Many Happy Returns

Have you ever wondered where the term many happy returns comes from? I have wondered, but now I wonder no more. My astrologer explained it on his website today:

The heavenly bodies in our solar system are forever circling the sky. When one of them gets back to the position it occupied on the day a person was born, we say it has 'returned'. When the Sun appears to come back we say it is a 'birthday' and wish each other 'Many Happy Returns'.
~Jonathan Cainer (cainer.com)

Who'd a thunk it??

How the Easter Bunny Came to Be

Bunnies spring forth

For countless centuries, around the first full moon of Spring, Europeans have held a festival in honour of Eostre, spirit of the dawn. She symbolises fertility and fecundity, qualities that were desperately important to the ancients. They remain essential to us all today. Without the birth of new creatures and the rebirth of plants after winter, everyone would soon starve. Eostre had a husband, Lepus, who took the form of a hare. According to legend, Eostre granted him the ability to lay eggs. Over time, the hare became even more emasculated. He is now the Easter Bunny. But even in the Southern Hemisphere where the seasons are reversed, the goddess, clearly, still holds her power.

~ Jonathan Cainer (astrologer, March 23, 2008)

Easter Thoughts

Today is Easter Sunday. A Christian holiday based on pagan traditions and coinciding with the spring equinox. It is a day of awakening. A day of new beginnings. A day that celebrates the anniversary of a life-changing experience on Earth.

Friday was Good Friday. A day when we remember the agonizing, cruel death of our Lord, stripped, scorned, mocked, and nailed to a cross to die along with two thieves. That cross at Golgotha has become a very important symbol in the lives of millions of Christians worldwide. What does it mean to you?

For me, this Easter season has been a challenging one for personal reasons. I have been trying to equate my own life to that of our Lord through this week. He had throngs of supporters as He travelled into the town on the back of a donkey just hours before His death, just as His first ride had been just hours before His birth. No wonder the donkey dons a cross upon its back. Such a blessed animal.

I see this throng of supporters in my life as my friends. Some of them are offering to be there for me too during this "dark Friday" part of my journey. Each has their own way of showing they care. I am grateful for them all.

Jesus was then wrongfully accused of what those in power deemed to be a crime. In reality, it was nothing more than a perceived threat to them. One they would not have. So He was condemned to a gruesome beating and subsequent death. Many times I have also felt as though I have been condemned and crucified wrongfully. Other times, circumstances make me feel very, very sad and outcast and without hope. Those times are my Good Fridays. Sometimes someone gathers at my feet (metaphorically, not necessary literally) to hold my hand through my pain.

The big difference for me is that I am still awaiting my Easter Sunday. I have yet to arise from the dead; to receive that Easter miracle; that great ascension into a beautifully transformed life. I try to take hope from that, but it's not easy. I know that Jesus died for me and for you. Still, my Easter has not come. I have waited many years for it, albeit not patiently by times, and I remain grasping at hope that it will come soon. I want a glorious ascension into the life I have longed for. Surely someone up above will guide me on my way.

May each of you experience your Easter journey in your own lives. Despite our Good Fridays, Sunday always comes. I believe it will for you and it will for me. However, it will be in God's time. May He grant us a speedy ascension. Happy Easter!

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Well, it's been a while since I last wrote. At that time, Santa was on his way, now it's the Easter Bunny. Oh well, both have some fur, and they both only come once a year.

Easter is early this year. This is Holy Week. Each day this week, we should take time to think of what is most important in our lives. On Friday, we remember the crucifixion of our Lord. An ending that we mourn, when he hung his head and said, "It is done." Three days later, a new beginning emerged for Him. One of eternal peace, joy, happiness, and love.

It's ironic that my life and those of others around me seem to be echoing that same pattern. May you see the ending of those things in life that you no longer want and need and see the dawning of those things that are unimaginably magic and bring you great joy, happiness, peace and love. I know that is what I am hoping and praying for. Magic ... pure magic.

Happy Easter!

Holiday Eating Tips

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10 000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk . If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them
behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have SOME standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Christmas Will Be Different This Year

On Monday, December 10, 2007, I lost my Mom very suddenly. This has been a very difficult week. It feels very odd to suddenly be an orphan. We had visitation where we saw many family members and friends offering their love and support. The funeral was yesterday.

