for my 40,000th post, I'd like to thank you all.

[NMDemDist2]

In the Spring of 2004, I was desperate. Bush was a looming menace on my mind and I knew he had to go! I was a Kerry girl all the way. I had written the Senator in 2002 and begged him to run, and my wish was coming true, he was running :woohoo:

I was working with ACT and the budding MoveOn.org to GOTV in Phoenix and was hearing the right wing talking points against all our candidates. One evening, I googled “John Kerry” for some ammo to knock down the arguments I was hearing. One of links was a thread here at DU.

OMG!!! :wow:

I was amazed to find such a large group of Democrats online. :bounce:

I was welcomed by lots of folks in my first hundred posts (what ever happened to that nice habit we all had? I rarely see it any more) and I looked back and my first post was in support of Kerry in the primary wars of 2004. In fact, it was a thread with a pledge to contribute a nickel for every response to the thread and that got me to sign up.

When Kerry lost in November I was so depressed, frustrated and frightened for our country but DU kept me going. The cooking and baking group, the Home Improvement group kept me busy while I licked my wounds and ignored politics for a while.

Whenever the news comes on, and a hot story hits, hubby looks to me because I have already seen it and had it discussed here so I am able to give him the back story, the unspoken issues or whatever.

I was honored to be a moderator during Katrina and remember looking for missing members, refreshing over and over while praying that the posters I was watching for would check in. :cry:

Thanks to the Economy forum, I was informed about the looming housing bubble and was able to sell out in time and move to my new home and pay cash for it thanks to the profits I made on the Arizona house before the bottom dropped out.

I have been blessed to speak with several members on the phone and am looking forward to a meetup next month. You are my lifeline when I stay home days at a time seeing no one except my husband.

DU has become my internet home, my second family (crazy uncles and all :silly: ) and the only way I’ve kept my sanity.


I salute you and thank you for letting me be a part of it. :patriot:

[MadMaddie]

1. And I salute you AZDemDist6!! Congrats!!

:yourock:

[NMDemDist2]

8. thanks Maddie!!

:loveya:

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

2. Someone signed up yesterday and has more posts than you.

:patriot:

[NMDemDist2]

12. that's not a someone, that's a troll machine

:rofl:

edit to add, but you should welcome them to DU anyway :evilgrin:

[NanceGreggs]

3. And we salute YOU ...

... for being a part of it - 40,000 times!

Congratulations, AZDemDist6!!!

:applause: :patriot: :applause:

[NMDemDist2]

14. thanks Nance!

you are such a treasure here (and Jeff too)

you have added so much to my DU experience, you make me laugh albeit sometimes ironically hehehe

:hi:

[L. Coyote]

4. More than 1 of every 1,000 posts in DU history, 0.115277637 % WOW!

[NMDemDist2]

6. LOL hubby will love that stat

he's a math geek :silly:

[Booster]

5. 40,000 posts. Damn, you been busy. Yes, the fine people on DU

have gotten me through some depressing times also. It's always good to find out someone else thinks like you do; it's comforting - probably works for Freepers too. ha Congratulations on your post count and I look forward to your next 40,000.:applause:

[NMDemDist2]

16. thanks!

there really are some great folks here and the info is great!

:hi:

and BTW who gives a flying f#@k what Freepers think

:hide:

[NC_Nurse]

7. What a wonderful way to celebrate 40,000 posts!

Thanks for reminding us all why this is such a great place! I started in 2004 too, hoping to oust the
catastrophic Bush Admin. I was a Dean supporter, but soon came to like Kerry. I am no where near as prolific
a poster as you, but I have enjoyed being a part of DU and reading posts from you and many many others.

Congrats on your milestone! :toast:

[NMDemDist2]

11. OMG!!

you really did watch for it didn't you??

you are the bestest!! :loveya:

and thanks :blush:

[NC_Nurse]

18. Of course!

I didn't want to miss it! :hug:

[NMDemDist2]

20. awwww

:blush:

[shaniqua6392]

9. Congratulations!!

That is really awesome. Thanks for reminding us of all the battles we have tried to fight, too. So much has happened over the last few years. It has been a crazy ride.

[NMDemDist2]

17. it has indeed been a crazy ride

and it's not over yet.

we have to somehow heal the Party and get a Dem into the white house and then we hold THEIR feet to the fire to get this country back on track!

[IndyOp]

10. Thank you for the reminder of what DU can be!

:hug:

And I welcome every poster who is under 100 posts -- unless their post is snarky. ;-)

[NMDemDist2]

19. ahhhh

NewYorker99 taught us well didn't she??

