My 2 cents, FWIW

When I was in school, it was 85 cents for [2008-11-18]
lunch and 15 cents for milk. All 3 of my kids do go to the same school. The discounted meals aren It We make too much to qualify for any of the state-funded programs (not that I

My 2 cents [2008-10-01]
IMHO, the school officials should be ashamed of themselves for not contacting you immediately!! Somehow, I would expect more sensitive treatment from a Catholic private school, too. I truly believe that, if my son had stabbed another child with a pencil, the school would likely have called the police andcharges of assault and battery may have been filed, right thereon the spot, no matter what the age. That little girl is mighty lucky. In our public school district, a 2nd grader was suspended for 3 days because he remarked to the teacher that she was pretty. No physical harm was done. My point is, if a child can deserve such a punishment for innocently complimenting a teacher, regardless of whether or not it constitutes sexual harrassment, the incident with the pencil stab wound should not go unpunished, and, asthe parents of the victim, youshould make it clear that youdo not intend to gloss over it like just a routine event in the day of a school child. It seems to me that it is to the benefit of your child to make as big a deal of this as you need to.If you do little to nothing, what message does that relay to your child--that he is not important enough to defend in this case? That his rights are less important than those of the girl? That girls should be allowed to beat up on boys with little to no punishment? Your own son While it is good to teach him the golden rule, it is also good to teach him to assertively stand up for his rights. My son isa BIG, husky boy. Things like this happened to him during his public school years. All he had to do was look sideways at someone, and I would be called; but when someone hurt him, the school didnbother mom and dad at work. What an excuse. I started documenting everything in written form, even sent faxes. Theschool hated that I put everything in writing, but I believe they respected us or, at least, pretended to respect us, and my son experienced fewer problems with verbal and physical abuse from other studentsafter that. Best to you.

Just my 2 cents [2008-09-30]
The school should have immediately informed you that they provided medical attention to your son (yep, ice pack = medical attention). If they called the other mother then they should have called you. In my experience (I have 6 kids) talking to the other mother will do no good, when the child is at school, it is the SCHOOLS responsibility to see this doesn't happen. You should make it known that in the future you expect a phone call from them, or they can expect one from your attorney, and if they cannot control the child in the classroom, either that child, or yours, should be moved to another part of the class, or a different class altogether. Ask yourself, how would you handle this had she stabbed him in the eye? Next time she might.

Well thanks for visiting the miserable people and giving us your 2 cents nm [2008-09-24]
x

My 2 cents......... [2008-09-08]
Money is not the only thing he is lying to you about and you probably know it. Just what those things are, I don't know, but when a spouse lies and hides money, it is only a symptom of a lot of other things he/she is doing behind your back. That is why they become so defensive and try to turn the tables as if you are being ridiculous and just making up stuff. You know you're not going crazy.....you're a very angry fed up lady and for good reason. You know in your heart you have let this man belittle your feelings and make you feel less than a person. That's what they do to make themselves feel better about what they're doing. My husband made very good money and for years, he always dropped off his check (when there wasnhis money and what he did with his money. Told me his boss keeps hundreds of dollars at a time in his wallet and he didn't trust his wife with keeping the checkbook.... she always overdrafted, messed up stuff, etc. Well, since I had been doing all that stuff for years with never a problem, I knew it wasn't because I was doing a poor job. He always insisted I do it because he just didn't have the time. His job was high profile and many hours, so I just didn't mind. I asked him did he want to keep hundreds of dollars in his wallet, did that make him feel like a man? I didn't understand his point. He just said if he wanted to, he should be able to. I never EVER told him what to do with money. We always kept everything in the open, joint accounts, etc. So, as time went by and he became angrier when I asked why he wouldn't bring his check stubs home, I loaded up the children and left. He was the type who thought I would do nothing and he was shocked as h*ll when I did. The emotional turmoil that puts in your mind is simply not worth it. No answers from him, being told we don't have the money, when I knew full well we did and I would do without while he was out there blowing it on just stupid stuff. One day I had to use his car to take our child to school, let down the visor, and there was around 1600 dollars. That's all she wrote. I didn't believe for a minute he was having an affair. I just realized I was living with a very hateful man who didn't give a rat's butt about my feelings. It's a simple as this, it really is. When a spouse starts lying about money in your household, there is a problem. In this case, you said your husband has been lying and doing this all along. I can't imagine how you must feel from day to day. Quite frankly, I just realized my husband just was screwed up and I sure was not going to go down with him and told him if he suddenly felt the need to hide his money to make him feel like a big shot, he could explain to the judge where he hid it when child support and alimony time came around. Please give yourself some peace of mind. I know you are concerned about your children, but believe me, if they don't sense it right now, they will know daddy is doing something wrong towards mom sooner or later. It will affect them down the road one way or another. I have to tell you counseling just does not work for that kind of man. You will have to play hard ball. He will never open his eyes otherwise and be prepared that he may himself live in denial about his problem forever.....do you really want to go down that path with him? When the kids are gone, you're still stuck with those feelings or lack thereof.

