Wonderful! (Except for the terrible sleeping part.) I'm glad the kids got to see their Dad. And vice versa. That must be so hard on everyone.

Weird. Suddenly I have an irresistable urge to make Christmas cookies.

Yes it for sure is.. Brent said his daughter clung to him yesterday.. Thankfully we'll see them in another couple of weeks at Christmas.

I watched the Shrek Christmas thing last night too, I had seen a little bit of it like last week (since they seem to have shown it about 20 times - there is obviously a market for xmas television, i'm thinking I should make an xmas show - but anyhoo).

I thought it was pretty cute, made me laugh out loud a few times, as opposed to Charlie Brown's Christmas which I think is totally depressing. I still give my Mom the evil eye when I speak of it, wondering why she encouraged us to watch it as children.

Tee hee.. yep it was cute.. my BF talked it up and said she couldn't stop laughing which I didn't find it THAT funny.. but it's a cute story..

I haven't watched the Charlie Brown Cartoon in ages.. but i can see why it's depressing for ya..

thanks for the java sister!!!!

Question..


Would you stay in your hubby's ex's apartment over Christmas - as in one big happy family?

We've been asked.. I don't know how i feel about it?

It makes sence logistically .. but I'm not sure I can take it emotionally. But I also don't want to offend or make it a "big deal" ...

Tough one. I think if you can't take it emotionally, then you've answered your own question. If you're on good terms with the ex then maybe...

I agree with Mumsie. If the ex is quite normal, and no one harbours any grudges, I'd do it. Unless there's only one bathroom.

Well she's been in the past a right cow, but i think shes' turning around.. so.. i'm thinking that it's a gesture of peace.. which is something that I dont' want to just dismiss and be petty about..

*sigh.. ex things are so complicated..



I should say recent past.. < six months.

Uh-oh. Toughie sister. My .02 cents, since you asked: it's your first holiday season in the US with the man, am I right? I say have it @ your place. invite the ex if she's done being a b!tch; but set that boundary.
Luvyah.

Yep our first Christmas here in the US..

That makes sence.. except his ex lives in Atlanta, and we live in CT.. tee hee.. It's either us in a hotel over Christmas or us in the apartment with the children.. I think my hubby wants to be there where the kids are.. he doesn't care about the leftover crap.. he just wants to be there where they are.. so I may just have to "man up" and just do this.. *sigh.. the things we do for love tee hee

Okay now I see the missing pieces: the kids.
What you feel is what will manifest.
If you feel uncomfortable ask to go to a hotel.
You are completely allowed to do this after you get there and see how things are going.
There.
Good luck with it.
This is where a person gets to play BIG.
However never ignore your sixth sense(your gut)...it tells you what is really going on.

Darn it .. i was looking forward to pitching a fit!! But it is true.. it's Christmas and I've got to find somehow to make this work for hubby.. UGH.... and very true.. we can always go to a hotel if we need to..

This is going to make our trip VERY cheap though.. we are used to paying for a hotel!

Ok you guys are all really nice and I guess I'm not, but oh well haha

I wouldn't stay at her apartment. If she has a mansion type apartment and you can have your own wing - that's one thing.

The thing I hear you saying is that she wasn't so nice up until the last 6 months when she has been trying. This would indicate that she is still holding some resentment. While you are many miles away it might be easier for her to control the anger, bitterness, whatever it is, but when you are all sharing the same living room it might be a different story!

That is not to say I wouldn't go, if I wanted to I would, but a hotel would be the only option.

Tee hee. i don't think you are not nice..just a different way of looking at it.. and yep that's my fear is that i'll do something to piss her off and we'll be back at square one..

I think though if we state up front that if either side feels it's better if we stay at a hotel, then all it takes is saying one word and then we'll go to a hotel - no questions asked.. that way I don't have to explain if I'm feeling uncomfortable, and it doesn't end in a big fight if we cramp her style..
I know she works some of the holiday as well too so there will be times it will just be easier to be there so we can take care of the kiddies.

I know many perfectly happy families that have relatives stay at hotels. Believe me, you'll be glad you did and that way she'll end up looking like the doodyhead if she tries something.

Trailmix, you're a wonderful human being, not like that Demonic Aberration known as Len.

