A "logic" problem I need help with..

He is saying he doesn't want it. That's the problem. [2008-12-04]
NM

We had the opposite problem [2008-12-01]
That's why we have a real tree. My cat was slowly eating all the fake needles (I didn't know she was doing it)and they finally got so imbedded that she had to have emergency surgery and she had so many pine needles in her stomach that when they took them out it was a huge packed glob of them actually in the shape of her stomach. So ever since then we've had a real tree.

Is she actually dirty or does she have an odor problem? [2008-11-30]
Who told you she needs a bath? Can I ask why you aren't able to brush her? There are a lot of new products and tools that can help if you have a problem with your hands or arms. I have clients who get their dogs bathed every week but I really don't recommend that, especially for a collie type of coat. Unless your groomer missed something she should be good for quite awhile in that department.

Same problem here. [2008-11-30]
My husband works with loud machines and we both have noticed his hearing is going. I actually thinks he likes it because when I ask him to do something and it doesnI didn. Very frustrating for me. My husband also expects big presents for Christmas, birthday, etc, wrapped up all nice and pretty. Last year, he received a big gift and I received nothing from him. He says I'm hard to buy for so he won't do it. Or else on Christmas Eve, he will say he's going shopping what should he get me. He always takes the fun out of any gift-giving occasion. This year, I told him we are not exchanging and that means BOTH of us will do without. We'll see how he likes it.

opposite problem [2008-11-29]
For the last 20 years we have been forced to participate in the gift exchange regardless of our circumstances. This year, all of a sudden, we must all abide by a new budget, but now we have money! I think it is just a power play and nothing more.

Ah! There is your problem, Singers are worthless! sm [2008-11-27]
Seriously, they are. They have been made in Japan for 35 years or better. Japanese sewing machines are the WORST. Janhome (sp?), White, Necchi, Juki...all Japanese and all terrible things! Brother is from there too these days. They don't keep their tension, they are notoriously difficult to thread and they don't stitch worth a $hyte. If want something you can use for many, many years...you get a Pfaff, an Elna or a Bernina. They are European made. Pfaff has lots of bells and whistles for less money (I swear by a Pfaff and own 4 of them (2 regular, 2 sergers). Bernina is an excellent machine, but plenty of money gets you basics and fancy stuff like an extra presser foot is very pricey (A Pfaff ruffler is like $100, but a Bernina is more like $250). I know Pfaff's best. They have a hook around back to thread your needle for you. They have a fully adjustable tension and it DOES hold and will revert back when you change it. This is something a Singer will never ever cooperate with. Change the tension once and it won't go back no matter where the knob is. They are dead easy to thread and do so in a way that you never have to thread a slot, hole or needle eye. I know you are thinking too much money. One, you get what you pay for, and two, a second-hand Pfaff that has been reconditioned by a factory-trained mechanic is every bit as good as a brand new one. Unlike the Japanese machines, European ones have almost no moving parts, and they are modular. Burn out a motor (I have done this) and the old one snaps out and the new one snaps right in. I can also tell you I was a professional dressmaker of 10 years. In that time I killed a Singer serger, a Juki serger, a Singer lightweight, a New Home and a Necchi. For the second half of those years, I went to a Pfaff. I used the first one so much I wore the carbon brushes out in 15 months, grooved the armature on the motor and had to replace the motor!!! It worked great after that and I sold it for $200 less than I had paid for it new. Right now, to replace the 4 I have would cost me $20,000, but I own the very best, latest thing when I bought what I have. I own the first sewing machine model to retail for over $3000 (at $3399) but I didn't pay anywhere near that because you CAN negotiate on prices of sewing machines at independent retailers. I traded something in and bought 2 new regular machines with a total retail of $5000 and walked out with both for $1800 and that trade in. On a used machine they often make even better deals. No Virginia, it is not you! It is the SEWING MACHINE.

