s like my kindergarten teacher. She was JUST PLAIN SCARY.

On another note, I have a second nephew now, who does NOT have DMD, thank the gods. His name is Elijah :)

Awesome, Katie! Thing is, they skipped him to first grade because he'll be seven next month. It's still wonderful to hear them tell us that we did the best thing for him and that we still are. After so many years of family and FORMER friends saying that we were wrong and ruining his life, it's sweet music to hear what experts think of how we've done with him.

Congrats, Paden! You truly are blessed :)

I'm so happy for you and your son :)

Struggles and triumphs. Being confined to home has really limited my social interaction. That is why I love Skype. This little forum has really expanded my life with the sharing and caring we have here. Thanks, guys!

I don't know whether or not this counts as an important event but it was a wonderful moment for me.

I'm like a second mother to my niece. I'm the kind who constantly fusses over everything lol.

Well, today the kid was being more of a terror than ever before. I got caught up in watching her 'The Princess and the Frog.' She kept screaming and fussing until I let her sit on the couch with me. I was so angry at her for acting like a monster and she grabbed my hand and said 'I, big girl. When I adult like Aunt Fate, I be just like her!'

I almost started to cry and then she says, 'Aunt Fate is my best friend. You my buddy!'

All that fussing and lecturing for the past two and half years has been worth it, just to hear her say that! :)

Congrats on the new baby dasi! She'll grow up before you know it.  :p

It's nice to hear every thing's going awesomely, paden. I wish we had more teachers like that. I had a teacher like that for second grade, and she really influenced me in every possible positive way.

Avon! My mom used to do that sort of thing. It's definitely hard to do all the networking needed for it. Good luck! :D

The internet's an amazing thing isn't it Nonni?

heh heh. You let little kids boss you around, fate. Don't worry, I'm guilty of that too. I must have "Ask me anything" stamped on my forehead.

I'm finally finding my rhythm in school again, I'm starting to get more free time, and my art hobby thanks me for it.

Thanks, Carlwashere, I am happy to hear you have gotten your schedule in sync so that you have more time.

Some folks may not call this an important life event but I have finally finished and packaged a CAS screen. Anybody want to volunteer to test it?
(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Images/AssemblyAns.jpg)
(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Images/AssemblyFns.jpg)

I will put it up in the proper place.

Thanks Carl, I'm loving every minute of it.

Congrats Senko, I'm actually talking with a rep about signing up again when I get a little better. I'm having a few health challenges to address first.

We had a successful Avon business a few years back before I got ill, so I can't wait.  Most of it can be handled by the web now so it's not a heavily reliant on who you know anymore.  Back in '00 most of my customers were strangers that I recruited via fliers/fundraiser campaigns so that door-to-door/have-to-know-people-to-make-money aspect really changed ages ago. I wish you the best.

I'll test it Nonni 3yay!

I will PM the CAS screen to you. Thanks!

Ooh, I can't wait, Nonni! I've always wanted to get another CAS screen. Never found one I liked until now :) I hope it tests well in-game!

Dasi, I didn't see your message until just now.
Try this link (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,111277.0.html).

I got an A (it's 10 here in Moldavia, as our grades are numbers) at Maths today at college!  3yay

Had a friend of mine visiting (and sleeping over). Assisted her on some photographing yesterday, and was her (unfortunate?) model today.

I have to say I can't stand girly torture (high-heeled shoes, fixing up eyebrows, makeup, that sort of things), and yet there I was, wearing mascara for the first time in my life (not kidding!), lipstick, even more makeup, getting my (normally quite bushy) eyebrows trimmed (for the first time in my life), fancy hair, and wearing a shirt I'd never wear in public any other time - in front of a camera. Outside, in something that felt like a full storm after about two minutes out in it.

She's a very good friend of mine, need I say that? I strongly doubt I'd let any other person in the universe do this. And she's the only one who manages to make me relax in front of a camera. I have no clue how she does that... But the pictures did turn out really nice. She has quite a lot of hidden talents, that one... Closet stylist/hairdresser/makeup-artist, pro-photographer-to-be, all in one.

Not so much important life events as first-time life events, though.

Wow, Zooey, Huge Congrats!

Theraven, are you going to share pics? hee-hee Don't be shy.

Thanks, Nonni.
And, lol, Theraven... That's all I can say.

Tomorrow is the big day: my son goes to school for the whole day. I hope to God the teacher is ready for this... I know I am! :D

Please bring us report on his day. All my best to your son and his teacher.

Hey, my brother has come to see me from the other end of the continent. We are having a blast. He gives the most wonderful hugs. No "air" hugs or kisses from him!  3yay

So far, so good. I put him on the bus about forty-five minutes ago and he was happy as a lark. I hope it continues on like this for the rest of the day for him. Yeah, I kind of miss him, like LOTS!!, but I know school is something he needs. *sigh* The house feels so damn empty, even if there are five cats running around it...

Wow, he rode the bus!?!  That's a good start. So, as long as there are no calls from the school, no news is good news.

Still having a great time with my brother.

No calls from the school and a happy note in his back pack telling me that he had a great day and did much better than expected. No tantrums, he wasn't scared of the others in his class and he didn't pick on any of them (which I thought he might because he isn't used to kids his own age at all, being rather scared of them in fact). The only problem was that he didn't like anything they had for lunch, so didn't eat any. I made up for that with a snack.

He then curled up on the chaise in front of the musical CATS and fell asleep about halfway through. Poor little guy was all tuckered out, not to mention sore from having his school booster shots the day before. His are is still a bit warm and red today, but nothing that time won't heal. He gets to skip today because the teacher he works with will be gone and she doesn't want him flipping out without her. Last night when he woke up, he was so affectionate and quiet... I could get used to this!! :D

Aww....

Rats! I got something in my eye.

*sniff*

He's mad at me right now, he WANTS to go to school today so bad he can taste it! He's fully dressed and wants his shoes on, and he keeps playing with his school bus and saying, "Go now, please?!" Gonna have to write his teacher a note about that one...

Well, that's a good sign. I'm glad he had a great day and enjoys going to school. Let's hope it lasts. 

Good to hear he loves school, Paden :)

---------

Two days ago, it was exactly 18 years since my brother died. And I miss him, so much.

Nine and a half years old, and with a whole life in front of him. Then he got sick, so sick the doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong until years after it was too late to do anything at all. Less than one year later, I stand together with the rest of my family, watching everyone put roses down on the coffin, knowing I'll never see him again.

It's weird how life just keeps going even if he's not with us any longer. I wonder how he had been like if he was still alive. How would our lives have been if he was still alive? One thing is for sure - nothing would have been the same. Not even me.

I guess he lives on, sort of, in my story. There is a lot of my brother in Aidan. I didn't realize it before now, but even their names are quite similar. Maybe that's why I love that name. I guess my brother just keeps on shining through even when I don't realize it...

I was 16 when I lost my 15 year old brother. I kept setting his place at the table.

But his twin is with me and we are packing every precious moment with lots of laughs and hugs.

My sister had a twin when she was in the womb. But mum miscarried her brother and managed to keep her.

Also, she's about 14, 15 weeks along now. I'm not very baby happy, can't really stand them. But I'm happy for her.
She's so much happier now. All she's ever wanted is to be a mum and a wife, and now she's getting there and she's so happy with life.

I'm also now taking new medication for my anxiety. I'm mainly trying herbal things first, I'm on St Johns Wort and some vitamins which seem to be helping.

Glamily, I, also, am trying to move towards more natural methods to help anxiety.

But I found doing "cold turkey" can be very unpleasant.  ;)

God bless you Raven, do you know how long it took me to get my makeup just the way I liked it today, and POW I read your post and now I look like a beauty queen runner up lol.  Our angels are all around us, corny and ridiculous maybe, but in the end I DO believe we all meet again.  Until next time....

I am at a point in life where everything is new. I am starting over, so why do I feel so sad and lost?
Brandon is going to be served with the divorce papers very soon (tomorrow most likely) and as much as I hate his guts, I can't help but think of all the good memories we had (even though a whole lot of bad memories went with it), and I can't help but feel so afraid at how bad things can possibly get. I don't know how to feel better.

Has anyone else ever been here before?

Mercy me! Senko, it getting to the place where who hasn't been through divorce.

Yes, I remember the good times and try not to dwell on the bad because I am just too sick and old to spend energy on hating him. God help you 'cause it only took me 20 years to be able to force myself to turn away from negative thoughts about him.  :p

I hope everything goes ok Jamie. I really do.

According to mum, she thinks I've had depression for the last two years..

Hi guys, I'm back after like two and a half weeks.

I had health issues and they seem to be resolved now.

I also wanted to let everyone know I'm archiving my website and no longer creating CC (maybe I'll write stories still, not completely sure yet).

I wanted to let everyone know how moved I was by all the PMs to my website and my account here and my GB signings. I do appreciate each and every one of them. They meant a lot to me :)

I also wanted to share with everyone here, that I'm no longer delaying the process and letting every little thing get in my way. I'm publishing my stories :)

Good for you!  3yay

Fatedicewolf, hope you will stop by now and then.

Best of luck with stories and your continued good health.

Thanks, Nonni!

Still trying to find permanent work. I totally hate college, so I am thinking of attending a trade school instead.

I'm also thinking of running an Avon fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy.
What it is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscular_dystrophy
Hopefully that works out and it isn't too terribly hard for me to do.

If it's something I can get the hang of, I might just conduct a fundraiser every few months for different causes.

I might add here as an "important life event" that World Adventures, after HOURS of pain and sweating and installing and uninstalling, updating and downdating, I finally got it working. Jesus! At least it was worth it!

That sounds pretty important!

My drama club had the (students welcomed free) dress rehearsal Thursday, and the first showing yesterday of "Rogers and Hammerstiens Cinderella" and we did great. In three hours I'm going for stage crew tonight, and tomorrow we do the matinee.

We had a drama club dinner at a nearby pizza place last night, and there's a party tonight. We we're there until 1am last night, gonna be 1 or 2am tonight. That's kinda bad for a group of 25 teenagers, most of which are 14-16, two of which are 17. Isn't it? Lolz.

PAPER PLATE AWARDS TOOO!! They're almost like mock-grammys, but more fun. Last year we gave one out for "Loudest singer" and one for "Always the steward" (<- ah, poor Chris. He'll get it AGAIN this year. Lol.)

Rogers and Hammerstein did a Cinderella? Wow, I learned something today.

