Very general chat [Archive]

Barry

07-02-2006, 09:34 PM

Happy Canada Day. It's good for you Canadians to celebrate your holidays proudly since most Americans think of Canada as little more than a really cold place whose people do little more than drink a lot of beer and play hockey.

Canada has a great reputation in the world for holding to a high standard of human rights. Well done. I wish ours in the US were better than it currently is.

Blessings,
Kevin

I like to think that I'm a citizen of humanity first and foremost. After all, we are all in this together! However Canada has indeed had a positive influence and a somewhat balanced approach in world affairs considering its limited population compared to some other countries with much greater population.

When my sister came up from Texas after 9/11 she asked why there were so many American flags up here in Ontario on the cars and in front of the homes. For a time of support and grieving, we were all Americans.
In any case there is much to be humbly proud of.

Thanks Kevin!
Barry

Amie

07-05-2006, 11:43 PM

How do you celebrate Canada Day? :masjanja:

kevinbeck

07-06-2006, 08:07 AM

I like to think that I'm a citizen of humanity first and foremost.

Amen.

Funny how "citizen of the world" takes on a positive connotation when you believe God is "all in all." Mostly in christian parlance, "the world" is something to be avoided, shunned, and condemned.

Blessings,
Kevin

Barry

07-06-2006, 09:18 AM

How do you celebrate Canada Day? :masjanja:

Flags, fireworks, music, beer, lots of sales in the stores!
LOL

Barry

07-06-2006, 09:21 AM

Amen.

Funny how "citizen of the world" takes on a positive connotation when you believe God is "all in all." Mostly in christian parlance, "the world" is something to be avoided, shunned, and condemned.

Blessings,
Kevin

Yes indeed. The walls of sectarianism and ethnicity are a coming down! :)
Barry

Amie

07-11-2006, 01:20 AM

I don't feel like starting a new thread to say something ;) -- thanks for that Barry :)

When I was little, I used to take the whole "faith moving mountain" thing literally. Amidst the butterflies that I felt at trying, I would squeeze my eyes together and concentrate really hard on something really big (like a car or a big rock) in effort to move it. I'm not sure why today, but I never took the failures as my lacking faith. I was just sure that I had enough, and didn't know how to use it YET - lol!

When I was flying in the plane on the way home from the conference I thought about what the people in Jesus's day would say if I could travel back in time and tell them that people could fly. And then it hit me - I don't want to move the mountians, lol! It can be done though, and we can breath under water, and walk on the moon...

Guess it was working all along, lololol!!

Amie

Barry

07-11-2006, 09:24 AM

When I was flying in the plane on the way home from the conference I thought about what the people in Jesus's day would say if I could travel back in time and tell them that people could fly. And then it hit me - I don't want to move the mountians, lol! It can be done though, and we can breath under water, and walk on the moon...

Guess it was working all along, lololol!!

Amie

Oh, but Amie, don't you know that it is physically impossible for people to fly on their own effort!
Hmmm. Maybe not! Air pumped into large enclosures on the moon! At 1/6 my body weight I would weigh 24lbs.
Anybody got a pair of wings! (How about a hallow too LOL!)

Can you imagine tourism on the moon!
(I think that tourism [the largest industry in the world] will be the driving force behind our jump into space [great place for a Presence or TG conference LOL].)

Good thought Amie!
Barry

Amie

07-21-2006, 02:27 AM

I am so sleepy and tired. I worked until after 1AM tonight and am unwinding here online before cashing in.

Tomorrow we're supposed to have another shortage of people and it promises to be much worse. I intend to leave at 1AM, whether it's all finished or not. We'll see how that works out, heh. I have a hard time abandoning friends with that mess. (I work at "Old Navy" - a clothing store)

This morning my 13 year old son found our 11 year old tiger salamander dead. We found something to use as a coffin and had a buriel under the back yard climbing tree. It was very sad.

We lived in Wyoming for a while and there we aquired a cat, a salamandar, a dog, and a parakeet. The salamander was the last of our Wyoming animals. The dog was the hardest and saddest loss. This one still wasn't easy.

I'm off to bed. Thank you for being my friends, I really do love you.

Amie

Barry

11-18-2006, 04:48 PM

Hi everyone,
I know you are really going to miss me :)
Might get one or two quick posts on the board but overall I'll be away from my computer for almost a week.
So don't think I'm ignoring you on purpose :)

Blessings Barry

Amie

11-18-2006, 07:25 PM

Yep, your presence will be missed. I hope that you have a relaxing week though :).

Amie

Barry

12-01-2006, 12:32 PM

So anyway, been very busy recently.
Doctors appointments, bank appointment, things to do, getting ready for a probable move to another city yada yada...

So one of my phone calls is to the bank about something and get put on hold for a minute.

My mind is racing to thinking of other things...
Suddenly I realize I'm on the phone and on hold and someone is about to come back on the other line and I don't remember who the heck it is
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Yes, someone is about to speak, someone I have called, but who are you?

So I see the bank card on the table just as the lady come back on the line and I can talk semi intelligently again.

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Just needed someone to laugh with me as a laugh at my self :biglaugha:

Barry

Paige

12-01-2006, 01:57 PM

:biglaugha: :biglaugha: :biglaugha:

Been there, done that! It usually happens when I have a thousand and one things on my mind. Sometimes it gets so bad that I drift off mid-sentence when speaking w/someone face to face. The next thing I know, someone is snapping fingers in my face trying to get me to finish what I was saying. "Earth to Paige, are you home? Is anybody in there?"

Paige

Amie

12-01-2006, 02:18 PM

:biglaugha: That's so funny Barry!!:biglaugha:

lynn

12-01-2006, 02:51 PM

Sometimes it gets so bad that I drift off mid-sentence when speaking w/someone face to face. Paige :biglaugha: Hi Paige, Wow! That's funny!

When reading stories to your children, have you ever fallen asleep? I have. My sons will ask me a question about what I just read, and I won't even remember anything about the story! Scary. :eek: Once, midsentence through their history lesson I mumbled, "Okay, give me a Scripture reference on that!" (That was the time I was having a doctrinal debate with someone from church.) My boys still tease me about that one. :o

Barry

02-20-2007, 08:13 AM

Could someone please pray for this snow and cold to leave!
Barry

Paige

02-20-2007, 10:26 AM

OK, I'll pray for some global warming up your way, lol!

Paige

Barry

03-09-2007, 12:23 AM

It's -13 Fahrenheit right now!

When you move the car after it has been still for a while you can feel the tires bump up and down as they have frozen a bit.
This is ridiculous whether! As will our electricity bill :)
Barry

davo

03-09-2007, 06:16 AM

hmm that is crazy -- it's about 80* here :D

Amie

03-09-2007, 09:47 AM

hmm that is crazy -- it's about 80* here :D

Here too Davo, that is crazy. :cool:

Lou

03-09-2007, 09:53 AM

It’s mid 70’s here.

Have you ever noticed no one says they are going to retire and move up north?

Barry

03-09-2007, 10:46 AM

I was going to say something very nasty to all of you.
But I remembered that I'm at Talk grace. :)
Barry

Paige

03-09-2007, 11:08 AM

I'd like a little of the warmth up my way too (although I can't say I have it as bad as Barry does)! Cheer up, daylight savings starts this weekend. Maybe more light will bring more warmth?

Paige

Lou

03-09-2007, 01:27 PM

Cheer up, daylight savings starts this weekend.
Paige

Yea we save an hour a day that means I should almost two extra weeks by Christmas.