Need help with opposite problem sm [2008-11-22]
I have chestnut brown hair with blonde highlights which is getting too expensive to keep up. Stylist was charging over $100 and I told her thanks but I would have to start going to Super Cuts or someplace cheaper although I did appreciate her beautiful work. Well, she came down, then went back up again to $85 and that's too much. I have never ever colored myself and she said she had to start coloring my whole head with the brown, used to just highlight with both colors. I hate to lose the highlights as they make me look and feel better than just the drab brown. I see products that say highlight but if I have a brown base, how do you get both colors to come out??? Kinda lacking in knowledge of hair, perhaps someone else does this. TIA

Here's my problem....sm [2008-11-21]
My dad is irresponsible and is in financial debt and doom. There is no way he can make the money to pay the bills he has accumulated. He has borrowed money he shouldnt have. Well the situation is... He has been knowing if he didn He refused to pay it. Every time he would get acheck he wouldn Well he kept not paying it for 2 months. Well yesterday they turned them out. It is freezing here. It is going to be in the 20s tonight. He said I don Well he was told and told to pay it and wouldn So now what does he do? As soon as he gets off work he comes to my house cause he don I can So I can He also said he had no money for food because he had to use it all for diesal for his dump truck. So I offered him food too. He also rumages through my cabinets for snacks. I feel like I am the parent and he is the child. My husband drives a big truck and he has been gone. When I tell him what is going on he gets aggravated because he is sitting at our house and all. He said he is a grown man and needs to step up and take care of himself but he is my dad and I can My husband will be home either late tonight or first thing in the morning and this is not going to go over too well with him. I am at a loss.

My mom had a similar problem with [2008-11-19]
Ambrielle. She also bought several and took the tags off to wear them, but they still left her return them. She did save her receipt, though. JCP has always stood behind their products. I have bought and returned numerous things over the years and never had a problem. One time in particular comes to mind. I had purchased a Worthington purse for $40. A year later, I was still using it and it broke on me in the middle of the mall. I didn The clasp on the side just came apart. I took to the JCP in the mall and they allowed me to exchange it for a similar purse in the same price range. No receipt, no tags, and a year old. Can't beat that!

wow, what a problem! Good [2008-11-13]
arguments for either side. I, myself, have begun to have problems trusting the CDC or FDA or anybody else, for that matter. They are so sure, then out of nowhere, they totally retract or claim they did not know. In the 50's,it was quit using butter, switch to oleo, now it's back to butter again. Same thing with coffee, tea, chocolate, you name it. Not to mention lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, spinich and beef. It does bring up an interesting thought though, remember the old arguments between doctors that cancer was or was not caused by a virus?

Exactly! That is my only problem now...sm [2008-11-12]
After spending money on the big ticket item you really can't afford to buy other expensive things. I said you know I am going to have to buy some inexpensive things to go with it like some movies and such. The games for the playstation will be bought by the grandparents and aunt. I sure can't go buy those expensive games now.

Has anyone here had the painful problem of having to place their parent in a nursing home? SM [2008-11-08]
My beautiful dad passed away last year. My mother and father were devoted to one another, my mother always taken care of by my father in every way, married 67 great years. My mom has always had excellent health, but after about 1-1/2 years, she has deteriorated to the point where I do not know her and I am scared, she is frail, not eating, almost unable to walk, struggles to dress herself or do for herself, will not accept a home health aide, we are trying to cook and clean for her at home but it is getting very scary, she just turned 90 and she seems to be failing fast. I am so sorry this is so long, but it is all so complicated, it is like she gave up the second my dad died. Anyone go through this yet????

I don't have a problem with long hair on boys [2008-11-07]
but I do have a problem with not keeping it nice. There are a lot of men and boys with long hair that looks good. His is all stringy and icky looking. My son has a longer hair style and thinking about going longer with it but we have had the talk about still looking nice and having some sort of style to it. The minute he doesn't, it goes. Kinda like wearing dirty clothes out of the laundry basket. Sure every kid wants to do it and you have to piok your battles but mine isn't going to walk out of the house looking like no one cares enough to make sure he is a clean, well taken care of, and well fed boy.

