Well. With the coming plans in the near future to close down the Coffee Room, I guess it's almost time to say goodbye. I'll stick around to the bitter end, but not knowing exactly when the Coffee Room will be no more, I thought I'd post this while it is still here.

While I'm not a piano player (I play guitar), I have enjoyed conversing with all of you on a multitude of topics. And I've learned a few things from y'all in the process. As I don't play piano, I've limited myself to the area of the forum where talking about non-piano topics was permitted. With its demise, I wouldn't feel right continuing to post in areas not receptive to *non-piano* topics.

When I arrived on the scene last year, I made my views on homosexuality clear and ticked off quite a few people in the process. With Jodi's help, I toned down the rhetoric and have pretty much avoided the topic altogether. I saw no reason to belabor the point anymore. The ironic thing was that on the recommendation of Kenny, one of our resident gay guys, I spent 20 grand last year on a Hybrid Civic. Imagine that, Improv, listening to the advice of a gay guy. Who'd a thunk it? I don't regret doing it. So, thanks Kenny. And for what it's worth, you're one of the coolest gay guys I've ever conversed with. I don't profess to understand what being gay is all about. But you spin it in such a way, that it's hard not to feel some sort of compassion for your plight. All the best to you Kenny.

And who could forget the turmoil created by Kathy’s insistence that Improv was TomK's puppet. Tom and I knew it wasn't true, but we both took great delight in egging her on. Even Jack Frost got in on the fun to prove to the forum that this was indeed *fact*. Jack, as a puppet detective, you stink! But I thoroughly enjoyed the visit to Maine last year to meet you and Kathy. And I considered it an honor to have KathyK announce in the CR after our trip north, that she didn't hate me anymore.

TomK, I had a ball playing off of you during that time. Sometimes, I thought we were reading each others minds. I can see where Kathy and Jack could be so confused. It couldn't have been better if we had actually scripted it. Oh, and damn it Tom, quit hitting on my wife. You cad.

I'm conservative. So I could really relate to the postings of folks like Larry, Jolly, Gryphon and JBryan. I generally agreed with their viewpoints and I guess they tolerated me because I was on the same side of the fence. I admired their ability to convey a point of view and defend it like a junkyard dog on steroids. But I also read the points of view from the other side too. Didn't necessarily agree with them. Oh well, silly winger to the bitter end, I guess.

So thanks Coffee Room for a great bit of diversion from the sometimes too real world. I always got a laugh when I logged on here. I'll miss this place and everyone here. Y'all are a real hoot. And I mean that in a good way.

Sorry if I left anyone out. I just didn't want to drag on and on and on... I'll just echo the same sentiment so many others have... DARN!

Oh, and to cleanse my soul and leave no stone unturned, Katie, I just wanted to say, ** I'm Gumby Damnit! **.

Ok, now I really am going to cry.

Jodi

Improv, you're one of my favorite posters.

I love watching the way you interact with folks, and you always put a smile on my face.

jodi, don't cry. something... SOMETHING is going to work out.

you can all email me anytime!

What??!! Kenny's gay ???

Improv, I completely agree with you that Kenny is a true gem and a great guy to boot!

Thanks for your wonderful sarcastic sense of humor. I could always count on your posts to add a little levity to even the most serious of topics.

Don't go too far, I'm sure this will all evolve into something.

*snort, snort, snort*

Jodi

Actually I'm not.
I just assumed the role for an assignment for Debating Class.
It wasn't easy, but really I had you guys going.

Oh and I drive a Hummer too.
All that MPG stuff was just made up.

Now, now, kenny - you'd better watch it. Any talk of "Hummers" coming out of you could very well get you banned before they shut the place down!

Is this all a promotion for Revelations?

The END is near! REPENT!!

:D

Hmmmm

I will miss Jodi's snorts.

You always brought a laugh or down right hysterics to my day improv.

*snicker

I will miss editing my own posts over and over.

Oh Bless Your Soul Improv .... Now I've started to cry ...

