What's Happening In Your Life?

[Freypower]

Time to start a new thread as the previous one reached 300 pages. As usual although I start these threads I don't have much to say in them. So the rest of you fire away!

[Glennsallnighter]

I was wondering would you do it FP when I saw yesterday that we'd gone to 299 pages! Thanks.

Ok I'm still on mid term. I went to bed really early last night and feel much better today after the exhaustion I had yesterday! I wanna go for a long walk.....

[Mrs Frey]

A good night's rest and then a long walk? Sounds like a refreshing recipe to me, GA! :smile:

[sodascouts]

Oh my gosh. The laptop I bought in freaking November is now nonfunctioning too. I am reduced to an iPad. Unfreakingbelieveable.

Apparently, it is the same virus that destroyed my desktop.

BURN IN HELL HACKERS!!

[WalshFan88]

Soda, I just thought I'd offer this but I can do a lot of virus removal remotely. I have done it for another member here, and lots of other people. I can't promise I can fix it but I can at least try to remove it at no cost to you. Most of all of my computer work is removing viruses and I've gotten pretty good at removing them, even remotely (through a free program called Teamviewer). I'd be happy to do so if you wish, to help you out. I know computer stores charge an arm and a leg. Just a thought. But I thought at least I'd offer. Basically with Teamviewer you download a free program, open it, it gives you a one time use ID and Password to give me to sign in, and then basically when the session ends (either you or I close it) those expire and you just drag the .exe to the trash and your done. Or you can install it if you wish to use it again. You can also have a chat window to interact back and forth and even voice chat built in if you so wish.

Let me know. :) If you can at least get to the desktop (even if there is popup junk or slow) and get that file on there I can give it my best by running antimalware scanners to remove the viruses. If you can't get into the Desktop or Safe Mode with Networking though, I'm afraid I can't help.

[Mrs Frey]

Soda, I am so sorry you're having so much computer trouble. That is really awful. :sad:

Austin, you are a sweet and generous soul. :hug:

[Brooke]

Soda, I'm sorry about your 'puter trouble. I know it can be very frustrating.

I'm off work today and have 3 appointments. In between right now. This morning hubby and I had to be at the clinic at 7 for his colonoscopy. He's the biggest baby, but he did survive with flying colors and at least doesn't have to go through that again for 10 years. :yay:

I have a dental checkup this afternoon at 2 and then have to take my Mom in to the doctor for a diabetes checkup. She has been having trouble keeping her sugar levels right (actually she hasn't tried very hard and now is paying for that) and now has to go on insulin. She is going to be 80 on her next birthday and still has a good mind, but with her heart disease too, I'm afraid this will be too much for her to deal with. I also don't trust her to do what she is supposed to. And I don't trust her to tell me and my siblings the truth about what she is doing. My boss's s/o has diabetes very bad and she said she shouldn't be alone at least while we get this insulin regulated, so I'm expecting to have to have her move in with us for a while. She is going to fight that tooth and nail and that will be quite a change for me and my husband too. She also has some kidney damage from her neglect and needs to see a specialist for that too. She is a very private person and is determined to do things for herself, but we are all scared that she won't do everything she is told to do. Lord give me strength!

[WalshFan88]

Austin, you are a sweet and generous soul. :hug:

Thanks!!!! :) :hug:

[Henley Honey]

I have a dental checkup this afternoon at 2 and then have to take my Mom in to the doctor for a diabetes checkup. She has been having trouble keeping her sugar levels right (actually she hasn't tried very hard and now is paying for that) and now has to go on insulin. She is going to be 80 on her next birthday and still has a good mind, but with her heart disease too, I'm afraid this will be too much for her to deal with. I also don't trust her to do what she is supposed to. And I don't trust her to tell me and my siblings the truth about what she is doing. My boss's s/o has diabetes very bad and she said she shouldn't be alone at least while we get this insulin regulated, so I'm expecting to have to have her move in with us for a while. She is going to fight that tooth and nail and that will be quite a change for me and my husband too. She also has some kidney damage from her neglect and needs to see a specialist for that too. She is a very private person and is determined to do things for herself, but we are all scared that she won't do everything she is told to do. Lord give me strength!


Good luck, Brooke. You'll need tons and tons of patience. When my mother-in-law was diagnosed with diabetes and until she got a good handle on regulating her blood sugar levels, she frequently had emotional outbursts -- extreme anger, crying jags, euphoria, anxiety -- you name it. She ran the gamut. She fought tooth and nail as well but eventually realized she had no choice and got with the program. Try and remember it's not you she's angry with, it's the disease.

[Glennsallnighter]

Brooke I really hope everything works out ok for your Mum. As HH has said I'm sure it will be difficult at least at the start. At least her mind is sound and she has the capacity to understand what is happening even if she is not as co operative as you'd like her to be.

Soda, that's rotten luck for your computer. I hope you manage to get it sorted out ok. May I also suggest you don't plug the iPad into the computer until you know it's safe. Otherwise you could lose everything on the iPad!

[Lisa]

I just want to add my sympathies for all that people are going through on this thread. I'd be really upset, too.

Everything seemed so quiet yesterday!

[WalshFan88]

Brooke - Best wishes for you and your Mom. Take care. :)

[TimothyBFan]

Brooke, let me add my best wishes to you also. Parents can be difficult and I totally understand the not trusting them to tell you the truth. We went thru that 2 1/2 years ago with my Mom and she almost died then and I thought she had learned her lesson. Unfortunately, she didn't and that is ultimately what caused her illness in August that she passed away from. She waited to long to see the doctor, kept telling us for a week that she was fine and feeling better when in fact, she wasn't. I wish you luck & patience and hope everything goes well for ALL of you!!!

[Topkat]

Brooke, may I add my good wishes for your mom & her health. I totally understand. Though the issues were different, I had similar problems with my dad. According to him, he was always fine. I think he didn't want me to worry about him. It would be good to have her stay with you, so you can watch her.
I didn't have that option as we lived in different states. Have patience & hang in there!

[Windeagle]

Good luck, Brooke. I'll send good thoughts your way.

[Koala]

Brooke, best wishes for you and your Mom!:hug:

[EaglesKiwi]

Hang in there, Brooke. :hug:

[Mrs Frey]

Brooke, all strength to you. It's not easy when your mom is headstrong and generally doesn't look after herself. I feel for you. I hope everything goes well with your mom and that your positive energy will rub off on her.

[Brooke]

Thanks everyone for all the kind words. It helps a lot.

Mom was pretty upset and depressed after our meeting with the doctor, but I think she has resigned herself to the fact that she will have to go along with us and let us help her. My older brother went to the appointment with us and my sister is willing to help out too, so with all of us working together, I think we can handle whatever comes. She is coming home with me after work tonight and we'll get started on her treatment. Hopefully it will go smoothly. Yeah, I keep telling myself 'patience'.

[sodascouts]

It's great that all of you are pulling together to help your mom through this. It can't be easy. Prayers and best wishes going out to your family.

Austin, your offer is generous, but I can't even log in. It looks like the shop is the only solution. I just pray that can fix both my desktop and laptop.

[WalshFan88]

Austin, your offer is generous, but I can't even log in. It looks like the shop is the only solution. I just pray that can fix both my desktop and laptop.

:(

Sounds like the only options then are to use a bootable antivirus disc (Kaspersky Rescue Disk is my fav and the one I use) or to wipe them (reformat) and start over (reinstall Windows OS).

Some stores don't know about the bootable AV's (pretty new technology in hardcore virus removal), and just say to wipe it. If you don't have data backups, let me know before they do that and I can send you instructions on how to try the Kaspersky disk. :)

[Windeagle]

My husband swears by Kaspersky. He started using it when he started his tech support business and hasn't changed since.

[WalshFan88]

My husband swears by Kaspersky. He started using it when he started his tech support business and hasn't changed since.

Yup - that's what I use on my PC.... Love it. I've switched SOOOO many clients to Kaspersky and have had 0 callbacks.... Just stay away from Norton. ESET is pretty good for an alternative to Kaspersky. Of course those are paid solutions. My favorite free antivirus is Panda Cloud - but I'm beta testing the new Avast and it has been rock solid. I have a test machine where I test viruses against antivirus software and Avast hasn't let anything through yet. When it comes out I may be recommending this in place of Panda.

But Kaspersky is the king of security software. HIGHLY recommended by me. And their virus removal tools are ace - the bootable disk will literally clean any machine no matter how bad - at least get it bootable and useable then you can run Malwarebytes, Hitman Pro, etc to clean the remnants and leftovers if there is any.

Of course, my main machine is a Mac which is pretty bulletproof but my PC laptop runs Kaspersky Internet Security 2012. I also use my iPad a lot these days. I have an iPad 1 and am waiting for the iPad 3 announcement on March 7th. I decided there wasn't enough of a reason to upgraded to the 2nd version. iPad 3 should be a huge improvement. I love my iPad. No viruses there! :D

[sodascouts]

Kaspersky is what indirectly caused the computers have meltdowns. The virus was affecting my browser. It redirected all my searches to spam sites. Well, Kaspersky was loaded on both machines. It tried to purge the virus and reboot. Unfortunately, once the computers turned off to "reboot," the operating systems were not able to restart. I got the infamous BSOD instead.

So, this virus kicked Kaspersky's a$$. I just hope the shop can do something.

[WalshFan88]

Kaspersky is what indirectly caused the computers have meltdowns. The virus was affecting my browser. It redirected all my searches to spam sites. Well, Kaspersky was loaded on both machines. It tried to purge the virus and reboot. Unfortunately, once the computers turned off to "reboot," the operating systems were not able to restart. I got the infamous BSOD instead.

So, this virus kicked Kaspersky's a$$. I just hope the shop can do something.

:(

Sounds like a rootkit/bootkit which are hard to detect AND remove... One of the only times I've heard of Kaspersky not detecting it! Sounds like KAV tried to remove the virus and deleted a system file in the process. Rootkits infect good system drivers and if you don't disinfect and you delete it instead, your computer won't boot.

And sometimes the only option is reformat.

[timfan]

This is truly an annoyance! Even tho our number is on the "do not call list" We have been getting daily calls from this telemarketer of air duct cleaning. Apparently the reason the person ( or persons) gets around the do not call list is they are calling from overseas! What a SCAM and a nuisance. Talked to the telephone company; nothing they can do.

