Freaky Friday Rants and Raves 9-16
 

Rave: I'm going to a Rodeo today with my Dad.

Rant: I can't think of any.

tag, you're it.

jorr, that is wonderful ! I have fond memories of the Rodeo Days in Tucson...

Rave: our trip to St.Louis was absou-positively-marvelous ! A beautiful city !

Rant: the cool weather in Sonoma/Napa
counties has stalled the "crush"-not good for the grape growers-we need our
September-October heat !

Rave: small rants !

A great weekend to All !

R5

Yay, jorr.
A rodeo! I haven't been to one in ages..I used to love the bull riders :)

Rave: Life in Portland

Rant: all of the weird'os posting recently, they give me a headache

Rave: Got to meet another Fodorite. mms from Portland. We had a lovely lunch at a really nice boulangerie here in town. Walked talked laughed shopped walked and talked..a perfect GTG.
And she is as pretty as she is nice ((F))

Happy Friday!

RAVE: I ran into kalena (old time fodorite, the first one I ever met) at Costco. She's dying to meet the Kals.

Rant: My back hurts. I can't go running!

Rave/Rant: The Bone Marrow Registry is calling. They think I'm a match (soon) for someone who needs me.

Again, for anyone in Honolulu this weekend....Sunday's event showcases the best of island music, Monday's event showcases the best of island food:

Sunday, September 18
Kapono’s will be hosting a concert to benefit the Red Cross in its Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The event will start at 3 p.m. and last till at least midnight. Tickets are $30 per person (ages 3 and under are free), available through Ticketmaster and Kapono’s.

The entertainment lineup will showcase the best of island entertainment, including C&K, Kalapana, Kealii Reichel, Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom, Willy K, Hapa, Fiji, Inoa’Ole, Tony from Da Braddahs, Harold Kama Jr., Opihi Pickers, Ooklah the Moc, and BET.

From 4-6 p.m., the concert will be broadcast live on all four television stations. There will be a phone bank that people can call during this time to make monetary pledges.

Please note that the event is “all ages” until 9 p.m. After 9 p.m., attendees must be 21 and over.
For more information, call 536-2161 ext 103.


Monday, September 19
A group of the best local chefs has joined forces to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina. "Chefs for Hope" takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Aloha Tower Marketplace.

All tickets are presale at $150 per person and can be purchased at Chai’s Island Bistro. Corporate tables are available for $5,000 and $10,000, which includes catered hand service by three of Hawaii’s top chefs. Proceeds will go to the Salvation Army Katrina Relief Fund. (Please note that no tickets will be sold on the day of the event.)

Participating chefs include Chai Chaowasaree of Chai's Island Bistro, Russell Siu of 3660 on the Rise, D.K. Kodama of the Sansei restaurants, George Mavrothalassitis of Mavro’s, Alan Wong of Alan Wong's restaurants, Hiroshi Fukui of Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas, Doug Lum of Mariposa, Colin Nishida of Side Street Inn and Guillume Burlion of Diamond Head Grill. Live entertainment will include Na Leo Pilimehana, Jake Shimabukuro, and C&K.

Call (808)585-0011 for tickets or more information.

Rave--Met Scarlett for a wonderful afternoon, as she posted:) We had a great time and she has such a great attitude about living here!

Rave--Had central Air conditioning installed this week! Of course now it will turn to fall weather.

Rave--Took DD shopping for a homecoming dress and it did not take hours upon hours, lol!

Rave: All the special friends I have made here on Fodors. They are worth more then their weight in gold. I feel very blessed.

Rave: The beautiful cool weather we are having here in the southern Sacramento Valley. It is so delightful.

Rant: I just found out from razzledazzle that the lack of heat is keeping the wine grapes from having the amount of sugar they need. We do want wonderful California wine in the future.

Rave: The events in Hawaii that MelissaH posted for the benefit of the Katrina survivors. That is fabulous.

Rant: My dear friend who has the brain cancer, her heath insurance company has advised she is being "kicked out" of the hospital this coming Monday. That is a carying insurance company, NOT!