My 2 cents [2008-05-09]
Seems like you are caught between a rock and a hard place, so to speak. But, I would be very cautious about pointing fingers towards someone because they make racial remarks or act different. This boy may very well have come from a family where they donn word, not to mention lots of other filthy things. Blacks and whites call each other names, often harmless friendly banter, but that's how it is. I understand your small community situation, but that could also be a horrible thing for that child to have to live down and accusing him unfairly could push him into even more bad feelings.... I'm sorry you are in this situation. Maybe talk to your son and ask him to not discuss this in school or with his friends anymore. Talk to his school and ask them what are they doing as a precaution today and for days to come.....hopefully, they are taking other measures as well.

Just my 2 cents... [2008-04-04]
There were occassions that I remember when our church was in deep financial trouble - both times it was because of apastor that people didn However, we still had to pay the salary of said pastors, as well as heating oil andelectricity at the church, payroll for other employees and payroll taxes, church upkeep, etc. Our treasurer would come to council meetings and say - I canpay the bills, and he even stopped taking a salary at one point. If we wouldIknow we woulddoors. Thankfully, God is good and we are in much better shape now. I Sorry so long winded, but I don It Just my opinion.

My 2 cents. [2008-02-19]
If you really want to teach her responsibility, have her make TIMELY payments to you, just as she would if she had to take out a loan (although I wouldn't charge her interest). Have her pay for her own insurance bill and gas, although if she is running errands for you, you could work out a deal for gas--one tank a week for example. If she's too busy to have an outside job, I would come up with some type of home job for her (washing all vehicles, cleaning out the attic, etc.) so that she understands the car comes with a price tag.

my 2 cents [2008-02-19]
My kids aren't old enough for their own cars yet but here's what my parents did with me and I think it was a pretty good deal: I worked parttime to pay for my own gas and most of my insurance. My parents picked up the rest and since the car was paid off they just gave it to me. Also if there were any upgrades I wanted I had to pay for it myself. I was a decent student but in no way compared to your daughter. My hubby and I have already decided that when our oldest turns 16 we will buy him a car (older & cashola, of course) and what he will be responsible for depends on his grades and extracurricular activities. If he's on the same level as your daughter, I see no problem picking just about all her expenses. Perhaps give a weekly allowance for gas. If she has a way to earn money (i.e. babysitting) then perhaps start with just minor expenses, adding on more as she can afford it and still keep up her activities/grades.

my 2 cents [2007-12-21]
I don't really thing that hearing Merry Christmas sends so many people reeling, it is just the few that do not like it make so much more noise than everyone else! Our small town has always had a nativity display at the courthouse/city hall. This year, ONE person in a 35,000 person town complained that it violated their rights to have to drive by and see a religious display every day. They were offended that it was just a religious display and not a true holiday display. So our mayor got very creative. He had someone create a Frosty the Snowman, Santa and Rudolph out of plywood, painted them, and then placed them next to the manger. Santa is holding baby Jesus! I don't understand why people get offended by other people who do not believe like they do. I really think it is just a power trip, because this event proved that ONE person can change a whole town!! Merry Christmas all, and if you don't celebrate Christmas, then happy holidays!

Just my 2 cents, but some ideas from a former homeschooler...sm [2007-12-19]
I homeschooled mine until circumstances dictated that I could no longer do so. While homeschooling, I was a single parent, so I know what yougroup teach and babysit with a rotation. The kids in our co-op really enjoyed the change of pace, and the moms with younger handfuls got a break. Not all were cool with the idea, though, so the daycare backup is a thought. Mine did pre-K a couple of days a week before I started homeschooling, and it gave me a break. I didn't consider it anything more than a break for me and a social experience for her. Also, keep in mind that not all kids (even in the same family) are cut out for homeschooling. Some need the more socialized or structured (I don't know if you're a classicist, eclectic, unschooler, or what so it may or may not apply), but some kids need a differnt type of environment than being homeschooled can provide - which BTW says nothing about your abilities or the kids'. Just that there really are different strokes for different folks, even within the same family.

postcard stamps are 26 cents...sm [2007-12-18]
There used to be a time when you could buy all kinda holiday postcards. Have you ever made your own postcards outta your old cards? Just cut off the front, draw a line down the middle, addressand send...pinking shears or regular scissors work just fine....Ilove it....It Cat

41 cents [2007-12-17]
nm

41 cents, but..... [2007-12-17]
You can buy Forever Stamps for 41 cents which will not go up in the future. It helps.

