How are you doing?

[WilliamPitt]

I have my health. I can still write (to mixed reviews). My wife is almost healthy enough for us to consider having children. I really like my new apartment and my new neighborhood. I have not had a cigarette for 17 days. My cat remans alive and deadly.

None of this has anything to do with DADT, START, Assange, Obama, or any of the new words/acronyms that currently populate our world.

I'm OK.

How are you?

[mike_c]

1. doing alright....

Like you, I'm healthy. Busy as can be, but the semester is winding up and after a few more days of grading, I'll be ready to start all over again in January. Gonna work on some art in the interim, something I get way too little time for these days.

[notadmblnd]

2. Can't complain. Besides, no one wants to hear it.

:shrug:

[me b zola]

43. We would listen

and eventually, someone who is better at social situations than I, would say the right thing to help you get through your day. Because in the end, aren't we all just trying to get through our day? "I get by with a little help from my friends..."

:hi:

[notadmblnd]

50. No, I meant it, I really can't complain

When I stop and think how much worse others have it, I can't justify my bitches.

[Toucano]

3. I've been better. n/t

[me b zola]

46. Hugs to you to get through the rest of your day

:hug:

[Toucano]

64. Thank you.

That's super kind and very much appreciated! :loveya:

[JuniperLea]

4. I'm cool

Alive, well, decorating home and office for the holidays, looking forward to taking time off between Xmas and New Year's Day. My dogs are awesome... Molly nips at your heels if you dare leave the house without her, and Jack has the cutest face... even when he's trying to guilt you into one more treat.



It's been warm in Los Angeles... and the beach is wicked cool!

[mdmc]

5. 17!

courage my friend..

[peacebird]

6. hubby & i are healthy and employed.

Snow covers the ground but there's plenty of wood for the fire, and new chickens in the coop thanks to a friend! (a neighbors dog had slaughtered my beloved rooster Mario and most of our hens last month)
All in all - life is good in our little personal corner of the world. And you are right WilliamPitt - sometimes we need to concentrate on what is GOOD in our lives, rather than impending catastrophes (which may or may not actually happen, and may or may not truly be catastrophic)

:hugs:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. I have a cold, but otherwise I'm OK...

The semester's over, and I'm waiting for the grade on my last paper...

I'm glad you're doing so well!

I hope you two can have a child...it's an amazing adventure!

:hi: <---I'll wave from afar, so you won't get my germs!

[NuclearDem]

8. I'm super, thanks for asking

[taterguy]

9. None of your god damn business

[lamp_shade]

10. Happy, healthy, loving my family and friends, excited about Christmas.

[PhillySane]

11. Business Could Be Better

But, I still have four cats and a dog, two great kids and a woman who loves me. IT'S SNOWING! here in Philly.

[donco]

12. Shhhh...dont tell

anyone but everything's cool.:toast:

[gateley]

13. So sweet of you to ask. Happy to hear you're almost ready to work on having

kids (if you like that sort of thing :7) - and that your cat is deadly, as every good cat should be.

Hope the New Year continues to bring you more "OK-ness" and happiness!

[tomg]

14. Pretty well.I have been teaching

overseas for my college. I went to a demonstration in Solidarity with immigrants, GLBT, workers and students the other day ( marched with the communists - don't know Italian but recognized the signs). Felt greaqt. Going home in three days to be with my wife ( teacher - union rep so she could not get away to Italy). Feeling okay when I remember it is a long haul to the future, and we are in the game for those we love and those we don't know, but know we would love if we knew them.

I actually am feeling pretty good right now. Thanks for asking, but more thanks for the question. Sometimes being asked to do a mental check on ourselves among friends is the best thing we can do.

[lamp_shade]

16. +1 Nice reply.

[Taverner]

15. I am doing better. Thanks for asking.

Things were worse, but I start work again on Monday...

[Ellipsis]

41. Congrats... I know it's been bugging you quite a bit.

[Taverner]

44. It has. California is damned expensive.

Don't get me wrong, its worth every penny - but sometimes you can't pay that pretty penny

[TwilightGardener]

17. Tired of vacuuming up pine needles--kittehs enjoying the tree a little too much.

Otherwise OK.

[Uben]

18. Top o the world, ma!

No complaints. I woke up breathing and with a little luck, I'll go to sleep breathing!

