A very good friend once said...

Sounds good. I've been looking at them again. [2008-12-03]
The coal stove heats our whole house except the bedroom when the door is closed at night and the fan DH put through the wall is so noisy, you can't sleep for about a week until you get used to it. Thanks for the info! I'll let ya know if we get one. Have to do some cajoling now.

This happened to a friend of mine from high school........sm [2008-12-01]
He had mono after we graduated from high school and was off work for about 5 weeks. He went back to work too early and, while driving home from work one day, his spleen just burst and he crashed into an oncoming log truck, killing him instantly. It was really a double tragedy because the first people on the scene to find him were his mom and dad, who had a bad heart anyway. His dad suffered a major MI on the spot and had to be taken to the ER. His poor mom lost her son that day and almost lost her husband.

A friend's grandmother [2008-11-27]
A friend She had tubes and tubes of it stashed. Anytime you were going over there and called to ask if she needed anything, the answer was always the same - Polident. LOL, oh well, it was harmless, so who cared? Kind of cute. I hope when Ilosing it that at leastI

That is good to know...My mom is going to buy that for my son... [2008-11-27]
Thanks for sharing!!!

Well good luck with that little baby!!! [2008-11-26]
nm

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'd love to see the recipe! Choc, PB - got protein and good carbs! Plus antioxidants! nm [2008-11-25]
nm

These are so good, and the name is better sm [2008-11-25]
than what we called them growing up -- doo doo cookies -- because of what they look like Never stopped us from asking for them though.

GOOD FOR YOU! sm [2008-11-25]
I think video games are probably one of the worse potential evils in our homes today. They are addictive in nature and I can see changes in my son's personality when he has been playing them nonstop for hours. I hate them and wish I had never bought one.

These are good ideas, but how about [2008-11-24]
with a piece of turkey, some vegetables for eyes, etc. Maybe they Maybe some will say do not play with your food but it is a holiday!

I have an old friend--or ex-friend really... [2008-11-24]
I let something stupid, the details of which I really cannot even remember fully get in the way of our friendship and I miss her terribly. I realize now that it was stupid and that one little let down - or big let down, for that matter - is not bigger than all the times that she was there for me. I was selfish and stupid and not as understanding as I should have been of where her life was at that point in time. Sometimes, I think that taking the back burner is what we need to do to be good friends. I wish that I had been older and a little more understanding when this little (should have been little, anyway) fight happened. I might still have my friend.

They were good to wear if you didn't do [2008-11-23]
your homework that day and got paddled! The sound of the 1 thick wooden paddle made a wumph, wumph sound and never hurt a bit.

I use Firemountain Gems - pretty good prices. [2008-11-22]
....

I have a friend who left her live-in ...sm [2008-11-21]
boyfriend of 11 years who she had a baby with because he was doing drugs and wasn't coming home at night, going to strip clubs after work and not coming home, etc. She lived in MS close to me and her parents and all of her family lived in Las Vegas, NV. She left and never looked back. She said it was the hardest thing she ever had to do but she doesn't regret it and is so much happier now.

A good gift for either... [2008-11-19]
is the small cologne/perfume gift sets you can get at the mall stores. they usually have 5-8 small bottles for $20 or so. Sometimes you can also get whatever their free offer is for a sweatshirt or duffle bag with it too. We did this one year for all the nieces/nephews between 14 and 21 and they all said they loved it. It gave them an opportunity to try different things without being stuck with 1 fragrance and it surprisingly lasts a kid a pretty long time because they don't want to smell like that every day but when they go out it is something special. The girl might also like a gift certificate for a makeup counter to get her colors done and skin consultation. That's if her parents allow her to wear make up. I wish someone had given me one of those when I was that age. Most teens don't realize its not the amount of makeup you put on but HOW you put it on that makes the difference.

You know, this is a good idea. I need [2008-11-19]
to finish out my 19-year-old's. She is away at college, so I think that would be a perfect fit for yer. Thanks!!

So what exactly has he done for the public good [2008-11-17]
in the last 30 years?

Good for you. nm [2008-11-16]
bb

Any chance you could visit family or a friend... [2008-11-16]
for a few days when he leaves the dogs? Or simply tell DH that you will only take care of your guys? Let hubby experience what a job it is. I have a cat and a large black lab and those two alone can keep me pretty busy. Can I believe in karma, and you have a giant reward coming your way one of these days, as domany of you other kind-hearted posters.

Yep, RUN, she was never really a friend to start with. [2008-11-16]
A true friend doesn Dating a friend Sounds like your new husband has a good head on his shoulders. Hope it works out well for you.