Rave: The nurses that have been taking care of her. They are true angels. The one I talked to yesterday was almost in tears.

Rant: How are nurses are treated by their hospitals/employers. It is sickening and digusting.

Rave: My grandson who just knew he wanted to switch from the clarinet to the saxaphone along with his band director who is giving him so much help and encouragement.

Rant: From my daughter..my grandson plays his saxaphone at home every moment he is at home LOL. She loves his enthusiam but 24/7 concerts are getting a bit much! But we do all love his pleasure with his new instrument.

Jorr, my father use to take me to the Rodeo in Salinas every year when I was growing up. I will be thinking of you, have a wonderful time. Your Dad sounds like a great fellow from everything you have shared with us.

Wishing everyone good health, good friends, family love and a wonderful weekend.

Rave: NO is beginning to recover a bit.

Rant: Now, if GWB would stay off TV as he tries to recover his image. Your response was atrocious, George!

Rave: Aha, under 2 weeks and I'm taking a much-deserved break for the UK.

Best to all posters, have a great wkend. ciao.

Rave- School year is off to a great start. I have some great kids including a few kids who approach situations ( working so well with others who may not be their "peers" socially or academically) with grace and maturity. I LOVE to see that as it reminds me how cool it is to work with young people.

Rant- Getting accustomed to getting up so early. It seems to be tougher this year...

Rave- My daughter has made the transition to high school quite smoothly...so far...hopefully this will continue.

Rant- When I look at this thread later today, there will be people suffering from some really "rant-worthy issues (that really stinks).

Rave- When I look at this thread later today there will be so much cyber-support for those people from others on this board (that is really nice).

Bennie--I hope your daughter is enjoying the middle school.The 7th graders are so cute (and little).

Rave: Today is our 26th wedding anniversary ((l))

Rave: Tonight we will have a quiet dinner at our favorite local restaurant.

Rave: It's "Family Weekend" at my youngest's university and that means FOOTBALL! :D

Rant: My DH leaves Sunday for Texas (it's becoming his second home).

He's always wanted to go to a rodeo, jorr - I wonder if I could arrange one somehow.

P_M: Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you girl! Hang in there :)

Since I need to leave for work, I reserve the right to come back and "rant and rave" some more.

I wish all of my Fodor friends peace, good health, and the very best of days!

Rave: Melissa and the bone marrow match possibility. Bless you, Melissa
Rant:LoveItaly's friend being removed from the hospital summarily. The disease is challenge enough, that the insurer adds to the pain is unforgiveable.
Rave: I'm going to Miami and Naples

Rave: Happy Anniversary seetheworld!

Rant: LoveItaly's friend being discharged! Rave: LoveItaly, she is fortunate to have you for a friend.

Rant: Having to cancel our trip to NO in November for our Anniversary.

Rave: Made reservations in Hot Springs for a spa weekend at the Buckstaff and a daring B&B instead and then on to Texas for Thanksgiving with our son.

May all Fodorites have a healthy and fun weekend.

"Darling" B&B, Ummmmm, maybe "daring" would be better?

Rave: great weather! A 14-mile bike ride yesterday, and about 8 miles tomorrow for a Hospice fund-raiser.

Rant: broke my mp3 player on Monday after the umpteenth dropping. Spouse said it landed wrong that time, and when he looked inside, wasn't impressed by some of the circuit work. I really depended on that thing!
Rave: plan to get a new one this weekend, but with less storage than the old. And Rave that I have a 10% off coupon for Best Buy.

Raves: lots of small, good things happening here . . . and hope it is the same for other Fodorites.

TGIF!

I am in Denver for the weekend.
My husband cannot join me afterall... bummer.
I cannot decide what to do.
Breckenridge?
Estes Park?
Nederland?
Fairplay/SouthPark?
I have to come back to Englewood each night, so it has to be a day drive. I don't mind driving 5-6 hours per day.
There is a festival in Littleton...
I just want to shop at places with cool stuff and see beautiful scenery.
I know I have posted all this before.
My rant is that I still cannot decide, especially since I am now on my own!
~Laura :(

Rave: Melissa and the possible match - great news, and I encourage anyone who gives blood to get on the registry (just one more tube). I've got my card...