I hope she's doing OK, I miss her.

thanks so much! :bounce:

[Kali]

13. Congrats, neighbor (in both places!)

:yourock: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :applause: :patriot:

[NMDemDist2]

21. thanks!!

where the heck is Baja Arizona??

:crazy:

[Kali]

25. baja = lower

Cochise county - Texas Canyon to be exact.

[NMDemDist2]

27. yup you are my neighbor in both places

thanks!

[hippywife]

15. Congrats!

Like I said the other day, you have always been very warm and welcoming, not just to me, but to so many others. You seem to give everyone a lift by kindly responding to posts that look destined to sink. I've been thoroughly enjoying getting to know you!

[NMDemDist2]

24. the feeling is totally mutual hippywife!

you've been a joy to get to know and thanks for the great smilies!!

:pals:

[EvolveOrConvolve]

22. Here's a "holy crap!" and a congrats from me to you

It would take me 50 years to post that much. :)

Congrats and keep up the good fight! :yourock:

[NMDemDist2]

23. thanks

it helps I don't have a life

:rofl:

[EvolveOrConvolve]

29. I know of far worse ways to "not have a life" than

political activism. (I'm imagining an unemployed redneck republican in his wifebeater watching soap operas on the 13 inch TV he bought with the monthly welfare check.)

[NMDemDist2]

32. that's one of the joys of the move here 18 months ago

I am finaaly able to really have some time to put into politics

in 2004 I owned my own business and worked 50+ hours a week so even though I got out every other weekend for Kerry I was exhausted

this time around, I've been able to get slotted into the local Party and I'm ready to rumble!

[EvolveOrConvolve]

33. That's been my problem for the last several years also

Running my own consulting firm took 60-80 hours out of my week, with another 10-15 for my son's sports and school activities. I've dumped the business and I start a job working for the government where I only have to work 40 hour work weeks. It definitely gives me more time for things like politics.

[NMDemDist2]

38. we need to be 'all hands on deck' for this one

:hi:

[Deja Q]

26. Congrats!

:party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party:

:yourock:

[NMDemDist2]

28. thank you dear

:hug:

[EFerrari]

30. Congrats and thank you.

K&R

:loveya:

[NMDemDist2]

31. and to you too my dear!

you're another one of those 'I wonder what she's saying, I love her....' posts I click on

:yourock:

[EFerrari]

34. I want to thank you again for everything you did during Katrina.

So many beloved DUers. You were a rock, a much needed help during that horrible time. I'll never forget that and I will always be grateful.

:hug:

[NMDemDist2]

36. ....

OK now you've choked me up

those were horrible days :cry:

and half the mods were out of town for the long weekend

what a nightmare it was

this little cyberhug doesn't nearly express how I feel, but it's all I've got :hug:

[Stinky The Clown]

35. Off to the Greatest, with a giant smooch from a cranky old clown

You're tops, AZDD6 ..... er ..... uh NMDD8 ..... er ..... whatever ...... Sha.......!

::::smooooooch::::

[NMDemDist2]

37. LOL

thanks Stinky!!

[Canuckistanian]

39. Congratulations!

I sometimes forget all the frustration and anxiety that drive people to be DUers.

And this place IS a small sanctuary of sanity for many, especially those in "Red State" strongholds.

I'm glad to be a small part of it, too, and try to contribute when I can.

BTW, I found out last night that I had missed my 20,000th without commenting. (*sigh* where IS NewYawker99 these days, anyways?) Someday, I'll make a post like you on one of my milestones.

But this is your day, AZDemDist6, enjoy it!

:toast:
:hi:

[NMDemDist2]

41. i missed ALL of my milestones after 1000

I made a point last night to start a thread in theLounge to remind me

then I forgot

then a sweetheart reminded me again today in a different forum when I was less than 25 away

DUers rock!!

and I'm a spongebrain

:rofl:

[gateley]

40. Thank you for the beautiful post - and warmest congratulations!

:hi:

[NMDemDist2]

42. thanks gateley!

:hi:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

43. YAY!!!! Congrats AZDemDist6!!

:applause: :loveya: :hug: :woohoo: :toast:

:flirtflirt: ;)

[NMDemDist2]

48. winkety wink to you

my (not so secret) DU crush

:blush:


thanks friend :pals:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

54. weeeeeeee!

