# The Surprise! MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [February 11, 2013, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946 "2013-02-11T05:49:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Sahirrnee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sahirrnee/32/13937_2.png) [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/81 "2013-02-12T15:22:41Z")
Nothing like a good drunk on to blow off some steam and clear your mind. I haven’t done that in years though… maybe I should. Happy Mardi Gras. I used to date a guy from Nawlins, well actually he was from Baltimore but he lived in Nawlins for a long time. The stories he could tell. I had a huge box of beads. I don’t watch this stuff too often but the Jodi Arias trial is on, I cannot believe the questions they are asking. I’d no prude but I wouldn’t want to be sitting in that court room. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/82 "2013-02-12T15:27:50Z")
> [@Noone\_Special](#): > > See, that’s your problem right there – it should have been (a euphemism) 😛 Chemically, alcohol is indeed a solution. ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/83 "2013-02-12T15:35:39Z")
> [@sahirrnee](#): > > Nothing like a good drunk on to blow off some steam and clear your mind. I haven’t done that in years though… maybe I should. While you can’t drown your sorrows, you most certainly can take them out for a swim. VWife has quite the collection of Mardi Gras beads. All obtained the old-fashioned way, too. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/84 "2013-02-12T15:54:45Z")
I quite drinking sodas again (Yay!). I’m having caffeine withdrawal headaches (Boo!). I got my apartment COMPLETELY CLEANED UP (Hooray!). I still need to do laundry (Boo!). Best surprise I’ve ever been a part of - my mom’s birthday about ten years ago. She and my dad had moved out to California. I’d followed a couple of years later and lived with them while I worked on my teacher credential. She was missing both of my brothers terribly, but there was no way for my older brother to get out to California for her birthday. My younger brother, though, only TOLD her he couldn’t be there, but worked with me to get find out her days off so he could come out that weekend. I asked a former coworker of my mom’s to set up a lunch with my mom, to get her out of the house when my brother arrived (his request, he has a sense of the dramatic). So, when she got home, my brother had taken her office chair and sat in it, facing away. When she came in, he flipped on the light, and turned around, with my cat in his lap. “Sooo,” he drawled. “We meet again.” Mom is definitely one of the best people I’ve ever known to surprise, because she’s always not just surprised but _delighted_. Bro and I got a momma bear hug that lasted several minutes. It was wonderful. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/85 "2013-02-12T15:58:35Z")
I had a bunch of Mardi Gras beads that I got in '77. I was there to march in 3 parades in uniform carrying the Navy flag, so no flashing ensued. I eventually gave them all to my daughter and she shared them with her friends at her 8th b-day party. \*\*kopek \*\*- the hunt for an RV will not be completed till this sequestration crap is over. No way do I want to make an expenditure in the thousands with our income potentially cut by 20% or more. But I did think about your favorite park when we started talking destinations… We’re leaving early today. \*\*FCD \*\*wants to take his bike to the dealer to get the MD inspection. Today looks to be the last semi-nice day for the immediate future. He can tend to that and I can get some laundry done. Plus I’m almost out of work here anyway. 😃 ---
**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:** [February 12, 2013, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/86 "2013-02-12T16:09:32Z")
When my husband turned 40, I threw a big surprise party for him. He was so pleased and had no idea that it was coming. This year, he turns 50! Hm, I’ve been thinking hard, but I can’t say anyone has ever done something to surprise me. Well, I take that back. Some “internet friends” from another board have sent me surprise little gifts in the mail. That was very nice and unexpected. **FCM** is right, I will be forced to take one day off every week starting some time in April, maybe March. We have severe budget woes at my place of work. For me, this equates to nearly 1200 bucks a month. Somehow, I don’t think my mortgage company will have any damn sympathy for me and cut me a break. :dubious: And, in all of this, no mention has been made as to how this affects our leave accrual and retirement deductions. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/87 "2013-02-12T16:12:03Z")
> [@VunderBob](#): > > VWife has quite the collection of Mardi Gras beads. All obtained the old-fashioned way, too. Since we’re scattered around the globe & can’t all be together, I haz idea to celebrate Fat Tuesday: Mumper females, here is a [picture](http://www.partycity.com/search.do?query=mardi+gras+beads) of beads. Please send appropriate pictures back. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/88 "2013-02-12T16:15:00Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > Since we’re scattered around the globe & can’t all be together, I haz idea to celebrate Fat Tuesday: > > Mumper females, here is a [picture](http://www.partycity.com/search.do?query=mardi+gras+beads) of beads. Please send appropriate pictures back. 😃 Calm yourself, Spidey, or we will return to the Harley discussion. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/89 "2013-02-12T16:19:19Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > Please send appropriate pictures back. 😃 I think [this](http://www.fitnessgurusam.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/fat-man.jpg)is appropriate! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![tarragon918](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d26b3c/32.png) [@tarragon918](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tarragon918)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/90 "2013-02-12T16:20:24Z")
Has anyone asked if it is going to affect the CSRS payments to retirees?! Ye gods! I had a minor attack when I read that. I have not as yet recovered. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/91 "2013-02-12T16:38:24Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I think [this](http://www.fitnessgurusam.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/fat-man.jpg)is appropriate! 😃 No! Wrong! Guess again! That is definately **in** appropriate! :eek: ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/92 "2013-02-12T16:44:34Z")
