I just want to know how everyone is doing today. There are some days I get so busy I can't keep up with all of you and I feel like I have been neglecting you.

But I am back now and have my head out of the sand.

As some of you know June and July are crummy months for me since June was 13 years since my Son and Daughter in law were murdered and July 17 was the 4th year since Tracy was executed.

So anyone that as felt ignored I apologize.

Today I am doing great, the sun is out of just gorgerous. All week it is suppose to get in the middle 70's. Perfect weather.

So how is everyone else doing?

Talk to me I hate talking to myself....:D

softie

hey girl !! wassup , I am feelin this front porch , ha ha , I sit on my porch every evenin..........

Yeah and if we are real good ladyarkles is going to come along and pass out the Margarita's.

I like sitin on the porch just about sunset and daydream and watch the world go by.......:)

softie

Well I guess I am doing o.k. today. Things have been a little bit hectic here, trying to organise my Dad's 50th Birthday party for next month. I am even hand making the invitations! Hopefully they look good when they are done.

Ness

Oh that is great your Dad is going to love them. I know they will be great. You are talented I have no imagination. :thumbsup:

softie


Well I guess I am doing o.k. today. Things have been a little bit hectic here, trying to organise my Dad's 50th Birthday party for next month. I am even hand making the invitations! Hopefully they look good when they are done.

Ness

Ok, I'm here.....
Now who had the frozen lime and who had the strawberry?

I'm doing alright today, although it is driving me mad that I can't get a proper letter written as the house is getting packed up and noone will let me near the computer for more than 10 minutes!
My friends already think I have abandoned them!!


But hey, it will all come out in the wash!!
Only a couple of months till I am settled in a new apartment in Taipei (hopefully) then everything will be back to normal!! (kinda)

Softie, I hear you about the June/July thing. My bad month is February for similar reasons. It is a time of year I dread.

Me Me :yay: I want the strawberry, can't do the lime.

Hopefully in a short time you will get settled and you can get back to some what normal..

Hugssss



Ok, I'm here.....
Now who had the frozen lime and who had the strawberry?

I'm doing alright today, although it is driving me mad that I can't get a proper letter written as the house is getting packed up and noone will let me near the computer for more than 10 minutes!
My friends already think I have abandoned them!!


But hey, it will all come out in the wash!!
Only a couple of months till I am settled in a new apartment in Taipei (hopefully) then everything will be back to normal!! (kinda)

Softie, I hear you about the June/July thing. My bad month is February for similar reasons. It is a time of year I dread.

I want a Rita!!! Please share!!! :)

Yeah the invites are starting to come together. I might take a couple of photos of them and then post them in the arts area. I am not that imaginative at all!!! I am still learning how to scrapbook and that was the idea behind the invites. To make it resemble scrapbook pages.

So you are on the move Rach. I have moved so many times in the past 6 years that I am staying put for a long time now!!! I wish you all the best with the move.

Softie, my bad time of year will be next march for pretty much the same reasons and also december when I lost someone that was "my other dad".

Ness

I'll just have a sweetened ice tea, please. Things here are hectic as well. My baby turns 6 on Friday, and my son turns 13 on 9/3. Single mommy with no help from the donors, it's rough. But i look at it like this, we're all better off with out 'em. Missing Rick, he did call today, that made things a little better.

School is about to start, and that means less time with the kids. I usually work 3 pm - 11 pm, so i live for my days off. I hope you all are doing well, good to know i have people to depend on when things get rough. Thanks for the use of your porch, feels good to be around friends.

Wife To Be Club Member #113

This Front Porch thing is awesome!! Honestly, the way I feel today .... well, let's just say that I need a pitcher the size of Mexico of Rita's to take away the pain I'm feeling now.....

TT I am sorry your having a tough time today. If I can do anything I am just a pm away. Just remember you just have to get through today and tomorrow is a new day!

(((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))




This Front Porch thing is awesome!! Honestly, the way I feel today .... well, let's just say that I need a pitcher the size of Mexico of Rita's to take away the pain I'm feeling now.....

Just for you honey!

You are one busy girl!

Glad you got a call from Rick I know that perked you up.

