# MMP – The Year In Review **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [January 2, 2006, 11:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070 "2006-01-02T11:34:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/181 "2006-01-06T17:40:46Z")
> [@swampbear](#): > > …Who wants to join me for a hour and a half long conference call beginning at two pm eastern time this afternoon? There’s plenty of room for everyone so no need to shove to be first in line… Sadly, I have to wash my hair. But I’m sure it would have been fascinating. GT ---
**Author:** ![Sean\_Factotum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/50afbb/32.png) [@Sean\_Factotum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sean_Factotum)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/182 "2006-01-06T18:09:36Z")
> [@Spatial Rift 47](#): > > Today’s word is Amsterdam. Amsterdam! As in, the capital city of the Netherlands. A couple of days ago I recieved an email about a master’s program in theoretical physics at the University of Amsterdam. They have some researchers working on some very interesting stuff 'cross the pond, like topological aspects of quantum field theories (which could eventually lead to quantum gravity), and lots of other cool stuff. I submitted some preliminary qualifications, and now I’m waiting for them to send me the full application so I can apply in earnest. You may have to submit it in Dutch, or whateverlangauge they call Netherlandeese. But I’m pretty sure it’s not “earnest.” They made an arrest in that case of the two Mormon missionaries that were shot (one eventually died from his injuries, the other is home recuperating. It was someone that my GF’s daughters went to high school with. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/183 "2006-01-06T18:36:15Z")
> [@swampbear](#): > > Who wants to join me for a hour and a half long conference call beginning at two pm eastern time this afternoon? There’s plenty of room for everyone so no need to shove to be first in line. _Oh, me me me me me me!! Being off for a whole week is making me really miss work! Let me come, pleeeeeeeeeease!!!_ Yeah, that was sarcasm. What of it?? And Yay me! I put together my mom’s Christmas present - a garden cart just like [this.](http://www.grizzly.com/products/H3029) It didn’t come with instructions. I just now saw that instructions are available on line. No matter - I did it right. Go me! Baby and mama have gone home. Daughter and I had lunch, and we’re digesting before we start assembling the food for tomorrow. **FCD** won’t be going with us - he’s in a _lot_ of pain and the 2+ hour drive each way is way too much. So instead of spending the night, the kid and I will just come back tomorrow evening. Then on Sunday, we’ll go out to breakfast before I take her to the airport for her return flight. Monday, **FCD** has an appointment with yet another doctor, preparatory to a procedure he’ll have done on Wednesday. I fully expect surgery to follow shortly thereafter. I truly hope this helps - there aren’t a whole lot of options left. Any good thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated. I hate that my sweetie continues to suffer. And that’s all I’ve got for now. ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/184 "2006-01-06T18:40:06Z")
Hee! I’ve been thinking of things to do while on this conference call. Surf the Dope (duh!), rearrange bookshelves, take my wall clock apart and put it back together, practice line dancing, all sorts of stuff, but wash my hair… never thought about that one. Actually, they haven’t sent me the confirmation code I’ll need yet. They got 15 minutes and then I’m gonna “forget” about the call. ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/185 "2006-01-06T18:41:56Z")
OOH! Know what? Since I’m the only one in my building (we’re a small office behind the big office) this afternoon, if I don’t get the code, I could just take my phone off the hook for an hour and a half and everyone will think I’m on the call and won’t bother me. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/186 "2006-01-06T18:43:59Z")
Well dang! They just emailed me the code. Guess I’ll just have to go with my original plans of sorta paying attention now. ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/187 "2006-01-06T19:23:32Z")
\*\* _Y_A_W_N\* \*\* This conference call is better than liquid valium for numbing the mind. ---
