Linda Chavez has great articles and makes a lot of sense.

Great idea!...nm [2008-11-20]
ss

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.

Well this makes me feel better [2008-11-18]
We tend to eat out quite a bit on the weekends, although we never intend to. We usually eat out on Friday night, then sometimes on Saturday for lunch and dinner, then usually cook on Sundays...if I feel like it and we've had a chance to go to the store. Anyway, it's nice to see we're not the only ones who do this...

Great story! NM [2008-11-17]

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....

Aww! That is great that you got shelter..sm [2008-11-15]
dogs. They need homes too. I guess we should all do that too. :)

Great dogs at shelters [2008-11-15]
There are so many wonderful dogs at shelters. I always say, the only bad thing about a shelter dog is its previous owner! There are lots of mixed breeds but plenty of purebred dogs, too. Shelters are overflowing these days (more than usual) because of the number of people who are losing their homes. I've heard stories of people moving out of their foreclosed house & just leaving the dogs behind...terrible. Especially for older dogs, who are so hard to find homes for.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions! [2008-11-13]
I have done most of that already. We don't have a fancy house or cars. Have cut back on all our driving and I have always stocked up on food but that is becoming more and more difficult. Guess at this point we'll just have to go with the flow and see what happens. I'm pregnant so a holiday job really doesn't make much sense for me, besides we live in the boonies and there isn't much available without a 45 minute drive each way. Hubs seems to have a good job and they are reassuring their employees but its still hard. Seems like no one is out of the path of destruction any more. Thinking of holidays and extra expenses does not help either. Maybe should think of tax season right around the corner. Atleast that is a little back to the rainy day savings.

You know how they say dogs sometimes can sense things about people? [2008-11-12]
We had that ATT U-verse stuff installed in October and three installers came to the house. Not a single problem with the dogs. (We still had LouLou at the time.) They sniffed the installers and then let them go on about their business. The one installer was at our house for 12 hours. On Saturday, two ATT techs came over to fix the computer. Again, not a single problem with Duke. He sniffed them out and didn't bother them for the rest of the time. On Sunday, the ATT tech who came over called to say he was on his way. He said he was somewhat spooked by dogs and he just wanted to make sure we had a friendly one. I assured him Duke wouldn't bother him. Duke didn't care for that man in the slightest. He growled at him and the hair stood up on his back. Every time the man came in the room, Duke reacted the same way and would back away from him. I wonder what it was about him that Duke didn't like?

to linda [2008-11-11]
Happy to share. If you've ever had Hummingbird Cake, I have been told that this is a lot like that, without the spice (I think the spice would make it more like Carrot Cake, but not sure). Pineapple Nut Cake Preheat oven to 300 degrees 2 eggs 2 c. sugar 2 c. all purpose flour 2 tsp. baking soda 1 c. drained crushed pineapple 1 c. chopped pecans 1 tsp. vanilla Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla 'til sugar is dissolved. Add flour, baking soda, and pineapple. Add nuts and pour into greased/floured 13 X 9 pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Cool completely before frosting. Cream Cheese Frosting: 1 8-oz package cream cheese (softened) 1 stick butter (softened) 1-1/2 c. powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Combine all ingredients and mix well. Hope you try it and like it! This is another thing that I could live on for days.

Great post...nm [2008-11-08]
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That's great to know. Thank you. [2008-11-05]
My cat who is no longer with us used to eat raw chicken at least once a week when I made it. Thankfully she never got sick on it. Luckily my other cat doesnpeople food.

what's wierd about that - that's great! [2008-10-30]
x

You guys are great! I only lost [2008-10-30]
I only lost 0.8 pounds and they said I should lose at least 2 my first week. I didn't cheat at all so I was discouraged, but with your guys' encouragement, I'm going to hang in there. I have gained 20 pounds since January so even a week that I don't gain is something!!!

Great website references [2008-10-27]
Thanks so much! I saw the wrap on someone about a year ago and have been looking at all the stores to try to find them. I see similar items but not exactly the one that is adjustable and this is exactly what I saw.

at least you've still got a sense of humor [2008-10-24]
Good luck.

NO! Great idea and this is sm [2008-10-23]
I think it is VERY RUDE to expect people to take their hard earned money and be EXPECTED to go out and BUY you something!!!! I think it is shallow, selfish and certainly NOT in keeping with intent of the season. The intent of Christmas, in my book, is to be with people you love and celebrate that love. I can't think of a more lovely way to bless the season and those you care about than taking the time to make a lovely meal and a setting for memories...the greatest gift of all.