The Front Porch is always open.

softie


I'll just have a sweetened ice tea, please. Things here are hectic as well. My baby turns 6 on Friday, and my son turns 13 on 9/3. Single mommy with no help from the donors, it's rough. But i look at it like this, we're all better off with out 'em. Missing Rick, he did call today, that made things a little better.

School is about to start, and that means less time with the kids. I usually work 3 pm - 11 pm, so i live for my days off. I hope you all are doing well, good to know i have people to depend on when things get rough. Thanks for the use of your porch, feels good to be around friends.

Wife To Be Club Member #113

TT, I too hope you are feeling better soon. And if you want someone to listen/vent to, you can always PM me.

Take care
Ness

THANK YOU Softie and Ness -- I might take you up on that offer someday!!! It's just that coming home from prison is a huge adjustment and it's kinda taking a toll on both of us. He's frustrated and because we're living together, he takes it out on me. :( I just hope we can always work through our problems to live a good happy life together. Now where's my margarita?? :D

TT, I am still waiting on my Rita too!! :) I hope that things start to look up for the both of you and that his frustrations subside once he has been home for a little while and gets used to the adjustment of being home and things that he is not used to. And you can always take the offer up to PM me!! :)
Take care
Ness

I'm super stressed today. I have exams and I can't remember anything. *sigh*

Deep breaths pinkitron!!! You will be fine!!! I am wishing you the best of luck with your exams!!!

Take care,
Ness

Thank you Ness. I hope they go alright.
Hope all's well with everyone else :)
Pinky xx

Ness,

I am sure that it will get better. It's only been a week since we have been living together again, and he was just frustrated with being bored here. But he started school today and I emailed him a BUNCH of jobs to apply for when he gets back home tomorrow, and he spent 3-4 days with his friends -- so he BETTER be happy!! He's called me like 7 times since last night, too - so I know he misses me! :)

TT,

That is really good news that things are starting to sound up for him!! I am glad that he is going to school and that he is seeing friends. I am sure that he misses you when he is calling 7 times!!! :) I also wish him luck with applying for all the jobs that you have emailed him.

Ness

Currently I am feeling somewhat lost I guess one could say. All of you must know, when you have strange moments and you think stupid things? As most of you will know, I have been very active on PTO lately. However it seems all my posts seem to be increasing in length - which is bothering me. Most of my posts are based off my opinion, and when one is very opinionated, it doesn't fit. I'm constantly re-reading my posts, thinking; 'Are people reading this, thinking shut the hell up!' or, wondering what sort of bulls--t I'm on about. Strange huh? I'll get over it, I hope everyone else is doing good.

- Ben.

Pinky,

Please let me know how you went in your exams when you get the results. I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you!!

Take care,
Ness

You will do great. I remember the days of stress and exams...:eek:

We will be waiting for you to come back and tell us how wonderful you did :thumbsup:

softie


I'm super stressed today. I have exams and I can't remember anything. *sigh*

It is a hard adjustment for both of you. Keep communcating and working through things.

I am glad he started school, being bored is not a good thing.

You guys just have to wrk through the rocky part and all will be well.

Hugsssss
softie


Ness,

I am sure that it will get better. It's only been a week since we have been living together again, and he was just frustrated with being bored here. But he started school today and I emailed him a BUNCH of jobs to apply for when he gets back home tomorrow, and he spent 3-4 days with his friends -- so he BETTER be happy!! He's called me like 7 times since last night, too - so I know he misses me! :)

Ben
I understand exactly what you are saying. There are days that I truly feel lost. When we start second guessing ourselves is when we get confused. I don't know how many times in life I have said "I should have gone with what I first thought"

Don't let the length of your post bother you. There isn't a thing wrong with long post. As far as people reading them, most people on PTO read posts but if they have nothing to add they just don't post.

What it sounds like to me is you need to relax a little. It sounds like you have gotten so wrapped up that it is choking you. Calm down and take sometime for you. The DP didn't start in a day and it won't end in a day.
You will end up burning yourself out and you then will be no good to anyone.

softie




Currently I am feeling somewhat lost I guess one could say. All of you must know, when you have strange moments and you think stupid things? As most of you will know, I have been very active on PTO lately. However it seems all my posts seem to be increasing in length - which is bothering me. Most of my posts are based off my opinion, and when one is very opinionated, it doesn't fit. I'm constantly re-reading my posts, thinking; 'Are people reading this, thinking shut the hell up!' or, wondering what sort of bulls--t I'm on about. Strange huh? I'll get over it, I hope everyone else is doing good.

