Down In the Dumps: Write this Way

It’s been a few days and I’m still moping around like somebody drained my retirement account and sucked the life out of me right along with it. I think the term used to describe my demeanor was “out of character“. It’s true. First of all, I have nothing to say, no punch lines, no jokes, no nothing. That’s not me.

I haven’t felt like doing much of anything either, I’ve been on strike.¹ Every living thing for itself.

Sleep seems to be the only thing on my mind these days. I hate to admit this, but earlier this week someone became ill at work and I was told that they were resting in the other room on the couch. After they finished giving me additional instructions, all I could think was: “There’s a couch in that room?”

I’ve been so pathetic that I even went on the internet and typed in a search for ways to get out of a bad mood. How lame. I should do what?

Listen to music and dance, I’m not a cast member of Fame. Breaking out in a song or dance in the middle of an attitude does not happen in real life. Although doing The Carlton Dance always makes me feel better.

Take a bubble bath. Ahhh, yes, that sounds nice. Get a massage? Pamper myself? Tell me more.

Get a make over? Do I really look that bad? I know it’s been days since I combed my hair and yes my appearance is connected to my mood.

Okay, fine. I’ll do it, but before I go for my extreme makeover, to all those who have been putting up with my attitude, I just want to say one thing: You should be used to me by now I’m sorry and thanks for not bailing. Send cookies.

Writing, laughing, etc. is therapeutic and it’s free. What gets you out of a funk? Thanks to [http://slam101.blogspot.com/] who gave me the idea to use meez.com in this blog post.

actual picture of my kitchen [↩]

Posted on October 10, 2008 at 10:43 am by Natural · Permalink
In: Emotions, Humor, Life · Tagged with: Animation, Meez, Moods

64 Responses

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Written by Kat
on October 10, 2008 at 11:02 am
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AHHHHHHHHHHHH V Now I am unhappy that you are so unhappy. I want the old V back. However believe me you are not alone many of have and are still going through these stages. They do pass and then all is well. Trying to think of something funny to make you laugh but I know all to well that nothing will at this point. Head held high, smile on face and know that we love you – it gets better.
Written by Kat
on October 10, 2008 at 11:02 am
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Oh, I love these people where did you find them?
Written by BloggerNewbie
on October 10, 2008 at 12:57 pm
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@ Natural

your characters are too cute. must be starting to feel better? I always sing the chorus of “I FEEL GOOD” and if you could hear me that would make you laugh too! I can’t decide if I would rather have the boo hoos or the I want to choke everyone in my sight days? I had then both this week. It is going to be too nice this weekend to feel anything but joy. Have a great weekend.
Written by Monique
on October 10, 2008 at 1:17 pm
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Awww. I am so sorry to hear you are down in the dumps.

However, even though you think you have lost your funny, you most certainly have not. I laughed hysterically at everything you wrote… even though I maybe shouldn’t have.

{{{{{hug}}}}}

Monique´s last blog post..Just Because YOU Put Them There Doesn’t Mean I Am Going To…
Written by Urban Panther
on October 10, 2008 at 1:48 pm
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Actually, I think life should be one big Gap commercial with everyone spontaneously breaking into dance. The world would be such a happy happy place then!

When I’m down in the dumpies, my daughter sternly threatens me with the following: “Mom! Do NOT make me do the chicken dance.” Works every time.

Urban Panther´s last blog post..Creative collaboration
Written by Vered - MomGrind
on October 10, 2008 at 2:12 pm
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Lunch with a friend… exercise… a full body massage.

Vered – MomGrind´s last blog post..Beauty Standards Have Sure Changed
Written by Rita
on October 10, 2008 at 2:20 pm
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Natural,

Accept that you are going through a rough time. Learn to control it – with professional help, if necessary – rather than letting it control you. If need be, take some time off from blogging. Those of us who love your words WILL be here when you get back, and a “Welcome Home” party is a great pick-me-up!

Rita
Written by Dot
on October 10, 2008 at 2:48 pm
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Sounds like you’re in a mild depression. What I do, don’t know if this appeals to you at all, is to go back to the start of the depression and try to figure out what happened that caused it. Did something touch on an old grief, a crushed dream, or some other painful thing inside me? If it did, then I allow that painful feeling to come out. I think of depression as a sad or angry feeling in hiding. When it comes out, I feel sad or angry or whatever, but I’m not depressed any more.

I don’t really feel I know you well enough to give advice, especially since you haven’t really asked for any, but I’m sad that you’re down in the dumps.

