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n/a
deleted
4894 Posts |
 Posted - 12/06/2004 : 15:54:12
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He's a smart boy that erebus, mostly misguided but a smart cookie nonetheless.
Mind, I assume erebus is a boy, not actually seen a picture or anything yet.. where is that thread...
Frank Black ate my hamster |
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kathryn
~ Selkie Bride ~
Belgium
15320 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 15:58:43
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Really, tre, the best thread ever. And then he posts that killer line! Thanks to you both.
 I still believe in the excellent joy of the Frank |
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n/a
deleted
4894 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 16:01:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Cult_Of_Frank
If all Christmas means to you is getting gifts and shopping, then congratulations, the stores have already won. If all it means to you is worship of Jesus, then you're probably missing the intended point. If you can't see the value in spending time with friends or family and celebrating all that we have to be thankful for (and please, anyone with the time and luxury to be posting on the internet is not going to convince me their life is only filled with negatives) then I guess all I can say is that you might enjoy life more if you could find the positives to cherish.
Life sucks sometimes. It's little things like this that make it okay. Trying to make other people feel bad doesn't really make you feel better, does it?
"Join the Cult of Frank 2.0 / And you'll be enlightened (free for 1.x members)"
Who is trying to make anyone feel bad here?
Why so aggressive about this? For a lot of people it is not a great time of year, and personally I find it very depressing for a good many reasons. I'm glad for all those people with the happy things and the glowing rosy christmas but it isn't like that for everyone. I do have a lot to be thankful for but I am thankful for it every day not on trite little holidays several times a year
Frank Black ate my hamster |
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5454 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 16:01:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Tre
He's a smart boy that erebus, mostly misguided but a smart cookie nonetheless.
Mind, I assume erebus is a boy, not actually seen a picture or anything yet.. where is that thread...
Frank Black ate my hamster
What's so brilliant about, "One extended lie, both spiritually and materially, just another period when sane people are expected keep their mouths shut."?
I understand that some people don't have a good situation right now (or are generally misanthropic), but that doesn't make those of us who enjoy sharing a tradition with our families insane. |
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n/a
deleted
4894 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 16:21:15
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Darwin If you'll notice I said smart and misguided, brilliance wasn't something I alluded to.
I am genuinly pleased for those who have a lovely festive christmas, let me repeat I AM PLEASED FOR YOU, I have NOT tried to make anyone feel bad. I have NOT called anyone insane to the best of my knowledge. Look hard at my first post, it invites all those who feel as I about this time of year to comment on it. It does not say I hate christmas and all those that do are fucking nuts.
I have my reasons
[edit] personal stuff, second thoughts and all that
Frank Black ate my hamster |
Edited by - n/a on 12/06/2004 18:29:44 |
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kathryn
~ Selkie Bride ~
Belgium
15320 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 16:27:30
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Tre, I'm glad you started this thread. But I am not glad that it's been so hard for you over the years. Things are good for me yet I, too, find Xmas devoid of meaning and stressful and not my cup of tea.
Can the many of you who love this time of year allow those of us who, for various reasons, dread and hate Christmas to dread and hate Christmas?
Though those of us who dislike Xmas do so for many different reasons (see above the difference between Tre and me), we are hereby united in telling you that: we are not passing judgment on you, we don't begrudge you your yuletide joy ... so please don't begrudge us our (if you wish call it) misanthropic fear and loathing for what to us feels like a difficult thing at best.
I still believe in the excellent joy of the Frank |
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n/a
deleted
4894 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 16:42:44
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Some of this feels so directed and I have to say I don't know why in this case. I have not in any way mocked or made light of or belittled the good christmas people have, nothing like the attitude I have gotten for the way my holidays end up and the way I feel about them
Frank Black ate my hamster |
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Erebus
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1834 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 16:47:39
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Color me "doesn't know when to stop digging".
I too grew up in a highly dysfunctional family that practiced ALL the conventions but essentially NEVER had an honest conversation. For what it's worth, Fathers Day is similarly loathesome, and I'm not to keen on birthdays either. All of it just seemed like only so much substitution for real love and interest. And unfortunately I see the vast majority of American families as being much the same, with neurotic adults neglecting the innermost needs of their children, all the while going to ludicrous lengths to live up to the traditions and conventions of these holy days. The contrast between appearance and reality is just too painful.
