Coffee Shop Forever, It's time to kick bottom and drink coffee! Options

[Olen]

Enjoy the holiday Zalph.

Grits, the Boy might have been winding up the Girl. For example sitting in shorts on leather seats is bad enough so it's likely some chairs are safe. And there's nothing either fabreeze or an Indian throw can't solve. Anyway I'm not sure adult magazines are commonly available anymore.

Life goes on in this part of the world, only another week in Englandshire and then I finish my job and go back up north. I've been recommended for a sponsorship too, means another pile of interviews but it would come in handy.

[Black Hand]

(o_O)

In case you were wondering, no, I do not want kids. Grits, you are the superior human being...

[haute ecole rider]

I'm with Black Hand there. I have no kids and intend to keep it that way.

Yes, they're adorable when they're little (witness my two nephews - both now grown, and my cute little step-niece - my sister-in-law's daughter from an earlier marriage), but they don't STAY little. That's precisely the problem.

I have news of my own. I just completed my second session of classes in my MBA program. The first session went well - I got an A and an A- in both those classes, but they weren't that hard. One was financial accounting, the other was business economics. Both were subjects I already had some degree of familiarity with, due to previous college courses (econ) and business experience (accounting). This past session was more interesting (if possible) and more challenging. I had managerial accounting, which was actually quite interesting and fun; I also had business statistics which was the most difficult class I have had since orgasmic chemistry over twenty years ago. I'm not mathematically gifted, so it was tough to begin with. But I got through it by finding ways to apply the material to my work experience, and did better than I had hoped. I got A's in both courses, and let me tell you, I am so proud of the one in Statistics! That was the hardest A I have ever earned!

My third session started this week - Managerial Finance (stocks, bonds, taxes and loans) and IT for managers. Talk about indulging my inner geek! We'll see how things progress this session. At the end of the last session, I was actually considering cutting back to one class per session, but I figured I was feeling the stress of the Statistics class. If I feel the same way again toward the end of this session though . . .

[King Coin]

So what went on in that chemistry class?

[Acadian]

1. Empty nester here, and glad of it!

2. Congrats, Rider! Way to go!

[Kazaera]

Congratulations on that statistics A! I actually did four stats courses in undergrad, and every single time I'd spend the entire term sweating blood and the revision period feeling as if I was banging my head against a wall... only to then have the great lightbulb moment of revelation happen just before the exam, leaving me with a good mark and thinking "well, that wasn't so bad and really this is kind of interesting, I should take another course next term!" (which I'd then promptly regret.) So do I ever hear you on the terror that is statistics classes...

I must admit that Grits' story has left me momentarily glad that I have no kids and that's not too likely to change.

[Grits]

Zalphon, I hope you have a great vacation!

Good luck with your move and interviews, Olen.

Congratulations on your second session, haute! My only college Statistics class met at 8:00 a.m. Mon, Wed, and Fri. It was not an easy class, but showing up was the hardest part.



Naked Boy update: I suspect it was a wind-up, at least partly. The Girl is at a friend’s lake house for the weekend, and The Boy offered a few more choice remarks Friday afternoon as she bounced out the door. I took the opportunity to mention the hazards of bare skin on polished wood and leather, dropping the phrases “rip the skin right off” and “pop like a grape.” In her absence, he’s decided that The Roost (the attic) is now his man-cave. Last night at dinner he fixed himself a plate that held only meat. So I can’t completely dismiss the threat that he will pee in every corner, as promised. I’m turning the air conditioning down to arctic, maybe at least he’ll keep his pants on.

[Black Hand]

Hey ho forum-goers.

This post announces my official retirement from Fan Fiction. It came after a realization that I simply don't have the drive like I used too. Once they called me post machine, and than over the last four years it obviously took a dive.

There are other reasons as well. Mainly one being the Sethyas-Saga is too wrapped up in other stories too allow me to actually be able to write it and update it at my own pace. Its a double edged sword, and I knew what I was getting into.

So after much soul searching, there will be no third installment of "Memoirs of Morag Tong Assassin". For those of you who know the story of Solstheim, (Read Treys Blood on the Moon if you don't, fantastical writing job on his part.) just assume Seth did that stuff and retires to the Factors Estate.