[fascisthunter]

19. Ok.... would like to get rid of a sinus infection

but can't complain

[golddigger]

20. Not too good. I finally told my wife the truth

that I was seeing a psychiatrist. She then proceeded to tell me the truth that she was seeing a psychiatrist, two plumbers and a bartender.

Edited for typo

[HereSince1628]

21. I'm only ~6.75 months from being provided psychotherapy

even if things aren't better the front of the line should be nearer.

[arcane1]

22. In non-political terms, I'm doing just fine

:)

[hootinholler]

23. Sucking hind tit.

Unemployed again (2nd time this year), almost out of reserves and no health insurance.

This year has been a year from HELL and I'm ready to shake it's dust from my feet.

Other than that, I'm peachy.

-Hoot

[me b zola]

47. I'm sorry, Hoot

Hang in there, things will shake loose. :hug:

[hootinholler]

55. It will or it won't

But I'm better off with your hug :D

I have a soft spot in my heart for Portland.

-Hoot

[blondeatlast]

58. Here's to a better 2011. My year ends on a crappy note (see below).

It ain't much, but...

:hug:

[hootinholler]

62. Thanks!

Damn Blondie.

:hug: Right back to ya!

My divorce was a few years ago (also unwanted but in hindsight, necessary)

-Hoot

[hfojvt]

24. That question is not logical.

[tridim]

25. Foreclosed, moved-out, living happily with my brother and his new wife

All things being equal, I'm pretty happy to have a place to stay while I look for a new job in my old, new city. It could be much worse, and probably couldn't be much better.

Oh, and I'm at also smoke-free @ 24 days. That makes me really happy. I hate smoking.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

26. Overall good.........

However, my apartment is way too cold and I can't afford to crank up the heat, my funds are running low and bills coming due and the holidays won't be too giving on my part. But, I am wont to complain as its part of my nature.

That said, I am grateful for what I have as there are folks who have it so much worse. I'm in relatively good health and not hungry. I'm in college as an adult pursuing a nursing degree so hopefully even better times, and relocation to a warmer climes is ahead.

[Generic Other]

27. Top of the world to you!

Your life will soon start smelling fresh without the cigarettes. Slowly you will regain your sense of smell and taste. Welcome back.

[costahawk1987]

28. Broke and alone but peaceful and happy.

The more time I spend alone, the more I like people. My bills are paid, so I'm not worrying about that. Nice question, and great job on quitting smoking. Happy holidays!

[polmaven]

29. Refreshing change of pace...

Thank you.......Under the current circumstances, I am doing as well as can be expected.

[Blue Owl]

30. No, how YOU doin'?

(said with thick Tony Soprano accent)

:silly:

[Newest Reality]

31. Warming up cozy with an electric heater in

a camper realizing it could be worse.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

32. it's too soon to tell. I've got to be tested again for prostate cancer and I smoke like a fiend

[WilliamPitt]

34. Commit lozenges

I can attest.

[Sonoman]

33. Gazing at the sunny Sonoman hills on a beautful day..

A Grower friend from Humboldt dropped by with seven different varietals last night and I am set for the coming year. All it cost was a bottle of Elmer T Lee, which we drank.

Buena suerte with that child thing. Mine are 28 and 30 and are still the Treasures of my life.

Sonoman

[GentryDixon]

35. I am working on my Ancestry.

I am in the 1880's right now. Whenever anyone asks me what I am doing I tell them I am looking for dead people.

Too bad I waited until my parents were gone before I took this project up.

[H2O Man]

36. Very good.

Although my physical well-being isn't what I would prefer, I am enjoying this life. My very best friend and the person I have the most respect for is my wife. We have four wonderful children. We live in a historic, old home. We have five dogs, and four cats. We live "out in the sticks," with all the benefits of rural living. I have a nice pond, and there is a beautiful water falls out in the woods.

I spend time with my family; reading numerous books; sitting out at the pond; and watching high school sports. I also have an enormous television, and enjoy watching boxing with my kids and our friends. And while I do not have a large social circle these days, the quality of my friends is outstanding.

This past summer, my health did not allow me the opportunity to invest as many hours in my rose gardens as I would like to have. But there is always next summer.

Thank you for asking. And I'm glad that things are going well for you.

