Good Evening Everyone!

I see after the 1002 post in Room III, that the Room was closed.

I hope there is still interest in carrying on from Busymom's Original topic "Room For All".

I love this big, inviting, warm room that welcomes and includes everyone.

I love it when those who started in the first Room For All post, and I love it when new persons come along and join the room.

I love it that I find I get to know each and every room visitor a little bit better with each post.

I love it that I am welcomed.  I love it that I am encouraged.  I love it that I am taught, strengthened, and uplifted by all who post and share.

There is room for all!

I just wanted to come on and share, after posting my concerns and worries about possibly having hurt someone in my family (my son) after having some discussions about a decision in his life.

I talked to him tonight, and there was no issue from his end.  He was not upset, nor angry with me, nor had I hurt him.  I apologized anyway - because it was my reaction and how I responded that I was upset and unhappy about.

So, all is good.

I hope I remember how I felt these last few days . . . when another time comes along, either with him or someone else, as to how I speak.

How does a person walk that fine line of saying what they think about something, without hurting someone they love?

I think there will be interest for quite some time.  I might not always post, but I at least skim all the posts made.

Beloved, glad to hear all was fine!

Sometimes we do hurt the ones we love.  It can also be a sign we care though.  If you didn't care, you wouldn't have much of an opinion about a decision he made.

It definitely was out of love and caring . . . but it came from a place of fear . . . fear that he would get hurt, fear that he would have difficulty, fear that he would experience troubles down the road.  My concerns were out of love.  But another thing I've learned is that I have to trust in my son.  Not trust that he is always going to make the right decision (his track record isn't that great ), but trust that even if he makes a bad decision that he will be okay, that he will find a way to do okay.

 beloved.  thanks for starting the new thread - and thanks for being you.  Glad to hear things got straightened out with you & your son - well done. 

Since it's Friday night - I'll stoke up the fire to warm up this room (the chill of autumn is definitely in the air this week!), put some nice hot cider here on the table, along with some yummy gluten free brownies!  And some euchre cards ... so just sit a while in peace or conversation, or jump into the game!  

I took today off work-it was a pro-d day so no students. After being frustrated about this cold getting worse-and my previous vent-I've decided to be more proactive.

I do appreciate the concerrn expressed.

I am eating well.

and to make a difference I'm back taking a multi vitamin, Vitamin C, Zinc and some cold FX. Can't hurt.

I did a little reading today, a little knitting and a lot of sleeping.

oooh, euchre, thanks carolla. definitely game for that...and the fire is so cozy.

hair is fine, it is done in such a wya that most people didn't notice, but, it has life...grey is still there and obvious..which is good.

beloved..i also thank-you for starting the room and adding your own touch to it, you are a gift to us.

My work requires me to take a hard voice..and sometimes, I find myself slipping into that mode when i shouldn't.  I come across as a rather grumpy person, and well, I am in drill seargent mode..i know it.  i am not putting excuses, but it is easy to find that mode to be your norm at the end of a long week or the 5th time with the same project manager who has done a shitty job of planning.  I have to remember who i am..and put that voice away..find a way for consensus, bring people to the table rather than ordering them to eat or go find someone else to cook for them....yup, it is easy to order people and tell them what to do, but they sure as heck won't like the food i give them and will choke on most of it.  so ...instead i present opitons, knowing the probable one they will pick, take time....and try to find patience.

Beloved, you seem to me, to be one of the least offensive people I've come across.....

But I liked the way you  brought up the subject of fear and love...

It often seems to me that there are these two essential emotions - when we're feeling "good" about ourselves and our place in the world we act from love - and, conversely, when we're feeling unsure/undervalued/inadequate we act out our fears.

Here is a video  clip about love and fear.......

Thanks for starting the new room Beloved! I'm glad you were able to get things sorted out with your son.

Tabitha - it sounds like you had a relaxing day.

It was a Pro-D day around here too. In addition, it was Orange Day - a day to protest violence against women. Orange Day happens on the 25th of every month. Today we marked it by wearing orange and creating crafts that promote friendship. I worked with the younger kids and made paper doll hats with them. In the afternoon we all went to the lake for some play time.