Speaking of Cinderella, I have a weird alternate lymeric version of Cinderella that I got the idea for when lovelygoth showed me an artist's concept of a more "dark" Cinderella. Maybe I should try to get a friend that can draw to make pictures of the story, and then someday in the future I can publish this as a creepy fairytale book.

That's a rather interesting idea.

The show last night went good. We did the paper plate awards. My friend played the moon, and a man (in the ballroom scene) so she got the man on the moon award. Once during a line flub the Fairy Godmother was supposed to say wait for thissssssssssssssssssssssssss, but the person didn't say the next line so she said thissssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss ssssssssssssssssssssssssssss, and her award ended in ssss. Haha. Lionel the Royal Steward got "deja vu" for being the steward two years in a row.
We also played twister. Thhaaaaat was normal. Lolz.

Anyways, anybody have anything more important?

Sounds like things are cooking with you, Katie. :D

SenkoTwiik, interesting concept and with the younger generation's interest in dark and creepy and goth and grunge, your stories would be a huge hit.  ;)

Tonight's show went well! Striking the stage was fun... no afterglow! :(

I just got my class rank today: 62 out of 593. Wow, I just barely missed the cut to be in the top 10% by three people! If only I did better in physics during the first semester last year. However, I'm still in the 1st quarter, which increases my chances of getting into a good college! :)

So close...arrgh! Wishing you better in the time ahead.

soulofthesea, being nearly top 10% isn't so bad, either. You did get a better result than 531 people, so *thumbs up* and good luck with your chances ;D

A few days ago I got a mail from the nursing school, saying I've got a place for the spring semester. Still not 100% sure whether or not to accept it... It's 3+ more years of school, and I'll have to move again (this time to a place closer to home - but I kind of like it a lot where I already am). And I'm still not certain this is what I want.
I could wait half a year and try to apply for the school here, but that means I have to get a job ASAP (which I've been trying to do, with little luck, for the past 3-4 months), and it's not 100% certain I'll get in then. Anyway, I still might have to get a temp job (Christmas assistant in a shop, maybe) just to earn some money. Economy isn't the best at the moment...

*sigh* The choices deciding a big part of your life are most definitely the worst ones to figure out...  :(

Theraven that's a great opportunity!

I'm going to try to get into oncology specializing on pediatrics, or something to deal with children in general when I'm older. I think that'd be fun.

Oncologist, or nursing specializing in ped. oncology? Plenty of ways to go. Radiologist specializing in radiation therapy, even. Lots of things to specialize in, too.

I'm thinking something pediatric too. Midwife or Nicu/special care, maybe. Not entirely sure yet. I'm a lot more comfortable around babies than older kids, so if I do head for a nursing career, I think I'll end up working with either babies or adults.

I'd want to be a pediatric nurse, or oncology-related-something. :)

I've got three exams next week and a meeting with the school counsellor.
I've seen more counsellors and doctors in the last 6 months then I have in my whole life.

I've accepted the school place at the nursing school, so I'll be moving out at the end of the month.

I just came home from a 4 hour bus ride (that was only the return trip...). Been looking for an apartment all day, and I think found a really great place.

It's so nice when everything looks OK when you're on a house viewing. I really liked the first place I visited, except for a few minor things, but when I saw the next place, I fell in love instantly. Warm and homely, big(ger) bedroom and even the exact same couch we had for several years in our own living room  ;D. Only bug is that we'll be 6 people sharing one floor. But it's quite a lot bigger than where I currently live (together with 3 others), and there are two bathrooms (three if needed, actually). And from the living room I can look down at the school/hospital where I'll be studying. Barely a 10-15 min walk, and that's a big plus. Have to fix the contract and such, and pack/move - but it's good to know that things will be in order when I'm moving.


I love it when things work out fine  3yay

So delighted with the news. Big step but sounds like you are heading in the right direction to reach your goals.

(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Images/Emoticons/LoveItGreatJob/CongratSmiley-LMG2.gif)

I came second in a poetry competition. It was for 15-17 year olds in the whole state that I live in and I came second! And I won $150.

Wow, grats! That's a major honor :)

Congrats, Glamily! Major Kudos to you.

Thanks guys.

On a sad note though, my friend died at about 2am AEST this morning..
We started talking about three years ago, met in the Harry Potter fandom and just started talking and never stopped.
She was the one who got me hooked onto Sims and then later onto Adam Lambert.
She was in the hospital for cancer or something and ended up in a coma after surgery and after another surgery and something else I'm not sure of, they proclaimed her brain dead and yeah...

Ohh, Glamily, I'm so sorry! That really sucks!

My heart goes out to you and to her family.

I got accepted into college! SFA, here I come! 1jump

Hey congrats!!! That's huge news ;)

I'm so happy for you. SFA is one of the most competitive college, huge honor to be accepted :)

What wonderful news, soulofthesea!
(http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/debweb2222/Images/Emoticons/Congratulations/1-9.gif)

 2hug Glamily, my heart goes out to you.

I'm a bit late but congrats on the poetry win, & to you too Soul best of luck in college.

I've officially moved into my new house/room/apartment (whatever to call it) and met most of my roommates (we're six), and as you see I've got my priorities in order, so the computer came up first (even before the bed *blushes*)...

School starts Wednesday, and from then on it's (at least) 3 years of nursing school.

Sounds like you have excellent priorities. I am so glad you have gotten settled in and am wishing you the best in your endeavors. I even feel a bit proud that you have moved on and moved up with your life goals.

My friend Annie just got back from dialysis in Kentucky and a kidney replacement in Arizona, which I think is some kind of crazy miracle! :)

Awesome, Katie!

My niece celebrated her 3rd birthday today  ;D !

Katie, awesome news! I sincerely hope she continues to recover well.

Zooey, happy birthday to your niece! My favorite ages for kids is between 2-5. :)

Awesome for her since there are such harsh cuts in that area affecting recipients. Nice to hear a bit of good news.

Happy Birthday to your niece Zooey!

Thanks, guys.  2hug

My daughter Michelle will be having her second child on around the 7th of September. I'm so excited for her (and me!!)  and her son Jaden, who is 4 and a half. He wants a little sister :). Michelle asked him, "Where do little sisters come from?" After a minute or two of contemplation, Jaden responded. "Costco!?!"  :D

2laugh Wishing Michelle the best since last year it seemed like eons to my little one's birth in September. Now it's hard to believe she's already four months old.

It was very exciting today she was sitting up by herself (without leaning on her hands) and actually reaching to pick up toys. I'm really cherishing every moment with her. Heaven knows she'll be blazing around the house before you know it.

My best friend's little girl sang me a song today. :D
It was the first time I'd heard her sing, it was adorable. She's only almost two, and she talks with this adorable lisp, and she was like "Did you like it, Awnty Bubbas?" I almost died from her cuteness. Seriously.

The devastating 8.9 earthquake in that just occurred in Japan has triggered a tsunami that is heading for Indonesia, Taiwan, Guam, Kiribati, Australia, NZ, & Hawaii*.  I have been watching this tragic event for an hour now and it is simply heartbreaking to see.

Please keep all of those in Japan in as well as all of us in it's path in your thoughts and prayers.


*News has the waves arriving in other countries as well including Canada coastline and Chile.

 4cry 1worry 1nails 1hug 1hug 1hug 3cry
Please, please update ASAP.
Many prayers for your safety and for those in Japan and all affected areas.

Hope everything'll be ok.

This weekend, I'll go to Bucharest, to my cousin's. I can't wait to see the city, it'll be lots of fun!

There's a girl from Japan in my school's choir program (foriegn exchange) and during our last big concert (two days after the earthquake) she had a "pray for Japan" wristband on. I realized that it must be absolutly awful that she lives here where it's safe; her parents might not even be alive. Her parents and siblings are in Japan, she doesn't even know if they lived. I don't really talk to her because I never see her, but I hope she's doing okay.

My sister's best friend since kindergarten had her first baby the other day! My niece said that he would come out last sunday and he did! XD His name is Jack and he's so tiny and cute!

I found all my old info on my sim stories in progress too, so I've been feverish about that. To me, it's important.

I got my braces offff!!! <3

Even though I'm graduating on Friday, I'm offically done with high school. The only final exam I had to take was Audio Engineering, which I needed a negative score to pass for the semester. :rolleyes:

I'd say, having a baby is an important life event. :)

My youngest nephew is walking!!!  :D

It's just so weird to see him walking around now, when he was only crawling and just standing a tiny bit the last time I saw him. He says (in our language, of course) "mommy", "daddy", "auntie" and "cake" - which I think is his new favourite word, especially since he loves carrot cake. Not "granny", though. Still a bit too difficult for him I guess, but he's smart, so I'm pretty sure it's not long until he manages it (he's crazy about my mom/his gran, and I sometimes wonder if he sees her as his second mom... He sometimes says "mommy" to her, but he's probably just messing around...)

I was almost flat out laughing earlier today, when he found out all the funny things he could do with building blocks. After building some towers (he's quite good at it, for being 16 months) and tearing them down, he put a block under his chin, and walked around with it like that as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He also loves to throw them down the stairs. Then figured out it was really funny to put the blocks down into his onesie. And mom's shirt... :rolleyes: He's so funny at times - and extremely adorable :D

You've got lots to look forward to, Bubbles!

Awww yay Bubbles!!!  ;D

Hi Insim!!  I'm so happy my computer is back up and running!! I could just do back flips all day 3yay.  It's been a paperweight for months now, but I took a another whack at fixing it this past week and voila! Success at last.  On another bright side I was so frustrated at not being able to get this one running that I went to my old dinosaur computer in April (from 2001), found its issue and fixed it.  It has a whopping 36 gig hard drive 2laugh but hey it runs great.  When this one finally came back to life a few days ago I almost fainted.  It's good to be back.

Congrats Bubbles! Welcome to the land of no sleep ;D. Take in every special moment.

I can't believe my baby is eight months old already sitting up, playing,trying to crawl around, and just having general giggle fits when ever her sister juggles or plays the clown.  She has four teeth and two more coming in too.

So much good news to hear I almost glomped everyone...aw heck  1glomp
1escape*runs before Jenna comes after her*

Good to see you back, Dasi? Yeah, they grow quick, don't they? I remember when I was taking care of my goddaughter (I was Momma Two for her for years, until she was about six, then I became Auntie Joy), it felt like I would blink and she'd be needing new shoes or something. My favorite age for her was between 4 and six. Those are awesome years.