**Author:** ![susan\_foster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@susan\_foster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan_foster)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/188 "2006-01-06T19:27:04Z")
> [@Ellen Cherry](#): > > As a public service, I offer my recipe for Texas Caviar. > > **Texas Caviar** > > 1 (15 oz) can blackeye peas, rinsed and drained > 1 can black beans, well rinsed and drained > 1 (15-1/2 oz) can white hominy, drained > 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped > 4 green onions, thinly sliced > 2 garlic cloves, minced (I use at least 4) > 1 medium-size onion, chopped > 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro > 1 (8-oz) jar hot picante sauce (I use salsa) > 2 tablespoons lime juice (optional) > > Combine first 9 ingredients, and, if desired, lime juice. > > Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Serve with tortilla chips, or wrap in flour tortillas. > > Yield: 4 cups. Oooh - fiber-y! Works for me - will have to try this delicacy. New recipe, new recipe - yay! As for me - right now I’m eating chile-vinegar turnip greens. I made them a couple weeks ago, and this is the last serving. No, they did not sit in my fridge for two weeks - I froze them, silly! My first time cooking with turnip greens. I have 9 new cookbooks. I got 4 for Christmas, 1 for my birthday, and bought 4 myself, but since I used the $50 gift certificate from my boss to partially pay for them, I count them as a semi-gift. More cookbooks - more! (Oh, and of the 4 I bought for myself, 3 were cookie cookbooks, and the 4th was a Cooking Light Annual). Susan ---
**Author:** ![Taters](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/taters/32/2845_2.png) [@Taters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taters)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/189 "2006-01-06T19:29:57Z")
Well, at least they can’t _see_ you not paying attention and finding other more worthwhile things to do while listening to the blather. I, on the other hand, must go to VTCs, where they see you because, well, it’s video. So, if you’re not portraying the proper poker face, they see every :rolleyes: :dubious: 😕 that results from their statements. Mine ALWAYS occur during my lunch or just before I’m supposed to go home, dammit. **FCM,** I’m sending best thoughts and wishes to you and **FCD.** I hope something works for him very soon. Being in constant pain is enough to prematurely age anyone, besides being exhausting. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/190 "2006-01-06T19:37:29Z")
> [@swampbear](#): > > \*\* > _Y_A_W_N\* > \*\* > > This conference call is better than liquid valium for numbing the mind. _\_ ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/191 "2006-01-06T19:47:48Z")
_OUCH_ Who poked me! I almost paid attention. Stop that! ---
**Author:** ![susan\_foster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@susan\_foster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan_foster)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/192 "2006-01-06T19:57:29Z")
I’m at work - listening to the iPod - and here comes the song from the first dance in Flashdance. Sooooooooooooooooooo… _stalks on in men’s suit_ _strips_ _pours bucket of water on self_ _gets fired for violated Standards of Business Conduct_ Susan ---
**Author:** ![taxi78cab](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47c2d/32.png) [@taxi78cab](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/taxi78cab)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/193 "2006-01-06T20:32:53Z")
A \*two \*hour conference call?? Man, I thought the hour-long ones we have to put up with were bad! Today was one of those “brushfire” days. Everything that needed doing was on an emergency basis. I need it now! Or the world will end! :rolleyes: And when I wasn’t doing that, I was researching jobs in MN. Bleh… I hate job search stuff. I’m soooo glad it’s Friday! ---
**Author:** ![scout1222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/34f0e0/32.png) [@scout1222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scout1222)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/194 "2006-01-06T20:33:51Z")
I’m at work listening to my iPod. But I’m listening to Freakonomics. Right now we’re listing the most popular black and white names. ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/195 "2006-01-06T21:32:34Z")
I survived the teleconference call. I’m home. I’ve had a beer or four. Soon I am going to grill steaks. Oh and I have spaghetti sauce simmering in the crockpot. That will be Sunday’s lunch. I might be a drunk, but I am a dang productive drunk! 😃 And now for some TMI. I talked to ACBG a little bit ago. I told him I had started drinking. His comment? “Oh $#\*\*! You’ll either be asleep by eight o’clock or pawing all over me all night.” I’m leaning toward the pawing. Well, some quality time in the hot tub accompanied by pawing. How’s that? ---
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/196 "2006-01-06T21:40:36Z")
