I totally agree and I am hanging onto

P.S. I am totally not market/investment [2008-11-21]
savy, but just did what he suggested. I have been with this guy for 12 years and he has made me money in the past, so I just went with what he said.

agree with the clean up, and remove programs not used. sm [2008-11-21]
research the computer site, like dell, etc. sometimes they have forums, questions and answer areas. sometimes they offer fixes if it was a company glitch. but first get your ducks in a row by defragmenting and freeing up space.

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! {{ }}

Oh do I agree with you....sm [2008-11-21]
and he looks like he just plain out enjoys whatever job he is doing. Did you see the one with the alligators in LA? He almost lost his family jewels. LOL. He is as hyper as Ty Pennington.

Agree with poster below that [2008-11-20]
you need to get out of that situation, especially after reading what you son said. He is being damaged, and I have seen firsthand what that damage can do to you as an adult. Dysfunctional doesn't begin to describe it. Take action ASAP. I wish you the best of luck, I know it isn't easy.

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.

Agree with below, don't bottle it up sm [2008-11-20]
I tend to do this also and ended up with shingles at the age of 14 and again at age 34 last year due to stress. Meeting new people as suggested by others is a great idea. If you want, trying visiting a local church. This is one of the things that helped me the most since I started going again. The socialization alone has been almost as good for me as the messages.

Totally think it is really none of your [2008-11-18]
business that they are working. You don't have any authority and your supervisor is the one to tell them NOT to work. If they have been told not to work and they are, that is between them and the employer.

I agree with your husband. [2008-11-16]
Women don't do that to each other. The ones that do aren't worth knowing.

I agree with your new husband (sm) [2008-11-16]
When she lied to you in the beginning, that said it all. Especially to go so far as to not be able to believe you would accuse her of something like that. I would have to cut my losses and count myself as having one less friend. She stopped being your friend the day she chose to secretly see your husband.

I agree, beans and all legumes are a great source for.......sm [2008-11-15]
plant protein and fiber. Great option for vegetarian. This is a great beanice dish: rice beans (any kind) onions (chopped small) olives turmeric spices Fry a little in olive oil or canola oil, then cook in water, 1:2, or 1:1/2, depending on kind of rice. You can substitute beans with lentils or chickpeas, or put all 3 together....

I agree with you [2008-11-15]
Santa is a fun fantasy for children and what is the harm in a character who gives gifts to children who behave. There are far worse things for a child to believe in!

I agree. What is the big deal, other [2008-11-14]
that exploiting yourself on TV wanting to be a man and then wanting to have a child. My brother calls them SHIMS. It What is so hard to believe. The so-called man kept his female reproductive organs. . . end of story.

I agree ... an idea [2008-11-14]
I think it might be better to just tell the story of the real St. Nicholas who was so generous (Google for specific info on him) and tell your child that in remembrance of his special generosity, you will give some presents in his name (and can still call him the evolved Santa name). That way, there is still some special mystery feeling involved but no lies! My 2nd child really got upset too and so did my nephews. It seems it can teach a child to not trust even his/her own parents when going the old route with the whole Santa thing.

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.

Right, I agree..... [2008-11-13]
she is a woman who got rid of her breasts, somehow, dresses and poses like a man and got artificial inseminated the first time and now again. I feel nauseous. I do not think that the other woman got a hysterectomy; it's sick. This they say ony because they want people to believe that the other woman is a man. And Barbara Walters got philosophical and asked: 'What is a man and what is a women?' OMG!

Agree [2008-11-12]
The old be careful what you wish for . . .

agree with you. This stuff has not been [2008-11-11]
available long enough to make a determination. I am reminded of Avandia which almost put my mother in the hospital because she was one of the few to have increase in fluids from it. The docs kept telling her that it was impossible that Avandia was the problem. I spoke to one OB-Gyn and one infectious disease doctor, both of whom did not recommend this vaccine, one saying why was it only for girls. This was about 2 years ago when our gov was considering making it mandatory in Tx, too. One doc said it was a lot of hype as it only protected against 4 of the more than 200 strains known. One research physician on a radio show claims it actually is a cancer trigger for later in life, so who knows? Afraid abstinence is the only sure prevention. BTW, sex ed in school does not seem to have prepared students for orally transmitted STD's - go figure.

