Page created 13 Dec 2002 by blvdgirl , last modified 13 Dec 2002 by blvdgirl
URL: http://www.ops.org/scenter/comp.html
Making it easy to say all those little things that no one hears enough....
AND I THINK IT WILL BE BETTER FOR EVERYONE IF THERE WERE NO THANK YOUS POSTED IN HERE. That way there will be no awkwardness or miscommunication. This is just a place to post the compliments with no silly social obligations of return.
(Those of you too cynical and bitter for this warm fuzzy sort of thing should probably try to avoid this entree...)
Your posts always make me smile!
I foolishly asked my students to write a daily journal on "What's one of the best gifts you've ever received?" and they of course turned the question on me...so I thought about it, and it was that autumn leaf that you typed me a note on once upon a time. I actually had it for a couple of years- I tried to preserve it cause I thought it was so lovely...but, it broke up a couple of moves ago. And, I'm sure you never meant it to last and that I was a bit silly to try to keep it, but that was definately one of the most wonderful gifts anyone has ever given to me.
Thumbs up on the new hairdo.
you must be an incredibly thoughtful and considerate person to make this page
your sincerity and zeal for this forum makes me happy.
you made me a card when i got the boot from NPU and i think i still have it. it made me smile, and still does.
even though we all *know* people care about us, its nice to have it verbally affirmed every once in a while. forgive me if i do not appreciate you all enough. i truly love you.
I have two thanks here for the moment. Gratitude and compliments are about the only thing I have left to give this Christmas, it seems.I would like to thank pedro for his effort in making this bulletin board. I cannot say enough about it.
And I would like to thank dex for taking a chance in outreach to a person she's never met face to face, a "friend of a friend", and striking up a friendship from two different worlds.
That's it. Compliment, (1), written, 2 each.
This is a lovely entree, and in perfect keeping with the spirit of giving. First & foremost, props to Blvdgirl for thinking of it. Many grateful kudos to the revered, technologically advanced Pedro for keeping so many Diner customers satisfied. Blond or bald, we love him (I do miss the hair a bit, because he always reminded me of a displaced angel, with a guitar rather than a harp in hand, but that's neither here nor there). And I compliment all of you who have just gone through finals and end-of-term madness on your tenacity. I sort of miss those days, but there's something to be said for the 9-5 biznass.So far this entree is a well-deserved shrine to Mercurymouth and her wonderful creative talent, and the gifts produced therefrom. Many of my most treasured cards, booklets and vignettes are something she has made for me, and I wouldn't trade them for a million dollars. I am lucky to count her as one of my best friends.
I compliment Baggins on his ever-amusing and thoughtful Diner posts, and his never-wavering personal kindness and candor. I thank many Diners who shall remained unnamed due to space, but I hope you know who you are & I love you.
I compliment OutsideInfluence on being the kindest person I know. I suppose I'm biased, but I have never known a nicer human being. In addition to putting up with me, he treats all he meets with equal non- judgmental kindness and respect. He's spent (lots) more money than me on Christmas gifts for my little brother, because he loves kids. He is the only person I know who can effectively mediate my & my sister's sibling wars. Even my friggin' Dad even loves him, and he's a tough customer.
Safe travels to everyone going somewhere for the holiday. I compliment you all on your terrific Diner entries, which make for great reading.
to, moonboots. I know he never comes on here anymore, but he's got some perseverence, sticking by my ornery-ass self all these years.to, pedro. Geez, let me count the ways... Well, I won't, because I would feel like a sap, but, I will say, pedro, you're a damn good man.
to, dogmanphil. maybe this is selfish, and maybe it's not, I don't know, it's good medicine to have a friend who's always so glad to see me. I don't know why I'm such a lucky guy.
to, lukas. for eating little smokies in my honor when god knows those tasty little packages are more than I deserve.
