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11-10-2006, 05:21 AM
DebW

My dad was drafted into the army at 18 during WWII. Wanted air corp but got stuck in the infantry fighting in Europe and wounded twice. He would never talk about it when I was a kid, except how much he hated the army. Then about 6 years ago, he wrote up a memoir of his army service and self-published 10 copies. I finally got to know that part of my dad's history. Not something anyone could possibly wish on any 18 year old kid. But after being wounded the 2nd time, my dad convinced a psychiatrist that he was shell-shocked and crazy, so they didn't send him to the front a 3rd time. Instead he got a desk job in LeHavre, France towards the end of the war and went to the beach every day.

Kudos and thanks to everyone who has served. May our future leaders have the wisdom to avoid war.

P.S.
When my dad was discharged from the army, he was given a paper listing the civilian occupations that his army training had prepared him for. There was only one thing on the list: walrus hunter. He became a mechanical engineer instead.
11-10-2006, 05:28 AM
Trek420

Xrayted "Two of my four brothers are a completely different story. Miserable cusses all the time. The other two are an even mixture. We all grew up in the same house but..."

Even though it's the same house and family things change along the way so your siblings experience family is differently. Sorry that 2 out of 4 brothers agree to be misserable, X. Life's too short to be miserable.

I suspect that my sibs may be jealous that by the time I came around my parents were getting out of farming and into a more middle class lifestyle where there were things I got to do that they didn't.

While we lived in the same place, rural Sonoma country and I caught the tail end of the family farm experience they got much more of it; both parents pretty much there all the time, 4H....

"I suspect you're just like your Mom, Trek. :cool:"

Nah, I know some here think I'm kinda smart, my Mom is truly amazing.

Snap, have a blast in Vegas.

Nanci, the snake games sound so cute.

Crazyc, I just talked to Knott who is on the road.

Like many in his generation my Dad went to enlist in WWII, because of his eyesight he was 4F. So he went to work. There were plenty of jobs in those days but he ended up at Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond where my Mom also worked.

He started in the warehouse and went up the ranks. He won several awards for procedures that increased production and reduced the number of absentee workers. Later when the Army came back around to pick up 4F men for desk positions so that others could be moved to the front kaiser said "no, he's doing you more good here".
11-10-2006, 06:50 AM
Xrayted

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trek420

Even though it's the same house and family things change along the way so your siblings experience family is differently. Sorry that 2 out of 4 brothers agree to be misserable, X. Life's too short to be miserable.

I suspect that my sibs may be jealous that by the time I came around my parents were getting out of farming and into a more middle class lifestyle where there were things I got to do that they didn't.

"I suspect you're just like your Mom, Trek. :cool:"

Nah, I know some here think I'm kinda smart, my Mom is truly amazing.

You're right. We did grow up differently I guess. The first 2 are the cranky ones. Had it worse than the rest of us b/c they came first, blah, blah, blah. The next 2 are much better and we hang out a lot but they have their moments. They won't back down no matter what. Stubborness runs rampant in the family. :rolleyes: I was a bit behind the others and the only girl. I grew up at the beach where their childhoods were spent in PA on the farm. I was brought up in a very diverse community. They most definitely were not. My take on life-in-general doesn't really fit in around here. I'm the laid back to the extreme type. I get serious when I need to, completely passionate in certain situations, but I'd much rather allow things to flow where they may. Don't fix what ain't broke. I just want to be happy and help those around me to be happy. Too simple a philosophy for some I guess. Most of the time, I find it impossible to accomplish both simultaneously. I've given up my own happiness way too much in the past to keep peace and harmony (and tolerance) flowing. I'm kinda at the end of my rope on a few things lately, tho.

As for the smarts comment, you definitely are like you're Mom. And humble to boot. ;) Heck, Trek, you make me wanna go out and read more. Explore the world. Get into a little trouble. (just a little :p )

Tell Knot we all say hi and hope she's happy and having fun. That's what it's about afterall. She so deserves it!

See y'all tonight.

X.
11-10-2006, 07:30 AM
Trek420

Xrayted "Tell Knot we all say hi and hope she's happy and having fun. That's what it's about afterall. She so deserves it!"

Just spoke to her...she's past Portland. Well, got to get to work.

TTYL TE TD.
11-10-2006, 07:35 AM
Bikingmomof3

I really must learn not to sleep, I miss so much on TD.