Father's day is a particular downer because it always falls in the final round of golf's US Open and the announcers always manage to play up the family, seriously marring the coverage. darwin, I consider relatively happy people and families to be insane only in the sense that beasts in general might be said to be insane. Their instincts have been permited to develop in what are seen as healthy ways, and so they actually have a decent shot at personal fulfillment. The consolation, at least to those of us outside looking in, is their very healthiness inhibits their insight into their own conditions. Conversely, we head-cases may be our own worst enemies but at least some of us (think we) can see more deeply into the human condition. Small consolation, admittedly, and perhaps delusional, but that's about all I've got. Wish I could be as generous as Tre, and congratulate others on their enjoyment, but instead I straddle the line between revelling in my alienation and wishing I could be more like those I've convinced myself I revile. |
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Erebus
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1834 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 17:03:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Tre
Some of this feels so directed and I have to say I don't know why in this case. I have not in any way mocked or made light of or belittled the good christmas people have, nothing like the attitude I have gotten for the way my holidays end up and the way I feel about them
I feel that I am most responsible for the negative energy. Please excuse it as personal repolarization of the "positive" energy we'll be subjected to over the next three weeks. |
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n/a
deleted
4894 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 17:09:13
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This thread is all about the negative energy...
It is frustrating when those who have so much to look forward to, to step in and make those with very little to look forward to or find the whole period to be a fairly traumatic experience feel bad. Optimism is something I find impractical and unrewarding, so cynical is where I'll stay and negative is a like comfortable pair of slippers that rarely disappoints.
I'm waiting for someone to comment on miserable christmas' and to point out the starving children in africa....
Frank Black ate my hamster |
Edited by - n/a on 12/06/2004 18:27:44 |
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notkimdeal
- FB Fan -
82 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 17:16:03
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I'm not ungrateful about my life, the people in it, my job, my education, my material goods. But I can't stand Xmas. I usually boycott, but did go "all out" a few years ago for the benefit of my then-9 or 10 year old brother who's Xmas-worshipping mother had recently died. It was so wrong. Never again.
If anyone can recommend a corner of the globe to escape Xmas entirely, please do share (preferrably beach-front, warm, and all-inclusive). |
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deleted
4894 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 17:19:39
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quote:
Originally posted by notkimdeal
If anyone can recommend a corner of the globe to escape Xmas entirely, please do share (preferrably beach-front, warm, and all-inclusive).
My house, no beach but good heating and a well stocked wine rack
Frank Black ate my hamster |
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notkimdeal
- FB Fan -
82 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 17:24:43
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| Tre, if I had time off work it'd be you and me on a week-long bender chez toi. Just like Xmas never happened! |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 17:54:28
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How am I being aggressive? I just disagree with you and am explaining why. I can understand and appreciate that not everyone is happy for the holidays, I even feel bad that that's the case though I doubt there could ever be a time when EVERYONE is feeling happy and can let go of the bad things.
However, starting a thread with a big ugly Santa saying "I hate Christmas / that it's a time to focus on cynicism and negativity" strikes me as, to quote someone else, "A killjoy" whose intent is obviously to make us feel bad about enjoying the season. If that's not your intent, my apologies for misconstruing you, but if so, this annoys me on the same level as people who whine about Valentine's Day because they're single. And for the record, I've been single a long time.
But I don't think I've been aggressive, all I've done is spell out why I think anyone should be able to get something positive out of Christmas. I perhaps overreacted to Mel's comment, though I still think it was a little out of line, but tell me where you've been belittled or called names. Like so:
quote:
It just seems so very pompous of those who have so much to look forward to, to step in and belittle those with very little to look forward to or find the whole period to be a fairly traumatic experience. Optimism is something I find impractical and unrewarding, so cynical is where I'll stay and negative is a like comfortable pair of slippers that rarely disappoints.
Maybe being called pompous is considered nice over there. Stranger things have happened. I challenge you to point out anywhere that I was equally 'nice'. If you want to share with others the difficulties of your life, by all means do so. I've not stopped you or anyone to this point and don't intend to. But if we're talking about a holiday, a day of the year that is supposed to represent/remind of certain things, then all I'm saying and all I've said is that I believe the holiday has more meaning than commercialism or even Jesus, if you want it to.
I don't begrudge you or judge you, I only express my opinions. After all, you could be a starving child in Africa.
"Join the Cult of Frank 2.0 / And you'll be enlightened (free for 1.x members)" |
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deleted
4894 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 18:24:15
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The big ugly santa was actually meant to be a funny santa. The intent was not to make anyone at all feel bad, I'll remove him. I've not said anything against people having a happy christmas just that I don't.
Aggressive was the wrong word maybe, insistent may be a better one, I'm not very good with words. I don't disagree with your reaction to Mel's comment, I did think what she said was harsh.
