Michele

What She said is true as well... I know I'm not. But man, sometimes I leave there thinking I'm a dunce with no business studying something like this. Then other students come to me for help ('cause they won't go to him; they have no interest in being humiliated and discouraged...), and I can help them...and I don't feel quite as dumb. But last night, as I leaned against the hall wall and just cried, I felt like the stupidest person ever to grace the campus...and cashiering became a goal. [ And tonight I have a phone conference with my English professor...thank God she thinks I'm good at writing and smart.... Simon says: 0-pppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp pppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp. :/ He wrote that. That's exactly how I feel about my professor. :/ and :p and :0. My booger boy knows his Mama's feelings...and he can type, too. Maybe he should go to school. Good grief. Thanks, you guys, for reassuring me. I need to hear good things sometimes too...not just the noise in my head. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

If I were there, he'd be lovin on my chin, I know it. Man, he's a gorgeous boy... I had Oliver my Bengal on a leash outside today. He's taking to it well...hopefully, someday he'll be comfortable enough to ride in the car with me, and go into the petstore on his leash. That would be a kick in the pants. Thanks for posting that - made me grin and grab Booger Simon for a snuggle. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You're so right. He even started out by saying "sorry I'm failing you as an instructor, but you've got to try harder, too." WTF? I tape and listen to his lectures. I read and reread both the study notes he gives and the book. I perform beautifully in the lab (haven't missed a point yet), and spend probably 20 hours or more per week on his material alone. The only reason I'm not gone from his class yet is because I can't fathom this course in a 6 week summer session...just not something I want to do. So I stay and plug along... He's an asshat, to be sure. But I've got 16 more sessions with him, and I have to learn something so I can at least get a B in the class. Anything less than that and it will impact the rest of my life. I've just got to make it through...somehow, some way, I've got to make it through. And I don't have the first notion on how to do that. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Send chocolate. Or shoot my professor. Actually, listening works too. It's at times like these when I am just so depressed and fighting to stay afloat that my kitties are such a blessing...they cuddle, love, snuggle, and comfort me. And Simon won't leave my side when I'm "vibing" like this...it's like he knows I need lovin; and he gives it. Sigh. Thanks, my friend. Just so much going on right now I want to run away; and I think "heck, a career as a cashier at a supermarket is looking better and better all the time..." Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

All the recent stuff has been piling up. Yesterday, at my midterm Microbiology Lab exam, there were some things he never lectured on, and is not in the textbook. After class, I stayed to "talk" to him. I left in tears. I felt so stupid and incapable (both of which I'm not), and getting an A in that class is impossible. I've done everything - even he has said I've done everything - and that his class is designed to teach concepts and how to not make assumptions. Well, fine...concepts I grasp, and I don't make assumptions. But he's the instructor, and if he doesn't lecture the material, how the hell am I supposed to learn this stuff? He has 120 points of quizzes throughout the semester, and all that counts towards the final grade. Quizzes are no problem...except he quizzes on stuff he hasn't lectured on yet. In other words, new material. He says it's to make sure people read the book, but even reading the book doesn't allow one to understand the concepts; if it did, we could all just take an internet class in Micro, and be just fine. Anyway...three days of 2 hours' sleep, the pressure of a midterm Lab exam, and the instructor insulting me on top of all the rest of the crap that's been going on - and I'm having a meltdown. How do I know this? I just bought chocolate for the first time in months.... At least after today's english stuff, I am on break for a few days (9, to be exact). Unfortunately, jumping is not in my immediate future (cash...), so I think I'll lay in bed and cry because I'm stupid. Thanks for listening...I needed to get this out. Ciels- Michele I am sooooooooooooo frustrated. He told me "not everyone is capable of getting this material. Maybe you're one of those people." I nearly exploded. Skydiving isn't for everyone...that's true. But telling me that maybe I'm just not capable of getting the information in this class is a total wad of bullshit. Let's put it this way; his nickname is "the Nazi", and that's the truth. ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Eggs, sausage, and waffles. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Good lord, I'm glad I'm not 19. In any event, I stand by my statements. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

If you are only 19, and not lying, then I'd say I'm pretty darned accurate saying you haven't been in the situation that the Brits were in a week ago. As for learning more about my fellow posters, I know plenty, and know who is just spouting off and know who has the experience to back what they're saying. I would bet that I'm pretty accurate in my assessment about you, too.