Really? I've been doing this over 12 years and never had the problem before nm [2008-10-29]
x

I have no problem with it [2008-10-26]
I eat candy and I drink soda and I use birth control (although, not nearly enough as I am pregnant right now), but if a store chooses not to sell these things, I can always go somewhere else to spend my money. We don't force grocery stores to carry anything specific--why should a drug store be any different. There will always be someone willing to take your money!

I have a problem with the coffee's presented here [2008-10-21]
Theyand some kind of Green Mountain Coffee. All those gourmet coffees are too high in price here - $6.99 per 13 ounces is ridiculous! Never heard of Fresh Market coffee or Boca Java, and yes, I clean my pot out once a month. I did not change coffee filters but that's a thought. I've been using the cheapest I could find, but the same brand. Been using the same filters for years. We Tomorrow, I am going to try 100% Columbian coffee that hubby bought. I already have 3 kinds of coffee in my 'fridge besides the new coffee, and he bought the biggest can you can buy (why? I don't know.) I will update you on using this coffee, plus I think I will buy some different coffee filters. Maybe it is the coffee filters. I do have some older ones not made for this coffee pot, but will use one tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks for all your help and I'm open to more suggestions. LOL

See, the problem is, you're taking YOUR personal [2008-10-16]
adhere to it, or else they are morally 'WRONG'. This teacher isn't forcing anyone to attend her marriage. Whoever wants to stay home, can. It's just no big deal. How you think as an individual IS your right in the US, whether you believe it is God-given or not. But the deal is, that right may also be Buddha-given, or Allah-given, etc. I find it really strange that people feel there is a different 'lifestyle' associated with homosexuality. Except for a brief period of time spent in the bedroom (which is really NOBODY's business but theirs - not even God's), for most gays, every other aspect of life is exactly the same. They still set their alarms, get up in the morning, go to work, and contribute to society. Actually, a large number of them contribute far MORE to society than your average 'Joe Sixpack' or 'Joe the Plumber'. Among my own gay friends, there are: - An astrophysicist - A doctor - A lawyer - A teacher - A scientist - On individual who graduated from both Harvard AND Yale When it comes to contributing to the outward appearances of the city, the gay community has moved into some areas (like the Castro) which used to be seedy, dangerous neighborhoods, remodelled, repainted, rebuilt, opened restaurants and boutiques, and turned it into one of the city's best neighborhoods with a strong tax base. There are homes in my own neighborhood owned by gays that they put their effort and money into, and now those homes shine, increasing property values all around them. I've been on this earth far more years than I care to admit, and I have to say - I have yet to meet a single homosexual person, male or female, that I didn't like, and who didn't make a significant contribution in life. That can't be said for many of the heterosexuals I've known. And finally, let me tell ya - the best 'girlfriend' you could ask for is a gay guy. My friends keep me laughing nonstop, and brighten my life. Condemning a person's entire existence because of a mere 20-minute difference in bedroom behavior is wrong. If that's what 'God teaches', then I'm glad that's not MY God. My God is tolerant of all those that he created.

My son had this problem (sm) [2008-10-10]
He married a woman with a daughter. This daughter did everything she could to break up the marriage.Her mother let the kid walk all over them and generally, when son tried so hard to be the father she never had, but if he tried to discipline her, she would always say, You Her mother always stood up for her as if the kid never did anything wrong, and always telling him, Go easy. She never had a father. What the heck did my son try to do? Just be a money pit for her and his wife???? Yep, that's all he was. She destroyed 5 cars in 1 year through accidents and when he wouldn't allow her to drive any more cars, it was the final blow. After hanging on for 10 years, this year was the final breakup over her. They are now getting a divorce. The kid is now 19 and now, every time she fights with her mother, she comes running to him.I call her very ungrateful and a few words I can't list here. I told him to stay away from her before mom and daughter start accusing him of something. And to answer your question, you have the right to feel the way you do, but don't let it go on much longer or else you'll lose control of the whole situation. Have a sit-down with him and if he doesn't see your point of view, try counseling. There's no way a father should be sleeping with a 9-year-old and there's no way a 9-year-old should have the PARENT under her control. That's a recipe for disaster. His excuse does not hold water. Good luck.