:confused: :scratch:

Barry

03-18-2007, 02:27 PM

Our youngest girl is 13 years old.
She has a beautiful head of hair.
Her hair is thick and has just a touch of kinkiness from a little African ancestry [little or lot doesn't matter just giving the details].

She never had a problem with how she loved her hair until the kids in her class in Cornwall Ontario decided to tease her about it [we have lived in a lot of places and this has never happened before]
"It is poofy and ugly" is said over and over again.
Now she says, "I hate my hair".

Is this something that kids must do or is it something that they learn from parents even though it may be expressed differently? Are the parents putting down other people's differences to make themselves feel better about their own insecurities, about themselves, and the children are copying?

What if the children never heard older folks put down other folks because of "differences". Would our kids be so inclined to do it themselves?
Are our children acting out our own insecurities?

Any thoughts?
Barry

davo

03-18-2007, 02:51 PM

"Image" Barry is such a pain, yet still at that age something that matters to a degree -- if your daughter doesn't get settled with the situation, as some kids do and others don't on these types of things, then maybe without going over board maybe getting her hair slightly "styled" might be an option to consider.

Paige

03-18-2007, 02:52 PM

I sure don't have all the answers. I do remember hating things about myself growing up. (I still struggle with acceptance about certain things today.)

The advertising industry plays a part in this, too. They don't have to put others down to do it, all they have to do is play up one or a few certain standards. By displaying those, people want to emulate them. If you don't have them, you feel bad that you don't. Today, your daughter may hate her hair, and in a few years all your daughters friends may be envious of her hair, and wish theirs was like hers. Believe me, it is bound to happen. The whole fashion and style industry is run by "change." They don't make money unless they continually change. I feel this is especially true as women. Our fashions change every year, in order to get us in the stores and shopping, so as to keep up.

Dove is running a beauty campaign that I think is very positive. They are emphasizing the beauty of older women, and more realistic looking women. Perhaps this will eventually trickle down to the masses, and we will learn to better accept ourselves as we are, and that we are unique.

In the meantime, I feel it would be a good thing to compliment our daughters' characters, brains, etc. (looks too, but in balance with the other things that are so very important). And yes, quit comparing ourselves horizontally.

JMO,
Paige

Barry

03-18-2007, 03:14 PM

Good advice.

What brought this post on is that we just did have a styling hair cut and she comes home crying. Hence in this instance, not enough to camouflage what she is being teased about.

She got curious about my posting this subject here as I informed her about it and so let her read her daddy's thoughts about the whole matter.
Also our older daughter reminded her that the hair dresser said that she has beautiful hair.
Positive reinforcement seems the only option at this time. It seems to be helping for now.

Thanks for your input.
Keep it coming if you can think of anything.
And yes "image is everything".
How much of this is learned from the parents?
Barry

davo

03-18-2007, 03:51 PM

Well Barry I think plenty is learned from parents -- and your girls are blessed to have you guys as their parents :)

Amie

03-18-2007, 06:31 PM

Barry,

For what it's worth -- Do you know the difference between the "Drew Carey's" of the world and the "fat kids" who hate themselves? Self-hatred.

I use that example because my son was fat in elementary school. He's heavy now, but it's dwindling and just nothing compared where he used to be.

My daughter's kindergarten teacher didn't allow the children to use the word "fat" at all. If they read it in a book, they were instructed to say "at". This demonized "fat" and my daughter came home and looked at my son in disguist saying, "You're fat!"

I wrote the teacher (who was overweight herself) and told her how hard I had worked as Mike went through elementary school to help him embrace the word "fat" and take the bad out of it. I advised him to answer "so", or he would lift his shirt, rub his belly and say "I love my buddha!" (To this day we call bellies, "buddhas".)

The word (or label) is only bad, when the person that it's being used against believes that it is bad. Without personal belief, words have no power.

I was teased growing up because of my red hair. Back then it was not all the rage that it is nowadays (and now it isn't nearly the bright red that it used to be). Had I loved my hair, it wouldn't have mattered what other people said.

You can try and convince her to believe that they're nuts, yadda yadda, but I think that it boils down to giving her a reason to love her hair.

My daughter's hair is extremely curly. I told her about her Irish roots and how her locks flow in the wind like grass bending to the breeze.

If your daughter has African roots, perhaps it's a good time to make that something to be proud of?

I totally believe that ostracizing those who are different comes from the parents. What if we all stopped buying the story that different ("poofy", "fat") = bad?

Maybe a good afro would be in order? Embrace the hair! Love the poof! I'll buy the first tee shirt: The poof rules! Maybe in helping her hide it, in effort of protecting her from the harrassment, you are indirectly validating her feelings of insecurity? (A question of course, I am not there with you to know.)

Here's a woman making a face, but look at how beautiful she is with an afro:

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/1259462/2/istockphoto_1259462_cross_eyed.jpg

Amie

Amie

03-18-2007, 06:33 PM

Oh,

And the teacher realized that she had seen the word as bad because of her view of herself. She came out of denial, had a gastric bypass, and is feeling much prettier.

I bet that Dr. Seuss sounds better with the "fat fish" too, lol!

Amie

Amie

03-27-2007, 11:26 AM

Today's blog is kinda special to me. I hope ya'll will consider reading it: http://amiemaybe.blogspot.com/

Laren

03-27-2007, 11:37 AM

thank you Amie for sharing. My heart is heavy today, and reading that caused tears to flow. So much pain in this world, yet glimpses of joy too.

Laren

Amie

03-27-2007, 12:58 PM

Laren,

Tears are when the heart becomes visible. I'm glad that you were touched - I am touched by your openness.

Amie

Amie

04-02-2007, 04:57 PM

My husband got food poisoning which began showing its' symptoms in the middle of the night Thursday/Friday AM. We know that it was food poisoning because he and a coworker ate at the same place and both had fries - both got very ill.

He has mostly recovered yet now BOTH of my children are sick with the same symptoms! Did you know that some food borne illnesses are contagious?!

I have spent the last few hours scrubbing our bathroom and am on my way to scrub the kid's bathroom -- then I'm going to disinfect this keyboard and everything else that I can think of! This is WAR!

Thank you for reading my vent :).

Amie

Amie

04-03-2007, 10:03 AM

I sent the kiddos to school today, and with a heavy heart :(. Whether at home or away, "back to work" is a tough call for me to make when they are still tired and uncomfortable. They didn't have a fever any more, and there was no, eh, involuntary excretions.. so that's time to get back on the proverbial horse, right? When I send them, they come home happy, having had a good day. If I will have kept them, they will have laid around playing video games and watching tv and would still feel gucky at the end of the day.

I dunno. For me being a Mom is sometimes very hard. The urge is to pamper, but I think that I made the best choice for them.

Anyone else experience anything like this?

Amie

backtothefuture

04-03-2007, 10:46 AM

Hi Amie,
I am so sorry for what your husband and kids went through. I
know someone over at Bagel church whose husband had to go into the hospital over the weekend with food poisoning. I didn't know it could spread to others in the family. You must be pooped.! (maybe that wasn't a good choice of words;)
I hope things are getting better for you all.
Nancy

Amie

04-03-2007, 12:32 PM

You must be pooped!

:rofl: :ugly: :lolsign:

Barry

05-28-2007, 08:01 AM

Well my daughter woke us up night before last.

Mommy, Daddy there is a bat flying around in the house.

Sure enough flu right by my head.

Turned all the lights on and could not find it for the life of me.

We wondered how it had gotten in but assumed it just flu in when the sliding door was opened up.
We wondered where it went to but finally just went back to sleep.

So half the day yesterday was spent bat hunting. Could not find the thing anywhere.
Last night was a little hot so I was sleeping with the door open and the sheets off.
I felt a brease on my feet. ("Was that the wind from bat wings?")

