Did you know this pose means Ecstasy

We always have it the night of. Which means [2008-12-02]
if they set the date for that weekend, it will interfere with the rehearsal, dinner, etc.

Melanotic stools means blood in the stools. nm [2008-10-25]
x

Well, it kinda means she likes girls. [2008-10-20]
Not that there's anything wrong with that. Hah! Someone had to make that joke, darn it. :-)

Phobia means fear. [2008-10-16]
Everybody throws around the word homophobia, but that is not the right word. People who are against homosexuality are not afraid of it. They think it is wrong. It's just annoying to keep seeing this word used in this way.

Drinking 9-12 beers a day means he is [2008-08-25]

I think OP means she would use the terms [2008-07-25]
mentally handicapped or mentally challenged. At least those are the terms I usually hear now-a-days. Good luck to you and your family.

I think she means [2008-07-03]
that with unstable dry sand, or even with sand of a wetter consistency, if a hole is too deep (over a child make whatever limit you feel safe with. There's nothing to fear if they keep it shallow. This happened to a man I knew years ago with dirt, not sand, but I agree it would be possible in sand and probably easier done. He was working in a ditch deeper than he was tall, and when it collapsed on top of him, it killed him. I do believe that is what 'SM' is warning against.

Yeah. It's a sad situation when the "Land of the Free" literally means [2008-05-13]
Come here illegally and our tax payers will pay for everything you need.

Did you know this pose means Ecstasy [2008-05-02]
LODI, Calif. -- Two high school seniors are accused of making a drug-related hand gesture in their prom picture, prompting school officials to suspend them. Josh Niemeyer and his date are seen making the letter T with their hands in a picture taken during Lodi High School's prom. The seniors said they made the gesture because the promTechno City. But Shad Canestrino from the Lodi Police Department said the gesture represents the words thiz or thizzin which are slang terms for Ecstasy, or MDMA. Canestrino said therethiz and thizzin'' which stems from Mac Dre songs. Mac Dre, a Bay-Area based rapper who died in 2004, coined the term. We knew there was another meaning for it, like double-sided. But our intentions were not to promote drugs or anything. Just Niemeyer said. Niemeyer and his date were suspended for three days. I just think the school has jumped to conclusions and they have made their own interpretation and it isn parent Lisa Russell said. Several Lodi High students wore hand-painted T-shirts on Thursday in support of Josh and his date. According to students, the T gesture signifies drug use only when it's accompanied by a facial expression and a slouching body. The school's principal and the district superintendent said they would not comment on student disciplinary matters.

Maybe she means illegal aliens [2008-04-26]
nm

What works best for me and am not cured by any means - sm [2008-04-07]
I am highly allergic to dust mites. I mean off the chart allergic to them. I am slightly allergic to pig weed but nothing else at all. For years I have had my mattresses and pillows encased, no carpet in my entire house, HEPA filter in bedroom and home office, no curtains in the bedroom, and I got allergy shots for 4 years, which did no good at all. I am still having to take various prescription allergy meds and nose spray on a daily basis. The doctor did tell me kids do much better with allergy shots, especially for dust mites, than adults because their immune systems are still forming. All I know is you have got to eliminate as many allergens as possible and keep trying different things to see what works best.

"Love means never having to say you're sorry." [2008-03-13]
Love Story

That's what I thought too....not necessarily means yes (nm) [2008-02-26]
x

Thank you for caring. It means a lot. [2008-02-07]
ss

Ya know, just by being in certain part of country means [2008-01-30]
your name is that common. My mother, grandparents living in south- named Paradiso. I don’t consider that very southern but here is where we live. You generalize when you say certain names for certain parts of the country. My last name is now French- but hubby and I both southern.....

I believe it means the very poor and undocumented aliens. [2008-01-16]
xx

You misinterpret what freedom of speech means. [2008-01-14]
It means you are free to speak against the government on public property without fear of retribution. You don't have a right to slam others and a blog is on private intellectual property, and probably not even that girl's own private website. You can have your own opinions but you don't have a right to just throw them about carelessly and harm the reputation of others.