My cat solved my un-filed paperwork problem - sm [2008-10-10]
... she PEED on them, and I had to throw them all away! AAAaaaaaggghhhhh !!!!!!

I don't see dust, but with me, the problem is [2008-10-08]
You do have a neat, compact workspace! I like your location - I'll bet you can keep an eye on various parts of your house from there. Our workspaces are really our true 'homes', aren't they!

I think it may be a regional problem... [2008-09-28]
here in the Northwest I don't see anybody giving up anything or not being able to make payments. I was out yesterday in Portland at a very large mall and let me tell you, there was no shortage of people shopping at all. Macy's was crowded, even Nordstrom's was full. There were sales everywhere. I think a lot of people don't know how to save and are surviving on CC for everything. The bad thing about this bail out is that it's going to put a tight noose around lending practices, even to those with good credit. Some people are going to be in for a shock when the CC industry is the next to go under. Interest will go up on the cards, minimum payments will go up and credit limits will be lowered.

Has anyone experienced this type of ear problem? [2008-09-25]
Hi all! I woke up this morning, and I have a drumming, vibrating sound in my left ear, but only when I tip my head down to the side. When my head is held straight, there is no sound at all! I have not had a cold, nor have I been congested. I am debating calling my PCP as it really doesn however, I haven't started transcribing for the day, and maybe it will bother me then?!? I have been trying to do some research on the Internet, and I have come across everything from perforated eardrums to bugs in my ear!! I'm just wondering if anyone else has had this problem before I start to panic?!? TIA!

My ex's stepdaughter had same problem. sm [2008-09-25]
His wife is devoutly religious, goes to church 7 days a week and she sought help from her pastor. Daughter spoke to him a couple of times. No outside help whatsoever. Mother got knock on door at 6 am Sunday morning, stated her daughter died in a car crash. She was 18 years old. Sorry, prayer alone cannot always help.

Have the opposite problem! [2008-09-16]
DD went off to college this year 250 miles away from boyfriend of a year. I was hoping she would forget about him, but no such luck. He has already visited after only 3 weeks. They will probably both come home for long Columbus weekend, and they are already planning a weekend visit in November. Do I want to see her heart broken? No. But if it meant she was rid of this guy, definitely!

my problem with "problem spot" solvers [2008-09-03]
is that they dry out my skin too much. When I put on makeup i have a spot that looks like i have sunburn- peeling skin no matter how much moisturizer i put on :(

You say you love them like they were your own sm [2008-12-04]
but you make a clear distinction in your post between them and your own daughter.Maybe they are picking up on this. I am from a blended family myself, and all 5 of us have always been treated the same by my dad and (step)mom. This year, money is tight for them, and they are only buying for the grandchildren. I have no problem with this. Gift giving should be done without regard to whether you are getting something back.

I post this every holiday season and will try SM [2008-12-04]
posting again. Sigh. I have two stephchildren. One is 30 and one is 25. I actually love them like my own children. Problem is gift giving. Do you give gifts to adult stephchildren who do not give gifts to you? If they were small children or teens, of course I would buy them gifts, but they are ADULTS! Every year I post this same question and get same answers from people saying how much they LOVE buying hundreds of dollars worth of stuff for EVERYONE they know and that I shold get in the holiday spirit of buying. I don I have two grandchildren, 4 and 1-1/2, and have spent a combined $100 on their gifts. Ibuying my SIL a book. Last year, stepdaughter gave me a regifted gift card from Starbucks and stepson gave me small bag of candy (smushed carton). They don I find buying gifts for adults silly. And please, do not suggest handmade gifts. I made that mistake years ago, when I made stepdaughter handmade mosaic tile box, with velvet interior. She threw the thing out.Isthere some tactful way out?