Dot´s last blog post..Haiku Friday
Written by Roschelle
on October 10, 2008 at 7:36 pm
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You are so cute and extremely expressive. I love visiting here. I know just what you mean. when I’m in “the dumps”….sleep is my only salvation. I’ve been feeling rather dumpy quite a bit lately. thank God for blogging. It takes my mind off of things I really have no control of anyway. Hope you’re feeling better soon.

Roschelle´s last blog post.."That One" is worth going to jail for
Written by Matthew Dryden
on October 10, 2008 at 9:52 pm
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Writing is always therapeutic for me. Write, just freaking write. Those 2000 thoughts a day that don’t matter? Make them into words. Into text, into a collage of emotions over the monochrome canvas.

Cute Meez. I’ve never seen those before.

Matthew Dryden´s last blog post..If You Don’t Stop Being Negative…
Written by Marelisa
on October 10, 2008 at 11:03 pm
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Hi Natural: I’m sorry you’re feeling down in the dumps. I’m glad the laughter yoga video helped a little bit. I’m so going to check out meez.com, the images on this blog post are awesome
Written by Bamboo Forest
on October 10, 2008 at 11:09 pm
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A long walk can get me out of a funk. Any athletic endeavor, really.

Or, sitting down with a nice cup of tea can help too.

I like the pictures, really cool.

Bamboo Forest´s last blog post..7 Paths to Excessive Wealth
Written by Corrina
on October 10, 2008 at 11:38 pm
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I hope you’re in better spirits soon, friend. I love those illustrations too!

You need a white russian.
Written by Davina
on October 11, 2008 at 12:21 am
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Hi Natural. I’m sorry to read that you are feeling down. I went through a pretty rough time over the summer (one of the lowest ever). It eventually passed… or I passed it by perhaps. I really hope you find your way through this to the other side soon. I am thinking of you

Davina´s last blog post..Thanks, It Means The World To Me
Written by Kelly@SHE-POWER
on October 11, 2008 at 2:20 am
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What gets me out of a funk? I can’t remember because I have dreadful PMT and have been acting like a homicidal maniac all day.

My only consolation is it will be over in a few days and then I can go back to being happy because it’s my BIRTHDAY this week and dammit I should be happy for my birthday!

Good luck with the makeover and the dancing. I’m sure this will pass soon. It’s easier not to resist, I think. Sometimes we’re up, other times we’re down. It’s the way of the world.

Or is that my PMT talking?

Kelly
Written by Mike Goad
on October 11, 2008 at 2:50 am
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How about writing a humorous post about feeling down and then getting support from people who are reading — or skimming — your blog?

I know I don’t comment often, but I hope that some of the comments that have been left help and that you get through this very soon.

Mike Goad´s last blog post..Buy! Buy! Buy! — We did!
Written by Robin
on October 11, 2008 at 2:58 am
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I LOVE your animations. They’re so animated. I wish I could invite you over for a cup of tea! Or something stronger.

Anyway, as pathetic as it sounds, I find an afternoon nap works for me – and maybe an early night.

Robin´s last blog post..Why We Want To Live
Written by Kathy
on October 11, 2008 at 6:07 am
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More Carlton dances! That’ll do it. Also, might I suggest exercise? I’m not one to talk, but when I do it, I’m always more energetic and upbeat. It’s OK. You can curse the whole way through it, just like I do. I promise to workout today in your honor.

Oh, and the Carlton dances can’t hurt. I do love the Apache one, too, where both Carlton and the Fresh Prince get down. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3pXIFQ5wOM

Feel better!
Written by cardiogirl
on October 11, 2008 at 6:42 am
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Down in the dumps sucks it like no one’s business. But I have to say you showed it in a very creative way! I love those characters. My favorites are Mom on Strike and Dance Jam (insert jazz hands here).

As you know, I’ve been hanging in the dumps for a while now and I have to say the thought of putting on music and dancing it out sort of pisses me off, no offense.

I guess that’s like exercising and exercising does not piss me off, so I suppose it all works out in the end.

Good luck fighting the funk.

cardiogirl´s last blog post..The book of questions, Volume 13
Written by Evelyn Lim
on October 11, 2008 at 8:26 am
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I love the pictures! They are wonderful! Such a refreshing change after having read so many blogs before yours!

Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..Heroes Of Healing: Neale Donald Walsch
Written by Jay
on October 11, 2008 at 8:42 am
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What gets me out of a funk? Gosh .. let me see. Johnny Depp can help! And no, I’m not kidding. Watching certain movies or interviews does help, he always makes me smile.

Apart from that, if it’s a serious funk, sometimes I can be jolted out of it by something bad happening to someone else, other times that makes it worse. You know – I mean jolted out of it by having to think of someone else and help them out, I don’t mean feeling happy that they’re worse off than me.

What doesn’t help is eating chocolate. Feels good at the time, but then the guilt sets in.

I hope you shake it soon. Maybe if you set aside the weekend to sleep as much as you need to, that will help?
Written by John Edwards
on October 11, 2008 at 3:32 pm
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Everybody gets down in the dumps every now and then, I guess it is just part of life. Finding ways to cheer yourself up can be invaluable. It is different for everybody. If you know of a couple things that can get yourself cheered up and back to normal you can save you a lot of time.

John Edwards´s last blog post..Baltimore Real Estate
Written by Cath Lawson
on October 11, 2008 at 4:13 pm
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Hi Valerie – even when you’re in a bad mood – you cheer me up. Funny stuff like this always makes me feel better when I’m having a shit time.

Cath Lawson´s last blog post..Be A Business Success Story, No Matter What Your Age
Written by Lana
on October 11, 2008 at 5:08 pm
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I hope you’re feeling much better soon.
When I’m down my hubby’s of great help to me. He’s a smart cookie & he helps me sort through things. He also brings home chocolate. Toldja he was smart! *L*

Lana´s last blog post..1st Anniversary
Written by JD at I Do Things
on October 11, 2008 at 5:29 pm
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Aw. I’m sorry you’re down. I am definitely a fan of pampering via a spa visit. For me, it’s massage. I’m not into the facials or makeovers so much. Also: online shopping. Buy yourself something pretty and unique from etsy.com. It goes without saying that chocolate should be a big part of any recovery process. I hope you feel better soon. And don’t worry about any of us bailing: we’re not going anywhere!

Love your meez!

JD at I Do Things´s last blog post..I AM SICK so you don’t have to be
Written by The Fitness Diva
on October 11, 2008 at 5:34 pm
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Hope you’re in better spirits soon!

The Fitness Diva´s last blog post..Cool Body Facts #2
Written by Tondy
on October 11, 2008 at 8:50 pm
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Hello. I’m sorry you feel kinda blue, “join the club” at least yours is temporary, hopefully? I can’t give you much advice on how to cheer yourself up since everything I’ve tried hasn’t worked. I used to bake but now I’m on a diet, which sucks.

Tondy´s last blog post..Sometimes you just don’t have a title and this is one of those times!
Written by DJ
on October 11, 2008 at 9:11 pm
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Glad I’m not the only one, I could have slept all day if I didn’t have a 4 yr old. Nice work with Meez, you reminded me I have an account there. I never thought about working it into a post, thanks for the idea!

DJ´s last blog post..Holiday Shopping Help.
Written by tricia
on October 12, 2008 at 12:33 am
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Maybe it’s the season. I always seem to get in a funk about now–and I love this time of year. Hope you feel better soon. I really loved this–it is so cute! Thanks for sharing.

tricia´s last blog post..The clubhouse
Written by Jacqueline
on October 12, 2008 at 4:17 am
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Hope some of that entertainment you gave us rubbed off on you.

Jacqueline´s last blog post..Atlanta Trusts Tiffanie Davis With Intimate Details
Written by Lord Likely
on October 12, 2008 at 8:35 am
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Whenever I feel depressed, I lighten my mood considerably by thrashing my man-servant soundly for a good twenty-five minutes. Works wonders.

Of course, this advice may prove useless if you do not have a man-servant.

At any rate, I wish you all the best, m’dear! I hope you rediscover your sparkle very soon!

Lord Likely´s last blog post..A Second Helping of Lord Likely’s Big Hairy Ballads
Written by Squawkfox
on October 12, 2008 at 11:34 am
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Sometimes going for a nice walk with my iPod or some podcasts helps me improve my mood. There are days I just need to be alone, and boosting the heart rate can do wonders. Hope you feel better soon!

Squawkfox´s last blog post..Apples, Apples, and Apples Oh My!
Written by PaulsHealthBlog.com
on October 12, 2008 at 1:10 pm
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The characters make all of the difference in this post!

I kept scrolling down to see what the next one would look like.

Good job and nice post.

And keep your head up too. All will be fine.