Sure enough there he was again flying around all over the place.
I got up to find a way to catch it and then my poor wife saw it and almost hurt herself getting into the kids room (and closing the door!).

Waited for it to fly around again and when it did I turned on the light to see where it would go.
We have two book cases in the living room. The back of the book case has that press board backing to it that is not that well attached from the last move.
It flu to the book case and then went in behind and passed through the opening in the press board and attached itself to my Dad's old bible (NKJV).

"How do I get this thing out of here?"
Moved the book case forward away from the wall and peaked through the press board. Cute little thing actually!

"Wonder if he would stay on the book if I moved it?"

Picked the book out of the book case keeping my hand well away from it.
It flapped its wing for a moment but stayed on while I brought the book with it on it outside.
Laid the book on the porch and watched it fly away.

Barry

Paige

05-28-2007, 12:13 PM

That would definitely creep me out!:eek:

christyG

05-28-2007, 07:17 PM

Barry,
You are probably going to think I'm "batty" :biglaugha: for saying this, but if I were you, I would get that Bible out again and skim through it just to see if anything pops out at you.
I really don't believe in coincidence and it seems that a very big (or small and fuzzy:D ) message was seeking you out.

Just a thought.

Christy

Barry

05-28-2007, 10:34 PM

Amie

05-29-2007, 10:36 AM

What an adventure Barry! How cool!

Amie

06-25-2007, 01:09 AM

Alright, where'd everybody go? Not that I'm dealing with issues of abandonment or anything, haha, I'm just horribly nosey :D.

Amie

Paige

06-25-2007, 11:00 AM

We buried my husband's grandfather on Friday. The week was very full as there was much to do, and family that came in town. Now, my brother should be here on Thurs. (from Oklahoma City, OK) for a visit. Looking forward to that as I didn't get to visit with him last year...

Paige

backtothefuture

06-25-2007, 12:11 PM

Hi,
well, I am having a breakdown. So am mostly lurking:biggrinbounce: It has been 6 weeks since our vacation and I can finally walk. But still in pain. My dad is really bad and my mom is not dealing with it well. My husbands job is going down the toilet and my best friends sister died of a massive heart attack yesterday at 50 out of the blue.

I have been dwelling for days on the verse That says, perfect love casts out fear. For some reason, I am in a fear state and have no clue how to arrive at the perfect love I need to cast it out:confused: Or maybe its here but I need to settle down enough to see that.

Anyone here experience perfect love?
Thanks,
Nancy

Paige

06-25-2007, 02:28 PM

Nancy,

The way I've interpreted that verse is that by resting in the knowledge of God's perfect love for us, we will experience deliverance from fear.

I know that there are times I fail to love perfectly, yet am so thankful that God never fails. At times our circumstances can be so very overwhelming (as yours most certainly are right now). It can be very hard to trust in God's perfect love for us when we see things as seemingly being against us. Can you trust that God's best of for you even in these things? I'm hoping that you can, and that that will be the start of the deliverance you are hoping to experience.

I really hope these words of mine are not coming off as trite. We're separated by many miles, and words (plus prayer) seem to be all I've got to give. I will be praying for you as you face these things in your path...

Paige

Amie

06-25-2007, 03:03 PM

Nancy,

What are you fearing?

With Love,

Amie

backtothefuture

06-25-2007, 04:14 PM

Amie,
I am fearing that I am having a breakdown. Been there done that 3 years ago and I can tell I am going down.
I have learned so much about grace this year. That has been so good for me.
What I haven't been able to process is what Paige said about God knowing what is best and being here.
I just remember when I went through this horrible divorce as a young girl of 23. And all the people in the church, I can still hear their words. God must have something better for you.
Well, my life reads like a horror story. I can't seem to find the better for you part.
I understand the Loving what is in my head. I understand my theology has been off for years. What I don't know how to understand and process is the pain and suffering in my life and in this world.

Paige, I am sorry for your loss. Will keep you in my prayers.
Nancy

Amie

06-26-2007, 12:44 AM

Nancy,

If you aren't comfortable answering, I won't be offended - What is a breakdown? What happens? What was your experience?

I remember thinking, that even after arguments with Bryan that that must be the point when things were going to be like I thought that they should be. From then on, things could finally be heartache-free. My expectations were waaay to high - I wanted the hurt to stop. Even the man who loves me more than any other human being in this world could not keep from accidentally hurting me, and even sometimes just plain being a jerk and hurting me (we aren't all angels 24/7).

I was expecting pretty much, the baptism to go ahead and work already; for all of the sins to be washed away and that be that. It wasn't until I understood that just wasn't reality, that I made peace with hurt.

It's a part of life and it's normal - hurt, struggle., pain. We can learn something from it every moment that we spend with it, but it will always come again AND I'm okay.

I didn't used to feel okay though and I couldn't think of a time in my life when I was okay so that I could get a grip and calm down. I didn't feel okay because I didn't realize that I was okay.

I have known a life of hell. Because of that, what many see as simple pleasures are really big experiences for me.

Is it like that for you? When you have a happy moment?

Amie

backtothefuture

06-26-2007, 09:39 AM

Oh Amie,
Thanks for sharing. I can relate so much. For me what I call a breakdown was a complete waking up one day and just being numb. I was in so much physical pain, but that I could deal with. It was the emotional and spiritual pain that was killing me. I sat with a butcher knife in my room for a year. No one ever knew this until now. The only way I could think to get the pain out was to slice myself from my head to my toe and just let the pain ooze out. I never did that, but I thought about it for a long time.

Just the overwhelming of my life. I just lay in bed some nights and I am like in post traumatic shock or something.

When I had what I call my breakdown, I went to an out patient day hospital on my own. I thought it would be a time to lay down my grief. We had just been though the 25 deaths in the family and the dog and cat. And my daughter went from 130 pounds to 73 and I really thought she was going to die. When I got to the day hospital, I just felt my problems were not anything anyone there could relate to. Most of the people were young girls who had broke up with their boy friends and having a breakdown, or people out of work. They just didn't have any answers for me. In the end, I ended up bringing my guitar and singing while they all colored pictures of how they were feeling!!

I know life is hard. I know that believe me. I just would like a season of rest to take a deep breath and not always be worried about what is happening next.

The grace I have learned here has so healed my marriage. There still are major hurdles, but so much I let go and really think through now on whether its worth even arguing about. But the situation here still works or dies on how I am holding it all together. When I went into the day hospital my husband didn't even think I was depressed. I had dropped 40 pounds in 3 months, couldn't get out of bed, dropped out of church and sat with a knife in my bedroom and he just had no clue.

I don't have a voice here and with my family. I am responsible for being the peace maker and picking up the pieces and that is my own fault for not setting good boundaries. But when i try, its like I can't win. I either get disrespect for setting a boundary, or for not.

I can't find me Amie!
My dad is dying a horrible death. My mom is hysterical, my husband hates his job, my kids both have physical problems and me with my fibro is really hard. I just keep going like the energizer bunny and then boom, I run out of energy.

I want to be a woman of Grace. I want that so much. But humanly, I just can hardly take anymore heartache.

And I don't want to be mad at God anymore. I miss church so much. But I just can't go back. I just can't take it.

Anyway, so a breakdown for me is a state of overwhelming. Expectations like you said that hurt you or let you down. I suppose feeling abandoned. I walked with a lot of my friends while they went through divorces and they have flown the coop now. I don't want to be vulnerable anymore.

I want peace. Peace with myself and with God. I have felt these past 3 years like Jacob?? wrestling with the angel. I have been wrestling since before I came here, but I don't know what the core is that I have fighting so hard to hang on to, or not let go of.