This evening I went to a surprise party for my minister who is headed off on a three month sabbatical. This event was done by the youth group and their families and friends at the home of two of the youth. She thought she was going there to pick up one of the youth for a youth group meeting to be held at the church - so you can imagine her shock when she walked into the kitchen and was greeted by about 30 of us! It was a ton of fun and she was really touched.

Good morning.  Coffee on, kettle boiling and tea pot warming . . . will make traditional black tea, and place some herbal tea bags alongside for those who prefer them.

Euchre, that's one card game I've never played.  Shall have to look into that.  And gluten free brownies - very thoughtful :).  A few weeks ago I purchased a bread maker that was on sale at Canadian Tire - going to try to make some kind of gluten free bread.

Tabitha, I haven't taken coldfx since last year, but I did find it made a difference for me . . . keep warm, drink lots of fluids.  Sleep is good - it's a time of healing.

Thanks Pinga . . . "bring people to the table, rather than ordering them to eat" - I will have to remember that one, especially as I serve within our Leadership Board.

somegal . . . wonderful idea for your minister to do that before sabbatical.  Our minister is due for a sabbatical in about a year and a half - will have to remember that.

Haven't watched the clip yet, Pilgrim's Progress, but will soon.  Digesting the quote by C.S. Lewis though.

Hope everyone has a good weekend - for those that need rest, don't feel guilty for taking it.  For those that are busy with activities and commitments, enjoy and rest later .

Good to see you all continuing to come to the Room and share your lives.  This room has brought me love, comfort, acceptance, support from the beginning.  I come here almost every day.  Those who know me, know that I'm the one that gets the fire started in the fireplace, and puts on the coffee in the mornings.   And this afternoon I bring hot apple pie right from the oven.  My former church makes them each fall as a fundraiser - and the fellowship is so good that I still go down and join them for an hour (I get to roll out crusts).     My busy week is just about over - I preach two services tomorrow but the prep is done.   Now I look at my neglected house.  Who would like to descend upon it and spend an hour or so sprucing it up. 

Well, you know me, seeler . . . I'm a cleaner . . . not necessarily a good one, but a cleaner non the less.  If I could virtually swoop down and spruce up your home I would!!

All the people you enabled, supported, and encouraged this week will never remember you for your neglected house (which I'm guessing is not that bad) this week . . . they will remember you for your kindness, and generosity.

I wish I could attend one of your services . . . something tells me it would be interesting, enjoyable, and that I would learn an awful lot.

My carpet man didn't come this morning (he's a fellow we know who cleans carpets and has done ours for years).  He got called away to another job (not cleaning, but a construction need).  So, last night hubby and I moved everything out of our rooms with carpet into the laundry room, which is jam-packed full!  I'm hoping he will come tomorrow so I didn't want to move everything back.  While everything is pulled out of the rooms I am trying to wash some walls.  But I want to be careful that I don't injure anything or overdo anything.  I don't want any kind of a set-back at this time when I am starting to feel a bit better.

Fall cleaning has begun!!!

Beloved, I am impressed by your cleaning plans, you & ABPenny are wonderful in your spring & fall sessions.  Seeler sounds busy as do many others on this site.

I have landed in Boston, resting tonight and catching up on some items..

As part of being a frequent flyer I get free appetizers, and so I chose a bottle of wine & cheese plate which should be delivered soon.  I am then going to sit back & read a book "Robert RotenBerg's Stray Bullets and relax, prior to heading out to do some shopping at macy's which is right around the corner. I'm looking for a nice fall/winter coat.   I will likely skip dinner, just get something small, and instead prep for a big breakfast in the morning. I hope to go on a walk about and the weather is looking good for tomorrow. (14 as a high)

Boston!  I've always wanted to go to Boston . . . do you get to do any fun stuff, site-seeing, or any outings (other than Macy's of course )?  What about "Cheers" LOL?

Are you still following Paleo, Pinga?

i am nto strict Paleo, but I am a follower of it, Beloved.

Yup, my conference starts on Monday, so came in today and plan to be a tourist all day tomorrow.

enjoy your travels Pinga!