Everyone here is so entertaining - it is good to find a group of people who can actually think and who don't allow their minds to be ruled by drink or pot or what-have-you, as was my experience in college (the first time around). You're all damn funny, and certain entrees (like the cop stories) really prove it. Everyone here has such a good grasp on the art of the letter, of the conversation, things which are not prevalent anymore. Also, thanks to everyone for listening when others need to vent, to complain, to ask for prayers. You're all a rare bunch of people.Pedro - you've saved my life in the past. You've always been a hero.
baggins - you're one of the sweetest men I've ever not-met, and I know you'll find what you're looking for.
lieutenant - my writerly-pal, thanks for sharing your work and your military stories with me.
blvdgirl - this was a great idea for a forum. Thanks for thinking of it and posting it.
it's been great to get to know you via this place, and im thankful for that opportunity alone, if nothing else on here (there are other great things about this place...). I admire how hard you seem to work to be a good student, a good wife, and a good mom. I can tell your heart is a rare one, and im glad somebody like you is around these parts, and the world in general.
blvd, your smarts and your opinions are q
so i'll finish.
blvd, your smarts and your opinions are great, and i love reading them here (though i wish i heard them from your mouth from time to time). it's been great to keep track of you through this place. you have a bold spirit, and you will (and have already) do great things.
instancofi, im so glad you're here as well. your voice here is a fresh one, and i love how much fun i have with you. xxeminemilyforeverxx.
I like smax.
oldpossumus is one of the most amazing people i know, smart, funny, amazing musician, we just need to work on being on time. but, then again that is also part of why i love you.
raskol. i love that i could talk to you for hours about pj or sg, that you are so easy to play music with, and you are one of the most thoughtful people i know.
alaric, you da man!
chester, ya spring water yeah!!
lukas, dude i miss you. i did't realise how much till you drove out in oct. i love playing video games with you. my only competition in bond.
ulyssess00, wish we really could have gone to school at the same time. we would have had some great times.
josekenobi is maybe the nicest person i know.
freakinfreak, dude!?! dude...duude...haha!
ake, one of my many brothers from another mother. he makes me think about stuff i wouldn't normaly. but, even if we don't agree on something he never critizes, or argues, or talks down to me. i think is one of the few people i know that honestly treats all people as equals. he is a true friend.
WilfareLine is one of the best roomates i've ever had. even if most of your music gave me nightmares.
barefootjumper. i'm really glad you were in the traveling "longing."
mercurymouth. dearest friend, we have had an intresting friendship from when we first met till know. i think you are far cooler than you think you are.
toastboy is one of the funniest and maybe the only competition to josekenobi for nicest person i know.
pedrosoldlady, i love you.
pedro, is one of my brothers from another mother as well. what can i say. we have countless stories. i'm so glad you finally let me be in your band. i've got your back dude.
moonboots, its been too long man. you need to come down for a show or something. are the mountain goats coming around? i'll pay this time.
smax is one of the coolest people i have ever met, and i'm glad to know him.
misslady, i miss you. i wish i had the money to visit you. can't wait for you return to the states.
baggins, thank you for always being at every show. you da man.
Hemingstein, the last of my brothers. much time we have spent watching tv and listening to music. oh, the pool games, the beers, and talks we've shared. i'm glad to be an honerary whitmer.
captain is the smartest man i know and one of the best ushers i have ever seen. i'm feel lucky that i am one of his friends.
Shredzilla, man some day we will live near enough to hang out on a regular basis. the fastest friend i've ever made. "i'm visiting my friend at north park bibical college and biblical seminary, officer."
i just feel that i should let you know that i love you all!
your just like a soft and chewy-gooie-molasses cookie!
and damn tasty cookie i might add.
I like your tendency to diffuse arguments.