What a great gift idea! sm [2008-10-23]
I have been getting massages every week for 6 years now, 4 years with the same massage therapist now. Most places understand how people feel as newbies to massages and will be very cautious with the draping and really go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.I have only ever gone to women massage therapists. Some people elect to leave bras and panties on, but I never have. I have never felt naked or overexposed during my massages. My massage therapist had me answer a longlist of questions before she ever massaged me for the first time about my level of comfort, etc. The key is lots of communication. Heck, though, I have been going to her so long now and she knows exactly where all my sore bits are that I am not self conscious at all and just say bring on the massage! I bet they are going to love it once they relax and get into it!

I think it's a great idea . . . [2008-10-22]
to host Christmas dinner for everyone. And, I also think you should not apologize or feel you have to make excuses for no gifts. This is going to be a lean Christmas for everyone, and you providing and cooking the dinner is a lot of stress and everyone needs to understand that and be appreciative!!

Great idea [2008-10-22]
Hi there. I think your daughters will love getting a massage. I used to be a massage therapist, & what I can tell you is that a good masseuse can accommodate anyone's comfort level, from performing a massage with the person fully clothed to all clothing removed and having the person covered by a sheet, & there are techniques for allowing a person to turn over without being seen by the therapist & otherwise making the person feel their privacy has not been violated, such as allowing the person to undress privately & knocking before entering the room. If the masseuse does not do these things, it is extremely unprofessional & you should go elsewhere. If you have concerns about any of this, you should just talk to the masseuse a little bit beforehand & ask if these are things she can do. If you get the sense she thinks it will be a hassle or will be unable to accommodate your daughters' needs, I would find someone else. No licensed massage therapist (& you should check this as well) should EVER do anything remotely sexual--EVER--& they should always be sensitive to people's levels of comfort. Also the place should be squeaky clean. In the name of due diligence, you can get yourself a massage & try it out! If you don't like it, giving a gift certificate for a facial is another way to go. Equally wonderful.

Great idea [2008-10-22]
Hi there. I think your daughters will love getting a massage. I used to be a massage therapist, & what I can tell you is that a good masseuse can accommodate anyone's comfort level, from performing a massage with the person fully clothed to all clothing removed and having the person covered by a sheet. There are techniques for maintaining a person's privacy, such as allowing a person to turn over without being seen by the therapist, allowing the person to undress privately & knocking before entering the room. If the masseuse does not do these things, it is extremely unprofessional & you should go elsewhere. If you have concerns about any of this, you should just talk to the masseuse a little bit beforehand & ask if these are things she can do. If you get the sense she thinks it will be a hassle or will be unable to accommodate your daughters' needs, I would find someone else. No licensed massage therapist (& you should check this as well) should EVER do anything remotely sexual--EVER--& they should always be sensitive to people's levels of comfort. Also the place should be squeaky clean. What you can expect is a massage that lasts for an hour or whatever you have paid for. You will be shown to a room (a lot like going to the doctor), routine where she likes to start with a certain side (back or front) first, but she should always ask if the person has any specific parts that need attention, I can handle more pressure on my neck, or my back is too sore for that much pressure. The masseuse should not be yakking during the massage. Around halfway through she will ask you to turn over & she should hold the sheet up in such a way as to shield you while you do this. Then she will do the front, which is usually legs & arms, possibly upper chest, and neck. I normally did not do anyone's stomach unless I had massaged them many times, & I never touched a woman's breasts other than to move very large ones out of the way while I did her sides, but I did do the axillae and pecs above the breast. After she is done she should leave quietly & give you a few minutes to stay relaxed on the table & get dressed at your own speed. This is pretty generic, but more or less what to expect the first time. In the name of due diligence, you can get yourself a massage & try it out! If you don't like the massage, giving a gift certificate for a facial is another way to go that is equally wonderful.

great! [2008-10-21]
So you are in Nebraska? or is that for Northeast? I'm in Nebraska...i was also gifted a fab bread making book and have learned a lot along the way. that express bread recipe in the oster book is also v. good, esp for toasting. Didn't care for the other recipes in there much tho. Have fun!!

