What a wonderful idea for a thread, Creek. I had to laugh at a comment of yours tho....the last sentence sounds SO MUCH like me!! "Year around it would be Teapots, at Christmas, it would be glass Christmas trees. And in between, it would be anything I could get my little hands on. LOL " I have way too many collections and came to the conclusion long ago that is what I collect!! But if I absolutely HAD to narrow down my many Christmas things to just one, it would be the Mikasa Holiday Elegance pieces. (white figurines rimmed in gold). As for my every-day things, at this point its probably my horse figurines. I no longer buy whippet/greyhound things and have been selling some of mine actually. (had over 300). And I try REALLY hard not to buy more bunnies, or at least be super picky on ones now. Enough should be enough!! Neesie, what you said about sharing a loved ones things is a wonderful thing to do at a service! hugs, Karen

Oh Please help me too!! Here's what I'm looking for:(keep reading-I'm not just style-I need substance too!) 1) a french-style range-love the visuals and need the drama for our remodel-I want the stove to be the focal point. Seriously, if I'm going to sell my soul for a kitchen, it better ROCK! La Cornue, while gorgeous, is out because of the small oven size (yes, I know it's supposed to cook better, but I cater sometimes, have a family the size of a barge, and can/dehydrate/cook like a crazy woman)-don't care about a turkey in there(we live in Cali and usually do Mr./Mrs. Turkey on the grill, which is also HUGE), but also need to consider resale value, and a tiny oven isn't gonna cut it.) 2)Has to come in colors(see above). Like green, or red. Or purple. 3) Must perform-lest anyone think I'm "looks not cooks", it's the other way around-it's all about the BTU's, the configuration, the functionality, and the positive consumer and trade reviews. I work as a private chef and cater occasionally. 4) I need two ovens, and want a coup de fou(sp?) aka french top.I am SOOO in love with this thing! 5) Would love a few other options, such as a warming oven, plancha etc. Lusting for a Bain Marie...and a deep fryer..not that I need any more fat LOL!! I've looked at Lacanche-love everything about it except for the oven height-it's only 12 ish inches tall, which means I can't do any vertical roasting (Could pick one of their units that has a vertical oven , but still!!!_12 inches tall??? And those silly drawers on the bottom-couldn't they reconfigure those into broilers on the top? Then there's Molteni-weird website(would be neat if they had a "configurator" with quotes), but cool stoves. I think I may be looking at a made-to-measure stove there, but have no idea what price point I'm staring at.(well, I kinda do..-LOTS-but how much different than what I'm already looking at??) Rorgue-great product, but no visual/romantic esthetic. Just heard about Officine Gullo and am impressed with the blend of solid handcrafted build quality combined with Old World styling, but can't seem to find any actual reviews of the item-according to the rep I spoke with, they're just penetrating the US market. They have plans to open showrooms in key regional markets, but so far, the only way to see a OG outside of a picture is in their Miami showroom. Other showrooms slated to open at the end of this year. In defense of this company, they are willing to build me what I want however I want it and although not the cheapest game in town, so far it seems still within the high-end ball park, plus they've been in business over 70 years. Lacanche and several others have a HUGE up-charge for certain colors-OG has a broader "base color range" and that saves me close to 2K, plus a close to 2K shipping fee, depending on whether you select air or sea freight.. I'm not rich, but have come into a moderate inheritance and hope, after suffering with hand-me-down everything and going to second hand/clearance stores to furnish our home/kids/life that just once I can have something amazing, new and completely bomb.Help me make a dream idea come true!