I agree with that [2008-11-11]
They So I guess you need to decide, is it worth it? Or maybe they just wanted to be mean. I know where you However, she managed to visit my CITY and do touristy stuff with other people. I never would have known, but she felt the need to tell me she did it! I said why didn. She said I thought about calling you the whole time, and I guess I should have. She also likes to call occasionally and tell me about all the other people she II can do without her snotty games.

Totally agree....nm [2008-11-11]
!

I totally understand how you feel...sm [2008-11-10]
I too felt that way until I came to know some pits. I realized they acted like any other dog. I won't lie. All pits can be dangerous because of their capabilities. But I know many owners who have never had problems with this breed including my dad and great grandfather. Mine is just a big hunk of love. Hes nothing like you would think when you think of a pitbull. He is so tenderhearted. To me, he is just CJ, my heart. I think you have a right to your feelings but I have a right to mine and I love this dog and in my heart I know he would not hurt me or my family. He has had so many opportunities to kill when attacked by smaller dogs and he never did. Many times he would just walk off and look pitiful.

Totally agree! [2008-11-10]
//

Agree completely [2008-11-10]
I I I was on a dating forum a couple years back and everyone started coming on saying they were geniuses because they took an online test and it said so. I am also well acquainted with the Bell Curve, and also I knew from most of those poster It smelled fishy so I took it, and it padded my IQ by 10-20 points! If you really want to know your IQ (or your child Most online tests are crap, designed to suck you into a marketing ploy, as well as make you look like a fool bragging that you're a genius, along with anybody else that takes it.

I agree [2008-11-10]
Oh my...that is too funny about the clown box gave your kids the willies. I too was taught to be gracious and say thank you. My mom (in her 50s - and about 250 pounds and jeans & t-shirt type of person) used to get gifts from her step-kids like gift certificates to Frederick's of Hollywoods & these little lacy anklets with fancy ribbons and lace around them & massage oils. She would say thank you very much, it was nice of you to think of me. Then she would always use them as gifts for a Christimas party she would go to.

I agree, they're not for everyone. Same with Rottweilers. [2008-11-08]
I have owned three Rottweilers, all at different times, two males and a female. You have to be a responsible dog owner.The posting above is right. You have to be a certain kind of dog owner to have these type of dogs. The owner must have these dogs under control at all times, both at home and in public. YOU must be the dominant one. That does not mean beating them or mistreating them. You have to let them know what is expected of them and what type of behavior is not acceptable. Rotties can be very domineering if allowed to be. They are big and powerful and they know it.The one I have now is a 7 yo male who I have had six years. I got him as a rescue when he was a year old. He weighs about 130 lbs. He is as sweet as can be.He is great with the kids and the cat. He has been raised with kindness and withdiscipline, and that is what he respondsto. He is a great dog.

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! {{ }}

That's a great idea actually! (sm) [2008-11-20]
I agree! Even though I don't get along all the time with my extended family, it would beat being alone all the time. You may have to break your lease, oh well. It is happening everywhere right now. You can only do what you can do.

Don't use your debit cards [2008-11-19]
I had a problem with fraud on my account through them. Surely they have fixed it by now, as this was last year and the year before (yes 2 separate occurrences, both at xmas time). So I would not suggest using any cards there but cash only. I do agree that it seems to be a great idea for teens. Their prices are great and our location has always been helpful with advise, returns, etc. Another good idea I have found for teenagers is a gift card for restaurants or gas stations. It helps their parents a bit and if they have a girlfriend/boyfriend places like AppleBees or Red Lobster are nice so that they can go on a nice date and not have to worry about $30 for the bill. Even with a part-time job that's a lot of money for a teenager! :) My nephew actually requests it.