I believe Grapes of Wrath did a good job. [2008-11-14]
xx

A good web site...... sm [2008-11-14]
for using coupons and stocking up on groceries is www.thegrocerygame.com. It does cost a little to join the web site, but they have done an amazing job at matching coupons with various grocery sales. You can choose your stores, like Kroger, HEB, CVS, etc. I used to do this a long time ago and still have a stock pile of shampoo and toothpaste. I quit for a while, but I think I may need to go back to it. I could get like $300 of groceries for around $90. No lie!

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?

Good for you! [2008-11-13]
You know, every kid has to go through certain experiences in life - some sooner than others. Who knows, this circumstance could have prevented a bigger on, where people were actually hurt, later down the road. She will probably hear that from her father as well and she knows it. Losing text capability (which daddy probably pays for) isn't as devastating as she might think, losing a life is. Some day she will look back and know that you did the right thing.

A good tip:...........sm [2008-11-13]
Never go shopping on an empty stomach.....

hiding from the MIL [2008-12-04]
My daughter was reading a book to her grandma. When everyone had left grandma asked me if she had memorized the book. I told her no, she is just a sharp kid. She pressed me further, very concerned. I finally told her the teacher had said she go to special school but we were not interested. The truth is the teacher said she could skip a grade, but I did not tell MIL that or that teacher has set up a whole advanced program for her instead. That is good, she said, Don Ugh.....

lol sounds like my MIL [2008-12-04]
My MIL was pissy this year too. Apparently because I got off of work (due to no jobs) and we arrived an hour early to spend extra time with them. She was mad at me. I thought it was a good thing!? We have always gotten along as well but I have come to realize I just tolerate her and move on. Itstuck in the kitchen and feels left out. Of course she says this to her children. I always offer and more than once but I have come to realize if I just step in and do it won't be right regardless. She doesn't talk to any of her own kids that way even though I know for a fact my husband does things very different from the way she does. Somehow she doesn't notice with him but alarms go off when it's me. She also hates to allow me to make anything to bring for dinner. I am martha-stewart-ish and she is the pull a pie out of the box type of person so I think it intimidates her or something. It's just the way I am and I enjoy doing things from scratch and old fashioned, plus I like to know what I am feeding my kids. I usually ask but just bring stuff along because I know it is the right thing to do and forget about the rest. She talks nice to the other DIL in her presence but the moment she turns her back she bad-mouths her. A few people recently have told me she does the same to me (Imom any more. I feel for her but dang, I will be glad to relinquish the dinner reins to my DIL or SIL so I can just sit around and play with grandkids some day!

I'd say it depends how long you have smoked - sm [2008-12-04]
and how old you are. A friend of mine quit and went about 8 months or so, is now back to a 3-4 cigs a day due to stress, brother died (accidental drug/alcohol OD--plus he had diabetes and hepatitis), then mom got lung cancer (was still smoking at 78, 50+ years smoker, 2 heart attacks), I don't know if she quit but she had stage IV so they knew she did not have long (3 months or so). My friend is still doing the 3-4 cigs a day though she felt so much better NOT smoking. Yes she gained some weight, but she had a 3 floor walk-up apartment so that helped her some. I am hoping she will quit for good here soon. Her stress level has dropped as she moved back in with her dad (though he is not the easiest person to live with)...he wants her to have the house when he dies which is probably soon....he was terribly affected by his son and wife's deaths. Smoking sucks, plain and simple. I am a nonsmoker. I hate the smell, cannot understand how anyone can deal with stinking all the time, having a smelly home, smelly clothes, car, etc. We just stayed in a hotel last weekend, a nonsmoking room....I smelled the cig smoke the second I walked in the door, wanted another room but it was fully booked. It was not too bad but still annoyed me that I had a room, that had a balcony, where someone smoked where they were not supposed to. Sorry, ranting. ---Unless you are over 55 or so and have smoked for 30+ years I would not worry about lung cancer. My DH quit before I met him, had smoked for 12 or so years, pack a day. He is in great shape, lung cancer in his family too. He has been smoke-free for 20 years now. His lungs get sore when around lots of smoke though, and he did have pneumonia really bad right before I met him that I think did some damage (he was seriously ill for 3 weeks) to his lungs as they are very sensitive now as I said. But other than that he is healthy as a horse. Quit. Set aside the money you save and take a nice vacation next summer. You will lose your chronic cough, smell tons better, get your taste buds back, get rid of that stain on your teeth and fingers, and once all the nicotine is gone add a few years BACK onto your life. Good luck!

I'm emailing you...........sm [2008-12-04]
I think January is a great time to stop, although I do have to wonder if smoking will become vogue again since we have a president who smokes. I had a friend whose mother died of lung cancer with mets to the brain and she never smoked a day in her life either.