Rave: Anniversary this week - we've got 23 years to catch up with you, seetheworld! He really is the man I didn't know I could hope for.

Rave: Heading to Maine/NH next Friday for a "last hurrah" long weekend.

Rant: OK, so Trish already knows this story - On Saturday DH and I went to his parent's house for a family reunion, arriving a little bit early. I went to the kitchen to help SIL and my MIL assemble veggie trays, etc., and when I went to bend over to throw out some garbage under the sink, my MIL gesticulates and shouts, "Ohhh, A-, your hips are spreading...your bottom's getting big!!" and when I turn around with my rightful look of horror she continued, "That birth canal is already widening - it's gonna be a boy!!!"

No joke.
I am allowed to hold this against her for the rest of my life, right? :)

Prayers to all who are suffering or who are trying to support loved ones suffering, and props to all the teachers in fodorland - you've got my love and respect. Happy Friday, all!

Rant: The hormones are starting to kick in now from all this running and I'm officially nuts.

Hit a butterfly with my car this morning and just started bawling.

Oh. Boy.

Rave: Beautiful weather, still in the mid nineties. Beach weather:-D

Rant: No happy hour because of my 18 mile run in the morning.

Rave: Still basking in my newly engaged glow
Rave: Dinner with friends and brother tonight!
Rave: No rants today!!!

Hello, all!!

Rave: Happy Anniversary to seetheworld!! Enjoy your evening. ((L)) And thanks as always for thinking of me. >:D<

Rave: Citizenship ceremony today!! **== As of 2pm this afternoon (that's 3pm Fodor time) my Dutch friend/co-worker will become my American friend. Several people in the office and I are taking the afternoon off to go to the ceremony. Afterward there will be a party at his house. He is so excited to become an American. He said first thing Monday morning he's going to the post office to expidite a US passport.

Rant/Rave: MelissaHI, a few years ago I called to ask about getting into the bone marrow registry but they won't take me. They told me they have too many white people and they really need minorities. I think you are very lucky to have this opportunity, and how very good of you to do this. You win the gold star of the day. ((*))

Rant: LoveItaly, how awful for your friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her. I hope she will find another place that will accept her and make her comfortable.

Rave: ethel, many congratulations!! I can see your glow on my screen. :-X

Have a safe and happy weekend all.

Rave - I am working from home today in my robe, and no one is the wiser!!
Watching my son play soccer and my daughter play field hockey - I love it!!
Razzle Dazzle - I am glad you liked ST louis, I am fond of it too, it is home!!
Rant - left my phone charger at work, so now I need to go in, darn it!
All our fodor freinds who are having health issues. You are in my thoughts.

Jorr- I love rodeos! Have fun. The last one i attended was in Fraser, Colorado in August and we had down vests on!!!!

LoveItaly, I hope things work out for your friend. :(

Seetheworld, congratulations on your anniversary!

Ethel, congrats on your engageement, as well.

Rant: Montserrat erupted again this week and we've been choking on ash and sulphur.

Rant: Running the office single-handedly for three weeks now is kicking my butt. All the overtime is exhausting me.

Rave: My wonderful DH is really picking up the slack at home since I seem to live at the office lately.

Rant: Leaving for a week long business trip in Miami on Monday and hardly have anything preapred for it. Guess what I'll be doing all weekend?

Rant: Have a mile long personal errand and shopping list to try to fit in with 8 hours a day of business up there. Arrrghhh.

Rave: Our dear legendary Caribbean pilot friend, "Le Pipe," turns 80 years old on Sunday. Yes, I still fly with him and trust no pilot more. :)

Rave: NOLA seems to be coming back quicker than anyone expected.

Rant: One death attributed to Katrina is still one death too many.

Have a good weekened my Fodorite friends and to those of you with much worse rants than mine, keep your chins up. :) And, to those with better raves, congrats!

Rave: All in all life is very good.

