Re: Lunch (connection with others)

[Guest guest]

Good for you Helena - hope you have an enjoyable time!

Kate

>

>

>

> I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today.  Working

part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the other women

I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but no one took me

up on that.  So I took the initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact,

because I have a gift card for a local restaurant.  I wonder if they would have

accepted otherwise?  ( That's my mind telling me " they really don't like ME "

)  I am old enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me

in the office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together.

>

>

> I'm going to enjoy it!

>

> Helena

>

[Guest guest]

Helena

I caught that you said I wonder if they would accept otherwise. I too have those

underlying thoughts when it comes to people. I figure its coming from a

childhood wound. But it comes often, I defuse it and tell myself another story,

keep on acting what I want- which is to fit in. Yet, it really doesnt have seem

to help.

If you or anyone has other suggestions, I would love to hear them.

Lin

>

>

>

> I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today.  Working

part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the other women

I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but no one took me

up on that.  So I took the initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact,

because I have a gift card for a local restaurant.  I wonder if they would have

accepted otherwise?  ( That's my mind telling me " they really don't like ME "

)  I am old enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me

in the office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together.

>

>

> I'm going to enjoy it!

>

> Helena

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, Lin, I did say that but defused it the moment it entered my mind (noting to myself that it was just my mind chattering). I let that thought drop immediately; sometimes I giggle at how silly my mind is. If it isn't working for you, maybe you are still buying into the thought (believing it) even though you say you are defusing it. Keep practicing - it took me awhile for it to sink in that I really didn't need to buy into such thoughts - they are silly and untrue. Such "I'm not worthy" thoughts probably do come from childhood wounds and become entrenched through habit (the habit of believing all your thoughts instead of just the true ones). But just as habits are learned, they can be unlearned. Maybe you are fighting giving up "the wounded child" view of yourself - which might have been useful (as an explanation) to you as you found your way in a world where your emotions and feelings made no sense? You are no longer a wounded child, and you can be a healed adult. My best to you as you continue your practice!

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 8:33:36 AMSubject: Re: Lunch (connection with others)

HelenaI caught that you said I wonder if they would accept otherwise. I too have those underlying thoughts when it comes to people. I figure its coming from a childhood wound. But it comes often, I defuse it and tell myself another story, keep on acting what I want- which is to fit in. Yet, it really doesnt have seem to help.If you or anyone has other suggestions, I would love to hear them. Lin>> > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today. Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the other women I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but no one took me up on that. So I took the initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card for a local restaurant. I wonder if they would have accepted otherwise? ( That's my mind telling me "they really don't like ME " ) I am old enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in the office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together. > > > I'm going to enjoy it! > > Helena>

[Guest guest]

That's a nice gesture on your part. If someone I work with who I've not gone to

lunch with invited me to a paid for lunch I think I'd say yes too. I don't know

if the yes would be about just yes or yes to your company you are someone I work

with and like to chat with and yes very appealing also to have my lunch paid

for.

But one thing is for sure. I would not enjoy talking about American Idol unless

it was about what I can't stand about it and other " reality " competition T.V.

shows that dominate today. Actually, I'd rather not talk much about T.V. at all,

but hey..you sound like really good company, Helena, from what I know of you.

I'd like to get to know you better. And I love a good lunch. So let's do lunch

anytime you're around. You can tell me what's so compelling to you about

American Idol and I'll listen.

kind regards,

terry

>

>

>

> I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today.  Working

part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the other women

I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but no one took me

up on that.  So I took the initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact,

because I have a gift card for a local restaurant.  I wonder if they would have

accepted otherwise?  ( That's my mind telling me " they really don't like ME "

)  I am old enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me

in the office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together.

>

>

> I'm going to enjoy it!

>

> Helena

>

[Guest guest]

We just got back from lunch and had a fabulous time! We always have a great time in the office when we "mess around" so I knew it would be fun. We've already made plans to go again, so I guess I'm OK to be around even when I don't pick up the bill!

