MikkiStreak

The procession went past my office and I've never been more impressed and moved by the procession. They shut down 75 Southbound and only the procession and police escorts were allowed to travel on the freeway. But more impressive was that the northbound traffic came to a complete stop, out of respect, and none of the cars moved until the southbound procession went past them. Then they would slowly begin to move again. At the Galatin Parkway exit (right by my office), the fire department had their 2 large engine units block off the parkway over 75. I wish I would have had my camera to capture the moment because it was very stirring..... the fire department had extended the ladders on both engines and crossed them, like a fallen cross--- and all of the fireman were standing on the parkway in formation with their arms around each other and their heads bowed as the procession went past. Along the side of the freeway ramps, citizens stood outside of their cars, facing the procession in a line, to pay their respects. Absolutely incredible....

Quote: Originally Posted by starchild I confess that one of my bosses is completely lame and incompetent, and when we have meetings I enjoy asking him questions I already know the answers to just so I can watch him scramble. Dance, puppet! Damn, I'm sitting here chuckling because this is me too.... I had to sit in 9 HOURS of training this week on our latest product release. Well, we hired an internal trainer who doesn't know the product like the tech staff does. Ok, that's fine--- she'll eventually learn it, no big deal. But what pissed me off was catching her making up the answers within the first half hour, whenever she was asked something she didn't know. Then I spent the rest of the 8.5 hours finding every little thing she was bullshitting about, grilled her on it.... just because I was pissed about being forced to sit in this stupid training while having to work late to get my other stuff done. By the end of the first day, she was so frustrated her voice was shaking and I think she was almost in tears. Then I went to my VP to "critique" the class (with examples of the issues) and by the time I got done, the trainers VP was asked to spend the rest of the time attending the classes too so he could see for himself.

Quote: Originally Posted by amyrak Ok I'm trying to get a better understanding of how this works. If I take the "free" wedding package that I"m posting below. What other outside costs should I expect?? I guess I thought all food was included..so for a dinner can't we just all go out to eat together There will probably be over 20 guests but who cares if they get a piece of cake they can get as much dessert as they want in the restaurant. We are having an at home reception so I guess I"m not too worried about spending a lot in Mexico. But I know I will need to get some things just curious as to the hidden costs I might want to consider...let me know what to expect. VALENTIN’S COMPLIMENTARY WEDDING PACKAGE Reservation at the Valentin Imperial Maya, for a minimum 7-night stay or a booking of more than 5 rooms for a minimum of 4 nights at any category is required to receive this complimentary package. This complimentary package includes: All document arrangements Judge or Minister Pre-arrival concierge service by your wedding coordinator Choice of wedding ceremony location: Magnificent Chapel, Romantic Gazebo or on the Beach Bridal Bouquet Groom's boutonniere Wedding arrangments by our wedding coordinator Press service of the wedding dress and groom's tuxedo/suit Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability) Wedding cake Natural floral arrangement Romantic Champagne breakfast in bed the first morning after the wedding Late check out until 3:00 p.m. for Bride & Groom (upon request and availability) Rose petals as décor in the room Welcome letter Bottle of domestic Champagne for the toast Romantic dinner in one of our Specialties Restaurants (Bride & Groom) Honeymoon turn-down service 15% discount on all “The Spa†treatments Are chairs included for the wedding ceremony for guests to sit on? Some resorts only provide a handful and then charge more. Reception dinner: resorts vary on this. Some will only allow a certain amount of people to have a group reservation in their restaurants. I've seen this as low as 10 people, and a max of 50 people. Go over the amount of people, and they'll charge you for an event fee, plus dinner prices. Flowers for bridal party will add to the costs. Decoration at the ceremony will add to the costs (even an aisle runner, or rose petals). Music fees (DJ or speaker rental for iPod) for ceremony. Expenses for attire Any gift baskets for the guests (or welcome bags of info) Stationary (invites, thank you's, etc...) Photography

Jaime, Why not take one of your stones and have it moved into the new ring? Then you could take the old band, put some CZ's in it for when you travel. It would be less expensive than buying a whole new ring with stone, and it gives you a backup ring for situations where you might not want to risk damage/theft of your real ring. That's what we did---- We got a really good deal on the center stone and just moved it to a new band, so it only wound up costing us the price of the new band and resetting fees. (about $1500 total)... we saved probably $4000 by re-using the diamond.

Quote: Originally Posted by starchild I'm glad you can sympathize! Nortel has been a headache since I've worked there. We've always had one form of their software or another and it is so frustrating because we rely on real-time monitoring, and there are always glitches like people's phone status coming up as "undefined" when they are on a call, or someone who is "not ready" showing up as "idle". In our industry those kind of glitches translate to lost revenue...were it up to me we would check into Avaya. Don't go avaya. Company history has become really unstable in the last 10 years. If you guys ever do look into replacing the system, let me know. I've worked with about 10 different manufacturers and know the strengths/weaknesses of almost every system out there. Plus, I worked with a ton of vendors in your area and can recommend a company who will give phenomenal support after the install is done.