Lise- I am so pleased everything is going well with you and J. :D Yes, good men are indeed kind and you deserve to be treated well. :)

Snap- Have a blast in Las Vegas! Pictures, Snap, we will need pictures. Some of us do not even know what a vacation is. ;)

Annie- this is not a stupid question, " Bmo3, this is probably a stupid question, but I've been wondering why it's okay for you to run but not any other exercise? I always think of running as more strenuous than biking. So I'm confused....." When I was placed on the original aspirin regime and the CCB, we knew it would drop my BP. Right now it stays abound 90/55. Side effect besides being dizzy and tired is fainting. So, he did not want me driving due to the side effects of the CCB and my stroke risk, paralysis, and vision loss. Biking, ditto-I guess he figured a high speed (stop laughing, it is a high speed for what I can manage) fall would be bad. Also my balance stinks right now. Swimming-fainting in a pool is a bad idea, I do not recommend it. ;) Now running, I never mentioned to him. I had not really thought of it at the time. So I take DH or my "coach"-son. This way, I do not have too far to fall, if I feel badly we are right by home (my runs are boring loops around my home), they always have a cell phone handy, my neighbours are all around should help be needed, etc.

CONGRATS to your husband and to you. What office was he elected into?

Boob job-not for me. I am not a fan of hospitals and surgeries. Gravity has not been kind, but I have learned to love my body (for the most part). I am hoping with continued running my breasts will shrink. I am a 36B/C and was a lot larger. I do not like the size now, it make buying tops a PITA.

Salsa-I agree and I love reading the Darwin Awards. :D Congrats on the granite!! I am SO envious. I want to rip out the carpet and put in hardwoods floors. We need a new garage door and roof. Sigh. Where is the money tree when I need it?

Kelownagirl-maybe on her own she will grow up, maybe not. It does not reflect your parenting. You could always offer to help her pack. ;)

X-I waited all night for you to show up. (tapping my foot with my arms crossed). Cool pic. I love your hair.

CC-you see the coolest things on your runs. :cool:

CWR- congrats on finally arriving in Phoenix! I have a little surprise for you when you get home-well I am hoping to time it for after you get back. Geek alert-DH has shown EVERYONE in the chemistry/geology departments his Alaskan collection. He even took the shells! :eek: He is so proud of the road.

Deb- I have not touched my bike in so long, I have almost forgotten what it feels like.

Queen-Thank you for serving our country. Happy Veteran's Day.

Nanci-Choco does indeed sound quite talented. :) Have BF take some photos. I am glad Inez allowed herself to be seen.

Trek-when you speak with Knot again, tell her she is missed!
11-10-2006, 08:05 AM
mimitabby

Catch me up! Where is Knot? (never mind, i found her post. 4 day weekend. that's good!)

Boob job?? omigod, if i had more stuff in my breasts they would already be below my waist! GIRLS, what goes UP MUST come down!! if you do not like your
breasts, get a pop up bra!! If you have surgery, in 20 years, you will need more surgery!!! (or less, depending on gravity!!!)

EEEEK!!!

Nanci your new snake sounds cool i would love to see him doing figure 8's
11-10-2006, 09:06 AM
Kitsune06

If Trek said Knot was passing PDX at 8ish, she should now be near Salem and in another hour Eugene. Give her another hour-ish and she'll be passing by Roseburg (there's a nice little place there for coffee by the side of the hwy if she needs it, but I forget the name....) ...haven't been much further down I-5 myself... I hope she has a good drive!

Chica, take care, have fun in Phoenix. You told me you would, so you better. *hug*
11-10-2006, 09:08 AM
mtbdarby

Mimi, the grass is always greener on the other side you know;) So how was the Italy trip?

I still feel like crap but at least the room has stopped spinning. I'm at work today and in a foul mood - I feel like crap, IL guy dumped me, we're getting 3-5" of snow as we speak and my drive home will probably take 45 minutes because people have to "relearn" how to drive in the snow. I need a hug.

Annie, congrats to dh on the victory!

