I thought as I read on and on this is just way too SM

If your mom and dad just divorced this year, have you ever thought of depression? sm [2008-11-22]
Maybe your dad is going through a real hard adjustment to his new life and could use a little help or boost from you instead of a cold shoulder. Sounds to me like he might just be in some major depression as his life has had a drastic change. Reach out to him and help him in his time of need. Sure he is an adult, but everyone can walk on hard times with major traumatic events going on in their life and he may just lack desire to care due to his depression.

same here! thought at the time it was [2008-11-20]
gonna be kill or git killed!

My daughter had the books and I read them [2008-11-18]
at 50. Absolutely love them and am going with my daughter and her friends to see it. I was disappointed after I read the last book that there were not more. I am currently also watching TrueBlood on HBO and absolutely love it. It is based on a series of 9 books and I am on book #5. Certainly would not recommend the series or books for young teens (very graphic in all aspects), but very good series. The series is not following the books, which is a little disappointing however. I only hope the Twilight movie in in line with the books.

I read an interview with her family.... [2008-11-17]
They won't even say his name. I don't wish he would've died. I wish they would've thrown his a@@ in jail like he deserved. He has no business being in the postion of authority he is in. He should've been punished for what he did and he shouldn't be allowed to be making decisions that affect this country.

Blondie, have read your posts before sm.. [2008-11-15]
You sound like a very good person, very caring. I was in the same situation once with a neighbor's dog. He would go to Canada hunting and just leave his dog tied to a dog house in mid-winter in New England and I would take her into my home, feed her, keep her warm and all. This neighbor today I can say with full confidence was borderline-retarded without a doubt. I am so glad I did this. I even at one time went to the dog pound and claimed this dog who had gotten loose and said it was my own. I could not let this poor dog suffer because of its owner. All I can say is do what is in your heart, it may cost you a few dollars more but think of it is abandoned children and you are there for them. Take a good look at this guy and truly ask yourself is he is capable of the love and caring you have in your heart. I know times are tough, but perhaps you are the one who is meant to save these poor animals. Sounds like this guy is either not the sharpest tool in the shed or something else wrong with him. Does he have enough money for beer or etc., and not his dogs? Then he doesn't deserve them! Think hard about the dogs and what would happen to them if it were not for you. You are a very nice person. I hope you find an answer. As for your husband, only you can answer that question. I think he should at least stick up for you and address his dumb friend as to what his responsibility is in the situation. Good luck, Blondie, you are a sweetheart to put up with all this, and I am sure the dogs are in a better place with you. Do you have an SPCA or someone who could help with the food? Perhaps online you can find a way to make your own food suitable for dogs at a reasonable price. May God be with you. Perhaps you are meant to care for dogs in some way that would be beneficial to you in other ways. God bless you for caring.

I thought her face looked like she had Yorkie ...sm [2008-11-13]
in her. She is so pretty. I would love to see the pups all grown up now. What was the father of the pups? Yorkie, Shih Tzu, etc? I bet they are cuties too.

"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!

Another thought. [2008-11-10]
If you were all traveling, they should have wondered and checked on you for safety Didn That would hurt my feelings. If you make plans with a friend and they don't show up, you should at least check to make sure they're okay.

Well it sounds to me like everyone thought you already knew (sm) [2008-11-10]
I mean it just sounds like they thought everyone was meeting back up for a movie and wondered where you were.

Vicks Vaoprub...interesting read [2008-11-06]
VICKS VAPO RUB .....INTERESTING!! During a lecture on Essential Oils, they told us how the foot soles can absorb oils. Their example: Put garlic on your feet and within 20 minutes you can Some of us have used Vicks Vapo rub for years for everything from chapped lips to sore toes and many body parts in between. But I don 100% of the time, although the scientists who discovered it aren night time coughing in a child (or adult, as we found out personally), put Vicks Vapo rub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks. Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief. Works 100% of the time and is more effective in children than even those very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly. Just happened to tune in A.M. Radio and picked up this guy talking about why cough medicines in kids often do more harm than good, due to the chemical makeup of these strong drugs so, I listened. It was a surprise finding and found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime, in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on to sleep soundly. My wife tried it on herself when she had a very deep constant and persistent cough a few weeks ago and it worked 100%! She said that it felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her, coughing stopped in a few minutes and believe me, this was a deep, (incredibly annoying) every few seconds uncontrollable cough, and she slept totally cough-free for hours every night that she used it. If you have grandchildren, pass this on. If you end up sick, try it yourself and you will be absolutely amazed at how it works. DON TRY IT THE NEXT TIME YOU GET A BAD COLD. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice be glad in it!