No, it means you had sex on the same night, 13 [2008-01-08]
x

what's *normal*?? Normal only means one has a [2008-01-05]

means. [2008-01-04]
x

I think it means you are still willing to learn (sm) [2007-12-29]
Something I have noticed about being defined is that sometimes it gets in the way of learning something new or even correcting old cherished ideas that are really wrong. I have come to have definite and convictions about things, but it took time and something I still do is draw contrasts with other ideas to see if I still am comfortable thinking the way I do. Some things I have become more sure of, some refined and others discarded. If I was going to give advice, I would say to keep asking questions about things and when you get answers, analyze whether they really make sense. It sounds like that is already what you do. As you go, you will become more sure about some things you believe now and other things are yet to be discovered. One more thing I would advise: Keep an open mind and don't discount anyone as possibly having the information you need to find what is right and true.

I posed for pictures...which means they're out there somewhere!! LOL nm [2007-12-20]
x

I think it means sharp tap. [2007-12-19]
Kind of like a teacher might do on her desk to get the class' attention.

Having pain occasionally probably means it's nothing (sm) [2007-12-18]
to worry about. Itdensity of the breast tissue makes it difficult to identify anything out of the ordinary.

Yes. And discipline means desciple. [2007-12-07]
Parents are to provide discipline, desciple means one who is taught. Spare the rod means let them do whatever feels right. Well, in the real world that is a dangerous way to approach life. So, to me spare the rod means if you don't set boundaries, spoil the child, you have a child always testing boundaries who will someday have no or little morals. At least that is my idea of the saying.

I understand your feelings [2008-12-03]
My in-laws woncut back which means what exactly???? I don't know. I didn't grow up with big Christmas presents and all that...family and dinner was emphasized. It makes me wish xmas was just another day. We can't afford it this year but when trying to talk to anyone about it they act like we have no head. If you want to participate, I would do the flat $25 in a gift card for dinner or groceries and leave it at that. How can they get upset when you stick to the agreement. If they don't like your choice, that's too bad. Maybe they shouldn't participate next year if they have such high standards.

My husband and I both smoke! [2008-12-03]
This January we have decided will be it. It is no longer socially acceptable. My excuse has always been that I am afraid to gain a lot of weight. My brother quit after 15 years (early 30s) and he used Chantix. He was a 3-pack a day smoker. Let me tell you, he is so much better. No coughing. After 6 years of trying to have a baby and failing in vitro; they have just had a baby this November. They both smoked/him worse. They are now both nonsmokers for over a year, have gained weight, but have such a blessing. He swears it was the smoking that caused the infertility. This pregnancy was the natural way and she We are all elated. I am especially proud of him and feel like such a wimp to continue to smoke knowing it is killing me. It makes me feel inferior to others. Thank God my brother is an encouraging soul and not one of those horrible ex-smokers who just won't let up or are worse than just plain nonsmokers. To the OP: These poster above is absolutely correct. My brother will vouge that everything in life is better now that he is a nonsmoker (i He says the Chantix worked and he is by no means a pill-taker at all. To the OP again: If you You are worth it! You can still smoke the first week on Chantix, but then the cravings will disappear. Believe me, I also enjoy the cigarette especially after eating but smoke a lot more when I I I hate the habit, but I love the cigarettes. See what I mean? It Whaddya say? E-mail me! To the Poster Above: Thank you for your kind comments as you've also just made me decide that quitting is the best and only option at this point. I had an aunt that died of ovarian cancer and never smoked or drank a day in her life. She was thin, always health conscious. Not all cancers including lung come from smoking. Keep that in mind as you strive to quit.

How often to bathe a dog? [2008-11-30]
I had read somewhere that dogs should not be bathed very often. I know I don't do it often enough, by any means. But someone told me that my collie mix Maggie needs a bath. Well, she just had one about a month ago, and I have never given her that many. Should I take her back to the groomer? (Iratty looking.)

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.