I'm not going to pick over peoples posts either and point out the parts I took offence to. I am cynical and don't see why that should be picked at I have my reasons, it suits me fine, different strokes and all that.
I don't hate christmas for the sake of hating christmas here, I don't tend to sit around and focus on negative aspects of the year, I actively want things to be happy and great and make plans and try to arrange things so that it does turn out this way. Not a conventional christmas one but this year was supposed to be ok, was looking forward to it almost. Things don't turn out as planned. Do you think anyone wants to feel like this?
Maybe my 'nice'ness was harsh and again I will apologise and remove.
I'm also going to remove my post about why I find christmas difficult, it's both personal and I don't want to appear like a self aborbed whiner. I just couldn't think of a better way of explaining. It's not that I want to share the difficulties, I just wanted to try to make people understand.
I know what the holiday is supposed to be, and I know that for me it isn't. It is terribly hard to have people tell you what a special time of year it is when it most likely isn't going to hold any joy or magic for you. When I can not spend christmas with friends or family it loses all of the meaning that it has for me.
The consumerism and christianity is not an issue for me either, I make most of the presents for people, we're not religious so it's just a day for spending with people. But a day for spending with people when you aren't getting to spend it with anyone you want to is not a good day.
This thread was not intended to upset or offend any of those who enjoy christmas.
Frank Black ate my hamster |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 18:52:00
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Alright, let's declare peace again. I like it better when we get along.
"Join the Cult of Frank 2.0 / And you'll be enlightened (free for 1.x members)" |
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dayanara
* Dog in the Sand *
Australia
1811 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 18:55:45
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Don't sweat it, Tre. Christmas can be a very lonely time of year, even lonelier when a bunch of people are telling you how great it makes them feel and can't fathom seeing it otherwise. There's a reason suicide rates go through the roof this time of year. Not everyone has a family to be jolly and fat with. I spent last christmas eating cereal alone in my apartment. This year I signed up to work so I wouldn't have to relive that little bit of excitement. Worked Thanksgiving, too. Ho, ho, ho.
The stage divides us/He is on one side of it/I am far away - Frank haiku |
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apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~
USA
4800 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 19:01:45
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I can't believe that people took offense at this thread. If you don't want to read about someone not having a fun time at Christmas, then it's a good bet you won't want to open a thread entitled "bah humbug".
Seriously, I think this thread was perfectly reasonable and thought-provoking, and reading someone's thoughts and feelings that might differ from my own (whether they do or not is another matter) isn't going to put me out. I mean, people have displayed some seriously nasty personally-attacking or vulgar crap around here in the past without any sort of comment, or coal in their stockings either.
Sorry for being kind of off-topic, but I liked the Freaky Santa, ...and the refreshing honesty! :)
It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.
- Mark Twain |
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n/a
deleted
4894 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 19:08:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Cult_Of_Frank
Alright, let's declare peace again. I like it better when we get along.
"Join the Cult of Frank 2.0 / And you'll be enlightened (free for 1.x members)"
...and just for you I'll embrace a small corner of christmas spirit
( )
That is as christmassy as I'm going to get mind
Thanks dayanara and apl x
Frank Black ate my hamster |
Edited by - n/a on 12/06/2004 19:21:21 |
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5454 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 19:25:03
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| Sorry Tre. I don't think ever insulted you or told you how to feel. But, I didn't like the self-righteous tone from some that "Christmas" people were insane, shallow, little consumers. I don't think that came directly from you. In hindsight I shouldn't have jumped into the conversation and trumpeted what I think is so great about the season. It was insensitive. I hope in the next couple of weeks you find something to look forward to or some time to treat yourself to something special. I've noticed that you've seemed overwhelmed lately and I hope you're doing alright. |
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Daisy Girl
~ Abstract Brain ~
Belize
5305 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 19:26:36
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quote:
Originally posted by darwin
Aren't all of those people clogging up your downtown paying the sales taxes that keep your city going? Just saying. Happy holidays!
sort of. people that live downtown have to pay 7 percent tax on clothes... those living outside don't have to pay.... doesn't seem fair.
Well...I am kinda in the middle of the xmas spectrum... I love the tv specials and spending time with people and showing people you care... .but i could live without the stress and pressure... plus it's hard on Mr. Daisy who can't make it home and his parents can't make it here.
