SWITZERLAND FORUM

[Emeritus]

Okay! If I can finish out the week, I'll be in the clear. I know how you feel, ck. It's like going back to work after taking off from your career. I don't remember it being that busy!

[cklaurence]

I suppose you are right. Like going back to work after not working. Nonetheless, stress is stress, and I really enjoyed not being under stress. I hate postponements. I'd rather have a release date that's further down the road than one that's closer that has to keep being bumped back. I'm remembering now that the same thing happened with DEMONS, though. Only worse, because in print the release date was 2007, and it didn't come out until 2008, so technically, it was already a year old when it came out. Yes, it was much worse. It was really only a month on that one too, but it looked like a year. With this one, when it finally comes out, no one will know the difference. I don't know why I aggravate myself with this stuff...

[Emeritus]

LOL, because that is who you are, ck. You do the same thing with football. It is just your nature to take everything seriously. When anything comes up, I ask myself if there is anything that I can do about it. If I can't, I let it go. Sometimes I wonder if there is anything important in life that we can control except our attitude. Of course, I will admit to the possibility that I just don't understand the situation, but if I can't do anything about it, I can't do anything about it.

[cklaurence]

You'll probably live a lot longer than I, too, Em. Your attitude is certainly better than mine and it certainly makes for easier living. I get more disappointed easily, and worse, I allow myself to get hurt way, way too often. I always believe that people are as honest as I and because I trust the way I do, I'm open to heartbreak.

It's so silly, I know. Even with our Swiss Family. I took everyone at face value. The Divas, the friends, the Family--I thought we were all here forever.No, not really forever, but you know what I mean. I actually grew attached to the regulars. I looked forward to our visits, the laughter, the discussions. It was such a diverse group, and oh the football knowledge! Even though we disagreed because we came from so many different teams--I just loved all the information and attitudes (okay--MOST of the attitudes). Most of all I loved the camaraderie and the laughter, though. Nothing's as healthy as laughter, and how I used to laugh with our group of crazies! What tremendous senses of humor gathered here, day after day, night after night.

In retrospect, I pretty much know the certain people that insidiously moved to destroy the great thing we had. Irrespective of the natural fall-out that happens 'just because,' there were certain people who can't accept other people's success. When they can't constantly be the center of attention, they set out to take it away. It's the difference between jealousy and envy. Jealous people, wish they had what you have. Envious people wish they had what you have, and that you didn't have it. Alas, what's done is done, and ultimately, people make their own choices. No one is clamoring to come back and occasionally some of our old favorites stop by and visit, so I guess it is all good.

My new phone arrived today. I'm waiting for it to charge because it says I can't do anything with it until it does. That's a new rub--usually you can just hook it up and run with it. Anyway, I can't wait to start using it! It's very thin, but much bigger than any phone I've had in years. Five inch screen! It's good for me, though. I can actually see everything and it's got a stylus for writing notes quickly, which is almost essential for me. You can use it as a tablet. My new toy...

[Emeritus]

I spent my whole life - well, most of it - wondering why people did bad things. I wondered what trauma caused them to want to hurt people, or what insecurities made them want what other people had. I wondered what emotional pain would drive people to strike out even at those who tried to befriend them. I have finally decided that the question is unanswerable. Some people are just bad and all that you can do is avoid them. I'm not a cynical person, so I find no satisfaction in that conclusion. Unfortunately, we have to live in the world where we find ourselves. I guess that Sartre was right after all.

[cklaurence]

Sadly, I must agree with you Em. I was going to change the subject above and do a big song and dance in rebuttal; but alas, there is no comedy left in me. You are correct. ..

Have a warm and comfortable night. Tomorrow is a new day and the part of me that wants to believe it will be a better one--a happier one, one filled with laughter and and Houston (you and Reecey) and the Dolphins at the top of their game (always having good thoughts for TryThinking), and and Switzerland bursting with activity--oh yes, and the Colts, (can't forget Miss Bags!) with Peyton fully healthy and/or Andrew Luck fitting perfectly into the scheme of things--and as much as it hurts for Absolute Truth and Maineiacgirl--well, we don't even have to say it because it is a given, the Patriots (boo hiss, are always at the top of their game. If that makes any sense at all, let's roll with it, lol. If it doesn't, let's roll with it anyway, because I am exhausted and still have to finish configuring my phone, which is a whole 'nother song and dance that I won't trouble you with because you are just too nice to drop yet another sack of rocks on today. Thank you for being here my friend. You are a dear man...

