I have no personal experience....sm

I had a similar experience [2008-11-17]
I divorced my first husband in 1972 and it didn You will feel SO much better after you do it!

I have no experience but my DH has. He is 50 and [2008-11-07]
and just got out of them about 2 years ago. He looks fabulous! The only trouble he had was at first, his mouth was sore for several days, liquid/smooth diet, but after that everything went great. His were on for about 2.5 years and we could see the change after only 3 or 4 months. He is fastidious about his teeth (really always has been) always wears his retainer at night (a very small one inside the mouth at night only). Make sure you wear the retainer after they are off (assuming they give you one). You will be so happy with your results and the time will fly by. My DH was the ortho's oldest patient he had ever had!

Actually I have the opposite experience. Everyone [2008-11-03]
I know seems to think I am a doctor and can answer all their questions concerning their medical symptoms and those of their family. I have had people call me asking me about meds and what I think they should do.

Anyone have any experience with CareCredit, sm [2008-10-30]
the credit payment plan for medical treatment for pets as well ashumans?

No, nothing personal. They can ask for female or male. [2008-10-22]
x

Not everyone's experience will be the same as yours. sm [2008-10-19]
Not every teenager who smokes pot ends up like your son. I am sorry you had to go through so much, but as far the OP's son I think you are totally overreacting. When you consider how many teenagers try pot or smoke pot, your son is definitely the exception to the rule. Sheclean up their act they need trust and encouragement.

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.

Some advice from experience [2008-10-15]
If you dongood daughter, all my other siblings quit speaking to my father years ago, I should have joined them! Good luck.

Any advice and/or experience with teeth whitening? [2008-10-11]
NM

Sorry you had this experience with a pit...sm [2008-10-06]
But I don't believe it is a breed thing. I believe you were unfortunate to have happened to get a pitbull who did this. If your dog hadn't been raised with the cat I would say well that is just a dog being a dog but to be raised together and get along that is weird. But there are other dogs who are capable of attacking. I had a stray mix breed medium size dog. It didn't have any pit in it. I saw it kill a cat in my mother's yard. Brutally killed it. But it wasn't a mean dog to us. It also would try to attack our bealge pups. So I know other dogs are capable of killing animals. The pitbull can do more damage though than most dogs. But I have seen pictures of lab attacks on owners, Dalmation attacks on a child, many others. Any dog can do this. Personally I have a neighbor who had a little chihuahua and it was there little doll. They adored this little dog. Well someone who lives a mile to a mile and a half down the road has a Dalmation. It climbed the fence in its yard and went a mile or more down the road where the little chihuahua was outside peeing and mauled it to death with its owners watching. I mean they said the dalmation just attacked when it seen the little dog no provacation. So I know what other dogs can do too. But most won't. I hope you never have this problem again with any of your dogs. You had a most unfortunate incident with your pitbull and I believe this has rightfully left a bad taste in your mouth for the breed. But try to think of it like this. There are good people and bad people. There are good dogs and bad dogs. We have serial killers and rapists but we also have good people out there. Dogs are not different. Don't look down on the whole breed because of one bad experience. There are so many kind pits out there who have never hurt a living thing. Really.

College search - For those of you who have had experience - [2008-10-06]
In your opinion, is it more fruitful to go on an open house when all the departments are out there with handouts and such, or on individual or small group appointments with maybe a little more one-on-one? I'm overwhelmed already, and we've only been to two colleges!

My experience....... [2008-09-25]
Vista requires a lot of memory (RAM)to run, so I wouldn't have anything less than 4 GB of ram, in order to make sure it doesn't freeze up all the time, which is a big complaint. My daughter has a new Dell with Vista, 4 gb ram, and says it works great, really fast. Otherwise, you can order online and get a computer with XP on it, with an upgrade to Vista later. Newegg.com, Tigerdirect.com, Dell..... all these have XP on their computers/laptops.

my experience... [2008-09-25]
I have a new Dell with Vista and my old computer with XP sitting side by side. I really do not see much difference, except of course my new computer is way faster. All the accounts I work on support Vista also and I've not had a problem.