One of my cousins brought me a poem, which I had the priest read during the service. I would like to share it with those of you who are experiencing a first Christmas without someone you love. I hope it brings you the comfort it brings me.

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the music can't compare with the Christmas choir here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
Be happy for me loved ones. You know I hold you dear.
Be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all "Love" is a gift more precious than gold.
It is always more important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessings or love He has for you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember ... I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

~ Author Unknown

New Emoticons

I just saw this posted elsewhere. I thought it was cute and wanted to share it with you.

**************

We all know those little computer symbols called 'emoticons,' where:

:) means a smile and

:( is a frown.

Sometimes these are represented by

:-)

:-(

Well, how about some 'ASSICONS?'
Here it goes:

(_!_) a regular ass

(__!__) a fat ass

(!) a tight ass

(_*_) a sore ass

{_!_} a swishy ass

(_o_) an ass that's been around

(_x_) kiss my ass

(_X_) leave my ass alone

(_zzz_) a tired ass

(_E=mc2_) a smart ass

(_$_) Money coming out of his ass

(_?_) Dumb Ass

You have just been e-mooned!

Thanksgiving, Thanksliving

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. On this day, I give thanks for the following things:

• For the noise around me that means I can hear.
• For the daylight and dark, which means I can see.
• For fresh air because it means I am alive and breathing.
• For a roof over my head.
• For food on my table.
• For clothes on my back.
• For a car to take me where I need to go.
• For public transit to take me to work and back each day.
• For my job because it means I can earn a living and have a direct affect on many thousands of teachers and students in our province.
• For friends who are there for me when I need them.
• For my children, who will hopefully be there for me one day as I grow old.
  
• For the rain in my life because it means I will later appreciate the rainbow.
• For the winters that come because it means I will appreciate a warmer spring.
• For the beautiful colours of fall because it means I am not colour-blind.

There is so much more that I give thanks for, even on the days (like today) when I find it hard to feel that gratitude as deeply as I should. We should all be giving thanks daily that we wake up in the morning and for each event that we face each day. If we always strive to be thankful for everything in our lives, even the struggles and challenges, then we are living thanks too.

God bless you all and thank you for being my friend.

So Incredibly Sad ... So Unfortunately True

I don't know if this is an actual happening, but it accurately states what we here in Canada also now face. I believe it is a sad state of affairs.


Tennessee Football Game

This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLeod.

"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country."

Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it "an alternate lifestyle," and if someone is offended, that's OK.

I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, "safe sex." If someone is offended, that's OK.

I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem ...

I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology."

I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it "enlightenment."

However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated.

This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments.

Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.

For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time.

"However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law—yet."

One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray. They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box!

The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America—the Seat of "Justice" in the "one nation, under GOD."

Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee Remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains!

JESUS said, "If you are ashamed of ME before men, then I will be ashamed of you before MY FATHER."

What Are You Thinking?

Have you ever watched a beggar on the street with his/her sign and a container of some sort looking for money? Has anyone ever stopped you on the street and asked for money for a cup of coffee or a hot meal? Did you give them any? What were your thoughts about these people. If you are like most of us, you would wonder why the heck they don't clean themselves up and get respectable jobs like the rest of us. We work for our money so why should we hand it over to someone who chooses not to work?

Have you watched a young person walking down the street with hair in an array of colours like bright pink, blue, or purple? Or maybe the person wearing chains from their waist and rings in their eyes, lips, and noses and tattoed body parts? What about the person who is dirty and smelly and appears to not have changed their clothing in weeks or longer? Most people would make comments like, Did you see that person? I would never let my kid come home looking like that!, Doesn't that person know what soap and water is?

What about the criminal accused of heinous crimes, like mass murders and child molesters? We often persecute them and ask for the death sentence to pay for their crimes.

Think about this:

• That beggar may be experiencing issues in their life that we do not know about. It may be issues that they do not yet know how to address themselves. Yes, it is possible they want the money for drugs or alcohol to feed an addiction, but we cannot know that. If we were in their shoes, would we truly be any different?
• That person who is dirty and smelly? How did they come to be that way. What life experience put them on the street wandering around and not knowing where to go to get clean and having people continuously turn them away? If someone turned you out with only the clothes on your back and no money in your pocket, would you know where to turn?
• That young person who has coloured hair, chains, and piercings could very well be your son or daughter. Why do they choose to be that way? It is an expression of who they are, but does it mean they are not a good person with a pure heart? We tend to label them simply because of the clothes they choose to wear.
• Those mass murderers and child molesters, do they really understand what they are doing? It seems to me they have a psychological problem. Why was it not detected and treated when they were kids? Many parents refuse to believe something is wrong with their children and to seek help for them. Some parents treat their children in such a way that they turn to a life of crime. Is it then OK for society to choose to end their life in turn for another? Do two wrongs make a right?
  