My sisters and nieces and nephews and I stopped [2008-11-28]
exchanging gifts several years ago. My mom and dad and my family stopped exchanging gifts a couple of years ago. This year, my 2 grown children and my husband and I agreed to keep Christmas very, very simple. One gift each. No big major spending. We havea new grandson who is a week old and, of course, he will receive gifts from us, but, even for him the spending will be kept to a minimum this year Maybe you need to just tell your family that you They may not understand, but you should not have to stress about such a beautiful time of the year. I know that I am actually looking forward to the holidays for the first time in a long time because I We are by no means rich people, but we do have what we need and a lot of what we want. There is really nothing that any of us needs. We are truly blessed.

It's lying in the absolute literal sense, but so what. [2008-11-26]
I think itcontrolled dissemination of information can be a good thing. My kids don't need to know what I did when I was a wild child, for example. And on occasion I've told them there were no more Little Debbies in the house, even though I had a personal stash hidden away. LOL! As far as Santa goes, I loved it. The way I explained it to my children when they got older and stopped believing was that when weto give. When my oldest became aware of the Santa reality, he wanted to Santa for my little brother, and kept the fantasy alive for him. Now they do that for others. I consider that a reality. The arguments regarding the honesty of the Santa fantasy will go on and on. In the end, it's a personal family decision to participate or not, and I think we can all be respectful of other family's decisions by not divulging the truth within earshot of children who believe, and not arguing over the issue with parents who believe otherwise.

You can put up with just about anything for a few hours! sm [2008-11-26]
Does he realize how much it means to you that he and you spend Thanksgiving together? I would pullout all the stops here. Tell him it is just for a few hours, can he not put up with them for a few hours out of an entire year? He might also like some reassurance you are not going to let your sister cuss him out again and get away with it (if that is what happened last time). I really would emphasize how much you want him to go to be with you if nothing else. Then if all else fails, yes I am saying this, use the crying card. I am pulling for you!!!

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.

I live near this church [2008-11-25]
and heard on local news the pastor himself is having difficulty with it, whatever that means!

My butternut squash sm [2008-11-24]
After the squash is peeled and cut in squares, I put them in a glass baking dish, add about a half stick of butter (I use a lot of butter on Thanksgiving), dot the squash well, according to size of the dish of squash (you may need more) and add a cup of apple juice (add more if larger dish of squash) and cover the dish with foil until soft, I also add some cinnamon and brown sugar, however, I now have someone who hates cinnamon, so I have to adjust the recipe to please all. You can also cook them the same as you do your potatoes and mash them, add butter and seasoning, but they are a bit watery and my family prefers them baked with the apple juice and the little spice I mentioned. I use brown sugar, cinnamon and butter in some of my vegetables such as the squash and carrots (I call them candied carrots) but as the family grows, you have to please all and that sometimes means changing up the things you add. I have one guest now who canon Turkey Day.Happy Thanksgiving!

My opinion [2008-11-24]
While on some level I agree with the others about having a giving nature, I understand where you are coming from completely. I am not really a material girl, but some things I would rather not lend, at least not without being able to explain how to care for the item. I mean, if I paid for it, and I am by no means rich or even the slightest bit well off, I do not want to have to save up my money to purchase another of the same thing that I would have kept in good condition for life, and I shouldnI usually use a fork too, but DH just bought these and offered her a large plastic cooking fork. She just explained that she wasn't going to scratch it and kept right on doing what she was doing. People oftentimes do not care when it is not theirs. Sorry so long, guess it hit a nerve. I have so many of these it wasn' theirs so they didn't care stories I could just go on and on. It is annoying.