This may be to personal for some of you but... [2008-09-25]
How is the economy crisis effecting you? Your budget, your retirement, your family, your FRIENDS families. How is it effecting the circle you run with? Do you discuss this with family or friends? It is effecting my family. The gas thing alone is cutting our budget! My youngest started college and is driving back and forth. I've called my aunt who lives close to the school and asked if he could stay with her a few nights a week to save gas money. The drive for him one way is 1 hour. It has already saved us $$$. The fact that he can't find a job isn't helping either. There are no jobs for young people. Even in fast food! Food prices have effected what we eat! Have you priced CHEESE lately? A 2 cup packages of shredded cheese cost more than a gallon of milk! Food has gotten outrageous. We have our primary home and we have a small cabin that we go to on weekends. Our primary home is paid for and has been but we do have a mortgage on our cabin. LUCKILY and by the grace of God, we are in a fixed rate situation but it's still difficult. Did we spread ourselves to thin? Sometimes it is tough but we budget and try to be careful with what we spend. Our payment is nowhere near the $1500 per month mortgages people are talking about - and at that price point with an adjustable RATE - I don't know how people are living. Also lucky that we do not have credit card debt. I've read where the CC companys are raising limits to increase spending while increasing the payment interest as well? I see more and more credit cards being used at the grocery store. It's all just very scarey for me. We have some friends who are building their dream home. They have worked and saved for 15 years. The economy is blessing them in some ways since there are a lot of people looking for work but hurt them in others as the price of materials skyrockets!

i have not experience in a situation like this, but sm [2008-09-11]
he as i was growing up, i saw my dad control my mom, he abused her (i didn i wished for years that my parents would divorce. they never did. they he she can i felt so sorry for my mom all those years and i still do. i love both my parents, but sometimes i don i they are in their 50s and he needs to grow up. i guess i and today, i often doubt myself and hope i don i felt like a little slave sometimes. you need to do yourself and the kids a favor and leave. i think you when he you have to stand up for yourself and your kids. you don he he my self esteem is really low. my dad told me as i was growing up i was always too fat. he is much better with me today, but i still worry i many times i think i need to go to a counselor. anyway, please, if you can build up the courage to leave, you need to. if you have any family or friends you can discuss this issue with and get support from them, do it. i have a friend who was in a loveless marriage for about 10 years. they got a divorce. she didn the dad doesn but she is strong and you can be strong too. keep up posted on what happens. also turn to God. he we all go through struggles in life so that we can turn to Him for comfort and to also make us stronger.

From personal experience, do not stay [2008-09-11]
for the kids. They really do pick up on this. My oldest (she was 5 at the time) witnessed a lot of fights and other things that really upset her. Also, life is too short to be miserable in any relationship--especially if it has been going on for 3 years. If you have tried counseling and that did not work, then think at least about a separation. My family told me, after the fact, about how down and depressed I was before I left my ex, and the 100% turn around after I left. It does no one any good to stay when you both are miserable.

commercials for personal items. [2008-08-31]
nm

my experience [2008-08-05]
As I stated above, I was in the Army for quite a few years. I had soldiers under me who would have issues now and then. I knew the routes to go and the ropes so to speak of how to get them what they needed. I am sorry but you are not totally correct. Working on an Army base as a civilian is most assuredly not the same thing as being in the Army.

No, I am just stating my experience [2008-08-05]
What I have said is not made up, just MY experience! You need to present all sides here, not just there are options. You say that like the soldier has the option of staying here or not. No, she has to go through the proper channels, and REQUEST, not tell them what she wants to do. They can then say yay or nay!

No experience with the program but definitely experience with the symptoms! nm [2008-07-14]
x

Anyone have experience with this? sm [2008-07-11]
I am suffering with perimenopause symptoms here, mostly with insomnia at certain times of the month now, which is really dragging me down. I found a web site called Women to Women which sounds like a very good program. Can anyone tell me if they have tried their program and what their experience was? Thanks so much!