PaulsHealthBlog.com´s last blog post..Sarah Palin Speaks at East Carolina University
Written by Natural
on October 12, 2008 at 1:47 pm
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thanks everyone:

Kat, I don’t know anyone who is a good mood all the time. Once in a while I wake up and the next few days are just ugly. I feel better today. Go to Meez.com, you can make them there.

BloggerNewbie, I am starting to feel better. The sleep helped a lot. Thanks.

Monique, I certainly don’t like feeling down or blank. Sometimes I embrace it too long. ~~Screaming~~ Announcing and acknowledging it helps too! Thanks!

Urban Panther, the chicken dance? How can you not laugh at that. Hey funk happens, right?

Vered, coming, coming and coming. I actually feel like doing all of those things now.

Rita, I have accepted it, just haven’t figured out what’s wrong, nothing in particular or out of the ordinary is bothering me. Blogging about what I’m feeling and some extra rest helped a lot. Time off from blogging or do you mean from work? Thanks Rita.

Dot, I can’t think of any one thing that stands out that’s bothering me. I’m quiet, but hardly ever sad and I don’t get angry easily or even a lot. Maybe I just need to recharge my batteries.

Roschelle, that what I have been doing, going to bed and sleeping. Maybe I’ll set my bed time back to 10:00 too. Anywho, as of today, I’m feeling recharged…actually too recharged.

Matthew, I hear ya on the writing part. I probably need to do more “mindless” writing or blogging…hey maybe I’ll do that. Thanks.

Marelisa, yeah that video did make me smile. It’s fun acting silly and not caring what “the neighbors” think. Never heard of Laughing Yoga.

Bamboo Forest, I do enjoy strolling around the neighborhood when the weather is good, like today. Thanks.

Corrina, I’m getting there. Got my music on now and have been engaging in other pick me up activities. Mood has improved. Thanks.

Davina, maybe I need to start paying more attention to when I’m feeling down, but I get funky and it does pass or like you said, I pass it. Thanks so much.

Kelly, thanks. Maybe it is just the way of the world. No one is up all the time, without drugs.

Mike Goad, that’s a good idea, why didn’t I think of that. I do like to turn “what’s wrong” into “what’s funny”, coping mechanism? It got my mind off of me. Thanks for leaving a comment, I’ve seen you over at Panther’s Lair.

Robin, txs. I wish I could come for tea and something stronger. Maybe fatigue caught up with me, dunno. I took a ½ hour nap this afternoon, got some much needed sun.

Kathy, well I did my Carlton dance this morning, albeit it was at the breakfast table, but that was an indication that things were looking up. I expect you to do enough exercise for me to lose 18 lbs., please. Txs.

CardioGirl, it does, especially when you can’t give an explanation for why you’re down. Music gives me a boost most times, just listening to it anyway.

Evelyn, thanks. A picture is worth a thousand words I didn’t want to write? They did perk me up.

Jay, good ole JD. I’m sure he perks you up. Funny you should say this: something bad happening to someone else. My friend emailed me a copy of her bill and this was the first laugh I had all week.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ntrlwmn/2934987576/

John Edwards, I agree. I know who and what cheers me up. We all have good and bad days, some longer than others.

Cath, believe me, I haven’t felt like my cheery self, but I’m near back to being silly. Feels good.

Lana, I am, thanks. Chocolate is good, a smart cookie will get eaten. I don’t discriminate. Again, Happy Anniversary!

JD, I need a lot of pampering, massages are good. I’m feeling better and I’m ready to go back out in to the world and be a ~~nuisance~~ productive member of society. Txs.

The Fitness Diva, thanks. I am. Am I ready to exercise?

Tondy, yeah it’s temporary. I don’t like being like this. I have people to bug. I did buy a cookbook yesterday, gonna try some new stuff.

DJ, sleep is great. It’s almost the cure all. I’ll try to remember to check to see what you did with your Meez.

Tricia, the thought of winter gives me the blues for sure, but I love Fall enough, as long as the sun is out anyway.

Jacqueline, laughter is the best medicine. Almost.

Lord Likely, you would. . I don’t have the kind of man servant you’re talking about…thanks.

Squawkfox, walks are great for days like today. It’s beautiful outside and I’m on my way to enjoy it. Thanks.