Thanks so much for your reply. I have always felt so safe here. You have literally saved my life in more ways than you all know.
Nancy

Amie

06-26-2007, 12:13 PM

I just would like a season of rest to take a deep breath and not always be worried about what is happening next.

I'll repeat to you something that my big brother told me when I communicated to him just about the same thing. He told me "Tragic choices create tragic lives".

Sounds cold, doesn't it? I was MAD when I first heard it. Then I realized that he was right, that I had made some really bad choices that had put me in the position that I was in.

Does that mean that I was therefore bad? Well you know me now, and since you call yourself my friend I would assume that you wouldn't conclude that. I didn't either. I didn't know any better.

Perhaps it would benefit you to reflect on what you can control, and which direction you would like to take it.

Then, for those things that are beyond your control...

I remember going through the therapy thing too and wanting to throw the nearest thing at the person speaking with me when they brought up "coping skills". I didn't want to cope, I wanted that rest that you mentioned!!

I don't know how you will find your rest, but I found rest by not even "coping", but "accepting" those things. I've learned to live at peace with them, and when I am not in peace, I focus on regaining it. As you know already, sometimes that means just feeling what you feel, it eventually letting go of you.

You are okay Nancy Link. You made it through a breakdown and heartache, so you will make it every time it enters your life. You've proven that you are able to do it.

Some therapists/counselors/doctors are really good at suggesting practical ways to multilpy peace in your life. I would never attack the profession. It seems almost like finding a life-mate in that there is usually someone out there for you. It takes shopping around.

Oh, and Transformations is coming up August 25th. It contains the intro to Personal Transformations (among some other stuff) and then the deeper, Personal Transformations course will follow it. I would be glad to call you up (or you call me) and show you how to get into the room and stuff. Everything there is kept private.

I think that you saved your life - and that you're a hero.

Amie

backtothefuture

06-26-2007, 03:13 PM

Oh Amie,
You do have such a way of making me cry. But in a good way. Thank you so much for being my friend.

I don't understand how the pain can still pop up every now and then in my life. It comes at the oddest times. I can be sitting reading and the tears just come. I am glad that they are bottled. I probably have my own lake by now. You all can come for a swim one day.:clap2:

I think with my dad passing it is like bitter sweet for me. He was so abusive when we were kids. But as a weak and worn out 87 year old, he Cries now and tells us he loves us and I don't know how to react to that. He is just now telling us this and he is going to die. Watching my mom in all her pain is like stabbing me also. I feel so guilty that I can't do more to help her.
My husband and kids, well, I just hurt for them all it seems.
I guess every once in awhile I need to let myself feel the real part of me. The Hurting part. Its no sin to hurt.
I would be interested in the transformation course.
Blessings
Nancy

Barry

08-29-2007, 12:03 AM

Job interview tomorrow.
I need a job change badly.

Pray for me.

Barry

Amie

08-29-2007, 12:17 AM

Praying as loudly as possible..

Paige

08-29-2007, 12:53 AM

Me too...

davo

08-29-2007, 06:07 AM

Well Barry, may God bless you with a open door into a new employment opportunity. :)

Barry

08-29-2007, 11:06 PM

I start my new Job on Tuesday :)
Barry

Laren

08-29-2007, 11:52 PM

I start my new Job on Tuesday :)
Barry

AWESOME. Way to go Barry. I am happy for you.

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Paige

08-30-2007, 12:52 AM

Wow!!! Congratulations Barry! :woo: :woo: :woo: :shine: :shine: :shine: :banana: :banana: :banana:

davo

08-30-2007, 01:37 AM

Fantastic mate :1asp099: :595:

Barry

08-30-2007, 07:59 AM

Thanks family.
Barry

Amie

08-30-2007, 09:04 AM

Thanks family.
Barry

It's time to celebrate :D :clap2:

Jotham

12-06-2007, 05:22 PM

Well you might have seen my little home town on the news! Astoria Oregon got walloped by a storm of storms. Our local NOAA weather station reported sustained winds of 100mph with max gusts reported as 128mph. I was able to help out the local emercency services with my amateur radio gear taking health and welfare messages to/from doctors/patients, family/friends and the Red Cross shelters. Our power was off from last Sunday night (Dec 2nd) through Wednesday evening. Many residents in the area are still without power but regular phone communications are back up (our 911 center and all dispatch went down so we were the voice of the community.) One of my buddies was up in the Coast Guard heli and said it looked like the hilside of Mt. Saint Helens . . . there are literally thousands of old grown threes that are now uprooted.

Oh and here is a total ramble and first hand report of God's sense of humor and grace:

So we have no power for 4 days. No communication other than the HAM radios. Power goes on Wed at about 5pm. I get to a hot spot that had cell service (one of the few in the whole area). I call my dad who has flown to San Antonio TX for our son's USAF Basic graduation this Friday, we talk for a few minutes on the cell phones and we hang up. Then, no sooner do i hang up that my son Matthew has just gotten some base lib and is able to call home.... and reaches me on my cell phone, at the exact time i'm in one of the very few places in the whole county that has communications to the outside world...

FIVE MINUTES EITHER SIDE OF HIS EXACT TIME OF CALLING
AND I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET HIS CALL!!
Yes i'm yelling and shouting with JOY...
OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!

Blessings,
Thom

Amie

12-06-2007, 07:41 PM

Thom,

I DID see your town on the news! WOW! For some reason the light bulb didn't come on that it was you!

Your story is awesome!

Amie

Paige

12-06-2007, 07:56 PM

My goodness, that is some story! I'm so glad you're back, and that you made it through safe and sound.

Paige

Barry

12-16-2007, 10:10 AM

Well, major snow storm!
We will get about 1 foot of snow in this storm!

And I've got a small cleaning job to do today!
I'll bring my shovel in case I get stuck in their parking lot LOL

I won't complain too much however. Not to Thom, anyway!
Barry

Jotham

12-16-2007, 05:25 PM

Well, major snow storm!
We will get about 1 foot of snow in this storm!..

...I won't complain too much however. Not to Thom, anyway!
BarryLOL. Some of my friends got their power on this Thursday...that makes power out from Sunday night the 2nd to Thurs the 13th...much to long in MHO.

At least you can have fun making a snowman?

: ) Thom

davo

12-24-2007, 04:00 PM

It's Christmas day here already over in my part of the world :wave: -- so to all of you my fantastic friends here at 'grace-talk' I wish to you and your loved ones a very "Merry Christmas" and may your 2008 be an especially blessed one too. :shine:

Barry

12-24-2007, 04:14 PM

God bless you Davo.
Merry Christmas!

Jotham

12-24-2007, 07:02 PM

Yea sure Davo, rub it in...all you "Futurists" over in OZ get all the rum cake and goodies before we do.

grin.

Blessings to all
Thom

alicia

12-25-2007, 12:20 AM

Merry Christmas everybody! Today was my oldest daughter's birthday, she's 18. She spent it stranded in Chicago's airport. I talked to her today and she said that everyone there was in good cheer despite the inconvenience and she enjoyed talking to a bunch of different people from all walks of life. She said she'll never forget her 18th birthday.

January 6 is my middle daughter's birthday. When she was born, we were stationed in Puerto Rico. The Epiphany is celebrated more than Christmas is over there. I'll never forget the big welcome we had when she was born in that country. Traditionally the people set out bales of hay for the camels and gifts are left out for the children much like cookies and milk for Santa in other places.