[sodascouts]

I have a similar situation with my CELL phone! I get charged for those calls! I can't block the number because they mask it. Again, phone company says there's nothing that can be done. I just let any "name withheld" callers go to voicemail, but it's so annoying. At least the calls aren't daily like yours, TF! Just a couple of times a month, in fact, but it still ticks me off. Do they really think people will want to use their services this way?

Another problem I have is that the couple who used to have my number apparently were deadbeats and I keep getting calls from collections! This is on my Tennessee line, not my cell phone. I don't think they believe me when I tell them that there is no Leon or Sandra Guest at this number. I also wonder if these people are still giving out their old number so they can avoid getting these kind of calls wherever they are now. After all, I've had this number for over a year now and I'm still getting calls for them from various agencies. If so... :enraged:

[Henley Honey]

I had a problem as well. I have a 516 area code. The guy with the same number but with a 631 area code was a drug dealer. I'd get calls at all times of the night from strung-out, nasty people looking to score.
Same thing -- the phone company couldn't do anything, nor could the police. :brickwall: After fielding a particularly nasty phone call at about 4 AM from a "customer", I finally called the guy myself because I couldn't take it anymore. Surprise, surprise -- he could not have been nicer. He gave me his beeper number so they'd stop calling me. The calls stopped eventually but I've always wondered what happened to him. Did he changed his number, his profession or is he now using a pay phone at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility? Guess I'll never know!

[Mrs Frey]

TF, Soda and HH, I'm sorry to read about your landline and cell phone problems. How annoying, frustrating and upsetting indeed.

I've had one helluva week, both here at the office and generally, which is why I've been quiet for the last few days. I have so much work to do at the office, and I have a day's leave tomorrow which makes it a short week, so when a crisis was dumped on my lap this morning I was not too impressed, especially since I thought I was reasonably up-to-date.

I have shows tomorrow and Saturday night, and once I'm focused on that, I'm putting work worries out of my mind. The problem didn't occur because of me, so I'm no longer going to stress about it (says she that had a major stress attack this morning... :roll:)

I've been running around for the last two days looking for material for 3 dresses that I'm having made for future shows, particularly the Roxy Revue Bar shows at GrandWest Casino. I worked a 6am to 2pm shift for the last two days, and then did my running around in the afternoon. I got home at 11pm on Tuesday evening, because I had to attend rehearsals for the Roxy show after a full day's work and running around in the afternoon... phew.

I'm SO tired today... I'm just going to have to do as much as I can and leave the rest for the new week. I can only do so much. I also only managed to have one training/cycling session this week - I'm going to try and get another one in tonight, because tomorrow and Saturday is not going to happen.

[TimothyBFan]

I had a problem as well. I have a 516 area code. The guy with the same number but with a 631 area code was a drug dealer. I'd get calls at all times of the night from strung-out, nasty people looking to score.


My daughter has the exact same problem with her # which she's had for almost 6 years but still gets calls from these idiots. After awhile, she just started having fun with them, telling them she'd meet them somewhere or something. We wonder how many of these idiots show up somewhere waiting for their dealer that never shows. :hilarious:

I'm always getting calls saying this is so and so from card services and there's no problem with your credit card but you're eligible for lower rates, blah, blah, blah..... Only problem is, we don't have any credit cards any more but 1 that has a 0 balance on it that we have just in case. No way to stop the calls that I've figured out either. Frustrating!!!!

[Brooke]

Yikes, guys! I hope I don't start getting these calls! Thankfully I don't have this problem now!

My Mom is doing very well with her insulin treatment. We have even let her go home, but one of us goes out to her house 4 times a day to make sure she gets the correct dosage. She just lives a couple country miles from me and one from my older brother, so it's not too bad. She is also watching her diet and I guess that is helping because she has only had to take 2 shots a day and the doctor was recommending 4. I've learned lots about it over the past few days and my mind is reeling!

Now if we can figure out Medicare and all that's involved with that. Right now my head hurts after a discussion about it last night I hardly got any sleep! :crazy:

[sodascouts]

I'm always getting calls saying this is so and so from card services and there's no problem with your credit card but you're eligible for lower rates, blah, blah, blah..... Only problem is, we don't have any credit cards any more but 1 that has a 0 balance on it that we have just in case. No way to stop the calls that I've figured out either. Frustrating!!!!

Yes! It's "Rachel" right? :lol: I get calls from "Rachel from card member services" every couple of weeks, which I hang up as soon as I hear that automated phrase. I have a minimal balance on my two credit cards because when I was younger I wracked up a horrible credit card debt and when I realized how much I was paying in interest alone, I swore I would never let that happen again. I hate the fact that those calls are trying to act like they're from your credit card company to trick you into listening. There are older people who fall for that kind of thing. :(

[sodascouts]

My Mom is doing very well with her insulin treatment. We have even let her go home, but one of us goes out to her house 4 times a day to make sure she gets the correct dosage. She just lives a couple country miles from me and one from my older brother, so it's not too bad. She is also watching her diet and I guess that is helping because she has only had to take 2 shots a day and the doctor was recommending 4. I've learned lots about it over the past few days and my mind is reeling!

Now if we can figure out Medicare and all that's involved with that. Right now my head hurts after a discussion about it last night I hardly got any sleep! :crazy:

Glad to hear your Mom is doing better. Don't get too stressed out!

[TimothyBFan]

Yes! It's "Rachel" right? :lol: I get calls from "Rachel from card member services" every couple of weeks, which I hang up as soon as I hear that automated phrase.

You know her too? :hilarious: That's the one. Should be a law against it!!!

Brooke-- so happy to hear your Mom is accepting it all and doing so well. Good luck with the whole medicare thing. It's a freaking nightmare, I know!!!

[Freypower]

I have been helping my mother move from a big house to a smaller villa with no stairs. The big move is today. It's all been very stressful this whole week.

[Topkat]

Brooke; So glad to hear your mom is doing well. That's great news. I'm sure you will figure out the Medicare.

Frypower; Good luck with that move. Moving is my worst nightmare. I swore after my last move that I will never move again, but now that may be happening one of these days! It's very stressful.

[WalshFan88]

Brooke - Glad to hear your mom is doing well. It's very stressful I know and I hope she adjusts well to the medication. :)

FP - Good luck!

[Freypower]

Rosalind & I are home now but Mike is still at Mum's new place. She has a lot of furniture & it was hard to know if it would fit in there. We were there while they were installing an automatic garage door & the cable TV service. The fridge works & the bed is made so she will get through the night OK. It was a long hot day (remember it is still summer here).

[sodascouts]

Sounds like quite a task. Rest up!

[Glennsallnighter]

Brooke! Glad your Mom is adjusting well to her new regime. Hopefully it will remain as stress free as possible. She has a wonderful family to support her. You take it easy!

And Julie! I hope your mother is happy in her new home!

I'm fascinated reading about these calls everybody is talking about! Do I get it right that basically people cold call you to sell you products and services that you have no interest in purchasing? And that you end up paying for these calls?

[TimothyBFan]

I'm fascinated reading about these calls everybody is talking about! Do I get it right that basically people cold call you to sell you products and services that you have no interest in purchasing? And that you end up paying for these calls?

Yup--that pretty much sums it up. We do have a "do not call" list you can get your number on but they get around that and a lot of cell phones cannot be added to the lists. Depending on your cell phone plan, if you have limited minutes per month or pay per minute, etc... you do end up paying for those calls, which is irritating in itself but the calls are just irritating, period!! Like I said, I bet I get 5 calls a week on my cell phone from "Rachel at card services".... I HAVE NO CREDIT CARDS!!!!! And you can't get to a human to get your number taken off because it's all automated. Frustrating!!!

[Brooke]

I have been helping my mother move from a big house to a smaller villa with no stairs. The big move is today. It's all been very stressful this whole week.

I can just imagine. We are facing this with my mother soon, so I feel for you. Hang in there!

[Topkat]

TBF

Yup--that pretty much sums it up. We do have a "do not call" list you can get your number on but they get around that and a lot of cell phones cannot be added to the lists. Depending on your cell phone plan, if you have limited minutes per month or pay per minute, etc... you do end up paying for those calls, which is irritating in itself but the calls are just irritating, period!! Like I said, I bet I get 5 calls a week on my cell phone from "Rachel at card services".... I HAVE NO CREDIT CARDS!!!!! And you can't get to a human to get your number taken off because it's all automated. Frustrating!!!
__________________
There is a "Do not call" list for cell phones. I heard about it on FB. The cell phones went public a few months ago. I will try to find the number & post it here.

[Koala]

Brooke, glad to hear your Mom is doing better!

FP, hope your mother feels comfortable in the new house!


I'm back from the school trip! It was very nice but also exhausting! Take care on 50 children the whole day on is not always easy! We had great weather, no rain, so we were able to do everything as planned! We were several times on the beach, in the woods,there was a huge playground the kids didn't want to leave! And we were in the planetarium, very interesting, the kids found it too! All sat quietly in their seats and listened and watched with fascination!

[EaglesKiwi]

Sounds like a great trip, Koala! Glad you & the kids had such a good time.

I've done a couple of school and pre-school trips as a parent helper, and I'm always EXHAUSTED by them.:lol:

[Koala]

I'm always EXHAUSTED by them.:lol:

Oh yes I know exactly what you mean!LOL

[sodascouts]

Glad you had fun!

[Mrs Frey]

Brooke, I'm glad your mother is doing better. All the best to all of you.

FP, all the best to your mom with the move. Moving is very stressful indeed.

Koala, I'm glad your school trip went so well.

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm busy, busy, busy, busy. I'm trying to do two things at once as I type this post. It's so busy at the office, it's unbelievable. At least I had a pretty great weekend. My two shows with James went brilliantly - I could not have asked for better audiences on both nights. The Entertainment Club at the retirement village we played on Friday 24 February has already booked us again for 21 December this year. Our second show on Saturday, 25 February drew a full house, and they all loved the show. We were exhaused at the end of it, but it was all worthwhile.

I haven't got any shows lined up for March as yet :sad:, but at least I've got rehearsals for the casino show throughout the month keeping me busy.

[Brooke]

MF, glad to hear things are going well for you!

Koala, glad your school trip went well too!

[sodascouts]

It's terrific to hear about how well-received your shows are, MF. A full house - wow!

[Koala]

MF, I am so glad that you have so much success with your concerts!

[Mrs Frey]

MF, glad to hear things are going well for you!



Thanks, Brooke! :hug:

[Mrs Frey]

It's terrific to hear about how well-received your shows are, MF. A full house - wow!