[Emeritus]

It is a happy day, ck! As I've said before, I think that it is all about attitude. I refuse to let people, or circumstances, prevent me from enjoying this day. It is the only day that I'm sure of, so I'm going to have fun! A front has passed through and left us some gorgeous weather. Spring is in full bloom here in the bayou country!

[cklaurence]

We never had winter here this year. I know I sound like such a grump all the time now, but I truly love cool weather (then why does she live in Florida, DUH?) and look forward to the lack of humidity winter brings at the very least. Most of this winter has been in the high 80s, nearly touching 90 much of the time, with a smattering of chilly nights. I believe there were three or four nights that dipped a bit below 50, and other than that, it never went much below the 60s, if that. The good news is that it got cold enough to allow my mango tree to bloom magnificently, so there will be plenty of mangoes for everyone this summer, and maybe even some chutney if I can find the patience to spend a day making it,

Love my new phone--the Galaxy Note. It's a tablet, an e-book and a telephone all in one. I'm slowly learning how to use it, although I doubt I'll ever use the stylus for anything. Shoot, the whole idea of a computer phone is so I don't have to write, right? At any rate, I can't wait till my book is available (should be tomorrow, but I'm not holding my breath) on e-book, so I can download it! I'm still waiting for the galleys on the paper version. I know it will be at least a month after I get the galleys until the book comes out, so you'll hear me hollering the day they arrive.

Had a Vikette's luncheon today. We're planning our Class of '65 Turns 65 Birthday Bash for September. It's been fun, but in a way a bit sad to see how many people still have the high school mentality. Then there are those that are no longer with us, and that alone should be helping everyone to grow up and smell the roses, but for whatever reason, certain personalities never change. Well, maybe they changed, but when they get involved with their high school friends/nemeses/wannabes or whatever, they revert to form. I don't get it, but I never loved high school, and this has certainly helped to remind me why and make me appreciate the positives of actually growing UP as well as older.

Coincidentally, we have dinner plans tonight with a dear old high school friend of mine, who I am charged with talking into coming to the Birthday Bash. I took on 4 hard cases--all guys I was close to that are 'untouchable' and 'unapproachable' so I didn't have to make any other calls. Everyone else is making anywhere between fifteen and one hundred calls. I am not good at that at all, but I am in touch with these guys still, and for me that are a piece of cake. I don't know if I can talk them into going, but I'm having a great time spending time with them (my hubby to) anyway. I mention the Bash every time we're together and report back to the committee that I am working on it. Always mix business with pleasure, it makes the medicine go down in a most delightful way. (Or some such thing. )

[Baglady]

Good Morning CK, Em, anyone else 'around'.
CK, exciting news on your book!

Way too much NFL 'drama' in Indy right now. Hopefully it'll be resolved in the next few days. IF the video of Peyton throwing is legit, Irasy will have a PR nightmare releasing what is perceived as a 'healthy' Peyton....

CK, I'll be surprised if your HC doesn't go after his Packer QB Flynn.
Em, I expect the TX's release Leinart since Yates played so well as a rookie. Not sure if you can afford M Williams since A Foster needs compensation etc.
FA starts soon - Colts have never done much if anything in FA but w/ the new GM, HC, that could change, should be interesting.

Enjoy your Sunday ~

[Emeritus]

Hey, Lady! It's great to see you here. I saw that video of Peyton throwing, too. He sure looked good to go. As for Leinart, I suspect you are right. He deserves another chance at starting somewhere else. The Texans only have six million under the cap, so I am afraid that Mario Williams is gone. It's hell to lose an All Pro. I laugh when I remember all of the flack that the Texans caught when they made him the top draft choice instead of that Heisman Trophy winner. What was his name again? The first priority for the Texans is to get Arian Foster signed. He has played for peanuts, since the Texans picked him up off the Packers practice squad.

[cklaurence]

Afternoon, Bags and Em! It hurts me to say it, but Jeff Ireland is a bona fide moron and will NOT go for Peyton, except, of course, if he decides to just make it particularly difficult on our new head coach who will surely want to take his QB. Ross thinks Ireland is the second coming of Christ, and I think Parcells brought Ireland in as part of the Huizenga/Parcells "the joke's on Ross" deal to begin with. I'm for anything that would get us Peyton. One year of Peyton is better than ten of some other "almost" QB, which is what we've been dealing with since Danny was driven out of town by the delightful duo of Johnson and Wannstadt. Oh my, I have so many bitter memories of our team since Shula and Marino left us. I even cry about Joe Robbie, who I thought I'd never forgive for allowing Czonk, Kiick and Warfield to get away after the perfect season...

