Thank you. April 17, 2018 4:08 AM Subscribe
It's been a rather crappy past decade for me.. Wife passed away in '09 as y'all well know, diagnosed with T2 diabetes and stage 4 kidney cancer last June, surgery to remove a kidney and tumor last September, and ongoing chemo to reduce the metastasis in my lungs, and I'll eventually need surgery to rebuild my left shoulder due to a bone lesion.
Through all this - y'all have been the most kind, caring, considering, and just gently awesome folks I could ever as for. Even when I'm having a really crappy day, I end up reading something on here, or talking to a MeFite on twitter (I'm @mrbill) that just makes me smile and cheer up a bit.
So, in short, I'm all schmoopy right now.. thank you. Thank you Matt, Cortex, Jessamyn, and all y'all.
May there be better days ahead for you, mrbill.
posted by carmicha at 6:18 AM on April 17, 2018 [12 favorites]
posted by carmicha at 6:18 AM on April 17, 2018 [12 favorites]
Hugs. I hope Mr. Hands is done with you now.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 6:22 AM on April 17, 2018 [6 favorites]
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 6:22 AM on April 17, 2018 [6 favorites]
every time i see your username in a thread i am glad that you are still here.
posted by poffin boffin at 6:42 AM on April 17, 2018 [39 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 6:42 AM on April 17, 2018 [39 favorites]
Seconding that. Hugs mrbill.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 6:49 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 6:49 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Hope you're doing well, mrbill! I've semi-temporarily quit Twitter so haven't sent any likes your way in a while. Glad you've checked in here!
posted by slogger at 6:50 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by slogger at 6:50 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
From the survivor of one crap decade to another (although mine wasn't quite so crappy, I'll confess) - a salute, and right back atcha.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:56 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:56 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Yay schmoopy!!!
I'm glad you're here, mrbill, and I am hoping for the best possible outcomes of your medical stuff.
*hugs*
posted by cooker girl at 6:56 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
I'm glad you're here, mrbill, and I am hoping for the best possible outcomes of your medical stuff.
*hugs*
posted by cooker girl at 6:56 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
I'm glad you're here. All the best going forward. Sending positive vibes your way.
posted by Fizz at 7:04 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Fizz at 7:04 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Hugs, Bill.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:06 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:06 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Schmoop it up. {Hug}
posted by theora55 at 7:15 AM on April 17, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by theora55 at 7:15 AM on April 17, 2018 [2 favorites]
I'm always struck by your kindness and strength. Wishing you all good things ahead, mrbill!
posted by mochapickle at 9:06 AM on April 17, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by mochapickle at 9:06 AM on April 17, 2018 [2 favorites]
I'm glad you're here and I'm glad you made this update. Hopefully the universe will let up on you a bit!
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 9:09 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 9:09 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
and some schmoopy back at ya!! hugs :)
posted by supermedusa at 9:35 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by supermedusa at 9:35 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
You make great contributions here. We're all the better for the fact that you are a part of our community. *Hugs*
posted by vignettist at 10:27 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by vignettist at 10:27 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
In hearing your struggles, I can only appreciate your comments and participation even more.
posted by loquacious at 10:58 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by loquacious at 10:58 AM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
I don't know you, but I'm always pleased to see you show up on mefi.
posted by rmd1023 at 11:00 AM on April 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by rmd1023 at 11:00 AM on April 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
*me suddenly hugs the stuffing out of everyone*
posted by loquacious at 11:11 AM on April 17, 2018 [6 favorites]
posted by loquacious at 11:11 AM on April 17, 2018 [6 favorites]
I don't know you, but I'm always pleased to see you show up on mefi.
This is how I feel about a majority of you. You're good folks MetaFilter. :)
posted by Fizz at 11:15 AM on April 17, 2018 [13 favorites]
This is how I feel about a majority of you. You're good folks MetaFilter. :)
posted by Fizz at 11:15 AM on April 17, 2018 [13 favorites]
Thanks for checking in, mrbill! Always good to hear from you; wishing you the best. ♥
posted by Lynsey at 12:47 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Lynsey at 12:47 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
We all deserve a supporting community. Glad to be among yours.
posted by maxsparber at 1:17 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by maxsparber at 1:17 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Strength to you.
posted by brujita at 1:26 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by brujita at 1:26 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
It's funny - mrbill has been in my internet spheres since my college days and the scary devil monastery, and livejournal too IIRC. It always makes me happy to see your name pop up somewhere. May the next 10 be better than the last 10.
posted by jferg at 1:42 PM on April 17, 2018 [5 favorites]
posted by jferg at 1:42 PM on April 17, 2018 [5 favorites]
MetaFilter: the scary devil monastery, and livejournal too
posted by loquacious at 1:46 PM on April 17, 2018 [5 favorites]
posted by loquacious at 1:46 PM on April 17, 2018 [5 favorites]
Yes, may the next 10 be better.
posted by GenjiandProust at 2:13 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by GenjiandProust at 2:13 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Hugs. Schmoop is healing.