- Ben.

I am doing fine today :) I am a bit tired because I'm taking care of one and a half household these days. one is mine of course, and the other half is my grannies. They are of poor health and need my help a lot. But life is good. The only thing is bothering me is that I haven't been very good at writing my guys and gal on the row. With the running back and forth it is so nice to just sit in front of the computer and do everything BUT write letters. I'll get past it and into the writing groove again soon I think.

Good luck with your exam pinki. You're supposed to feel like you don't know a thing, and when you leave you're supposed to think you didn't write down ANYTHING that made sense at all, and you're supposed to think you failed - and then before you know it you passed with flying colors and you think to yourself "I knew that"" Hehe! The pressure of exams..... Break a leg :)

My exams are on friday and wednesday. I don't even know when results are out. I've just never done maths this difficult before. I understand it all in theory, it's applying it that doesn't seem to work! More relaxed today, I figure, the worst that can happen, is I fail, and then I just take the module(s) I fail, when it comes to the 2nd semester.That way I get more time to work too. So it'll all work itself out. I was just panicing the other day!

LV, I hope your grans health improves. :) My grans 92, and I help look after her. She's just had a new hip and is back home now. She's amazing!

Softie,

Thanks for that. I completely understand where you are coming from. After reading what I had posted last night, I feel somewhat sheepish now! I think, with all these changes that are happening in my life, I do need to just take some time for me. Thanks again for your kind words Softie, and I'll work on getting over how silly I feel! But enough about me, how is everyone else who visits The Front Porch doing?

- Ben.

Cassi, I too hope that your Gran feels better soon and that her health improves. My Nan just had a bit of a health scare last week and so I know the feeling of being concerned about them. Am thinking of you.
Pinky, I am glad to hear that you are more calmer today. Be positive!! :)

Take care,
Ness

Hi it's me checking in!
I'm doing OK except for a snippy letter I had yesterday from my dear friend who is complaining that I should be writing more and talking about my move less. He's gonna get a "like it or lump it" letter from me later.
Every waking moment is occupied by moving house, arranging visas, getting copies of certificates, booking flights, removal men, repairing things around the apartment etc. I also only get about half an hour a day on PTO!!! aargh!

I mean, good grief, I am moving countries, not just down the road! :blah:

I love him dearly but I am up to my eyes in this mess and he is just going to have to be patient. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible LOL :D

Phew, feel better now I have got that off my chest!!

Oh well, off to do some more packing.............

That is wonderful of you to look after your grannies.
I can imagine how tired you are. Make sure and take a little time for you.

softie


I am doing fine today :) I am a bit tired because I'm taking care of one and a half household these days. one is mine of course, and the other half is my grannies. They are of poor health and need my help a lot. But life is good. The only thing is bothering me is that I haven't been very good at writing my guys and gal on the row. With the running back and forth it is so nice to just sit in front of the computer and do everything BUT write letters. I'll get past it and into the writing groove again soon I think.

Good luck with your exam pinki. You're supposed to feel like you don't know a thing, and when you leave you're supposed to think you didn't write down ANYTHING that made sense at all, and you're supposed to think you failed - and then before you know it you passed with flying colors and you think to yourself "I knew that"" Hehe! The pressure of exams..... Break a leg :)

I hope everyone is doing good and having a great weekend!

softie

My weekend is pretty cool!
We went out to watch the football (real football - SOCCER) at a local bar last night.
I managed to drink more Rita's than I can remember and wobbled home very happy as my team won!! Hooray!!

This morning I have three Filipinas in my kitchen cooking fish, rice and chicken for a party they are throwing later. It's a bit smelly but we are all having a good old chinwag! (Well they are chatting in Tagalog and I am just nodding and smiling!)

Good thing you remebered your team won.......:D

It sounds like you are having a wonderful day.

softie


My weekend is pretty cool!
We went out to watch the football (real football - SOCCER) at a local bar last night.
I managed to drink more Rita's than I can remember and wobbled home very happy as my team won!! Hooray!!