It's so funny you mention that, Blvd. This morning I was mentioning to Hernando what was taking place on "Eggs," and mentioned Pedro's kind response, and he said, "Pedro has to diffuse this war you've started." I didn't mean to...thank goodness he's (Hernando) a feminist, in any case. If that's even what you're referring to, Blvd. In any case, you should check out "Eggs." 'Cause I gotta be down for mine.
thanks for flynn, and the DSL, and quakefest
Thank you, Lukas, for all your help over these last 3+ years that flynn has been in existence. That's hard to believe! (Until I look at my ~)
Having just posted a bunch of stuff on the new "6 degrees... " entreé, and realizing that all humans are connected, I'd like to thank everyone reading this, in a way.I chose the name OutsideInfluence, because I didn't go to North Park like so many of you. I was born and raised Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My move to Chicago last June was to be with the woman I love. I took a chance on love, and won big time. Once I got here a whole new world was opened to me. Thanks to Cinnamongirl, I was introduced one-by-one to most of the individuals on this diner. Thanks to Pedro we are all connected by less than 3 degrees in any direction. Thanks to Blvdgirl we can express our admiration for one another. I am better off for having met and/or spoken with all of you. Everyone is special and unique in their own way, but this group has real thoughts to share, and real love to give. We are products of this society, but it doesn't define who we are. Each one of you is worthy of so much. Never stop believing that.
Thanks.I have to agree that this is one great group of people. Compliments to you all on your intelligence & wit & straight-up coolness.
I have commandeered every room that he frequents and probably gotten on his last nerve. I even included his handle in the entrée The REAL Diner - Help Wanted, without his permission, yet he has never spoken a cross word to me. He could crush me with his pinkie finger, but he'd never harm a fly. He's a gentle giant with the heart of a poet. As Norm is to Cheers, Baggins is to us. Hang in there big guy, your day in the sun is not far off at all. The Hopeless Romantic Shake with Two Straws may have fallen off the home page, but it's still out there, much like the woman of your dreams. I was a hopeless romantic for 24 years before I found true love. You've gotta experience the bad, so you know how good the good really is.We could dedicate a whole entrée to your praises alone.
"The only true strength lies in true gentleness."
said someone famous who I can't remember....
I agree blvdgirl, I've been told I am too gentle and passive, but it's hard when you are raised with 'you're bigger than everyone else in your class so you need to be careful not to hurt anyone' instructions. And I think you all rock!
i remember learning that lesson... several times...
outsideinfluence, thanks for being dope. you bring a smile to my face, and your words are encouraging. and thanks for treating cinnamongirl so well. she deserves all the wonderful man that you are!
To Pedro, for making this great little eating establishment, and being one of the most sincere and caring folks I've met.Blvdgirl... I should have told you this a while ago, but when you visited marked the end of one of the worst years of my life. Having someone come by, who I knew cared made a big difference and help me snap out of it.
Baggs.. Thanks for directing me to this place. You win, and if it were possible I would direct as much luck as I could your way. Real, good people like you make me want to move back to the midwest.
Toastboy, I wish you were in here more. I owe knowing most of these good people to you... never mind most of the fondest memories of my childhood.
Dogman, Captain and all the other ex and current NP folks. Thanks. It's odd to feel like you're part of a comunity that you've really only visited that is over 1,000 miles away.
dex- I am glad that we have a mom on this site. Your pride in Anna makes me smile so often, that I just know I am a better person.
smax- Good use of the word smitten. She better deserve you!
that inkblot is cool.
i also want to say that pedro is cool.
i don't want to forget to mention that sneakums is cool.
and also, nutella is cool.
(So, when I was 15 - 19, I used to send postcards to people I met that I thought were cool. All the postcard would say was, "SoandSo, you're cool. -elise." I don't really know what people ever thought of this, but I feel that sometimes it's just important to tell people that they're good people. If I were less lazy as an adult, inkblot, pedro, sneakums, & nutella would all have happy San Francisco postcards in their mailboxen.)
Hey, I'll take a cyber-back-pat any day!Thanks elise.
YOu're the dopest... you've let me crash at your place twice now... and it's been great both times.
pedro i like your sense of humor, even if it's stomping ground is somewhere near my groinal area.