[WilliamPitt]

37. There are always roses.

:toast: :hug:

[H2O Man]

39. When my wife

and I went to Philly to watch our daughter run in the Penn Relays, my younger son came and put in a new patio for us. He has unreal talent, working with stone. Then he surrounded it with beautiful rose bushes. He's learned that they are not only fun to grow, but that his girlfriend appreciates them.

Life is good.

[WilliamPitt]

40. (((HUG)))

:toast:

[lamp_shade]

38. A little nudge for this nice OP.

[alfredo]

42. Doing better. I've had a migraine all day, but my appetite

came back, I ate a bit, now the pain is subsiding.

My wife is doing good, the house hasn't fallen in, my neighbors have kept the music down, and my mother in law has made few demands of late.

Some broccoli and garlic over spaghetti will make the night complete.

Kick back enjoy your process of saving your life.


Smoke free since 1973.

[Critters2]

45. Coming to the end of the hardest year of my life. I hope.

A friend is spending her first Christmas in prison for several crimes, including one against me, which saddens me more than I can say. My ex husband and still friend is in in-patient care for his mental illness. Another friend learned today that she has ALS.

And yet, I'm healthy, employed, have a great dog and three wonderful cats, and a lot of friends. So, the hardest year of my life is still better than most years for a lot of people.

It's one's perspective that matters.

[OneGrassRoot]

48. I'm okay, thanks for asking. I'm offering free hugs here....

for you, William, in appreciation of your thoughtfulness, and for anyone who needs one...or two....

:hi:

[me b zola]

49. So glad to hear that things are well for you and your new family

Me? I've been worse physically, mentally, and financially, so I really can't complain. I got to spend the morning with all four of my grandchildren, they missed the school bus so we turned it into a positive and used the morning to touch base. Ha! Grammy doesn't need much time to fill my babies with "soul food". :)

Thank you for asking :hi:

[cali]

51. Glad to hear your wife is doing well.

I'm cold.

[Luciferous]

52. Still can't find a job, but other than that I'm great. We are a few weeks

away from closing on our first house, my husband recently got a promotion, we have a new puppy, and my kids are happy and healthy.

Congratulations on the new apartment and the quitting smoking!

[tabatha]

53. Cannot wait for this shitty year to end.

But 2011 looks to be a good year. If it is, then it will be because of a huge amount of work done in 2010. Was pedal to the metal, and I need some time out.

[B2G]

54. On quitting

I'm in the middle of it myself, and few things suck harder. I'm using e-cigs. They are saving my sanity. Godspeed, my friend.

[FreeJoe]

56. Surprisingly Well

Me, wife, kids, and parents are all healthy and happy. Finances are good. No debts. A job I really enjoy. Good neighborhood. Political situation is about the only thing that isn't working well for me personally.

[blondeatlast]

57. Besides getting an unwanted divorce for Christmas, I'm fairly healthy, sis's Big C

is responding well to treatment, also have a lovely apartment, and my kid is doing well in b-ball and clarinet. In a bit of mourning but realize I'm still exceptionally fortunate and my kid is absolute joy MOST of the time.

My heart really is breaking, though.

Glad to hear your wife is doing well! I hope she was cheered by the news of the stem cell breakthrough in Germany (as I most certainly was!).

Thank you for asking; it's very kind of you.

[Lucian]

59. Depressed, but alive.

Got some bad news in my academic career today. Turns out I have to take extra credits this summer in order to graduate. Slight setback, and another $2,000 I have to pay to get my undergrad degree.

[lunatica]

60. I have a job that looks secure in spite of cuts and layoffs (UC Berkeley)

My two dogs bring joy into my life every single day. I've applied for a loan modification for both the mortgage and the equity loan. I've been told this week that I qualified for the equity modification and they cut those payments in half, which payments will start in January. I'm hoping for the same outcome with the mortgage.

I'm learning to live much cheaper and finding it to be not so bad. I didn't realize how interesting it would turn out to be to take on the challenge of cutting expenses and getting better deals and cutting excess expenses, and being successful. I'm hopeful and yet have become able to face the worst, just in case it happens.