This morning I have three Filipinas in my kitchen cooking fish, rice and chicken for a party they are throwing later. It's a bit smelly but we are all having a good old chinwag! (Well they are chatting in Tagalog and I am just nodding and smiling!)

OK everyone I want to know how everyone is doing.

I am begining to feel like I am sitting here on the Front Porch all by myself :cry: :)

I am having a great considering I am still on my first cup of coffee.

softie

Thought I would come join you for that coffee on the porch softie! :)

Well I am having a pretty good day! I have already been down town to meet my dad for coffee and now am at home, busy writing a few letters. Otherwise it is going to be a quiet day until school finishes for the day and then the fun starts!! :)

I'm good. :) Exams are over. So we're celebrating this weekend. I got a bunch of letters the other day, so I have them to reply to. Being lazy today.

I sort of have news, my husbands sister disappeared 30 years ago in Florida. They have been showing pictures of a photographer who they suspect is a serial killer. He was in LA and Florida. My husband has been in touch with them and they are sending someone to Florida next week to investigate. So keep your fingers crossed that they find out something, my husband really needs closure. We are pretty sure she is dead because otherwise she would have contacted him long ago. It would be pretty strange if she was killed by a serial killer as I have a cousin who was murdered by the Green River Serial Killer. What are the chances of that happening? Anyway keep us in your prayers. I know it will be hard for him to think about her having a violent death, but at least he would know what happened to her. Sorry this is not very pleasant but we are excited to have a lead after all this time.

Thought I would come join you for that coffee on the porch softie! :)

Well I am having a pretty good day! I have already been down town to meet my dad for coffee and now am at home, busy writing a few letters. Otherwise it is going to be a quiet day until school finishes for the day and then the fun starts!! :)


Here you go ness, nice to have you join me.

softie

:yay: that your exams are over. When will you get the results?

softie


I'm good. :) Exams are over. So we're celebrating this weekend. I got a bunch of letters the other day, so I have them to reply to. Being lazy today.

You both will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know it isn't a pleasent thought. But like you said he needs some kind of closer and the never knowing is impossible to live with.

Hugs
softie


I sort of have news, my husbands sister disappeared 30 years ago in Florida. They have been showing pictures of a photographer who they suspect is a serial killer. He was in LA and Florida. My husband has been in touch with them and they are sending someone to Florida next week to investigate. So keep your fingers crossed that they find out something, my husband really needs closure. We are pretty sure she is dead because otherwise she would have contacted him long ago. It would be pretty strange if she was killed by a serial killer as I have a cousin who was murdered by the Green River Serial Killer. What are the chances of that happening? Anyway keep us in your prayers. I know it will be hard for him to think about her having a violent death, but at least he would know what happened to her. Sorry this is not very pleasant but we are excited to have a lead after all this time.

Atalie...definitely in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully all turns out well and your husband gets the closure he needs. I couldn't imagine not knowing where my sister was for 30 days, let alone 30 years...wow.

Oh Atalie, You and your husband are definitely in my thoughts. I hope that you get some answers and your husband gets some closure.

Softie, thanks for the coffee!! :) I really enjoyed it and needed it!! :)

How has everyone else been doing?? I have been doing really well. The invites went out and a lady that RSVP'd me today, actually commented on how beautiful they are and how I must have spent alot of time and love in doing them!! So it was really nice to get some feedback about them!!

Have a great day!!

Today I have been doing the laundry on the 17th floor of this hotel; in a tiny shed on the roof which bore a painful resemblance to a sauna!

I am now rehydrating with a nice cup of tea.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ladyarkles/laundry.jpg

I have no idea when I get results, I just have to keep checking online.
I'm really good, had a great weekend :) how was everyone elses weekend?

Rach, I hope the cuppa is nice and refreshing for you!! :)

Pinki, I am really glad to hear that you had a great weekend!! :) I had a pretty good weekend too!! :) I hope you get those results soon.