Not having the possibility of a surprise invite to tea or crêpes or the zoo or pretty much anything by elise is one of the hardest things I've had to endure since leaving the Bay area. Good luck with your studies!Even though I don't deal well with compliments there's no reason I shouldn't hand them out. Big kudos to pedro for the diner and to sneakums for tea delivery and leading me to Murakami. There are many other cool customers here as well. Except for
They got him! They put a stake through his heart!In memoriam of poor nutella, let's revisit a few of my favorite nutella memories...
to baggins, you get my jokes....sometimes. but more often than a lot of people. And you let me soak you in tears and snot if i have to, which is good. you rock.
i often think that there are parts of me that people don't know. or don't know so well. and then i find that you understand them perfectly, without ever discussing them. this amazes me. im really glad you know me like this, and i am glad that i have gotten to know you so well in the last year.
really hard day.instantcofi, mercurymouth and mike, thanks for talking to me today. i know i was sounding really insane, but thank you for putting up with it.
alaric, thanks buying me a beer. and thanks for the conversation that helped me get my mind off it.
and baggins, where do i start...? you are the greatest. although the bottomless coffee you paid for has something to do with me not sleeping at the moment, its well worth it. you're a saint, and the good life is just taking its time before it sets itself down in your lap. i am positive.
neoacerbitas, thanks for sharing. oh... and especially thanks for the little video-suprise that greeted me on my arrival home... it definatly put a smile on my face for three minutes. you should post a link here.
thank you all.
thanks G, i'll put a link in my diary
grady, i wish i could help you more/you are a kind person and i hate to see you in pain. i wish there was something more i could do. you are more alive than most people. you are Beat. you will get through this.... i believe in you.
that I didn't take the time or the effort to get to know you better at NPU. But I've greatly enjoyed reading your stuff here. Thanks for bumping me up to the brown. I was wondering when that would happen. As my good buddy Eeyore likes to say, "Thanks for noticing."
You're a hell of a guy. Don't ever lose your kind-hearted spirit.
One of the things that made me want to keep any kind of diary (electronic or paper) is having read the vignettes from the 90's that elise used to include within her more recent diary entries on her own server. Each of them is wonderful. I know nothing of the people or places being described but after reading just a few words I can smell the ocean (or the developer) or feel the snow. I can't ever hope to write anything that comes close to those short paragraphs but they demonstrated to me the possibility of catching and keeping a moment in time in some shape or form.
One of the original reasons why I started a web diary was to get myself to write down more of those. I thought that if I could do one a week or so, I'd get them all down. Of course, I didn't, and I haven't. The ones that fit the structure are all here. Of course, some didn't fit, and others need revision. And some were out of the intended time frame. Isn't college a special time?
I had read those when I was allowed to cruise Zork unimpeded. These days I have to use tricks like filtering it through Mr. T.. That was the only way I was able to read crackmonkey and spicemonkey's wedding page and for that page the results were absolutely hilarious (and in some cases almost prescient). This time it just doesn't seem appropriate. Seth used to know some non jibba jabba pages sites that would allow reading of blocked pages. Somewhat ironically vitanuova is also off limits now so I can't check his recommendations.
and I have no idea of how to use HTML.--your life could never be waste or a non-accomplishment in my book because you are a good person, you bring joy to everyone you know and many people love you. Lots of people make mucho money, are in respectable positions blah blah blah but leave this earth not having really meant anything to anyone, or they were assholes while they were earning that money or "accomplishing" something. I meant to post in "Compliment Cookie" after I saw you at the 'Wood a few weekends ago (but I'm lazy) that I never fail to have a good time in your company. You are one the smartest, most witty, and kindest humans around. Just by being on this earth, you make it a better place.
I have never met you in real life, though I would probably know you if I saw you (I attended NPU/C from January 97-May 2000).I want to say that some of your posts are completely hilarious and have me laughing out loud. You are really frickin' funny.
hernando i keep thinking about your business card and how awesome it is, and also how you kept drawing different add-on mullets and facial hair to it and how funny it was. i'm glad that i know you.
...for making the Diner a success and a special place. It has become so much more than I ever thought.
...and thank YOU pedro.
i must say i really like your ability to read books and books about politics, especially because you do it enough to make up for my slack-ass.