If wanting to teach my son our own family values makes me a bigot..then so be it. sm [2008-10-16]
I will gladly wear that label. Flame away if you want. I will NEVER let some school teacher try to foist her own opinions on my child. And to do this on school time?? The bible flat out says that man should not lie with man or woman with woman. If that school district is an example of what passes for family values in SF, no wonder Michael Savage calls it San Fran Sicko. I have to agree with him. Pretty dress or no pretty dress.

Wow that was GREAT!!!! [2008-10-16]
I love what the old guy said!

Soooo cute! I have a lab/great dane mix... scary to some 'cause he is so big. But he is a big wus [2008-10-14]
Are those mini-pins! A while ago I was running with Walter (my dog) and we came across a lady with 2 mini-pins. Walter wants to meet everyone and the lady said they were friendly so we let them sniff, but all of a sudden they were all over Walter with little tiny flashing teeth. Walter yiped like a little baby and skulked away and the lady said oh my they never do that. Why do they always say that, like it is my big dog Well anyway, just this weekend I saw the mini pins in her car at the market when by coincidence I parked next to it. When I opened my door they were up on the dash and leaping at the crack in the window and snarling and barking at me. I know they could not get to me but I cringed and hustled away. They looked really scary! I swear I felt like they could jump up on me and grab on something like my ears or something and not let go. But I am sure they are sweet... NOT! But it goes to show you never know... they are all animals, after all. And like people all have very distinct personalities, very much formed by their family (the people family, I mean). I could tell the owner of the mini pins was kind of a ---- well you know, not that nice... she left them in the hot car, after all... and they were pretty much a product of their upbringing. I too actually think pits have some of the sweetest dispositions I have ever met in a dog.

Bring ads from other stores. Most pricematch..sm. [2008-11-22]
So you donThus eliminating running all over town in a mad rush. All you have to do is get to the sale item at that store first before it It makes it sooo much easier and a lot less stressful. I hope I worded that so it makes sense. I'm tired. Or, get together the day before with a few other people who are going.Each of you is designated a different store and picks up what the others want at their designated store. Then meet for breakfast afterwards to exchange the purchases as well as horror/humor storiesfrom theadventures.Thus, again, eliminating the rushing from one place to another. I think I I heard you can do that for theblack friday sales and some store will even let you buy online and pick up at the store. (later, after the rush and madness is over!) Forthe virgin poster, beware, some people can be downright mean, nasty,rude and even violentthat morning. Seriously.Oh, and NEVER leave your cart unattended if you were lucky enough to getone of the limtedamounts per store items. People will literally take them right out of your cart if you And keep your purse in sight at all times. If you bring a purse, have it hang in front of you and not on your side. I like to just keep my money and/or credit card tucked snugly in my front pocket of my jeans and not even bother with a purse.

I can answer that one. Get Clairol [2008-11-22]
Nice and Easy Natural Highlight Neutral Blonde, 098. It is a great color of light blond with highlights. Your hair will be soft after using it too. When you go to drugstore.com, it gives it 5 stars.

Boobage - SM [2008-11-21]
I feel ya, girlfriend...I wear a 32DD and the choices are so limited. Believe it or not, ICurvation. I bought a couple of them when they were on sale because they were really cute (black with pink ribbon trim and leopard print demi-cup with pink ribbon trim), but didn't really expect much from them and figured they'd just look nice. Imagine my surprise when not only did they look great, they actually provided support, lol!!! I found that the demi-cup is actually even MORE supportive than the full cup style, which I hadn't expected. Have fun and show those girls off to full advantage :-)

OMG! I did the same thing. I have a picture..sm [2008-11-21]
I My kids were younger so the dollar store was great! Seriously, my living room was full! It For little kids that was easy. But now they I miss those days of buying from the dollar store and filling the living room. Now, theyonly get 1 or 2 presents and I hate it. It makes me cry every year. I'll look for that picture on my break and try to upload it.

My kids like them also but...... [2008-11-21]
They also know that money spent elsewhere is money that takes away from their gifts :). Two of the three have birthdays in December, so that makes a difference. December is a killer for me but at least I get it all knocked out at once and have another year to plan!