Wow! Was a nerve hit??? [2008-11-24]
I didnLeave it to Beaver. That's just not the case. By the end of the 1960s and into the 1970s the pendulum had started to swing so far toward women having careers that we were often belittled for choosing to be home with the children. Remember Hillary Clinton's cookie baking comment during her husband's first campaign? In fact, stay-at-home moms were the norm for only one brief period in our history right after WW II in the post war boom times. There was a pretty awful recession in the 1970s, and I remember gas rationing and long lines at the pumps. My mother had to work two jobs, and my father, who was in construction, was often one of the first to feel economic ups and downs in his paycheck. But we had dinner together every night at the kitchen table. Before the stay-at-home mothers of 1950's t.v. fame, most mothers worked. They had to. Only the very privileged stayed home and waited for Ward Cleaver to come home from the office. My grandmother, who lived to be 94, God bless her soul, was born in 1908. Her mother died during the great Spanish flu epidemic in 1918. My grandmother was the eldest of four children, and at the age of 10 she became the woman of the house. She stopped going to school so that she could cook and clean and took care of her father and siblings. And no one thought that was wrong. It was expected because there really weren't any government social services -- no welfare, no foster care. Eventually, when her father's depression over the loss of his wife became so great that he couldn't manage to bring home an income, people in the neighborhood just took over. The two eldest children went to live with other families. The two youngest went to an orphanage. My grandmother's father just drifted away and his children never saw him again. My grandmother married at age 20 and had four children during the depression. Talk about having it hard. When I was a young mother trying to make ends meet and I'd cry to my grandmother, she brought me around to reality. She told me what it was like for her to raise children during that time. Many a night she cried over whether or not she could even feed her children or if they would have a roof over their heads. And she wasn't alone. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, was in the same boat. The Great Depression was enormous. She and my grandfather worked wherever and whenever they could. They brought home a dollar or two at a time and fed their children buttermilk and potatoes. They didn't sleep, they worried all the time. Today, my grandmother's washboard hangs in my kitchen on the wall next to my dishwasher. It reminds me that I have no right to ever say that things are harder on us today. They aren't. Generally speaking, most Americans have so many more advantages, choices and opportunities than those who came before us. Yet many in my generation and the one or two generations behind me are just whiners and crybabies who don't think about the big picture. They even dare to say they have a harder time as parents today. Please. Not even close! Every generation seems to believe that, but just a short trip through a history book proves otherwise. I'm not that very old. But I've raised my children and I raised them well. I know what it takes to do that. It takes self-discipline, sacrifice and consistency. And you know what? That's exhausting. Parents today are tired. So what? All parents are tired. Offer it up, as the old nuns used to say. The kids have homework an hour a night. So what? They should have homework, and parents should make sure that it gets done, because education is important. There are parent-teacher meetings to attend, coaches association meetings, scout meetings, dance lessons, school recitals, etc. etc. etc. So what? Balance it out, quit what can't be done, do what can. Work because you have to. The kids have to be fed. It's still easier than it was a generation ago, two generations ago, three and on and on. We're parents to young ones for only a short time. Which reminds me, let's not forget about birth control. Most of us have 2-point-whatever children these days. I'm the youngest of 7. Most of the families in my neighborhood when I was growing up had 4 or more children. Today women can choose to have as many or as few children as they want. That means that we parent for far fewer years than the generations before us. I'm done with day-to-day parenting after just 20 years, and in fact, it got much easier on my day-to-day schedule once my boys were in high school. But my mother had children at home for 34 years. Imagine the number of cloth diapers for 7 children for year after year after year. Yes. I had it far easier, and I know it. So when I was exhausted raising my two boys, I just sucked it up and kept at it. The OP, I think, probably didn't want to be as blunt as I'm willing to be. She IS helping by babysitting her grandchildren while her children work. I'm sure she loves her children and grandkids, but I'm willing to bet that if she dared to say to her children the things I've posted, her children would react just as you did and she'd end up cut off from her family. To the OP: I hope it helped to vent a little, and I want you to know that I understand.