Happy Labor Day for you fellow Americans, and happy run-of-the-mill Monday to the rest of you!

I'll still pop by now and again, as there is some fantastic stories here on the forums that I simply couldn't live without! Just because I don't always comment, does not mean I don't read, mostly its just there is an overwhelming amount of text and stories for me to read all at once!

I pray you all keep it up, and I pray that all you're dreams come true, you guys really do deserve it!

Peace.

[Acadian]

So sorry to see you stop writing fan fic! Please be at ease though. I know it can be a challenge. I also know that collaborative efforts with other writers are both a blessing and a challenge when it comes to coordinating efforts and posting schedules/timing etc. Warmest wishes to you and know that you can always change your mind and pop back with a continuation or different effort.

[Grits]

Black Hand, I am very sorry to hear it, but completely respectful of your decision. Seth is a character who has captured imaginations and inspired other people. Thank you for the time and energy you have spent over the years bringing him to life here. I’m glad you’re going to stay in touch.

[Kiln]

I understand how you feel Black Hand.

When I first joined the forums I wrote TONS of fan fiction but never finished one of my lengthy stories even though I had loved writing them before. Slowly but surely I lost the inspiration to continue, wrote myself into a corner somewhere, or spent so long between updates that my entire style had changed and the story seemed like it was written by an entirely different person between updates.

I also used to read ALL of the fan fiction on these boards every day but now I can't find the time and even if I had more time there are just too many writers to keep up with these days. When I do write a story I usually stick to short ones so that I can't fall out and leave people wondering how it might have ended had I continued and actually found the will to finish it.

Anyways, best of luck in whatever you decide.

[haute ecole rider]

Well, it's the tenth anniversary of the tragedy we Americans have come to call 9/11.

We had a remembrance in church this morning, with forgiveness as our theme.

Today is as fine a day as it was ten years ago when the planes left the sky (I live almost directly beneath one of the major flight paths into O'Hare Airport, so the absence of planes after it happened was very obvious that afternoon). Sunny, mostly clear, with temps in the '80's. Uncanny, when you think about it.

Here's my prayer for today: May every one of us reflect on what this day means for those who lost loved ones in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., and pray for forgiveness. Only when each of us can forgive can peace become possible. It doesn't matter what God any of us ascribe to (or not), what matters is that we can move past religious and ideological differences and see each other for the human beings we all are.

An aside to Black Hand: I've never read Seth's story, but it's been on my to-do list for some time. I'm sure I will regret that it will not be finished. Nevertheless, I respect your decision. If you lack the motivation, why push yourself? Seth is your creation, and his story is yours. No one else can write it for you, and no one else should. Take care of yourself, and do let us know how you're doing from time to time.

[Athynae]

Haute I agree with EVERYTHING you shared. I remember vividly watching on television watching in real time as the second plane flew into Tower II. I was holding my then almost 3 month old son and I slide with him into the floor and drew my almost 2 year old daughter into my lap and held them seemingly closer than I ever had. And I prayed for all who were there on the planes, in the buildings and on the teams that would enter that hell to save who they could. That moment is never far from my mind.

Black Hand your stories are incredible and my hope is that when RL gives you the time and your motivation is so inclined that you will return with the same fervor and words of fire that you have shared thus far. Just know that Sethis always in Thyna's thoughts, you will never be far from her heart, or Serene's. They both love Seth so very much.

[Zalphon]

Two things...

On the topic of kids: I want them. I acknowledge there are pitfalls along the way, but... I don't want them anytime soon

And on the topic of being back: I've been back for about a week now, and been meaning to pop on and say, hi. However, I've been buried in a sea of homework.

Fair warning to anyone still in school: If you're going to take a vacation (and are taking college-level courses), don't do it. Been doing homework from the day I got back (once I get home, I do it until dinner, then after until I go to bed) for five days

But... I'm glad to be back and to see you all

[Acadian]

Welcome back, Z! Sorry your hols were so bookish.

[Olen]

Welcome back Zalph, I hope you enjoyed your holiday even if you are suffering a bit for it now.