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! {{ }}

Divorce [2008-11-21]
I divorced my first husband when my children were 1 and 3. He was a crack addict. It wasn't easy but it was the right decision for me. I would definitely suggest going to Al-Anon. I didn't make it there until quite a few after my divorce, but it helped me a great deal. Best of luck with your decision. Shelly

Has our country taken a turn for the ... [2008-11-21]
Our once great country, I afraid, has just turned a corner for the worse. I have watched as the mentality of our country has gone from setting your mind to something, working hard, and you can accomplish it to giving up, sitting back, and letting somebody else take care of them. I was brought up, as many were, with a good work ethic that was instilled in us by our parents. With the idea that if you want something you had to work for it, and by working for something you learned quickly the difference between wants and needs. There were always incentives for a person to strive to better themselves. Whether it were financial incentives, or just the pride you gained in knowing that you did something yourself, it didn�t matter. I wasn�t long ago that people had that �small town� mentality, and everybody knew their neighbors. And those neighbors helped each other out, in any situation, it was just what you did. And people were so proud that some times help would have to be disguised, you remember the lines like..�Mom made more stew than we could eat, could you help us out by taking it so that it doesn�t go to waste?� But, somewhere along the line those thoughts of some (I guess now the majority) have changed. Some how, if somebody works hard to gain something others feel entitled to have the same things, even if they didn�t have to go through the struggle to earn it. Some how, things like big screen TVs, cell phones, and shiny new cars have wrongly slipped from the �wants� list to the �needs� list. Somewhere the incentives to strive for betterment have been replaced by incentives to be lazy. The easy way out and hand outs are now the norm. The feeling of pride about being self sufficient is supposed to be replaced by guilt for having more than others. The �small town� mentality is gone and our neighbors have turned into strangers. People no longer help out their neighbors or even themselves, instead they sit and wait for the government to come solve things for them. And when help does come they complain that the help wasn�t good enough or didn�t come fast enough, the pride is gone. Well, I refuse to think that way, my small town roots and work ethic runs to deep. I refuse to let somebody take care of me while I am willing and able to take care of myself. I will continue to meet and know my neighbors and help them out when they need it. I will continue to work hard to take care of my needs and by doing so, my wants will take care of themselves. I will continue to volunteer for things and give to charities of my choice regardless of what the government wants to take away from me and give to the undeserving. My hope is to change the thinking back to the way it was. The sun will rise again tomorrow, I�ll keep doing what I do, and this country can be great again�.at least in my little corner of it�

He is 60 years old...sm [2008-11-21]
And acts like he is 2. He doesnI am not his babysitter. He is a grown man and he needs to act like it. Social service doesn't need to help him. The man makes decent money. He just won't take responsibity to pay his bills and has too many at that. He needs to thin them out. For instance, he has 2 new model trucks. He does not need 2 trucks but he WANTS both of them. But a light bill is one of your most important bills. And I for a fact know he had the money to pay it and didn't. I even told him you better go pay that electric bill. He wouldn't. I have never seen anyone who was quite like him. I love my dad and don't want to hurt him but he is making things very hard for me right now. I can't babysit him anymore. He is more than welcome to come visit me as often as he wants. He can come by everyday if he wants. But then there is a time to leave and go home. I have a family and I know I wouldnt like it if my husbands dad did this. I would not be happy at all. I am not happy about my father doing it but what do you do? Tell him get out?

I can just picture that hill in my mind. LOL! I think [2008-11-20]
I am going to try that this year. Great idea.

We did something similar [2008-11-20]
but it was a local theater gift card instead of the netflix. I didn't know netflix did such a thing. That's a great idea. A smore's kit is nice to make or homemade marshmellows (they are not that difficult to make as most people think) with homemade hot chocolate mix and some cute mugs. Also made fleece throws for everyone for xmas one year. YOu can get the no-sew fleece and just cut a fringe around the edge to finish it. Offer up a free baby sitting night to the parents, all you need is a card. Tuck it in the tree with their name on it. If there is something special that you make that someone likes you can make up a basket with many of the ingredients and include the recipe card. If it is cookies or something nonperishable you can include a finished version in the basket.

There is a recipe [2008-11-20]
on the side of the Hershey's Cocoa container. It is simple and a great recipe! I'm sure you could add your own chocolate chips, chunks, or shavings to make it extra special. Maybe even some Andees mint shavings to make it peppermint, yum!

For my fellow Black Friday shoppers, a little tip [2008-11-20]
Don I know they may seem like a great deal, but usually those items are only $20 to $50 less than they normally would be. The aggravation of trying to get it isn I generally go for the smaller deals -- like the cool PJs on sale and the board games or DVDs on sale. These are great sales. One year, I got 3 Fisher Price/Hasbro games for my 5-year-old for $3 each. DVDs were only $5 each. There were3-piece fleece PJs for $9. These are best deals in my opinion. I Then I spent the next month trying to find one anywhere for my kid for Christmas. I go out early on Black Friday for the excitement and some bargains, but never the big ticket stuff. I have that bought before then and stored away safe and sound. To me, it's like tailgating -- the thing that gets me into the spirit of the season!