I had a total hysterectomy at the age of 36 due to an ovarian cycst the size of a grapefruit. (It had become that large in a matter of 3 weeks). They had prepared us for it being cancerous but luckily it was not. When they opened me up, I also had endometrosis everywhere. They literally had to scrape all my internal organs and even removed my appendix. I had already had uteral surgery to help me get pregnant and a C-section with the smiley shaped incision but they had to do a huge incision that goes from above my belly button all the way down to you know what! It kinda looks like an anchor with both incisions. Let me say this was way back in 1986 so alot has changed since then. I took estrogen and progestone for a few years then dropped it to just estrogen. I stoppped that about 10 years ago now and my biggest complaint is that everything on me is dry. I have tried the creams and stuff but nothing seems to work. Hot flashes come and go but overall that isn't my main issue. I still have paps done every three years - its actually more of the lining of course but you should still be checked for endometrial cancer. The estrogen threat is not just for the ovarian cancer but also breast. It was actually my husband who suggested I talk with my doctor about stopping the estrogen as it was being discussed among the doctors at the cancer center where he works in Radiation Therapy. As I said that was 10 years ago or more. So much depends on your age - I was so young at the time, the hormones were basically a necessity but now I am glad I have stopped them.

No need to worry, Newdawn, that this thread will be here forever -- we all know this forum self-destuctes every few months and loses all its history pages.... And nothing here compares to the chronic oversharing i do IRL anyway.... How old are you? 43 going on 60 Are you in love? I'm trying hard to remember what that felt like... Are you married? No How many times have you been married? None. I was engaged once though. I don't know what I was thinking, either... What type of medicine do you take? Mostly hypertension, statins, BPH, and pain relievers Ever had an operation? Hernia repair, minor stuff after injuries How many children do you have? None. I hope. Do you think you could ever have an affair even though your married? I'm single, but I already have with a married woman. Her husband was a controlling, abusive jerk that constantly threatened her and smacked her around. I have no moral or ethical qualms whatsoever. What architectural style is your house? Generic 1950s cheapo duplex Looking around your house what have you collected the most? Dust If you could change your name what would you change it to? I can change my name if I want. I've polled my friends on this. First name staying put though. Favorite style of room? A wood-paneled lounge room with a wet bar, or a nice keeping room for guests with seating and tables everywhere Favorite city? London. Or the north shore of Oahu. Favorite cookie? Chocolate chip, preferably with pecans How many soft drinks do you drink in a day? And what brand? 2 or 3, Coke, Cherry Coke, or Dr Pepper. Also like Moxie which is hard to find in most places. Real sugar only please. Favorite style sofa? Love seat with recliner Are you over weight? I could stand to gain a few pounds. Short or long hair? For me, short, because it's easy to keep neat and dries quickly. But I like longer hair on women. When is the last time you were flirted with? A few months ago When is the last time you made love? Last month, but in the true sense of the phrase, two summers ago. Do you have any addictions? cheese, Ambien How many fireplaces do you have in your house? none, unfortunately How many lamps do you own? About 8. Only one nice one though. I'm a recessed-lighting guy Would there be any situation where you would kill your parents? This question was asked on a job interview, I promise. No. I had genuine reason to fear they would bump me off though when I was a teenager Have you ever smoked cigarettes? Only once. I hated it, fortunately Have you ever smoked weed? Yes. World's most overrated recreational drug. I get a better buzz from Ambien. One of your favorite singers / One of your favorite groups? I have too many to select just one. How many mirrors do you have in your house? I don't even own a full-length mirror Do you look at yourself in the mirror often? No What kind of car do you have? VW Rabbit. Awesome car. How many miles do you have on your car? about 45,000 When is the last time you went out to dinner? Last night Where did you go to dinner? Can't remember the name; it's the diner near where I work out sometimes Are you happy? Only on rare occasions Could you REALLY say you truly know yourself? Yes Do you like parties? Yes, as long as they revolve around socializing rather than alcohol Do you like to give parties? Yes, although the preperation and cleanup can be exasperating Favorite holiday? Christmas What color is your hair? Dark brown What's your favorite decorating blog? Don't read any How many sofa's do you have counting love seats and porch/deck furniture? One. That's all that will fit in my apartment! Favorite day