I too am back, sort of. RL is currently eating me. Since I last posted I've moved house and restarted uni, masters year now so they try to make me work hard (a concept I strenuously resist). Also being back in Scotland causes a lack of free time, Edinburgh is a lot more fun than grotty industrial towns in England.

Anyway I thought I'd pop by and read some of the posts I've missed... I will catch up, eventually.

[haute ecole rider]

Thought of you last week, Olen, when we were watching PBS Saturday evening and they had Rick Steves's travel show on. The episode was about Edinburgh, and I have to agree, it looks like a blast to visit. Live there? I'm not as sure about that. But the history of the place is so fascinating!

At one of the clinics I worked, there was a little old lady named Betty who came in to clean kennels every morning. She didn't have to, but she insisted anyway. She would bring her little Westie with her, and treat us to Scottish coffee and Scottish tea biscuits. She never lost her thick Scottish burr, and most of the time I could understand her better than most of the hearing staff could. Probably because she lip-read the same as Americans, and that burr didn't mess me up as much because I couldn't hear it as well! Lovely woman, she was. She could drive us daft, but when she would take a few days off (usually because she was sick, or the weather was too bad), we missed her terribly. And her sense of humor was the best!

[haute ecole rider]

Argh! Avast, ye mateys!

Today's the International Talk Like A Pirate Day! Well, for some of you, it's already past . . .

Anyway, couldn't let this go by without honoring the holiday, so here goes:

A pirate and his parrot, were adrift in a lifeboat following a dramatic escape from a valiant battle. While rummaging through the boat's provisions, the pirate stumbled across an old lamp. Secretly hoping that a Genie would appear, he rubbed the lamp vigorously. To the amazement of the castaways, a Genie came forth. This particular Genie, however, stated that he could only deliver one wish, not the standard three. Without giving any thought to the matter the pirate blurted out, "Make the entire ocean into rum!" The Genie clapped his hands with a deafening crash, and immediately the entire sea turned into the finest rum ever sampled by mortals. Simultaneously, the Genie vanished. Only the gentle lapping of rum on the hull broke the stillness as the two considered their circumstances

The parrot looked disgustedly at the pirate and after a tension-filled moment spoke: "Now yee've done it!! Now we're goon to have to pee in the boat!"

And a better version of the one Julian told:

So a pirate walks into a bar, okay, and swaggers up to the barkeep and demands a glass of rum. I believe his exact words were "Your rum or your life, dog, what'll it be?".

And so the bartender, being a reasonable fellow, makes no complaint but simply grabs a large glass, a bottle of fine dark rum, and begins to pour. And while he's waiting for the glass to fill (this being, as I said before, a large glass) he sizes up the pirate, having never seen a real honest-to-God pirate before.

This pirate is in full pirate gear. Gold earrings, patch over the eye, a big filthy white blouse covering his swarthy chest, tattoos everywhere, all of it. But protruding from his pirate trousers is the unmistakable form of a steering wheel.

Well, the bartender sees that the glass of rum is just about topped off, so he passes the glass across the bar to the pirate, who nods curtly and takes a huge swig of the rum. Slapping a dubloon on the bartop, he turns to walk away, when our bartender's curiousity gets the best of him.

"Wait, one second. What's up with the steering wheel?"

And the pirate turns back and fixes him with a beady glare from his lone eye. "Arrr, I don't know, but it's drivin' me nuts!"

Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day!

[saqin]

I hope everyone is doing all right! School is up and going, it feels strange that I've only got two lessons a day, but most of them last for 2 and a half hour and we've still got loads of work to do. My longest day is Friday, that's really the only negative thing I can say about the schedule.

My computer is really god, I'm using headphones at the moment. The games I've tried so far work really well, I've modded Oblivion so it looks better and it only stutters a bit, but it usually does that when you've got a lot of mods. I just got my braces removed today and have only got to wear a plastic thing shaped for my teeth during nights for about a year until they are sitting firmly where they're supposed to be, so no more excruciating pain! I think I'm going to try and eat an apple tomorrow, see if I can do it without cutting it to pieces yet. ^^

[Acadian]

Saquin, glad to hear that school and new puter are doing well. Congrats on the braces! That is great news indeed.