Blessings to everyone,

Alicia

Jotham

12-25-2007, 12:49 PM

...Today was my oldest daughter's birthday, she's 18. She spent it stranded in Chicago's airport...Blessings come in various packages! Good to hear she has a positive outlook on the situation. I know first hand w/two kids in the USAF how those travel plans get tweaked now and again by the weatherman. It is fun to hear their stories of all the ppl that seem to come together and make the best out of those situations and have a party and family time right there at the airport!

I drop both our kids off at the airport the weekend after NY day. Daughter to South Korea, and son to Mississippi : ) . . . they've been telling their respective stories and having fun being family for their short holiday back home here in Oregon. Sure is weird having to run around the house being mindful of what you wear. Oh, too much information. sorry. grin.

Blessings,
Thom

Amie

05-08-2008, 10:51 PM

davo

05-08-2008, 11:46 PM

My ex brother inlaw used to have a four wheeler -- it was absolute fun sliding around his big grassy paddocks :). Before that I had a 100cc Hodaka "dirt squirt". These days my 250cc Honda Rebel gets to to and from work in comfort. :9_cool:

Barry

05-08-2008, 11:55 PM

I got on a four wheeler this evening after not having ridden one for YEARS. I tried to go up this really steep jump, gunned it, the bike yanked forward faster than me, and I landed RIGHT on my REAR :D. It was so much fun! lol! I did well jumping the smaller jumps though. Any of you ride?

Amie

There would not be by any chance of luck any video of that moment?
Will I have to rely on my imagination to formulate the images?
Barry :)

Amie

05-09-2008, 11:08 PM

Barry - We tried taking pics but there was a crack in all of them..

Davo,

That's cool! I hope you wear a helmet to keep your egg from crackin' :D. Do you and yours ever take countryside rides?

Bryan is aching for a street bike. As far as I can figure, he wants a Kawasaki - I think a 650 - but I could be way wrong with the number. He had one when we first got together and regretted getting rid of it. Now the whole family has a fever for some ATV's, heh.

Amie

davo

05-10-2008, 01:26 AM

Yeah wearing helmets out this way is mandatory -- and common sense :)

The pillion seat on my bike isn't too big so not so good for long rides-- besides I'd prefer a bigger bike for that. Maybe one day; mine basically gets me to and from work.

Jotham

05-10-2008, 08:14 AM

I've been droooooooling over the idea of a street legal three wheeler (two wheels in front / one driving wheel in back) for a long time. Safe in wet weather, and drives like an atv...they are nearly ready for the regular folk :

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Photos/Web/Can-AM_Spyder_R34.jpg

Link to article with ride report:

Can-Am Spyder (http://www.biketestusa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=4456&Page=3)

Oh i want one.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Photos/Web/js_PR_-6.jpg

Barry

06-21-2008, 05:08 PM

Was going to do Karaoke late tonight but went already this week to try out some new songs and my voice is a bit strained I think. (Yes I do Karaoke at the local Pub, and I love to sing, now you know everything about me LOL!)
Feels almost like something logged in there but not really maybe just swollen a bit. Doesn't hurt to swallow though.
Everything on the Net told me to rest it! Net warned about trying to sing too high.
Guess if it feels like this for more than a few days should see a doctor.

Like to sing mostly Pink Floyd and then Zeppelin tunes. [Sorry never got into "Christian Music".]

Anybody else do Karaoke or just like to sing?

Barry

Amie

06-21-2008, 05:40 PM

Barry,

Sounds like laryngitis - inflamed voice box/larynx. Hot tea with honey always gives me almost immediate relief, though not permanent. Ya gotta get refills - til you're all better :).

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/laryngitis/DS00366/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

Home treatment can help with symptoms:

* Breathe moist air: Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or a hot shower.
* Rest your voice as much as possible.
* Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (avoid alcohol and caffeine).
* Treat the underlying cause of laryngitis, such as heartburn, smoking or alcoholism.
* Suck lozenges, gargle salt water or chew a piece of gum — this won't help your vocal cords, but can ease throat irritation.

Medications used in some cases include:

* Antibiotics. In almost all cases of laryngitis, an antibiotic won't do any good because the cause is viral. But, if you have a bacterial infection (a very rare cause of laryngitis), your doctor may recommend an antibiotic.
* Corticosteroids. In some cases, corticosteroids can help reduce vocal cord inflammation. However, this treatment is only used when there's an urgent need to treat laryngitis — for example, when you need to use your voice to sing or give a speech or oral presentation, or in some cases when a toddler has laryngitis associated with croup.
* Acid reflux medications, if gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the cause of your laryngitis.

I like to sing, but have never gone karaoke-ing (sp?).

Amie

Me Again

06-21-2008, 08:52 PM

Karaoke is the bomb. I love doing Toby Keith stuff, some Elton John, Lynyrd Skynyrd...whatever I'm in the mood for.

My son-in-law likes to do Marvin Gaye, Ussher, and Percy Sledge (when a man loves a woman; before Bolton murdered it).

ed

Jack

06-21-2008, 09:02 PM

My children and I kid a lot and they are always so worried their Dad might embarrass them with their friends so I always add a little fuel to the fire. My daughter Erin, has been telling her three old college buddies that when they come to stay in my house in two weeks that discussions of a religious nature are off limits. Of course I won't hear of such a thing. LOL

All three friends are devout Catholics and myself having been raised and educated Catholic ...... well you get the picture.

This below is an E-mail I sent Erin a few days ago. I hope it might put a smile on your face. The waffles and burritos are in reference to an anonomous thousand dollar gift of food I received last weekend with enough frozen waffles and burritos (all organic & high end) to feed an army for a month. :clap2:

By the way I live in beautiful Jackson Hole, Wy

_______________

Erin, I am working on the schedule for your friends. I've got the first day laid out and will send you more info as I work through the rest of the week's (June 31-July 5) exciting activities I am planning. I hope you are as excited as I am !

JACK'S RELIGIOUS HOSTEL FOR THE REHABILITATION OF CATHOLICS

8 AM Cowboy coffee served up with waffles and burritos
9 AM Re-education classes where we trash the Pope
11 AM St. Francis Assisi hunting expedition in the Gros Ventre wilderness
5 PM Cathoholics support group
7 PM Old Fashioned Pentecostal Healing Revival in our large tent in the front yard.
9 PM Sit down formal dinner with waffles and burritos

Please forward this latest bulletin by WG&F to all registered Jack's Hostel guests

Advisory !

In light of the rising frequency of human/grizzly bear confrontations, the Wyoming Department of Fish and Game is advising hikers, hunters, and fishermen to take extra precautions and be alert for bears while in the field. "We advise that outdoorsmen wear small bells on their clothing so as not to startle bears that aren't expecting them, and to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter."

It is also a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. Outdoorsmen should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear droppings. Black bear droppings are smaller and contain lots of berries and fur. Grizzly bear droppings have little bells in it and smell like pepper.

Barry

06-21-2008, 09:03 PM

before Bolton murdered it
LOL ROFL!
Have to look up Toby Keith.
Barry

Me Again

06-21-2008, 11:40 PM

The last time I went Karaoking was at my son's bachelor party. We thought we were going to shoot pool, but turned out there was a DJ there doing Karaoke. He sounded a lot like Julio Iglesias, so when he tried to sing Toby Keith, he murdered it. I went up and sang "Who's Your Daddy?" by Toby, and after that, this black guy, a Marine like my son, came up to our table and begged me to sing more Toby Keith. "He's killing Toby man...you gots to sing Toby...he's f***ing Toby man...he's f***ing Toby up bad..."

So, I got up and sang "An American Soldier," which brought a whole table of these guys to their feet - it was great. Later that night I did some Travis Tritt - "I Smell T-R-O-U-B-L-E." Hell, I was in North Carolina, it was a hit. Lynyrd Skynyrd and "Sweet Home Alabama," and the crowd was mine.