I'm feeling well enough to do a little quilting. Haven't done any since Thanksgiving. Quiet house this afternoon with son at work. I just got up from a nap.

I love naps, Tabitha.  Think they are one of the best things invented.

Bah, I think some of the allergy testing I had was useless.  I had enough of a reaction today to something that I'm supposedly not allergic to that I considered going to emerg for it.  Luckily it didn't progress fast, so I could self-medicate and do a bit of wait and see how bad this is going to get without having to rush in.  Healthlink recommended going to a walk-in clinic, but I don't see the point.  It's either urgent or not and I'm feeling much better now.

I'm glad Chemguy is around though, it feels a bit safer that if things flareup for some reason in the middle of the night I can wake him up with an elbow if I need to.

That sounds scary Chemgal. I'm also glad Chemguy is around right now.

I went to my friends baptism this afternoon. She attends a fairly evangelical church and had a full immersion baptism in the ocean. It was a really meaningful event for her, so I was glad to be able to be there to support her. 

I went from that to meeting up with another couple of friends to go a farm that goes "all out" for Halloween. This particular farm is the embodiment of agri-tourism - especially at Halloween. My friends and I decided to go to the haunted house - aka "CarnEvil" and then on a train ride. My friends made me go through the haunted house first as I don't get easily spooked. I thought it was hilarious, but not scary - my friends, on the other hand, were terrified. We all loved it and came out laughing at the end. The train ride is very tame - basically they take you around a portion of the farm and show you the decorations that have been put up. It's really well done, in my opinion.

Somegal that sounds like a great place to take a bunch of kids. 

Hope you are feeling better this morning chemgal.

Is it warm enough in the ocean some gal?

good morning all. no snow. it was +1 an the Riders lost by 4 last night so alas. it is windy but nice.but I have not been going out. the wind takes my breath away. any hints.i take inhalers . they help but not outside. grrrrrr.

Seeler - the CarnEvil part would have been way too scary for most children! It's a haunted house designed for adults.The train ride, on the other hand, is perfect for kids. The price, however, puts it way beyond the budget of our program unfortunately.

Thanks Beloved and Somegal.  I felt a bit funny this morning, but breakfast and my usual morning allergy pill have me feeling better, minus the sore throat I usually get from seasonal allergies.

CH, do you do any breathing exercises?  That can help a bit.  The wind can also kick up a bunch of pollen, mold, etc.  Do you take anything for allergies?

There's quite a bit of snow here.  We bought 2 snowshovels yesterday.  We won't need them quite yet, the pavement is already dry, but I'm glad we have them and don't need to head out for them when they are needed!

CH - a scarf over the mouth & nose is often recommended - warms the air a bit & it's less of a shock to tender lungs.  You probably are used to doing this in the depths of winter - but it's not too early to give it a try if you want to get outside.  

I say BBBRRRR to the immersion baptism in the ocean at this time of year, even in relatively balmy Victoria!  Do they do this all throughout the year, or does the church take a hiatus during the colder months? 

This is a new church and apparently this was the first baptismal service that they had ever had. The time and location were chosen by the participants. If I were choosing a time to do a full immersion baptism, it definitely wouldn't be in the ocean in October!

thank youcarolla, i do It still makes me look for air,

Had a lovely walk around Boston on a history tour,  a fun time at an oyster bar chatting with fellow tourists and enjoying quality oysters....then came back and had an hour long deep tissue massage.  The fellow had hands of gold..."Sergio"...my back had twisted somehow on the flight down..not sure if it was falling asleep funny on the plane or just a stupid momentary twist but sore shoulder blade...by tomorrow I am hoping that I will be much better after his work.

Changing hotels tomorrow afternoon, but have a good morning & afternoon of relaxation with a bit of work thrown in.

pinga - Boston is one of the cities I'd really like to visit - will look forward to hearing more.  I actually have many distant family still in that area - at our family reunions I was always amused by their accents. 

Does Sergio line right up there with the roofer?
 

Me too, carolla - that is visit Boston.  And I probably have some very distant relatives there too!

Beloved, yes, I thought of CrazyHeart and Pilgrim's Progress and how much they would appreciate him....