of the week? Saturday, of course Favorite television program? Friends. A brilliant soap opera masquerading as a sitcom, its spot-on portrayal of more-than-friends, not-quite-lovers amorphous relationships resonates with me unlike anything else on TV. Did I mention it's also fall-on-the-floor, bounce-off-the-walls funny? Would you like to be rich or famous? I've gone out of my way to avoid any inkling of fame all my life. I want only enough money to live comfortably Are you rich? No What do you consider rich? Lots of close friends and interesting experiences. Not lots of money. Would you rather have a luxury car or a killer stove? The car. I already have a Gaggenau halogen cooktop, the best there is. Do you enjoy out of town company? Yes Do you like to travel? Yes, once I've arrived at my destination. The traveling itself gets tiresome. Do you still have childhood friends? A few from my teens Did you go to college? Yes What magazines do you subscribe to? Nothing anymore, I just read them online. Do you have any friends that are gay? No, but wouldn't avoid someone for that reason Would you consider yourself liberal or conserative or middle of the road? I lean leftward on social issues, rightward on economic ones Are you an introvert or extravert? Wildly extroverted, although you'd be hard pressed to know that if you've only seen me this last year Do you like to wear high heels if your a woman? I'm not a woman, and I don't think they look good on them either. And they're ridiculously uncomfortable and impractical and probably bad for your feet. Flats all the way for me. Do you like to wear belts? I prefer elastic stretch fabric around the waist. Belts are uncomfortable and unyielding. What is your dress size? I don't know, i've never worn one. They don't look good on men. Would you consider yourself a good friend? I've been told I am; I'm reluctantly starting to believe it Do you like sex? With an enthusiastic partner, immensely. With someone who begrudgingly "puts out", not at all. Do you live in a small town or large town? Fairly large When is the last time you had a alcoholic drink? Cabernet a few days ago. It's hard to sneak in a drink when all my rx meds say "don't take with alcohol" Do you think you have sex appeal? Only if I work hard at it Have you ever been arrested? Not yet. But I've been lucky. What is more romantic, candles or the light from a fireplace? The fireplace. What religion are you, if any? Not religious How many television sets do you have in your house? 3 How many books would you say you read in a year not counting magazines or newspapers? 15 Do you like your next door neighbors? Yes. They've changed often though, and I miss my old ones When people first meet you (after two hours) what do they notice besides your looks? That I'm very perceptive Favorite flower? Whatever my girl likes best. Yes, I do pay attention! Would you rather spend Thanksgiving with Barefoot Contessa or Paula Dean? Never heard of either one When you see people kissing in public (not on the cheek) do you look away? Yes, although I think it's cute and heartwarming as long as they're away from a crowded area. But excessive PDA in public areas is distasteful. One woman I knew thought couples that always see the need to hold hands or hug or smooch whenever others are around, often are making up for what they don't have when they're alone together. I think she's right. Would you be more attracted to a extremely weathy man or an incredable drop dead gorgeous man? If your a man, change the sex. Probably the drop-dead-gorgeous woman. But I like a deep, sultry voice even more than great looks. If you had your choice and money was no object, what type of house would you buy? A moderately-sized first-floor condo in the crossroads of the city Are you gay? No, it squicks me just thinking about getting it on with another man. Not that there's anything wrong with that... Can people tell what region you are from your voice? Evidently not. I've been asked if i'm Canadian. Even British. Are you a grandmother or grandfather? I'm not even a dad Do you want to have kids one day? Never. I'd would remind me of my own childhood and cause unpleasant flashbacks. I'd consider fostering a teenager to adulthood though. Who fascinates you on GW? You can only pick one. I can't remember everyone, or who's still here. On this forum, i'll go with redbazel or runninginplace, they seem to have the most in common. Also the ones already named. (I can't pick just one of anything) Pool or fireplace? Pool. I love water Would you rather go to the show or rent a movie? I love going out, but tiredness usually results in renting What profession would you really like to be in? Advertising maybe. Or music/record production Do you have any regrets? Too many to mention Do you know how to change a tire? Yes, have done it many times. How many languages do you speak? I'm working on English Has your husband or wife ever embarrassed you in front of other people? Yes or No? Not married, but my SO never has Are you honest? Yes, brutally sometimes, except to people who lie to me. (how could you answer this "no"? If you did, you'd be honest by saying that!)