I love being the center of attention.

ed

BTW, the Toby songs that I sang were Who's Your Daddy and American Soldier, both videos can be found down the list aways on this site:

http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/keith_toby/videos.jhtml

I also recommend that you watch "I want to talk about me." It's hilarious

Tritt's T-R-O-U-B-L-E can be found here:
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/tritt_travis/videos.jhtml about a 1/3 of the way down.

Skynyrd's Alabama is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwWUOmk7wO0&feature=related

Barry

06-23-2008, 08:40 AM

Ed, that's some good tunes there bro!

At the end of this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMwzr7KzICE
is that guy's name on the lawn mower "Barry"? LOL

I grew up with this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huLklsj_5HI
Awesome.
Thought about doing "simple man".

Looks like we need a Talk Grace Karaoke fellowship get together!!!

BTW the throat is better :)

Barry

Me Again

06-23-2008, 05:07 PM

Actually, in real life, "Barry's" stage name is Cletus T. Judd, and he writes parody songs. His parody of Toby's song, Who's Your Daddy?, featured the same woman as his wife, they had a baby, and she was running around with Toby (Toby's rhinestone cowboy picture from when he was first starting out). The name of Cletus' song was "Where's Your Mommy?" Shows Cletus trying to care for the baby while mommy's out on a date with Toby...

Cletus also has a song parodying Faith Hill's "Breathe," called "Breath," where the female Faith-lookalike has bad breath while she sings the song in a breathy kind of way. It's funny too.

I think that Cletus has quite a few videos, including "I Love Nascar" which is a parody of Toby's song "I love this Bar."

I could go on, but you get the picture. Cletus is a nut-job, and funny as hell.

ed

Barry

07-10-2008, 08:39 PM

Hi everyone,
My wife, Dominique is not feeling well.
Twice been to ER in the last 10 days, with dizziness and fainting.

Stays a while and a few tests and they say its a virus or gastric some or the other.
She does have some abdominal pain and headaches and can't digest very well at all.

Think I'll take here back again soon and insist on an ultrasound or something.
Wonder if it's gallbladder?

Anyway keep her in your prayers please.
Barry

Paige

07-10-2008, 09:03 PM

Will be praying Barry. Gallbladder sounds quite plausible.

Paige

Amie

07-11-2008, 09:49 AM

Jotham

07-11-2008, 05:41 PM

You and yours are in my prayers as well dear bro.DITTO Barry

backtothefuture

07-11-2008, 06:34 PM

Barry,
Will be praying also. Since I have had about everything, gallbladder feels like a stabbing pain in the back or shoulder. Also very hard to digest dairy products.

The dizzy and fainting, I would have her electrolytes checked. Especially the potassium. From my own experience.

Hope all turns out well for your wife.
Blessings,
Nancy

Paige

07-11-2008, 08:43 PM

Since I have had about everything, gallbladder feels like a stabbing pain in the back or shoulder.

Yes Nancy, isn't that weird? That is why it took me so long to figure out that I had been having gallbladder issues. I would never connect the shoulder with the gallbladder, but that is exactly where the pain began at the start of my most major attack. :eek:

Paige

Barry

07-12-2008, 08:42 AM

Thanks,
Dominique asked me to post this so she will appreciate the prayers and thoughts and info.

Nancy that is some useful info there.
I'm assuming that the blood tests they did in ER would have checked most of that stuff. But the potassium still seems a possibility.
I know Bananas have it in them but she is not ready to digest that right now.

I suspect that potassium is a common deficiency with bad symptoms. This is not something that Dominique would be lacking if we still lived in Guadeloupe. :)

She has had some large intestine problems (Hereditary apparently). Red kidney beans and lentils can be quite problematic. Which incidentally are popular in Guadeloupe. They have a great way of cooking either one right in with the rice (I love their cuisine).

Off subject: They have a dish where they cook very green bananas as a "starch" or "potato, or pasta" substitute. One is where they use dried salted fish (pre-soaked to get some salt out). Many of the recipes go back to the first and second world wars where France (Guadeloupe is a department of France), was essentially cut off and they were basically on their own but got some help from the USA.

Dominique is part Carib Indian.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/4252578.stm
They were cannibals and "displaced" the peaceful Arawak Indians before westerners took over. I've been known to tease her a little about this. [I sleep with one eye open when we've had a spat." :) ]

Think it's good to get to know a little more about each other since were are an online Family here.

Barry

Amie

07-12-2008, 09:16 AM

Barry,

I'm glad that you are going to continue to see the doctor. Are you able to see a specialist? (Like a Gastroenterologist (http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3553)) There are a number of things that could be at the root of her suffering. Do y'all think that it could be a virus? Or do you feel that it is something to do with her hereditary problem?

Does she think you are so cute that she could just eat you up? (lol!)

Amie

Paige

07-12-2008, 02:00 PM

I suspect that potassium is a common deficiency with bad symptoms.

Depression is one major symptom I know of off the top of my head...

Paige

Barry

07-14-2008, 07:52 AM

Update and rambling.
Dominique is feeling somewhat better. She is eating a bit more but still has some digestion problems.

She appreciates all the prayers and info.
We always wonder how much is attached to stress. My mom (who lives with us) is awaiting biopsy results. We are moving into a new place Sept. 1st. Our 1998 windstar minivan broke down and cost too much to repair. We bought a 2003 Venture. My cleaning business is still not enough to looking for another job maybe this week.
Dominique said she is learning to put everything in God's hands.

On the plus side, (as we mere mortals tend to look at things) we really like the "new" mini van. Needed it for our move (staying in the same town, needed bigger place), cleaning business and future custom loudspeaker. Mom (87) is in very good spirits and otherwise good health. [Your prayers in this matter is also appreciated.] It's a time for Dominique and I to come (even more) closer together.

My loudspeaker projects (prototypes) have taken turn for the better. Have 2 high output models now. A small horn loaded subwoffer that can be stacked together for increased output, and PA top that I'm really excited about. Mind you its a big unit. Like 23 inches high at the front and 19 inches wide and 28+ inches deep. It needs a subwoffer for most applications as it is really a PA top. It is very clean and clear to my ears.
So that's 2 models (almost) ready for a little local business start up. Exports to Guadeloupe may be a viable option in the future. Locally, Montreal and Ottawa are only an hour or so away so there are a few million people in the area. Would much rather take my time and not go into any start up debt on this.

Getting very busy, with less time to post. :o

Barry

ozark

07-14-2008, 10:03 AM

Barry,

Glad things are going a little better. You are right. There is a huge connection between stress and the digestive system. Sometimes it is best to look at the simplest answer first.

How bout posting a picture of them speakers?

If anyone is interested, here is a link to pictures of Barry's Thorncrown creation. Someone was asking me what kind of wood you used. Do you remember?

http://loudspeaker-solutions.com/gallery.htm

Amie

07-14-2008, 10:15 AM

Is that tall thing with the blue covering the finished product??

Amie

Barry

07-14-2008, 12:52 PM

Amie the speakers I build did not need to be "pretty" they fit into that box with the blue grill cloth on it.

Doug,
The wood was 5/8 birch plywood.

8 cu ft boxes with (2) 12" woofers (2) 8" midrange and 1 compression tweeter.
They are 4 ohm and 98db with one watt (one meter). [The horn loaded PA top meantioned above does 106db with one watt.]

If I could go back in time and do it again would do exactly the same design for that application. For that application "horns" were not the best choice. The 8" opening on the grill cloth was too prohibitive.