Paul, the characters do add a little something to the post. They made me smile and took my mind off of me…doing something creative when not really wanting to.
Written by Jay
on October 12, 2008 at 2:43 pm
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Good grief! That’s some phone bill! LOL!
Written by liza
on October 12, 2008 at 2:55 pm
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writing is really a great therapy thanks for sharing, i wish i could go on a strike to, lol. and i need a make over too.

have a great week ahead.

liza´s last blog post..Stress or Bugs?
Written by sandy k
on October 12, 2008 at 3:47 pm
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I just let it pass for I believe it’s the entire psyche’s way of preparing for challenges on down the road.. skI am good to myself at these times though. Extremely good!~!!

sandy k´s last blog post..Halloween Parade 2008 – Pick your favorite Costume
Written by Babs - beetle
on October 12, 2008 at 7:41 pm
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I’m a bit late on this post, but glad you are feeling better now. I love all the pictures!

Babs – beetle´s last blog post..Another double boost award!
Written by Solomon@ThingsI'mGratefulFor
on October 13, 2008 at 5:02 am
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When I’m feeling down, the reason why depends on how I react to it.

If I’m in a stressed-out, ticked off kind of downer, I go for a walk in the fresh air, maybe with my camera. The exercise helps me burn off the adrenaline, and the fresh air clears my head.

If I’m in a mopey kind of downer, I try to do some activity that inspires me, like clearing off my desk. I get instant visual gratification, and an improved environment.

If I’m in one of those downers where the cloud descends from nowhere, and I have no idea why I’m actually depressed, I enter into the mood, and allow myself to feel down. I put on a sad movie, or something like that, and let myself feel the mood.

And if it’s one of those scary downers where an entire pack of black dogs appear, and I don’t want to continue living, I lock myself in my room, and play ABBA constantly. Never fails.

Solomon@ThingsI’mGratefulFor´s last blog post..Things I’m Grateful For on Monday 6 October
Written by Miguel de Luis
on October 13, 2008 at 8:07 am
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Terribly funny, and helpful, you rock big time. I’m adding this one to kirtsy and stumble.

Miguel de Luis´s last blog post..A story of two pencils (Life: use it or lose it)
Written by modern mom
on October 13, 2008 at 3:06 pm
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When I’m tired and stressed, I blog, it’s a good therapy too.

Thank for dropping by and your comment. See you around.

modern mom´s last blog post..Fabric Softener Wonders
Written by Julie
on October 13, 2008 at 3:12 pm
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Ah, Carlton. Well played. I feel ya. I recently wrote a little ditty about being miserable. Mine was PPD on top of my already crazy depressed self. I liked that post, gave misery a nice upbeat feel, if that makes sense. Hope you feel better. If not, we can wallow together over a bottle of wine

Julie´s last blog post..First Kiss
Written by meleah rebeccah
on October 13, 2008 at 8:50 pm
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Oh Honey. I had no idea you were feeling so crappy these days.

Um….I dont know what advice I can give you to ‘Get You Out Of The Funk’. I couldn’t get out of mine either…so “they” gave me medications..and now I just feel weird-er.

Lets get massages and facials together and then get hammered?

meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..I Be Sick Again
Written by Chris
on October 13, 2008 at 10:17 pm
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I feel bad that your down in the dumps but I’m LMAO with the visuals…

Chris´s last blog post..My Back
Written by Leeuna
on October 14, 2008 at 1:01 am
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I know how that feels! Hope you climb out of your slump soon. Love your blog. The animations are adorable.

Leeuna´s last blog post..What Would Lassie Think
Written by Mike Foster
on October 14, 2008 at 1:18 am
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Hope your funk is getting less funky…
Maybe this will help: I Miss My Hair

peace,
mike
livelife365

Mike Foster´s last blog post..How To Survive an Election Year Financial Meltdown
Written by shaxx
on October 14, 2008 at 3:39 am
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life is like that… anyway, cool animations!

shaxx´s last blog post..Datukship for Shah Rukh Khan
Written by Max
on October 14, 2008 at 7:10 am
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I love the animation. It is interesting how your “down time” cheers me up. You have such a great post. Thanks for keeping me in good spirits. And that cell phone bill is outrageous!!! LOL.
Written by Andy Bailey
on October 14, 2008 at 8:37 am
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what a great way to do a post! I really like the animations, they fit in nicely. like reading a comic/blog/cartoon!

Andy Bailey´s last blog post..Tell me what you want, what you really really want……. (please, no zigs or ahs)
Written by Rita
on October 14, 2008 at 12:05 pm
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Hey there!

I popped by to say a quick hello, tell you I’m thinking about you, and hope you’re feeling a bit better…

Rita