My grand-niece is turning one in the beginning of August. She was born on her due date - crazy right? She's crawling around like crazy, sprouting teeth by the pair (she hasn't just grown one tooth in a go, it's always two) and increasing her vocabulary by the second. I keep telling my niece to be careful, because Lily's becoming a little parrot and her mom has quite the potty mouth.

Oh yes those parrot years :D. That's right, Lily was born a month before mine. They are moving fast.  I'm really enjoying this one--not that I didn't enjoy my others but it all seemed so slow back then. Losing my Mom and (others) has just made me stop to savor more moments each day.

Oh does anyone garden here?  I started one on my back patio. I'm looking forward to lovely platters of home-grown veggies soon. Now I don't have to look wistfully at my sims' gardens anymore ;D.

*raises hand* I do! I don't have the space for a veggie garden, sadly, but I'll get there one day. Not only that, but if I tried to grow veggies, my hungry neighbours would steal them all. Right now, it's all flowers. My irises and lily of the valley are in bloom, my mondo grass is going to flower soon, my leatris are getting tall and, hopefully, my mont bresia will bloom this year. I really do need to get a new sedum and a silver mound to replace the ones my well-intending neighbour killed. He thought they were weeds.

I remember when I lived with my parents we had carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, peas, asparagus, zucchini, squash, beets, rutabagas, turnips  and strawberries.

We tried to grow blueberries one year but that failed. Oh and the house we had when I was little a huge cherry tree and two plum trees. I live in them when I was a kid. *longing sigh*. My neighbour had a walnut tree. Oh man! 

We had carrots. I think the biggest one reached about three, maybe four centimeters - in the length. Don't think any of them even came near a centi in the width. Kind of gave up after that...

We had a tiny patch of strawberries and a bit of blueberries, and a mirco patch of rhubarb. But other than that it was mostly flowers.

Dad has greenish fingers but isn't a genious with plants, mom is lucky enough if her cacti and green plants survives. I've got troubles even when it comes to false plants made of fabric (they go all dusty...)

Gran had green fingers in the extreme, though. A huge garden with potatoes, berries (strawberries, black currant, red currant, gooseberries and some others), rhubarb, cherries, and lots upon lots of flowers, trees and bushes. Even a swing tree (she had several at first, but cut down most of them when most of her grandchildren were old enough to not go crazy about it - the final one had to bite the grass some years ago...). A friend of her had the most amazing flowery garden ever.

My dad was the big gardener in the family.  I did most of my gardening in containers which made him laugh and tell me he'd made a mistake raising me in the city.  Now that I have health issues container gardening is my only convenient option, but really I prefer it anyway unless I have flowers. 

Vegetables are just so much easier in pots.  The pest ratios are definitely 98% less. I wish my patio was screened in--that would be even better, but it's been going very well. Keeping my green fingers crossed that it stays that way.  I haven't done this in years (like 12) or ever in a not-enclosed area so I'm testing the waters this year.

I've got eggplants, tomatoes, two or three different types of peppers, and even cabbages in my mini-garden :D. My patio is also private luckily.

I haven't been to this site in months and so glad that I stopped by. I found several messages to me. One from Nonni :) Thank you so very much for the birthday wish. I truly appreciate it.... and my little girl will be having a little girl of her own  2heart

School let out last week and so far no big melt-downs from my son about it, although there have been plenty of small ones. We're still getting summer time services set up for him so that he doesn't fall behind or regress and also looking into getting some help into the house to help keep things ticking over due to my increasing inability to keep up. Getting old and sick really, truly sucks the big lemon, I'm telling you.

His teacher calls him her miracle student because she started out with pretty low expectations of what he'd accomplish but that was because he was an unknown quantity for her. She was very pleased that she had to reset the bar at a much higher level than originally thought and he'd reached it before the last day of the school year. He got to do a great many things he'd never done before; like attend a pro-baseball game, go to a special two-day session of Camp Courageous, even things as simple and fun as sculpt things out of clay, glaze and have them fired in a professional kiln. (They turned out beautifully and look like the animals they were intended to look like.)

My daughter is still going through a messy divorce, which while I regret it happening, I can see why it's happening. Immaturity on the parts of she and her soon-to-be ex is the main cause, as well as the inability/unwillingness to compromise and forgive mistakes made. They are both in other relationships now and both expecting children with their new partners. I'm hoping that she doesn't lose this baby like the last two, but also know that was due to her medications for whatever it was she was taking them for. I've had to develop the attitude, and communicate it to her, of "if the child is meant to be, it will be." I was pleasantly surprised when she accepted that things happen for a reason, which we may not know at the present time. Yes, there was grief and disappointment, but also much less self-hatred on her part for failing to bring the child to term.

The better half of my marriage is looking for employment elsewhere after seven years working on the dairy farm; last year's accident left him with a bad feeling about the place and he wants out of there. I can't blame him at all. Working nights at more than twelve hours a shift at times becomes wearing, especially when the damn place didn't give him much recovery time after damn near being crushed by a friggin tractor. TWO DAMN DAYS were all he got and then it was back to the grind. They never reported it, they never sent him to hospital, nothing. He was in shock when they were asking him if he wanted to go to the trauma unit (fancy lingo for E.R.) and incapable of answering that question, so should have gone immediately. He's got a pretty good lead on a job, so will let you know how that turns out. I will say that he's got more sense than to quit without having another one nailed down for sure, though.

We also got word back on our son's status for disability assistance, he was approved on the first application, which means additional educational help and the means to pay for it, as well as medical coverage. At least one of us in the household is now able to get a doctor's help should it be required... That's as it should be, he's a kid with special needs while the husband and I are adults who ought to be able to look out for ourselves. We also now have the means to get anything he needs or we require to meet his needs.

Looking back over this, I see a good many ups and some downs but it's all balancing out for the most part, which is a nice change from being constantly going down the toilet drain. :D All in all, aside from a couple of things, the outlook is positive. It's about bleeding time... :D

HawnSimmer wb Happy birthday and congrats to you and your daughter 2hug.

Paden I was just thinking about my own rocky roads.  It like a high wire act trying to keep our balance at times. It's good to celebrate when the good even slightly outweighs the bad. It hard to do when one is facing so much but if I didn't celebrate the small victories, I'd spend all my time in tears.

My comp is so iffy right now. I don't have a mouse currently & I'm hoping to get a new graphics card one day--my dang kids have the nerve to want food and shelter atm :rolleyes: :D.  Just hoping it doesn't completely blow before I can replace it.

Anyhoo...watching my veggie garden and my own little baby sprout grow makes me smile everyday.

I got a phone call from my son's teacher yesterday, or at least I thought it was her. Anyways, there on the other end of the line was MY SON'S voice announcing, "Mommy, I read a book to Kate ALL BY MYSELF! I love your, bye bye!" Then his teacher got on the line, I could hear the smile in her voice as she told me that he had read to her in a clear voice with perfect pronunciation and without any help, a whole book. As a special reward, she called home so he could tell me! Last night, as well as the whole week, has been golden for him since school started up again and he has even started to reach out to his peers in the classroom instead of ignoring them. He's grown about three inches, put on maybe ten to fifteen pounds and gone up a good two sizes in jeans. He lost three teeth over the summer, picked out his own special pillow to sleep on all by himself (memory foam, but what the hell, he's WORTH it) and begun to actually wear clothing when company comes over. As soon as they leave, he strips down to skivvies again, but hey, he's making the effort. He's even started to brush his own teeth. I think he's starting to level out, this little enigma of mine, and I'm enjoying more than ever the fact that his dad and I never lost our belief that our little tight folded bud would, in fact, bloom the way we always knew he could if given the time and care needed. While we know some things may likely never change, we're so grateful for the progress he's making and will continue to make. It's the simple things that make me want to cry with joy, like the phrase, "I love you, Mommy," and those mean the most because I've gone without them for seven long, hard years. At the end of the day, those words make it ALL worth it.

I'm so happy to hear (read) that, Paden :D

Paden, this is fantastic news. As the aunt of an autistic boy, I can certainly understand the challenges and rewards! It's a hard road to travel, but rewarding! :)

So good to hear that Paden! That teacher sounds like a real gem.  2hug

That's amazing, Paden! Glad to hear things are going good!  3yay

My sister recently got married, and my niece's new step-father made a vow to "love her forever, " and he said something about how he thinks of her as his own daughter. She's three years old and pouted during the whole wedding, but everyone teared up! :D

I just found something out and it's making me pretty happy. My daughter informed me tonight that I'm going to be a grandmother sometime early next year. She just found out today at her ultra sound that she's going to have a daughter of her own and already she is dreading the Mother's Curse: I hope your child is just like you as a child!! Muwahahahahahahahahahahahah!!!!

Congratulations, Paden :)

Congrats, Paden! :)

Congratulations, Paden. GKs are much more fun than Children. You can spoil them and send them home. (revenge)

That's awesome! I'm pretty sure my mom has more fun with her grandkids than all six of her kids... XD

Congrats Paden. 2laugh I have mini-conversations in my head with my mom about that mother's curse, you certainly do get to see some of your actions come back.

Wow I can't believe this year has gone by so fast.  That pregnancy seemed to last forever but she's grown so fast, now walking--yes walking by herself before this first birthday.  She seemed determined last week to perfect it, it was loads of fun to watch.  Babies give you more laughs than diapers so it all evens out in the end :cool:.

Happy days! After almost four months of physio, my next appointment may be my last! *Jumps up and down with glee because I can!*

YAY!! Glad to hear it, Joy, you deserve good things happening for you!

Thanks, Paden. It's been a battle, for sure. Word to the wise; take good care of your feet and ankles. Tearing the things meant to hold you up (like the one or more of the talofibular ligaments) is not fun and can never be 100% fixed.

One definite positive from this is I haven't been able to bend three of my toes on my right foot since high school. I can now!

It's been a while from me, but I got my braces taken off on Monday. A great smile that took two and a half years of work was totally worth it! ;D

Oh, and I've started helping out with sound at my church, and it's been a really great experience. I originally got into it because I wanted to get some experience before I went off in the real world, and I got way more out of it than I expected. They've been saying a lot of really good things about me, and, eventually, I might be able to work the board on my own! When exactly will that be? It can be any day now.

Tomorrow will be the ten year anniversary of my daddy's death. It's hard this year; harder than it's been in a long time.