I think people either love or hate American Idol - I identify so much with the contestants and have some (tiny amount) of singing talent myself, so that is probably why I like it. I don't care for most of the reality shows - especially the superficial ones like "The Housewives" and "Kardashians", etc. But singing competitons - yes. X-Factor was way too over-produced and glammed up for my taste, though, and the judges didn't appeal to me. I never watched "The Voice" and doubt if I will. One is quite enough!

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 1:02:42 PMSubject: Re: Lunch (connection with others)

That's a nice gesture on your part. If someone I work with who I've not gone to lunch with invited me to a paid for lunch I think I'd say yes too. I don't know if the yes would be about just yes or yes to your company you are someone I work with and like to chat with and yes very appealing also to have my lunch paid for.But one thing is for sure. I would not enjoy talking about American Idol unless it was about what I can't stand about it and other "reality" competition T.V. shows that dominate today. Actually, I'd rather not talk much about T.V. at all, but hey..you sound like really good company, Helena, from what I know of you. I'd like to get to know you better. And I love a good lunch. So let's do lunch anytime you're around. You can tell me what's so compelling to you about American Idol and I'll listen. kind regards,terry>> > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today. Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the other women I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but no one took me up on that. So I took the initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card for a local restaurant. I wonder if they would have accepted otherwise? ( That's my mind telling me "they really don't like ME " ) I am old enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in the office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together. > > > I'm going to enjoy it! > > Helena>

[Guest guest]

The thing is, it doesn't really matter if they like me or not - lovely if they do but OK if they don't. That was just a fleeting thought in my mind, as was the thought "they're just being kind (and insincere) about wanting to go again because I paid for lunch." Seriously, those thoughts don't even make a dent on my life any more, even though they continue to flit through my mind. If I pursue socializing with them because I want to "be liked" I would be acting with outcome expectations and not acting purely because of my desire for connection. It's so freeing to not have expectations and to just enjoy whatever is in the moment - and so fulfilling to know that my actions contributed to making that moment happen (lunch with co-workers). And you know, I believe they really enjoyed my company - and why wouldn't they? We were all over the map in our conversation; both of them are approaching 40 and they were very interested in my perspective on that since I've already been there.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 1:02:42 PMSubject: Re: Lunch (connection with others)

That's a nice gesture on your part. If someone I work with who I've not gone to lunch with invited me to a paid for lunch I think I'd say yes too. I don't know if the yes would be about just yes or yes to your company you are someone I work with and like to chat with and yes very appealing also to have my lunch paid for.But one thing is for sure. I would not enjoy talking about American Idol unless it was about what I can't stand about it and other "reality" competition T.V. shows that dominate today. Actually, I'd rather not talk much about T.V. at all, but hey..you sound like really good company, Helena, from what I know of you. I'd like to get to know you better. And I love a good lunch. So let's do lunch anytime you're around. You can tell me what's so compelling to you about American Idol and I'll listen. kind regards,terry>> > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today. Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the other women I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but no one took me up on that. So I took the initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card for a local restaurant. I wonder if they would have accepted otherwise? ( That's my mind telling me "they really don't like ME " ) I am old enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in the office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together. > > > I'm going to enjoy it! > > Helena>

[Guest guest]

Helena

Once again, thanks for sharing that you stil have those thoughts. I also like

your explanation on why you would still act. I never met you but I like the

women who writes on these pages. I would pay for lunch just to sit with you and

listen. I like the singing better then the Kardashians.

Lin

> >

> >

> >

> > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today.  Working

part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the other women

I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but no one took me

up on that.  So I took the initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact,

because I have a gift card for a local restaurant.  I wonder if they would

have accepted otherwise?  ( That's my mind telling me " they really don't

like ME " )  I am old enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy

talking with me in the office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows

together.

> >

> >

> > I'm going to enjoy it!

> >

> > Helena

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for sharing this Helena.  Always so freeing to ACT according to our values vs. our fears and programing.  There is a quote I like that kind of applies:  What other people think of me is none of my business 

Best,Barbara

 

Helena

Once again, thanks for sharing that you stil have those thoughts. I also like your explanation on why you would still act. I never met you but I like the women who writes on these pages. I would pay for lunch just to sit with you and listen. I like the singing better then the Kardashians.