Rant: Our school system is in serious trouble and the school committee is so dysfunctional that they cannot/ will not solve the problem. Instead of getting to work to fix what's wrong, they engage in recriminations, accusations and fingerpointing. They are talking about closing the schools for Dec, Jan and Feb to save on heating costs, cutting teachers salaries, layoffs. Our taxes are disportionately low for the type of communities that we live in yet town leadership refuses to ask for enough money to fund the schools properly. We are fed up. Now we have to decide between moving to a more stable school system or private school.

Rave: We have the means to make such a choice.

Eeva - My daughter has adjusted to middle school very well. She has lots of friends from all 3 towns as a result of camp, gymnastics,and church. She has join the math team and will be participating in the Strings program. Thank you for asking.

The hardest thing for her to adjust to is the underlying assumption of every teacher that the kids will (not may) screw up. So different from the positive attitude at the Page. Every notice that comes home is all about the consequences of screwing up. There is a very negative undertone to it all. I felt rebellious just reading the various rules that the teachers sent home - I can't image what a truly rebellious teenager would feel. I understand the need to explain the consequences of misbehavior but gee whiz - lighten up! Not every kid up there is a juvenile deliquent. How about a little positive reinforcement? (Sorry for the rant - I know I would be better off addressing the issue with the principal.)

My prayers go out for all Fodorites in need.

Have a great time, jorr! Several years ago, we just happened to visit Santa Fe when the rodeo was in town. We were lucky enough to sit next to a very friendly local couple who had a son who was participating (can't remember exactly what he did). They explained things, told us stories, just generally made it a fantastic experience. One of those wonderful, serendipitous things that happen on trips! And one of the reasons I'm just amazed at the guy mentioned on your other thread, jorr, who said something to the effect of "You spent all that money and all you have to show is those pictures"!

So glad you're so happy in Portland, Scarlett! I hope the feeling just grows and grows with each day you spend there. Also glad to hear you and mms had such a nice time together.

How rotten, LoveItaly! It's a real shame that it's the insurance companies who practice medicine in this country rather than the doctors.

Happy Anniversary, seetheworld! And have a great time at Family Weekend!

Yes, AHaugeto, you have every right to hold it against her! But it'll be interesting to see if she's right about the boy!

Congratulations again, ethel!

Continued good wishes your way, P_M

Rant/Rave: No real changes here since last Friday. My husband's at chemo now. Will leave in a few hours to make the 5 to 6 hour trek down to his family. I really wish he weren't making the trip. But I know he has to. He said there's really no point in our son and me going. And he can hit the road earlier without us.

On the positive side, work is getting a little less stressful as the 1st graders get used to eating at school! And they really are sweet and adorable. Most of them anyway!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Bennie, sorry to hear about the school problems. We have a few narrow minded people in our district that don't realize their property values are directly tied to the strength of our school system. Fortunately, they haven't overwhelmed the discussion.

Rave: My 4 year old son is showing power from both sides of the plate.

Rave: The Sportsguy column on ESPN.com

Rant: Meeting with 250 different clients in the next 10 days. I never realized how tiring talking for 8 hours straight can be.

Oh, a rodeo, how fun. I always wanted to learn how to lasso something.

PM your friend is becoming a citizen at the beginning of the Constitution Week holiday (a new one from Congress).

Love Italy, sorry about your friend. Really sorry about the insurance (sure, MBAs in an office somewhere know more about health care than the on-site professionals).

With all that has gone on in my family recently, we're actually doing more stuff together now. Mom and Dad invited me over for lunch this weekend. Dad is slowing down (and fast) so it won't be mountain biking or kayaking but it will be good to see them (and I do see them about once a week already). Mom's thinking we (me and Mom, Dad isn't interested) should go to Europe again.

Hugs to all who need them. Cheers to all your successes everyone.

RAVE: My 3-weeks with my granddaughter were beyond wonderful! :-d Thanks for all your "Friday messages" wishing us fun, when I was too busy to stay at the computer long enough to type (I swear! :p )

RAVE: Have begun my fitness/diet program anew, only six (I know I promised five but I can live with six ... :D ) pounds above what I was in early June when I *broke* for the summer. Water aerobics & long walk this past Monday, weights Tuesday, water class on Wednesday, long walk Thursday ... and away we go!