\*\*tarra \*\*- pensions are not affected. Just the currently employed - Congress apparently thinks they can make themselves look good by stickin’ it to the underworked, overpaid civil servants who suckle at the government teat to the detriment of everyone else… :rolleyes: Wassamatter, **Spidey**??? 😛 OK, back to work with me, since we’ll be leaving in a bit over an hour. ---
**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:** [February 12, 2013, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/93 "2013-02-12T16:46:06Z")
According to what I’ve read, Federal employees, both CSRS and FERS will continue to receive their retirement pay. ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/94 "2013-02-12T17:16:12Z")
In the interest of surprises, I have two to announce. The good: I am a winner of today’s irk-related chili cookoff, for the best pot of mild chili. 🆒 The bad: I entered it in the medium category. 😕 :dubious: As a prize for entering, I have a couple of nifty strands of Mardi Gras beads. I didn’t even have to flash for them. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Vorlon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@The\_Vorlon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Vorlon)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/95 "2013-02-12T17:18:14Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > Good morning and Happy Mardi Gras!! I don’t want any beads and I ain’t gonna flash, so let’s just nip that thought in the bud. 😛 > > CEO sent out an email last night about the impending sequester. IF it happens, gummint workers will get an unpaid day off once a week for 22 weeks - till the end of the fiscal year, I believe. For the non-math inclined, that’s a 20% pay cut (and 20% work cut, but no one minds taking a day off as much as they mind losing $$$$) He said contractors will be asked to abide by the same rules, and he didn’t say, but I am assuming, that I’ll get even fewer hours than that. They could tell me to take a month off without penalty. So we shall see. On the up side, it’ll be spring before it happens (mid-April, he’s saying) making it good yard-working weather, so there’s that. > > Of course, all this sequester news being put out may be a ploy to get everyone to contact their elected representatives and tell them to get their asses to work and pass a budget, seein’s as we haven’t had one for 3 years. I’m guessing if any of us couldn’t be bothered to do our jobs for 3 years, we’d be out of a job. Funny how the politicians keep getting reelected… > > idiots. > > Well, at least we’ve got our health, right? > > 😃 > > Happy Tuesday! Moooooooom said “nip” ---
**Author:** ![The\_Vorlon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@The\_Vorlon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Vorlon)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/96 "2013-02-12T17:25:44Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I think [this](http://www.fitnessgurusam.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/fat-man.jpg)is appropriate! 😃 **MY EYES!!!** The goggles do nothing:eek: ---
**Author:** ![janis\_and\_c0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janis_and_c0/32/21_2.png) [@janis\_and\_c0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janis_and_c0)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/97 "2013-02-12T17:28:10Z")
Ok, **Spidey** , here are [boobies](http://www.google.com/imgres?q=blue-footed+boobies&um=1&hl=en&safe=off&sa=N&tbo=d&rlz=1T4NNVC_enUS475US475&biw=785&bih=342&tbm=isch&tbnid=dH6b8q0zQTYCiM:&imgrefurl=http://www.atomicnerds.com/%3Fp%3D381&docid=7yceoqjpbMA0rM&imgurl=http://www.atomicnerds.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/bluefootedboobies.jpg&w=810&h=640&ei=3XcaUfW9Aqe30gHe0YC4DQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=313&sig=111979270723097995446&page=1&tbnh=131&tbnw=160&start=0&ndsp=5&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:101&tx=112&ty=27)! Blue-footed boobies that is! 😛 **MOOOOOOM** , well _I_ liked it! Hubba hubba!:o \*\*roo \*\*- your brother is awesome.😃 **Emily** , Good luck ((((Hugs)))) **Vorlon** , Soitenly you may! Dumpster fries: Cut up potaotoes, season & spray with oil, bake for 30-45 mins or use frozen seasoned curly fries & bake according to directions. Add ridiculous ammount of cheese, (REAL!) bacon bits, tomato, green onion & chopped up jalepenos, if desired. Bake 5 more minutesTop with dumpster dressing (Ranch with about 1 T Taco seasoning mixed into it) Voila! Dumpster fries! **PB** is leaving for work this afternoon & this living room needs swept & cleaned, but no other real plans for today. Tomorrow though, I gotta do some shopping as our first anniversary is coming up (holy cow, can ya believe it?!) L8er g8ers! ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/98 "2013-02-12T17:41:06Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > Wassamatter, **Spidey**??? 😛 Wassamatter? Wassamatter??? I specifically stated _female_… …& some things just can’t be unseen. Suddenly, 1% milk ain’t so bad. ---
**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:** [February 12, 2013, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/99 "2013-02-12T17:43:10Z")
**Pearl** I remember pics from the weddin’. Wow! A whole year has gone by! 🆒 I shall soon need to make dumpster fries. I’m sure **gt** will add the recipe to the blog. **roo** yay on everything! Boo on needin’ to do laundry. I detest doin’ laundry. I don’t know why really cause it ain’t like I have to take it down to the crick and beat it on a rock and hang it on bushes to dry. I have a very nice washer and dryer. Still I detest it. The surprise bro and you pulled on your mom is really jake. **Spidey** lucky for you I am at irk or it could be much worse. 😛 I did manage to eat the soup for **N.O.L.** Still full though which is a good thing as it will keep me from divin’ head first into a pile of bacony goodness tonight. I’m told that’s not polite to do in public. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946/100 "2013-02-12T17:52:48Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Chemically, alcohol is indeed a solution. and if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the precipitate. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-surprise-mmp/649946.md?page=6)