My experience...... [2008-06-25]
For at least the past 10 years, about a week before my period, I get a very stuffy nose, nearly cannot breath at night unless through the mouth, which then gives me a very dry sore throat. A doc I worked for in Florida said this is not unheard of considering we retain fluid before our periods, some more than others, and with the very stuffy nose I would get a migraine-like headache and ache in my shoulder joints and neck. This would go away almost immediately the day I woiuld start my period. He believes it has something to do with swollen mucous membranes because of inflammation in the body (fluid retention, hormone changes, etc.) which makes sense to me. My ears will even feel stuffy at times. He suggested I try Aleve or plain old aspirin for anti-inflammatory benefit and for me, it did help. It kept the swelling down, which helped everything else. Couldn't believe the difference this made for me. I know the misery you feel to some degree. Hope this will help you as well.

I have no personal experience....sm [2008-06-22]
with esophageal cancer, but I just wanted to say how very sorry I am to hear of this.

Keep in mind I have zero experience with this, but...sm [2008-06-21]
first, has your mother told her lawyer about all of this? I would think her lawyer would have advice, or at least can refer her to someone in the know. Maybe she can charge your father really high rent with legal repercussions (eviction) if he fails to pay up? Ifyourfather has a girlfriend, why canwith her? Can he sell his 7 acres? Obviously I don What a tough situation; I feel bad you and your family have to go through this.

I have nothing personal.... [2008-06-14]
against pit bulls in particular. I think all dogs can be dangerous given different circumstances. I don't think it is right to single out a particular breed and just take away an animal from its home without just cause. However, my elderly mother, who suffers from MS, has been plagued by horrible neighbors with many dogs. They do not keep their dogs in their own yard. Not only do they tear out my motherher back yard as their own personal bathroom. Their one dog bit their own daughter and nothing was done. They are always barking at us when we are in my mother I had one come at me and I picked up a shovel that was thankfully near meto protect myself if the dog continued it advance. Their little dog frequently gets under my mother We have called the Humane Society and they will do nothing. I personally think that people should have a right to shoot any dog on their property that shouldn If it weren A 60-some, widowed woman with health problems has no rights to keep destructive, mean dogs off of her property but hey....don Sad when a mut as more rights than my mom. Any irresponsible owner shouldn I will get off of my soap box now. LOL.

Probably self-explanatory... [2008-11-22]
On a personal level, I'm gothic... On a professional level, I'm an MT. People are somehow always taken aback at that combination, but I rather enjoy demolishing the preconceived stereotypes of others, so it's all good. Rock on, my fellow MTs :)

Everyone seems [2008-11-22]
pretty happy. It doesn't seem prurient. I've been in favor of other situations in which people are free to develop on an internal time clock rather than one imposed externally & in that regard there's probably something to this, but the siblings following the first probably got the idea to continue for a long time from watching, so there's definitely a bias there. Would be interesting for someone to design a study comparing long-time thumb-suckers with children weaned at a later age. This woman would probably say that the experience of breastfeeding can't be duplicated or substituted with a bottle or a plastic nipple because the emotional part of it would be lost. I don't know. I guess it depends on the family involved. I remember on Six Feet Under, how Lisa & Nate were letting Maya sleep in their bed until she decided she didn't want to any more. I think there's just a whole movement out there comprised of people with similar ideas, & until someone does a long-term study, I guess I'd have to say any suggestion that it's out-&-out wrong is just conjecture or has a cultural bias.

Private counseling [2008-11-21]
Go to a private counselor yourself if he wonANONYMOUS programs attract those who do not get it and go around town blabbing your business, ruining your lives even moreso. Yes, they save lives but they often ruin them with their gossip, even the name gossip hisses, it ruins lives, topples marriages, loses jobs. Be sure before you let these people into your personal, private lives and your homes. Sometimes private, closed-door counseling is the best way to go. Then if you are both comfortable with going public that is your own personal decision. Beware of who you let into your life. If you were going to take a plane ride you would want to know the pilot.