How exciting for you -- sm [2008-11-21]
I My mom always drug me out an hour before the stores opened. The ads usually come out in Thursday In the past, I Get the paper and makea game plan. Some stores open an hour or 2 later than others, so you may be able to get to both in time for the specials you Wal-Mart generally has a lot of specials, especially in the toys dept. Our Wal-Mart gives you a map when you enter to tell you where each BF special is located in the store. They put some stuff in strange places -- like TVs in the meat dept, computers in dairy, etc. It Ask the Wal-Mart greeter when you enter. Our Wal-Mart is also open 24 hours, as are most, which means no waiting outside. We usually arrive an hour before the sales start so we can be in position for the item. Obviously, the most-sought after items are electronics, so be there early if you Target is 1 of my favorite places because their specials run all weekend, not just until 11 a.m. (I hope it They usually open an hour after Wal-Mart. I usually head there second because even though the specials run all weekend, they do run out of stock. Kohl The cash can be redeemed usually starting the Sunday after Black Friday. Don If there General advise: Wear comfortable shoes. Be polite to others, but don If you got there first, it Make sure you and DH have cell phones so you can communicate if you get separated. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!! Let us know how you make out afterwards.

Explaining a couple of things sm [2008-11-14]
I studied IQ as part of my Masterget you because your sense of humor is probably well off the beaten track. You probably lack social skills from an early age. Your peers would play childhood games while you preferred to try to improve upon the toys they played with. In school, you didn't have to work very hard in most areas. It all came very easily. You didn't learn how to learn, which is a very valuable skill. You probably have a low frustration level and when something doesn't come very easily, you are prone to giving up. Because you see the world in completely different terms than people of more average intelligence, those same average people call you crazy or mentally ill and tell you that you should be locked up. You don't fit in and despite the higher intelligence, you are remiss to know how to accomplish the feat of being more ordinary. I alluded to this in my previous post. I have the unusual combination of being very artistic, creatively gifted AND being rather intellectually gifted. Yes, I did fall at the 99.6% percentile on the Wechsler. I know what it means and I have a firm understanding that indeed, that score suggests that I possess more intelligence than 99.6% of the people who have taken that test, and only 0.4% are smarter than I am. It has been a life-long struggle to fit in. I am too cerebral for artistic people, and too artistic for intellectuals. I literally have no one I fit in with. I have learned to tone myself down to make it work. I didn't say dumb down, I said tone down. That means I don't intentionally talk over the heads of others and I won't cram what I know down anyone's throat. I have had those people in my life who have been jealous of me. I learn quickly if it is artistic, musical, creative, the written word, history and philosophy. I struggle with math. I took piano lessons 10 years ago. I had 40 of them and had never played the piano before. In 40, 1-hour lessons I could play the Moonlight Sonata in piano solo (not a dumbed down easy version). Most people cannot do that. There many other things I have done in a similar fashion, but this is an example for you. You ask why I am an MT if I am so smart. I make very good money as an MT and I enjoy the challenge. My photographic memory comes in very handy too. I often stop and read up on a disease process I am transcribing about, so that I know what it means. Show me a word once and I'll know it forever. It makes my job easier for me to accomplish. This all sounds like I am blowing my own horn, but I am merely trying to explain. Being highly intelligent wonreally smart is not only not helpful, I think it is the root of the housecleaning issues in my life. In short, it is just great to have a good ol' high number and in the end it makes absolutely difference...if you don't count the fact that people with IQs over 150 are 3 times more likely to be depressed and commit suicide than the average population. People who are 125 to 140 are the most fortunate. They succeed in greater numbers in school, in a job, in life. They are very bright, and likely have learned how to learn. They are more likely to persevere in the face of frustration and challenge. It really isn't all you think it is.

Better get your [2008-11-14]
If prices are super lowor there are a lot of sales,that means inventories are still too high at the stores. This won Stores will have a lot less inventory next year and not many discounts. So if there was something you had your eye on, don Major department stores have to borrow money to buy inventories, and with the credit crisis that is harder to do. This might be the lastdiscount sale year for the next ten years.