WTF? This coming from YOU of ALL people??????????????
OK, enough. I will not play anymore and will make new friends in the REAL Off Topic forum.
WTF did I just say? Scratch that. Bad, bad idea.
and it's not 'demonic' it's 'commie'

NO wait wait!!

I would love the opportunity to play ref when fisty cuffs start flying.



I'm kiddding, I'm kidding...
be good to eachother.

What you give out you get back


and




if you don't




walk away with your head held high that you did not stoop to cockroach level and did your very best.


ALWAYS SHINE (with grace) !

Hello VJers, me again...changing tacks for a moment; feel free to bring it back on track if needed.

A friend gave me a gift certificate for a massage.
I went today.
It had been so long since I had had a professional massage, that turning into a jelly fish and practically drooling was a good thing, nay, a great thing!
It kick started a much needed release of angst, frustration and anger.
Then on the Metro home, I fired up the iPod and was drawn to play U2's song Acrobat.
It had been ages since I'd heard it. Too many songs on that thingie.

OMG tears started rolling down my face, and so I put my sunglasses back on. Ha!

What a purge and release...played it 10 times in a row.
It felt like it was written just for me just for this time.

Have a listen (close your eyes as this is not the video made by U2).
Do play it twice.

Let the healing begin.

Lyrics coming right up (I wonder if they'll get censored)...


U2 ~ Acrobat

Don't believe what you hear
Don't believe what you see
If you just close your eyes
You can feel the enemy
When I first met you girl
You had fire in your soul
What happened your face
Of melting in snow
Now it looks like this

And you can swallow
Or you can spit
You can throw it up
Or choke on it
And you can dream
So dream out loud
You know that your time is coming 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down

No, nothing makes sense
Nothing seems to fit
I know you'd hit out
If you only knew who to hit
And I'd join the movement
If there was one I could believe in
Yeah I'd break bread and wine
If there was a church I could receive in
'cause I need it now

To take a cup
To fill it up
To drink it slow
I can't let you go
I must be an acrobat
To talk like this
And act like that
And you can dream
So dream out loud
And don't let the bastards grind you down

Oh, it hurts baby
(What are we going to do now it's all been said)
(No new ideas in the house and every book has been read)

And I must be an acrobat
To talk like this
And act like that
And you can dream
So dream out loud
And you can find
Your own way out
You can build
And I can will
And you can call
I can't wait until
You can stash
And you can seize
In dreams begin
Responsibilities
And I can love
And I can love
And I know that the tide is turning 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down

Sorry Madam Comrade. False Materialistic Messianists forced me to do it. Bourgeoisie Exploiters of the Proletariat!

Kinda on kinda off topic:

I received packet four today, plus that wonderful massage...
I am awaiting more files from my client, soooooooo

I can actually RELAX.

re·lax /rɪˈlæks/ Pronunciation Key

1. to make less tense, rigid, or firm; make lax: to relax the muscles.
2. to diminish the force of.
3. to slacken or abate, as effort, attention, etc.
4. to make less strict or severe, as rules, discipline, etc.: to relax the requirements for a license.
5. to release or bring relief from the effects of tension, anxiety, etc.: A short swim always relaxes me.
–verb (used without object)
6. to become less tense, rigid, or firm.
7. to become less strict or severe; grow milder.
8. to reduce or stop work, effort, application, etc., esp. for the sake of rest or recreation.
9. to release oneself from inhibition, worry, tension, etc.

Yes, I had to look that word up, as I had forgotten what it meant.

I unleashed my creativity and started creating a new agenda for next year.
Cut the paper, cut the leather, found the hemp thread and waxing apparatus, needles, and will draw in the dates before binding.
Ahhhh, feels good.

Packed a little....no pressure. It will all get done.

Secured some potential renters to visit this place.

Found an episode of Heroes online to watch.
(I do not have a TV...have not for decades.)

Just thought I'd share...
I feel good.


LOOK OUT WORLD!!!

Mwahahaha...

Happy Thursday everyone. Here's a cup o' love for you this morning!

Carla

I am craving Christmas Tea and am wondering if anyone knows where to get some?

I always used to find it in Coffee Shops around Christmas time in Canada- It came in a blue tin and had a winter scene with houses and snow on it.