Its night time over here, the time when I get to sit and worry about how he is. And a time to look forward to and worry about my visit to the u.s in november. What if we dont get on as well as we do in our letters????????
So if I had a front porch I would be sat on it with a large vodka and tonic (and a blanket) its cold over here.
Lisaxxxxx

hello am Shantel it my first time in his and well it's been a hard year for me, my Job is not a good environment for me it bring alot of depression to me for almost 6 months i was not able to see my man. that was really hard to deal with because I told the place before i was hired i could only work two weekend and sometime 3 weekend a month that was fine then things change and they gave me all the weekend. Well my man and I got through the storm and am so blessed for that but know I have work around people that are just rude and things to be not grown up at all. They judge me and it not right they don't know me they think they do. sO am looking for a new Job that I can work and be happy with and enjoy it. plus am in school and they are not trying to work with me like at one time they said they would.

Lisa, if it wasnt Vodka, I would be joining you straight away!! :) It's a bit chilly over here still, but it starting to warm up!! :) I can't wait for Summer.

Kalezen, welcome to PTO!! :) Nice to meet you!!

Still no results. But my guys out of the hole :D:D:D Got a call tonight, I'm so happy.

Pinki,

That's awesome news!! I am so happy for you!! :)
I hope that you get your results soon.

I figured I'd pull up a seat and say Howdy . Where is the drink lady cause I could sure use one . A double if possible . The kids are driving me nuts , and I just can't shake this horrible lonely feeling .
Last week I went to visit my sweety and things was off kilter for us and just a lot of odd vibes in the room and it has just affected me all week . He's been sick for the last few months and getting treatment and I think all the meds is just making him so run down . I try to keep everything so upbeat and positive but it is just so hard . I have this stupid smile plastered on my face until I walk out those prison gates and then I break down in tears ,and sit in my van crying for a few minutes ,and then compose myself before starting the long ride home . I am like the chick in the tuna commercial ,where she is strutting through the hall looking all fine and then when the elevator door closes she colaspes and her stomach pooches out ...:D That is how I feel after a visit .
You know when things are good in a relationship it is the greatest feeling but when something bad happens you just feel so helpless . That is how I feel ,helpless ,because I am not able to take care of him , and have to hope ,the state does take care of him . I can't complain about that because they have made sure he has what he needs but I still feel helpless none the less .
I don't post much because I really don't feel like I have much to share or the strength to try and help others like I used too because I am just so tired . I am tired of everything but that would be a whole new rant and I just don't have the strength for it . So give me a double please ?

A double coming your way!!
:beer:
Cheers!

Hey all!! :) How is everyone's weekend going?? I have had a fantastic weekend. It was my Dad's Birthday last night and we all had a great time!! :)

Hello all, I'm feeling pretty good today. i had my first visit since he's been at NKSP. he's still in reception so it's was behind the glass but it was still great:D

Nessy- Tellyour dad I said Happy belated B-day

Rach, I am still waiting for my rita. On ice, no salt, please.

JJT

Mizz jp,

Thanks for that! :)

Rach, I am still waiting for my rita. On ice, no salt, please.

JJT
Sorry only got Dr Pepper left in the icebox, that will have to do you!!









Only kidding - 30oz Rita is on it's way.
Say goodnight!!

Only kidding - 30oz Rita is on it's way.
Say goodnight!!

**hicup**

I duunna thenk Iaaaa cen sey gudnight........

**only 25 more ouces to go**

:hee:

pleazzzzz to stop the boing boing........:faint:

Clean up on Aisle 4!
Clean up on Aisle 4!

Can we get a mop, some aspirin and somebody to take care of these soapy frogs?

Good Morning Taiwan!!

Yup, they are officially bonkers over here.
Every morning at 6.30, music blares out of the park as 40 women dressed in various shades of red and pink do aerobics/Tai Chi to Chinese pop songs.

Not a great way to try and recover from a hangover.

Then on Sunday there was a great big parade of Statues and Icons on biers and men dressed as monsters and deities - all banging bloody great drums and honking on huge bugle things! I won't even mention the firecrackers and cymbals.

Then they all stopped outside our apartment building for some rice and went their merry way after an hour or so.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ladyarkles/parade.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ladyarkles/parade2.jpg

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto!

How is everyone doing?? I just got back from holidays and had an awesome time!! Although I must say it is always good to come home and sleep in my own bed after camping!! :)

Hey there Nessynou...glad to hear you had a good time on vacation.