Here's an image... I hope will put us all in a good mood... It's a Wonderful Life... Little Lulu telling Jimmy Stuart that everytime a bell rings an angel get's its wings.... that movie makes me cry every time. |
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4894 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 20:51:22
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Thank you darwin, I really do appreciate the thought. It's 4.40am and I think I might 'treat' myself to another review article on mismatch repair and colorectal carcinogenesis... crazy days my friend
()
Daisy, I can honestly say for a film that is supposed to be on every christmas I have never seen even a minute of 'It's a Wonderful Life'
Frank Black ate my hamster |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 21:09:37
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quote:
Originally posted by kathryn
I am going to give you that jet ski thingie that floop covets. Look in your postal box in a couple of weeks, dollface, and there it will be.
for the record it's a jet pack, not a jet ski.
ist es möglich für ein quesadilla skrotum zu lecken? beim sprechen der quesadillas von LBF, ja. ja in der tatheheheheheheehehee! |
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n/a
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4894 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 21:12:01
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either way floopster, it's mine all mine
Frank Black ate my hamster |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 21:13:29
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no. MINE!
ist es möglich für ein quesadilla skrotum zu lecken? beim sprechen der quesadillas von LBF, ja. ja in der tatheheheheheheehehee! |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 21:17:19
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Tre and I have had a big email hug. It was long and eventually awkward. I would do it again.
For the record, just so nobody misconstues the discussion as censorship, I am not offended and was never offended that someone doesn't like Christmas. Nor did I ever chastise her for creating the thread or sharing her thoughts on Christmas. I only said that I thought anyone should be able to find something in Christmas to like in my opinion, even if they're not necessarily happy, the idea of the holiday has some good things behind it.
I know as a moderator I should probably keep my opinions to myself, but sometimes I gotta say what I think, too!
I love you all and Floop I hope you get your SaskTel jet pack, and that everyone finds something to appreciate this season. Even if it's my absence from the forum for a week or so.
"Join the Cult of Frank 2.0 / And you'll be enlightened (free for 1.x members)" |
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4894 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 21:18:04
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Floop, well if it means that much to you......
nope, still mine
No no, no censorship here. Anything I edited I did so because I realised it was unfair and might upset some people. Or because in hindsight it was a touch too personal, some things I don't want to share. Mr-Moderator-Super-Hug-Cult-Of-Frank was most just and myself, I don't think he should exclude his opinion at all as it is something we all have a right to. Especially when it's the right one.....
heeheehee
Frank Black ate my hamster |
Edited by - n/a on 12/06/2004 21:26:58 |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 21:21:18
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Oops, there I go taking sides again without meaning to. (they posted the who gets it thing while I wrote)
"Join the Cult of Frank 2.0 / And you'll be enlightened (free for 1.x members)" |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 21:36:38
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and for the record, i don't want anyone to think i was insulted that kathryn called my jet pack a "jet ski." i wasn't insulted. per se. a little saddened maybe. and disappointed. but not insulted.
ist es möglich für ein quesadilla skrotum zu lecken? beim sprechen der quesadillas von LBF, ja. ja in der tatheheheheheheehehee! |
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deleted
4894 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 21:45:41
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how did her giving it to me make you feel?
Frank Black ate my hamster |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 21:47:34
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insulted
ist es möglich für ein quesadilla skrotum zu lecken? beim sprechen der quesadillas von LBF, ja. ja in der tatheheheheheheehehee! |
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n/a
deleted
4894 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 22:16:03
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wooooooooooooosh
of course I'll have a cooler helmet
...and legs
Frank Black ate my hamster |
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jediroller
* Dog in the Sand *
France
1718 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2004 : 01:03:43
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quote:
Originally posted by notkimdeal
If anyone can recommend a corner of the globe to escape Xmas entirely, please do share (preferrably beach-front, warm, and all-inclusive).
Easter Island?
My new, shorter sig. |
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apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~
USA
4800 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2004 : 07:03:14
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quote:
Originally posted by jediroller
quote:
Originally posted by notkimdeal
If anyone can recommend a corner of the globe to escape Xmas entirely, please do share (preferrably beach-front, warm, and all-inclusive).
Easter Island?
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Edited by - apl4eris on 12/07/2004 07:06:25 |
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jediroller
* Dog in the Sand *
France
1718 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2004 : 07:12:54
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Jennifer, you are killing me. Please don't make me laugh while I'm at work - I'm supposed to be the grumpy one here. My reputation is at stake.
May I add that, judging from this picture, your art seems to be taking a frankly weird turn :) Unless it's only you being carried away by the Spirit of the Season.
My new, shorter sig. |
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bah humbug - with overlooked *original* mistletoe