I am too. I have tried moving to our [2008-12-04]
but the kids moved their computer by me. Seems whereever I go they follow. I had no big windows in there so I went back to the family room, which is now called the office. But it is more like the kids room with mommy trying to work and bothering them. They play classroom in here, webkinz, toontown, do homework, etc. I used to have it in the bedroom, for years, but got depressed because I literally never left the room except to take care of the kids and do chores. I got depressed and the doc said I had to take the computer out of my bedroom, because even when not working, in bed, I'd think about work or see it constantly. I once had an office with walls, but the kids took up camp in there too. They are all 11 and under so I can't wait until they want mommy less and are teenagers for example. Maybe then, they'd spend time by themselves and only come to me for money. LOL. I love them, but the noise and clutter that come withs them well just not exactly a good environment for a doc who speaks no English and eats chips at the same time.

You're not a hopeless case! sm [2008-12-04]
Each day is a new beginning. Donvictor not you can get some help there. You are the victim. You are worth the effort. Some pills do cause nightmares, try Benadryl at night. I thus the need to relax, I understand, please don't give up. If you don't have a PCP, try a walk-in clinic or the pharmacist, you never know, they may have some good advice. Think of the $$$ you will save, use it to pamper yourself and your self-image will improve. You can do it, baby steps at a time. Remember, every day is a new start.

Scared to quit smoking - sm [2008-12-03]
I have another friend who quit smoking 3 years ago and now has lung cancer. I know (and have heard of) many people who quit (ACS can tell you how your lungs supposedly improve andrisk of lung cancer death diminishes compared to the general population) smoking only to be diagnosed with lung cancer after several years. This IS NOT a mental excuse for me not to quit. It really does frighten me. Been a smoker for 30 years. Seems worthless tofightto quit and die, or just keep smoking and die. Anyone have any thoughts? I have no one affected by my second-hand smoke.

You're going to die no matter what you do. sm [2008-12-03]
It's your quality of life that you fight for. Nobody here is going to give you a reason to continue smoking. What does your friend with the lung CA say about it?

I think you should discuss this with your doctor or maybe your local cancer center. [2008-12-03]
Get a professional opinion and professional help, yes I'm referring to a psychologist with the second. It almost sounds as though you think if you continue smoking you won't get cancer as quickly?! Nothing comes without work, quitting smoking or fighting cancer. My father died of lung cancer, shortly after quitting. He had the same fear as you but after finding the cancer said he wish he had quit sooner and lessened his risk. The risk is always there, it is just how much you let it increase before you do something about it. Quality of life is also something to consider. If the cancer is there (assuming there is by your fears), it will probably be caught at an earlier stage and very well be treated successfully. I say start with your PCP. Then talk to your friend and get a first hand opinion on her situation since that is basically what you fear.

The school should know when graduation is - sm [2008-12-03]
contact them and inform the nephew of the date and the aunt.....and hope the graduation will be after the wedding or they may have a zillion excuses not to come as too busy with wedding stuff. Or ask the nephew just to have his wedding in June, or April. Good luck.

me, too. Chantix is giving me the wildest dreams [2008-12-03]
i have quit so many times it i get the nicotine gum -- 170 pieces 30 bucks. works pretty good, but then i loose it --again. never quit quittin'

Ethnic variety/languages. What's yours? [2008-12-02]
I'm just curious. I am a Germanic blend. The Scandinavians are actually one of the original Germanic tribes. I was born in Sweden, raised in Norway, had German Father and live in the US. I learned Swedish and Norwegian at the same time, English later and can fling a phrase or two in German. (Tho I read it better, if slowly, than I could ever speak it.) My preferred method of communication is actually what a friend refers to as Swenglish but is a weird mix of all my favorite languages. I consider myself a Scandinavian, but I am a Californian as well. This is my home now, even if I do sometimes pine for the fjords. (Gratuitous Monty Python reference, for you slow types!) I have actually met people who do not know where their ancestors hailed from! That is inconceivable to me! So, tell me about your family and language, please. I find this kind of thing interesting. Where are you from? Where did your ancestors come from? What language do you speak in the home growing up? What language do you speak now in your home? Like I said, just curious.

Advanced Directives ? [2008-12-02]
A friend and I were talking about Advanced Directives. Obviously, we both signed them long ago, but in a case where the doctor I told her I wasn We both realize that anytime a procedure or surgery is done we sign it again (don't we?!), but in a case where it's been a long time, it seemed like a good thing to know. Thanks!