How does one load up a picture from one's computer? LOL ROFL!
Barry

ozark

07-14-2008, 01:09 PM

Barry,

Is birch a softer wood for sound absorption?

To upload, just click on manage attachments in the additional options section when you make your post.

Amie

07-14-2008, 02:05 PM

Amie the speakers I build did not need to be "pretty" they fit into that box with the blue grill cloth on it.

I KNOW that they don't have to be "pretty", GAH! ;)

I was curious as to whether you did that "pretty" woodwork as well as for creating the awesome sound system that Doug speaks highly of - now I know :9_cool:.

GAH

:9_cool:Amie

ozark

07-14-2008, 03:16 PM

Those pretty blue things were part of the problem. Not only was Thorncrown a very challenging sound environment, Barry had to come up with something to fit the dimensions of those kiosks. It probably would have been better to go with a taller line array, but he had limited room. The way I understand it the more speakers in an array, the more the sound gets compressed. Something we need very badly in the chapel. Yet, what Barry came up with is by far the best sound system we have ever had. It went from about one in ten people complaining that they could not understand spoken words to about one in a hundred.

Barry

07-14-2008, 03:25 PM

Barry,

Is birch a softer wood for sound absorption?

Baltic birch is a "hard wood". The plywood when done well is very thin but equal layers. When done badly they put a thin veneer on the outside layer. This thin veneer will often "unglued" when put under any pressure as when one piece is glued to another it will "detach" as it has less strength than a real ply.
It is the standard of the Professional Audio (PA) speakers. [High density Particle board is the standard of home speakers (I never use it).]
It is expensive an quite heavy as plywood goes. It is used because of its strength and resistance to vibration. Russian birch has a good reputation.
There are however some very good alternatives that are not as "heavy".
I've picked up a "marine grade" plywood 4' X 8' with half inch with one hand. But it is $100.00 a sheet! Still the older weekend warrior musician may pay for the lighter cab.

I KNOW that they don't have to be "pretty", GAH!
LOL ROFL!
Amie, someday I'm going to build you some pretty speakers. I know they won't hold a candle next to you ;)

Just didn't want you to think that I had anything to do with that beautiful Kiosk.

http://www.infinite-grace.com/images/barry1.jpg

http://www.infinite-grace.com/images/barry1a.jpg

http://www.infinite-grace.com/images/barry2.jpg

http://www.infinite-grace.com/images/barry3.jpg

http://www.infinite-grace.com/images/barry4.jpg

The "Kiosk." where the speaker fit in.

http://www.infinite-grace.com/images/barry5.jpg

Still working on loading off my computer LOL!
Barry

Barry

07-14-2008, 03:45 PM

Maybe this worked? If so this is the construction of it. You like my work shop? LOL ROFL.
Barry

PS edited in.
Wow, you can see Dominique, in the reflection of the glass taking the picture! :)

Not very pretty just prototype to see if it worked well. I'm happy with the sound.

ozark

07-14-2008, 04:29 PM

Wow! Very high tech looking. :clap2:

Barry

07-14-2008, 05:59 PM

Wow! Very high tech looking. :clap2:

Thanks Doug.
It's a 45 degree split horn you can see from the first picture.
This gains a few inches over a straight design over the same length. The box is 28.5 inches in depth and the horn length is 26 inches and still the speaker fits in. Split it right at the speaker and then bring it back slowly closer together. Found the split horn did not seem to subtract from the upper portion of the speaker's frequency range.
Actually I'm a novice in this domain.

Barry

Amie

07-14-2008, 09:57 PM

Amie, someday I'm going to build you some pretty speakers. I know they won't hold a candle next to you ;)

Don't be so coy, you could always put your picture on it :cool:. But thank you :o.

Just didn't want you to think that I had anything to do with that beautiful Kiosk.

Other than the beautiful sound emanating from it! I wish we could hear the photos!

Amie

Amie

09-25-2008, 01:37 PM

Sigh. There is never enough "stuff" in an Oreo.

Amie

Barry

10-06-2008, 05:06 PM

I'm redesigning all my speaker horns.
Instead of trying to use such a broad band of frequencies decided to divide in to two different horns that can be placed side by side or one on top of the other. Making two slightly smaller horns instead of that really big one you see in the thumbnail picks way above.
Really like the sound of the midrange this way as this horn uses a small 6.5 inch speaker. I'll get some pictures up in a few days or weeks.
I test them in a small basement room down stairs and have an old Akai integrated amp that has watt meters on the front to see how much power is going to the speakers. Got only 3 watts a side into them before I was really worried about disturbing the neighbors.

Plan on launching locally here this spring so slowly starting to build them in my spare time. Very happy with the performance so far.

Just thought I'd share with you.
Barry

Barry

10-19-2008, 10:48 AM

I picked up a marantz 2270...
http://www.classic-audio.com/marantz/2270.html [Mine does not have that really nice wooden cover on it]

...an early 70,s stereo receiver from a pawn shop for $65.00 yesterday. [A very good deal even though it could use a little work]

I unplugged my Peavey power amp and plugged into the back "main in" on the Marantz receiver and WOW what a difference! Oh my Gosh!
Boy did they know how to make stereo receivers back in the early seventies!
The only problem is a little dirt in the volume knob and a couple of lights out and the old knob tuning on the tuner section slips. Latter I'll bring it in and get these little things fixed up.

Everything I put on sounded twice as musical.
The high frequencies sparkled and the harshness at louder levels was gone!
The vocals were very clean, but mostly the lack of harshness from this receiver is a blessing.

I spent the evening in my "cave" downstairs listening to everything all over again.
But I have to unplug it anytime I work on my speakers. When trying new crossovers it is easy to make a "short" in the pathway by accident.
So I bought a low power used power amplifier for $50.00 [Aurex sc-335MkII] from an indoor "flea market" for all my tests.
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/mss/ele/857493578.html

Sounds very good too, but not IMO as nice as the Marantz. But it's got dirt in the switches so the seller has agreed to get it cleaned up for me.

I've got an old electronic crossover that I want to try out. So the next project is to undo all my (passive) crossovers [between tweeter midrange and midbass] and hook up all three amps [the electronic crossover uses a power amplifier for each frequency separation].

This is getting really fun!

Just sharing my little joys :)

Going back to my cave now.
Barry

Barry

08-15-2009, 01:02 PM

Just got a bee sting on my head today.
Treated it with a hair dryer. The heat really helps. Feels better now.

Wonder what that will do to my IQ today? :)
Barry

Jotham

08-15-2009, 01:33 PM

Just got a bee sting on my head today.
Treated it with a hair dryer. The heat really helps. Feels better now.
.. OUCH, hope it really does feel better, i can't figure out why the hair dryer would have helped. I would have just downed some dimatap or similar antihistamine...

My son was stung by about two dozen angry yellow jackets when he accidentaly disturbed their nest... we did the above and he faired well through it all. (This is NOT medical advise!!! i'm just saying what worked for us.)

Barry

08-15-2009, 03:16 PM

OUCH, hope it really does feel better, i can't figure out why the hair dryer would have helped. I would have just downed some dimatap or similar antihistamine...

My son was stung by about two dozen angry yellow jackets when he accidentaly disturbed their nest... we did the above and he faired well through it all. (This is NOT medical advise!!! i'm just saying what worked for us.)

Hey Bro.