Okay, I never thought to look for a website - [2008-11-05]
I just watch them on YouTube all the time and of course I have both of their albums and all of their B-Side Collection on my iTunes. Want to get Ragdoll and Myself too. Don't they put on a show?! Adam is so yummy! They were on 90210 one episode, which should be coming up in a few weeks on SoapNet on Sleep In Saturday.

I just mention to family that I read [2008-11-03]
about such and such on the MT Board that I visit during the day.

Exactly how my ex thought. [2008-11-03]
x

OMG! I wish I'd thought of that!!!!! [2008-10-28]

OMG! I wish I'd thought of that!!!!! [2008-10-28]
Hmmm. I wonder if the Tootsie-Roll would help to potty-train my wayward kitty? (or, it might just teach her to eat poop.) Still, worth a try!

For a real life-changing book, read The Last Lecture. nm [2008-10-26]
x

Yes, I read it, but [2008-10-25]
I found it very odd and not believable. It sort of disturbed me that (SPOILER WARNING) see below only if prepared for a spoiler the image of Father God was depicted as a woman (after the shack was reached near the end). It seemed too mother earth, which is a pagan god, for me. I just couldn't shake that idea.

I thought I was the only one...sm [2008-10-24]
who also has lost their life. Been at home home now for many years and the same thing has happened to me. Husband works late four nights a week. Love my children more than life and the thought of disrupting their lives makes me go into a panic attack. I used to have friends, wonderful friends of 30 years, but don't anymore. One went off the deep end after a divorce from an absolutely horrible man and hasn't spoken to me since and the other divorced a horrible nasty 500 pound slug and has since remarried and now has a new life and doesn't want to hear it with me anymore (even though I was there for the both of them during their horrible marriages divorces.) I have a large family with many sisters but they are so utterly cruel and narcissistic, the only way you can stand to be around them is you either have to be just like them or if you don't mind being destroyed because that is what they do. They destroy people including their family members. I, too, used to exercise every day walking four miles a day and exercising at the gym for about 1 1/2 hours a day. Lost 75 pounds and felt FABULOUS and had incredible stamina, but that has since all gone away and now I am right back to where I was. I have no money. My husband doesn't necessarily spend money entertaining himself but we are not financially together (and not because I am financially irresponsible but mostly because he is controlling and a wife with no money is not powerful). I have been applying for jobs outside of my house but haven't gotten one yet and unemployment in my state is through the roof. I feel as though I have lost my life. My children are getting older but my oldest who is in the 9th grade has ADHD and is very immature so to leave him for long periods of time during school vacation could be disastrous especially since he will be home with his two younger siblings who are 13 and 11. They fight unlike any other children you have ever seen. At the same time, I have an extremely difficult husband to live with who, most of the time, only sees his own wants. I sit here in my house (that we rent) every single day and try to figure out how to get my life back without endangering my children. My youngest also has severe ulcerative colitis and is probably looking at surgery in the next year to have his colon removed, which that in and of itself presents its own challenges to say the least. I don't know how I am going to get him or me through that one. I feel as though I have stress oozing from every pore in my body. I have nightmares when I sleep of becoming sick with cancer or my kids becoming sick with cancer. I have nightmares of being murdered or of someone else being murdered. I have nightmares of my sisters doing their terrible deeds to me. I, too, already take an anti-anxiolytic/ anti-depressant which does help but when you live like this, drastic measures need to be taken to get this straightened out and not just medication. I apologize for not being much help to you but I thought you needed to know that you are not alone and that there are others out there who are having the same problem. Just remember, this is a temporary situation and someday it will get better. That is what I keep hoping for anyway. Good luck to you.

It's a heart breaking thought [2008-10-24]
that nobody wants to dwell over, but putting a dog to sleep is something we may all have to consider when faced with the deterioration of quality of life.

I've read the books (sm) [2008-10-24]
We actually got HBO solely for the reason of watching this series. So far it is...okay? I love the books but the series is not sticking strictly to them, and is changing some things that I don However, by itself, I do like the series. Just hate it when they go from books and change majorly seriously big things!! HC

That thought crossed my mind too [2008-10-22]
I am set up to see a chiropractor this week. I am willing to try anything! I have had Charlie Horses a couple times in my life but nothing like this before. I have been reading that they get worse as you go and I'm only half way! I'm willing to try just about anything. My leg is still sore from a Charlie Horse 2 days ago - that's how bad they are.

Me too!! Saw it yesterday and thought the same! [2008-10-20]
It looks like they're acting!