Lin

> >

> >

> >

> > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today.  Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the other women I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but no one took me up on that.  So I took the initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card for a local restaurant.  I wonder if they would have accepted otherwise?  ( That's my mind telling me " they really don't like ME " )  I am old enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in the office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together.

> >

> >

> > I'm going to enjoy it!

> >

> > Helena

> >

>

-- Barbara White, MFTMarriage and Family Therapistbarbarawhitetherapy.com

[Guest guest]

Well, of course you're okay to be around even when you don't pick up the bill.

And I'm glad you had a great time. That you knew it would be fun is something I

didn't get in your original commenting. Something in there sounded more like

uncertainty about connecting with others.. you had offered to meet with them and

observed they had not taken you up on your heretofore until you offered with a

paid lunch. And it sounded like a challenge you were willing to walk through

given your larger value of connecting with others. In any case, I like you went

ahead and asked them again, even though they hadn't taken you up on the earlier

offer. That's the kind of thing I notice too that I do more of these days..that

ask again, pro-active thing. They may have just been so used to their ways or

whatever they forgot about your offer. But we don't know unless we stick our

necks out sometimes in service of our values. That is a challenge. For me,

anyway.

kind regards,

terry

> >

> >

> >

> > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today.  Working

part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the other women

I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but no one took me

up on that.  So I took the initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact,

because I have a gift card for a local restaurant.  I wonder if they would

have accepted otherwise?  ( That's my mind telling me " they really don't

like ME " )  I am old enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy

talking with me in the office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows

together.

> >

> >

> > I'm going to enjoy it!

> >

> > Helena

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Yeah, I know what you're saying. And you know too what other people think of me

is sometimes very instructive for me to hear..I mean sometimes it is about

me..and that's helpful to see, to accept too. So I don't know, it's not always

an either or kind of thing for me. I do care what other people think of me

sometimes. I have programming and you do too. And, sometimes there is useful

feedback from others that has saved my ass.

kind regards,

terry

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today.ÂÂ

> > Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the

> > other women I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but

> > no one took me up on that. So I took the initiative and asked them -

> > bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card for a local

> > restaurant. I wonder if they would have accepted otherwise? (

> > That's my mind telling me " they really don't like ME " ) I am old

> > enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in the

> > office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > I'm going to enjoy it!

> > > >

> > > > Helena

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> --

> Barbara White, MFT

> Marriage and Family Therapist

>

> barbarawhitetherapy.com

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Terry --I get your point as well.  And I think that what people SAY to me is important for me to know.  What isn't important or helpful for me is what they Think, or rather what I think or assume they think.  If someone communicates a feeling or thought about me and it's not just a fantasy in my head about what they might be thinking, I will definitely consider it. 

Best,Barbara

 

Yeah, I know what you're saying. And you know too what other people think of me is sometimes very instructive for me to hear..I mean sometimes it is about me..and that's helpful to see, to accept too. So I don't know, it's not always an either or kind of thing for me. I do care what other people think of me sometimes. I have programming and you do too. And, sometimes there is useful feedback from others that has saved my ass.

kind regards,

terry

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today.ÂÂ

> > Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the

> > other women I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but

> > no one took me up on that. So I took the initiative and asked them -

> > bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card for a local

> > restaurant. I wonder if they would have accepted otherwise? (

> > That's my mind telling me " they really don't like ME " ) I am old

> > enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in the

> > office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > I'm going to enjoy it!