Thanks, Soda! :hug: Well, a full-house in this instance probably sounds more impressive than what it is - we're talking about a small venue which holds between 70 and 80 people - but still, it was a good feeling.

[Mrs Frey]

MF, I am so glad that you have so much success with your concerts!

Thanks, Koala! :hug:

[Brooke]

Thanks, Soda! :hug: Well, a full-house in this instance probably sounds more impressive than what it is - we're talking about a small venue which holds between 70 and 80 people - but still, it was a good feeling.

Hey, a full house is a full house! Congrats! :thumbsup:

[Glennsallnighter]

MF! I'm so thrilled that your shows are going so well. You and James must be a force to be reckoned with in Cape Town by now! Keep it up girl!

[Mrs Frey]

Hey, a full house is a full house! Congrats! :thumbsup:

Thanks, Brooke! :hug:

[Mrs Frey]

MF! I'm so thrilled that your shows are going so well. You and James must be a force to be reckoned with in Cape Town by now! Keep it up girl!

Thank you, my dear! :hug: It looks like we're developing a following, which is a good sign. James has a lot to do with our success - he is amazing.

[TimothyBFan]

We need some positive thoughts to be sent our friend Brandon's way once again. The cancer has returned in his bones and he's starting radiation again next week. Also, the fluid on his lungs has come back and is now unable to be removed causing him lots of shortness of breath. He has another scan on Monday to see if the tumors are growing again. If so, the trial he is on has stopped working and this was his last option, there is no more plan B. He told us yesterday, he's very scared about this scan because he's not ready to die. Most of us never are but at the age of 31, I'm sure no one would be. Very frustrating. Damn cancer!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Windeagle]

Oh man. Sending lots of positive thoughts out to your family and Brandon.

[Brooke]

Willie, thoughts and prayers going out to you, Brandon and his family. I'm so sorry to hear this.

[sodascouts]

I'm praying for Brandon. How horrible, to be facing death at 31! I hate cancer! If I were in that situation, I would just have to cling tightly to my belief in Heaven. Otherwise, I don't know what I would do.

[Troubadour]

I am so sorry to hear this, Willie. I am thinking of Brandon and his family and hoping for the absolute best.

[Brooke]

I'm praying for Brandon. How horrible, to be facing death at 31! I hate cancer! If I were in that situation, I would just have to cling tightly to my belief in Heaven. Otherwise, I don't know what I would do.

Same here.

[Glennsallnighter]

Oh Willie! I am so sorry to hear this. I had recently been thinking that no news about Brandon was good news. KWIM?

We are having a 'Shave and Dye' day at work tomorrow to raise awareness of and money to help people affected by this dreadful illness. I will get as many of my students and colleagues as I can to pray for Brandon and to send good vibes his way.

BTW. 'Shave and Dye' means you try to shave your head or dye your hair for cancer sufferers. Some of the male teachers think they will be having their legs shaved. They wont be. They'll be having them waxed! We also have a 'Civvies Day' where for a small donation the students can wear their own clothes instead of their uniforms. If I dont find fuchsia hair dye in the next few hours I'll wear in an Eagles shirt!

[VAisForEagleLovers]

Willie, so sorry to hear about Brandon. I'll keep praying.

[Koala]

I am so sorry to hear this sad news about Brandon, thoughts and prayers to him, his family and friends!

[Mrs Frey]

Oh, Willie, I'm so sorry to learn of Brandon's plight. I'm actually in tears now. I have so much empathy for what all of you must be going through right now, because it just reminds me of what my father and I went through watching my mother suffer from this awful disease. We considered my mother's age, 65, to be premature, so how must Brandon feel?

We can only pray for his recovery, and at the very least, for comfort for him, his family and all who know and love him. Strength to you all! :grouphug:

[TimothyBFan]

Thank you all so much!! I have passed on every one of your well wishes to Tiff and let them know that prayers are being said from around the world for Brandon. That means a lot to them, they are a family of great faith in God and prayer and I believe that has gotten them through so much these last couple years of dealing with this. I'll let you all know what they find out next week after the scan. It's gonna be a long weekend for them all.

[Glennsallnighter]

Well my Dublin kids are with Brandons family in spirit. I read your post to them Willie, and it really struck a chord with them. Good vibes.........

[Brooke]

We're in the beginnings of March Madness, high school style! Our local girls basketball team won the District title last night and advance to the Sectional. This will be the 4th year straight. :nod: Our boys team plays for the District title tonight!

Go Mustangs! http://bestsmileys.com/horses1/7.gif

Rah! http://bestsmileys.com/sports1/2.gif

[Topkat]

Sending good wishes for Brandon. Hope they have some better news next week.

[sodascouts]

Best of luck to the Mustangs, Brooke!

[Mrs Frey]

Brooke, I'm glad your local school sports teams are doing so well!

[Brooke]

Thanks! Our boys won too in a nail biter, so it's on to the Sectional tomorrow night!

http://bestsmileys.com/horses1/7.gif Mustangs!

I love this icon! lol

[sodascouts]

Awful day. I started getting a dizzy spell at 11:30 and when it hadn't gone away 3 hours later, I called my friend Cicely to take me to the emergency room. They couldn't find anything wrong with me, so they surmised it was an inner ear problem and sent me home with some medicine to help the dizziness go away. They say it should pass in a couple days.

I'm so glad it's nothing worse, but spending a day in the emergency room wasn't exactly a party. Oh well, I'll count my blessings that it should be fine soon.

[VAisForEagleLovers]

Awful day. I started getting a dizzy spell at 11:30 and when it hadn't gone away 3 hours later, I called my friend Cicely to take me to the emergency room. They couldn't find anything wrong with me, so they surmised it was an inner ear problem and sent me home with some medicine to help the dizziness go away. They say it should pass in a couple days.

I'm so glad it's nothing worse, but spending a day in the emergency room wasn't exactly a party. Oh well, I'll count my blessings that it should be fine soon.

Oh no! I hope you get better real soon! If they don't know what it is, how do they know when it'll go away?

[Lisa]

I hope that the medicine works. That's a long day.

[sodascouts]

If they don't know what it is, how do they know when it'll go away?

They assume it's the inner ear infection. If it's not one - if it's something else that last longer than a couple days - then we've got some troubles.

[Koala]

Soda, Oh no, hope you will feel better very soon!

[Topkat]

Soda, I just read your post about the dizzy spell. I had this a few years ago & it lasted for 3 weeks. Mine was very bad & I went for a cat scan, & to an ear, nose & throat specialist. This sometimes happens. It's like vertigo that won't go away. The best advice I can give you is to not get water in your ears. When you come out of the shower, put the blow dryer to your ears a few seconds to dry it out. I think this is how it started for me, & the dr. told me to do this. I hope yours goes away sooner, but don't freak out. If it doesn't go away after a few days, go have it checked out with a specialist.

[Mrs Frey]

Brooke, congratulations on the boys' Mustangs team winning! Way to go!

Soda, I'm sorry to learn of your dizzy spell. As TK suggests, it could be vertigo due to an ear infection. A close friend of mine went through something similar last year, and it lasted a few weeks, but hers was quite a severe ear infection that led to the severe vertigo.

Perhaps yours will blow over much sooner, so take it easy. :hug:

[Glennsallnighter]

Soda, I hope you are feeling better soon. It does sound like an inner ear infection. My mother and aunt both had one a few years ago. The dizziness wore off after a few days but they would occasionally get a few dizzy spells over 6 weeks or so. Take care of yourself. Hugs

[Topkat]

If there is an ear infection, it would cause actual pain in the ear. I also had this once. I had gotten hair dye in my ear by accident & it caused an ear infection. With that, I did have pain. The ear doctor, did some suction thing in the ear. Sometimes it can also be just wax clogged in your ears, which the ear doctor can suction out. Go to an ear specialist, & they will look in the ear canal & see what's going on. They also gave me medication for the dizziness, but it didn't really help. I don't want to scare you, but they should also do a scan to rule out a tumor. If they did that at the emergency room, & the scan is okay, it's some kind of ear thing. It's a lot more common than you think. Many people get it.
Hopefully it will clear up soon. Let us know how it's going.

[Windeagle]

I hope you feel better soon, Soda.

[Brooke]

Soda, take it easy. I hope it clears up soon!

[WalshFan88]

Feel better soon, Soda. :)

[sodascouts]

Thanks for the good wishes, guys! I feel much better now. I don't own a hair dryer, but I'll try to be very careful when showering. I have also felt very dehydrated lately so that probably contributed.

[Brooke]

I don't own a hair dryer,

:shock: No hair dryer? I can't imagine! :lol:

How do you get ready for work in the morning?

[sodascouts]

I know, it's weird, but I've always let my hair air-dry. Hair dryers seemed to make the curls go kaput. I know I could use a diffuser but I hate complicated processes - so in the morning I just spray with detangler, comb, put in the hairclip, and go! That's my method.

That's how I used to be with makeup, too - nothing but mascara, blush, and lipstick - but my friends have finally managed to convince me to use foundation and eyeshadow to boot. I'm getting compliments so it must be working.

[Glennsallnighter]

I'm glad you feel better Soda!

I never liked foundation either although I did my best with it. However just before Christmas I tested a powder foundation called 'micabella' which you apply using a brush which I have really taken to. I love blush and lipstick though.

[Lisa]

The new foundation powder sounds like a nice effect!

I've bought a department store Christmas makeup package box or kit every year (almost) since my senior year at college. Even though it is an expense, it costs less than buying the items per item--and it lasts for over a year.

Separately--convenience store level (not included in the Christmas box): for a foundation, I like the fold up plastic compacts with a creamy light pancake base.

Also separately--convenience store level : Liquid, paintbrushed eyeliner.


I buy perfume with the Christmas package, too.

[Henley Honey]

You can't go wrong with a good bronzer.

[Mrs Frey]

Now a HAIR DRYER is something I could NEVER do without. If I travel, it goes with me! I wash my hair daily, and air-drying isn't an option. Also, when I do air-dry, I get crazy curls. So the hair dryer is definitely here to stay!

I don't wear make-up on a daily basis. The only time I do is when I perform or when I'm attending a special occasion. Other than that, it's au naturel (I hope I've spelt that correctly).