I thought about it too. Michaels has lots of beads. Just wondered if my mature [2008-10-20]
xxxxxxxxx

I think Carlos does get his sight back, don't remember where I read that. [2008-10-20]
I prefer Mike and Susan together also, I do not care for Jackson (although I was sorry to hear about his accident).

So that's why they can't read and write!! Now I know [2008-10-16]
Instead of teaching them the fundamentals, it is more important for our schools to teach them to be tolerant, and to love. That will get them a good paycheck, What was I thinking! Guess I was dreaming when I heard about the separation of church and state.

I agree with all of the above. sm [2008-11-21]
You are younger than you think. Also, I do not agree with the 2nd BOS but I do read their foolish rules, and especially learn the dosages, etc. That is the only worthwhile change that is important. I think you would do great working on your own with your own accounts as you have a lot of years ahead to work, but either way, you will do well. Some of these tests are ridiculous,so don't feel bad about them as they are looking for low-rate compensation and I found SOME of those in supervisory positions, only some, don't know what they're doing. Some of them are not true transcriptionists. So don't be discouraged, there is something out there for you. Don't settle for less, it's not you - it's the way the industry is right now and many are being taken advantage of. Be choosy, don't work for less than you're worth. You can do it! Watch out for those who may try to take advantage of you though - there are some money-grabbing numb nuts out there running these companies. Be choosy who you trust. Trust yourself! Good luck! {{ }}

Will spend about $300 for the grandkids.. [2008-11-21]
we donmetal detector, probably around $1200 and I have the same amount to do something with. We don't really buy gifts for each other but we do go away for Christmas week to a cabin in the mountains that we rent, no phone, no TV, have to drive 12 miles to get cell service. We relax, read, snowshoe, ski, bring the portable DVD player and catch up on movies, sleep late. That's our gift to each other.

Thanks [2008-11-20]
Maybe I would feel better if I did take over the bills again. It can't add any more stress to me than I already have with the current situation. I thought him seeing it would bring reality but obviously it still hasn't and how much further do I want to go down this path to the big black hole. I guess we'll have to sit down and I'll have to do my wifely duty of giving him a pep talk and trying to relieve his stress and mine. He is just going to have to realize, whether he wants to or not, we do NOT have the money for xmas and all that if we want to have a xmas in our house. I just don't see any way around that one but I'll do my best to guide him to making the decisions about what to spend, etc. so he doesn't feel like I'm giving him an allowance or telling him no and we'll see how it goes from there. Thanks again, I appreciate your talk this morning.

I agree with the posters below. [2008-11-20]
You need to move closer to family and see a doctor. You can also find the local social services department and they will provide free medications for 6 months. you will have to see one of their doctors but and fill out some paperwork but that's the only catch. Depression is higher around the holidays. The weather, finances, family, on top of every day stresses can be overwhelming. Being in this antisocial job doesn't help either. I have often thought of getting something a few days a week just to get out of the house. I think it would do anyone good. Know that things could always be worse and they will get better. Your grandson is young, he doesnwhere as this is a common occurrence in kids. I thought it was only my child but since have found many others are the same. Keep your head up and do what you can. It's ok to cry and vent to others. Don't keep it all bottled up inside. You will be surprised to find who your true friends and family are when you open up and really need them.

Has anyone ever made any extra...sm [2008-11-19]
money selling things on ebay? I have went through the closets and have a lot of things I need to get rid of. I am posting them on ebay. After selling those things I may open an ebay store with things I may buycheap and resell. I even thought about making little throw pillows and throws and things. I can make pillows. My mom is great at sewing and I can sew some things. Just a thought. Anything to make some extra cash. Has anyone had success selling on ebay?

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.

We have been spending less than 100 [2008-11-19]
And we are starving. DH took over going to the grocery store from me (He thought I spent too much when I would spend about 150 a week.) It has been months since we do not have a bare cupboard. I am not complaining. I understand we are broke and he needs to pay the creditors. But the one person who has pretty much stopped eating is me. I am home all day and there is never bread to make a sandwich and I often pass up supper because I am tired of eating junky stuff like mac and cheese or spaghetti with meat sauce. He and our 11 year old son, on the other hand eat thirds of whatever meal it is. I get kind of annoyed. Our littlest boy and middle girl eat very little. All 3 take their lunch to school. I say to DH either stop eating so much (for him and the older boy) or buy more. He flips his eyes at me. We even stopped getting microwave popcorn which used to fill them up. So, now I am hoping to work extra to go to the grocery store myself and put an extra 100 a week in myself, but I keep running out of work. You see, this all started when we started running out of work in transcription about a year ago this fall, and my DH took over the bills. Apparently food was the first to be cut. And, BTW I don't ever go anywhere because there is no gas in my car, and it has 2 flat tires. We live by the school and I borrow DH's car to take the kids but it is always on empty. We seem to make it every time. Oh, well. No need to complain. Just cutting back. The family is lucky I work at home, don't use gas, barely eat. But I do have to pay 10 bucks a month for nerve pills, because it is hard doing without. Like I said, when work picks up transcribing first place I am going after I get gas for the car is to the food store. Eventually I can repair my flat tires.