I really appreciate this. [2008-11-18]
Notice I'm the only one who didn't post an answer? I have totally lost track & think I need to go back to the drawing board. I haven't done an actual tally in quite awhile (I think I'm afraid of what I'm going to find out). This can happen when you live alone. I live in a very small mountain community in southern California & things can be expensive up here at the regular markets. I do a Costco run about once a month & try to keep my sanity when I'm there. I make things ahead & freeze, that sort of thing. & I try not to be hungry when I go there. I make my own bread & yogurt, things I eat a lot of. I'm not a vegetarian but eat very little meat. Anyway, you all seem to be doing an incredible job, & this gives me something to aim for when I do get up the nerve to look at my spending habits. Wish me luck. Thanks!

I used to use coupons a lot [2008-11-18]
& had one of those little wallet things with tabs for organizing them. I haven't done that in years. Maybe I should get back to it. There are 2 markets up here, a vons name brands are very expensive in that store. But the produce is always a lot cheaper than at vons.

very well said [2008-11-16]
I totally agree. I have done this sort of thing, apologized after a long period of time. I heard back from each of the 2 people & they were grateful for it. They had not felt heard all those years ago & finally did. These were not people I was romantically involved with, so I did send an e-mail & heard back. I think your choice not to include your address was very appropriate. If the person wants to contact you, they can go to the trouble of looking you up. Nicely done.

What a weird situation...sm [2008-11-16]
There is nothing wrong with you or your husband being friends with the mom. I think it was totally acceptable for you and your husband to go to the funeral because your husband knew this woman. Why wouldn't he go? It would be childish and immature to not go. Also I think the relationship between the mother and you and your husband is not the brothers or the ex's business. The mother is free to be friends with whoever she wishes, and it is none of their business. It seems to me they need to get over it. I would continue being her friend and tell them to get a life.

Thank you for your post.......s/m. [2008-11-14]
I have never met a person with a 99.6 percentile IQ. Now that you explained all what comes with it, I see it quite differently and I agree that people with an IQ of 125-140 are the most fortunate. Because they go with the flow, they are smart, they fit in , they are not 'different.' Being a beauty queen is also not always a bliss, too intelligent, too beautiful, too rich, ect., it's not good. But it should not make you unhappy or even suicidal.

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

Paris Hilton Boid [2008-11-13]
yes, she said good bird, bad bird (after she has bitten one of us), I love youo and ibat' hanging upside down, being outside with us and even being on the tree outside the door -- wings are clipped so no danger of her flying away thank heavens.

Always, always call the cops sm [2008-11-13]
My husband was nearly killed by a tractor trailer driver who changed his story a dozen times, themedics were called but unfortunately, the other driver went his merry way and was not cited until days later for following too close, reckless endangerment, speeding, mistake in log book, and a laundry list, first he said my husband going too slow. Reconstruction said no way, but while my husband was in hospital having his scalp sewn back on, this guy ran away. Had to hire a detective to find him, went on for years before we got our bills paid, he got off with heavy fines and warnings he would go to jail if it happened again. It had happened in another state previously but could not bring that up in court. My sorrow - I should have had him arrested right that moment but I was not there. He should have been tested for drugs, etc. He went from saying husband's fault to that he dropped his coffee and was picking it up off the floor and then changed it again to something else. He still drives and my husband is totally disabled. Please get the cops involved the minute something happens - don't wait. I had no choice, I had to travel to another state to the hospital. I wish my husband were conscious enough to have him arrested right there. You did the right thing calling the cops, everyone should do that. Believe me, she could have killed you or someone else later. I hope you scared the pants off her.