Off to put a little soup and 7up in my tummy. I lost 5 lbs yesterday and didn't even throw up. Too bad it'll be back as soon as I eat....I hope my little guy doesn't get sick.
11-10-2006, 09:23 AM
Bikingmomof3

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbdarby

I still feel like crap but at least the room has stopped spinning. I'm at work today and in a foul mood - I feel like crap

I am impresssed you went in sick. Now go home! No one else wants to become ill and you need your rest. Go straight home and diectly to bed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbdarby

IL guy dumped me

His loss and you are better off. You derserve someone better. I know it does not make you feel better now, but out with the old to make room for Mr. Right.[/QUOTE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbdarby

we're getting 3-5" of snow

My turn to cry. :( It feels like freaking summer here-house is very, very hot. I hate Ohio! I want snow! I am a lover of snow and wound up where we almost never see snow more than a few days a year. :(

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbdarby

I need a hug.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Dar))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
11-10-2006, 09:27 AM
mimitabby

the grass here is VERY green. And squishy. I need an amphibian bike. we're 9" above average for the year!!!

the trip to Italy went very well. As I expected it was very intense, I have some cousins who are getting up there in years, and slowly but surely I am getting better at speaking italian too all, so I am getting more and more attached to them all.

i posted some photos in this thread.
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...360#post143360
11-10-2006, 10:13 AM
CyclChyk

DAR - Il guy is obviously smoking something he shouldn't be. Best to stay away from him anyway.

MIMI - welcome back!! I want pics! Is Italy as gorgeous as I imagine it is??? Oh.. .theres your pic link .... call me stoooooopid.......:p
11-10-2006, 10:34 AM
BleeckerSt_Girl

Salsa-
Have you tired buying some of that special milk for cats? It's got the lactic acid removed, and has a few nutrients added too. Comes in little boxes, mine is called Cat-Sip. My kidney-iffy cat loves it, and it ADDS FLUIDS to their system!! Look into it, maybe your local fancy pet store has it. You can also mix it in with their canned food. They actually have it at my Price Chopper supermarket.

Kelowna-
From what you said your daughter said when you spoke to her, it sounds to me more like she is feeling sad, frustrated, and inadequate, not like she is necessarily "spoiled". People that age are not good at directing their insecurities towards the appropriate direction. I feel for her. I think right now instead of concentrating on her bad behavior, you should just try to make her feel loved and welcome. Working on selfish behavior can always come later. She must feel like she has no way out of her present situation, no choices. She probably feels the resentment from other family members (even though she may have CAUSED the resntment, no matter). Give her love and reassurance for the moment- she needs to feel safe and loved while she works on deciding what to do in her life next. Once she is out, you won't have the chance anymore.

Weird incident:
Yesterday on my 21 mile "daily" ride through the countryside, a flock of blackbirds flew across the road in front of me, and I saw that there was one albino white one amongst them. Cool, I thought.
Today, on the same ride, in a different part, another flocks of blackbirds crosses in front of me and lands en masse in a bare tree as I cycle past them. There was the white bird again in their midst.
Does this mean something?? Is it an omen?? :eek:
11-10-2006, 10:55 AM
snapdragen

I'm packed - with far too much I'm sure. Hey, at least I'm leaving the laptop at home! :D

I have my usual pre-trip "I don't wanna go" mood strapped on tight. I'm used to it now, so I just ignore it and know when I get to where I'm going I will be thrilled. Someday I'll figure out why I do it!

Everyone behave yourselves! If not, document it all here int TD......:rolleyes:

Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
11-10-2006, 11:57 AM
Trek420

Bikingmomof3 "His loss and you are better off. You derserve someone better. I know it does not make you feel better now, but out with the old to make room for Mr. Right"

((((Dar))))) was this the guy who couldn't wear a hat? We knew he was trouble

Bm3 thought just occured to me that my Mom (aforementioned smart one) has had a few TIAs, she still lives on her own independently, gardens, walks into town to do her shopping. I asked her what her secret is she says "keep moving". So keep moving.

Knott just called, 47 miles from CA boarder, she says she's stopping to eat and get gas (hopefully not at the same restaraunt ~ you knew I'd say that though) :p

Mimi, the food, the bikes...we wanna hear

Back to work...carry on TE TD
11-10-2006, 12:03 PM
maillotpois

Have fun with Knot - wish I could join you guys for the ride...

Edit: Okay, well, maybe I don't actually qualify for the ride on any front - I went back and confirmed it's the singles, single sex ride. But still, it would be fun to join you - and at this point, I'd even ride with Republicans (not that I equate this ride to Republicans, but just thinking of a group to which I don't belong) if I were able to just get on the darned bike.