So happy for you hun, you are such a great soul :hug:

You help make DU ... well, DU :loveya: :yourock:

girl say gots crush, Salmon go Maroon... heh ;)

[NMDemDist2]

55. ya big silly

:loveya:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

57. O noes! accuracy!

:hug:

[NMDemDist2]

59. good night sweet prince

I'm off until tomorrow

or later tonight when the insomnia hits....

whichever comes first :evilfrown:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

62. Sleep well lady fair

Off to snore meself :hug: :hi: niters

[Horse with no Name]

44. One of DU's finest

Thanks for your contributions!

[NMDemDist2]

49. awww thanks! it's good to 'see' you

we having been crossing paths lately

are you hanging out in GDP ???? :spank:


heheheheh

[Horse with no Name]

61. Yeah...getting my ass kicked

Funny thing...I am really not for any candidate.
I'd just like the truth.:(

[LostinVA]

45. You're welcome!

:toast:

[NMDemDist2]

52. thanks dear

:toast: back atcha

:hug:

[blondeatlast]

46. And to you, m'dear, who got this recovering from illness Phoenix gal

up and going.

I couldn't do much, but I got out as much as I could for the good fight! Thanks, sweets. Phoenix misses you, we really do!

[NMDemDist2]

50. I dont miss PHX

but I miss YOU! luckily I still can keep in touch here eh?

:hug:

[blondeatlast]

53. Gotta love that! nt

[spanone]

47. congrats....a lot of great posts too!!!!!

[NMDemDist2]

51. only if you hang out in the Home Improvement forum

:evilgrin:

[KitchenWitch]

56. I am honored to call you my friend!

:hug:

[NMDemDist2]

58. yes

back atcha!

:hug:

we'll talk soon eh?

[Crewleader]

60. I salute you AZDemDist6

:patriot: and applaud :applause: your wonderful post! Congratulations my friend! :toast:

[NMDemDist2]

66. thanks so much!!

you are part of the magic :pals:

[troubleinwinter]

63. Yer one of the best!

I've shared a little politics with you, and when I have been in dire need of a bit of a breather, you were there to share a little gardening, a little remodeling/redecorating, relocation, cooking and even econo-heaters!

Ya probly don't even know it, but many of your posts smoothed me out when I newly relocated to AZ.

Congrats and thanks for being here! :hi:

[NMDemDist2]

67. hi trouble!

yes, we both find solace in those other forums and if I was ever helpful, I'm very happy

:pals:

[DeepModem Mom]

64. Congratulations, and thank you for a great 40,000th post!

A grateful salute to YOU!

:patriot:

[NMDemDist2]

69. thanks so much DMMom

:yourock:

:hi:

every word is true, I've been blessed around here....

[Lugnut]

65. Congrats, AZ!

:yourock:

[NMDemDist2]

70. hiya Lug!!!

you (and you're oh so knowledgeable hubby) are a big part of my joy in being here

:loveya:

[shanti]

68. congrats!

:party: i must be a damn idiot, but have never seen your posts! you must hang out in other places mostly, eh?

[NMDemDist2]

71. I must!

since I'm a blabbermouth LOL

:hi:

[trusty elf]

72. Gosh, that averages out to over 28 posts per day!

Amazing!

:hi:

[NMDemDist2]

75. sure rub it in

I have no life

:rofl:

[trusty elf]

78. Well, I'm jealous!

My wimpy post count hasn't even reached 500. I look forward to the day when I have that (1000+posts) designation!

[calimary]

73. What you said!

I've felt exactly the same way since early 2001. Love this place, squabbles and all. It's been my oasis in a VERY large and long-running desert.

A great blessing having you here among us! Congrats on your 40k!!!

:patriot: :yourock: :headbang:

[NMDemDist2]

76. thanks calimary

:hi:

I (obviously) don't understand folks who get pissed and leave. this place has something for everyone

:loveya:

[housewolf]

74. AzDem, YOU have been a gift to all of us here on DU

Your friendliness, warmth and sense of humor has touched and opened the hearts of many. You, yourself, are one of the true treasures here at DU.

And don't you ever forget it!

:loveya:

[NMDemDist2]

77. awww geez

you're making me blush

:blush:



:loveya:

[lildreamer316]

79. Congrats!!

There are usually several days in a row where I see no one but my husband also...so I know how that feels.
This is my home, too.
Congratulations!! We are so honored to have you here!

[NMDemDist2]

82. I knew I liked you for a reason

a woman of sense and taste! :applause:


:rofl:

[BlueIris]

80. From one Kerry girl to another—thank you. Place wouldn't be the same without ya.

:-)

[NMDemDist2]

81. thanks !!!

it wouldn't be the same without you either ;)

:hug:

:bounce:

[Kajsa]

83. Congratulations,AZDem!

You are a vital part of our community.