He's no longer in pain, for which I'm so grateful, but mine just won't end. It changes and becomes more like a comfortable, albeit annoying, companion, but it never leaves and it never will.

He was such an influence in my life. His love of music, his sense of humor, his creativity - they all live on in me. He could give the Best Hugs Ever. I, for all my ability to write, just can't summon words to describe these wonderful hugs that made you feel so warm, loved, safe and ... held together.

I miss him so much.

 2hug to you Joy on this heartbreaking day.

I don't think I mentioned it here at the time as words couldn't express how much it hurt but my father died 6 months ago. Your description of your Dad mirrors that of my own. His gifts to me are those on your list as well as a love for poetry, Shakespeare, a bang on sense of humor, and early mornings sailing on the lake in the cool mists watching the sun rise.  And yes those glorious hugs...

 2hug from me too, Joy. And to you, DaSpecial1.

This year, in October, it's 20 years since my oldest brother died. I was 4 1/2 years old when he died, so I never got to know him as well as I'd wished. But he was an amazing big brother, always spreading good words and being thoughtful of others.

I can empathize with all of you, having lost my oldest cat a couple of days before my dad and special hero big brother within months of each other; you guys were there for me when it happened and it helped to let it out here... {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

Thank you Dasi, TheRaven and Paden.

It's been a tough week and I've been working hard at trying to keep positive and remember the good things instead of dwelling on what isn't anymore. December 2001 and January 2002 were the worst of my life. I had surgery twice, we lost our dog, my sister was injured in the Middle East on her naval tour, my father passed away and my grandmother passed away.

Today is the first day this week I've actually felt as happy as I've been appearing.

Valentines Day, February 14th, 2012. My ganddaughter came into the world at 4:30 pm Central time, weighing seven pounds, zero ounces and measuring twenty-one inches long. She and her mother are doing fine. It's said that no matter how much your children grow and become adults, they'll always be your baby. Well, that statement is wrong because when they have a child of their own, that baby of yours becomes an adult in their own right and you have to consider that a rite of passage for them as well as a milestone of your own because you've got to accept that they are no longer the child tracing Mommy's footsteps. They've made their own path in the world and whether or not their path will continue to parallel your own is entirely up to them.

As a parent of an adult child, you just have to be strong enough to let them go and watch from the distance without interfering because it is their life. If they ask for advice on something, give it but don't insist that your way is the only way because it is just one way of many ways that things can be worked out. Just be there in case they need you but be wise enough to let them handle their own lives. They'll never again be the little bundle that you brought home to raise, but they will always be the life that you brought into this world and now their time has come to do the same. True wisdom is being smart enough to back off and let them do it without trying to take over. I've seen too many parents do the opposite and lose any relationship they've had with their kids; I won't do that to mine. I love her and will be there for her, but it's for her to raise her child. Aria Elaine, welcome to the world, I hope it's a beautiful place for you to be!

Awwww, congrats, Paden!

Congrats with the little addition to your family, Paden!  :D

Congratulations, furball. Or should I say: GRANDMA! *snickers*

...still though, congrats. :D

Since I'm here, and not to upstage anyone (As if I'd ever do that. Ever. Honest), this February marks more than a few milestones in my life. It marks the first anniversary since I quit smoking, my sixth anniversary with the S/O, and a new direction career wise for me since I started taking pharmacy tech training and pre-pharm courses. Not a bad start to the year really. Hah.

Our little Jenna is growing up... Pretty soon she'll stop hiding her JD bottles. Yeah, right, as IF!!! Still, congrats to you and to everyone, thanks! We've all come a long way, haven't we??

I'm a good way into working on my first book, which at the rate I'm going will be published next year.
Status report: Plot finalized, almost everyone important to the storyline has been named, so things are going well.

Go Rock!
 
Congratulations Jenna, on all, especially the smoking. I'm coming up on my 8th anniversary being tobacco free. Love it.

My cat, Lobo (the beautiful Maine Coon tabby in my avatar and who you can find simmified in the Custom Pets (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,38073.0.html) section) passed way earlier this morning. This is something I've known was going to happen soon, since he was approaching 19, but I didn't expect it happen quite this quickly. I rescued him when he was just under four weeks old from some breeders who were going to destroy him because he was the runt of the litter. Back then, he could quite comfortably curl up in the palm of my tiny hand and sleep. I ended up tucking him into my coat and going home with him. Over the years, I came to realize he rescued me as much as I rescued him. He was a bright, affectionate and wonderful cat with a warm personality. He loved people and people loved him.

R.I.P, Litttle Boy

(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g54/caffeinatedjoy/Lobo/Lobo2.jpg)

(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g54/caffeinatedjoy/Lobo/Picture220.jpg)

That is an adorable cat, indeed. I can only imagine the bond you two had going on.

Anyway, I've begun the process of starting an improv comedy group.

So sorry, Joy. Sincere condolences, I, too, have lost pets over the years and know the heartache you feel.

Joy, just know that my heart is with you today, as yours was with me when I lost my Magoo, the half Maine Coon. A few years and a lot of water under the bridge since that day, but I still miss the cantankerous ball of fluff... :(

It's been quite a while since I've popped in, computer hiccups and all.  Congrats to you Paden and warm hugs to all of you especially you Joy, Lobo was beautiful.  Wow Jenna! Didn't know you'd quit smoking--must have missed that one, big congrats on both anniversaries. I sure have missed the old gang.

I'd be living a life of sims 2 luxury if my video card wasn't disagreeable--mistakenly ordered the wrong replacement upgrade so now I have to wait a bit longer for the new one to arrive...then I'll finally be back to simming and creating at long last.  Hugs to you Nonni & Senko too wherever you are  :D.  

*Glomps Jenna and runs off 1glomp*

Dasi! It's good to see you too! *Hugs* Sorry to hear about your video card. Gah, how frustrated you must feel right now. LOL.

 2hug

Thanks, everyone. It still hurts and that hole I have in my heart will always be there, but I can usually talk about him now without bursting into tears. Lobo was an amazing cat. When I fostered for the the Humane Society, he was a big help in rehabilitating abused cats and dogs. He would grab a mouthful of food and proceed to drop it at the feet of whomever he thought needed it the most and try to lead them to the water dish. He was small for his breed  (13 lbs at his heaviest), but still a sizable cat. I miss him so much.

Yes I heard a choir of angels sing when I saw the new card so it was a bit of a let down that I had the wrong one.  Not so bad though since the upside is that I was able to bring my old computer, that I had thought was done for, back to life.

Lobo had a soft spot for others.  It's so wonderful all the facets of a cats personality.  He had more compassion then some humans. It's really precious watching things like that.  I've had several pure breeds with papers,not knocking that--I really loved them, but I tell you the kittens I got from the shelter were the most amazing cats ever.

It's definitely those who choose you (more than you choose them) who end up being the best, isn't it?

I'm remembering my dad today; it's the five-year anniversary of his passing and I thank each and every one of you who was here for me at that time. I'm also mourning a cat who got run over last night when she got out and some idiot backed over her while she was trying to figure out how to get back home. I don't know about the rest of you, but I always check under my car to make sure there are no animals sheltering underneath my vehicle... R.I.P. Dad and Magee... She was the first cat I'd ever helped a mama cat deliver and was only two years old... This has been a real pos day for me, yanno??

Paden, my thoughts are with you. It's hard to lose your father and it never really goes away, you just get better at dealing with it. I'm so, so sorry about Magee. That's just awful. Where I grew up, we always checked under the car, because you never knew what you were going to find. Cat, dog, bear cup, raccoon, fox kits, you name it.

(((HUGS)))

So, it's been a month today since Lobo fell asleep at the foot of my computer chair and didn't wake up. Today's been hard; not just because he's gone and I still miss him, but because there are people who have said to me, if you can believe it, "Oh, get over it already, he was just a cat."

I had a choice phrase for them.

So sorry for your loss Joy. I've had 4 "just cats" that passed and currently have 3 more "just cats". To me, they are friends and, indeed, family. Much love has been shared and passed both ways , I couldn't ask for anymore. I treasure the memories. Ignore the senseless ones, they know not what they miss. Peace and good thoughts to and for you and your sweet Lobo. Take care.

Ah, Joy, if you were here I'd give you such a hug... Still raw myself over Magoo and Suzie and Magee, even though they WERE "just cats". Cats are some of the best people ever born, they just have better hair than we do... And screw 'em if they can't understand, those aren't the kind of people you need anyhow, they lack empathy and sense.

Kaboom! guess who's back in the room!  3yay

I like to make an entrance...1titter

I'm baaacck--although I never really left of course.  The great computerpocalypses of 2010-2012 featuring the allstars laptop, mini-laptops and yes old faithful--aka my desktop, kept me from playing TS2 and well my tiny real life simster (now two yrs old) along with her sisters have kept me pretty occupied.  Life has had it's joys and sorrows for all of us I see, but still here we are. 

I can play TS2 some, if I ever find a moment that is, but I can't fully enjoy my sims or create yet until I get a reliable video card. I've ordered two *see dictionary under fiasco* now I just need one that works.   Good to be back here--the smilies needed a good workout ;D.

Nice to see so many of you.  1glomp everyone especially Mooncat, Nonni, Senko, Joy and Paden & Squinge and yes you too Jenna  1escape

Been missing you, glad to know things are working out! On the up side of life, my son is progressing so well it is scary, he's catching up in many, many ways. On the down side, I can no longer drive myself anywhere due to failing eyesight and no idea what's causing it. Trying to get a doctor appointment AND transport to said event is next to impossible due to conflicting schedules of the inhabitants of the household. Just hope to get one before it gets much worse, the only time objects should have a hazy fuzz around them is when you're three sheets to the wind or you are getting snowflakes in your eyes because you're out walking in a blizzard.

Without my glasses or my contact lense in (yes, only one, since I was born blind in my left eye), everything has a hazy fuzz around it. For me, it comes with astigmatism. I hope everything works out, Paden, and I'm glad your son is doing so well. It's a fantastic thing, isn't it? My nephew is doing well. His reading keeps advancing by leaps and bounds and his diction is constantly improving. The fact he can talk at all is amazing, considering he started out deaf.