Finally getting to touch Rick after a year of lock down...Sunday can't get here fast enough!! And isn't it just like clock work, I started my period, my face is breaking out -- what the heck!! I guess that's murphy's law, if it can go wrong...it will.

But hey, I'll make good and enjoy being able to touch my man again!!

Have a good one...and how are you doing?

Hey everyone.It's been ages. I've been so so busy with uni, I'm hardly ever home. Also trying to find a flat. I'm rather stressed tonight, have tonnes of work, and have been fighting with my dad. In other news, I got my tongue pierced twice 10 days ago. I lived on tomato soup for a week, but it's all good now :D How is everyone? :)

Pinki,

Did the tongue piercing hurt??

I hope you aren't fighting with your dad too bad. I hate it when I fight with my dad, cause he nearly always wins!!

How did you go with your results??

Ness

Hey Ricksgirl,

How did your visit go?? I hope that it was really good!! :)

Yes the tongue piercings hurt, well not so much getting them done, but for about 6 days after, I couldn't talk properly and lived on soup!!!Results were ok. I'm actually going to try and transfer to Stanford. Still trying to figure out how it works...I'll be doing SATs sometime soon. I hope it works out. To be honest I find it all very confusing!
how is everyone else then?Any news?:D All the best, Pinki

Hi Girls!!

Been away for a while, moving, flat hunting etc (Pinki.....good luck with your hunting etc), and without internet conection, so was unable to find out how you all were keeping. But its great to be back. Whilst I was away, my man in SQ decided to up the stakes in our relationship, so we are now officially an 'item', so to speak :) Oh how life can change in such a short space of time!!! :)

Lorraine

Lorraine congrats!! :)

Lovely jubbly!

Cheers Nessy :)

I couldnt sleep so I decided to drop in and see what is going on in here. I just bought a house and never realized how stressful this can be. I'll be glad when it's all said and done.

Congrats on the new house!! :)

Thank you.

I think moving house or even buyinga new property has got to be one of the most stressful things gng. That said, I have now moved 5 times in as many years ( I sufer from a wander lust :) ) and I' quite an old hat at it now. Just dump all my possessions in big black waste bags and off I go !!!!

Congrats on the new house Angelica :)

Lorraine

I have been in the same house for 10 years and I hate to move. I'm excited about the move, but there is so much to do and every time I turn around it seems some one wants money for this or that. I know in the long run I will be happy but I wish I could wiggle my little nose and everything would be done already. Times like these wish I had a man at home to move the heavy items. Ughhh!!!

Having moved countries twice in the past three years, my advice is - use this as a great opportunity to get rid of all the old crap that you will have stuffed into closets and in boxes under the bed.
If you haven't touched it, worn it or used it in the past 18 months - you probably never will.
Of course this does not apply to photos, heirlooms and anything that is of great sentimental value.

I mean, are you really going to wear that sequinned boob tube, spandex hotpants and silver platform boots again?
Will betamax ever come back in use?
Does anyone still use a thighmaster?
How much do you really expect to get for a signed picture of David Hasselhoff?

Just some thoughts!!

I mean, are you really going to wear that sequinned boob tube, spandex hotpants and silver platform boots again?
Will betamax ever come back in use?
Does anyone still use a thighmaster?
How much do you really expect to get for a signed picture of David Hasselhoff?
Just some thoughts!!You made me smile with that one... thanks! I have been on a war path throwing things out all day. I took your advice and tossed alot of stuff out. I'm not too much of a pack rat thank god.

Rach, you mean I ain't going to get anything for the Hoff picture?? LOL

Nope!
Sorry! lol

And here I was thinking I was going to get lucky!!! :) LOL

I shouldn't admit this, but I found my Rubix(spelling) Cube from wayyyyyy back! Yes, it's in the garbage. loll

I bought a large quanity of candy and didnt have hardly any trick or treaters. Am I the only one?

We don't really celebrate Halloween over here, well not where I live anyway, but I thought that it was celebrated alot over in the US. I had two kids come to our door and that was it.

I had 10 at the most. I realize most parents probaly take their little ones to organized events, but I was really surprised.

Come and join us in the new Winter Warmer (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2332982#post2332982)thread.