Lessee…I’m on laundry load 3 or so, did a load of dishes as well, cleared out a bunch of stuff, and uploaded pictures to be printed for my album. It’ll be interesting to see how they turn out as the place I use has apparently removed it’s editing software from the web so that they randomly (?) decide how to crop my pictures. We’ll see how they turn out. I may be changing picture-printing places. I see you’ve survived the call, **swampy**. I was just coming in here to make sure you were awake. And thank you for that lovely TMI. In other excitement, I’ll be making the rounds of several stores with miscellaneous returns I didn’t get to before traveling. Hope they’ll take the stuff back. It’s pretty much all holiday-themed. Also, I’ve got a couple of items I’d like to acquire (thermos for coffee, if I can find one I like at either Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, or Kohl’s, and maybe some speakers for the iBook and/or TV since my lone CD player bit the dust recently and I’m still deciding how to replace it). GT ---
**Author:** ![Bumbazine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbazine/32/362_2.png) [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/197 "2006-01-06T22:05:10Z")
Congrats **Taxi** and **KeithT**! You will of course post many, many pics of your upcoming nuptials won’t you? In fact, you could set up a web cam and IM so we could all watch and comment. 😃 That’d really weird out your new in-laws! **Lissla** , Wifey was watching over my shoulder while I looked at the wedding pics and she said that you’re cute as a button, and hubby is a very handsome lad, and the dress was beautiful. I, of course, agree on all counts. **FCM** , ummm…yep, that’s a cat alrighty. I hope she makes you happy. Really. I sincerely hope that **FCD** get to feeling better real soon, too. I didn’t realize until just now that **Indecisive1** (hereinafter to be referred to as **Indy** ), was a girl-type person. I gave up on Robert Jordan after about 5 books. Iffen someone hadn’t lent them to me, I woulda quit sooner. Those people just annoyed me. For some reason I seem to be thinking about **Ellen** ’s pannies. Did you mention making cupcakes back up the thread somewheres **Ellen**? I can just hear this lot on a conference call with you **Swampy** , Your conferees would never be the same. BTW, I should think ACBG would _like_ you pawing all over him, or do I have a fundamental misunderstanding goin on here? ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2006, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/198 "2006-01-06T23:45:59Z")
**Bumba** believe me he likes the pawin’. 😉 The gist of what he said was, I’d either be all over him like white on rice or asleep. I’m either all wild or fall asleep when I imbibes. I’m all extremes like that. Speaking of extremes, it’s hot tub time! WOOHOO!!! ---
**Author:** ![Taters](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/taters/32/2845_2.png) [@Taters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taters)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2006, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/199 "2006-01-07T00:24:36Z")
**Bumba!** How’re you feeling? Everything ticking along? I have seven minutes before it’s time to go home. I am so very tired. When I get home I’m gonna make some dirty rice. It’s quick, easy and filling. I don’t know if we have plans for the weekend. Frankly, I’d be happy to have a very quiet, no visitor, no visiting weekend. I’ve got stuff I need to do around the house anyway, plus, we need to exchange one of my son’s presents. Have a good weekend all. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2006, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070/200 "2006-01-07T02:15:40Z")
WHO got 100% on the arithmetic portion of her sample test? 😃 (ok, it was only 5 questions, but I got them all right!)…just don’t mention geometry, kay? I have spent the last 6+ hours studying math. D’ya know–I think I didn’t give enough of a chance in school. I kinda like pluggin’ in numbers. I have started to be able to at least set up some word problems–trouble is I can’t seem to do the next step. (the problems are usually at least two steps: so I can solve part A, but am not sure how to incorporate it into part B). My first test (which I did cold)–I got 22 wrong and 9 right on the first part. This time I got 23 right and 8 wrong! YAY ME!!! Crap-I have a bloody nose. Blech. Curse you, math! tomorrow–math review, “hard” verbal practice and complete sample test #2. Sunday–ditto. Monday-ditto. Memorize any formula that might help (I have lousy short term memory). tuesday-work Wednesday-meeting at work in AM(akd this one woman to write a reference for me to grad school for application), PM spent in review. Thursday–test. Either relief, jubilation or complete emotional devastation. Looking forward to it! (not) Hope everyone’s weekend is great. Oldest son turns 14 on Monday (he’s taller than I am, too–but he still minds me…) I got him that Monty Python book by all the Pythons (well, not Chapman)–it’s big and heavy and he loves those crazy guys. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mmp-the-year-in-review/338070.md?page=11)