Ann

To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door -- nose height. Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest. The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run. I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm. For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years --canine or feline attendance is not mandatory. The proper order is kiss me, THEN go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough! To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door: To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets 1. They live here. You don't. 2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. (That's why they call it "fur"niture.) 3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people. 4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly. Remember: Dogs and cats are better than kids because they: 1. Eat less 2. Don't ask for money all the time 3. Are easier to train 4. Usually come when called 5. Never drive your car 6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends 7. Don't smoke or drink 8. Don't worry about having to buy the latest fashions 9. Don't wear your clothes 10 Don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and 11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

BRAIN CRAMPS Question: If you could live forever, would you and why? Answer: "I would not live forever, because we should not live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever, then we would live forever, but we cannot live fore ver, which is why I would not live forever," --Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss USA contest. (On September 17, 1994, Alabama's Heather Whitestone was selected as Miss America 1995.) size=2 width="100%" align=center> "Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I'd love to be skinny like that, but not with all those flies and death and stuff." --Mariah Carey "Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life," --Brooke Shields, during an interview to become Spokesperson for federal anti-smoking campaign. "I've never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body," --Winston Bennett, University of Kentucky basketball forward. "Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country," --Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, DC. "I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president." (we are????) --Hillary Clinton commenting on the release of subpoenaed documents. "That lowdown scoundrel deserves to be kicked to death by a jackass, and I'm just the one to do it," --A congressional candidate in Texas. size=2 width="100%" align=center> "Half this game is ninety percent mental." --Philadelphia Phillies manager, Danny Ozark "It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it." --Al Gore, Vice President (DUH !) and he wanted to be President!!!!!!!!! "I love California I practically grew up in Phoenix." does he know where he almost gr ew up???..... --Dan Quayle "We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?" (I say all we can get, I'll take his clean air) --Lee Iacocca "The word "genius" isn't applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein." - --Joe Theisman, NFL football quarterback & sports analyst (and Notre Dame grad). "We don't necessarily discriminate. We simply exclude certain types of people." (Oh, well that's different, I think)?????? --Colonel Gerald Wellman, ROTC Instructor. size=2 width="100%" align=center> "If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure." (really???????) --Bill Clinton, President "Traditionally, most of Australia's imports come from overseas." --Keppel Enderbery "Your food stamps will be stopped effective March 1992 because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances." --Department of Social Services, Greenville, South Carolina "If somebody has a bad heart, they can plug this jack in at night as they go to bed and it will monitor their heart throughout the night. And the next morning, when they wake up dead, there'll be a record." --Mark S. Fowler, FCC Chairman

If you were suddenly approached to be the national ambassador for lung cancer research and funding issues, what would be the first point you would make to the people to make them understand the importance of funding for lung cancer?

So very happy and thankful to hear this news, Don and Lucie! You guys are always in my prayers.

Lets hear it for NED.....and Fred! Here's praying they both stay right by Kasey's side for many years to come!!!

I had this same problem when my husband was fighting his cancer. The pain was intolerable but the high levels of pain medication left him nothing more than a zombie most of the time. When he was so out of it, he was unable to eat thus his weight declined very rapidly. I talked to the doctor about the pain meds and what they were doing to him. The doctor then said to me...."I know you don't want him to be in pain." Then, I felt like a two headed monster for even asking the question about lowering the pain meds. Finally, the doctor referred us to a pain management clinic but Dennis never made it. I have heard wonderful things about these clinics. I also have a friend whose husband sees an accupuncturist for chronic pain. It is remarkable how improved and almost pain free he is. I'm saying prayers for the pain to lessen!

So very sorry that everything seems to be hitting you at one time. Like Becky Snowflake said, never say or think that nothing more can go wrong because it always can. I'll be remembering you and your family through this rough time.

Cindy...What a great poem. I am so sorry that all of these words are ripping your heart out right now. I share your views about the things people say at times like this. How can they possibly find these words to be comforting to the person left behind? You know, I used to say some of the same things but not anymore. Since losing Dennis, I have found the best thing to say is simply "I'm so very sorry." Just knowing that someone is sorry, from the bottom of their heart, means so much more that phrases that have been used for years when there is nothing they know to say. In all fairness, you have to remember that people do mean well. They just don't know what to say and are trying to help. Until you lose someone you love, you really don't know how to relate to the feelings of loss and emptiness that the ones left behind feel. I'm thinking of you and hoping each day gets better for you.

(((((((Peggy)))))))) I am so thankful that you are learning to deal with all the emotions that have been bundled up so tightly inside for such a long time. I pray that you will continue to heal and to share your techniques for healing with others. You are such a pillar for this LCSC community and are very loved for all the good things you bring to this board. I think having your own private retreat to reflect on all that has happened is such a great idea. I know this time will be so good for you! Those stubborn guys of ours had no idea how hard life would be without them. Continue to remember that we are all here to help each other along this path called life.

You Go Girl!!! They certainly picked the best possible person to interview! I know you'll make us proud!!!

Darrell, sorry to hear this news. Definitely go for second...and third opinions on this one. Some doctors are just more agressive when it comes to treatment options that others. Don't let this get you down.

Do you think you would make a good politician? Please tell us why? What really tough issues would you like to deal with as a politician?

You must be feeling much better, Eppie...lol

Lori...So very sorry. I'll be saying prayers that you will find just the right words to get your Mom back in good spirits. Just assure her this is just another little bump in the road and let her know we are all saying prayers.

Thanks to Becky Snowflake for this GTKY question for today. It's a really good one. What does "courage" mean to you? Who was/is/are the most courageous person/people you have ever known?

Frank...this one has to be your best!!!! Of course, I think I say this about all of your jokes!!! Anyway, this one is a keeper!

Andrea...I definitely think this was a sign! Betcha this lady has ESP and doesn't even know it!!!

Good one!!!!

Oh Joanie...This is such good news! I have said more prayers for you than you will ever know!!! You're just a super-duper person that deserves this very special kind of news! I'm right here in your corner...always cheering you on!!!

Erin, so very sorry that people are so insensitive and don't have any better questions to ask. Like you, I get asked this almost every time I tell someone that my husband had lung cancer. On a couple of occasions, I have been rather short and just answered..."does it matter?" But I love the reply "only when he was on fire." People just don't have a reply for that one. They just get a confused look on their face and change the subject!

Great news!!! So happy for you! Thanks for letting us know!

Although I've never done much of it, I think I could very easily be an impulsive gambler. I love taking chances and 000 is a game of chance. Buying my lottery tickets every week is about as much 000 as I do.

Do you have trouble controlling impulses? Which ones?

(((((((((Carleen)))))))))) Honey, I know it's not the same but please remember that you have all of us here to love and support you. I am so sorry about the baby. Please hang in here with us. Remember there are so many of us here that have already walked down the path you are now taking. We have all felt hopeless, lost and empty. We love you and care for you so much, Carleen. We are all one little family, brought together to help each other through these hard times. You can't carry all of this pain alone.

Saying lots of prayers for your mom. I so hope this procedure gives her relief from the terrible pain. Glad to hear that the results are almost immediate.