Sounds like he's doing great, Joy, and I bet you're pleased as punch for him. My guy is reading, doing a bit of math and speaking out more, which can be kind of a mixed blessing. His sense of comedic timing has always been good and now it's getting sharper, especially when his grandmother says something while speaking with me that I disagree on. He always take my side of it and says something like, "Game over man, game over. You lose." Nothing seems to frustrate her more and she'll ask why she doesn't win and he'll just LOOK at her with that look of supreme pity that she doesn't get it and say, "Cause you're not the mama!" After that, he shuts her out. :D

So I haven't been around much lately, and everytime I have been its only been a short visit, so I'm gonna tell you why: A while back my grandfather had a heart attack, it was his fifth, and he passed away. Since then, my dad has moved (but only down the street) and this is only my second time visiting. I'm close to being done with High School, which is awesome. I work at an early childhood developement center, primarily as a "substitute" teacher to 3-year-old kids.  The main reason I've been out is because my boyfriend-and best friend- was in Marine Corps boot camp for September, October, and November. He came back for almost the whole month of December because of the Holidays and that was awesome. If anything, the distance has made us closer. While he was gone we wrote letters, he even wrote some to my nieces and nephews, which was super cute. He left on Jan. 3rd for Combat training and he contacts me when he can. Its hard to be here without him, I got so used to him being with me all the time. As for my nieces and nephews: We're doing o.k. Clay is in first grade and he's been doing well, he's made friends with some of the other kids- he spends a lot of time out of school visiting the doctors, though. Everyone else is doing just fine. So there's my little... overdue... update for you.

I am sorry for your loss, Katie. :( I hope things get better.

Well, at the beginning...Lets take a step back, about a month ago, I was about to marry a woman named Aurora, we were going strong. Except for one week, she had to work, and we didn't get to see each other, so on the day of our wedding, she dropped a bombshell. And told me that the week she was gone, she had cheated on me. Well, Aurora did one more stupid thing, inviting my ex fiancee to the wedding, Ichigo. Now, it was not only difficult to say I do to a woman that cheated on me ((In which I didn't. Her and I are rebuilding our friendship)), but also trying to hide the feelings that never died with my ex, Ichigo.

So, on a trip to Japan, ((Where I am at now, and writing at the crack of dawn)), her and I both realize our feelings were never quite dead. So, immediately I jumped into a relationship with her, and we sort of started where we left off. And so at the beginning of the beginning of last month ((Its the first of February, here)), her and I tied the knot, and are now married. And honestly, I haven't been this happy in a very long time. :D Happiness ^.^

Sorry for your loss, Katie :(

As for me - I'm into my second week of my second nursing practice at the hospital, which means I passed the first one, and that I'm halfway into my studies :D
It's hard work, because it means I have nearly a 100% job (unpaid - it's considered to be studies) together with home studies. Luckily we only have a couple of assignments that are sort of knotted into the practice (with some writing at home), so it's not too bad. Hopefully I'll nail this one, too. If so it's only a few months left until I start my final year!

Hugs to you Katie. My have you grown high--school already?  Don't mind me it's been a while.

It's been away mostly due to computer issues, but also life has me busy.   Congrats to all of you on your successes and joys and I wish you all many more.  This year has started out rocky with me recovering from an accident and my spouse spending the first week of it in hospital.  Things are slowly resolving themselves but the coming year looks to be quite challenging.  I'll finally be getting the necessary parts for my computer in a week as well so I'll be rejoining Sim land very soon 3yay.

The baby is flying, skipping, flipping and twirling around the house as can be expected at this age, so that's keeping her sisters on their toes.  I've learned to take it all in stride and just enjoy the antics.    

It's been a heck of a year here, as well. February third marked forty years that my mother has been gone and while I miss her still and cry when that anniversary comes around, I now at last have a picture of her and my dad together, and I get to see the joy in my parents' eyes that they always displayed when they were together. That look in his eyes died with her and I never again saw it while he was alive. Seeing that brings it back and I'm glad to know that my parents honestly loved each other and that is what brought them together. It's hard to describe to someone else but it is there, in that photo and I'm so grateful to have it. While it was hard to let go of Dad when he was so ill, I knew he wanted to be with Mom, and I respected that. I know in my heart that those two are at peace at long last but I still miss them and always will, til it's my turn to go. But I've also learned that when you lose someone, you have to go on and not close yourself off. If you don't continue certain celebrations because they remind you too much of the loss, that's OK. God, do I ever love my pastor for letting me know that, I used to feel so guilty about that!

And on the best note about the Little One of the house, he's totally potty trained, YES!!

I know what you mean Paden, my Mum will have been gone 7yrs this May. I think its takes yrs to be able to handle it better.  I live 300 miles away from where I grew up, where my family still is, so although I've obviously not forgotten she's gone (or my Dad), its easier to think that they're still there. Its only been a couple of yrs since we sold the house we grew up in as neither me or my sister wanted to live in it, but it was hard letting someone else live in it. Luckily, it went to a young family, much the same as when we moved in it in 1979 when I was 4 :)

I have a life changing event. After 12yrs of heartache, we finally got our wish and at the grand old age of 38, I'm having my 1st baby, I'm 12 weeks tomorrow and its been part of the reason I've not been around for a long time and making sporadic appearances. My hubby was away in the US working for a few months then in Poland, so although I was on my own with time on my hands, I wasn't in the mood to play TS2 or 3. I have had to use up all my annual leave at work (35 days) between now and August when I go off on Maternity leave for a year, so I have plenty of time on my hands to play the game so I'm hoping to be around so much more and creating for TS2, although I'm kinda getting the hang of 3 now (I vetoed it until Seasons was released haha!)

Its nice to see some of the older crowd and looking fwd to chatting to some of the newer peeps too.

Ok, I'm done rambling my news, I'll shut up now  1stfu

Hi Foxybaby! Good see you back. :)

First, I'd like to offer a heartfelt congratulations to you! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!  3yay

Now I just have a nit picky thing. You have every right (and I encourage you to) brag about your pregnancy, but could you please do it with an image not exceeding our requested size limits?

Oh, sorry, I never even thought! I'll go get a smaller one :)

If I ever get around to losing fifty pounds or so, I am seriously considering learning to become a professional wrestler. Main thing stopping me at this point besides weight is the fact that the wrestling school I'm looking at costs $3000. (Though if I pay in one lump sum, it gets reduced to $2500.)

The biggest moment in ones life isn't marriage. No. Its doing something more, giving more. And what I mean is.

On my birthday, my wife, Ichigo told me she wants to have a child. We talked for hours about this. And so, we decided that we are going to have a child together. HOWEVER, she is to bare the child not me. Even if she decided to use...Well, yeah, lets just say she wanted to bare a child with my genes.

I am so nervous. I am afraid that I'll fail as a parent. And I don't want that at all. I jst make our child proud and happy.

But what if I fail at that! Ugh I am so scared.

Yazoo, lots of people think that - but most of them turn out fine parents. Don't be too concerned. As long as you don't do something obviously wrong, you'll be a good parent.

I agree w/Raven those thoughts are normal. Good luck Yazoo and enjoy sleep while you can 1titter. 

 2hug Paden it will soon be four years without my mom and two without my Dad.  He never saw my baby and that was hard to take... but I had them with me mentally and that helped me bear it.  Still does.

Congrats to you too Foxybaby, so good to see you on again and hear the news! it took a little while before my first too.   I had hyperemesis the entire pregnancy so that time was not so great for me, but the end result was awesome.  My advice would be to enjoy every moment.  On another note, I also have Sims 3 up to Seasons installed and waiting for my new hod rod card {lol at least for this old comp it is} to arrive so we can compare new/return player tales when I fire it up early March 3yay.  I haven't played the game since generations so I'll be looking forward to it.

I also have some good TS2 families that I can't wait to play again I try off and on but this old card needs retirement so I can't really enjoy them.  I fired it up and noticed my two year old likes to watch the babies dance lol.  She recently saw the game when I was testing my new card and learned that I tell them what to do--so she found out that she can control the sims, 1titter.  It was pretty funny.

Not sure if this should go in this topic or not... but here goes. First off, to my friends on here who are also on my Facebook, please don't post about this on there yet - I have a lot of family who don't yet know all of what I'm about to sy and I don't want them to find out over Facebook.

If I could ask a favor of you... my mom has been battling bone and lung cancer for over three years now, and she is going downhill rather quickly. I believe she is nearing the end of the fight, and will soon be with my dad.

I’ve known it was coming for a couple months, but now that the clock is really ticking down, the reality is hitting me like a punch in the stomach. I thought I was prepared for it, we knew months ago that it was just a matter of time, but I’m not prepared… I’m totally lost.

I don't want to lose her, but at this point, I know that once she passes she will no longer be in pain.

Please if y'all could say a prayer for her and I...or keep her in your heart… it would be much appreciated. ♥

You and your Mom are definitely in my thoughts tonight.  May you feel every ounce of love sent out to you as you move through this very difficult time. 2hug

Thank you Dasi. It means a lot. ♥

Oh, hon, I am so sorry. I don't know if it's any help, but I do understand the anguish of watching lung cancer eat away at a beloved parent's life.

My own father had just finished going through chemotherapy and radiation treatment for throat cancer, which robbed him of his beautiful tenor voice and ability to verbally joke around with us, which was something he loved to do. His sense of humor was such an inspiration to us all, because it's something he never lost, even when he was at his worst. Less than a month after he was told his cancer was gone, he was back in the hospital and was given the news he was suffering from lung cancer, completely unrelated to the one he had just fought through. This, on top of the decades of fighting diabetes, COPD and a few other things, was just the last straw for him. I could see it in him; how he just completely lost the will to fight through another battle. I don't blame him one bit, no matter how much I still wish it could have been different, even after 11 years, 2 months and 12 days.

No matter how long you wait for it to happen...no matter how much preparation you make, you are never ready for that moment. I might not be able to be there for you physically, but I am there, in spirit. Take the love I have and hold it close. ♥ ♥

You've got them, hon, lost my dad to colon cancer which could have been treated more effectively treated had the doctor talked to him about his options instead of just telling him that he had it and there was no hope because Dad was basically out of luck due to his age and previous health history (diabetes, thyroid disease and high blood pressure). I don't know who the doctor was but if I find out, you can bet I'll be waiting some night to chew his butt like bubble gum, to say the very least.

Last Sunday I went to the ER and wound up being admitted--pneumonia.   I've been there ever since and it's been rough.  I really miss my kids and today was my daughter's birthday. She's been so excited since February because her birthday was going to fall on Easter this year...we had so many plans that had to be postponed  :-\.  On the bright side, I did get to see them all today but I'm sooo hoping this will clear up and I will be home soon.  