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 2:19 PM on April 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 2:19 PM on April 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
Don't want to make it 'all about me' but after being diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure in 2005, I was told I had a 25% chance of surviving 10 years and here I am after almost 13 (only the last two years have been hard and I get to blame Trump). So keep your head up and MeFi on a browser tab. Note: Everyone needs a schmoop.
posted by oneswellfoop at 2:28 PM on April 17, 2018 [17 favorites]
posted by oneswellfoop at 2:28 PM on April 17, 2018 [17 favorites]
scary devil monastery Now that's a name I've not heard in a long time. A long time.
posted by theora55 at 2:35 PM on April 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by theora55 at 2:35 PM on April 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
Godspeed mrbill.
(I always have a smile on my face when I see your name as it reminds me of the old Saturday Night Live shorts. "Oh nooooo! Mr. Bill!!")
posted by AugustWest at 2:51 PM on April 17, 2018 [2 favorites]
(I always have a smile on my face when I see your name as it reminds me of the old Saturday Night Live shorts. "Oh nooooo! Mr. Bill!!")
posted by AugustWest at 2:51 PM on April 17, 2018 [2 favorites]
mrbill, do you accept virtual hugs from complete strangers? Because if you do, I've got one right here that has your name on it.
(And if you don't that's fine too.)
posted by Too-Ticky at 2:53 PM on April 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
(And if you don't that's fine too.)
posted by Too-Ticky at 2:53 PM on April 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
you are the type of good soul we need more of. hugs.
posted by biggreenplant at 3:27 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by biggreenplant at 3:27 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
it reminds me of the old Saturday Night Live shorts. "Oh nooooo! Mr. Bill!!"
That's exactly where it came from. We had multiple Bills in my high school classes. One kid rode bulls on the weekends, so he was "Wild Bill". I was the nerd who got picked on by the football team (until the coach hired me to do data entry of opposing team plays, and I started helping the players with their computer homework) and so it was only logical that I was "Mr. Bill". When it came time to pick an account name for my first ISP in 1994, "mrbill".
do you accept virtual hugs from complete strangers?
Of course. Virtual hugs lead to real friendships.
posted by mrbill at 3:39 PM on April 17, 2018 [7 favorites]
That's exactly where it came from. We had multiple Bills in my high school classes. One kid rode bulls on the weekends, so he was "Wild Bill". I was the nerd who got picked on by the football team (until the coach hired me to do data entry of opposing team plays, and I started helping the players with their computer homework) and so it was only logical that I was "Mr. Bill". When it came time to pick an account name for my first ISP in 1994, "mrbill".
do you accept virtual hugs from complete strangers?
Of course. Virtual hugs lead to real friendships.
posted by mrbill at 3:39 PM on April 17, 2018 [7 favorites]
One of my favorite MeFite encounters was pomegranate, who MeMailed me one day 12-ish years ago.
"You don't know me, but we live three blocks away!" :D
At times she pops up out of nowhere and gives me the no-bullshit tough-love and hard talk I need.
posted by mrbill at 3:42 PM on April 17, 2018 [8 favorites]
"You don't know me, but we live three blocks away!" :D
At times she pops up out of nowhere and gives me the no-bullshit tough-love and hard talk I need.
posted by mrbill at 3:42 PM on April 17, 2018 [8 favorites]
Isn't it great that with Metafilter, you're never alone? So glad to be part of this community and so glad that you're in it too mrbill. Wishing you good health and better days ahead.
(((((((((((((((((((((((mrbill))))))))))))))))))))))
posted by Kangaroo at 3:46 PM on April 17, 2018 [2 favorites]
(((((((((((((((((((((((mrbill))))))))))))))))))))))
posted by Kangaroo at 3:46 PM on April 17, 2018 [2 favorites]
I don't post as often as I'd like--but Metafilter helps me out in the same way, every time I check in. Thinking of you, mrbill, wishing you health, and I'm thankful that you are a part of this community.
posted by apartment dweller at 4:03 PM on April 17, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by apartment dweller at 4:03 PM on April 17, 2018 [2 favorites]
Hugs. I have always been glad to see you post.
posted by jadepearl at 4:30 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by jadepearl at 4:30 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
One summer when I was younger I worked in a pet store and there was an African Gray parrot in the store whom we taught to to say “Oh no, Mr Bill!” and “Nooooo!” That bird was extra extra.
posted by octobersurprise at 5:41 PM on April 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by octobersurprise at 5:41 PM on April 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
You have an amazing attitude staying so upbeat through all that you are dealing with, I really admire that and wish you all the best mrbill.