[Brooke]

Well, we did it! Both our girls and boys basketball teams won the sectional games last night! Our girls were expected to win and are ranked #1 in the state. They won by 25 points, as usual! We thought our boys would give the team a good game, but didn't really expect them to win. Our boys are ranked #4 and beat the #1 team! We were ahead the whole game, but they got within 3 points in the last couple minutes to make it a nail biter. It's crazy around here now! We play in the quarterfinals Saturday night! :yay:

It's Operation Horseshoe Stomp!

http://bestsmileys.com/horses1/7.gif Mustangs!

http://bestsmileys.com/sports1/24.gif

Btw, we played the Meadville Eagles! Couldn't help thinking about our guys when I saw that! lol

[Topkat]

Congratulations Brooke, That's fantastic!!!

Soda, how are you doing with the dizzy spells? Have they gone away? Hope you're feeling better... let us know.

[sodascouts]

Actually, the dizzy spells came back and got worse yesterday. I had some today too, but I'm feeling better. It seems to be bad in the morning/early afternoon and then I'm fine.

I've been resting, which is why I haven't been on the board much lately.

If it continues, tomorrow, I guess I'll have to go back to the doctor.

A couple of my friends think it might have something to do with me not eating right. I admit I do not always eat the "recommended amount" of calories per day, in an effort to continue to lose weight... not in an extreme way, just maybe 1000 calories per day instead of 1200 on occasion, that kind of thing, but it's not like I do that all the time. In fact, this week, I've eaten more than usual, about 1400 a day which is a healthy amount, so it seems to me rather obvious that it's not my eating habits causing this.

Unfortunately, as a result of this, now they want me to tell them what I am eating per day - how many fruits, vegetables, etc - like I am some kind of kid. They say it will "hold me accountable." They feel it is up to them because I don't have family in Memphis and I live alone. I love my friends and they are so sweet to be concerned, but oh my gosh, this is ridiculous. I am a grown woman.

[Topkat]

Soda, it's highly unlikely that it's your diet. It's an inner ear thing, & it's more common than you think. If it continues, go to see an ear, nose & throat specialist. They have all kinds of tests to check the inner ear. Usually this does go away by itself if there is no infection, but like I said mine lasted about 3 weeks.If there is an infection, they will give you ear drops for it. Just be careful & take it easy.

[Mrs Frey]

Congratulations on your school basketball teams' successes, Brooke! Fantastic! May they go from strength to strength.

Soda, I agree with TK - consult with an ear, nose and throat specialist. Then at least you will get some clarity. Look after yourself.

[TimothyBFan]

I told you Monday that I would update all of you regarding Brandon. It took a couple of days because it's just been almost to hard to think about or understand. It was very bad news after the scan. The cancer has not only moved from his lungs and into his bones but this scan showed it was now in his brain. He's been given about 3 months and they have called in hospice.

I spent a great deal of time with Tiff this morning talking and she's still one of the bravest, most amazing people I know. She's keeping it together right now. The thing that she's having the most difficulty with at this time is telling the kids. Their daughter who is 4 doesn't really see what's going on because Dad's always been sick (he was diagnosed right after she turned 2) but their son who is 8 is really having a tough time and is old enough to see Dad getting worse and knows it's not good. She's uncertain how to prepare them for the inevitable but the hospice nurse told her yesterday that they have awesome counseling for children and will help her.

She admitted to me this morning that she's had to battle with her faith these last few months but maintains that is what's getting her thru it but Brandon is p*ssed at God right now. Totally understandable and I just hope he comes to terms with it before it's all over. In my own experience, I truly believe some people cling to their faith or even strengthen it thru something like this where others question or lose it all together. I know that definitely happened with me and I'm still struggling.

In looking thru the old What's Happening thread, I found the post from the day we put my Mom in the hospital in August.....


Melanie--So sorry about your friend. I also had ANOTHER friend who lost her mother Sunday morning to the "C" word. Hadn't posted it because it sometimes feels as if that's all I ever post here about. I'm so sick of loved ones having so much suffering, it seems endless. It's the 4th one since summer began and hopefully the last.

Little did I know that I was about to lose my 5th love one 3 days later when Mom died and now here we go again only a few months later. It just never seems to end. It happened that way in 2007 when my father was dying of cancer and I lost one of my best friends and an aunt and uncle also.

It's hard to keep the faith when it continues to happen to the people you care so much for.

Sorry I'm such a downer today.

[VAisForEagleLovers]

TBF, I was wondering how Brandon was doing and figured it wasn't a good sign that you hadn't posted an update before now.

It's so hard to lose those around you, and especially to cancer. It's easy for me to say that being faced with such a thing would strengthen my faith as I've never been faced with such a thing. I will continue to pray for Brandon and his family, and you as well.

[Glennsallnighter]

Yeah, I've been wondering all week about Brandon too and had been thinking similar thoughts to VA. Willie I'm really shocked and very upset to hear this news. I don't blame you bring on a downer today. Life deals some people a very bad hand, often the hard working people who are dedicated to their families like Brandon. For what it's worth, just know that we are all here for you in these troubled times. And I know I speak for everybody when I say we will be keeping Brandon and his family in our thoughts and prayers over the next few months. Damn that C word.

[Lisa]

I'm sorry to hear about the prognosis.

[zeldabjr]

Hi, my mom died of lung cancer that spread to her bones and brain. it was devastating. Prayers to you and your friends.

[Brooke]

Willie, I'm so sorry to hear this news and will keep you, Brandon and his family in my thoughts and prayers. I hope they have a pastor friend that can help them all through this terrible time.

[Topkat]

Really sorry to hear this news TBF...Thoughts are with them. This is so difficult

[Molly]

Willie, I'm so sorry to hear about Brandon. It's tough when there's nothing you can do or say to make things right. All you can do is be there.

I've been thru times like you've been going thru. It's tough. Part of it is having a big family and lots of friends. Increases the odds of having to go thru stuff, I guess. Wish I had some great wisdom or insight to pass on to you, but I think you've already got it covered, my friend. You're very strong, and very big hearted. Two things that are going to come in handy in the upcoming weeks.

One day at a time. And remember, you need to take care of yourself, too. You have lots of people who care about you in your life, including here. So -use us!

[sodascouts]

I've been praying for Brandon too and am terribly saddened to hear that he only has three months to live. I can understand the questions - "If people are praying for him, why isn't he getting better? Why does he have to suffer at all when he never hurt anyone? Shouldn't only bad people who deserve it get cancer?"

I don't have the answers to these questions, but I do believe that with faith, you can take comfort in a world beyond this one. You can take comfort in the fact that he is going to a better place and that one day, his family will join him there.

Without this hope, what kind of hope is there for any of us? We''ll all die sometime. I hope I live a long and healthy life and die without suffering, but we're all a hair's breadth away from death every day. Whether we're an angel or a serial killer, death comes to us all in one way or another. I could die tomorrow. What if I'd had my recent dizzy spell while driving, for instance? I could have died in a car accident and taken other innocent people with me.

Our hearts tell us that God should make sure that all good people live long, happy, and healthy lives and that only bad people should hurt and suffer, but we live in an imperfect world. The perfect world is the next one. God does make sure of that.

All we can do is live our lives as best we can and trust there is more to it than this.

My words probably mean little to you now in the midst of your pain, and I'm so sad for your friend. I can only imagine what he and his family are going through. It's just that my faith is the only way I can make sense of things.

[VAisForEagleLovers]

I've been praying for Brandon too and am terribly saddened to hear that he only has three months to live. I can understand the questions - "If people are praying for him, why isn't he getting better? Why does he have to suffer at all when he never hurt anyone? Shouldn't only bad people who deserve it get cancer?"

I don't have the answers to these questions, but I do believe that with faith, you can take comfort in a world beyond this one. You can take comfort in the fact that he is going to a better place and that one day, his family will join him there.

Without this hope, what kind of hope is there for any of us? We''ll all die sometime. I hope I live a long and healthy life and die without suffering, but we're all a hair's breadth away from death every day. Whether we're an angel or a serial killer, death comes to us all in one way or another. I could die tomorrow. What if I'd had my recent dizzy spell while driving, for instance? I could have died in a car accident and taken other innocent people with me.

Our hearts tell us that God should make sure that all good people live long, happy, and healthy lives and that only bad people should hurt and suffer, but we live in an imperfect world. The perfect world is the next one. God does make sure of that.

All we can do is live our lives as best we can and trust there is more to it than this.

My words probably mean little to you now in the midst of your pain, and I'm so sad for your friend. I can only imagine what he and his family are going through. It's just that my faith is the only way I can make sense of things.

Very nicely said, Soda.

[Koala]

Willie, I'm so sorry to hear this sad sad news about Brandon! This is for all of you a very hard time, particularly of course for his family, all of you are in my thoughts and prayers!

[EaglesKiwi]

Oh Willie, that's really sad news about Brandon and so hard for Tiff and the kiddies. I will be praying for you all too. At least Tiff has you. :hug:

[TimothyBFan]

Thanks again all!!! As always, I have passed on your thoughts to Tiff who is always thankful for all the support.

[Windeagle]

Wow. Really puts things into perspective, doesn't it? Please send along my thoughts and prayers to the family as well.

[Troubadour]

Willie, I am so incredibly sorry to hear about Brandon's prognosis. I have no words of comfort, except to say that you have been a wonderful friend to Tiff and Brandon throughout this and you can be sure that they appreciate your support. Without wishing to sound trite, if there is anything any of us can do for Brandon, Tiff or the children, please let us know. I am heartbroken for all of them. I don't know that there can ever be any good reasons for circumstances like these, but I do believe in kindness, love and in the goodness and power of the human spirit. Please let him know that people far and wide are thinking of him and wishing him all the strength and peace in the world.

[Henley Honey]

Beautifully said, Troub.

[WalshFan88]

Very sorry to hear TBF. Prayers sent.

[Troubadour]

I will be skydiving tomorrow to raise money for Naomi House Children's Hospice. Looks like the weather will be perfect! I'm a little nervous, but really excited.

[VAisForEagleLovers]

Good luck, Lou!! I could never do it...

[Freypower]

I hope that goes well, Lou.

[sodascouts]

I might be able to manage one of those jumps where you ride on someone's back, but by myself? No way, Jose. On the other hand, I'm sure you, Lou, will be fabulous!

[Troubadour]

Oh, it is a tandem skydive, Soda. No way could I do a solo dive for my very first time! Thanks for the good wishes.

[Henley Honey]

OMG, good luck! I'd drop dead of a heart attack. I have friends that have gone sky diving and not one said they regretted it. On the contrary, some have gone again. Talk about butterflies in your stomach!! Have fun!

[Koala]

Good Luck and have fun, Troub!

[EaglesKiwi]

All the best for your skydive, Troub!