They brought one of their mini-laptops so at least I have a survival pack  ;).

Awww, I hope you get better soon, Dasi.

Oh but, yay! Yesterday was my birthday, too!  3yay

 I'm trying, I want to get out of here like last week already.   :-\ 

2birthday Well a great big ole 1birthday to you Joy! 1beer I plan on throwing a huge bash for her when this is over. 3yay

I have a job! I have a job! I have a job! It took me over a year, but I am nothing, if not determined!

Congrats, Joy!   1beer

I guess this is as good a time as any to tell you guys that me and my Marine are expecting a baby :) I'm very excited but also very scared because dad will be in Japan for the next 21 months! (So until the baby is over a year old!) The plan is for him to come here when the baby is born, and the baby and I to visit him (maybe for the first birthday?) because he is deployed so we can't stay with him... It's a huge bummer but its just another thing to work around when you're in a military family.  :D

@Katie congrats good luck with the parenting and the distance.  Stay strong and think of it as a vacation from your hubby.  Once he gets back plan a girls weekend and leave your bundle of joy with him.

@Joy that's very awesome.  Times are hard and when work is one of those things making time hard it makes things harder to deal with.  Good luck to you and your new adventure. 

Katie: Congratulations! It's unfortunate your s/o will be out on deployment during this time, but I'm sure it will work out for all of you.

Ranabluu: Thank you. Last week was my first week and it's a great job. I'm going to have so much fun here. (I'm working as office admin at an auction house). Friday I spent the day taking pictures of auction items for our website and had a blast. Be creative and get paid for it? Yes, please!

Congrats Katie! All the best to you and your Leatherneck from this old Bubble-head (submariner). It ain't easy when you're serving, but it is sooooo worth it.

Thanks guys! :)

I don't think I would ever want a vacation from him, although I guess the military family standpoint is probably hard to think about for civilian families. :)

Congrats again, Katie! And I really hope things work out for you and your Marine and the little bundle of joy

As for me, it's not a humongous life event, but... woo, I'm officially done with my second year at nursing school (and passed my previous exam) :D. So that means I only have one year left of exams, practice, practice, exams, and even more practice. Oh, and the Bachelor assignment...

My sister was in the Navy, as was my brother in law. He switched to the airforce and currently works for the Canadian DND doing a lot of work we can't speak of, so I completely understand, in my own way.

Theraven: Congrats! In my eyes, this is indeed a big life event. Good luck in your final year!

Congratulations Katie!!! I'm so happy for you! :D Being a military family has its difficulties, but I am confident that it will all work out wonderfully for you guys. :D

The best thing I've heard all day! I'm engaged! We're going to get married while he is here on leave in January or February (Which, thank god, prevents us from the dreaded newborn blood draw) and we are going to have the ceremony and reception when he comes back from overseas two years from now.

We were planning on getting married anyways (even before we discovered we were expecting), however the decision to get married sooner will benefit our family in many ways- married men get a pay raise and are less likely to be deployed, we wont have to poke our baby with needles to prove its his, and he will be approved for leave faster any time he applies. Also, we'll be able to say we are married... (And one of the fun parts is the military discount I get to use on all of the baby's things!)  3yay

I am such a happy camper!  :D

Congrats, Katie!  :D

That's wonderful news, Katie! Congratulations!

Thank you, thank you  ;D

Congratulations Katie. The future of this old planet keeps getting brighter and brighter.

Hugs and warm hellos to everyone :D.

Congrats Joy, Raven and awww Katie 2hug 3yay!  So happy for all of you and definitely wishing the best for you, hubby-to-be and baby, Katie.

The waning summer means my oldest is entering high school--wow the years do fly by.  Her sister is right behind her (entered school early so she isn't even a teen yet) she'll be joining her next year.  I can't believe my girls are already at that age.  My computer is finally running smoothly at last so when I find the time I'll be playing with my sims and arranging faces again. Hope old reliable keeps running, 1titter but going to build a new one to end the online lapses ;). Great to hear good news on here, definitely leaves me smiling.

Oh my gosh, DaSpecial1 that's crazy! I can't even imagine that, my nephew is starting 2nd grade and my niece is starting kindergarten this year... and I thought that was weird! Its almost back to school time? WHAT? Where did this summer go? Life's blazing by... I only hope it continues for the next 20 months! Haha. And thank you :)

Your very welcome :).

Ha, that's what my kids are saying about the summer right now, back to school already!?! and I'm all---->3yay.  Not to mention my baby girl (2 now) has a birthday coming up in a couple months. Enjoy the pregnancy and the quiet as much as you can and just savor the baby months, they all fly by so fast.

Aww you're like another daughter to me seeing you grow up here all these years.  A big part of me is all soft and sentimental now--one baby off to HS the other one about to be a wife and mom...2hug I have a serious case of the warm fuzzies now 1titter.

Hahah awww. I have been using this site for a longggg time... I want to say probably 7 years. How weird is that to think about?

Now that you mentioned that, I went to check to see how long I've been a member here: Seven and a half years. I suddenly feel old.

Over seven years for me as well. Why do I suddenly have to urge to start handing out canes to all us old fogeys? LOL.

Edit: Katie, you'll have been a member here for five years this October. Still a long time.

Member of the seven year club myself. Whether that's a good thing or not, who knows. Hah!

...also, belated congratulations, Katie!

I've been on here 7 years, 5 months and a week, to be more or less exact. I think I registered some 3 months after I started playing sims 2. Got my first laptop around New Year's Eve that year.
(You can see it on the "date registered" line in your profile, Katie)

Lol that was just a totally random guess, I thought I was about 11 when I started getting CC *shrugs* Well I know this is where I discovered CC!

Thanks, Jenna.

While we're on this subject, here's a glimpse of how bored I am: I learned that if you sort the members list by date registered, that according to it I was the third to last person to register on February 12th, 2006.

I came much later to the Sims then most on here I think. I remember that I came here, lost because I purchased SLS summer' 08 and spent months messaging EA (to no avail) because I couldn't get the darn game to run properly, get my free CC etc.  Then I found inSim and maty and discovered this little thing called my downloads folder.  Been hooked on you guys AND TS2 ever since, 1titter.

Amazing the years we've all been around and how you grow as a family and a community. Aww I love all of ya--c'mere ya big bunch of sim crazies 2hug...and no that's not just the painkillers talking.  Then again, well maybe....hehe  >:D  ;)

I've only been around this place for six years, but as a side note, I'm an official forty-eight now. We're in negotiations to buy a home of our own, have a car that is less than fifteen years old and will be seeing a doctor soon about some medical issues that have cropped up recently. You may now pass me that cane, Joy. Balance isn't what it used to be, y'know, getting old and such like.

Pfth! 48 is not old, Paden!
I'm still getting used to my parents closing in on their pension-age. Mom still looks like she has at least 20 or so years to go (even if it's really less than 10)...

Anyway, I'm starting to realize that this is my final school year (at least for now). The first year there's a long way until the Bachelor paper, and it's kinda somewhere far out in the distance, but now it's just around the corner from Christmas. Where the bleep did that time fly, and is there any way I can get it back?

Also, I've realized I have to survive for 4 months or thereabout at home, starting 4 weeks from now and ending sometime over Christmas. That'll be a trial (even if I'll be working on my practice place a lot of the time)... I think 2 months is more than enough for the summer holiday, so I'll probably use the Bachelor paper as an excuse to play hermit in my "cave".

My cousin was in a serious wreck two days ago, which apparently should have killed him, but he made it out with a fractured neck. u.u
He has to wear a silly-looking neck brace for twelve weeks, but is fine otherwise. (thankfully)

Geeze, talk about getting lucky. Glad to hear he's alright, Dullahan. Going to be a super fun-filled time having to wear a neck brace for three months too. Super fun. Yep. Heh.

Fun fact: I don't intend on having children.

My cousin's baby girl - their first baby - arrived yesterday 3yay

They have my condolences then. :P

...er, I mean: congrats to your cousin! :D

Congrats Raven!   How's your cousin doing Dullahan? Healing nicely I hope.

I'm in joy joy mode as my shiny new HUGE hd is set to arrive any day now. Hurray for TS2 which will be fully re-installed when I get it. Yay endless cc!  Well at least a lot more xD. 3yay

I've decided to take a little break from my studies again. Been quite out of it lately, and I pretty much walked around like a zombie while at working practice, so it's probably for the best.

At least now I can concentrate on figuring out what's wrong with me, and hopefully get better. Stupid stomach ache I've had for 2 years or so, plus this really awful sense of being tired and dizzy all the time, which has gotten worse lately, and and the issue of my brain working at snail speed most of the time. Been through 3 doctors already and they don't seem to have a clue. I'm getting really tired of blood draws...

My baby girl was born on January 22nd, 2014! :) Her name is Emma, and she is absolutely perfect! Labor was pretty bad (the worst my mom has ever seen) but she is healthy as am I. She's only a few days old and already sleeps all night waking up only once, and has no jaundice at all! :D

Congratulations, Katie!  3yay
Good luck with the little one  :D

Congrats, Katie!!!  1cheer

Thank you so much,, guys! :)

Congrats, Katie  1party

Congratulations Katie!

Congratulations, Katie! I didn't even know you were pregnant. I've been gone for a good while. I'm glad to hear you and your daughter are healthy. :)

Congrats, Katie!

Congrats Katie...Is this your first child?...If it is you are on your way to no sleep lol...I am 52 yrs old and still trying to make up for lost sleep after having 3 kids in the first 4 yrs of marriage lol....and even after they are grown and have kids of their own you still don't get sleep worrying about them...

1titter Broomhilda

Congrats Katie girl!

To ease your mind, babies don't all keep you up.  Of my three only one decided at birth that she didn't want to waste time sleeping when she could be up and not missing a moment of life.  That was only an issue because I tried to not miss a moment of her awake time--impossible because I needed to rest after the long labor and birth.  I ended up having to give in and let my mom and sis takeover (thankful they were there) but I loved every minute of her.  It wasn't a problem other than that because she was a very quiet very happy baby, as were her sisters. It happens, they don't all have colic and cry incessantly so calm your fears and enjoy. It's only now that my "baby" turned three that I'm getting the bedtime crazies and waking up in the middle of the night groggy to try and put her back to sleep, lol. I guess I was overdue.

So glad for you 2hug.