Whatever sale item is most important to you [2008-11-21]
start there...early. Sale ads from Wednesday night's or Thursday morning's newspapers should tell you the store hours and sale hours. Many end at 11am. My dd and I like to go about an hour after stores open, though it's still dark outside. The crowds that were waiting in line overnight for the big ticket items are gone by then, and most everyone else avoids the stores until the afternoon hours, thinking they will be less crowded. Wrong they are though. There are more employees on duty early rather than later, so things move more quickly in the morning hours. We've also found the earlier crowds to be friendlier. DD starts singing Christmas carols while standing in line and soon lots of others join in. She's a blast to shop with. Then we go to a late breakfast and go home before the unfriendly crowds show up. Hope your experience is an enjoyable one.

bought/sold couple hundred items [2008-11-19]
i've had a good experience both ways. it is time consuming, communicating with customer/feedback/packaging items/mailing, etc. Like you, i thought of doing same. but you really have to have something special/in demand to market, or maybe do the drop-ship method where you don't even keep the inventory yourself to make a real business venture. I don't think it's any more of a golden goose than other business ventures however.

Amazing [2008-11-19]
I was around 10 years old when this happened, and to this day, in my mind I can see I dove repeatedly... I was just a kid then, but he sounded completely fake to me. Just...creepy. Amazing how clear that image is, for some reason; my first memorable experience of someone famous getting away with it. I think my little psyche was just completely blown away. Little did I know then that this is just the way of the world.

Just curious...sm [2008-11-17]
as to why you have a deadline for putting up your decorations. We put ours up here and there AFTER Thanksgiving and enjoy the whole experience. Deadline just sounds like it would take the pleasure out it. Honestly not trying to start anything, Just sayin'.

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.

I think you are an inspiration for wanting to do this....sm [2008-11-16]
I guess a lot of us can relate; I have 2 or 3 people from my past that have moved far away and I have no way of finding them right now, but please believe me, I truly want to do the same thing, go to them and make peace, to say be able to forgive each other and leave things on good terms. Regrets and guilts can slowly eat away, and it is good for your own personal health to do this, you must feel so much better. WE all mess up, we all need forgiveness now and then, or to grant forgiveness. You are a lovely person with integrity, honor, and caring to do this, such a lovely post to read!!!

Eeew. This just popped into my head [2008-11-15]
If this she/he can claim to be a man, then when are they going to do the first female organ transplant into a man who wishes to experience the pain of pregnancy without becoming a full blown woman? Just the reverse of what this she/hedid. It would probably take as long to change, but how many real men would think about it if they could make all this money? Can you imagine the confusion? I thinkcloning is just as bad. Weoriginal not a manufactured person.

Most are just hoping to have some joy for their kids sm [2008-11-14]
Wefantasy. They do put it together at a certain age and itWe had an older kid who spoiledour Christmas party because he thought it his business to out the Santa thing to the younger ones as he was, bless him, highly intelligent and was told the truth from birth. Had some kids crying at one point. I think the point is, do what's right for your own family and try to have something for the kids to look forward to in these hard times especially. There is no right or wrong, just all interpret things differently and we're all very tired of all this bad news going on in the world. Have to look forward to something! Happy Holidays, no matter how you celebrate! We adults know the reason for the season. Bottom line - be happy! Life is temporary, imagination is wonderful, it takes us away from the bad news for awhile. Joy to the world and to each his own. As long as the older kids keep the secret to themselves, they also should enjoy the excitement of watching the little ones have fun with it. It's all good.

I agree, trust your pets [2008-11-13]
Dogs or cats for that matter. Whether they sense trouble or they sense the personality, it doesn they just know something isn't right. I have had this experience with several pets, including my cat. Yes, I said my cat. lol She is like a dog in a lot of ways. They just know when something is off and they will tell you the best way they can. I never tell them a person is okay or to stop barking. If things are okay or the person is okay they will stop on their own without me saying a word. Somehow they just know.

Wow, Perfect example. [2008-11-13]
That should have never happened. It was malicious or intended but things happen through carelessness. I don't think teenagers or young adults really get that until they either experience something like this or close to it first hand or have children who depend on them. It puts life in a completely different perspective. What a shame.

"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!