[malaise]

61. Nice thread

We're great - just finished painting our place for the holidays and now we're taking our time reorganizing the place. We should finish by Wednesday since we have other work and we're not exactly rushing :D.
We're warm, healthy, certainly not hungry and know that we're loved by family and friends.
Psssssst - we just returned home after dining on some great fish in Port Royal with two close friends.

[LSK]

63. Da Bulls are back!!!

:hi:

[mstinamotorcity]

65. Great

Got twin Grandsons for Thanksgiving!!!Nick-named them Boomer and Binky. Something its a Grandmother's prerogative to do. It must be written is some rule book!!!!

[annabanana]

66. My Mom is coming East for Christmas, so THAT'S good. .

Mr Banana sounds serious this time about cutting out the cigs, so that's good. Number one son is beginning to learn to manage his OCD & verious anxieties PLUS he got a job (finally).. so THAT'S good... Number 2 son is considering majoring in accounting rather that journalism.. not sure how I feel about that, but it seems, you know, practical.

Things important seem a little less grim to me this Chrismas.

[distantearlywarning]

67. Doing very well, actually.

2010 was much better than 2009.

So far this year we've had nice drama-free visits from both sides of the family, I made significant progress towards a Ph.D., hubby has a stable well-paying job and we both have good health insurance, we're living in pretty much the only area of the country where things are ok financially (Pittsburgh, PA) and our house actually went up in value, we accomplished a lot around the house this year, have two great cats, looking forward to Christmas, and best of all, we're taking a vacation to Europe very soon!

Nothing is perfect, of course - I still need to lose 30 lbs and I hate dieting with a passion, I still have to write a dissertation (no small feat), had some minor drama with friends in the last month, recent minor medical scare, hubby hates his commute.

But all in all, I think we're doing much better than a lot of other people out there, and a lot better than the year before. So things are looking up. It's been a good year. I am grateful for what God and the universe have thrown my way this year. Hope it gets better for others as well in 2011!

On Edit: And my beloved Steelers look like they're going to the play-offs this year! Woot!

[nemo137]

68. Employed, finally.

Naturally, as soon as I got a job, the brakes went out on my car. But alive, and working.

[AmandaMae]

69. Nice to see a thread like this. I'm sick with a cold right now

but otherwise okay. Just got done with finals today, and am trying to do some Christmas shopping. I want to get all eco-friendly, fair trade gifts but am not sure what to buy my relatives.

[kentuck]

70. I feel like I've been rode hard and put up wet...

... Who will carry the weight?

[WilliamPitt]

74. One of my favorite phrases.

Another: "Feel like I've been devoured and shat out by wolves."

Not as classy, but makes the point.

:toast:

:hug:

[Demstud]

71. Been better

The bad:
-I've been spending a lot of time in physical therapy and talking to doctors to have some issues fixed due to previous medical incompetence, bad insurance, and bad employers. The current care is fantastic, though I have no clue how big the bill is going to be.
-Up to my ears in debt, and one of my credit cards had its interest rate raised to 27%.
-Failed some exams I shouldn't have.
-My employer, after making "only" $1.2 billion in profits, has decided they can't afford to pay our $35 Christmas bonuses this year.

The good:
-I'm teaching myself about personal finance, investing, and economics (don't want to end up broke and homeless)
-I have great parents who let me live at home despite my age.
-I'm on vacation from work the rest of the year :-D
-I'm learning Chinese

The yet to be determined:
Confessed my love to a longtime friend, but have not received a response yet :scared:

[WilliamPitt]

72. (((HUGS)))

...to all.

:hug:

[MrMickeysMom]

73. Feeling estranged from the country, Wil...

Every day little things bring us joy... so we're not walking around looking for an exit strategy. On the other hand, I and my husband continue to see that our son's future is all the more a struggle to "move up", and we are bitter about that generation's chances and our grandson, need I say more.

We stay close to our extended family, support each other and are involved in our community.

We, after much formal training and education, should be able to do more for ourselves when the "golden years" are around the corner, but the health care industry is more noble than lucrative in terms of pensions and moolah...

But, with all we've worked towards and all we've hoped for, we remain like a duck on water... calm on the surface, paddling like hell underneath.

And, we're... uneasy.

[mmonk]

75. Struggling a little of late (real estate bubble problems) and I've had

a cigarette today. Nothing a good mug of Guinness or glass of scotch couldn't temporarily cure.