Thanks, everyone!  ;D

She's actually sleeping through the night already, from about 12:30 to 6:30 or so every night without waking up at all. I'm a bit worried that since her dad has left (see below) she might not sleep as well as she has been.

She's also gained some weight since we left the hospital (in 2 days it was 4 ounces) and has no jaundice at all. She barely even cries, she just yells a bit when she's really hungry, naked and cold, or when she's first put in the caarseat. Knock on wood, she's a very easy baby!

Although, I have a sadder life event to share (mainly because I really need to tell someone other than my family or his)- we dropped off my fiance at the airport early this morning for his flight back to Japan where he will stay until December 2014 at the earliest, and May 2015 at the latest. Needless to say, I'm extremely bummed to be without him, and it was pretty emotional. I think we will be okay, though. Hopefully time just flies.

We got approved for the house loan, now we're in negotiations to get the place and moved out of the hotel where we've been staying for the past (almost) month. We had my mother-in-law foster two of my cats and her husband gave away the male, Plops, without even asking if that was OK with us. Did I ever SCREAM and raise holy... He is under pain of DEATH to keep his stupid hands away from my girl, Squall, or I will emasculate him with a rusty pen knife. (Trust me, I have one ready just in case.) We can't get Plop back because he gave her to an older lady, who happens to have six already! I'm still so dratted mad about that...

And Katie, my heartfelt congratulations and consolation about the baby and being alone without her daddy right now, but it's going to turn out all right, just wait and see!

I'm glad you got approved for your house loan, Paden! I'm sorry about the cat! :(

Thank you! I sure hope you are right!

I found out some WONDERFUL news the other night! An experimental drug they developed for Friedreich's Ataxia (my disease) is doing so well in the clinical trials, the FDA has granted it the “Fast-Track” status, meaning it could cut YEARS of research and testing from the drug. That means that my disease could be fully treatable before I turn 30 (FYI: I'm 26 right now)!!!!!!!!!  2yay

Congrats Katie!!  1yahoo

Congrats on the loan Paden! And darn!! What in the ever-loving flapdoodles motivated that guy to give YOUR cat away without asking first?!

I mean, really... WHO DOES THAT???!!!

And for yet another dramatic Ta-dah! I'm back. again. :-X

My bubs came early-11 weeks early-on the summer Solstice in 2013. So needless to say, I've not been around at all as previously promised. Lots and lots to catch up on!

So here's Skylar Summer Faith (Summer as she was born on the solstice, Faith because whenever I watched an episode of Buffy-she'd kick, but hubbie vetoed Buffy as well us having faith in the doctors and nurses in NICU). She spent 77 days in NICU and came home 4 days after her due date in September. On the left at 9hrs old, on the right at 9m old  ;D

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Hope to catch up with it all soon-before TS4 makes an appearance!  3yay

Daww!
Good luck with the little one. She's a real cutie!

Congrats to all the new parents and the new lives that are being lived! Sorry I've not been around, but we just got moved into the new house nearly seven months after the rental home was sold out from under us. We spent the whole time out at that motel room, which was more like a studio flat, and the changes in our son are stupendous. He learned how to socialize much better, got used to sleeping in a bed of his own, help with chores in keeping a place picked up and to communicate better without constant frustrations. He also discovered the discomfort of mosquito bites gotten when taken on outs to parks and down near the banks of a river. Still trying to get him to stop scratching at them...

Now that we've moved into the house, he's sleeping in a room all of his very own, helping to load and unload the dishwasher and learning to avoid tripping over an excited kitten. Back in the beginning of March/end of February, we took in a rescue kitty and adopted her as our own, not knowing that she was pregnant. On the night of April 27th, she gave birth to three kittens under his bed. Two of the kittens have gone to their forever homes but we still have Floyd, for now. He'll be going to his home when his human gets home from Albania.

Anyways, I'm getting used to hardwood floors, appliances that work differently from what I've experienced in the past, and a basement that I still get lost in... I look at it this way; if we do get a tornado, we'll at least be able to head down to the basement and be safe in a bit of comfort for once! For the first time since I moved away from where I grew up, at long long last, I feel like I'm HOME. And that says a lot. It's been a great deal of work to get here with the husband and son but now that we're here, just let me say one thing: What a long, strange trip it's been.

Congratulations, Paden, on everything! It's wonderful to find a new place you feel as if you belong in, isn't it? And the changes in your son...amazing is all I can say.

I have one thing to say..... NAWWWWW  1heart

Finally found a doctor willing to let me have the medication for my thyroid that I've been chasing after since I came down with this stupid disease twenty-four years ago and while it's only been near a week that I've been on it, I'm responding to it quickly and making progress that otherwise had taken six to eight weeks on the synthetic drugs. I'm just hoping the carpal tunnel will relax so I can get busy again on typing up some things I promised to do for a friend! I can type faster than I could before, but still have to take frequent breaks in order to let the ouch factor die down. I'm also trying to locate the rest of my Doctor Who collection, which my mother-in-law snooped through and rearranged in her search for things to take home with her. Yeah, found out she's been liberating things that don't belong to her and she got informed that she isn't welcome in my house for at least six months and the items/cash returned... Such a fun life I lead at times. But, on a more positive note, my son has learned that it can be fun to arrange his toys in various bins to save time in locating them later! :D

Congrats to all the new little ones, medical advances & life successes. I'm so glad to have my comp back & live on insim again.

I have to agree with Mooncat on the cat issue—who does that?! And then adds stealing to their repertoire too? Good on you for putting your foot down.   Nice to hear that you've had more good then bad though.  I have yet to get my little one to put her things away Paden, what's your secret? 1titter

I've not been feeling up to par lately (watch that carpal tunnel pain Paden before you end up with nerve damage) and as usually happens post a flu shot I feel all achy and feverish—which I always get told is just a coincidence.  The upside is I get to lounge a bit and read up on what I've missed here and play around in body shop.

My guy likes to arrange things in long lines and he's found out that it can be done in his toy bin. We make a game of it to see just how much stuff will fit in without crowding it or being unable to shut the drawers. He also had developed a thing where his school shirts have to be separated from his hack around tee shirts and they all have to be arranged in colour groups and those groups are sub-divided into shades, from brightest to darkest. Let's not even go there when it comes to his underclothing... :D

My daughter turned a year old two weeks ago! That's so crazy to think about! I'm the momma of a big kid now! She's not quite walking yet but boy is she talking! She's so smart, it's crazy. I started bringing her to the daycare I work at and she's doing well there... well, besides the sickness. The lead teacher in the room tells me everyday that "she can talk!" and yep, we know! She never stops! Anything you say once she'll repeat. It's unreal. I think she's fully able to walk, she does very well one-handed, but she absolutely refuses to move (or even sometimes stand) once you let go. Stubborn like her momma.

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Emma at 11 days old

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Emma at 360 days old!

Unfortunately it's been rough since last Tuesday night. She woke herself up with a hacking cough and whooping sounds in between and finally fell back asleep on me. The next day she was fine, barely even coughed. We actually went to the zoo for a bit, only to the inside buildings and such. That night her dad and I (her dad is in town on leave) went to the pediatric after hours clinic at our local hospital where they looked at her and listened to her chest and said that she had a cold and sent us on our way. I was very angry because my mom instincts were telling me it was something more! It progressively got worse. On Thursday she was sent home early from daycare with a 102.4 fever and my parents came and got her and gave her motrin and she was alright just a little crabby. Then Friday her dad watched her for me while I worked and when I got home her fever had dropped to 96.6, which is a dramatic drop and 2 degrees below normal... but within 2 hours it was back to normal. I called the doctor and he said he didn't think it was whooping cough, but gave me a list of things to take her to the ER for. She was fine all night. Finally last night I'd had enough of it all, and the daycare she goes to/I work at was closed for Monday so I told my dad to come get us in the morning and take us in. She woke up twice, the first time she coughed and whooped, the second time she turned beet red and almost vomitted. She'd been coughing badly whenever she was eating and sleeping. My mom thought it sounded like whooping cough (which my sister had had as an infant, and my niece had a while back.) which only further confirmed my suspicions... We went in this morning after she woke up and I packed her things. She wouldn't really eat or drink until dinner tonight, either. They admitted us and did a chest x-ray that came back clean, a breathing treatment, and two nose swabs. One of them came back positive for RSV (a highly- contagious upper respiratory infection with symptoms that did not match hers at all) and the other was for pertusis, the results will come back on Wednesday for that one. They sort-of dismissed me when I told them she may have been exposed to pertusis and hasn't been vaccinated. I actually took a video that I can show if I don't hear back soon. I found several articles online that say that you can get pertusis and RSV together and that pertusis often masks the symptoms of RSV and children often don't get diagnosed with pertusis until the doctors have seen a video or an actual coughing fit. Here's hoping we get this sorted soon! I need to be tested as well for both before I can safely return to working with preschoolers.

Phew.

Additionally, I figured now was as good a time as any to update on the rest of my family, since I haven't posted much about them in a while (very busy with my own little family!) Alright so I don't know how much everyone knows or remembers so let's just cover all the bases.

Clay, my eldest nephew, is eight. He's in third grade. He has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, he currently wears leg braces that go just below his knees, and he's doing very well. He's still ambulatory about 100% of the time and he's doing much better than they predicted a few years back. He's taken to physical and occupational therapy with some crazy kind of fierceness that I have never seen before. They don't see him needing a wheelchair for a couple years yet with the progress he's made! He's one of my favorite little dudes to talk to, as well. Getting a bit "too cool" for me, though.

Jade is in first grade this year, today is her 7th birthday! She's reading a couple of years above most kids in her class, about 20 "levels" based on the new level scale they've picked up. Not too much going on there, just a girl learning a whole lot when she's not having snow days.

Maya is also in first grade, turning 7 in the spring she's doing alright. She's pretty much average at this point. She's really good when it comes to her older brother and any issues he has, she always wants to help. She seems very fascinated by his leg braces. We've caught her a few times playing sick herself or making her barbies sick. She gets embarrassed if we notice, though. Come to think of it, embarrassment becomes a real issue when they are in first grade, Jade gets embarrassed a lot, too.

Evan is in preschool, he's been held back because they didn't think he was socially ready for kindergarten this year and because his birthday falls just after the cutoff anyways. Clay, Maya, and Evan all moved further away a couple years ago so since Emma was born I haven't gotten to see them much. I've heard a rumor recently that they might be moving back this way soon!

Nora is two, she's wild and rambunctious and very dramatic, she stays home with mom all day and I work all day so I only see her on weekends where nobody is sick, and she and Emma have both been sick lately!