Slightly different perspective. [2008-11-13]
So maybe I shouldn't post about this since I have not exactly been in your shoes but I think possibly I can lend a help perspective. I lost my father to cancer when I was 19. My FIL is an alcoholic. No I didn't grow up in a divorced family or without a father through my childhood and no I haven't experienced my father being an alcoholic. What I feel I can tell you is there is such a thing as being too late to say the things you wanted to say, good or bad. If it does come to that, you will never let it go. He is still your father regardless of the choices he has made in his life. You only have 1 father. After seeing my FIL, I believe alcoholism is an illness. Sure people can fight it and get help if they wan, but it takes a very, very strong person to overcome it and it is a constant battle. From the sounds of your post it seems as though you have some things you need to get off of your chest. Whether that means sitting down and talking to him or putting the past in the past and moving on with any kind of relationship - I think only you can figure that out. Even a relationship that is only on holidays and important events is still a relationship. Who knows, maybe talking to your mom would help her as much as it might help you. It certainly can't be a short conversation, it needs to be thorough to get through the surface feelings and to the nitty gritty. Maybe, just maybe, your mom could shed some light for you on why she has been able to forget the past to a certain extent and move on. If nothing else, this might make you and your mom even closer and it sounds like no one else (professional or otherwise) would understand better than her. With my FIL, we do not stay when he is drunk or starts drinking. The entire family knows we pack up and leave, regardless of the situation. It hurts his feelings sometimes I can tell, but he knows the circumstances and we have small children that we will not subject to that. It was difficult at first but over the years it is just the way it is and no one says a word anymore and respects where we are coming from.

Thanks for your suggestions and kind words. [2008-11-12]
I am a very old fashioned person and generally speaking have the ideals that you speak of above. Making gifts, thinking outside of the box because it means more, putting aside the cost and really putting effort and thought into the gift - for any occasion. I know I have a short fuse right now with the hormones and it makes me not want to even try. Really my MIL is the only problem. Everyone else would love a thoughtful, homemade gift. I guess you sort of have to know her personality too. Generally speaking, she rubs me the wrong way but I try to just let things go. I just get tired of hearing the we are really going to cut back this year! when they said the same thing last year and it was a normal Christmas, then when I offer a suggestion she looks at me like I just cut someoneretired and bored. I did stand my ground this year though and tell my husband to deal with her on the Christmas morning doings. In the past Santa only comes to her house...so all the kids and grandkids have to cart their stuff over there to put under the tree and then wake up and drive over for presents in the morning. Screw that. In what fairy tale book did they read that Santa doesn't come to the house where the child sleeps?! Crazy how different families can be. Oh well, I'm getting off subject here but I thank you for your kind words and I'm going to try to change my attitude. I can only do what I can do. I suggested my homemade gift ideas to my husband and he then went through a catalog and picked out gifts. Granted they were $15-20 a piece but still. Every dollar counts these days. HI'm trying to look at it as one less thing I have to do or think about - I'm sure that's where he is coming from anyway. Men just think backwards sometimes.

"It's the thought that counts" - sm [2008-11-11]
Anyone who thinks enough of you to give you anything at all, deserves a heart-felt 'thank you'. All it means in the end is that they gave you something to let you know you mean something to them. When I was a kid, a girl I knew had about 30 friends she wanted to give a holiday card to, and only had 15 cards. And no money to buy more. So, she tore each card in half, and gave each half to all 30 of her friends. Sure, you got a printed message that either said, 'Merry Chr- an- Happy Ne-', or else you got one that said, '-istmas -d a -w Year'. But each half had a personal, handwritten holiday message to the recipient on it, and we all treasured our half-cards as much as if they'd been whole, because of the person that gave them to us. So, it really is the though that counts!

Question for abc [2008-11-11]
You are presuming what she understands, or doesn I took it to mean she was being sarcastic and mock-humble in stating only 99.6. Her tone was a bit smart-alecky, but I found it amusing, especially since people have also called me too smart for my own good before. Usually it means watch it, smarty-pants when people say that, and is used by an older authority figure on a bright youngster that is being a brat. I So what if she doesn Personally, I think its fun to yank their chains on forums.