Quote: Originally Posted by starchild I work in the call center too...hey does he by chance use Nortel CCM software? Nobody I know outside of work can share my grief on the lag time... They use Avaya. But believe me, I can understand your pain---- my last industry was doing phone systems, voicemail, CCM software, call accounting software, etc... I absolutely HATE nortel. Our company is adding a call center and the IT staff is recommending nortel or avaya.

Quote: Originally Posted by David and Laura I am an Account Executive for an internet & communications company (NTT America). Basically I sell servers, firewalls, backup, and space in our data centers. Hey, you guys are one of my clients - I manage your recruiting software! Quote: Originally Posted by melwru Hi! I am a Burn Nurse and my FI is a Firefighter. Wow---- I have a lot of respect for you.... my cousin has worked in the burn unit for about 20 years and after talking to her over the years, that is one HARD nursing specialty. As for me---- computer geek. I'm a project manager for an HR Software company. I work with developers on debugging software, test applications, analyze data output and write specs for new software functionality. FI runs a call center that handles order & fulfillment requests for Limited Too, Home Depot, Sears, Yankee Candle, and other retailers.

Reminds me of people who stand outside abortion clinics with graphic photos---- it doesn't fix the problem if you focus on the end result. That's what this is---- instead of trying to "fix" what they think is the problem (which actually requires EFFORT and lots more TIME), they choose to take the cheesy route and spend one afternoon expressing their displeasure. It's lazy, rude, and so offensive....

Anny, those invites look absolutely amazing! I had no idea you were going to do this as a business! I shouldn't be shocked tho, you're very good and I knew that after seeing your wedding invitations!

Welcome, Iowan! I'm a disloacted Iowan - Quad Cities born, Iowa City raised. (I refuse to be called a Texan...)

Ok, just getting back on here (and wading thru 5800+ posts), and I gotta say---- I have no clue where this post started--- I'm sure I'll run into it somewhere as I go thru the threads I missed---- but I got a good chuckle out of the computer literate and most likely to tell the in-law's off.... especially right about now, after telling off a co-worker because I'm tired of working 16 hour days to fix his f-up's, and after getting into it with the in-law's because of the finance's surrounding Frank's mom's hospitalization for the last few weeks. And to sum it up---- because of those two items.... I AM OFFICIALLY CHALLENGING DREA, JAMY AND CHRISTA ON THE TITLE OF 'KEG STAND CHAMPION'!!!! Goddamn it, I didn't build my tolerance for drinking to lose that title right about now!!! Hahahaha!!!!

And, as a separate note: my personal opinion is that quite frankly, the US isn't "ready" for a woman president or an african american president. I think we're advancing in that direction, but I'm not convinced either of them will win. That being said, my fear is quite honestly- that McCain will win. I do NOT want to see another 4 or 8 years spend with our federal budget being directed overseas to support war, at the expense of the US economy. And, like someone else pointed out---- I don't want to see a 70+ year old man in office (sheez- haven't these people heard of RETIREMENT?)... My personal opinion is that I hope like hell that a dem gets into office (either Obama or Hillary). Historically speaking, the economy tends to do better during democratic presidencies. On a more amusing note: Has anyone noticed that McCain looks like he inherited George Washington's wooden teeth? And that when Fred Thompson was running, he really resembled the creature from "The Black Lagoon"? We got quite a few chuckles on these observations in our house as we watched the debates.

I don't have a lot of time to respond while I'm at work, but I did want to add a quick note--- I think a lot of people vote on candidates based on the platforms they are advocating to get into office. But to me, I think that even tho we need to know what they plan to do in office- even more important is their voting record and whether it aligned with the voter opinions. Their historical record of voting is what concerns me more than anything. Also, I tend to put less "value" so to speak, on the presidential elections than I do on the elections at local, state and federal levels. So please remember that voting for your state house representatives (representing public opinion) and your senate (who oversee the laws of the courts and other state government) are even more important to vote in (IMO). Obama's voting record: Project Vote Smart - Senator Barack H. Obama Jr. - Voting Record Hilary's voting record: Project Vote Smart - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton - Voting Record McCain's voting record: Project Vote Smart - Senator John Sidney McCain III - Voting Record "refresher" course on government/politics: United States presidential election - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (links on the right regarding federal, state, local politics)

Azul Beach would be one.... I think a bunch of brides have done site visits and posted reviews & photos of a lot of the resorts in the RM area, as well as the reviews by brides who were married. If you click on the "Riviera Maya, Cancun & surrounding areas" link toward the the top of the page, it will show you the topics within this RM area. One of them is "accommodations", which has over 100 threads started. Another search option is located at the top right hand side of this page--- if you click on that, then advanced search, you can search for 'resort' and narrow it down to the RM area of the forum...

I'm thinking about it too. Unless we custom make a band, I won't find one that sits flush to the E-ring. I don't want an "enhancer" because I want a wedding band I can wear without the E-ring on occasion. Since my E-ring has a lot of detailing on the side, any ring sitting next to it would hide the detailing anyway, and I don't want that either. I was actually content with just using my E-ring as my wedding band, but Frank wants a separate wedding band for me. So now I'm exploring what to do....