RAVE: Going to N.C. State football game tomorrow!!! Friend and I debating if we want to strip certain clothing off and spray ourselves red and white, assuring you'll see us on TV, OR behave like the well-bred Southern belles that we are???? :p

RAVE: Seetheworld's anniversary ... have a wonderful one! ((L))

RANT: My sweet, gentle, magnificent eldest brother has brain cancer, which spread from lungs (smokers, STOP!) and liver. He only has a few months left, when he should have had at least 20 more in his garden. :-(

RAVE: Melissa ... bless you! What a difference you may make in this life!

Have a wonderful weekend, fellow Fodorites! :-)

Rave: DD is visiting with her novio.

Rave: The Bull Ring (MX/SP rodeo) is visible from my patios and outdoor salas.

Rant: Bull fight outcomes and the Sanmiguelada next Saturday.

Rave: Portland was recently named as having the best "infrastructure" for the older elderly. Seattle was 2nd.

Happy Independence Day.

M

Rave: To all who sent me their prayers last week re: my biopsy for skin cancer. You really boosted my spirits. Thank you all so very much.

Rant: Unfortunately, biopsy was positive and I will need Mohs surgery. Bcs it's on my face and I do hyperthropic scarring, my biggest fear is that I will wind up looking like Frankenstein! Sugery scheduled for Nov. No hurry necessary.

Everyone, please use sunscreen all the time, not just at the beach and do not bake in the sun. A tan indicates damage to the skin. My problems are related to doing just that as a child so esp keep your kids protected.

Rave: It's only basal cell so it's not that serious and bcs I live near Boston, I have access to the best docs and hospitals in the world. Hubby of 37 yrs will love me no matter what. I am truly blessed.

Going to VT for a few days this week to calm down.

LoveItaly - My thoughts are with your friend. bonniebroad- So very sorry about your brother. Certainly hope the rest of his time is peaceful and loving. Congrats to Seetheworld, AHaugeto, Ethel and P_M.

Happy thoughts to all.

Jacqueline, so sorry to hear the biopsy was positive. But glad it's basal cell. Good luck with the surgery! And have a great, relaxing weekend away!

Bonnie, I'm so sorry about your brother. Sounds like the same thing my FIL has, except that, as far as we know, his isn't in his liver. It's so frightening and fast-moving. My FIL had had a chest x-ray in March and a brain CT scan in May. Neither showed anything. By late August, it was stage 4!

He's 79 and had smoked for over 60 years. He must have good genes to have escaped it as long as he did. I second your warning to the smokers in the crowd!

Rave: Just got an $88 airfare R/T boston to cleveland for christmas. How can airlines make money at these rates.

Rave: John Roberts. Can't be a better person for the courts.

Rant: John Newdow. He needs something more productive to occupy his time.

Rant: In laws in town for the weekend and it's going to rain.

rave: my dads surprise bday dinner went well last w'end. couldn't find the beatles "when i'm 64" song to go along with the big day... ;-)

rave: we saw a seal on the beach at fire island! very unusual, but rant: it might have been sick, it wasn't splashing about, or coming out of the water...

rave: looking forward to the ny/nj gtg in october!

rave: lunch with oldest and dearest friend in 1 hour!

jorr.. a rodeo! so cool!!

rant: none to speak of.

:D

Rave: fodorites who care about each other, celebrate life together, and can see past the bad element here.

Rant: all our cyber-friends who are experiencing loss, illness, friends and family with hurts.

Rave: I think bonniebroad needs to change her screen name. Hmmm....bonnieslim? :) Way to go, Bonnie!

Rant: the California wine grapes. :(

Rave: rodeos!

Big Rave: Last weekend I worked a 12 hour shift at a Red Cross shelter with 1000 evacuees. I was overwhelmed by how all those volunteers worked SO hard for so long, with never a complaint or harsh word. Most of the evacuees were so grateful and appreciative. It was such an honor to take a small part in something so wonderful; and it goes on and on each day. If you are near a shelter, I suggest taking a day to help out, and it just may renew your faith in mankind when you see how people can pull together so beautifully.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Huge Rave: Atlanta GTG is tomorrow. Looking forward to a few hours with good friends and good food...:D

Congratulation Seetheworld! And you, too, Ethel!