There are any number of different ways that we look at people and situations and place our own standards and moral judgments upon them. Each of us needs to have our own set of standards that is right for us, but we do not have the right to force them on any other human being or judge them based on our own ideals? Would you want someone forcing their opinions or judgments on you? I'll bet you wouldn't.

I grew up in a family situation where someone else's opinions and prejudices were forced on me. I must conform or be judged and subjected to ridicule. Even times when I was minding my own business I was criticized for something or other. Someone who was unhappy with themselves or their life circumstances would judge me based on a reflection of themselves or out of envy that they were unable to feel or think in the direction I was.

I am an individual. I try always, in every situation, to be who I really am. I am not perfect and never claimed to be. If I catch myself making judgments of others, I try to stop and reflect on the fact that I have not walked in their shoes, I have not lived their life, I do not know what they are facing or dealing with in their life anymore than they know that of me. Perhaps they, too, are judging me based on their standards.

I learned the Golden Rule as a child, and I try to live by it as much as possible. I believe in God, and what He has taught me is that there is nothing greater in this world then love, absolutely nothing. There are many kinds of love—love for a partner, your children, your parents and other family members, the love you feel for a friend, and the love we are called upon to extend to our neighbours (those who share our world).

I promise to try my best never to judge you. I have not walked in your shoes. I have not lived your life. And you have not walked in mine. God is my only judge and He is your only judge, and God is pure love.

Casting Spells

My astrologer tells me that right now I am a magician and should dust off my book of magic spells, clean the cauldron, and start thumbing through my spell book. He says that I should be looking for ways to draw down the power of the cosmos and trying to transform something significant. He also says I would be right to expect a great deal of success under these current special celestial circumstances.

Hmmm ... that has many possibilities. Now ... where did I put that eye of newt, toe of frog, wing of bat, and tongue of dog?? OK ... now, where is that spell in the book? Ah ... yes ... there it is ... page 69 ... love potion number 9.

Why not? Don't we all need a little extra loving? I sure do! If the cosmos want me to be happy, then I will do everything I can to assist it. Where do I start? Oh yes ... right ... with believing in myself, trusting my intuition, allowing God to help, and believing that I am loveable and would make someone a good partner. Sorry is that sounds egotistical. It is not meant to be. It is an affirmation of my self-worth ... and I believe I am worth it.

AAADD

AAADD—Know the symptoms. Please read!

Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder. Somehow I feel better, even though I have it!! Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. (Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder). This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden.

As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.

As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier.

I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.

I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full.

So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first.

But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my chequebook off the table, and see that there is only one cheque left.

My extra cheques are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking.

I'm going to look for my cheques, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over.

The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.

As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye—they need water.

I put the Coke on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning.

I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.

I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water, and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table.

I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.

I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.

So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill.

Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day:

the car isn't washed

the bills aren't paid

there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter

the flowers don't have enough water,

there is still only one cheque in my chequebook,

I can't find the remote,

I can't find my glasses,

and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.

Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all damn day, and I'm really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail.

Rose Garden

Welcome back, Keyboard. All of us who know you understand why there has been the hiatus. Personally, I look forward to the laughs you will once again share with your friends. Perhaps it will somehow spark some responses from me to keep mine going as well.

Feelings

Feelings ... are they good things or bad things? I don't think we would actually really be living if we didn't have feelings about our lives and the happenings in it.

Recently I've been enduring a whole lot of feelings ... and not all of them have been good. I've been happy by times ... those times are wonderful. I feel alive when I can laugh and smile. Those are my favourite times.

I've been sad ... those times are hard, but they make us appreciate the happy times all the more.

I've also been hurt ... those times are extremely painful. I don't believe the hurt was intentional, but then it seldom is. I don't like feeling that intensity of pain. Those are the times you are sure to find me on my knees praying and most likely crying too.