[Glennsallnighter]

Good luck with your skydive Lou :hug:

[Brooke]

Oh my gosh, Troub! Good luck with that, I could never do it either!

My Lady Mustangs won their game last night, so they move on to the State Tournament Thursday! We thought they would win, but it turned out to be kind of a nail biter. We actually got behind a few points, but came back and won by 4 in overtime! Only the second time this year that they had such a close game.

I'm broken hearted for our boys team. They were ahead the whole game and ended up losing by 1 point with a chance to win with 3 seconds left. It wasn't to be. Our desperation shot didn't fall. I'm so sad for the guys and their coach. The coach is our cousin and he actually made it that far when he played in high school 4 times and in all those games we lost by 3 or less. We only lose one senior, but he's leaving big shoes to fill. Maybe next year.

So, moving on for the ladies:

http://bestsmileys.com/horses1/7.gif LADY MUSTANGS!

RAH!

[Troubadour]

That's a shame about your boys team, Brooke. Must have been very disappointing!

Thanks for all the good thoughts. I completed my skydive this morning! It was amazing. Absolutely beautiful weather. Oddly enough, I was dead calm the whole time. I honestly thought I'd be pretty nervous once I was in the plane, but for some reason, I felt totally comfortable. I was just excited! We had a 15-20 minute ascent in a tiny plane, just the pilot, myself and the instructor I was strapped to. The views were stunning. Once we'd reached 10,000 feet, the instructor opened the door and we moved right to the edge. We were there a few seconds before we jumped. The freefall part was intense - lots of wind and noise - and we did several front loops as we tumbled from the plane. Such a rush! After we deployed the parachute, the descent was incredible... Floating so high above the ground, looking down at all of the fields, roads and cars is such a surreal feeling. I remember looking down at my feet and the earth WAY below them, and thinking "Wow." It's so serene and peaceful... like another world. I only wish it hadn't been over so fast!

[sodascouts]

Shoot, you make me want to do it, Troub!

And Brooke - congrats to your girl's team!

[EagleLady]

Awww Glad you had fun Lou!

Brooke, sorry about the Boys Team. Hooray for the girls! and that little icon is cute!

[VAisForEagleLovers]

Just got breaking news alerts from my hometown (Rockwood, PA) that a tractor trailer and a school bus collided. At least one has died (rumored to be the truck driver) and many others life-flighted out. I doubt I know any of the kids on the bus, but I probably went to school with their parents.

[Henley Honey]

Horrible.

[Troubadour]

Sorry to hear that, VA. How tragic.

[sodascouts]

Awful, VA! Prayers for the families.

I had a very interesting day!

HH called me about getting tickets today - I had completely forgotten. Last night, I had started to have little epileptic episodes and so I went right to bed after I got home. When I woke up this morning, I still wasn't over it. If it weren't for her calling, I would have missed out entirely.

I was feeling shaky from the get-go, but it was still in my hands to buy tickets for not only myself but PLS and Dreamer as well - and I wasn't even sure what Dreamer wanted to do because I couldn't reach her! I put that aside and gambled that she'd want the seats.

So I sat down at the computer and got to work. I was having a lot of trouble concentrating and I could barely type because my hands were shaking, but was I going to let that stop me? HELL to the NO! I would stop when I lost consciousness and not before! I was only afraid I would mess up in my confusion and not buy the right tickets. Luckily, HH helped me with one of the seating charts or I'm not sure I could've figured it out in my state. Indeed, afterwards, I couldn't remember what shows I had bought tickets for or how many. I had to look it up in my gmail!

But it turned out fine, and it was TOTALLY WORTH IT. Second row for both shows, baby!

Afterwards, I was trying to get ready to go to work, but the little "blips" just wouldn't stop and as they usually precede a big seizure, I knew I couldn't drive. I called in sick to work and started to feel a bit sorry for myself, I must admit.

However, whenever I started to feel down, I reminded myself that I had just gotten second row tickets for two different Glenn Frey solo shows and I cheered up quite a bit, my friends! I wiped my tears and smiled. And guess what? The big seizure never came. The smaller seizures and trembling subsided after a while. All is well!

Another exciting day in the life of sodascouts! lol

[VAisForEagleLovers]

Soda, very very glad to hear that it all turned out OK. I was shaky buying tix this morning as well, because the cough medicine gives me a heck of a hangover. You've certainly put it in perspective for me!

Take care of yourself, Soda. I mean it.

[Freypower]

Nancy, I mean it too. PLEASE take care of yourself; but delighted about second row, of course.

[Koala]

I'm sorry to hear that news, VA.

Soda, take care of yourself!

[Wildthyme]

Congrats on the fantastic seats Nancy...you all will have to pass some love on to "Sugar" from those of us who can't be there :inlove:

[WalshFan88]

Soda - Take care! And congrats on the tickets.

[Mrs Frey]

I told you Monday that I would update all of you regarding Brandon. It took a couple of days because it's just been almost to hard to think about or understand. It was very bad news after the scan. The cancer has not only moved from his lungs and into his bones but this scan showed it was now in his brain. He's been given about 3 months and they have called in hospice.

I spent a great deal of time with Tiff this morning talking and she's still one of the bravest, most amazing people I know. She's keeping it together right now. The thing that she's having the most difficulty with at this time is telling the kids. Their daughter who is 4 doesn't really see what's going on because Dad's always been sick (he was diagnosed right after she turned 2) but their son who is 8 is really having a tough time and is old enough to see Dad getting worse and knows it's not good. She's uncertain how to prepare them for the inevitable but the hospice nurse told her yesterday that they have awesome counseling for children and will help her.

She admitted to me this morning that she's had to battle with her faith these last few months but maintains that is what's getting her thru it but Brandon is p*ssed at God right now. Totally understandable and I just hope he comes to terms with it before it's all over. In my own experience, I truly believe some people cling to their faith or even strengthen it thru something like this where others question or lose it all together. I know that definitely happened with me and I'm still struggling.

In looking thru the old What's Happening thread, I found the post from the day we put my Mom in the hospital in August.....



Little did I know that I was about to lose my 5th love one 3 days later when Mom died and now here we go again only a few months later. It just never seems to end. It happened that way in 2007 when my father was dying of cancer and I lost one of my best friends and an aunt and uncle also.

It's hard to keep the faith when it continues to happen to the people you care so much for.

Sorry I'm such a downer today.

Oh, dear Lord, I'm so sorry, Willie. :hug: :hug: :hug: I wish I could take away your pain. The tears are streaming down my face.

I'm sorry I'm so late on this - I haven't been on The Border for the last few days.

[Mrs Frey]

Okay, I've been catching up.

Lou! Congratulations on completing your skydive! What an exciting adventure for you!

Brooke! Congratulations on the Lady Mustangs' win! May they keep progressing!

VA: I'm so sorry to learn of the awful accident happening in your area.

Soda! Girl, you must take care of yourself - don't push yourself so hard, even for Glenn :heart:! But having said that, I'm glad you got to book such great tickets for his shows! And I'm glad that you didn't experience the big seizure you feared. :heart:

[TimothyBFan]

Nancy----I'm so glad you're feeling better. I repeat what everyone else is saying, please take care of yourself!!!!


And I have to admit, I cracked up when I read this part of your post. :hilarious: That's our girl!!!!



I would stop when I lost consciousness and not before!



Monique---Thank you so much for your kind words.

[Brooke]

Va, so sorry to hear about the terrible accident.

Soda, I'm glad you are better. It sounds like you've got a handle on your illness and know what to expect and then do what you need to do. I'm very proud of you. Wonderful about getting such good tickets and that you persevered through that! :applause:

[Topkat]

VA; Really sorry to hear this news about that accident.

Soda; Hope you are feeling better. Are you still having the dizziness? Maybe you should see your doctor. Please take care of yourself.

[Brooke]

Heading down to Columbia this afternoon to watch our Lady Mustangs play in the State Basketball Tournament. Wish us luck!

http://bestsmileys.com/horses1/7.gif LADY MUSTANGS!



RAH! http://bestsmileys.com/sports1/25.gif

[EagleLady]

My Mom has a virus on her Computer, gonna need to be restored completely.

[Troubadour]

Sorry, EL - laptop problems are a pain!

Take care of yourself, Nancy. :hug:

[EagleLady]

It's the Desktop actually, but thanks Lou

[Troubadour]

Ah, sorry - I should have broadened it to "computer issues"! Hope your mum can get it sorted ASAP.

[sodascouts]

Thanks for the concern, guys! I'll try to be more careful. Sometimes there's not much you can do, though.

EL, I hear you about the computer probs.

Brooke - GO LADY MUSTANGS!

[WalshFan88]

EL - Viruses are a pain. I typically get the cases where people are at that point. I'm the last ditch effort guy to try to save it from having to be restored - my specialty is malware removal and studying malware and how to go about removing it.... I think most of the time it can be removed but most computer techs especially in stores have no freaking clue how to go about it. If they can't run Malwarebytes they think it's a lost cause.. There is so much technology out there now to remove complex malware/viruses now. Most of my clients have been very lucky they were sent my way and recommended me. Saved their data and got the PC clean again.

Brooke - Good luck to the Lady Mustangs!

[Brooke]

Thanks guys, but I'm shocked and sad. We lost. The girls played well the first half and then kind of fell apart in the third quarter and got beat by 13 points. We play for third place this afternoon. :sad:

EL, sorry about your computer problems. Hope you can get it fixed.

[VAisForEagleLovers]

Brooke, sorry to hear about the loss, what a bummer.

EL, good luck getting the virus straightened out. I hope it's all recoverable.

As an update to the bus accident I posted a couple of days ago, it was a head-on collision with a large semi and a school bus with 22 kids, a teacher's aide, and of course the driver. No one can determine why the truck crossed the middle line, and the driver of the truck was killed instantly. The driver is in critical condition and the teacher's aide is in fair condition. The miracle is all 22 teens are OK and have all been released from the hospital.

[sodascouts]

Thank God the teens are OK! I hope the two adults are able to recover as well.

Brooke - sorry to hear about the loss of the Mustangs. I hope they make third place at least.

[Brooke]

We Won! :yay: It was a pretty easy game for us and we won by about 30 points. Everyone thinks that our first game should have been the title game, but that's just how the seedings go. The girls finish the season with a 61 and 1 record for the past two years. Not too bad!

We are very proud of our Lady Mustangs! Those girls are a class act!

[zeldabjr]

Congratulations! 61 and 1 is amazing!

[sodascouts]

Congrats to the team!