I'm surprise dhow little that I have heard of the Boston accent.  Think that I am just meeting so many people who are tourists, conference attendees or working here from somewhere else.  Will see if that shifts as the week goes on.

So far, the people are friendly, the city is clean and I am walking all over without anyone saying that I shouldn't.

Hey Crazyheart, I don't remember the roofer calling it a deep tissue massage, do you???

(And it certainly didn't last an hour ) 

A generation or two ago many people from New Brunswick emigrated to Boston area (something like they are doing now to Alberta).  Perhaps many of the good things about Boston have their roots in the good old Maritimes.  (not the accent though - I've been told that we have an accent, but its not the same as Boston).

Boston is quite clean...that is one of the first things that I noticed in the downtown, people paid to pick up garbage in parks, streets, etc.  I'm wondering if this is part of a 'work for welfare" program based on appearance/age//gender of folks doing it....curious.

The weather has been gorgeous, but I love a cool brisk wind..with fresh air and sun shining.

It is more multicultural in the area that I am in, but it could be because it is the financial district.  Would be interesting to get out to surrounding cities.

Subway is easy, transit is easy and inexpensive. 2.50 takes you everywhere. I took it from the airport to the hotel even.

City is apparently relatively safe, I walked everywhere...

Had crappy service at dinner in the hotel on Sat. night.  I actually walked out without my order being taken.  Unusual for this chain.  I mentioned it at breakfast this morning.  Staff mentioned it to day manager, who mentioned it to the food manager. Now i have the business card from the food manager advising me to drop an email to him and he will ensure that I am taken care of whereever I go on my next trip.  (quite nice of him).  The staff mishandled the situation on Saturday...clearly not Hyatt Regency standard of care.   They forget that standard of care applies equally to the person who looks like a business traveller and the one who isn't.

Turn down the heat . . . it's steamy in the room today LOL!

Pinga - it sounds like you are having a wonderful time overall in Boston!

Seeler - I would suggest that we all have accents (we're just usually unaware of them).

I slept in and was late for work this morning - oops. Fortunately it was a quiet morning, so it was okay!

After work this evening, our congregation is hosting a counselling session for all affected by what's been happening lately. A counsellor from the United Church Employee Assistance Program has been hired to come in and talk with anyone from the congregation who wants to be there.

One of the things that I missed is that the 'walk signal" only occurs if you push the walk button.  (Ok, yes, I am slow on some things.)  Once I figured that out, walking around town became a lot less risky!

You don't have those types of lights Pinga?  Here we have both, some on a cycle, some not.  Some buttons are only for the visually impaired.  I used to live right by a light that was always green until a pedestrian hit the both.

well, the lights would turn for the cars, but the walk signal wouldnt' come on.  Our walk signal always comes on with the green for the cars..   (We also have crossing lights just for walking. ie no cars, typically at school crossing).  I've just never seen that at standard intersections...as the only way to cross

Like Chemgal - I thought that was just normal! Only in the downtown area does the walk light come on without pushing a button - in the rest of the city it's all buttons.

We have both types.  Our downtown walk signals also give a count-down of how many seconds you have left before the light changes.  It is surprising how many pedestrians will start across the street with the count-down at 2 or even 1 - not just fleet footed teenagers but older people too. 

A visitor from the UK was amazed by our town's controlled crossing. 

"Don't Canadians know how to cross the street, then?  We teach our children how to do that,"

Hello everyone, I just skimmed over the 100+ messages in the last thread that I had missed only to find there were more messages in a new thread. It is awesome to see that everyone is chatting and moving along in their lives. It's also a bit overwhelming. Life is good here. We got our first snowfall of the year yesterday, just in time for Halloween as per the norm around here. I have totally frittered away a chunk of today, so I thought I'd pop in and say hello, then get out and about. Cheers.

The Mike Duffy, Pamela  etc. has been like a soap opera. I tune in to see the changes every hour. I hope the PM is worrying in his boots.

What was 527", Crazyheart????

(I'm determined to be flagged as offensive, afterall it's an Aussie's perogative!)

OMG!!!!

It's still growing!!!!