Holidays - Bah humbug! [2008-11-11]
I have nice holiday memories. My mom was not the Martha Stewart type but they were filled with lots of food, friends, and family. Very happy times. This will be the first year that I cannot go home for the holidays. We will still spend it with my husband's family but it is not the same for me. I am also stressing about the holidays because his family is all about the presents and I grew up differently. His family says they are cutting back this year but I wonder what that means. To them, it is probably only $500 per person. I know its the thought that counts and you should only do what you can but I still feel bad and guilty if we cannot do for everyone else. I have suggested putting a limit or drawing names or making gifts to exchange but they look at me like I speak a foreign language. This is the first year my husband and I will not exchange gifts for each other and our son won't get much either. To top off the financial crisis facing the entire nation, we are also expecting a child in the very early spring so that has added to our expenses and dipping into our savings. For me this winter came very quickly as well which does not help. I haven't had time to ease into my least favorite season. It's been so gloomy the last few weeks I am glad that I don't have to leave the house to work but know I should leave the house occasionally to feel better. I just want to be a scrooge right now. Soon enough I'll have to put on the happy thanksgiving face to spend the afternoon with my in-laws while missing my family.

That stinks. [2008-11-10]
I'd be mad too. I know my friend's who text and those who don't. I also know some of my friends use their cell for everything and others only for emergency. I would call them according to their preference. If we were all in the same hotel, I wouldn't think of a cell phone but would think of the room phones and/or knocking on the door if you were in the same hallway. Personally, I think its rude to be tied to a cell phone when you are with other people. Everyone knows that if I am busy (that means even just eating dinner at home with my family) I do not answer a cell phone. If its important they will leave a message or call back. If I get 2 calls back to back, I will answer. I think it's disrespectful. Unless of course you have kids but even so my kids would know not to call me to ask where the peanut butter is while I'm out with a friend or at work. It better be a real emergency. With all that said, I think this is becoming a problem in society in general, not just your group of friends. I went to dinner with several friends recently and they all had their cell phones out. One was taking calls and/or calling those who were missing to see where they were. I was the only one who apparently turned their ringer completely off and left it in my pocket. When I excused myself to the bathroom I checked to see if I had any messages, otherwise things can certainly wait 30 minutes to an hour.

for... ..to be an MT........sm [2008-11-10]
I said nothing about being stupid. But the attitude of this poster stating........ '..... have taken a Wechsler and while I won't quote you a number, I will say the person who gave it as part of a psychological evaluation, told me he would diagnose me as way too smart for my own good. He stated that I probably didn't suffer fools gladly because I view most of the world as fools. I only fall at the 99.6 percentile on the Bell curve. No, I don't suffer fools gladly, but I try to be nice while others catch up............' is so stuck up and stupid and I am sure....a lie with the 99.6 percentile. That means the person scored higher than 99.6 percent of the people who took the test, or that only 0.4 percent scored higher than this person. Don't make me laugh. What is so exceptional intelligent about you, may I ask? Did you invent something or what?

Same here - I can always find something nice to say if I try. [2008-11-10]
My mom always said if you donOh, that is so soft! or colorful, or unique...lol My MIL is notorious for thinking she knows me when she has no clue...even my husband will tell her I won't like something but she will still give it to me. If she mentions where she got it I will return it. If I can't return it I will re-gift it or use it as a tax deductible donation or regift. I try not to regift though because it usually means I'm going to give someone else a gift that isn't perfect for them. The way I look at it is this. If I gave someone a gift they didn't like I would want them to think of it as a nice gesture and thought of them BUT I would WANT them to get something else or give it to someone they know would use it. I wouldn't want them to feel obligated to use it or to hide it except when I come over, etc....so I follow suit with gifts that I am given.

You do not understand.....sm [2008-11-10]
what 99.6 percentile means. I explained it in my former post. It means that she scored higher than 99.6 percent of all people who took the test and only 0.4 percent scored higher than her. That means an IQ of above 150. Do you believe this? Einstein' was 165. Average is 100. Below 70 is mentally challenged.

IQ [2008-11-09]
Any of you take one of those IQ tests on line? They said mine is 135, but I don What do you think?