Here is how to measure yourself sm [2008-11-19]
Measure under your bust, around your rib cage where your bra band goes. Take that number and add 5 inches. That is your band size (i.e. 35 inches +5 you are a 40). Then, measure around the fullest part of your bust. This will determine your cup size. Using the BAND SIZE (adjusted measurement above)... 1 inch bigger = A cup 2 inches bigger = B cup 3 inches bigger = C cup 4 inches bigger = D cup 5 inches bigger = DD cup etc. By this method, I am supposed to be a 36C, but I know that Hanes Her Way and some Bali's I need a 36D. You still have to try stuff on, obviously (it should be obvious but I have bought thinking I knew and could not return them!) because styles and brands vary a bit. I will say this about Wonder Bras and others with removable padding in them...they just are not as nice and smooth as one that is molded foam for pushing up. I think it is either Vasserette or Bali that makes several styles with foam cups with the pad molded in. And...your bra should fit on the very last hook always and be parallel to the floor, not riding up in back or front. You should not look like your breastages are pushed squished up towards middle. That is not like pushing up, that is from cups that are too close together to start with, the wrong size bra! I used to wear a 38, but I didneven and only one cup would be full at a time. Umm they were too close together? I got a 38 and discovered I had more chest than I had thought. Now, I have dropped 55 lbs and I am back to a 36. So, if you shift weight, remeasure.

Black Friday [2008-11-19]
My husband and I always shop on Black Friday, but if there's something we really want he goes out at about 4:00-5:00 in the morning to get it and then comes back to get me at around 9:00. I'm not a morning person at all. I usually don't go to bed unti 4:00 a.m. because of work so the thought of getting up that early doesn't appeal to me. We leave the kids at my parents where we spend Thanksgiving. Then we go out to a fantastic Greek Restaurant for lunch then back to grandma and grandpa and then travel back home an hour away. Then the next day it's off to cut down our Christmas tree.

Sorry about your baby... [2008-11-19]
Losing a pet is like losinga member of the family. We lost our beloved 9-year-old black lab 4 years ago, the week of Christmas. I had to take him to the vet because out of the blue he had an episode, that he just lied there and wouldn I thought he was dead then. He came to and I took him to the vet. She couldn He died the next day. It broke all of our hearts and when I saw my husband cry (I had never seen him cry before in 13 years of being together), it made the hurt that much worse.

I'm in Florida and spend about $175/wk for 5 sm [2008-11-18]
I5 and 158 lbs,eats more than my husband, who is 6 and 345 lbs. FIL had to have a feeding tube put in last July, and I had to cut down meals by half because we were having so many leftovers and wasting money. Just when I thought I had it figured out, he was able to get the tube removed, so II donwe (FIL and I) will just eat a sandwich or leftovers from the fridge As far as special foods, we dona recipe, and for a while we were buying meat ata butcher shop but have had to cut that out for now. It was really good but was close to DH's work, and if he couldn't pick it up while he was in the area, it was a 45-minute drive. I cook most things from scratch, except lasagna because I hate making it. Once a month, we have a luncheon at church that I bring a dish and a dessert, and I cook Wednesday night dinner there one night per month, but I get reimbursed for the Wednesday night dinner. I do include paper products and toiletries in with my grocery budget but that's it, and I usually go to Sam's once a month for those. I have it easy compared to my parents though. My dad got paid once a month, and there were 4 kids at home all the time, 5 when my sister came up during the summer. They used to have 3 grocery carts slap full of food, and my mom figured out that it took something like 18 boxes of cereal to last a month, each one with a date marked on it so we didnWe also hada freezer to keep extra bread and other things, and my mom also used to mix in powdered milk when the gallon was half-way gone. I never knew until I was grown, so she definitely blended it well.

In relation to the grocery shopping post, let's talk eating out [2008-11-18]
We eat out for dinner once a week (usually on Friday nights when my husband gets back into town) and then usually end up eating lunch out on Saturdays and maybe even Sundays (fast food). I/We really need to cut this expense from our budget or at least just greatly reduce it! Would love your suggestions. How often do you eat out and what is the average you spend per meal? For those of you who donfeel like cooking, serving, and cleaning up? My husband won't cook unless it's to grill (too cold to do that now) and then my son is okay to help clear the table some but not to actually rinse the dishes, wash pots and pans, etc.

