Sudokuaholics Anonymous 9A

Morning all!
I have an empty head this morning. Too much to think about I think.

MizT, I wish you had a break rather than bursitis - at least they can fix a break. Mum's new orthopod says they now link it to arthritis so I really hope your insurance approves the OT.

Heidi, don't keep us in suspenders!

Tami, I will be thinking of you on Saturday, I'm sure everything will go well, I only hope you can relax enough to enjoy it!

I really should keep track of the numbers then TOPPs wouldn't take me by surprise! I'd fit more comments in I think so I didn't have to go back....

Broni and Bean, June is not only generous but a wonderful hostess and Ken is also a wonderful host!

Gail, I wish we celebrated MLK day here too. An inspirational man!

Vici, Ebob is finally going to see Avatar tomorrow. The rest of us have already seen it! It's definitely the kind of movie to see in a theatre rather than waiting for the DVD.

Morning Julie! What are you up to today?

I had a wonderful time last night! We drove down to Jervis Bay for a BBQ to celebrate both the birthday of the twins and their older brother, but also the first meeting between the family and a cousin and his son from Statten Island. I know I've spelled that incorrectly! The son is about 20 and has met the 'love of his life' in Sydney and can't wait to come back again for a visit. Sound familiar to anyone who knows my story?

We were at a different beach, but this news story is about a beach not too far from where we were...
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/19/2795433.htm

The Italian American cousins have been convinced that they absolutely MUST go to Bondi Beach while in Oz. It is not that great a beach so we figure the male who told them they must go there must want to show them all the T&A on the beach. I warned them that along with the 20-something pretty girls in g-strings/thongs they will also see 80 year old men wearing them....

Suzy, remind me not to go to Bondi Beach if I ever get down under. I see enough beached whales (my name for older, overweight men wearing speedos) on Ft. Lauderdale beach. Luckily most do not wear thongs.

Opinion needed. I have just received a friend request, on the other site, from a friend I have not spoken to in 9 years. At one time she was one of my best friends. I was her maid-of-honor, she was my matron-of-honor. She hosted a baby shower when I was pregnant with Mitchell. We stayed in touch, and close, until Dylan was born. For some reason, around that time she was always busy and never even returned phone calls. I stopped leaving messages. She has three kids, 2 girls and a boy a 7 months younger than Mitchell. She told us she was pregnant with #3, the boy, at Mitchell's baby shower. The only time I have spoken to her recently is when we ran into her at the store. I have heard she moved to Georgia. I am not sure if I want to become friends with her again. I still don't know what happened that we didn't talk for so long. What do you all think I should do???

Your heart will tell you what is right Tami.
This is always a curly question.
Do you suck it up and let bygones be bygones?
Or do you just keep going on with your life as it is?
I have had a few relationships with 'friends' in the past that I have felt no loss when they have diminished, I certainly would not want or need to renew these relationships.

BTW...

NEXT SATURDAY!!! I can not believe the time has come around so quickly!
Best of luck to you all for the big day.

Hmm, tough one Tami. If only you could read her mind and see why she wants to be fb friends! If she just wants to up her numbers then you'd give it a miss, but if she really wants to re-establish contact then it might be worth it. I think I'd go with would YOU like to get in contact again?

Snap Gail!

Hi, Suzy, Tami and Gail! I can't believe it either! The big day is Saturday! Wishing the best to all involved, especially you, Tami! The Moms I've known who have had sons do their Bar Mitzvah have been worry warts and didn't really enjoy the ceremony or the celebration afterward.

As for the friend request, follow your heart. Some people look back more warmly on earlier years after they have experienced more years in between.

At my 40-year high school celebration, everyone was glad to see everyone else. There were no divisions or cliques. (Granted, there were only about 92 in the graduation class - and probably about 60 and spouses at the reunion. However, we were all glad to see each other.)

I just uploaded a photo from yesterday. We decided to be a tiny bit politically incorrect so our guests could experience something we took for granted in our childhood.

Good morning lovely SA people.
Tami - it is possible that she just wants you for numbers (Zoo, Farmville) on FB but what would it hurt? Let her make the moves as far as renewing the friendship with you. It may have been a terrible time in her life back then. I'm probably just a softie but I'd give her the benefit of the doubt - you may even eventually be told why this happenned. At worst she may just increase your numbers for the games.

Suzy, I am always a little bit politically incorrect
I think it would have been an easier decision regarding my friend if she had also sent a personal message and not just a generic friend request. I missed her friendship at first, but got used to it after a while. We went to college together. She got married first and had the first two kids (which everyone thought was mine) When I met my hubby, she got excited and talked about pushing baby strollers (prams) in the mall together.

MizT - as I understand the Gabe Watson thing - he WILL be deported on release from prison here because he is a non-citizen who committed a crime here, BUT our Govt. is hesitating about sending him back to the US because in Alabama he may face the death penalty and the Australian Govt. does not support Capital Punishment.
My opinion - you do the crime, you do the time! It was his decision, if he's found guilty he faces the consequences - he's from Alabama - he must have been aware of the penalties in his own state. Apparently the DA in Alabama has a pretty good case ready when they get their hands on the sleaze ball.

Now I'm wavering, Tami - just the generic request - no PM? Ignore it for the moment - if she really wants to be friends again she may follow up.
I had a friend who I thought would my friend for life but somehow over the years, she drifted away. I often wish we could still have that friendship - but the few times I've seen her, she's been civil but nothing more. I have always been left wondering what I did.