Cure for In-Law Problems [2008-12-04]
Marry a man with dead parents! His father died years before we met and his mother died right after we started dating. Poof! Problem taken care of. Now before you all start flaming me, I am just kidding. But I do realize how lucky I am to not have to deal with a MIL. He has brothers who have children and grandchildren, so they spend Christmas Day with their families. We all get together on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day we go to my familyOne of my sisters has theMIL from He$$ and boy doesshe wish she was in my place!

Cure for In-Law Problems [2008-12-04]
Marry a man with dead parents! His father died years before we met and his mother died right after we started dating. Poof! Problem taken care of. Now before you all start flaming me, I am just kidding. But I do realize how lucky I am to not have to deal with a MIL. He has brothers who have children and grandchildren, so they spend Christmas Day with their families. We all get together on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day we go to my familyOne of my sisters has theMIL from He$$ and boy doesshe wish she was in my place!

Backaches and mattresses - sm [2008-12-04]
My husband wakes up with a backache every morning. He does have some back issues but our mattress could be contributing to his problem. Too many choices re mattesses, so would like to know if anyone has an opinion as to what type to try. Thank you.

Just wondering if anybody wants [2008-12-03]
to e-mail each other and get a support group started here. I also want to quit but am so afraid as I have support but not REAL support. Everyone I know is a nonsmoker or a former smoker. The former smokers (who are the worst) expects me to just put the cigarette down and that I should have no problem with quitting. It just takes guts and nerve. No...you guys quit many, many years ago...I am scared, I have no support, I don't drink or take drugs to make up that vice I have. I don't knit or crochet to keep my hands busy, I enjoy my cigarette after my dinner and with coffee in the morning. Without the cigarette, the other enjoyments are nothing. So what do I do?? How bout we start a support group for us? E-mail me so we can get things started if you would like.

I have cleaned my house and now I have adjustment disorder sm [2008-12-02]
I have been working on my bathroom remodel since Memorial Day. It should have taken 4 weekends and I only just finished on Thanksgiving Day. I did 95% of myself, including cutting holes for and installing, 2 sinks in the vanity. I am pleased, it is gorgeous, but that is another story. Okay, I put my bedroom back together after 6 months of being a disheveled PIT. I am cleaning the house because my daughter will be home in a couple of weeks to get married at the JP in a nearby town. I still have to make her a dress too...but I wanted the house clean for she and her fiance/husband. It is coming along very well. My problem? I can't manage a house where I am not stepping over crap on the floor, shifting stuff around so I can get to my clothes or go to bed. This is all new to me, clean floor space and no dust, a place for everything and everything in its place...I can't cope. It is clean AND tidy, the antique linens are pressed and starched, on the surfaces. IT is lovely!!!! I am depressed now. I don't adjust well to change.

christmas gift exchange again sm [2008-12-02]
Our family has always picked names for Christmas and bought only for that person. The limit is supposed to be $25. You know how hard it is to just spend $25 especially on someone that basically has everything. In the past this had just included the adults in their 40s and 50s. Of course one felt obligated to buy the teenagers and younger children something. I Last year I spent close to $200 on Christmas. I really couldn This year my SIL presented the idea of a low cost gift or gift card (my mother hates gift cards) and playing the game of picking a number, then picking a gift, etc. Well my otherbrother and his wife, who are well off, and my mother decided they didn I told my mom I don I can Its only $25 they say. Arenmoney?Well its never just $25 and what can I buy a teenager that has everything for $25? They turned up their noses on the small gifts I gave them in the past.I also donspend more than $25 on me when I could only afford $25. I already feel inferior about my financial status in comparison to my siblings and I feel the best thing for me is to not participate. What I really loathe Christmas anymore. No one really appreciates any gifts they are given and I donI guess IWhy can Thanks for letting me vent.

Mine use to be in the bedroom in my [2008-12-02]
old house before I moved and actually had an office. The only problem was when I had to work early on a weekend morning and my BF was still asleep. Ever tried typing quietly? Can't be done.