I differ in my opinions - sm [2008-11-11]
Everyone has limitations and personal problems,including those with high IQ. When we examine those on the other end of the scale, the mentally challenged, many of them seem very happy, and easily contented with the simple things in life. Its because they are able to concentrate on that one thing and enjoy it. Often the rest of us are too distracted by what The smarter one is, the more easily they can identify what is wrong with a situation, so perhaps the more problems they see the more they tend to be distracted by worries, etc. and cannot enjoy the simple things in life. Alcoholism? The tendency to that type of escapism is inheritable. Wise people that know it runs in their family will never indulge at all. But smart doesn In fact,smart often leads to arrogance, which leads to risk taking. You can also wonder how smart people can smoke, gamble, vote the way they do, whatever. These behaviors may be unwise, but they don Guess what my ex said to me - I have so many more brain cells than most people, I can afford to kill half of them off and STILL be smarter than you. Gee, I wonder why I divorced him... I knew a brilliant guy (not my ex) that I posed your question regarding self-destruction. He claimed it was his brain, and his right to waste it, or not,as he saw fit. I suppose it will be between him and his maker to discuss whether or not it is a sin to do so. I don Nobody blames my ex They lose the respect of people that had high hopes for them, yes, the definitely do. Their future looks really dismal. But they can still run rings around us in calculus, even three-sheets-to-the-wind. Aggravating as heck, but oh well, I am one that believes that if a person wants to trash their life, its between them and God. But as I told my ex, when judgement day comes, he'll have some explaining to do, and I wouldn't want to be his his shoes.

nursing home decision [2008-11-09]
I am living this as we speak. My father died in March of 2007. My mother became bedridden in June 2007. I had hospice come in to assist, Home Health and Hospice to be exact, and they are wonderful. They actually have their own private nursing home-type facility in the next town over. With hospice, on an occasional basis and when a bed is available, they offer the caregiver a 5-day respite at their facility. After momma went for the first time she was offered a bed there and I immediately accepted. The facility is very small and only for the 3HC clientele, with only 12 private rooms divided into 2 sides - one side with 6 beds for the terminal clients and one side with 6 beds for residential clients. Momma was able to stay on the residential side for 7 months; however, her condition was stable and Medicare would no longer pay the fee. Momma came home after that and I have again been her primary caregiver since January of this year. She is contractured, bedridden, and rarely speaks or opens her eyes. I do have a sitter that works during the daytime hours M-F so that I can actually work, run errands when I need to, and get the kids to and from school because otherwise I cannot leave the house at all because momma cannot be left alone. I feel blessed to have found this line of work not quite 6 years ago. I have a 4-1/2 year old and a 6 year old and momma to care for so working from home has been a lifesaver. I, too, made the promise to momma that I would not put her in a nursing home and I will stand by that. Itcare most of the public places provide. It's a tough decision to make - even tougher if there aren't funds available like there are in our case (thanks to my great daddy) to pay for the sitter to come in and assist. But when the sitter isn't here, the kids and I must be. For the most part they understand, but sometimes they really just want to go somewhere or to the park or to McDonalds and we just can't do it. It's a huge personal sacrifice for your entire family to make to keep a parent at home. The decision isn't always just personal, though. It can be financial, too. You will make the right decision for whatever your situation is. Whatever you decide to do, just know that your parent respects you enough to make that decision for them and that they love you. Best of luck to you honey... hugzzzzz