Are anyone's children into the "Twighlight" craze? [2008-11-18]
The book series by Stephanie Meyers? It My 14 year old and her friends are absolutely crazy about the books and now that the movie is coming out itThe movie is out Friday and she already has presale tickets. I havenI have to say the movie lookslike it might be really good.

I am myself (and I am 33!) [2008-11-18]
I have read all four of the books, and I absolutely love them and have been waiting excitedly for the movie! I will be seeing it on Sunday! :)

My daughter is and she is 15 [2008-11-18]
There is a midnight showing here on Thursday nite but she hasn't asked if she can go. I guess she knows the answer will be NO! She can wait until the weekend. I am looking for something to read now so maybe I will take a look at the book.

My daughter had the books and I read them [2008-11-18]
at 50. Absolutely love them and am going with my daughter and her friends to see it. I was disappointed after I read the last book that there were not more. I am currently also watching TrueBlood on HBO and absolutely love it. It is based on a series of 9 books and I am on book #5. Certainly would not recommend the series or books for young teens (very graphic in all aspects), but very good series. The series is not following the books, which is a little disappointing however. I only hope the Twilight movie in in line with the books.

My daughter mentioned True Blood before [2008-11-18]
but I told her no way. She's only 14. I heard about the series, but I haven't had a chance to watch it. If I had a moment to read, I'd like to read the Twilight books myself, but I just can't seem to find a minute to do any reading. My daughter is going on Friday with her Twilight school group and then again on Saturday.

sounds like you will have to be the adult in this situation as the ex is not --- [2008-11-17]
and follow the mother she is being the adult in the situation as you are, so don't lose it. food for thought: she was hurting at the funeral. sometimes people put all their hurts in one pocket and never deal with it, never heal. gram died, the pocket opened and out it all came. you may be only one situation she put away for a rainy day.

Thanks! [2008-11-17]
I really can't afford to go to the doc, but I didn't realize you can get diabetes tests from the store. Maybe I will try that just to rule that out. I had thought that it could be a possiblity as well. (And I have trouble staying away from sweets.)

thank you! [2008-11-17]
you can read his story here: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/600278

I used to feel the same way, but [2008-11-17]
my family loves my e-cards, which I have only sent for birthdays and Mother's Day (also sent flowers to Mom). They know that I don't get out to shop much, though. I actually bought a subscription to Doozy Cards because at that time we only had one car, and with us living so far from everything and wanting to spend what time I could with my family, it seemed senseless to have to go out at night after hubby got home from work. For Christmas I would send paper cards. To OP, I do not think handing them is tacky. I've heard others say that it is, but I think it is the thought that counts.

Need some advice on an old friendship -- [2008-11-16]
I got divorced 7 years ago. Started out as a friendly divorce and then I started dating a man that my ex did not like (because he is black) and we quit speaking at all. Then, one of my very good friends started backing off from the friendship andI thought it was because I was openly dating a black man. Well, 4 months later, I heard that she was dating my exhusband. I called her and asked her about it and of course she denied it, could not believe I accused her of that, she would never do that to me..... on and onand on. To make a long story short, of course 2 months later I found out it was true, they had bee seeing each other for about 6 or 7 months. Anyway, during that time period after I knew that they were together but before they broke up, I would call her occasionally if I needed information on my son (who lived with his dad and would not speak to me at that time becaue of brainwashing) and we stayed friendly on the phone, felt like old times, etc. Then they broke up and now occasionally I get the urge to call her or she will call me for something, and it is like nothing ever happened. We laugh and cut up and it I have some thoughts though about when it really started, before we were even divorcing or during the divorce, and then sometimes I get really mad because she lied to me in the first place and let me keep trying to have a friendship, and then sometimes I miss her and think it does not matter because we were divorced and he was free and I definitely did not want him back. My problem is what to do? Forgive her and forget her... forgive her and be friends again... ask her the questions I need answers to and then decide whether to be friends??? And the other big problem is my new husband gets very upset every time I even speak to her because she did thatto me when she was my friend and he says you never go behind friends to their love interests. Advice please....

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!!!

for blondie and forever pitbull owner [2008-11-15]
I thought you might like to read the below story. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/27704926?GT1=43001

Thank you for posting...sm [2008-11-15]
I looked at the link, and it made me all teary eyed. Those poor dogs have been through so much too. I have read about some of those pits that were rehabilitated, and honestly the way they have managed to still love after what they have gone through is just amazing. Thanks again.