Different places when no office available [2008-12-02]
I have been in just about every room of my house at one time or another. I started out working in the kitchen years ago because I had dialup and the apartment I lived in had only a phone jack there. The kitchen was my favorite because it was away from all the noise--that was when the kids were smaller, though. I have had a desk in the bedroom before. It was handy when the kids were at school or hubby was home to take care of them, otherwise it was a pain because it was in the back of the house and if they needed something I had to get up from my desk. The family room is okay, unless you have really loud family like mine. My kids must be deaf sometimes, I swear. Oh yeah and they argue in there over the TV the PlayStation, etc. However, you can deal with some of that from the desk without having to get up. It is a fair trade most of the time. I had two different mobile setups over the years. One was laptop which was okay, but before WiFi, so expensive. The second, I had a desk on wheels that had everything I needed. I could roll it out to the back porch and sit there to work while the youngest was out playing. This was good for mild weather. Be forewarned, if it is really hot outside where you are, you may have PC problems. I used to have one that would overheat and shut itself off. Ugh!!. Oh, BTW, direct sunlight is bad if you have a laptop or plasma screen, so make sure you have shade! I currently have my own little room for now which basically is the size of a really huge walk-in closet with a window and a door. I shut the door when the kids are home because the words please be quiet, I cannot hear when you are yelling at eachother apparently are not in teenager-ese. Hope this was helpful!

My point exactly. He can afford it [2008-12-02]
and he should afford it. All the CEOs of all of these companies that are begging for handouts...this is what they should have to do. All these CEOs for these companies that aren't doing good...I think they should jump on the bandwagon here. They cut our pay or pay us next to nothing, because they say the companies are not doing well...but they are not taking paycuts or cutting bonuses for upper management.

root canals [2008-12-02]
good lord what a nightmare

gifts [2008-12-02]
There are complicated metal puzzles that are not expensive, but are very entertaining for adults and teens. I have also found extravagant adult coloring books. I think that times are changing and in the future there will be less emphasis on gifts, but for now strange and unexpected can be just as good as expensive. http://www.mindwareonline.com/MWESTORE/Home/HomePage.aspx?&SG=PMDG1

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.

I had my own store. Got a following almost became [2008-12-02]
But the fees added up so much that is listing fees,final value fees, that I made about 33% after paypal took their fees too. Then, I shipped all over the world too so I'd be sure to make sure the shipping costs were right or I would get burned there. Then, there became the people who would want their money back even if the listing said only store credit. Customer is always right. So, by the time you count the money I spent on the item to begin with (usually something I thought I would naturally make money on), the fees, the time spent taking pictures, the digital battery, etc. I had a gigantic loss this year. Plus, if you buy on e bay, you should watch your selling, because you just might spend all your profit, which comes out to about 5 to 10 bucks an hour. I loved doing it, don't get me wrong. I met people from all over the world. I sold a dress to the Prime Minister of a University in England, and other interesting people. I still have friends on there who are sellers too. But, I had to close down shop because the fees just got to be too much for me. I would rather sit and type and have free time doing artistic things and having hobbies. Some of my friends who have a following on e bay and have been selling for years range in the 25K a year range, and they have a business license, and charge state tax. Don't forget as well, you have to pay income tax just like any other IC job. Just was not worth it to me. Good luck to you.

I have 2 cans of salmon I need [2008-12-02]
to use. Anybody have a good recipe for salmon patties? Quick easy please.

favorite new inventions [2008-12-02]
Dish Network Sirius Radio (no commercials) Anti-smoking legislation (can you believe we used to smoke in the grocery store and movie theater?) 100 choices of shampoo that smells good. Debit Cards Dishwashers I agree internet turned out to be much cooler than I thought it would be.

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?

I just bought a Fuji Finepix Z [2008-12-02]
Got it at Walmart and it seems to be a good buy so far. I got me one and then my daughter one for Christmas. It was $139.

For the sake of the cats, you should tell her NOW to make different [2008-12-01]
arrangements in the future, and that you won't be feeding them anymore. Please don't wait until she's about to leave the cats. As for your sisters, I'm not Ann Landers or Dear Abby, but I've read them for years and I think they both would tell you to dump the family that you don't get along with, and start making some friends with people that will make you feel good. They are only making your life miserable and it's obvious they will continue to do so as long as YOU allow them to. Nobody can use you for a doormat unless you lie down for it. Good luck.

Candy making question [2008-12-01]
If I make some candy would it still be good for Christmas? I'm going to make those Peanut Butter Bon Bons today. How do you make you choolate chips and paraffin wax to dip them in? I can't remember how many choc chips I used before, but one time the candy didn't get as hard as it should. I always keep these in the fridge anyway.