> > > >

> > > > Helena

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> --

> Barbara White, MFT

> Marriage and Family Therapist

>

> barbarawhitetherapy.com

>

-- Barbara White, MFTMarriage and Family Therapistbarbarawhitetherapy.com

[Guest guest]

Well, okay, so playing along here...re:

" What isn't important or helpful for me is what they Think, or rather what I

think or assume they think. If someone communicates a feeling or thought about

me and it's not just a fantasy in my head about what they might be thinking, I

will definitely consider it. "

How do you sort that out? How do you know what is merely an assumption, or a

fantasy in your head about what they might be thinking versus a feeling or

thought about you that you will consider? Not trying to pick on you, btw. It's

more of a rhetorical question so don't feel you have to answer if you don't want

to play.

kind regards,

terry

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today.ÂÂ

> > > > Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some

> > of the

> > > > other women I would be interested in going with them when they go out

> > - but

> > > > no one took me up on that. So I took the initiative and asked them -

> > > > bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card for a local

> > > > restaurant. I wonder if they would have accepted otherwise? (

> > > > That's my mind telling me " they really don't like ME " ) I am old

> > > > enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in

> > the

> > > > office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I'm going to enjoy it!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Helena

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > --

> > > Barbara White, MFT

> > > Marriage and Family Therapist

> > >

> > > barbarawhitetherapy.com

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> --

> Barbara White, MFT

> Marriage and Family Therapist

>

> barbarawhitetherapy.com

>

[Guest guest]

I might be splitting hairs here, but for me it's not so easy do make this

distinction. Sometimes action can " speak " as well as words, so even though

someone doesn't expressly *tell* me what they think of me, I can often make an

informed " guess " . And that is something I find useful to know. And I often

care more about it than I wish I did.

Cheers

Kate

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today.ÂÂ

> > > > Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some

> > of the

> > > > other women I would be interested in going with them when they go out

> > - but

> > > > no one took me up on that. So I took the initiative and asked them -

> > > > bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card for a local

> > > > restaurant. I wonder if they would have accepted otherwise? (

> > > > That's my mind telling me " they really don't like ME " ) I am old

> > > > enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in

> > the

> > > > office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I'm going to enjoy it!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Helena

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > --

> > > Barbara White, MFT

> > > Marriage and Family Therapist

> > >

> > > barbarawhitetherapy.com

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> --

> Barbara White, MFT

> Marriage and Family Therapist

>

> barbarawhitetherapy.com

>

[Guest guest]

I found this so interesting because it hits home. Often , I judge peoples

actions as not liking me. Sometimes, I back up as a scared kid. Today, sometimes

I reach out like Helena says because I want a connection. Sometimes , its

fruitfull sometimes its not. I know it comes from childhood and negative

self-talk running in my mind.

I would love to hear more on this subject whether the knowledge be sharing ,

exercises , reading, affirmations, etc.

Thanks

Lin

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today.ÂÂ

> > > > > Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some

> > > of the

> > > > > other women I would be interested in going with them when they go out

> > > - but

> > > > > no one took me up on that. So I took the initiative and asked them

-

> > > > > bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card for a local

> > > > > restaurant. I wonder if they would have accepted otherwise? (

> > > > > That's my mind telling me " they really don't like ME " ) I am

old

> > > > > enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in

> > > the

> > > > > office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I'm going to enjoy it!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Helena

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > --

> > > > Barbara White, MFT

> > > > Marriage and Family Therapist

> > > >

> > > > barbarawhitetherapy.com

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> > --

> > Barbara White, MFT

> > Marriage and Family Therapist

> >

> > barbarawhitetherapy.com

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Just a comment ...

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Friday, February 10, 2012 1:16:47 PMSubject: Re: Lunch (connection with others)

Thanks. Re: "I have to say, I'm a bit perplexed by these questions from you but am happy to answer them."Is that a question for me or a comment or both?kind regards,Terry > > > > > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today. Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the other women I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but no one took me up on that. So I took the initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card for a local restaurant. I wonder if they would have accepted otherwise? ( That's my mindà ‚ telling me "they really don't like ME " ) I am old enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in the office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together. > > > > > > > > > I'm going to enjoy it! > > > > > > Helena > > > > >>

[Guest guest]

Terry said "I absolutely had NO idea you were so resolved on this issue, and just celebrating with everyone!"