Directly? Not too much. Long term is a whole different story, though. I would mention that we were not in Iraq, and weren't in Afghanistan at the time. I'd also add that Iran wasn't agitating quite as much, and weren't looking quite as hard for a fight at the time. Iran was just finishing up fighting with Iraq, after an 8 year confrontation. I'd also mention that it was an accident, rather than a deliberate firefight. Very different situation, and one that just doesn't really compare. Sorry, Vring, but it just doesn't compare. Totally different scenarios, totally different political positions, and totally different energy/intention. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That's cool; I appreciate your restraint. However, I don't think they did "the right thing" necessarily, but rather did the proper thing for that given situation. It's far more dicey over there than some people apparently think, and like I said, the fuel for the international fire would be enormous if the Iranians were killed, irrespective of anything else. I'd bet a dollar that we'd see evidence then from the Iranian side that the Brits were indeed in international waters... It was a no-win situation for the Brits, and they managed to stay alive so far. Who knows what's happening to them right now, and I hope and pray that they all make it through this unscathed (or no more so than already), but I do think they probably did the best they could in a situation not one of us here on these boards have faced. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Having never been in the military, I know fuck all. So don't worry about my knowledge base here, Vring. What I wonder about is this. What are the rules of engagement about meeting a "non" enemy in international waters? Are there any? What are the guidelines? Does anyone know? And I'd add this thought to the conversation about why the Iranians were not "massacred" right off the bat. It was an Indian ship that was boarded. Lots of innocents there (even if it were only 1 sailor on that ship, that sailor is indeed innocent). One reason to not have a firefight, I'd think. Another reason to not have a firefight is that the Iranians are itching for a confrontation. They've been pushing buttons for a while now, and doing everything they can do to encourage some sort of retaliation. If indeed the Brits did open fire, you can bet the headline would read "Iranians attacked by UK in International Waters." And the fight would be on. The Brits showed amazing composure and willingness to not have a battle that would be unwinnable, even if the combatants were dead. The Iranians had a win-win situation there...and they exploited it completely. And they continue to exploit it totally. And lastly, the thought that perhaps the Brits, while knowing the Iranians were not exactly friendly, didn't want to start a war by shooting at a country's soldiers that we are not at war with... In my "fuck all" opinion, I think that given the very intricate circumstances, the Brits did the right thing...and because of that, all of the responsibility rests solely on Iran. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I think it applies because the UK is a party to an armed conflict, and this is a kidnapping of service personnel. I believe that is how it applies, considering that the UK is there as a party to an on-going armed conflict, as well as being in internatinal waters; the kidnapping could easily be construed as an overt act of war. I am absolutely NO expert, and will be happy to learn more even if I'm wrong; and granted, I'm wrung right now, just finishing a brutal day in class (two exams, and I am sooooooooo frustrated...but I digress...), so my brain is having an attitude and not recalling things readily right now. I might well be wrong... But that is how I've understood it to be applied. There is something there about UN peacekeeping rules too, being in international waters. I think. I'm muddled. I need dinner, a good stiff bottle of vodka, and a good night's sleep. Maybe I'll be able to think better tomorrow and give you a better answer, but for now, that's my understanding. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Richard, I'd love to see the source, too...I've just done a quick check and can't find it anywhere. Perhaps you meant Iraqi waters...? Just heard something about them being in Iranian waters according to the Iranian government, but that's completely denied by Blair et al. The parading of the UK soldiers in front of tv is a direct violation of the Geneva conventions. The kidnapping violates the UN, if I'm not mistaken. Apparently there's a mob calling for the immediate death of the sailors, too. God help the Iranians should any harm come to those 15. Achmedinijad will not back down; and Khomeni, who I believe can "fire" Khomeni, is the one behind the kidnapping and holding of the sailors, if I understand the government correctly - the same Grand Mullah that recently said "sure, use a nuke for defense; it's all right...". The Saudis have cancelled a dinner with the WH in mid April. Israel has put everyone on a high alert status. Chlorine bombs in Iraq. A recent statement (from earlier this month, iirc) stating that Iran will kidnap blue eyed blonds and "feed them to the roosters" (or something along those lines). Passover starts shortly. After passover ends, on April 10, here is what I expect if the sailors haven't been returned: a combined UK/US rescue of those 15, with some serious firepower from the carrier groups. Israel will join and bomb the nuclear facilities. Syria will join in, as they have an alliance with Iran. Not sure about Lebanon and Egypt. The Kurds will have opportunity to go after some unresolved land dispute, and Turkey will retaliate. And it will spread from there... Dire? Sure. But this really has the potential to get very ugly very, very fast...and very big very fast. I hope I'm wrong - and there's a big part of me that thinks I am - but there's the other side of me that thinks this is the match to the powderkeg...and once ignition starts, all bets are off. Sigh. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope, they're spelled correctly. Boxing, or wheeling, is the biggest trick in the book. The way to make them really pay off is to put the two top favorites (those with the lowest ratio of odds), and choose the one that looks like they will come in 4th or so. That way, the odds are increased, and the payout is better. One of my other tricks in choosing the 4/5 place is the trainer. If there is a trainer that is working a horse who has produced quite a few winners, then that's the one to put in the 3rd spot in the trifecta. Trainers have methods, and will often introduce a horse in the 5or 6th race, so sometimes this is a sweet moment when their horse is exposed to a race; sometimes it's a dud, but I've won many trifectas by doing this. DON'T put two same trainer horses in the same trifecta unless they are the top two. I haven't been to the track in about 8 years...but my largest payout was just over 4K using the above. Alternatively, you could always bet on the horse with the purple silks. Have fun - I miss getting out to the track...maybe next year. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Per the page, and as directed by Bozo. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Happy day to you, BB! Hope you have many more, all more glorious than the last one! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You're welcome. It really is. It's better the second day, 'cause the flavors blend together. I love making this soup, because it's really nutritious, easy, and does taste delightful. Let me know how you like it! Best- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jerry, I'm loving your suggestions. And I'm taking you seriously, too. I mean, I just wrote a paper on why studying algebra is good for college students. Anyone who knows me knows how much I can't stand math...and yet, that was the assignment. So instead of writing it like everyone else, I wrote it as a conversation between me and another student...and why algebra can help one achieve one's goals. And I got a 98.5% on it, and the professor wants to use it as a model; I said no problem, but please explain where I lost the 1.5 points. LOL, I'm waiting for the answer. To the OP - do something that isn't necessarily a chore. Do something funny, or overblown. Explain that other topics were taken, and since you've recently been seeing the Geico cavemen commercials, delve into the oppression they are experiencing as guest commentators and on a shrink's couch. Have fun; if you can have fun with it, the professor will have fun, too... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oooooopsssssss. Sorry, Chris. But see, I and managed to get all time warped. I wished him a happy birthday three days early. Shoot, right now, I can't remember what day it is, let alone anyone's birthday. I had a time warp last weekend when my brother came into town unexpectedly, and he was due this week. He called and suggested breakfast, and I panicked, thinking that last week was this week...and somehow I'd lost a whole week. Stress is taking it's bizarre toll on me...and so I didn't pm you. Besides, you don't look like an ass...you're cute as hell sitting in that Jag. Hugs, my friend. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No, that would be stepping back. That's the only reason we need you, anyway. Oh wait...BOB is calling. Nevermind. Betcher ass on that one. And if you don't look out, all the american women will control you, too, no matter where you are on the planet. Make no mistake, we have all the power, and all the influence. And we are angry, and out to get you. Yup. We kill everyone who disagrees that women are amazing, strong, feminine and wonderful, all at the same time. So head's up, and watch your back...you're next. To hell with due process and appeals, we'll just gang up and off your happy ass. Yep. We run the world. We are in charge, and we don't care if you find us pretty or ugly...cause them that holds the power holds the world in her fist. So make no mistake, we are out to take over the world, and will do so however we choose. We have ALL the power, remember. Never mind the truth to things... Know what? Sounds like you're one of those who can't stand a strong woman who is not dependent upon you for every little thing. Sounds like you're one of those men who want a submissive woman, and who think that your only ability to have any control in this world is making "your" woman do your bidding. Too bad for you, then...I'd suggest expanding your knowledge and creating a life for yourself, and not have it be dependent upon a woman you can control. I've met men like you; and let me tell you, most women would find people who hold your opinion unattractive and unable to have an equal relationship or reasonable facsimile thereof. Parity is a delightful thing...but impossible in a world where women are less than you simply because they are outspoken, strong, and independent. That, you see, is the real shame; your inability to accept women as whole independent beings, able to be partnered with someone rather than subjugated by them. Well, too bad for you... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Kathleen, I didn't mean that you did. I just know that some people do...and it's a bad thing for them. Sorry that you might've thought that I was directing my comments at you; 'twasn't intended, and I apologize if that was upsetting to you. I know you love your pups, and that you are a great pet mama. As for the ham, it's one of the most difficult things to digest; the stuff they use to cure it can really be hard on the animal's bellies - the salts, nitrites, and so on tend to make it really, really bad for them. And yes, dogs do get mischievious. And so do cats. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ya want? Seeing as you asked so nicely...and at the risk of getting this moved to Bonfire... 32 oz. Chicken stock, low sodium 1 1/2 c. beans (I used lima, northern, and chick peas) 4 c. fresh veggies, cut into bite sized pieces (whatever veggies look good) (I used green beans, onion, carrot, celery, broccoli, and cabbage tonight) 16 oz stewed or diced tomatoes 4 oz can of tomato paste 4-6 oz. pasta, uncooked broiled sausage, as much as you want. Extra water Combine chicken stock, beans, and about 2 thingies of garlic (or about 1 tbsp of the preminced stuff; add juice, too). Bring to a boil. Add italian seasonings (I use basil, oregano, rosemary, savory, salt and pepper; season to taste) and tomato paste and stewed tomatoes. Bring to a boil again. Add sausage, bring to a boil again. Add veggies, and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the beans are just soft. Add pasta, and fast simmer for about 10 more minutes. Remove from heat, let sit for about 10 minutes (the perfect time to make garlic bread). It keeps for about 4 days in the fridge, and about 4 months in the freezer. It freezes really well, so don't hesitate to make the full recipe and have some in the freezer for those times when you need a good, healty soup. The recipe can be halved. This makes about 8 good sized servings. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You should try the sausage minestrone I just made. It's wonderful now; tomorrow, it will be incredible. It's cheap, very healthy, and incredible tasting. I don't eat frankfurter soup... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Your little puppy, yes, I remember. What kind of food was it? If it was dry, it's not the issue. And the pancreatitis is not one of the "known" symptoms, but who knows, it being rodenticide and all. Poisoning is poisoning...and liver and kidney functions are almost always the main target if it isn't a "caustic" contaminant (i.e. anti freeze, et cetera). Although, cat food is NOT for dogs, and vice versa. I know of a person who fed her cat dog food, and always wondered why the kitty was sick. There are reasons it's separate; the needs of dogs and kitties, while similar, do not lend themselves to long term different species food. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Just back from my monthly load-up on cat supplies; at the two stores I went to, the recalled items are off the shelves. The items that remain on the shelves have not been involved in the recall. This is a horrible thing...and so sad to hear of the deaths of beloved friends, however it happens. But for it to be rodenticide poisoning, that's just awful. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~