My astrologer says it is the planetary alignment doing this to us Aquarians and some other signs at the moment. I'll be glad when the planets move. I don't mind intense feelings when those feelings are the good kind: happiness, love, passion, romance, laughter, and plain old everyday kick-up-your-heels fun! That's how I want my life to be ... filled mostly with those things, and just enough of the others to help me maintain an appreciation of all that is good. The good stuff just has to be coming my way ... please!!

Dear Dad,

A letter to be sent on the wings of an angel:

Dear Dad,

It has now been 4 years since I last saw your smile and heard you laugh. Oh, how I miss that. I could always count on you to make me laugh, no matter what kind of day I was having. You knew the magic of a smile and the therapy of a laugh. You gave me that gift too.

I miss your bear hugs. You know, the ones where you would squeeze me tight and lift me clean off my feet? I would love to be able to pick up the phone and call you today, Dad, just to hear you say to me, "You're looking good." That used to make me laugh. Now we can have pictures attached to phone numbers that display when the person calls, but you never got the chance to see those.

I remember the silly things you did to make me laugh as a kid. The way you would take your top dentures out and turn them upside down and stick them out over your top lip. That was so silly, but it made me laugh. I miss the way I used to cuddle up on the bed with you on Saturday nights after a bath and watch Looney Tunes and wrestling with you. Dad, that poor coyote still hasn't caught the roadrunner. You would think with all the money he spent buying those ACME products to set a trap that he would just buy his dinner. Oh well.

Dad, I hope you are happy where you are. You were a happy, fun-loving man, and I thank you for what you meant to me. I still miss you, Dad, and I still love you very much. I will see you again one day. Happy Father's Day!

A Beautiful Rose

A rose is more than a beautiful flower. Today I lost a new-found friend. Her name was Rose. This Rose was a beautiful woman who shone from the inside out. She was everything to her family—a terrific mother, a wonderful grandmother, and best friend and soulmate to her husband. The connection she shared with him was amazing. The kind of love that everyone should have an opportunity to share in their lifetime.

I had heard so much about her and finally had the pleasure of meeting her a just a few short weeks ago. She had become ill, and I didn't get the opportunity to see her one more time before she passed on to a new life. My brief visit with her was memorable. We took to each other right away. She was warm, friendly, and had a great sense of humour. Her spirit was positive, and she spoke of angels lighting the way for her when she had temporarily lost her sight—a sign of her faith.

I know that Rose will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her family and George, the love of her life. Even though I did not know her well, I, too, will miss her. No other rose I've known could compare. So long, Rose, until we meet again. May the angels sing thee to thy rest.

Questions That Haunt Me

Can you cry under water?

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in"... but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?

If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!

If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

What Time Is It?

Time: All the days there have been or ever will be; the past, present, and future (Gage Canadian Dictionary)

Sometimes I get confused as to what time of day you call what. For instance, I know that the morning starts at 12:00:01 a.m., but that is also called the middle of the night. So, is it morning or night? If that is considered night time, what time does morning actually start?

I know that 12 noon starts afternoon, but at what point does it become evening? What time does evening become night?

If the sun marks daytime, what time is daytime? It varies every day as the sun stays out for different amounts of time.

If the sun's disappearance and the moon's appearance marks night, what time does night actually begin. It is dark by 5 p.m. in the winter. Is 5 p.m. afternoon, evening, or night?

What happens when there is a new moon (no moon in the sky)? Is it still nighttime if there is no moon to be seen?

Boy ... am I confused. Can someone please tell me what the hell time of day it is???

Public Service Announcement

It has been scientifically proven that if we drink 1 litre of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria found in feces—body waste. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop. However, we do not run that risk when drinking wine (or rum, whiskey, beer or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling or filtering and/or fermenting.

WATER = Poop
WINE = Health

Therefore, it is better to drink wine and talk stupid than to drink water and be full of shit. There is no need to thank me for this valuable information.I am doing it as a public service.

The Answer

an·ti·dis·es·tab·lish·men·tar·i·an·ism

/ˌæntiˌdɪsəˌstæblɪʃmənˈtɛəriəˌnɪzəm, ˌæntaɪ-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[an-tee-dis-uh-stab-lish-muhn-tair-ee-uh-niz-uhm, an-tahy-]

–noun

opposition to the withdrawal of state support or recognition from an established church, esp. the Anglican Church in 19th-century England.


Bet you didn't know that, did you?