I have had the pleasure... [2008-11-09]
....of working in several nursing homes as a CNA and nurse before coming to medical transcription. It's hard work and usually staffing is sometimes paltry, even in the good homes, but we really do care. Really. Every place has bad eggs, the hospitals, home care, etc., but everyone usually has to have some sort of heart to work in a nursing home. First things first...I always would check for jobs with this litmus test, and I recommend anyone do this. This is a make or break kind of ordeal. You look for the state inspection report. It HAS to be placed in a prominent place in the facility. If you cannot find it readily, ask where it is. If there is anything going on with hiding these documents, you leave and never come back. The other thing is to smell for stale urine or strong air fresheners. If you smell either of those, leave. (Do not check for BM smell--the smell often radiates and may be new, for lack of a better term.) Look at the residents. Do many of them seem content? Do you see aides with gait belts around their waists? Do the nurses look terribly stressed? Please also do not judge by tones of voices in the direct care staff. Often the staff must talk very directly, succintly, and abruptly--it sometimes comes off as harsh, but it's not--for particular residents to hear and/or understand. If you go in a facility in the evening, often the place is chaotic, particularly if there are demented residents. There is a condition known as sundowning that is very, very real. The ones with dementia who are sundowning may give the impression that care is not being given due to the chaos and behaviors brought by the condition. It's not the case. Usually these residents are kept in common areas until they are calm enough to retire for the night. If you go in the nighttime, often there is one night nurse for about 65ish residents. If you are so inclined to come in at this time and do not see anyone at the nurse's station for some time, know that the nurse may be tending to a medical issue and the CNAs are tending to personal care of the residents. If you ever see nurses eating a sandwich in one hand and writing in another hand while sitting at the nurse's station, this is sometimes the only break he or she gets. It's not out of disrespect that this is done. It is so that nurse can care for the residents as best as he or she can. What you are describing in your original post, unfortunately, is quite common, from what I have seen. Two people who are married a long time will often pass not too far apart. It seems people often do decide when they will go. As a nurse, it's one of the more incredible things I've seen. When I saw it happen, I always had the sense there is an extremely strong bond between the spouses that absolutely nothing could break. I'm not trying to say anything is amiss with your mother. I'm not. It doesn't always happen that way. I hope I don't come off that way. I'm sorry you are going through this, because no one wants to send a loved one to the nursing home, yet caring for an ailing parent is one of the most stressful things anyone can experience. I have never been in your position, so I hope I don't come off as too forward, rude, or presumptuous, but I wanted to tell you a little more about what you may be getting into. If you live in Iowa, I'd recommend you to a great one that has the best nurse I've ever met working there now. He has cooked up oyster soup in our kitchen when a resident stopped eating because the resident loved oyster soup. He has taken residents fishing for the heck of it. He wears a scrub shirt with chickens on it because many of our residents were farmers and like the shirt (and because my husband has a silly sense of humor and a wife with a sewing machine). I've known CNAs who buy (with their own money) residents pop and even steak just because the resident wanted it and could have it. Shoot, lots of us do it, even when we don't have a lot of money to our names. I loved to sing with the residents that had dementia (music seems to be retained) and chat about life with the residents who had their faculties. I promise it's not all doom and gloom. Sure, nursing homes could do better, but if you find the right one, it may just work out. All my best to you and your mother.

I'm sorry [2008-11-08]
I didn't mean to make you feel like your opinion wasn't wanted or valid. Like you said, I believe the OP wanted both sides, just discussing an alternate view point and really looking for more info on your point of view. It's good to have info from people that have different ideas. Something like dosing is not something I have thought about and it completely makes sense. I believe as part of the vote it stated that growing it yourself, for medical reasons, would also be legal - unless I am remembering incorrectly and someone please feel free to correct me. That would bring a valid point of dosing and if you have family members whose to say they aren't going to take a little here and there without medical necessity. Overall I am basically just speaking from experience of watching a family member die of cancer and take all the meds possible without relief and often wondered if this would have been a viable option for their comfort. Had I known where to get it, I probably would have gotten it for them illegally - but I would have had no clue where to begin with such a search. Yes, that's a lot of emotion going in to a big decision but I think emotion is a big part of medical treatment too.

Gabby, I am with you. I went for the first time in my life last summer. sm [2008-11-08]
I had a riot and came home $5 richer, so I was happy. I too was amazed at all the people there and this was on a Sunday afternoon. LOL. But I have to say the noise would drive me NUTS!!! Constant dinging, clanking, etc. I did have fun watching everybody and their various techniques for chunking in coins. I stayed on the cheap slots as there were acres of slot machines. I would go again in a heartbeat as I did have fun. And the food is good too. LOL. My experience is if you are into people watching, a casino will give you HOURS of entertainment value.

They always say [2008-11-07]
That parents try to give their kids what they didn't have. Since her husband doesn't have hair, looks like they are letting their son have hair. Ha ha I actually have no problems with men/boys with long hair. I looks like a fine boy too. I don't particularly care for Celine but that's just my personal opinion and wish her the best for her wishes.

Bringing your kids to see their granddad sm [2008-11-05]
My perspective: I had an uncle who was severely ill several years ago. His sons lived in different parts of the country and when he was well enough, they flew him in to visit. I could not see him so often, so I decided to write little notes to him from time to time. Talked about some funny things that he had done and how much they made me laugh. When he was gone, my aunt told me how much those trips and the notes meant to him, it was like a gift that he and the family got to experience before he was gone, a chance to say good-bye, that many people don't get. My prayers are with you and your family.

