jardinero

Good attitude, Susie!!!! Just have fun and enjoy all the memories. Thinking of you and Tom. J.

Last I heard (a few years ago), Paul and wifey were alive and well living in Oakland, CA area. J.

And I'm in Orlando Sun-Wed. J.

Excellent thoughts on the subject, Mark. I wish I had had that perspective when I was first looking for a church fit. Good advice in there, Penguin. And through personal experience, I'll add the following - - I think it takes visiting a number of churches for a bit after being involved in a rigid, non-compromising organization like twi. One or two visits probably won't give you the entire picture -- and through each visit, you'll be "unlearning" your twi experience. So, Mark's advice to read and research is wise indeed. One of the things to which ex-twi posters here can probably attest is that your whole vocabulary, behavior, modes of communication, ability to legitimately express emotions freely, etc. - - - will be in a state of evolution for years following an exit from twi (or other controlling group, for that matter). So give it time, Penguin - - and recognize that spouses and children will also be going through those same changes - - ON THEIR OWN TIMING!!!! What is "suddenly" acceptable to your spouse, may not be to you at that particular time - - and vice versa. So breathe, pray, reflect, sort, weed, reflect again, re-assess, get mad, rant and rave, pray some more, re-reflect - - it's all a process, a journey, an adventure - - which you will probably enjoy at points and probably won't enjoy at other points. One last note - - whenever you leave something that you've dedicated and invested a lot of time and energy in - - there's no doubt going to be some time of grieving and sense of loss. I'm sure if you've been reading here at gsc with any sensitivity, you'll observe some of the stages of grief here - - Denial and Isolation; Anger; bargaining; Depression and Acceptance. These are evident in people's lives who experience a death, a loss of a relationship, or in this case, the loss of something you were involved in that held value and has been exposed as something other than what it was first thought to be. So be aware of the process, dear Penguin, and know that you have friends here in various stages of recovery and growth who so understand your concerns. You are wise to garner their lessons learned and wisdom. Yours in the journey, J.

So get movin ;)--> J. P.S. Not sure what the "crack spread" theory of economics is.....one can only imagine.

Sounds deliciously Geeky :D--> J.

Oh yeah, one other thought. Although the Chinese aren't ones to do "African Aid" concerts, they are one of the largest benefactors into building an infrastructure in Africa. Guess who is quietly setting themselves up to be a recipient of all those African natural resources????? hmmmmmmmm? J.

O.K. - - I'll bite :)--> How about that booming economy of the 1 billion people in India? Although still rather crippled from the break up of the Soviet block, how about Russia??? In other words, "anyone but the U.S.". Just a few thoughts from the rambling gardener :D--> J.

Hammie - - isn't that what the green smiley faces are for????? lol J.

I ditto the comments already made above, P-Mosh. It takes people with a set skill and willingness to just jump in and make it happen that really makes a difference. Yeah, one would think something as basic as a central database would be a no-brainer, but I can attest that even in Corporate America, you'd be shocked at how many organizations don't "get" the huge importance to their business of that simple tool. I hope Mark and others are able to set them straight! Thanks for volunteering so energetically, P-Mosh and Mrs. P-Mosh! J.

Scout Finch :)-->

Tom & Susie :D--> :D--> :D--> J.

ohhhhh, so sorry to hear that, David. Hope things change so you can attend. J.

Very cool, Ron. Glad you could do that. One of the "mega churches" here is organizing for some families to come here. We have lots of folks who are ready to house and others who will help support them financially while they get on their feet. J.

Some of us aren't in areas where we can help other than financial donations now, Houston. Glad you can be there to volunteer. We are organizing to adopt many families here in Indy thru a netork of local churches. In the meantime til that happens, we are raising money, praying, volunteering here. Some are being trained at the local Red Cross for future dispatch. J.

Those of you in the vicinity of Knoxville, TN may want to help out here: Temporary American Red Cross Shelter J.

In addition to the Red Cross,USA Freedom Corps, Catholic Charities and many, many other international and national charities involved in the relief effort, here's one in Baton Rouge that may be of interest to Greasespotters: Baton Rouge Area Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund J. The Baton Rouge Area Foundation has established two funds designated to benefit those impacted by Hurricane Katrina: The Hurricane Katrina Displaced Residents Fund will benefit those individuals evacuated to Baton Rouge from the hurricane impacted areas in Greater New Orleans, who are now unable to return for what maybe an extended period. The Hurricane Katrina New Orleans Recovery Fund will focus on the rebuilding of infrastructure to provide basic human services to residents of these devastated areas. If you would like to make a secure financial donation to one or both of these funds using your credit card, simply click here.

Danny: I just heard on the news that LSU in Baton Rouge is also going to be getting an influx of refugees, like Houston, in the next few days. LSU will be used for temporary housing, etc., so I'm sure your residents there will be feeling the squeeze in the days and weeks to come, Danny. Praying for your family and Evan's and your city's ability to respond. J.

Brother Speed: So glad to hear your wife is doing well. I'm sure it's comforting to know she's in the good care of her parents even if you can't be there. I was glad, at least, to hear that 300+ airmen from our gulf region were sent home to deal with their families due to the hurricane here. Thanks for that little story. We never know when we'll be the right people in the right place at the right time. Glad you were. Be well. I loved the Kosovo clip :)--> J.

Ohhh, that is so sweet Doveman. An excellent idea. Yes, she would have liked that, I'm certain. J.

Linda Z: No gas shortage here yet in Indiana, though they have warned it could happen shortly. Our gas jumped from about $2.60 to $3.29 overnight last week and when the attorney general got bombarded with calls and emails, he threatened stations about "gouging". Last night they dropped back down to $2.89. :)--> Kroger grocery chain here in Indy does that type of gas promotion here as normal business. I'm always buying gas much cheaper there than at the other stations. Sam's Club gives better discounts to members - - it's about $.10 per gallon, I think. J.

Hey - - looks like I CAN go after all. Belle, I'll PT you if you haven't already given away your room. J. :)-->

New Orleans. Drudge just reported this: Governor says entire city needs to be evacuated J.

I just heard on the news on the way home that the airports are underwater and portions of I-10 are disintegrating. The Governor has just issued an evacuation emergency for the entire city. She wants EVERYONE out because of the tenuous situation with the levies. Geez, this is terrible. J.

Hey Cheffie: Here's one for your group to support: Project Valour J.