Ya, a lot of folks have "gone to Facebook"... but I still check here regularly and can't imagine not having this place to really talk about things.

A friend recently spoke about her OCD on Facebook... that took a lot of courage - of course, we all were surprised (well, not me, really...) ... but the thing of it is... she's feeling safe to share her secrets. The more that speak out, the more people will know they aren't alone.

For me, this is the "safest" place. I have some contacts on Facebook who just don't "get it"... friends (relatives!) that are just too private and/or have their heads in the sand about the world around them.

I remember back, years ago, when I first learned about Tourette Syndrome, Depression, OCD and all the syndromes that go hand-in-hand with mental "illnesses". If it weren't for my sister discovering the TS forum in the early 90's and me then sharing what I'd learned with my cousin, her youngest son would have not been helped early enough with his TS and Aspergers (high functioning Autism). People need to talk about things - how else will we grow?!

and now... what's on my plate... a music/photo video for a friend's daughter's wedding reception (just have to finish scanning some photos and will put it together.
I've found a great "hello kitty" pattern to knit for my favourite little person and will likely sell some of my creations, too
I've also got to go out and finish my merchandising job ... put it off today as I feel the need to create, first.

Lara... I miss you - I hope your plate is full of good things - happy things... and your internet time is more often! I thought of you this weekend - fondly remembering our Canadian Thanksgiving dinner together ... how many years has it been since you were here?!!

My plate is pretty full too. Trying to finish up the yard work before the snow flies...did see a light frost the other morning. Meeting Barbo for lunch today. Mr.Alffe and I voted yesterday..surprised at how many people were voting early. Got my flu shot after lunch....had to wait a long time and that made me crabby....I don't wait well.

Leaving town next week for the trial but taking computer with us so can stay in touch. I made Doody's recipe for dog biscuits and Cassie loved them...Mr.Alffe threatened to eat one they smelled so good. Going to have to make another batch when we get back home. I haven't told Cassie that she's going to the kennel...

Sorry I dont post much, tend to avoid Facebook, I do not feel safe there and I think if I posted there how my life really is it would be used against me at my job. I tend to lurk alot and post here and in SCS when I feel the need or to encourge othersz

I am at both places on f.b. i dont really talk about my issues as my boss and my family are there so I need this place here very much.
whats on my plate... beautiful weather I will clean the church tomorrow and then done with work going to St Augustine on the weekend. then I cant wait for next weekend...going to see my dd at college and see duke football game and a duke basketball expo where it is count down to the crazies. the coach there was coach for the USA olympic basketball team. also my dd passed her MCAT test and after she grads this year will be applying to med school. thats what is on my plate...lots of little things to be happy about and feel blessed . and I DO .Threw your son , I Thank You God . I wish everyones plate was as pleasant as mine is right now.
PEACE
BMW

I feel the same way. I feel much safer here than fb. my plate is really full right now as well some really icky stuff and some really good stuff...... {{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} to my family here. and we ARE family

It's been far too long, Addy. It was Northern Hemisphere fall and winter of 1998/1999. Thanks for caring and sharing as you do. Love to you always.
edited to add: Happy belated Thanksgiving! I wear a little gold maple leaf in my shade hat that I wear in the garden every day.

Take care everyone. You're very precious people. I don't use fb and not on the computer much lately unfortunately.

Bread is rising and a white load is soaking. ND plays Stanford here and they are predicting rain. It's "College Game Day" so ESPN is here,,,I think we'll go up to the "cheap" movie theatre and see Argo. It's such a great deal..Seniors can go in the morning for $2.50....add popcorn and it's $4.25

Popcorn in the morning! What a concept!

Lovely to "see" you, too, dear Lara!

Our Vancouver rains are back after 11 weeks straight sunshine... a bit of a shock to have to put the lights on during the daytime. Rain is awfully gray!

Goofy, I think about you lots and Marshmallow - I'm so glad you're here!

I'm glad all of you are here...

Hi all -

My plate is very full. That's why I don't really visit much anymore. A dear friend reminded me of this place the other day and I really should pay you all better attention since these people (and some long gone to other places in the world) have helped me so much in my life, I wish I could do the same for you all too.

What am I up to? Watching Dexter - anyone else watch? And enjoying my 1 day off of the week. Tomorrow I will spend prepping and doing homework and projects and getting ready for classes, teaching, working this work. We work 12-13 hour days now and it's vicious. I don't even have time for lunch, but I guess complaining won't really make me feel better, huh?

Looking forward to spending the holidays alone this year with hubby, rather than driving home to be with family. We need to save the money and it may be nice to rest, relax, and have our first holiday of our own in our own home. :/

It's been a rough past few days - don't really want to share too much - but the week has been rough and this month is always the worst. I wonder if there is some trend/graph that shows how many visits I make during the year- bet they are always in October.

Anyways, hope you all are doing good. Hope you know I'm up to good stuff and moving forward with my goals/dreams/aspirations and only 3 years left of school of my 30-years of education *wow* did I really sign up for this? And if it's a good day, I often wonder whether I even chose the right career path and whether I should have just opened a cafe instead.

Oh on brighter news, I got a juicer and it is beyond amazing. Only $50 on ebay (Hamilton Beach) and you throw in the entire pear/apple/whatever and it grinds it up instantly to juice, no pitting/peeling nothing. I just ate 4 fruit in one cup
Soon, I'll be courageous and try some veggies in there (Carrot? Cucumber?).

Okay back to watching some tv and enjoying my night, good to see some of you around still and hope you all are doing okay.

I think I'd heard Addy call out on this one? Lol! It was very loud and brought me to the forum!

I am amazed by the numbers of names I still recognize! It's been quite awhile since I have been here to interact much. I am often referring people to this site, as they look for support and for sound information on various medical conditions, life challenges, etc. I love this site! Wonderful people, both members and moderators, etc. Just an amazing place!

I have missed so many of you!
Lots has gone on in life, lots that has needed extra attention! Seems like that's the case for all! (We'd lost our home in a major flood, almost two years ago now...and still are not in our own home yet due to all of the complications with restoration, etc. We have lost major members of our family to various types of cancer over the past couple of years. We have been assisting my elderly mother for almost two years, as she'd lost her husband to cancer. Too many life events to list here today... or ever! Lol! So many challenges, yet we count our blessings everyday!)

I do not yet use FB, either. I don't feel it's as safe for more confidential discussions. Maybe I am mistaken? I may have to eventually participate on FB. yet have been holding out. Quite frankly, haven't had the time to get to know FB, either. (It seems there's a lot of "trouble" between people, ie: some family members and some employees/employers, etc, on FB. I like to have as much peace as I can in my the few minutes I have to myself in life!

I had an urge to drop in, to say hi, to wish everyone "Happy Holidays" and hope people are finding healing on all levels of their lives!

I still think of you each/all so very often!
I hope to check back in sometime soon!

Lots of Love, Gratitude, Healing to All!

DejaVu