I would give them what you can afford [2008-12-02]
and if they don't like it, it's their problem. It's the thought that counts. A teenager should enjoy a gift certificate to the movies or to his/her favorite clothing store. As for the adults, my husband and I have been giving our parents gift cards to their local grocery store. Everyone needs to eat. I'm glad we don't run into these problems with our families. Everyone is happy to get something no matter how inexpensive. Try not to stress too much about it.

I absolutely can not stand when someone..sm [2008-12-02]
here just throws out there get a divorce. Divroce is not always the answer and not always that easy. I have a very good marriage and our DS is graduating this year. If DH wanted to attend something else instead I would let him, but I guarantee the locks would be changed when he returned. I am sorry that this is a problem for you, I get along quite well with my family as well as my in-laws so I donmy son so I guess he is not the biological son of your husbands. Always put your children first. If other family members don't make it to the graduation, so be it. I understand the hurt, but once again just be there for your child and to He!! with the others.

Kind Of Gross [2008-12-02]
A Co worker/friend mentioned to me today that she had an embarassing problem, but wasn't sure if she needed to go to have it checked out. She said she occassionally had an odor in her belly button. She treats it by applying peroxide to it nightly. I think her problem may be an infection of some kind anyway I suggested she have it looked at. Another co worker said it was a common problem no big deal, I personaly never had the problem, the other co worker said she gets it all the time that all it is, is lint trapped in there then gets irritated. What cha think?

When I was a teenager my mother had mono [2008-12-01]
My dad and the doctor (IMO) ingored the problem until she had such a high fever that she was halucinating. At that point I informed my dad that he had two choices, take her to the hospital or call 911. He took her in and they were all amazed at how bad she was. I know they gave her some kind of antibiotic. I could have shot my dad. He is a total hypochondriac and yet he would let her go that far.

Is she actually dirty or does she have an odor problem? [2008-11-30]
Who told you she needs a bath? Can I ask why you aren't able to brush her? There are a lot of new products and tools that can help if you have a problem with your hands or arms. I have clients who get their dogs bathed every week but I really don't recommend that, especially for a collie type of coat. Unless your groomer missed something she should be good for quite awhile in that department.

2 problems with hubby - any advice??? [2008-11-30]
Problem #1: His hearing. He will not go to the doctor, complains to me all the time that he can not hear me and talks SO loud. I can't tell him anything in the stores or I might as well announce it over the loud speaker which in turn creates an argument (hence, miserable day out shopping yesterday). Problem #2:I dread this time of year with him. He turns into this greedy person that is beyond comprehension for me. Every time he opens his mouth it I always grew up being thankful for what I got and can I never ask for items for Christmas - I appreciate the thoughtfulness that a person puts into getting me something (even if it I also believe the kids come first (3, 2 of which are teenagers) and we buy for them first but it seems I always have to budget my money for the kids and then for him. He does not like inexpensive items either. The last few months I'm the only one who has bought gifts for the kids - he hasn't spent any of his money and is counting on a bonus from his employer that may or may not come through and you never know how much it's going to be. Sorry - and thanks for letting me vent. I've been so stressed lately.

I was an animal science major in college and... [2008-11-27]
my poultry professor said that fresher eggs are harder to peel. The problem is that you can't tell from the store which the older eggs are because when they expire, they just repackage them with newer dates and send them back out because they only go bad if there is a defect in the shell.

just go, forget this child play and really, really enjoy ---- [2008-11-26]
yourself without him. He'll change his tune. If you allow this behavior and kiss pratt for it - you'll have to do that whatever and whenever the whim suits him. agree with other poster - he he can't put himself aside for a couple of hours for your sake and the sake of the whole family...then it is he the problem.

Hanging around your house (as long as [2008-11-26]
you are home) I do not see as a problem. My daughter is 14 and really the only place I let her go with a gruop is on church outings where I know they are supervised. She does have a male friend that hangs out here (same age) at times, but I am always around. As for hanging out at a pizza place, there are probably older kids there and I would be a little leery of that.