Thoughts for your family Caph. And for you Jacqueline. I hope your surgery goes well. Thoughts for your friend LoveItaly.

Melissa: that's so cool!

AHaugerto: One of my pregnant friends was recently told, "Oh, you're starting to get that pregnant, puffy face!" I think you can hold all similar comments against your MIL!

Rave: Going to Univ of MT football game with friends tomorrow. Go Griz!

Rave: Will be meeting my sister (a freshman at Univ of MT) at the game.

Rant: Husband has another knee surgery on Monday.

Rave: Daughter learning to sing and dance and is trying to jump. She can't quite get herself off the ground. Must be the chubby tummy!

Rave: It's Friday. Husband and I get to go to a wine tasting tonight.

Have a great weekend!

Greetings to all my FFR&F'ers ~

Rant ~ Managed health care, I am so sorry, our dearest LoveItaly. To have a friend that has been a part of your life since age 14 is such a gift, and then seeing that someone you love so dearly suffer is beyond sadness. Please know how very much we are all here for you. You are in my heart always, as are the caregivers nurturing her daily.

Rave ~ Ethel, big congrats again on your engagement. ((L)) Love each other well. Spoil one another every chance you get. Be patient. Laugh. Laugh. Laugh.

Rave ~ Happy Anniversary STW !

Huge Rave ~ MelissaHI, how wonderfully generous of you, what a dear gift you will be giving to someone.

Minor (very minor indeed) Rant ~ Insomnia. What IS the deal, does this affect anyone other then me. And the funny thing is it's always around a full moon, I am beginning to think my mother didn’t tell me something, lol, possible vampire ancestry in my past, LOL.

Rave ~ That truly my only rant is that I missed out on sleep last night between the hours of 2 and 5am. How blessed.

Rave ~ Thank you Jorr for bringing back a memory. As a child my parents used to take me to ride those little ponies, not exactly the rodeo, it sure did bring up that pleasant and loving reverie. I loved it so. Many thanks!

Rave ~ Have a super time at the Atlanta GTG tomorrow folks!

Caph ~ You and your family are always in my thoughts. Sending strength! xo

Happy smiles for all, ((L)) Tiff

New to Fodors but want to say how sad I am to read about BonnieBroad's brother. Your love for him came through.

Rave: Melissa for putting herself out for folks needing marrow transplants.

Lonesome

Rave: My son started high school last week and he's doing very well. He's happy and has a lot of friends...new and old!

Rant: My friend's husband up and walked out on her last week. He has disappeared to Ohio and avoiding being served papers. She found out that he's been living a double life for three years. As usual, he's the last person in the world you'd expect to do such a thing. Isn't life wierd?

Rave: She has good friends like me to help her through it!

Rant: No vacations planned for the near future.

Rave: Fall is getting closer and closer. I've seen a few red leaves in my yard.

Rant: That means winter is close behind.

Rave: It's FRIDAY! Have a great weekend everyone.

Rave: Have a date to see "40 Year Old Virgin" tonight with DH. Picking up a bottle of bubbly to celebrate 6 months of wedded bliss ((L))

Rave: I count my blessings every day that I have a healthy family, a job and a place to call home. I wish the same for every person in every country. Be safe, be happy, be healthy, be free **==

Go N.E. Patriots!

Jacqueline, I am so sorry to hear your sad news, I didn't see you post before I posted mine. We're here for you, sweetie. And don't worry, you will not look like F. it is amazing what they can do now.

Also, bonniebroad, I was so sorry to read about your brother. Very sad news. Sending you both strength. Big hugs.

Oh, bonnie, bless your heart, I <b>am</b> so sorry to hear your sad news. We never know how long we or our loved ones will be here, so we have to treasure all the moments we have with each other.
Big big loving hugs to you and your family.