Hi everyone.  Just got back from shopping and spent way too much money.  Everytime I tell Phil we don't need much, I spend 2 to 3 times what I normally do.  I try to stick to some kind of budget but I goofed.  I bought snacks for our football tomorrow.. 

It seems to me the only one on these threads that is allowed to have an opinion is Lizz.  She sure was judging me for having a large family.   I don't ever remember asking her permission.  My dh and I paid every dime it took to raise our kids.  We didn't take a handout from anyone.  It didn't take a village to raise our family, it took two very dedicated parents to do the job.  You see how Lorri turned out, well she has five brothers and sisters that are as great as she is.

I think Suku was just trying to start off these theads on a positive note.  I commend him for that.  I can't stand peope who enjoy playing a victim.  If you are in a marriage or relationsip and there are no children, get out and make it on your own..  I wouldn't even stay in one if children were involved,  I wasn't put on earth to be anyone's doormat.  Enough about that.

Jim, it isn't too bad not having chocolate.  I can have a little bit early in the day, just not after dinner.  I do have one thing on my bucketlist.  I have never had a smore.  We used to take the kids camping all the time years ago before they all got involved with their activities.  We made pudgy pies but never thought about smores.  Maybe some day.  Talk to you all later.

Joan

Suku,  We are like family here and most of us know things about each other that we have accepted.  There are a lot of things in our lives that no knows.  You will find that some topics will hit soft spots in many of us.  Some things make us laugh and cry and yes angry also.  We all know Lizz and how she responds to things.  That's Lizz!  We try not to go to name calling here.  When we post we have to be aware that what we say may be taken wrong because we can't see the facial expression and body language.  When I find that my post is taken in a way not intended and I upset some one I will try and let them know I am sorry.

A lot of people who suffer from depression are told by others to "snap out of it", or that "things can't be that bad", when it's not our attitute that is the problem, but something beyond our control.  I think that's why your post was misunderstood. You were giving advice (and great advice at that) to the general population, not people who suffer from a chemical imbalance. Lizz has probably been blamed for her illness from others and is fed up and so she overreacted to your post, which is too bad. I hope she'll be okay!

Joan... Thank you. This one person have even sent me E mail calling me names. What has happened to civility. One have the right to disagree but this sort of vicious attack is mosy unwarranted. SUKU

Joan ~  WTF?   I never judged you for having a large family.  How did you ever get that impression?   Man.... 

joan:

It seems to me the only one on these threads that is allowed to have an opinion is Lizz.  She sure was judging me for having a large family.   

Cindy... Thank you for explaning, I am getting to understand people with clinical depression. I hope those who suffer get help and have a meaningful life. SUKU

Marlene... I respect the family ties. If I was approched with civility I would have withdrawn my post which is not even meant for this one person. How would you feel if I call you names and even send you an e mail. Sorry I do not have anything to do with these types. SUKU

Lizz  I didn't want to hear about anyone's labor either.  I came on late and told them I should get the kewpie doll, it was a joke to me. I had all six babies in 6-7 hours total.  I am sure the genlemen weren't too interested in their labor and delivery experiences.  I told you not having children was your choice..  You went on to say people having children were taxing the earth.  You have to pay taxes for everyone else's children.  My husband and I have been without children in our home for 15 years and we pay more than our share of school taxes.  Go back a read what you wrote, being that I was the only one with a large family, I took it personally.  My daughter is single and pays taxes up the ying yang. 

Joan

CindyS:

Wow, I never knew that, Sage.  Thanks for the education in fish! 

joan:

Lizz  I didn't want to hear about anyone's labor either.  I came on late and told them I should get the kewpie doll, it was a joke to me. I had all six babies in 6-7 hours total.  I am sure the genlemen weren't too interested in their labor and delivery experiences.  I told you not having children was your choice..  You went on to say people having children were taxing the earth.  You have to pay taxes for everyone else's children.  My husband and I have been without children in our home for 15 years and we pay more than our share of school taxes.  Go back a read what you wrote, being that I was the only one with a large family, I took it personally.  My daughter is single and pays taxes up the ying yang. 

Joan

Joan, you were the only one who responded with a large family.  I also took offense at the way I interpretted it.  By the time I read the post it was way passed the time when it had originally been posted.

I decided not to respond because your response said almost everything I would  have said and I find it best not to respond right away when I am angry.

Lizz I don't recall anyone on this post telling you that you were selfish for not wanting children.  I  fully support you in your decision not to parent by choice.

I apologize for contributing to the thread being off course yesterday.

Hey there Joan, Jen say's she'll fed-ex a big smores to you, we loved making them on our campfires when we rv'd, let her tell you about her attempt to cook jiffypop that way, I warned her not too, but it was fun for me, I got to break-in our first video camera filming our trash can smoldering!

Is your chocolate intolerance caffeine?

My dear wife just told me I'm mean (popcorn)!  I'll

We hope you, Phil & the bunch are good tonight, never too many snacks!

Our best, M w/J

Suku, you are very welcome, and so sweet to thank me!

Wow! Isn't this post titled "Friendship-Friday..."?

I have 2 children and was not offended by the comments about paying taxes.  I had to pay taxes when I didn't have children, and yeah, that rotted. But I never blamed the parents for that and didn't think Lizz was, either.

I also never got the impression that anyone was saying that certain people should have had kids. And when people commented on not wanting to hear about labor, I took it in stride and didn't think it came across as offensive. I think we need to lighten up and assume that no one INTENDS to offend anyone.  We are all here passing away the time until our next cruise and hey, even our friends off-line have unintentionally offended us and we've discussed it with them, and forgiven and forgotten, haven't we? Can't we do that here?

 Hi Barb   I think what happened is I posted and then there was a duplicate.  I deleted it and responded to Lizz  post.   It appeared like  I replied prior to her post. Are you confused yet?????   I am LOL.  It sounded like a personal attack to me. 

Joan

Barb:

I apologize for contributing to the thread being off course yesterday.

If I were to say I was clueless as to how Major Nidal Malik Hasan could just go on a shooting rampage at Ft Hood, doesn't mean I am not aware that it happened. Nor does it mean that I don't understand the fact that it happened. What it does mean is that in my limited low percentage use of my earthly brain, I can't comprehend what would cause his mental anquish to so control him to the point in his life, he saw this as his only option. Why? because my brain is not programmed like his....  Because someone uses the word clueless... it does not make them ignorant!

The fact is we are all different.  I respect that fact.  Some people will try to find the positive in everything, while others will find the negative... Some days we have good days,,, some days... we have not so good days...

I will never be offended if someone's opinion varies from mine. It doesn't mean their opinion does not matter .... just means that they have shown me a different way to look at something.  I will weigh their opinon then file it away in the miniscule bit of my grey matter that I am fortunate enough to use.

If we cease to be free in the matter in which we have accustomed ourselves in communicating on this thread, which includes, .. the good,,, the bad,, and the sometimes ugly, than we are in sense saying, that what the majority of us have to banter about is meaningless in every respect (including the entertainment value!)....   And if that is the case, where will I go for a daily pick-me-up.. make me laugh... make me cry .. moment???