AND two of my brothers are getting married this year. The 2nd oldest of us is getting married at the end of September in a very nice refurbished barn 3 hours away, and the 3rd oldest is getting married two weeks later in a really big farmers market close by. Not very good planning, but I love weddings. Rumor has it that Emma and I will be in both! Yeesh!

I think that's all for crazy family news?

Edit- because I forgot to include pictures of my girl! & again to resize images

NAW Katie, Emma is gorgeous! SO ADORABLE! <3

Thank you! It's crazy to me how different she looks but still the same! :D

She's so cute, Katie!

I'm an aunt again! My brother's baby girl didn't even bother to wait until they got to the hospital, so she decided to pop out in the ambulance. I'm guessing she's taking after her brothers (and her dad) in the department of patience... Anyway, she's a little cutie-pie, and I can't wait to meet her!
3yay

All right, so this is something I've been keeping to myself for a long time. I have had Anxiety for as long as I remember. Unfortunately for me, it's a genetic mental disability and will be something I'll deal with for the rest of my life. My mother has it, 2 of my 3 sisters have it, my granny suffered from it and, for all I know, one or both of her parents had it. For the past 15 years it has been terrible. I would wake up in the morning with knots in my stomach, my heart racing and my hands shaking so badly it would make any part of doing my job hard for the first 2 hours. I didn't have very understanding employers, evidenced by how hard it's been for me to hold down a job. Medication didn't work and the side effects just made me feel awful. People don't understand how Anxiety can totally destroy your ability to think critically. It saps away your desire to take part in anything.

A little over 2 months ago I started taking Magnesium for my RLS and discovered a wonderful side effect. It took the crippling edge off my Anxiety. It doesn't remove it. It never will, but I really can't remember the last time I felt thing AMAZING. I've done a lot of research into it and found it's often used as a treatment for people with various Anxiety disorders (along with a lot of other things I didn't know). One of the things that makes this work where chemical medication didn't is my body doesn't recognize it as a foreign thing and try to fight it off. My body recognizes it and opens the door to invite it in. It's been suggested my family is genetically predisposed to magnesium deficiency, which can cause anxiety and depression. Well, who would have thought? The other good things? I haven't had a full blown migraine once since I started taking it, and I used to get them at least once every week or so. 

So that's my good news. Great news, in fact. Even better? I've been open with my bosses at the auction house about this and they have shown the most amazing amount of support and understanding. One of my bosses, in fact, confided in me his own struggles with Anxiety and told me he takes Magnesium on a daily basis as well. It's amazing to feel so amazing, and I'll find myself so overwhelmed with it I'll just burst into tears.

I don't find that weird at all, Joy.

Anxiety is - put simply - something that triggers the symphatic nerve system, the same system that triggers when you're normal afraid or normal stressed (like being attaced, or faced with an oncoming train - fight or flight). Your system is just a whole lot more sensitive than for other people, and triggers when it's not supposed to.

Anxiety isn't a spesific genetic disorder, although it can imitate being genetic because it often runs in families, and may have on/off switches in genetics (maybe your ancestors' survival was rooted in being more anxious than average, so when they survived, they passed on their gene set). Some families are more sensitive to factors that can contribute to anxiety. It's often more of an environmentally caused disorder, so if parents have anxiety issues, their kids have a higher chance of developing anxiety because they learn the behavior from their parents. One example is phobias. Say, if your mother is very afraid of spiders, and react in front of you every time there's a spider close by, you'll eventually learn that spiders are Very Bad Things, and thereby learn to be afraid of them. Anxiety can also be caused by spesific events, or a series of events. A lot of diseases and disorders can also mimic anxiety (and opposite - an anxiety attack can feel like you're having a heart attack), and can even be the main cause. Lack of vitamins and minerals, intolerance to certain types of foods, and underlying diseases can in some cases be the main reason for mental disorders, like anxiety and depression, because lack of important signal ingredients can potentialy mess up brain signals, and cause bad pathways.

As an example, a friend of our family had severe depression issues in her younger years, and was even in a mental institution for several years, until it was discovered she had thyroid disease (which, if bad enough, can mimic depression). After she started the treatment, she's been functioning well, wwith a family and everything.

I've had issues with lack of various vitamins and minerals (I think it's a family weakness), and a while back my body had pretty much 'run out'. I got depression-like symptoms, and was even diagnosed with depression by a (mostly clueless) doctor. But I was absolutely sure it wasn't really depression. I had other issues, and knew depression wasn't the main problem - it was the result of the underlying problems. There's a fine line there, and an important line. Lots of people forget that, particularly doctors. They just treat the symptoms and often aren't that concerned with what the actual underlying issues are.

(See, I'm not completely clueless about anxiety and depression for my exam, even if my brain likes to think it is XD)

After I'm done with my exam, I'm (yet again) going to try myself on work practice. Crossing fingers and toes that I sail through it this time, without my health issues butting in and making a fuss again.

It's nice to see how well people are doing, I'm glad to hear that things are working out for people. I finally found all of my Sims 2 disks and may just put the game onto my laptop but not sure how Windows 8.1 will react to it. Well, that and the fact of I'll have to search out the patches because I'm not sure which disk they got saved to and to find Numenor's thingie for it and and and and... I find myself wanting to play the game, yet scared to. Does that make any sense?

Glad to hear all of you and your kids are doing better!

Paden, I think the main trick to win7/8/10 is to install somewhere other than Program Files!  Do a Custom install and put them in C:\EAxis or something like that.  I'm not sure if the patches are on my website, but I'll check with my friend who's also an admin and talked about putting them up.  Numenor's stuff is apparently all on MTS2, just like it was, so do not worry about that part!  I'm also using Pinterest to link downloads that I think are cool!

As for my Important Life Events, about 18 months ago, my loving husband decided to lock me out of our apartment twice in two consecutive days, and I decided not to go back.

Ouch, miros1, that really had to suck. Then again, if you're fine and doing well... I just wish I knew why people act the way they do, then I wouldn't wind up so confused a good deal of the time. Right now, we're dealing with our son hitting puberty and from the look of it, it's gonna be a bumpy ride so we're trying to locate the seat belts for it. He's transitioning to being in middle school, getting taller than his mom (I admit it, I'm SHORT) and all the hormonal changes a boy between the ages of twelve and twenty-one go through. Add all of that to the package of Autism and yeah, it's gonna be a bumpy ride. He's noticing girls and yet he's still so innocent; it's hard to reconcile the two concepts! I'm really hoping his beard doesn't come in until after graduation, you know? ;)

Contrary to popular opinion, I'm not dead. DADDY'S BACK.....

Important events over here I guess...

I started seeing a doctor early this year about some of my symptoms, and had chest x-rays and about 16 blood tests and a holter monitor (Heart monitor that takes 24 hours worth of EKG and puts it into a computer.) and had no answers. Then in May, My symptoms became unbearable so I went to the Emergency Room and was admitted to the hospital for a total of 6 days. I had 9 sets of labs taken (which consisted of 3 or more tests each.) I was screened from drugs (although I have never done any drugs) and I had a chest x-ray, an abdominal ultrasound, an abdominal x-ray, a 2D Echo of the heart (an ultrasound), an MRI, an adrenal gland function test (performed in the hallway of nuclear medicine as I promptly went insane while being pumped full of synthetic stress hormone), a head CT, a test of the muscles (and nerves?) in the eyes and ears, and a tilt table test. Nothing came back until the tilt table test. I was on a medication to lower the heart rate during my tilt table, but even still there was clear evidence of another heart rhythm disorder (I was already diagnosed with sinus tachycardia at this point.) I was diagnosed with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a type of dysautonomia and a rare disease that all but two of my doctors have never even heard of.) From there I was discharged on four different medications, two of which I was able to stop after a couple months but the other two I will likely take for the rest of my life. Shortly after release I had a holter monitor performed by my doctor who saw no significant improvement of POTS from the medicine, as well as an extra heartbeat. Extra heartbeat and sinus tachy are both very rarely comorbid with POTS, so I'm a rarity on a rarity on a rarity. Further testing is being done to determine if my POTS  has been flared by an underlying condition, as its very apparent that I've had POTS for a while just not this bad.

POTS is essentially a disease where I stand up and my heart races and then the blood vessels in my leg dilate causing blood to pool in my feet and a loss of oxygen to the brain. Many people faint from it. Its all caused by dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system, which controls blood vessels, breathing, heart beating, etc.

There is no cure for POTS, and there isn't any actual treatment. The best treatment out there right now is a combination of a Beta Blocker and roughly 4x the daily limit of salt (I take salt tablets) which hasn't been working on me. My best shot at remission is to get a pacemaker, which I plan to do. POTS makes working very difficult, but I can't afford to not work while trying to file disability.

Two weeks ago I had several extra beat episodes in a row and spent the night in the hospital. I met with a new cardiologist (mine couldn't think of anything else to help treat me) and he was a despicable human being who was very misinformed about POTS and didn't want to listen, so I won't be seeing him again.

For the most part, I feel terrible and can hardly function. I have to see a neuro, cardio, and my PCP within the next two months to discuss what further testing I will need. Its been crazy.

Speaking of crazy Emma is almost two!!!!

I didn't want to make a huge post last time, so here's my health:

Depression, adult onset type 1 diabetes, worse depression, very difficult to find a job, impossible to keep one if I do find it, landed in the hospital not once, but twice with diabetic ketoacidosis from not taking care of myself. The good news is I lost 150 lbs and it's now possible to draw blood or start an IV in either arm without difficulty.  Right now, I don't have an endocrinologist (last one got married and moved away, new one worked less than a month before she went on maternity leave), but my primary care provider will order thyroid tests before I see the new endocrinologist.  I do wonder if my thyroid is part of the problem, possibly linked to the low salt diet I'm used to.  Low salt = low iodine, and you can't just buy iodine pills in this state.  If it is my thyroid, I want to try iodine pills before going to the synthetics.  Or I can learn to eat salt again!

Hub is in a nursing home relearning how to walk (knee injury last June) and having a finger amputated next week due to insufficient blood flow.  We're still separated, but he's being nicer on the phone.

miros1, go for Armour Thyroid if you do have hypothyroid disease, it's naturally derived and helps boot your levels to optimum and keeps them there. I do so much better on it and I've suffered this crap for half of my life now. Good luck and I hope you begin to feel better soon.