[Windeagle]

Great job, Lady Mustangs!

It's been a good week here. First, the Frey tickets! Then on Thursday, my kids' charter school (of which I am treasurer) was approved for a bridge loan to make it through the rest of the school year. Phew!

Finally, yesterday, my daughter got her second college acceptance letter. I can't stop smiling!

[EaglesKiwi]

Congratulations to your daughter, Windeagle!

[sodascouts]

Wonderful news about your daughter, WE!

[WalshFan88]

Windeagle - Congrats!! :)

-------

Everything is going ok here... Glad to be coming out of winter. I go to have a small surgery next week to remove a small lesion on my back. It's outpatient under local anesthetic. It's a scar I got from having a mole removed a couple years ago that came back as premelanoma so they had to remove more tissue and when they did it caused this hypertrophic scar to grow and cause pain so a plastic surgeon is cutting it out and hopefully it won't happen again.

[Windeagle]

Thanks, everyone!

Good luck, Austin. Hope things go well.

[lizzyplays]

Yes, good luck Austin and congrats WE!

[TimothyBFan]

WE--very happy for your family and especially your daughter!! Good luck to her.

Austin--Hope all goes well. Keep us updated.

[Topkat]

Austin; You're going to be just fine. Sounds like a minor procedure, that shouldn't have any complications!! Best to just get it over with..Hope it all goes OK.

[sodascouts]

Hope all goes well with your procedure, Austin.

I'm having dizzy spells again. I guess I'll have to go back to the doctor. UGH.

[WalshFan88]

Thanks everyone. I expect it to go smoothly - its just the after pain and stitches I'm dreading!!!

Soda - Hope they get better soon and the Dr can help!

[Glennsallnighter]

I hope you are ok Soda! I've heard these middle ear infections can last up to 6 weeks so it is still probably hanging around you?

[EagleLady]

Oh no! I hope they figure out whats wrong Nancy

[sodascouts]

A friend of mine suggested another possibility which I think might have merit.

As I've stated elsewhere, I've had a rather significant weight loss over the past few months. However, the dosage I take of epilepsy meds has not been decreased.

One of the medications I take is lamictal, and although it is foolish to solely rely on online medical sites, I read on an epilepsy forum that too much lamictal in the system can cause dizziness. When I think of the fact that all my dizzy spells have been in the late morning/early afternoon (I take lamictal in the morning), it makes sense. I've lowered my dosage myself this weekend, and I've had no problems this morning. We'll see what happens.

[Brooke]

That definitely has merit, Soda. I sure hope that works for you.

[VAisForEagleLovers]

A friend of mine suggested another possibility which I think might have merit.

As I've stated elsewhere, I've had a rather significant weight loss over the past few months. However, the dosage I take of epilepsy meds has not been decreased.

One of the medications I take is lamictal, and although it is foolish to solely rely on online medical sites, I read on an epilepsy forum that too much lamictal in the system can cause dizziness. When I think of the fact that all my dizzy spells have been in the late morning/early afternoon (I take lamictal in the morning), it makes sense. I've lowered my dosage myself this weekend, and I've had no problems this morning. We'll see what happens.

You will see your doctor about it, right?

[sodascouts]

If this doesn't work, I will.

[Topkat]

Soda, You really should notify your doctor that you are lowering your epilepsy medication. This really isn't something you should mess around with on your own. Tell him about all the issues going on, with the dizziness & the weight loss. I really don't know much about epilepsy but you need to discuss this with the doctor. It is possible that is the cause of all this, but let them know what you are doing. Also, don't lower it that much, because it may not be effective for your seizures. PLEASE consult your doctor!!

[Mrs Frey]

Sorry that I've been so quiet over the last week or so, everyone - it has been quite a hectic and stressful time for me.

I've been catching up a bit:

EL: I'm sorry to read about your mom's computer problems. I hope a solution can be found.

Brooke: I know how excited you were about the Lady Mustangs, and I'm sorry that they didn't end up winning the tournament, but it seems that they have still done exceptionally well, so well done to them!

Austin, sorry I'm late on this, but good luck for your medical procedure - I hope all goes well.

Soda, I agree with TK, you need to consult your doctor regarding lowering the dosage of your medication. You don't want to cause any further complications. Take care, girl. :hug:

I hope I haven't forgotten anybody - if I have, my apologies.

Well, I have been without a car for about two weeks now. It doesn't help to complain, I suppose, but it's very disappointing when one has a fully reconditioned Beetle engine fitted a year and 7 months ago, which one expects to last for at least 5 years, only to be informed that the crankshaft bearing is finished, having caused damage to the crankshaft and the engine casing. I was ripped off in the most awful of ways by the people who fitted the engine in August 2010. I had to have a new exhaust fitted as well, which set me back quite a bit - the "baffles" (whatever those are) in the exhaust is what was supposed to have been causing the rumble I observed over the last few months in my engine, but it turns out that it wasn't the exhaust at all, but the crankshaft bearing.

My father and I consulted with a local mechanic who usually works on our cars, and although the replacement of the exhaust was actually justified, since it was on its way out, he told us what the problem actually was. After having been without my car for about two days, it came back in a worse condition after having had the exhaust replaced - the rumble was not only still there but sounding 10 times worse. The workers at the garage were so useless that they didn't even fit my accelerator cable back properly, so my car had no power.

Our local mechanic later told us that the clutch release bearing they supposedly replaced because it was worn, was in fact not replaced, even though I was charged for it. They showed my father the "old" one, which was probably one they had lying around in the workshop. What a rip-off! We didn't ask them to replace the clutch release bearing - there was nothing wrong with it!!

I did in fact have some work to be done on the car - some tuning and a brake adjustment, but then it was one thing after another. When the brake adjustment was done by our local mechanic, he found that my front wheel bearings were worn, and had to be replaced. Then it was the exhaust, and then the ultimate - my engine needs to be replaced. What a collosal amount of money, and it could not have come at a worse time: I'm having to run up-and-down for rehearsals, because our casino show starts next week. This week we start rehearsing at the casino, from tonight until Thursday. The show has to be put together now, with all the components. Fortunately, I have 3 friends who love me very much (:smile:), and who have helped cart me around over the last week or so. My father has also helped me tremendously, not only with transport but with my car too.

I had a show on Saturday evening with my friend James, which went very well - it was just a relatively small turnout, though. Hopefully, our audiences at the casino will be much bigger. This is James' production, and I play a supporting role as a back-up singer, with some appearances as a lead vocalist.

I might be getting my car back on Wednesday - the people handling it now are much more clued up and honest, and our local mechanic will be fitting the reconditioned engine. They told my father that a reconditoned engine should last AT LEAST five years. I feel like taking the matter further with the culprits, by muddying their name somewhat in the papers, but I don't know if I'm up to the task. I can do without the stress, and I'm not going to get my money back anyway. They've lost my business, though, that's for sure, and perhaps that is punishment enough.

[TimothyBFan]

Soda---SEE YOUR DOCTOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MF--Good luck with your car. Hate car problems!

Please keep my friend Brandon and his family in your thoughts today. He went back into the hospital late last night and it doesn't look good.

[VAisForEagleLovers]

MF - so sorry to hear about your car problems! And getting ripped off is the pits, besides the money, it hurts your heart that you were taken advantage of.

TBF - many prayers being lifted.

[sodascouts]

MF - how awful to be ripped off like that! Is there any action you can take against them?

Willie - I think about your friend and his family often. If this is the end, I pray it is peaceful.

[Windeagle]

MF - Sometimes word-of-mouth is the best advertising (or in your case, ANTI-advertising). Even if you don't take legal action, tell everyone you know not to go to that shop and it'll get around.

TBF - my thoughts go out to Brandon and his family. I wish them peace and strength.

Soda - yes, talk to the doctor! You might indeed be on the right track with your treatment, but they need to know for your records.

[Brooke]

MF, I'm sorry to hear about your car problems. I hope it gets fixed right soon. My car is in the shop too and it's a pain to be without. We hit a deer coming home from a basketball game a couple weeks ago. The damage wasn't too bad, but enough. Luckily we have rental car insurance, so I'm not on foot.

TBF, keeping Brandon in my thoughts and prayers. Peace to him and his family.

[Topkat]

MF; I once had a huge estimate when there was something wrong with my car. Well, I then brought it to someone that was recommended to me, Someone that was HONEST. Well, my problem only ended up costing me $80., instead of that $800. job that other shop suggested. There is a huge difference in mechanics. Find someone that a friend recommends, even if it's not as convenient, Once you find someone you trust, then stick with them. I always got a second opinion when there was an issue with the car. That was when I really saw the difference in the shops. There is always someone out there looking to make a lot of money on car repairs, and rip you off.. Unfortunately, it happens every day!

[Windeagle]

MF; I once had a huge estimate when there was something wrong with my car. Well, I then brought it to someone that was recommended to me, Someone that was HONEST. Well, my problem only ended up costing me $80., instead of that $800. job that other shop suggested. There is a huge difference in mechanics. Find someone that a friend recommends, even if it's not as convenient, Once you find someone you trust, then stick with them. I always got a second opinion when there was an issue with the car. That was when I really saw the difference in the shops. There is always someone out there looking to make a lot of money on car repairs, and rip you off.. Unfortunately, it happens every day!

That same thing happened to me. I had an oil leak and the dealership said I needed a new engine - $4,300! They refused to even change my oil because I'd be "throwing good money after bad." I got a second opinion and the problem turned out to be a $75 seal. Needless to say, the second place has all my business now and the dealership was told EXACTLY why we will never go there again!

[sodascouts]

Yes, it happens all the time, especially to women. A few years ago, my car was having trouble starting and I took it to the closest garage. They told me I needed a new alternator ($200). Luckily, my boyfriend came to pick me up and when he heard that, he immediately questioned it. Turns out that all it needed was a FREE battery recharge!

Disgusting!

[Glennsallnighter]

Willie I have indeed been praying for Brandon and thinking about him over the last few weeks. Rest assured that I will continue to do so, and for his my wife and children as well. What a terrible time for them all. I hope that he can be kept as pain free and comfortable as possible.

MF, that is terrible about your lovely car. I really hope that this time there will be no more expensive mistakes made.

[Troubadour]

As always, Brandon and his family and friends are in my thoughts.

[Koala]

TBF, I have Brandon his family and friends in my thoughts and prayers.

MF, sorry to hear about your car!

Soda, how the others say, go to the doctor please!Take care of you!

[Mrs Frey]

MF--Good luck with your car. Hate car problems!

