Ok, let's bring each other up to date on what's been going on in our lives since this thread was started! Since Feb. '03, my life has been forever changed by a brief, but lovely, long-distance friendship/relationship. We have both since moved on, but we will both cherish the time we spent together. I have since had another grandson, been back to school, dropped out of school, gained 7 pounds, fallen in love/lust again, made some good changes and some not-so-good changes. I have a lot more gray hairs and have, overall, mellowed with age. I have learned, thanks to my dear friend, Michael, to not take things so seriously - we won't get out alive, anyway! I have learned to take rumors with a grain of salt, live my own life, and be happy with what I have. Since Michael came into my life, I have been able to give love as well as get love - to be loved, one has to love. I have learned to leave it all up to God - all things happen for a reason - things usually turn out for the best. I have come to realize that I am exactly where I am supposed to be in this life, at this moment, and to RELAX! OK, who will be next?

Thank you Kay....I did...don't worry about forgetting, as I took some time off and missed out on these wishes myself and felt a bit guilty....welll not real guilty since I was having fun but I do thank all the sentiments, really!!

I appreciate the invite Jo, I really do. Mom is going to be 89 shortly after the first of the year and I think I need to hang around here. She's doing a good job of alienating others in the family and that's her fault. Where I look at it as she is just getting old, their skin is obviously not as thick as mine.. they are taking it way too personal. I hope I don't sound pessimistic, but I don't expect to see her around for even one more xmas after this and if I'm not here, she will spend it alone...hope I'm wrong....watch her outlive me just to spite my comment...heh

No, Tinmantu, you are not wierd. You are very much like my brother. He is very polite and respectful to all people and he opens doors for everyone. I do the same thing. When I first started dating Robby, many moons ago, we were going into a restaurant. He was in front of me and opened the door to the restaurant. I heard a noise and looked back, but I kept walking and ran right into the CLOSED door! He didn't keep it open for me! He died laughing from the other side of the door, with greasy nose print on the glass. LOL I think it's just thoughtful and respectful to open doors for each other--a simple act of common courtesy. And it takes very little effort. Tardiness is a bad sign too. I'm always punctual and I hate having a date or meeting with someone and they're late. I have a friend who is constantly late for our lunch dates, so I rarely go to lunch with her anymore. I arrive on time and she's 30 minutes late. Did I mention phones? Mobile phones are good--for emergencies. But I hate to be out with someone and they're talking on the phone instead of being with me. It's just annoying. When I was growing up, if we had company and the phone rang, Mom would answer the phone. But she'd tell the other party, "I have company right now. Let me call you back later." Then she'd visit with her company and return the call when company had left. Tinmantu, and you other guys out there, what are turn offs for you when dating? Clue us gals in on some do's and don'ts. Casper