I don't know who makes it, or if it goes by another name. I tried googling it and didn't find what I was looking for. I love it- the smell of it and the taste is so yummy.

I am not familiar with said Christmas tea, but I'm interested, what are the flavours in it, cinnamon?

Oh and I have a confession.....I put coffeemate in my coffee this morning. I think I am addicted to coffeemate

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Our local Big Lots has Christmas tea available. You might try checking them out. If not, let me know and I would be happy to pick up a can or two for you and send it to you. (It is in a red tin, though, I believe:-))

in reference to Spirit's post about the U2 song, Acrobat:

Best band in the whole damn world!

Ok, fight in the Canada off topic forum!!

(not really but anyway). It's funny, I used to like U2 but ever since 'Beautiful Day' I can hardly stand to listen to them.

NOOOO!!! (again hahaha)

They are definitely one of the very best for what is basically known as a pop band.
And what? Beautiful Day is awesome.

Trailmix, please do this: find and play Electrical Storm and A Man and a Woman and Love is Blindness and Please and and and...oh there are too many good one.


Thanks Jundp... see Trailmix, a person with good taste.

I'll confess that when Discoteque came out I was so disappointed with their direction that I boycotted them for almost a decade. Now I have all their albums.
Them and REM. Mmmmm....

I love coffee mate!! I love the way it makes coffee taste.

The tea- I would know it as soon as I smelled it- I think it was more berry smelling- it reminded me of wildberry- the black tea, not an herbal. I know it must have been a mix of several things, but I'm not sure what.

No-can-do, busy with my coffeemate infused coffee

We have a Big Lots not to far from here- I will go and check it out. Thanks!!

My, still playful, mode creates...




For all of you playing on VJ Canada.

I can't believe the news today
Oh, I can't close my eyes and make it go away...

Broken bottles under childrens feet
Bodies strewn across the dead end street
But I wont heed the battle call...



And its true we are immune
When fact is fiction and tv reality
And today the millions cry
We eat and drink while tomorrow they die

'nuff said.

I have to agree- old U2 is far superior to the new stuff.

I think they really won't let the boys release what they think anymore. Who can forget Bono at the Super Bowl half-time show a few years back when he stated, "I just had a big slice of American pie." He wasn't being funny, he was seething at the time. I can remember thinking how pissed he was.

He's pretty scrappy though? (decided I should clarify this) - I admire scrappiness when it's right - I just mean it's surprising he let's people dictate to him.

I agree, the old stuff is good.

I'll just reply to myself here ahem.

There is this corny infomercial on, 'flower power' - however! It's for set of CD's of music from the 70's. I just have to say the 70's were so much cooler than the 2000's.

I was about to insult Ir5 (which I will do anyways later( when I read your post. I am so happy you got your packet 4 sister!!! when's the big interview?????




amateur....

Len, I must direct you to this post:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=1411979

topo gigia!!! How dare you??? I'm just trying to save you from yourself, and from the wrath of the Java Gods (mean azzholes, those gods). Coffeemate .

What about the Starland Vocal Band? Sometimes those Time-Life commercials are the best thing on TV. They have everything you could ever want in a show, even horror (have you seen Kenny Rogers ).

Holy cow... I can't believe that thread is still going!

Thank you Len and Bren.
The interview is for the Winter Solstice!
A great pagan day...especially for us sun-worshipers.

I AM SOLAR POWERED...and all.

As for you Trailmix! The gloves are OFF!!!!
You killed the graphic that I lovingly drew.



All that fake shtuff Coffeemate must have altered your brain cells.
Maybe we can have a fundraiser and send you to a good doctor....we want to help.

Best thing I have heard about coffee mate- It has so much formaldehyde in it that that it will preserve you body longer after you die Whether it is factual or not, I don't know.

Ok- so I have a mini dilemma- I am making sweet and sour meatballs for dinner tonight. I have all the ingredients I need but when I looked at the vinegar- the expiry date was August 2005. I have alway been freaky deaky about expiry dates on food. I smelled it and it smells normal- it is still looks crystal clear. Should I use it?

We have lots of balsamic vinegar which I love. I'm wondering how that would taste in a sweet and sour sauce.

This is a fact.
Hence Trailmix's illusions of yummy taste...she has killed her taste buds.

Great news sister!!!