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.

Dailystrength.com....an online community..sm [2008-11-20]
There It I No one bashes you, everyone understands, you meet people in the same boat, etc. Give it a try. You I hope things work out for you and I wish there was something I could do tohelp. It What I can do, though, is be a shoulder to lean on. Sometimes the friends you cansee are the easiest to talk to. I know it is for me.

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?

Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation 1863 [2008-11-19]
Abraham Lincoln while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.By The President: Abraham LincolnWilliam H. Seward, Secretary of State

We eat out an average of 4 times a week... [2008-11-19]
linch and/or dinner. We usually spend about 20-30 for lunch and 30-50 for dinner. We vary our restaurants, donjust drenched in a different gravy or sauce. We used to like Olive Garden several years ago, but that is so non-Italian now it's not worth it, just your average pasta drenched in some too cheesy, fattening sauce. We have a great Japenese sushi/steak house near us, a great prime rib place, a vegetarian restaurant that I love.

Too afraid of meat in restaurants now sm [2008-11-19]
Their meat may be old (sorry). If we do go, will only go to very busy place as even some bought at market are questionable. We have gift certificates which we appreciate as they are from busy places. Sometimes we have a UFO party. Unidentified freezer objects - if theycautious but things are rough right now for everyone, even the markets, restaurants, etc. I sure hope the turkeys are okay, even in good times webad ones - have to open them up and be sure. Martha likes to brine hers in salt water - not a bad idea these days to check them out before it's too late the day of or the day before. Fresh is best - wish we had our own farm as some do.

Ambrielle [2008-11-19]
I was really impressed with the feel of Ambrielle in the store but I cannot wear it for more than an hour without it irritating my skin. I'm not sure if it doesn't breath well or what the problem is but it becomes very uncomfortable and itchy. Of course I bought 3 of them at the time and can't return them now that I wore them and threw the tags in the trash thinking that they would be great, until I wore them for a length of time. I'm sure this doesn't happen to everyone but I would just suggest if anyone buys them to hang on to the tags a week or so to make sure. I also didn't care for the straps as they are fabric over a small string and they tend to twist as the day goes on and bunch up if you have to adjust them more than an inch or so.

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.

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

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.

You are both so kind, and you are right [2008-11-19]
on the mark. Yes, the credit cards are his. He lived off credit cards for several years to support himself and his kids after he and his wife split up. His wife never paid child support and he paid for daycare and everything, so had to pay for extras outside of his salary on credit. Then when I came along I was doing real well as a hospital MT, but had to quit because I was here and he needed me to watch the kids. He did not understand I had a shift like a regular job. So, after several months of my back and forth work and being with the kids, the boss gave me an ultimatum daycare for the kids or I leave my job. I told my DH that my income which was very good at the time was important to me as I have supported myself my whole life including being a single mom. But he would not budge. So, I quit. It has been 3 years and most of our marriage my trying to balance kids (I love them don Next time you get money mommy, GO FOOD SHOPPING. He said that right in front of DH. But, I just know when I do that the gorging goes on. I explained to DH about telling his son about gluttony, but he laughs at me. So, when I see him and his son eat this way, I get grossed out and am not hungry at all. I am sorry to say all this here. I actually just came back from the doc who gives me nerve pills because of my situation and he says I am doing really well coping with the situation. Which he knows what is going on. He is sending me to see a good counselor who he says, will validate me and give me support and confidence. Last time I went to see a counselor she told me to leave. But, my son loves his step sister and brother and so I want to stay. Well, sorry for the soap opera. I think when I start making more money I will get food and tires for my car, etc. but I will hide some food and snacks and siphon it into the general population here. That way they don't get snorted up by certain people. LOL. (And yes, I am putting an emergency fund away. But this is why I wish there was more transcription out there!) Thanks for your kind words and support. Between you and the doc today, it makes me feel I am not alone! :)

Not a charge per se........sm [2008-11-18]
Just be sure that you do it from your land line or online throught the Tracfone web site. If you use your Tracfone to activate or add air time, you could lose some of your air time. Overall, I think it is a great way to have a cell phone because you can control the costs (no surprise $400 phone bills) and there is no contract (therefore no fee for cancellation of your contract if you choose to end the service).