I'm proud of all my smart friends. Yes, I mean you (if you've posted something that's sounded exceptionally brilliant lately).
ulyssess00 - the world would a better place if everyone knew you... I know that I am a better person for it
i want to compliment you on making an appearance at the diner. i wish you'd do it more often!
what you up to, dawg? I miss talking to you
My sister, Jen, and I have the greatest relationship two siblings could have. She's so funny, and original, and just plain awesome. I love my sister dearly. I am telling you all of this so that you understand what I'm about to say. You are a true original that sees beauty in people who don't even see it in themselves. You get the HM "sister award." It's the highest praise I can give.
Dogman... your hair is great. How do you get such full body without sacrificing any of the obviously highly conditioned sheen? The way it bounces and dances around your head as you play the guitar at those redvinegar shows is really neat. Please respond to my message... if you don't, strongbad will become my official favorite "online personality"... see www.homestarrunner.com for his answers to my emails entitled "guitar and nickname"... he even named a burnanator after me... trogdor was his name... he was a great burnanator... thanks!- Stiny.
i've only met you in person once or twice, but you seem incredibly strong-minded and optimistic particularly throughout the numerous curveballs you've been thrown recently. i admire optimism.
is the most animated and hilarious story-teller I have ever seen.Thank you for making me laugh until I cried. I have cried, but not laughed much, this week, and it was really healthy for me to laugh hysterically, non-stop. I hope you know how talented you are.
I hope me & H. get to hang out with you more in the future.
There's a student at NPU that I play with in quintet who also works for the av people there, and he has done us a totally HUGE favor regarding the berry show, helping us set up, check, etc. I don't know what we would have done without him. SO thanks, T., even though you're not on the board.
I'll let him know, since he's letting me off easy on the whole broken window "thing" I mean, if you think about it, i'm sure that i paid for a window at some point or another over the course of my tenure so, yeah, he's a good guy
jenkuhl is a seriously cool person, i like her A LOT.
People are always saying that coupledom is good until the "honeymoon" stage wears off. I suppose that's true in cases where you're not necessarily with the person you're meant to be with. It is nearly a year and a half that you and I have been together, Heidi, and I am as smitten with you as when we met, and as madly in love with you as when I first uttered those three words. I am beyond blessed to even know you. The room really does light up when you enter. Everyone who knows you can't help but feel comfort and joy in your presense, as if your smile was welcoming them home. You are one of the last true-hearted individuals in the world. You have a genuinely sweet spirit, a gifted mind, and a compassion for humanity seldomly seen. You make me a better man, and I thank God every day that He brought you into my life.
That was beautiful H. And you're right - the honeymoon stage doesn't wear off when it's the right one. Third wedding anniversary coming up this week and I'm even more in love with my husband than I was when we began.
Jay is a lucky man, i can tell. and it gives hope to us hopeless romantics that it can work in the best way possible.
What a beautiful thing to have read, and I wasn't expecting it either, which makes it all the more moving. I read it at work and started crying. I feel so unworthy of all of those words, though. I am often very mean and petty and a hellish person rather than a heavenly one, as C.S. Lewis describes in "Mere Christianity." I have plenty of things to work on, not the least being my temper and how I often treat poor H. (and others) when I am illogically blowing a gasket or just having a bad day or worried about something. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not evil or abusive, but sometimes I feel like I'm a hard person to love, or even like.It does speak to true love, however, because in the last year and half that I've been dating H. I am striving much harder to be the person I'd like to be, because he's the most wonderful person I know and deserves someone wonderful (which I am far from, but working on).
And happy anniversary, Dex. 3 years together, a beautiful daughter and another little one on the way. How great is that?
And Baggins, Dex is indeed right. I didn't believe in true love until I found it, but there's no substitute. It took me a while, but I say with all the conviction in my heart that being happy on your own is much much better than just settling. I know from experience. And if there's anyone I know who's worthy of true love and will find it, it's you, Jer, so look forward to the day you'll stumble into it unexpectedly.
thank you cin. you're quite humble. i think you're just adorable. and your presence really does light up a room. smiles abound when you are near.
thank you for your comment the other day on the movie page. you said that you liked having me here and in film+lit class as well and shucks, that made me feel pretty special. awfully nice of you, kind sir.