Yes. When I worked on the floor as an aide [2008-11-04]
It seemed a lot of the RNs thought they were the most elite part of the hospital/society and treated everyone that way. What I despised most though is that they would do their patient assessments, charting, then sit around the nurses station and gossip while we did the majority of the work and they would try to shove as much as their job on us as they could, even things we were not qualified to do. They also were the most unprofessional people.They were the ones that tended to make funof a patients ailments, body habitus, lack of education etc., than any other personnel in that hospital. There were some good RNs though that knew their place but it seemed that they were few and far between. The real good RNs did not stay long at that little rinky-dink county hospital, they were just there to get their experience and go to bigger and better places. Glad that is ancient history for me now as far as dealing.

My husband had a kidney stone [2008-11-03]
and as the doctor was explaining to me what they found and where it was and what they would do I made a comment that I understand completely and then asked a question. I donoh, do you have medical experience? and I told him that I was an MT who transcribes acute care. The doctor then laughed and said that by the looks of his reports that come back that he didn't think MTs had any medical experience and were just typing. Yes, irritated me as well. I dont' know why people think we don't understand what we transcribe. Understanding is a huge part of the job.

Yes. [2008-11-02]
I think this is a reasonable explanation for the lump. About 3 weeks ago my son bent one of his fingers backward while playing and his finger became swollen and bruised. He kept ice on it and it went away. When we went to the pediatrician the next day they felt he had hyperextended the joint and to let them know if it did not continue to improve. It did improve after a few days. As far as the behavior, I think a lot depends on the age of the child. No one wants to think of their child as a liar but I think all children go through phases of telling stories just because they can and to see how it plays out. No they don't always make sense as to why the child would say that. It's just something they do...from my experience tends to be 1st to 3rd grade age, give or take. With that being said, I would not assume my child was lying. If the pieces of the puzzle do not fit, which it sounds like these don't, I would investigate further. I would make an appointment for a meeting with the principal. They can cover up all they want but I would want it my complaint documented in my child's file with the school (maybe write a letter to take with you to the meeting) and I would make it clear that if ANYTHING even remotely happens between these 2 children again that you will be filing a complaint with the superintendent's office and you WILL pursue it as far as necessary. After that, I would let this circumstance go. Thankfully, your daughter seems fine and hopefully the teacher and office have learned their lesson (or will have after you speak to them) and they will keep a better eye on (or get an aide) for this student. I wouldn't involve the other parents. Who knows what kind of parents he has that they don't have him under a special behavioral plan if he has had recurring problems.

She is no monster! sm [2008-11-01]
I firmly believe that animals have emotional lives of their own. They like what they like and they want it when they want it, much like humans. They don't speak English and have our vocabularies, though I'll bet Morry talks up a storm when she wants to, she doesn't have the intricate workings to tell you what she is thinking or feeling. I have a dog and she can't tell me what she is thinking! She communicates with what she does, which is awfully smart for one, and she knows you understand for two. She knows how to get a rise out of you or how to get your attention. I'll bet she has treats and knows how to get one when she wants it. This isn't spoiling and you have not created a monster! Like most creatures, she will be happier when her needs are fulfilled. She knows, as an infant knows, how to have an impact on her world to get what she wants, even if she can't articulate them with words. When an infant's attempts to communicate their needs is constantly rebuffed, they will learn to stop asking (think being cute or crying). It is the same with a pet. If she knows how to get to you the way she does it is because she has learned it through experience and generally gets the reaction she is seeking. See what a great job you are doing? Amazons live a long time and are talked about in bird circles as legacy birds, or probate birds because they so often out live their human caretakers and have nowhere to go. She is an extraordinary bird by Amazon standards (which are high). Please be sure you have made appropriately extraordinary plans for her. I donget the word out because we have a re-homing program. In a single month recently we had 6 macaws, 3 Amazons and various conyers given up to the program, most of them due to the death of their families. We take them in and they are rehomed to people who know and love birds, but we also know that others are not so fortunate. We LOVE birds and treasure them. They are incredibly special to us and we care. Our recent push is to encourage owners to think about the very long term.