I have so much to say but just can't.

I lived a pathetic little life at home here & b/c of this place I started interacting with others outside of my home. I felt isolated for so long.

When I first came here, I was b/c of Norbert & the PF. I had bought a grand piano. The reason I bought the grand was b/c *the piano* was what helped me cope with the physical pain and medical symptoms that had that kept me pretty well confined at home. My home life isn't great due to my husband's profession, and the time I spend helping our child who has his own physical/emotional problems. I have few friends in my own city and very few living relatives. I'm not introverted, just caught by circumstance ... few people understand.

I did get worse physically, and with surgery last year got better. Some of you here have been very supportive (and never knew of my life). I've learned how to use the internet. Some of you even said I was smart and I liked this b/c I haven't been able to express my thoughts in any other capacity than as a mother or wife in years. I've even met one of you ... and he's even more brilliant in person. I enjoyed birthday greetings from many of you ... trivial to some, but when a person sees few adults outside of her home, it's important & means a lot. I've learned that it's okay to question issues of faith, and that praying can be helpful. I also very much appreciate the prayers of a certain CR someone who lives 3000 away miles from me ... and we'll likely never meet. Further, in particular, there is one CR person who has helped me rediscover something most personal in my life, something that has been repressed over the past few years ... and truly, I was heading toward depression prior to our meeting here. I've started to cook again d/t the enthusiasm of those who post their recipes and tasty meals. I've even learned a bit about wine and ventured into a liquor store to buy some. And really b/c I haven't been able to travel ... I've learned so much about how beautiful America (and other countries) is (are) from everyone who posts their own hometown experiences, trips and pictures. I'm looking forward to visiting some of these places someday. I am also quite motivated by those who keep active and do physical exercise. I'm now working out myself and am managing to get healthier and stronger. I've learned about war and patriotism too, and better understand how America thinks b/c of this. Moreover, I've learned that I'm not the 'only' person here who has problems, medical, emotional or otherwise. I'm a much better person b/c of the Coffee Room. I'm not simply a pixel here.

I'm sure others have their stories. I'll miss this place.

katie, forward your post to frank...

I will miss especially you Katie.

Katie,

Yours is a sweet heart. Good that you've rediscovered the joys of your own soul. Don't stop now.

Ken

..and so delightfully impish...I think it all started when Katie posted the picture of herself unclothed behind that quilt. oh well.

Too be honest Apple ... I was clothed that day. I did spend many days posting here (in my nightie) b/c I seldom left my house. I have to thank you too b/c you encouraged me to go out and buy some paints. I love sewing, but I would not have considered painting otherwise.

I'll miss everyone here !

I bet Tom will be sad

oh no
another fantasy destroyed

no wait, she was wearing just a smile...

K

'Gumby', Kluurs ....
You 'boys' still crack me up ....

Don't leave yet, Improv!

God bless you, Katie. I know a little about what you mean. I started posting when I got divorced and this place was awfully therapeutic through all that. Again, God bless you and yours.

Improv, I'll miss the Six Flags guy! You always have a way of cracking me up!

Great post Katie!! Yes, please send it to Frank!

Bach, Johnnie (2 of my favorite docs )...
Ya know, I just can't send it. I'm a bit ashamed. I feel that I am one who has contributed to the discourse underpinning Frank's decision re this place. The other week (?day) I implied I wanted more adult content here, and I think this was taken by some/Frank to mean I was suggesting something vulgar ... and at times, this place can lean this way. I meant to say I simply enjoy hanging out here with adults who articulate intelligent adult- related discourse ... b/c my offline life seems so focused on "family". Frank has probably read this anyway...

Justme,
I appreciate what you said ... and for saying it with far fewer words than I used. ... THERAPEUTIC ... a good word to describe the CR [/b]

Katie

That was beautiful.

Ever associate people with songs?

Every post of Katie's makes me hum the Toby Keith tune, "Whisky Girl".

Straight up, neat, firey, and with just a bit of smooth, smoky aftertaste.