Please keep my friend Brandon and his family in your thoughts today. He went back into the hospital late last night and it doesn't look good.

Thanks, TBF! And I will certainly keep Brandon and his family in my thoughts. Strength to you all. :hug:

[Mrs Frey]

MF - so sorry to hear about your car problems! And getting ripped off is the pits, besides the money, it hurts your heart that you were taken advantage of.



Thanks, VA. What is worse is that my father is the one who handled everything - taking the car in, and so forth - and he KNOWS Beetles. The unfortunate part is that he couldn't stand in the workshop and watch them as they work. He had a suspicion that my engine wasn't right for quite a while now, but he couldn't prove that I had been ripped off. All the facts have come to light now, thanks to some honest people, but sadly I can't recover the lost money, and that really, really hurts. :brickwall:

[Mrs Frey]

MF - how awful to be ripped off like that! Is there any action you can take against them?



Thanks, Soda. I can't really take any legal action against them, but I am considering taking them to something called "Argus Action". It's run by our local newspaper, The Cape Argus, which has a readership of around 350,000 people daily. People can complain to them about any poor service, and they will publish it. The only thing is that I'm so busy at the moment - I'm trying to focus on our big show coming up next week - and I don't know if I have the strength for all of that. At the very least, I'll tell people who NOT to go to for Beetle repairs! :-x

[Mrs Frey]

MF - Sometimes word-of-mouth is the best advertising (or in your case, ANTI-advertising). Even if you don't take legal action, tell everyone you know not to go to that shop and it'll get around.



Thanks, Windeagle. I certainly intend taking your advice! :nod:

[Mrs Frey]

MF, I'm sorry to hear about your car problems. I hope it gets fixed right soon. My car is in the shop too and it's a pain to be without. We hit a deer coming home from a basketball game a couple weeks ago. The damage wasn't too bad, but enough. Luckily we have rental car insurance, so I'm not on foot.



Thanks, Brooke. I'm sorry to learn of your car accident too. :-(

[Mrs Frey]

MF; I once had a huge estimate when there was something wrong with my car. Well, I then brought it to someone that was recommended to me, Someone that was HONEST. Well, my problem only ended up costing me $80., instead of that $800. job that other shop suggested. There is a huge difference in mechanics. Find someone that a friend recommends, even if it's not as convenient, Once you find someone you trust, then stick with them. I always got a second opinion when there was an issue with the car. That was when I really saw the difference in the shops. There is always someone out there looking to make a lot of money on car repairs, and rip you off.. Unfortunately, it happens every day!

I hear you, TK. I've certainly learned the hard way. My father and I usually take our cars to the local mechanics who are honest, but unfortunately, they cannot handle the bigger jobs, such as reconditioning Beetle engines. Those jobs must be handled by garages and their engineering works. At least the garage we've now consulted with has done the reconditioning job properly. They let us know how badly we were ripped off - all the evidence was in the previous engine. Our local mechanic is doing the fitting of the engine, so that will work out a bit cheaper at least. And I know he's going to do a good job.

[Mrs Frey]

That same thing happened to me. I had an oil leak and the dealership said I needed a new engine - $4,300! They refused to even change my oil because I'd be "throwing good money after bad." I got a second opinion and the problem turned out to be a $75 seal. Needless to say, the second place has all my business now and the dealership was told EXACTLY why we will never go there again!

Good for you, Windeagle! :thumbsup:

[Mrs Frey]

Yes, it happens all the time, especially to women. A few years ago, my car was having trouble starting and I took it to the closest garage. They told me I needed a new alternator ($200). Luckily, my boyfriend came to pick me up and when he heard that, he immediately questioned it. Turns out that all it needed was a FREE battery recharge!

Disgusting!

Disgusting, indeed! I'm glad you were spared the rip-off, Soda!

[Mrs Frey]

MF, that is terrible about your lovely car. I really hope that this time there will be no more expensive mistakes made.

Thanks, GA. I hope so, too, but I reckon this time everything will work out all right. :)

[Mrs Frey]

MF, sorry to hear about your car!



Thanks, Koala!

[WalshFan88]

Mrs. Frey - Sorry to hear about your car.

TBF - Prayers sent to them.

Soda - Be sure to check with your doctor and let them know what is going on!

[TimothyBFan]

Thanks again to all of you. Brandon has gone into a hospice house now. He spent several hours yesterday taping videos for Tiff and both the kids for them to watch later. He covered everything for several holidays right thru to the weddings. I don't know how he got thru it.

I kept their 4 year old daughter today with my kids and she sat down and colored a picture for her Dad "because he's sick". This is all she's ever known, he was diagnosed when she was 2 and so her normal has always been that Dad's sick. As she did that, I had a hard time keeping the tears at bay as I thought to myself how her whole world's about to come completely undone.

[EaglesKiwi]

Willie, that's such hard news. I, too, have been praying for Brandon, Tiff & the kids. I'm glad Brandon had the physical and emotional strength to do the videos. They will be heartbreaking to watch, but so very precious too.

Stay strong, and take care of yourself too. :hug:

[VAisForEagleLovers]

TBF, really, I'm just speechless. Many prayers for you and all of them.

[EaglesKiwi]

If this doesn't work, I will.
Soda, I hate to nag... but - I have to join the chorus and say you should be going to your doctor. :worried:

If you're taking more than one medication, then lowering the dose of one might impact on the others - and you need to take special care since you've got your After Hours road trip coming up! :partytime:

[Glennsallnighter]

My goodness Willie. Don't some lovely people get such a rotten deal? It must have been so difficult for Brandon to do those videos, but his family will treasure his messages to them forever.

A friend of ours who passed away in similar circumstances a few years ago (his son is a day older than Laura) left two 'Treasure Chests' for his children with gifts and sentimental memorabilia in them to be opened 'the morning after' and on upcoming dates such as birthdays and Christmasses to come.

Of course I'll keep all the family in my prayers as they travel this difficult road. And I hope Brandon can be kept as pain free as possible so that he can have as much time with his family as possible.

[Mrs Frey]

Mrs. Frey - Sorry to hear about your car.



Thanks, Austin!

[Mrs Frey]

Thanks again to all of you. Brandon has gone into a hospice house now. He spent several hours yesterday taping videos for Tiff and both the kids for them to watch later. He covered everything for several holidays right thru to the weddings. I don't know how he got thru it.

I kept their 4 year old daughter today with my kids and she sat down and colored a picture for her Dad "because he's sick". This is all she's ever known, he was diagnosed when she was 2 and so her normal has always been that Dad's sick. As she did that, I had a hard time keeping the tears at bay as I thought to myself how her whole world's about to come completely undone.

This is heartbreaking, Willie... absolutely heartbreaking... I've got to hold back the tears just thinking about Brandon and his family, and what they are going through.

There are no words that can comfort this family... this is only the beginning. This is a spiritual family, so only prayer and faith can pull them through. More than anything, I wish them comfort and peace amidst the pain.

And Willie, I wish you the same. You are a wonderful, caring friend. :hug:

[TimothyBFan]

I'm feeling the weight this morning. Brandon passed away this morning at 5 am. He didn't wake up yesterday and as Tiff sat by his bedside this morning, he woke, she told him I love you, he told her I love you too, closed his eyes and passed peacefully. May Tiff, Eathan & Sophie find strength in all the love and support they have from this small community that was so inspired by Brandon and his bravery thru it all.

[Henley Honey]

She will treasure that moment forever. So sorry, TBF. Words are inadequate.

[Glennsallnighter]

OMG, Willie! I am so sorry for you all. I thought he had been given a little more time than this. My deepest sympathies to Tiffany and the children.

You have been a wonderful friend and support to them and I'm sure they will thank you for ever.

Brandon has had a hard struggle and is finally past his suffering.

Rest in Peace Brandon. You fought a brave battle.

[Troubadour]

Words can't express how heartbreaking this is. If there is a positive note to be found anywhere, it is that he was able to tape those videos, which his children will treasure for years to come, and that he passed so peacefully with Tiff by his side. I am thinking of all of you and sending lots of love.

[Topkat]

Very sad to hear this news. I know what a struggle this has been for the family. I'm so sorry for the loss of Brandon. RIP

[VAisForEagleLovers]

Willie, I am so saddened to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

[Brooke]

Willie, I'm so sorry to hear this, but he's at peace now. No more pain and struggle and in a better place. I will keep you and his family in my thoughts and prayers.

[sodascouts]

I can only echo what has already been said. Brandon in a better place and those videos, a well as the last "I love you," were his final gifts to his family. I do believe they will see each other again. Even so, this breaks my heart, and I found myself crying this morning when I read it.

I find him to be an inspiration even though I only have learned about his situation and struggle secondhand. Thank you for giving us a chance to "know" the family just a little over the past few years ( hard to believe it's been two and a half years since you told us about Brandon's diagnosis). I continue to pray for his family and friends such as you, Willie.

[EagleLady]

I'm so sorry to hear this Willie, Brandon's family are in my thoughts and prayers

[WalshFan88]

So sorry to hear that Willie... Take care. Prayers and good thoughts sent your way!

[zeldabjr]

He is at peace in the arms of God. Prayers for his family and friends.

[timfan]

Willie I am soo sorry to hear this and I send you and Brandon's family all my best wishes at this difficult time. As others have said Brandon is now at peace and the struggle is over; he has touched many lives and will never be forgotten. While I was reading this tragic news what came on my ipod but Unchained Melody sung by Susan Boyle.. how appropriate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YQhmSsEST4&ob=av2e

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Willie - I am so sorry about the loss of your friend, Brandon. My heart goes out to you and his family. That is wonderful though that he was able to record the video. I know his family will cherish that forever.

[Lisa]

My sympathy to all of the friends and family.

[Koala]

Oh no! Willie, I am so sorry about the loss of your friend!
Brandon's family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers!

[Mrs Frey]

I'm feeling the weight this morning. Brandon passed away this morning at 5 am. He didn't wake up yesterday and as Tiff sat by his bedside this morning, he woke, she told him I love you, he told her I love you too, closed his eyes and passed peacefully. May Tiff, Eathan & Sophie find strength in all the love and support they have from this small community that was so inspired by Brandon and his bravery thru it all.

I am so, so sorry, Willie. At least Brandon is at peace now. May God's strength be with you all during this difficult time.

[Windeagle]

So sorry to hear about Brandon's passing. My thoughts are with his family. I'm so glad he found that last bit of strength to make those videos.