You're welcome! We hung out in Film and Lit, and I had other classes with Eric A, P Carlson, Annalisa et al and I think we studied at George's. One time I ordered a gyro and felt bad b/c you had to watch me eat a bunch of animal. Sorry about that :)
thanks chester...i don't mind at all when i am with people and they eat meat/but your sensitivity is appreciated.i like to look at people when i am with them, not what they are eating, so i probably didn't notice. no worries.
thanks chester...i don't mind at all when i am with people and they eat meat/but your sensitivity is appreciated.i like to look at people when i am with them, not what they are eating, so i probably didn't notice. no worries.
I just wanted to say that I was thinking about "Bob's" Pre-Modern Theatre class that we all took together and how much of a blast it was to study (and procrastinate and philosophize, to quote Bill and Ted) with you guys.
Skates Sharpened and Repaired is a beautiful thing. It makes me want to act on more of the ideas that infect my mind.
You all make me feel pretty lucky. Just knowing you all makes me feel like a better person.
I want to thank everyone here for making this such a unique community. I know that we all have things that we like and dislike about this board, but in all honesty, I don't think I've ever been on a bbs that has been this uniformly functional (i mean socially). That's partly owed to the fact that we all know each other (mostly) but also due to the fact that you guys are just good people.
I just..I'm all choked up.
everyone except you Matt :P
I will forbore, and just say that it makes me proud that you are teaching, Amy, in the fact that a good and righteous person with actual principles and morals is in charge of a small percentage of this nation's youth's education.
This website has been a constant and steady ally these last two years. It has helped me to keep in contact with people I most certainly would have lost contact with otherwise and to meet other terrific people that I can't wait to have a cup of coffee with (well, I'll have hot tea)... I hope that recent vibes haven't gotten you down at all- it has felt so ugly that it's been breaking my heart. However, this is still a great place, and I will ALWAYS trust you to make decisions regarding this community because I know that you are open-minded, caring, and fair. Much love to you!
Somebody get this man a Kleenex!
I would like to compliment Chester for being such a nice person. I was having computer issues this morning and I was frantically calling Computer Services, or anyone I knew connected with them (issues as in I could not get it to work at all, and thus I was unable to do anything). He did not have to, but out of the kindness of his heart he came over and set things to rights for me. Obviously it's easy to compliment someone when they've done something nice for you, but in general Chester is just such a nice person. I'm glad North Park and the Diner have introduced us. :)
You're very kind to write those things about me :)
It's Thursday now and pedro's stuff is cleared out of the office. He and I have been "roomates" at work for over 4 years. I'm very excited for him but I'm also sad to see him go. We joke around the office that no one will be able to understand me now without him to translate. He has an amazing ability to know what I'm refering to when nobody else does. (me- who's that one guy, with the movie? pedro- David Lynch? me- yeah!) I could go on and on. But instead I'm going to point out two of the best things about pedro: he's profoundly respectful of others' opinions and he's deeply loyal. Although he and I don't agree with each other on every topic, we are always able to have great conversations without fear of being attacked for what we think. I will always choose to converse with someone who doesn't agree with me but who has given a lot of thought to his/her opinion and who is honestly interested in what I have to say about it as opposed to someone who agrees with me but doesn't entertain another point of view. As for the loyalty, pedro would never think of being two-faced about anything. He's loyal to his friends and family, and he's loyal to work. He goes way out of his way for people. Pedro, thanks for being a great friend.
yes. pedro is all of those things and more. he and alhp will be truly missed.
I got home without crying but then had a good sob in the living room. It sounds cheesy, but it really is kind of like a death. And also, a rebirth.Chester, I have really had an awesome time "rooming" with you at NPU and I will definitely miss you. Thanks too for the kind words... I hope I can live up to them for everyone I meet, not just you... you make it easy to be that way. It does take quite a bit of the sting away, knowing that you are here on the Diner... that goes for all the rest of y'all in Chicago and spread all over the wide world.
Baggs, thanks too for everything -- you really are one of the all time greats.