The Fins could be on the brink of a return to greatness now--or ready to step off the side of the same cliff they've tripped over for the past, lemmesee, what is it, thirteen seasons? They are walking such a thin line, and I'm holding my breath. Please revive me after the draft--love you all!!!

[Emeritus]

It seems to me that the Dolphins are really close. Their defense has looked impressive and their running game has improved - meaning that the offensive line is coming around. A really good quarterback could make them a contender. The Dolphins will play for the seventh time in ten years next season. I'm not sure, but I think that's the most that we've played anybody out of our own division.

[cklaurence]

Yeah, Em. Teams outside our division are lining up to play us. When they play the Fins, there's always the chance they have the big W on their side. Every year the talking heads start going on about what they expect from the Dolphins that year, and I always talk about what Ireland and Ross did to ruin our chances of going anywhere, praying, hoping, wishing that for once, I'm in the wrong; but year after year after year, I am painfully right. Perhaps this year...

[cklaurence]

I guess everyone's exhausted from all that activity on Sunday. It was such fun, though, right? I'm here--keep checking back for when everyone has rested up and is ready to rock 'n roll again. Love you all...

[Emeritus]

I'm afraid that there just isn't much to report on, ck. At least the Texans signed Arian Foster to a five-year contract, which is good news. It's Lent, so I'm not doing much. My busy week is over, which is just as well. Spring has really arrived and everything is blooming like crazy. I guess that only the pecan trees are still dormant.

[cklaurence]

Yes, we're blooming all over here too, Em. I'm watching all the Peyton talk. Trying hard not to be to pessimistic about the Peyton stuff--just hoping while he's here today they grab him and don't give him a chance to think about all those other teams that want him. I will only think positive thoughts. Positive thoughts. Positive thoughts........... Positive thoughts.....POSITIVE, POSITIVE, POSITIVE THOUGHTS!!!

[Emeritus]

LOL, since the Texans aren't interested, I'll help by thinking positive thoughts with you.

[Baglady]

G' Morning CK, Em, anyone else...
What a week here
Not ready to see Peyton in anything but Colts colors (CK, imagine seeing Marino playing for some other team) but it will happen , likely in the next week

CK, lots of speculation it'll be Miami but will he want to play at NE, Jets and Buffalo in nasty weather??? And, your Dolphins do play @ Indy next season - not even gonna go there. I'm guessing AZ but it's just a guess...

Em, congrats on getting Foster signed. I did not get the speculation on Peyton to the TX's since I don't believe there's any cap $$$ available and if there was, I'd think it'd go to M Williams. And, you do have Schaub.

[Emeritus]

Hey, lady! Schaub will never be the player that Peyton Manning is, but he is a better fit for our offense. The quarterback in our offense gets way too exposed for it to be the right system for Peyton. Anyway, you are right about there not being cap room. Of course that doesn't keep the Houston fans from fantasizing what the team could do with Peyton back there. Personally, I will miss Peyton being with the Colts. He gave us hell, but he made it a better division.

[cklaurence]

Morning Em and Bags. I don't see Peyton signing on with Miami, simply because he is too smart to get involved with sleeze like Ross and Ireland. After all the stuff they pulled with Sparano, who admittedly was not head coach material--but they hired him for goodness sake--I don't know why anyone would come to work for the Fins so long as Ross is the team owner. The only coach they could sign was one who no one can figure out what he did at Green Bay, and now we think a class act like Peyton is going to say, "Sure. I've just been let go by the team I've given my heart and soul to--why not come to the Dolphins and take a chance at having my heart completely ripped out..." Nope, I just don't see it happening.

[Emeritus]

After all of the speculation, I have to just wait and see what Peyton does. I thought that the Dolphins were interested in the Packers backup.

[cklaurence]

Yes, when Peyton wasn't available. Since Peyton has become available, Ross (so the word that's out is) told Ireland to go for a "full court press) for Manning. Philbin hasn't much say in anything, I gather. He didn't have much say in anything at Green Bay either, though, but he was close to the back up QB there and he did want him in Miami...

