CAPH2~ I'm sorry to have missed your post moments ago. I hope all goes well with your husband.

Happy B-day to Sam & atlswan! Happy graduation to all graduates. Prayers for Caph & mm.

Rave: leaving for Arizona a week from tomorrow!

Rave: it's finally summer

Rant: we need rain, badly.

Rave: spending Sunday with a friend at a dinner theater.

Rave/rant: kids are out of school, so we don't have to worry about homework and running them back and forth to school. Kids are out of school and calling us at work for little petty things.

rant -- it is far too hot in chicago and I only have a/c in my bedroom.

rave -- trip to nyc in a few days

rant -- the guy who plays the sax on the corner downstairs outside my window at night could really use some music lessons.

Rant: The death of Ann Bancroft; the sorrow of Mel Brooks

Rave: "grudgful grumps"--love it.

Rant: The constant "joys" of homeownership which rear their ugly heads...forever.

Rave: Living where I live

Rant: People carrying bloody chainsaws, swords, knives, and brass knuckles being allowed to cross the border without further checking.

Rave: This vehicle for venting!

AL ((d))

CAPH2,
I'm sorry to hear your news. I was in a similar position recently and can empathize with your situation. Mentally, I found the uncertainty more difficult than having my doctor's intial diagnosis confirmed. The first few days no doubt will be tough, after that I took the view that the situation was what it was and I needed to deal with it and move on.

For me, I viewed it as competition. I've always been competitive and I've taken the view that I'm not going to allow myself to lose to my illness.

What we've found also helped was to get as much information as possible. A great resource might be the American Cancer society. They can probably give you the names of leading practitioners in your area.

If there is a time to make sure you're getting the best care possible, even if it means insulting your current doctor, this is the time.

Don't lose faith, and I wish for the best for you. Please fogive my unsolicited advice.

CAPH52 - good luck and hope all turns out well, we'll be praying for you.

Bonniebroad - I admire your iron-strong will!! Wish I could be like that!!

To all graduates and their families - Congrats!!

Scarlett - wishing you a good and smooooth move!!

Rant - caught a summer cold this week :-( - what's with that??!!

Rant - employees being treated like disposable supplies. Every action by an employer has a consequence to society. Why oh why can't we all play nice?? (am I naive??).

Rave - my beautiful baby grandsons (one 2.5 yrs and one 3 months old) - that's what life is all about.

Rave - my DH - no one on this planet more wonderful - and I say this after 25 years of marriage!!

Rave - my garden is starting to bloom - early this year - I live in Edmonton (Canada) which is really quite far north, but we have beautifully long summer days (sun rises at 5 am and sets past 10 pm).

Rave (double rave!!) - the USA being our neighbours - how did we luck out??

Have a good weekend everyone((#))!!

Ryan,
Believe me, there's nothing to forgive. Your "unsolicited advice" is much appreciated!

As you said, this not knowing is the worst. Well, that and seeing my kids worry. We'd been trying not to tell them but, when my son answered the doctor's phone call the other day, we had little choice.

Thanks so much for your concern and advice. You will be in my prayers. I also wish the best for you.
Cathy

And thanks so much to all of the others who've sent good wishes! It's hard to express how much it helps right now.

"If there is a time to make sure you're getting the best care possible, even if it means insulting your current doctor, this is the time."

These words strike a nerve. You are absolutely right, Ryan.

Cathy, you, your DH, and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers - keep good thoughts :)

By the way Ryan, the lease is signed and my DS will be moving to Hoboken. Thanks for all of your help!

CAPH, sending my own good wishes and prayers your way, too. I recently had a health scare so I know how worried you are. Keep the faith and keep us posted.

CAPH: Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Thank you so much everyone!

But now someone please post a "normal" FF RR so I don't feel like I've highjacked the thread!

I was having a hard time raving about anything this morning. But I do have some afternoon raves...

Rave: I think my writer's block has been resolved :)

Rave: Mature trees and finding someone reputable to prune them!

Rave: Summer temperatures and a little rain to keep things green.

Rave: My parking ticket was voided :)

Smile...it's Friday :D

Rave: My old boyfriend from 40 years ago is on his way to see me- havent seen him for 35 years at least- he is riding a motorcycle all the way from Ottawa Canada -will meet him in Florence Oregon for an evening- before he continues trip up the Oregon coast and back to Ottawa. He called last night from Nashville- wow- am I nervous!!

Rant: no rants from me today

johnthedorf, Our passenger train system will never be as good as it could be because of the lack of interest in the American people. Germany has the best in the world and also developed and maintains the world's first multi-lane freeway system in the 1930's which is still unbeaten. I lived there for over a year.

ronkala, I totally agree with you. Let the mega-million corporate empire sports giants build their own stadiums. Taxpayers should not be forced to pay for their facilities and greed.

Caph52: thoughts and prayers

Rave: All the wonderful graduates ready to take on the world. I know so many nice kids

Rave: opoortunity to post rants and raves in this forum

CAPH, my prayers are with you and your dear husband.

Pam, thanks for the story about the sex therapist. That brought me a real smile. The lady who got hit was immediately surrounded by help so I'm sure she's okay now.

Additional Rave: Co-workers conspired with my husband to have him surprise me at lunch with flowers. I am blessed!

Rave: My son "graduated" from nursery school today. My wife says he is quite the ladies man as 2 girls in his class argued over who was going to marry him.

Rave: The return on my firm's summertime Friday tradition of Hawaiian Shirt Day. I went with an understated blue and white flowered shirt today.

Rant: I'm reading a book on Enron that prominently features two former colleagues - both of whom have plead guilty for their part. I guess they were both out the day our training program discussed ethics and moral responsibility.

Seetheworld, good luck to your son. I assume he's decided on the train commute to Murray Hill? He should really enjoy Hoboken. He MUST go to Biancamano's on Washington and 12th for one of their sandwiches. Their Prosciutto, Mozzarella, Salami and Ham with roasted red peppers is worth travelling for.

Well, I wasn't going to say it but I will...I don't know whether it is a rant or rave - but it is my birthday.
Rave - all my dear frinds and family.
I love my job too!!
I can't wait to celebrate tonight...

Raves: My youngest daughter (my baby!) had the most beautiful graduation. The floral decorations, the songs, the leis, the kids, were just achingly beautiful.

Rant: It seems only minutes since these talented young people entered kindergarten 13 years ago.

Rave: Eight years ago, I prayed just to see my children graduate. To not seem selfish, I prayed that all the other "pink ribbon" moms in this class be there, too. Well, I made 10 pink ribbon lei, and gave one to each of those moms on Saturday. WE MADE IT!!!

Rant: The all night after grad party I co-chaired was a huge success, despite many naysayers over our change of location and format from previous years. This would be a rave, except I am too OLD to stay up all night and I am paying for the pleasure of partying with 400 kids by now having tonsilitis!

CAPH- best wishes for you and your husband. And, having gotten the worst news (twice) I can tell you that it is never ALL bad. Good things come from bad situations. Sometimes just knowing who loves you can make even the major medical battles easier.