CDC & Gardasil.....sm [2008-11-12]
I was reading the posts below about the vaccine as I had been considering it for my daughter. I looked it up on the CDC website. They deemed it safe and effective. And I do agree with one of the posters, it should be the parent/daughter Not the state It Here I did leave out a few small paragraphs so this post wouldn't be excessively long but if you'd like to go to the site here's the address: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaers/gardasil.htm Reports of Health Concerns Following HPV Vaccination HPV Vaccine Safety The safety of the HPV vaccine was studied in 7 clinical trials before it was licensed. There were over 21,000 girls and women ages 9 through 26 in these clinical trials. As of August 31, 2008, there have been 10,326 VAERS reports of adverse events following Gardasil vaccination in the United States. Of these reports, 94% were reports of events considered to be non-serious, and 6% were reports of events considered to be serious. Based on all of the information we have today, CDC and FDA have determined that Gardasil is safe to use and effective in preventing 4 types of HPV. As with all approved vaccines, CDC and FDA will continue to closely monitor the safety of Gardasil. Any problems detected with this vaccine will be reported to health officials, healthcare providers, and the public, and needed action will be taken to ensure the public's health and safety. Non-serious adverse event reports The vast majority (94%) of the adverse events reports following Gardasil have been non-serious. Reports of non-serious adverse events after Gardasil vaccination have included fainting, pain and swelling at the injection site (the arm), headache, nausea and fever. Fainting is common after injections and vaccinations, especially in adolescents. Falls after fainting may sometimes cause serious injuries, such as head injuries, which can be easily prevented by keeping the vaccinated person seated for up to 15 minutes after vaccination. Serious adverse event reports All serious reports (6%) for Gardasil have been carefully analyzed by medical experts. Experts have not found a common medical pattern to the reports of serious adverse events reported for Gardasil that would suggest that they were caused by the vaccine. The following is a summary of the serious adverse event reports that were submitted to VAERS between June 8, 2006 and August 31, 2008.

Loved the clown-box story! AND.... - sm [2008-11-11]
there are ways to regift that can actually make you totally grateful that you got that gift in the first place! One year my brother (whose heart is in the right place, but who always finds the most notoriously bizarre and useless gifts) gave me a bright red, fuzzy laughing Elmo toy. (Tickle-Me-Elmo?) Anyway, it had this really annoying, creepy laugh. I only tickled him once, heard that laughing banshee-shriek come out of him, and nearly threw him in the dumpster, I hated that sound so much. Well, later on Christmas day, I saw a little 5-year-old boy that lived in my apartment complex. The kid was a real cutie, but I couldn't stand his mom. Then, an evil, Grinch-like thought came to mind.... I told the kid to wait a minute before going upstairs, because 'I had something that I thought Santa had delivered to my house by mistake'. Then I ran into my apartment, grabbed the offensive Elmo, and asked the boy if that was something Santa should have brought to him (giving him the option to say 'heck no!')... but he said yes, he was hoping he would get an Elmo, and Santa hadn't brought him one! So, I said, 'Well then, here ya go - this must have been in Santa's bag for you.' Heh heh.... It did my heart good later that evening, when I went outside and could hear that evil 'Hahahahahahahahahaha' coming from the apartment of that lady I didn't like.

so indulge......sm [2008-11-11]
in your unhappiness and misery, because you are a genius. LOL ! And drown your misery in liquor and God knows what because you are a genius and feel so blue and do not know WHAT in the world to do with your brilliance. Is that what you telling us? And people agree with you because misery loves company.

I've been in a funk all day and suspect that [2008-11-11]
it will follow my normal pattern of lasting all winter. I love the tree and the lights and watching those once a year movies but I agree about the finances and the very non-hallmark family. Halloween is my favorite but I was a bah humbug for that and didn't even put out a pumpkin this year. Ho hum...

That's ridiculous [2008-11-10]
What do they expect, for you to call every 5 minutes just in case they come up with something else? This is me calling to see if you have made any plans in the last 5 minutes. Totally stupid. I would have to wonder if they wanted me there.