I agree with Cyn. No PM? Ignore it. She might actually send you a PM then, or it'll get dropped with no loss.

My Son-in-law who is a carpenter/builder had a fall yesterday when the hand rail of a deck he was working on gave way and he fell 6-8 foot head first - landed on his right shoulder and dislocated it - hours in casualty - shoulder put back in, sore and sorry for himself last night - 6 weeks off work - not good when you're self-employed. But, it could have been worse.......

Vici - Martin Luther King, along with Nelson Mandela are my heroes of the 20th century!!

I add to that list José Figueres of Costa Rica. Costa Rica used to e like all other Central American countries... military coups, poverty, wars, etc. Figueres was in the military and decided to change things. He took over the government, disbanded the military, wrote up a constitution and started up a completely democratic society. Peaceful elections, national health care, 97% literacy rate, no major crime, no starvation, NO WARS! He proved peace was possible, and he achieved it in a non-violent manner.

I actually met the man. He handed me my high school diploma.

And Mohandas Gandhi. I admire those that believe in peace.

Heidi, sadly I have to admit to not knowing a thing about Costa Rica. He certainly sounds admirable enought to add to the list.
Of course Gandhi should be added - serious omission on my part.

Cyn, Sorry that your SIL had such a bad fall but it would have been worse if he landed on his head. I hope he is feeling better soon.

For those of you not familiar with a Bar Mitzvah, one of the traditions of the reception is a candle lighting ceremony. There are usually 13-14 candles, one for each year and one for good luck. Mitchell will call up his family and friends to each light a candle. Usually he recites a funny little poem and the DJ will play a song specially picked for the person/people. I have just finished writing the last of the poems. I will post a few of them here this weekend. I don't want my mom to read them in advance.

thank you for putting up with all my ranting and raving the last few weeks. This is the only place that keeps me sane. (no comments, Suzanne or Heidi) I should be back to my slightly less crazy self next week.

Spoilsport!

Hello, Suzy, CynB, Tami, and Heidi!

CynB, sending positive healing vibes to your SIL. YIKES! A dislocated shoulder is NOT fun, but at least he didn't hit his head! I hope he heals quickly!

Tami, I know all will go well this weekend! Take a deep breath!

Heidi, I also did not know of José Figueres of Costa Rica. His record is certainly admirable!

Tami - I will be interested in reading the poems when you post them. It must be getting exciting for the family now.
Just spoken to my SIL - he's sore and sorry for himself. Luckily, he fell onto grass. If it had been concrete, it could have been much worse. He said it was as if he was in slow motion, trying to find the best way to land. He also sprained his left hand and hit his head badly but no concussion etc.

Cyn.... He has every right to feel sorry for himself.




(His accident also gives me an uncomfortable feeling like I've been there.)

Hello All,
Cyn, JD had been there done that! another famous boating accident, it took 3 doctors and heaps of morphene before he stopped fighting so they could put it back in. Kept on reading SIL as sister in law, ummm now that could be appropriate!
Heidi, a friend sent me an ad regarding a 10yo surrendered basset, I am thinking seriously of adopting her.
Hope everyone else is well and happy.

You won't regret it, Broni.

Cyn, sorry for your SonIL. Hard having to be off work.
Tami, bestwishes for Mitchell and your family for the Bar Mitzvar. I am sure it will be an event to remember.
About your friend, I am the softie and try and see the best in everyone.I would just accept and see if she responds. She may not have sent a message as she was also feeling her way.
When in South Africa a few years ago we went to Robin Island and went into the cell where Nelson Mandella spent 17 years of his life. We also went to his former home which is now a type of museum.

Picture was OK (Chipmunks). Better than the Fantastic Mr Fox. How come I am spending my time at Kidddies Movies when there are adult one I would like to see and I will miss???

Tami, I know everything will go well for Mitchell's Bar Mitzvar, cannot wait for what he recites.
Heidi, she is pretty old for a Basset, I just hope Bella will accept her. Taking Bella over Wednesday week to meet her, we are going out on the boat this weekend and think 4 days boating might be a much for the old girl.
How was the movie June?

Broni, we had a 15 year old yorkie when we adopted Rachel. He was used to being the only dog and spoiled rotten. He got used to her very quickly. The night he passed on, we found her the next morning watching over him. She was his guard until we came downstairs. I am sure Bella will get used to the new dog also.

Funny thing today, some neighbors I don't know were walking two bassets and I think they called one Bella. Made me think of you, and of my Mother in Law. Her name is also Bella.

Afternoon all!
Cyn, sorry about your SonIL. You're right, it could have been much worse. It was bad enough though!!

Julie, the birds are wild - which is where the politically incorrect part comes in...

Tami, I can't wait to read the poems too. That sounds like a very long ceremony! Which makes sense as it is a very special occasion.

Broni, I think it would be wonderful for Bella to have company while you are working.

The Candlelighting doesn't take that long. Some people choose not to do on at all, but I like it. The DJ won't play the whole song, just a small part of it. The poems I wrote are only about 12 short lines.

Here is the poem for his friends:

Video, football, baseball games
or just hanging out.
Being with my friends,
Is what it's all about.
We may get stuck with homework
or going to Hebrew school
But having you guys with me
makes it kind of cool.
I want you all to know
I'm glad you're all my friends.
Would all of you please come up
and light candle number ten.