Get a hair dryer and turn it on the warm setting, blow it on the area, the heat helps defuse and counteracts the venom from the bee or wasp sting.

http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:M7NYY9SOU6wJ:www.associatedcontent. com/article/50158/relieve_bee_and_wasp_stings_with_household.html+be e+sting+heat&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca

Hardly feel it now :)
But hasn't helped me otherwise :eek:
Barry

Barry

10-10-2009, 10:09 PM

I'm an ADHD Preterist.
Barry

Jotham

10-11-2009, 04:36 PM

Hey Bro.
Get a hair dryer and turn it on the warm setting, blow it on the area, the heat helps defuse and counteracts the venom from the bee or wasp sting.AH Got it! After your post i watched a animal channel special on venomous bites/stings/lacerations. Each of them suggested warming the area by immersion in hot water. So the blow dryer makes sense now.

Jotham

01-25-2010, 06:39 PM

Amie

01-25-2010, 07:00 PM

Me Again

01-25-2010, 08:03 PM

I know that the bible states in Ephesians 2 that "God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus". What i had a silly ah-ha moment today (reading a book on quantum theory) that since God exists outside of time, in his view we are actually present in those heavenly realms with him this moment. Yea i suppose i put a sort of time/place to the description of 'heavenly realm', realizing that it is spiritual, but also including the possiblity of actually being there (in a sort of time/space way).

i guess what hit me is that since God sees all-at-once, he sees us all-in-him like it's all ways been that way : ) like we never left home.

just talking to myself tucking this thought in a thread somewhere in cyberspace.

: )

I've been saying for awhile that if ETERNITY is timelessness (rather than unending time), then we ALL get to HEAVEN at the same time. In that 20th dimension thingy (idk how many damn dimensions there are supposed to be), our loved ones are not "waiting there for us;" we are all there together presently.

This kind of makes (imho) the whole argument of timing moot. When we die, we will experience that "resurrection" at the exact same time as the firstfruits. So AD70 or 2012 doesn't matter. Time is, in a way, illusory. Our existence transcends time...and exists NOW in ETERNITY.

Jotham

01-26-2010, 09:08 AM

Amie, : ) yes on the books. Oh and i finished "God at the Speed of Light" i enjoyed the read. And one of my coworkers saw the tittle and now has the book as a loaner as she was stirred from just reading the back cover.

Ed, LOL 2012!
And yes on the timelessness of it all. and for me, reading the QT stuff has made understanding God's omiscience/omnipotence/omnipresence a bit easier. If a simple prion or molecule can be in two places at once and have 'intellegence' then God can do all that and more just being himself : )

Amie

01-26-2010, 03:38 PM

for me, reading the QT stuff has made understanding God's omiscience/omnipotence/omnipresence a bit easier. If a simple prion or molecule can be in two places at once and have 'intellegence' then God can do all that and more just being himself

Your post reminds me of:

I want to know God's thoughts; the rest are details.

:)

Barry

02-20-2010, 09:02 AM

I consider my self very lucky over the last few weeks.
But the snow is falling heavy again and the snow shovel is going to work.

I know that I'm not being punished by God, no it's just snowing. :)
Barry

Barry

07-01-2010, 04:09 PM

Happy Birthday again Canada.

Jotham

07-02-2010, 09:05 AM

LOL
U Party Animals.

Barry

09-23-2010, 05:39 PM

Suffering from eye strain that I think is linked to a sinus issue.
Won't be on the computer much for a bit.
Barry

Amie

09-24-2010, 06:50 PM

Suffering from eye strain that I think is linked to a sinus issue.
Won't be on the computer much for a bit.
Barry

Awwwww! Well I hope that you feel better soon!

When I have a headache sometimes I throw on a pair of sunglasses and it helps me deal with the screen. Don't know whether that would apply with you, but I figure it won't hurt to toss that out there -- ya never know!

:-) Amie

Amie

10-10-2010, 06:30 PM

How are your eyes doing Barry?

Amie

Laren

11-01-2010, 06:30 PM

what was that? was there a noise i just heard in this SILENCE? where is everybody?? FB taking over instead??

Lou

11-01-2010, 07:26 PM

I think the mood of the whole world is depressed now and is sucking the energy out of every thing.

Barry

11-01-2010, 08:17 PM

Working on a new plan to take over the world. Won't be long!
Barry

Me Again

11-01-2010, 10:43 PM

what was that? was there a noise i just heard in this SILENCE? where is everybody?? FB taking over instead??

I've been wondering that myself. I'd like to see those of us who love this site and who participate on FB to begin posting here, but "Connecting" it to FB. That might generate some new traffic.

Amie

11-02-2010, 05:00 PM

what was that? was there a noise i just heard in this SILENCE? where is everybody?? FB taking over instead??

Lol Laren!

I have been talking more on FB lately; jumping into ongoing conversations. I think that we've answered all of the secrets to the universe here, lol!

Amie

Barry

11-03-2010, 07:48 AM

I'm afraid that my plans to take over the world may not succeed.
I here that it was already done:
Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Lou

11-03-2010, 06:35 PM

At least you tried.

Laren

11-03-2010, 07:19 PM

Maybe so Amie;

It's kind of like two old married folk (65 years of marriage) that go out to eat and say nothing; as they already know everything the other thinks and believes. It does seem that this board thrives when someone is searching for answers; and fulfilled eschat. is part of that search.

Laren

11-06-2010, 03:49 PM

Well, i thot i'd share what's up with me, my world. Life seems to be full of challenges lately. Seems like one thing after another. On a very positive side; my nephew who i shared with all of u regarding cancer is down to only 7 days left and he will be done with chemo. Raditation will probably start, but not for sure; as last PET scan was "cancer free". That is such good news.

Also, my daughter was caught in a wind storm, while driving down the road; and a large tree snapped in half and fell on her while driving. The tree came through her front window, aimed right at her head and stopped short. She if fine; and the car just needed a new hood and front window. Thankfully she is ok.

My sister who has been really really ill following sepsis from a general surgical procedure is finally home, after 10 surgeries and over 2 months in a hospital. Yeah. She still is weak, but recovering. Hoping and praying her infection is gone.

Sadly, my dad (71 years old, parkinsons disease) was badly beaten by his farm neigbors a week ago. He was hunting on his farm, and a pack of 4 dogs came up on him. He tried to "shoo" them away, and a large black lab came at him in attack mode. My dad shot and killed the dog. The neighbors found out, (their dog) so went onto my dad's property and started destroying his property. My dad drove up, not knowing what they were doing and a 41 year old man and wife proceeded to beat the shit out of him; kicking, punching, choking, and cutting (with wedding ring) his face. He has broken ribs, bruises but is ok. That was extremely sad, and i have been through "revenge mode" to extreme grieving. Thankfully he is ok.

My mother in law is living with us for a week or two while we find her an apartment. That can be stressing, but i think overall it will be ok. Thought i'd share; blessings

anything new with all of u?

Laren

Paige

11-07-2010, 12:17 PM

Wow Laren, that is a lot of "stuff" going on in your life. I hope your dad, nephew and sister continue to heal up as quick as possible. So thankful that your daughter was safe in that accident.

I am busy with an upcoming wedding in two weeks. Living on pure adrenaline right now, stressing about whether I will have all the details taken care of and nothing forgotten. Also, hoping that the wedding cake I make doesn't flop.

Trying to help our oldest and his wife and step-children get into their first home. They are cramped into a 600 sq. ft. apartment right now with no place for the kids to get out and work off all their extra energy on a regular basis. I watch the kids a few times a week when their mom is working on nights that Greg (our son) is working.

Youngest son will be coming home from Basic and AIT in December. He's hoping to start college spring semester, but we have to wait until Dec. 25th to see if his name is on the list to deploy to Iraq.

Youngest daughter is performing this week in a show with her choir. She has a solo, and we are really excited about that.

Laren

11-07-2010, 07:29 PM