I'm a dog lover, and most dogs love me. - sm [2008-11-10]
I can be walking down the street, simply make eye contact with one and smile without saying a word, and the dog will usually rush up to me, wagging his tail like crazy and acting all silly and lovey-dovey. In the past, some of the absolute sweetest dogs I'd ever known were pits & rotties. But that was in the ྌs, before the big 'gangsta-dog' thing became popular. Then people started breeding these dogs more for a surly attitude than for good temperament, and it seems to be a dominant trait that's getting passed forward, even when unintended. So fast-forard to 2 weeks ago. I was out walking in my neighborhood, and was coming up a long flight of sidewalk stairs that go up the steep hill I live on. Halfway up, I saw a big brown pit bull standing there looking at me. I had seen him running loose on my street earlier in the day, and wondered whose he was, but then forgot about him. He had an aggressive body-language that I didn't like. But I'm not afraid of dogs, and continuned on up the steps, and talked to him nicely as I reached the top. But then the dog totally went off, and began barking, growling, and making charges at me. I knew to stand my ground, and first tried sweet-talking him. Didn't work. If I tried to slowly move away from him in any direction, he'd come around and try to come in at me from behind. There wasn't a soul around. I tried scaring him off, but that only exacerbated the problem, so I decided to just stand there and let him do his thing. 20 minutes later, he was just as aggressive as ever, maybe worse, because his charges were coming closer and closer. The only 'weapon' in my possession was a single can of cat food in a plastic bag, that I'd walked down the hill to the market to buy. Considered whacking him with it, but didn't want to be in that close to him. Turns out the owners were in an apartment right across the street. A couple finally came out and called off the dog, stating Oh, we didn (I doubt that - the dog had been out all afternoon.) Anyway, I told them I'd call the sheriff and/or animal control if I ever saw him out again. When I got home, I called animal control anyway, and filed a formal complaint, so that if he bit anyone in the future, there would already be a complaint against him, and he likely would not be released from the shelter. Animal control said they'd follow up with the owner, which hopefully they did. In the meantime, I did 2 things: I programmed the sheriff's phone numberinto my cellphone, which I now slip into my pocket whenever I go out for a walk. Good thing to do, anyway. The other thing is I went to Army-Navy Surplus, and bought a cannister of professional-grade pepper spray. Not the wimpy, .02% 'dog-repellent'. I doubt that would stop a pitbull. I got the 15% stuff that will bring a 200-pound, raging crack-addict to his knees and keep him there for more than an hour. That goes into my pocket, as well. Now I can walk & bike with peace of mind. Meanwhile, those pitbull owners should consider themselves very lucky that their dog went after someone who knows dogs, is not afraid, and didn't RUN. If a timid woman, or worse, a child, had come up those steps that afternoon, the resulting attack might have made the 6 o'clock news that night. There are probably still some gentle pits left out there, but I think their numbers are declining because of the current fashion statement of being a 'big bad gangsta, with my big, bad gansta-dog'. They want their dogs to intimidate people, and then they wonder why they can't rent an apartment or get homeowners insurance to cover dog bites. In some cities you have to post a $30,000 bond in order to keep one. It's little wonder that unwanted pits and pit-mixes are clogging up our animal shelters. I feel sorry for the animals, but if I were adopting, I wouldn't want the financial liability of owning one.

I was taught to be gracious [2008-11-10]
Regardless of the gift, you must always be gracious. They didn't need to give you anything at all and I was taught it was the thought that counts. What you do with it afterwards is up to you, but I have a few hideous gifts hanging around yet that I don't part with because of who gave them to me. A particularly creepy clown music box given to my kids comes to mind. It was given to them by an old lady who lived next door to us and I guess she thought it was nice. My kids are grown now but they said that thing always gave them the willies! LOL!

need a good free internet adult website/content [2008-11-10]
my NINE year old was looking at po rn on You Tube today. I walked in on him watching something totally adult. He said he clicked on something and when it came up it was that...i believed him but later on when I looked at the history there were 5 different adult videos he had viewed!!!!! how should I approach this??

Same here [2008-11-09]
Andy had to go to the vet this morning. He licked & licked his anus until it was totally red & raw, by the time I noticed he wouldn't let me near it to check his anal sacs. Went to the vet: rectal exam, express anal sacs, IM pain meds, 3 days of prednisone and a week of antibiotics: $158. Zing. Poor little guy. He can hardly sit down.