posted by NoraCharles at 5:51 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by NoraCharles at 5:51 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Schmooping right back at you. <3
posted by sarcasticah at 6:58 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by sarcasticah at 6:58 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Man, I find myself in deeply gloomy headspace sometimes and I haven't had to face a tenth of what you have come through. You are an inspiration, and I too am glad you are here.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:01 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:01 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
What he said. :)
posted by Glinn at 7:14 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Glinn at 7:14 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
♥ glad you're here
posted by pointystick at 7:28 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by pointystick at 7:28 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Indeed.
posted by y2karl at 7:33 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by y2karl at 7:33 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
One thing about most online spaces is that to exist in them -- and survive it -- you have to armor up. You have to protect yourself from the worst, which some may feel justified to give you.
The thing about Metafilter (where I've lived, online, for over 13 years, and 13 years is the longest I ever lived in one house) is that you can open up (a little) and be vulnerable (a little) and know that it's probably going to be okay. And that's been made true by a) people like mrbill, and others, who share hard things with the community, and b) the community that reacts in an empathetic and caring way, both on the public-facing site and in back channels, and c) the patient-to-a-fault moderators who gently (or not-so) kick the asses of people who behave like asses.
Hugs all around, but more of them to mrbill. Here's hoping they're all still there when any of us needs them, which could be any damn day.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:05 PM on April 17, 2018 [12 favorites]
The thing about Metafilter (where I've lived, online, for over 13 years, and 13 years is the longest I ever lived in one house) is that you can open up (a little) and be vulnerable (a little) and know that it's probably going to be okay. And that's been made true by a) people like mrbill, and others, who share hard things with the community, and b) the community that reacts in an empathetic and caring way, both on the public-facing site and in back channels, and c) the patient-to-a-fault moderators who gently (or not-so) kick the asses of people who behave like asses.
Hugs all around, but more of them to mrbill. Here's hoping they're all still there when any of us needs them, which could be any damn day.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:05 PM on April 17, 2018 [12 favorites]
I'm glad you're around
posted by a humble nudibranch at 12:13 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by a humble nudibranch at 12:13 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
mrbill: ♥
posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 2:06 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 2:06 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
hey mrbill, another long-timer of various internet meeting places who remembers you. I think of you from time to time (because you're kind and always a joy to read). Take care, hang in there. Glad to have you around.
*schmoop*
posted by fraula at 4:15 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
*schmoop*
posted by fraula at 4:15 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
"You don't know me, but we live three blocks away!" :D
On MetaFilter we all live three blocks away.
Best of luck, mrbill!
posted by chavenet at 5:56 AM on April 18, 2018 [7 favorites]
On MetaFilter we all live three blocks away.
Best of luck, mrbill!
posted by chavenet at 5:56 AM on April 18, 2018 [7 favorites]
Schmoop, there it is.
posted by drlith at 7:36 AM on April 18, 2018 [5 favorites]
posted by drlith at 7:36 AM on April 18, 2018 [5 favorites]
\ō͡≡o˞̶ Schmoupe de Ville
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:42 PM on April 18, 2018 [5 favorites]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:42 PM on April 18, 2018 [5 favorites]
<3 to mrbill
posted by holborne at 3:33 PM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by holborne at 3:33 PM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
Youguz, he has a REAL TEXAS COP CAR that he drives to work, which is actually pretty awesome. 🚓
Also, he has been running another online community in the form of some very niche nerdy mailing lists like forever, and it’s one of the only places online that is as friendly and open as this place.
mrbill is a Good Shit.
posted by wenestvedt at 3:25 AM on April 19, 2018 [4 favorites]
Also, he has been running another online community in the form of some very niche nerdy mailing lists like forever, and it’s one of the only places online that is as friendly and open as this place.
mrbill is a Good Shit.
posted by wenestvedt at 3:25 AM on April 19, 2018 [4 favorites]
May you heal and renew speedily. Glad you’re a part of this community.
posted by lazaruslong at 10:29 AM on April 19, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by lazaruslong at 10:29 AM on April 19, 2018 [2 favorites]
Youguz, he has a REAL TEXAS COP CAR that he drives to work, which is actually pretty awesome. 🚓
I don't like to toot my own horn (pun intended) but here's my collection of pics of the car.
2011 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. ex-TXDPS (Highway Patrol).
Had 143k when I got it, just rolled over 148.5 yesterday.
posted by mrbill at 7:48 PM on April 19, 2018 [3 favorites]
I don't like to toot my own horn (pun intended) but here's my collection of pics of the car.
2011 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. ex-TXDPS (Highway Patrol).
Had 143k when I got it, just rolled over 148.5 yesterday.
posted by mrbill at 7:48 PM on April 19, 2018 [3 favorites]
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posted by taz (staff) at 4:09 AM on April 17, 2018 [3 favorites]