I had no idea, either; thanks for telling me! Seriously, I was just sharing an experience I was having around connection with my co-workers and never thought it would stir up so many words and such an investment of others' time. I will try to be more clear when I post something new in the future.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Friday, February 10, 2012 6:31:55 PMSubject: Re: Lunch (connection with others)

Helena,If with the smiley face the intention (and selfishly, I'm hoping it is) is to be clearer in the future moving forward as to the larger context, e.g., where you're coming from, I will be bold and suggest that it would be helpful for me-- someone who is just now appreciating how valuable and precious moments of time are, someone who also doesn't have access to the computer/internet all day--if you simply make a bit clearer from the onset if this is something you're not at all struggling with vs. something you are celebrating only, have already reached many positive conclusions with, have realized all this great stuff in the area of connecting with others, including this current group of co-workers you were planning to lunch with. It was like you left out a huge part of your story. So maybe that's just my issue, but since this is a thread about connecting with others, and since you seem to be looking at how you might be clearer, FWIW this is what I see today. BTW, I've been following your posts for a long time and you usually are fairly clear about where you are coming from, so it could be I'm just more surprised this time around, that it seems such a contrast to me in this thread here. I absolutely had NO idea you were so resolved on this issue, and just celebrating with everyone! That's huge. Congratulations.kind regards,terry > > > > > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today. Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the other women I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but no one took me up on that. So I took the initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card for a local restaurant. I wonder if they would have accepted otherwise? ( That's my mindà ‚ telling me "they really don't like ME " ) I am old enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in the office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together. > > > > > > > > > I'm going to enjoy it! > > > > > > Helena > > > > >>

[Guest guest]

Helena, you're right it was a lot of words and probably too many. Sorry if I put

words in your mouth about you not providing enough words from the onset, about

the frustration that feels like on my end reading only words, having only your

words to go by and nothing else.

Thanks for saying you'll try to be more clear in the future.

terry

> > > >

> > > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me

today.ÃÆ'‚  Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but

I did tell some of the other women I would be interested in going with them when

they go out - but no one took me up on that.ÃÆ'‚  So I took the

initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card

for a local restaurant.ÃÆ'‚  I wonder if they would have accepted

otherwise?ÃÆ'‚  ( That's my mindÃÆ' ‚ telling me

" they really don't like ME " )ÃÆ'‚  I am old enough to be their

mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in the office and we follow

American Idol and other TV shows together.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > I'm going to enjoy it!

> > > >

> > > > Helena

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

And also, I got a bit too much mileage out of this noticing and just wanted to

say that, own that, my friend.

Carry on,

terry

> > > > >

> > > > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me

today.ÃÆ'‚  Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but

I did tell some of the other women I would be interested in going with them when

they go out - but no one took me up on that.ÃÆ'‚  So I took the

initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card

for a local restaurant.ÃÆ'‚  I wonder if they would have accepted

otherwise?ÃÆ'‚  ( That's my mindÃÆ' ‚ telling me

" they really don't like ME " )ÃÆ'‚  I am old enough to be their

mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in the office and we follow

American Idol and other TV shows together.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > I'm going to enjoy it!

> > > > >

> > > > > Helena

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Lin, I missed reading this until today - sorry! Thank you for your kind words! It would be very cool indeed if we could just sit and talk one day ...

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Thursday, February 9, 2012 8:38:01 AMSubject: Re: Lunch (connection with others)

HelenaOnce again, thanks for sharing that you stil have those thoughts. I also like your explanation on why you would still act. I never met you but I like the women who writes on these pages. I would pay for lunch just to sit with you and listen. I like the singing better then the Kardashians.Lin > > > > > > > > I invited two of my office co-workers to lunch with me today. Working part-time, I don't usually take a lunch, but I did tell some of the other women I would be interested in going with them when they go out - but no one took me up on that. So I took the initiative and asked them - bribied them, in fact, because I have a gift card for a local restaurant. I wonder if they would have accepted otherwise? ( That's my mind telling me "they really don't like ME " ) I am old enough to be their mother, but they seem to enjoy talking with me in the office and we follow American Idol and other TV shows together. > > > > > > I'm going to enjoy it! > > > > Helena > >>