Your insight, humor and warmth are very appreciated.
;)

And you ARE the lighthouse in our little group!

Lots of love, hugs and wishes for 40,000 more great posts!

:hug: :loveya:

[NMDemDist2]

85. you are such a sweetie!

:blush:

but every word I say is true, DUers and DU rock!!

and that includes you especially :hug:

[Kajsa]

90. Aww- thanks!

Right back atcha!

:hug:

[0007]

84. What do you do in your spare time?

[NMDemDist2]

86. cook our meals from scratch (yes I made the bread too), garden,

hold a position in the County Party, sit on the Board of a Non Profit, act as a support system to my Hubby, am totally remodeling my old house, play online bridge

I manage to keep busy...

:spank:

:rofl:

[bdamomma]

87. congrats AzDemDist6!!!!

on your 40,000 posts.:applause:

[NMDemDist2]

91. thanks alyce!!

:yourock:

[paulk]

88. I've always enjoyed your posts.

thanks for being here.

[NMDemDist2]

89. thanks paul!

:pals:

it's been a hell of a ride :bounce:

[Javaman]

92. 40 freakin' thousand???? Damn, congrats!

do you ever sleep?

[NMDemDist2]

93. the insomnia comes and goes

:rofl:

[wildeyed]

94. 40,000 posts!!!!!!!!

Holy smackerels, thats a lot!

Congrats AZ. You are a great member of this community, and your presence has meant a lot to me over the years, especially right after the 04 election in the C & B group. You are a rock!

:yourock: :hug: :grouphug: :woohoo:

[NMDemDist2]

102. thanks dear

but you xposted into C&B and I was trying so hard to be humble

:rofl:

[wildeyed]

106. But they would have been so sad to miss it!

The only reason I saw it is because I have your Journal marked and I noticed you updated it. Otherwise I never would have been aware of the blessed event ;) And as hard as you try to be humble, you are one of the leading lights of C & B, so it is important that people know.

But seriously, 40,000! I feel like such an underachiever :cry:

[NMDemDist2]

111. yeah well, a few kids and dogs

and a major remodel will keep ya busy

:rofl:

:hug:

[wildeyed]

112. It's all excuses......

The soft bigotry of low expectations. I need to put my nose to the grindstone and get posting! I hear GD-P calling me right now.......

:hug: Congrats!

[yellerpup]

95. Thanks for sharing your story.

And for your unfailing support and good humor, especially in the C&B forum. :yourock:

[NMDemDist2]

103. thanks pup!

they are my favoritest peeps over there :evilgrin:

[Warpy]

96. I followed the link from Buzzflash

back when all they had at that site were a few links to editorials in a few newspapers across the country. I think I signed up around the time the first Top Ten list came out but under another name. I lost my password and wasn't able to retrieve it for some time, so in 2002, I signed on under this name.

I've kept the first name, now with a reasonable passwword, as a backup just in case I disgrace this name with something really, really stupid and get laughed off the forum.

[NMDemDist2]

104. ROFL

that ain't gonna happen Warpy

:hug:

[walldude]

97. For your 40,000th post I would tell you to get a life...

however in this day and age a life on DU is as important as anything else, so I will just offer my thanks and congratulations! Keep up the fight!! :toast:

[NMDemDist2]

105. hey!!

I resemble that remark!!

:rofl:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

98. A perfect 40K tribute post.

You've articulated so well what DU means to many of us thanks to the wonderful posters here such as yourself.

Congratulations on your milestone!

[NMDemDist2]

107. thanks neighbor!

:hi:

[Rowdyboy]

99. Congratulations and thanks for sharing yourself with all of us.....

The feelings of family make this place special...

[NMDemDist2]

108. ROWDY!!!

LTNS

:hi:

[eleny]

100. Congratulations to one of the dearest here

You're one who finds just the right encouraging and kind thoughts so easily.

It wouldn't be the same without you!

[NMDemDist2]

109. ahh eleny

:hug:

you're my buddy, you're my pal :bounce:

BTW, I sent in the paper work today to be eligible to come to Denver wish me luck....

[varkam]

101. I'm the crazy uncle, aren't I?

:D

Thanks for being here. I always look forward to your posts :pals:

[NMDemDist2]

110. nah

that would be Stinky

:rofl:

[MelissaB]

113. How did I miss this?

:hi:
Congratulations on 40,000! You are a wonderful, helpful poster. I always look for your threads in the other forums, but missed this somehow. Now get busy on the next 10,000! I'll suggest you use many post with your recipes. :)