If he's into bands, music, plays guitar and is in a band---- does he have any recording software on the PC? Or does the band record their sessions or gigs? If so, I think it would be cool for him to do some of his own music on a CD and give that out.

Paula, everything looks amazing and classy! I can't wait to hear how everything goes and to see the pictures afterward! Have a safe trip and I hope everything goes smoothly and that you guys have a great time! Congratulations (in advance) Twink! I'm so happy for you!!!

I would be LIVID if Frank spilled his guts about some of the things I've said in moments of frustration! I think my problem with this is that your FI doesn't seem to "get it" that while he is blood related and his family will forgive him of everything negative he could ever do in his life---- that is NOT the case where in-law's are concerned. And I'll be honest-- the fact that he was telling this information as if it was all YOU and nothing to do with him really strikes me as being a real "dickhead" thing to do---- it's like the little kids of playgrounds saying "well SHE made me do it..." it reminds me of an "us-vs-them" mentality. Shit, I'm pissed at him for you on this one!

Ok, I gotta say that I'm not really buying your friends excuse. I work 12 hour days everyday, go home to cook, do laundry, run errands, etc.... and even I could find the time to at least ask for a guest list of email addresses and email an invitation to a restaurant/bar. At the minimum, I guess that's what I'd do in her shoes. Now, the other side of it, is that if she isn't your MOH anymore, then traditionally it really isn't her responsibility. Would that stop me from doing this for my best friend? nope, I'd still do it. Last, I agree with everyone else. there are a lot of "pros" to planning this yourself. You'll have ultimate say in the who/where/when of it, which is a really nice thing. And, you'll still get to spend the evening celebrating with your friends. If I were in your shoes, I'd plan the thing myself, invite all the people I want there. But I'd probably be pissed off enough to take it one step further and NOT invite the former MOH.... if she's too busy to plan, then it's a given that she'd be too busy to attend. (Spoken from the passive-agressive side of me!)

Quote: Originally Posted by host ok, my honest opinion...i think her show and recipes are crap...she uses really crappy ingredients and her technique is really bad...maybe i am a food snob but i am always amazed that on her show she has nice cooking gadgets like the kitchenaid but uses a cheapie hand mixer...she is all style, no substance in my opinion... i know this sounds mean but i watch her show and think "what is she thinking!" if you google her funny things come up about her calling her the "semi-ho" and stuff because she seems to get wasted on her show alot. hehehehe.... If you're a food snob, so am I... I'm the same way about her. I find her show mostly annoying and "gimmicky"... I tend to think of her as a "Home Ec" teacher: she teaches easy and fast ways to throw together a meal, which is great for people just starting to learn to cook. My mom wasn't the best cook (for real- I was 19 before I realized meat actually had JUICE in it!) and she wasn't exactly the 'motherly' type to teach me how to cook. So the Sandra Lee type of cooking was great for me before I started enjoying cooking in my mid-20's. Now that I've learned how to blend flavors together, tried experimenting and learning that way, etc.... I prefer to create in the kitchen and cook from scratch instead of using a lot of shortcuts like she uses.

Quote: Originally Posted by MoWife Maria, Thank you for drunk posting. It really gave me a laugh. I hope you are feeling better by now! Wow, I remembered posting, but had no clue what I typed. Apparently, my fingers were REALLY having a moment of drunken jibberish. I think shortly after this, I passed out on the dog bed. Which explains why the dog spent the night getting her revenge on me in the living room. hehehe....

Dear Self, Jesuis Christ, you're 37 years old and you still drink like yu're 20. Have you not learned that it's NOT FUN to pray to the porcelin god early ij the mrong.... Fuck... it's 3:30- and you're listening to FI sleep (passed out sleep) and yet, I'm wide awake fucking with itunes in ane foot to not have the fucking room spin like a godamn soulette table... FUCK... I should so know better by nowl. shit, go sitck a finger in your throat and pass out... yu'/ll feel soooo buch better. fuck. maria

I say we all fill out the form and REALLY FILL OUT THE COMMENTS.... then pass the link to everyone we know and hope they do the same.... maybe if they get flooded with people who are SO offended by this marketing script for her trashy show, they'll actually get the idea that MAYBE the little "jerry springer wannabe" should scrap this idea...

Or, tell her you already have something picked out, but you'd like to take her to the final fitting so she can see the dress before FI and other guests.... That might do the trick because it'd help her feel "included", but doesn't give her decision-making authority or put as much pressure on you....

I don't think anyone will think anything of it.... it's a section of the paintings from the Sistene Chapel. This section is called is "the creation" by DaVinci. the angels on the outside, if I'm crediting correctly, are either by Rafael or Titian (might be wrong on that). I would say that if you cover it up, it will look more akward. I absolutely LOVE these two paintings. Maybe you could look into the history of these Renaissance paintings and use that as an explanation to anyone who may comment. Honestly, I wouldn't expect much protest/comment from people. Both of these are really well known religious paintings and are very "normal" to see in churches/chapels.