[cklaurence]

Meditating, meditating, meditating, meditating, meditating, meditating, meditating, mneditating...

[Emeritus]

It's 5:40 am here and I'm up with an earache. I thought that only happened to children.

[Baglady]

G' Morning, what a week in Indy
The ONLY good news is NO more C Painter
The Colts will be in salary cap hell at least next season and may not improve on last season's 2 and 14 record . While Peyton couldn't be traded, not sure why some of the other players weren't trade instead of released to get some compensation???

CK, if you haven't seen this clip, you might enjoy it. Kind of chessy imo and the Titanic theme is strange since well, it didn't end well - lol! Dolphins definitely going all out for Peyton. Should know this week - think lots are getting tired of hearing his name...
http://now.msn.com/now-plus/0310-mannin ... video.aspx

Em, hope you get to feeling better...

[StevefromCO]

Interesting times for our favorite sport eh? Hope all is well for the old gang...I think about the laughs we had here sometimes. See ya twisted Swissters!

[cklaurence]

Hello everyone! I've been having trouble with my comp, so I apologize for being slow to comment on all the visits here... Peter put a program on my comp for flying, to practice take offs and and landings for his radio-control airplanes and now my computer runs so slowly I fall asleep between words.
Ir's so good to see you Bags AND Steve! Em, I'm so sorry about your ear ache. Yes, I thought they were supposed to go away with childhood also. They aren't any less painful for a grown up either, right? Hope you are feeling better by now and that at lest when I cone on tomorrow you'll be back with your sense of humor in tact! I am sure the treatment isn't any more comfortable than it was when we were younger and the pain is just as bad and radical.The clip you sent was cute, Bags. Every day another team expresses interest in Peyton, though. I don't seen any chance in hell that we'd get him! He has his choice--on his terms, and I'm sure with that kind of a spread, who would come to a hornet's nest like Miami, so already soiled with dirty garbage, and entangled with lies. You'll see, Peyton will find a team with a good fit--and unfortunately for the Fins, it won't be with us!!!
Steve, you just a hit and run kind of a guy, or you actually going to spend a little time around here every now and again? Just need to know for Princess.She's an inquiring mind and inquiring minds want to know,,,

[cklaurence]

Dolphin fans are going crazy because they traded Brandon Marshall (which I'm sure was a big incentive to Peyton--to go somewhere else) for get this--two third-round draft choices. He went to the pro bowl last year, something I thought was ridiculous, seeing as he was tied for the most drops in the league. He was very disappointing as far as I was concerned. Dropped so many important catches, drove me crazy! I do believe they could have done better than two third-round draft choices for him if they'd worked the pro-bowl angle a bit more. Well, you've got the genius team working for us--Philbin, who everyone is trying to figure out exactly what it was he did at Green Bay, Ireland, who was the final joke left from Huizenga and Parcells, and our top loser, Ross. They have yet to make an intelligent move. Just seems to me that while you're courting a Peyton Manning, you don't go trading off your wide receivers (unless Peyton told you to do it...).

[cklaurence]

Gosh, Em--I surely hope you are okay. Last post you had that horrible earache and that was, I believe, Sunday! I sure as hell need folks to listen to me bitch and talk football with me (I refuse to talk football over at facebook if I can avoid it)--what with the past 3 insane days of more of Ross/Ireland Follies! I'm telling you--this Ross never tires of making a jackass out of himself. Trading his only ProBowl receiver for two 3rd round draft picks when he's supposedly making a "full court press" for Peyton Manning!!! Of course, I gave my stance here right away so I could get it out BEFORE everyone else changed to what I said--as they always do. The Dolphins are totally screwed until Ross sells the team because he's screwed the pooch so many times, NO ONE wants to be here. Our own players are jumping ship as fast as their legs can carry them. Paul Soliai is visiting the Broncos, I understand (sound familiar--think "Manning") and Kendall Langford, who has been a starter for four years has a visit set up with the Bengals..I am just so sad. It's so difficult to watch this yutz dismantle the team year after year after year.....

[Emeritus]

I'm typing this on a borrowed laptop and I hate it. I went to Houston to spend a few days with old friends. I got to visit some museums and to attend recitals at the Shepherd School of Music. It gave me something to think about other than how long it is until football season. I just heard that Peyton Manning has signed with Kansas City, but I haven't confirmed that. I'll talk to you again when I get home.