[Glennsallnighter]

Yes, I'm sure we all shed a tear or some for Brandon yesterday. Willie, please pass on to his wife the condolences from my Dublin kids who have been praying for him over the last few weeks. They too were very upset at the news.

I'm sure the reward of those last few words of love will be a real comfort to Tiff in the times that lie ahead.

[TimothyBFan]

Thank you all!!!!! Your kind words are a true comfort to me and will be to his family (I've told Tiff about all of you following their journey and she's always been very touched to know that Brandon had prayers from all over the world coming his way). This whole community is in mourning right now along with people that Tiffiany and Brandon knew thru Lung Cancer support groups and online forums. They are truly such inspirational people because of the way they handled what was dealt to them with such dignity and grace. They say everything happens for a reason and I've tried to understand that and I keep going back to the fact that I think after things get a bit back to normal for Tiff, she will become an advocate like no other anyone's ever seen for the lack of funding and research in lung cancer. She made it her goal to become educated right from the get go and told me shortly after the diagnosis that she intended to make the world aware of it. She was studying to be a radiation tech when he was diagnosed and promised Brandon she'd go back to school and finish so I think one thing will lead to another and she will make it her life's goal to work in the Oncology field and research. Only time will tell.

Today I will be celebrating life tho---My nephew and his fiance are at the hospital having their baby girl today. So we are anxiously awaiting her arrival and will concentrate on that right now.

Tomorrow is the funeral. This is definitely a week of up and down emotions.

[lizzyplays]

Today I will be celebrating life tho---My nephew and his fiance are at the hospital having their baby girl today. So we are anxiously awaiting her arrival and will concentrate on that right now.



What a wonderful gift at this time! :-)

I'm glad that you have something so special and positive to occupy your heart and mind during this sad time. It's like it was meant to be.. a celebration of a new life, to help with pain and sorrow of losing another. I don't know you well (yet) but, I think we are all the same here. We just want to love and be loved and when one person is hurting, we all hurt. Hopefully, even simple words from a complete stranger, miles away, well you get through this time.

[sodascouts]

I like the way you put that Willie - "celebrating life" - about the birth of your nephew's baby ( best wishes to them)! In a way, tomorrow at the funeral, you will be celebrating life as well by remembering Brandon's.

[tequila girl]

Willie, I was so very sad to hear the news about Brandon,(though i've not posted for a while, I check up, and he was often in my thoughts) Please pass on my most sincere condolences to Tiff, Eathan & Sophie and of course yourself and all of his friends & family....
So glad that he found the strength to make those vids that will be a treasure for them all forever!
The saying goes "One leaves, another one arrives" I hope everyone can find the courage to carry on without sad memories marring their lives too much (I know it takes time) especially Tiff though, with her aspirations to make it as a Radiation Tech.
God Bless You All.

[TimothyBFan]

Well the good news is, I have my 20th great niece/nephew-- she was born Wedn. night and her name is Lillian Macara, and she's perfect!!!

Today was the funeral and I thought I would share something with you. It was probably the roughest funeral (next to my parents) that I have ever attended. The crowd that turned out was unbelievable and they couldn't even fit everyone into the church. The receiving line after the service was almost 1 1/2 hours. Tiff was completely overwhelmed by the crowd and support the family got. He touched so many lives and if he was watching today, he had to know that. Brandon had been a fireman so the end of the funeral when they did the "final call home", there wasn't a dry eye in the place.

Remember the videos he did on Monday? He also did one for the funeral. Tore me (and everyone) up watching it. The TeamHORA FB (I know some of you here had liked it on FB when we first put it together) posted it on YouTube this evening. I thought I'd share it for anyone who might want to see it. It shows just what kind of an amazing, inspiring man he was and how he coped with learning to die. In the end, he wasn't worried about dying but worried about leaving everyone else behind. Remember this was filmed less than 48 hours before he passed away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igLi4AFaGjg

Like I said earlier, this has been an emotional rollercoaster kind of week. One more thing tomorrow that won't be so pleasant as we meet with a real estate agent to get my Mom's house on the market. Then I think I will take a deep breath, and try to relax for the rest of the weekend.

[sodascouts]

How could there be a dry eye in the house after something like that? He has such composure and bravery. The part that really got me was when he was remembering bringing Eathan home. This is so very heartbreaking, but as he said, he'll see them again.

Thank you and Tiffany for sharing this.

[Henley Honey]

No regrets. How wonderful to have lived a life with no regrets.

What a strong, loving, extraordinary man. They were so blessed to have had him in their lives. I truly believe his is still with them, giving hugs and holding hands. :angel:

[Mrs Frey]

TBF, thank you for sharing Brandon's video with us. How very moving... He seems to have been an extraordinary person, and the loss for his family is great. So sad... so sad....

TBF, take care of yourself. You have been through a very, very difficult time. One day at a time now (something I keep saying to myself). :hug:

[WalshFan88]

How very moving and very brave. RIP Brandon.

Take care, TBF.

[Glennsallnighter]

What an extraordinary video that Brandon made. I admire his courage and his at least outward calm in being able to record it so well. What bravery and strength of character. It's so hard to believe he passed so soon afterwards.

I'm sure that this and the other videos he made for his family will help them through the times to come. And they will always have the comfort of knowing how much he loved them all to the end, that he never regretted his life choices. He will always be with them in spirit. I'm sure too that they are comforted by the fact that they all did everything that they could to help him through this illness.

[Troubadour]

I have just watched Brandon's video, and I am sitting here with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. I am heartbroken that he couldn't have had fifty more years with his family, but I am truly inspired by his bravery and the calm, rational way that he talked about his situation. He seemed so strong - as if he could have lived another few years. I am so sad that he was taken away so young, but it seems that, at the age of 31, he understood life and what was important. He spoke from his soul, with truth, emotion and honesty, and I can feel the goodness emanating from him. I can sincerely say that, despite never having known him personally, I will never forget him. I wish Tiff every success in her campaign, and I am willing to do anything I can possibly do to help. Watching that video has made Brandon's loss very real, and his message of "no regrets" really sums it all up. We just have to live as fully as we can while we have the chance, and value the people who care about us. Brandon has plenty of those people, in his immediate community and, now, across the world. What an amazing guy.

[WalshFan88]

Just thought I'd pop in and say that my surgery/procedure went well. Still a bit sore but nothing bad at all.

The plastic surgeon and I talked throughout the whole procedure about guitars so he must have known to talk so I wouldn't get sick hearing all of the tools he was using and just knowing even though I couldn't feel it - what he was doing.. But he talked to me the whole time and even a few minutes after. I have no stitches - they are all under the skin and will dissolve. It's really weird.

[VAisForEagleLovers]

Just thought I'd pop in and say that my surgery/procedure went well. Still a bit sore but nothing bad at all.

The plastic surgeon and I talked throughout the whole procedure about guitars so he must have known to talk so I wouldn't get sick hearing all of the tools he was using and just knowing even though I couldn't feel it - what he was doing.. But he talked to me the whole time and even a few minutes after. I have no stitches - they are all under the skin and will dissolve. It's really weird.

Austin, I was trying to remember when you were having the procedure and wondered when it seemed you hadn't been on here in a while. I'm glad it went well! Get back up to speed soon!

[WalshFan88]

Austin, I was trying to remember when you were having the procedure and wondered when it seemed you hadn't been on here in a while. I'm glad it went well! Get back up to speed soon!

Yes - I forgot to check in sooner. I haven't been online much outside of Facebook and email. I got my new effects pedal the other day and I've been playing guitar and that's about it.

Thanks! :)

[TimothyBFan]

Glad to here it, Austin!!! Hopefully the pain will go away shortly also.

[sodascouts]

Thanks for the update! I'm glad it went well.

[Windeagle]

Glad it went well and that you're feeling well enough to play. Good to have you back.

[Troubadour]

Good to hear, Austin!

[Glennsallnighter]

Welcome back Austin. Glad you are ok! Enjoy playing with your new toys!

[Brooke]

Good news Austin! Take it easy!

[VAisForEagleLovers]

So excited, if the weather holds, this is what I plan on doing next Tuesday morning...

http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/apr/HQ_M12-062_SCA_Discovery_Flight_DC.html

[lizzyplays]

I haven't been posting much because I have been picking up extra shifts at work :woah: every chance I get. By the time I have worked a double :crazy: , done laundry:help: , eat :soda: fiddle with email :computer: and a few other random things, I'm exhausted :yawn: and going to bed :zzz: and doing it all over again the next day. :cuss:

But, I'm still here:wave:, I'm reading the posts every day :thumbsup: even if I am too tired and frustrated :brickwall: to reply and I'm still in love :inlove: with Glenn (sorry other Glenn lovers). :nahnah::hilarious:

And, I'm ready for the concert!!! :band: :yay: :rockon:

[Glennsallnighter]

Awwww. Lizzy. We all get days like that! But you're here and that's what matters!

[lizzyplays]

Thanks! I don't miss a day of reading through the posts, it's just that the last couple of weeks I am so exhausted I can barely think. (btw, I'm not whining about work, in fact I actively seek out the extra shifts and I'm lucky and blessed to have a job!!).

But, it's really nice to come home and read all the latest happenings and news. I always look forward to it and I try to post on at least one thing so that I stay active, in touch and in the loop!

[EaglesKiwi]

Thanks! I don't miss a day of reading through the posts, it's just that the last couple of weeks I am so exhausted I can barely think. (btw, I'm not whining about work, in fact I actively seek out the extra shifts and I'm lucky and blessed to have a job!!).

But, it's really nice to come home and read all the latest happenings and news. I always look forward to it and I try to post on at least one thing so that I stay active, in touch and in the loop!
Hopefully this is supporting your Concert Fund!

[Troubadour]

I'm right there with you, Lizzy! Work is really taking its toll at the moment, but I know I'll be glad when I get my paycheck. (At least I hope I will! :lol:) Hang in there!

[EagleLady]

Our dog decided to go chase some kids across the street and almost got hit. seems he only broke a toenail

[zeldabjr]

Our dog decided to go chase some kids across the street and almost got hit. seems he only broke a toenail

Glad your dog is OK... I saw my neighbor's dog get hit in our apartment building parking lot a few weeks ago...not good...

[Windeagle]

Yikes! Just heard on the news there's an armed standoff going on not far from here. Several police officers have been injured in a drug raid gone bad.

It's not in my town but one I drive through on my way to work. And I have a friend who's an ER nurse at one of the hospitals involved. My thoughts go out to all the families affected by this.