The unpredictable temperament and [2008-11-09]
genetic predisposition to aggression of your beloved pit bull breed caused this man He was not killed by a Great Dane or a Great Pyrenees or a Labrador or a Golden or a St. Bernard. He was killed by 3 pit bulls that should have respected him as their master, elderly or not, demented or not. You seem to be focused on placing blame on the others in the house who left him alone with the pit bulls. I agree with you that they are responsible -- just as you would be responsible if your pit bull were to attack someone. And with a pit bull it is always possible. You may think you are taking every precaution against it, but you can never, ever be sure what your dog will find threatening, and thus when your dog will attack.

Here. [2008-11-09]
http://www.dogsbite.org/dangerous-dogs-pitbull-owners.htm Please read the above link. At this point, I'm willing to agree to disagree and wish you the best with your pitbull.

Know the feeling, have a cat and 2 dogs - sm [2008-11-09]
luckily no health problems for the most part, though one dog had a bad sore on his foot, think he was bitten by Copperhead as we had one hanging about (dead now), cost $150 or so for the visit and antibiotics and bitter spray so he wouldn't mess with it. Got the cat off her yearly leukemia shot, asked about that thought it nuts that she had to have it every year.....she is 5, they agreed and said once every 3 is fine....wish they'd told me that 4 years ago. I also get Lyme disease shot which was not recommended around here until this year....apparently lots of it is showing up now, so with Lyme, distemper, parvo and rabies it gets a bit pricey for the 2 dogs and 1 cat. Our vet is very reasonable though, but her costs have gone up with her new addition onto her office and a new partner in the practice too.....we are rural though so that helps keep the costs down quite a bit....only one other vet here (2 miles from her), the next closest vet is 20+ miles away.

I used to be this way too! [2008-11-08]
It is very unnerving and no matter how much I would get done, I always found myself adding to the list of things to do! Below are my solutions to help me, some the same as other posters. Make a list. Put EVERYTHING on the list. I find a sense of calm and accomplishment on crossing off even the smallest task from the list. Use a calender. Break it out into 1 item (or 2 if they are small) per family member. Leave the general house cleaning (bathrooms, dusting, etc) until a few days before. If anyone doesn't help or gives you problems, well cut out a task that you usually do for them. Make them do their own laundry, if you pick up after them just toss it in their bedroom or somewhere they will notice making it an inconvenience for them, not you. Or if necessary, skip making dinner a few nights. Do pizza 3 nights in a row and I guarantee someone will notice and ask why! Before you start holiday decorating, eliminate as much other clutter/nick nacks as you can. I find that if I get rid of some of my day-to-day pictures and do-dads, coffee mugs, etc. hanging about that it makes cleaning much easier and really lets the special holiday items shine. Afterall, everyone has probably seen your normal daily stuff some time in the past anyway. After my decorating is done, I put these daily items in the holiday boxes so they are easily switched out again when the holiday is over. If you have a mother-in-law or aunt or someone who is overly helpful, let them help! I didnthat that he will help me every time. lol He knows she) If you have someone that you know likes to bake, ask them to bring something that you have had in the past. Tell them you or one of the kids just love it! and have a craving for it. It will be a compliment and they will look forward to bring it for you. and most importantly, think of what it is like when you go to someone elseShe I'm sure you probably do and remember these people think the same thing. They really don't care what your house looks like and I'm sure being that they aren't having many visitors, their house isn't that clean for the holiday either.

Soooo let's talk casinos and gambling [2008-11-07]
I had lunch today with my women's golf group at a buffet inside one of the local casinos. I was astounded to see how many people were in there, gambling away, mid-day, mid-week. I must admit, I've never been in a casino before this afternoon, so I am totally in the dark as to what the appeal is. Any of you here enjoy the games, the gambling, the atmosphere (at least it wasn't smoky!)? What's the draw, cuz I sure don't get it?