I have a 13-year-old daughter myself [2008-11-26]
And as long as it was during the day, I was home, and she stayed where I could see them I wouldn't have a problem with the boys being at the house. As for the pizza, trust your gut. I do let my daughter go to the pizza place in our town, but we live in a very small town, and I only let her go with her brothers (14&15) or with another girlfriend and I put a time limit on it. It is something that girls her age are allowed to do, unfortunately, to many of them have no limitations at all. Only you know how far you can trust your daughter.

Hanging out at your house is a good thing [2008-11-26]
as long as you are there. My house became the hang out house, and it was hard, especially when I was trying to get my work done. But I knew where they were and could step in and keep things under control when necessary. I donrule of 16 which meant my sons could not date until they were 16 years old. Boys don't really seem to fight this so much. My oldest didn't have a steady girlfriend until he was 18. My youngest was 17 when he first started dating. I also had problems with some of their friends being just plain rude. They'd swear, never say please or thank you, and just generally act like snotty brats at times. That wasn't a problem for me. I corrected them and taught them manners. I used humor, which again boys seem to respond to. Usually, when we had girls over who acted that way, the boys were quick to correct them, and I didn't have to step in myself. As far as going out, my boys did go out to hang at the local pizza parlor in mixed groups when they were 13. I never had a problem, but they were held to time limits. I think itYou know, I Good luck!

I have the opinion that as long as they [2008-11-26]
are at my house then I know what is going on. My daughter has no problem whatsoever having people hang at the house and, like I said, I would much rather know where they are and what they are doing then out just wherever.

oh no, he's not exaggerating. [2008-11-26]
Ordinarily I would agree with you that men are...well...kinda dumb sometimes. lol But, this has been a recurrent problem lately. That's why he specifically asked her about it. We were invited to dinner a couple weeks ago and she bought 2 medium pizzas for 9 people, 3 of which are teenagers. I am not a big eater by any means but I came home and made dinner. This is only one example. It's been happening for about 6 months now. I know they are on a budget like the rest of the world but that doesn't mean you have to invite everyone over if you can't feed them.

We do not ban video games or TV in our house BUT [2008-11-25]
We do limit them. When Santa brought the gaming systems he also brought a contract for the parent's and child to sign limiting the amount of video games on week nights, weekends, and that it is at the parent's descretion if other things need to be completed first. We have never had an argument about video games in my house and my son is 10. He does not have the latest and greatest, and doesn't have many games. Part of Santa's deal was that any games would be as holiday/birthday gifts OR the child has to save up 1/2 the money and the parent's will pitch in the other 1/2. Surprising how much they don't want things that use their own money. We also make a point to play board games and such as a family. He helps with laundry, dishes, etc. and of course homework must be done (and checked by parent's) before any video/TV time. It has never been a problem at our house but I also think he knows that I would not hesitate to toss the sucker out the window if it did become a problem.

Sorry, cleaning all day, here is recipe sm [2008-11-25]
I would set the oven at about 350-375 degrees, no higher or lower, I add everything at once, the apple juice, the butter, etc., and cover with foil just so it wonnuke it on TDay to warm it up. My refrigerator will not hold all this stuff plus the turkey -- that I do a lot the night before or day before now, as I find if soaked in water on the stove, it isn't harming anyone, then just turn the heat on and cook, or even cook the night before, smash it up and nuke it to warm it up. It's all about SPACE!

I just got a Scrabble game on EBay [2008-11-25]
We play Scrabble each holiday - kinda got a contest going on. We have been through 2 regular games but thought it would be great to have the turntable. I decided to checkEbay 2 weeks ago and one had an hour left on the bid and I won the bid for $19 w/ SH. There was one tile gone but they told meahead of time about that which is n problem really as we had all the tiles from the old game and they fit justfine. Bought an egg timer at the dollar store and looking forward to this year Good for you playing a board game with the grandkids. Teaches them a little spelling subliminally too.