All of the above is good, but adding 2 cents [2007-12-03]
If you are constantly checking on the birds, it will make them nervous. Think about what birds do in the wild for protection. If they lay a clutch of eggs, then they notice a snake hanging around, they will eat the eggs and abandon the nest until the snake goes away for good. I did not read your other post so I don't know what bedding material you are using, but for my finches, I would go outside and find tall grass and tear off several hand fulls. I put some in the nest and some on the cage floor for the birds to carry to the nest. My first egg laying experience was from an Indian finch who laid 11 eggs, sat them just fine, but the instant the first one hatched, both parents clung to the opposite side of the cage like some monster had invaded their home! I had to hand feed that baby every 45 minutes for the first 3 days! Oy, was I tired! One thing to add to their diet is a boiled egg - crush the complete egg, shell and all, into small pieces. They get the protein from the egg and calcium from the shell. Sprinkle some shavings from the tops of brocolli on top. Depending on what type of finches you have, they may need live worms for the protein. You can buy meal worms (more than 20% protein) at your local pet store pretty cheaply, but if you want to grow your own for free, write me (some people think it's disgusting, but these worms are very clean). There are other worms that are over 35% protein, but they are impossible to breed and expensive to have shipped, but the more exotic finches require them. I really do suggest that you don't check on them so much. I also don't know what kind of nest you are using, but I highly recommend a wooden box hinged onto the back corner or side of the cage. You can lift the lid when you see both out of the box and it will disturb them less. If the nest has nothing around it to conceal it from the rest of the room (like a cup-style canary nest), it will be hard for them to settle down. Write if you think of anything else you would like to know. I was a certified avian breeder and there were several difficult finches I was able to breed successfully.

Can i add my 2 cents worth? In a mall I saw this young woman (sm) [2007-11-27]
wearing a black plastic garbage bag! She had on black tights, a black turtleneck and the garbage bag with a hole cut out for her head and arms. She had it cinched up around her waist with a really wide black belt!!

My 2 cents (sm) [2007-10-25]
I However, if it helps, take your last sentence and use that. He has made you a better person. Use that to begin anew. Good luck to you. There is someone out there worthy of you, trust me, there is.

I use itunes. 99 cents per song... [2007-10-13]
I like it. I just use my debit card, and I can make a great mixed CD for $15 to $20. You can also download a lot of CDs for $10, which is a great deal. I have heard some people complain about the sound quality, but I don Once you download itunes you can also preview each song before you buy it, which is great. It Itunes is the only one I've used, so there may be better ones out there, but I'm happy with it.

My 2 cents....... [2007-10-01]
In this case I would say the breed and size definitely matter. These are two dogs that were bred to do a lot of damage. My mom has a chow and he is very sweet but I could see, if he felt threatened, that he might tear another dog's head off. I had this situation with a neighbor and we walked our dogs up and down the street, letting them see each other every day for a while. We didn't stop to talk to each other for a few days, then would stop across the street from one another and talk. Neither one of our dogs showed aggression towards the other, just more curious than anything, but mine was a lab and hers a large terrier mix. If one starts growling it would be best to jerk their leash to stop the behavior without saying a word and keep doing this when and if that behavior shows back up....every time without fail, no matter how much. If you act nervous, your dog probably will too. But again, if both dogs are very docile and laid back, it might go very well. But once you put one dog in another's house, there are territorial issues and your dog and your neighbor's will have every right to feel territorial and a fight might ensure whereas there wouldn't be one outdoors. This will definitely take time to overcome. Good luck!

Just my 2 cents - from prior experience, sm [2007-05-03]
When my husband retired early (pre-65), I received SS because we had a child under the age of 16 (so both parents and the child received SS). Once she turned 16, mine stopped but hers continues until 18 or she graduates from high school, whichever is later. Once she graduates this month, then she will no longer receive SS, just my husband. Also, he turned 65 this year and receives Medicare. I and my daughter have to have our own insurance. So, if your sister-in-law has a child under the age of 16, she could be right about receiving the SS, but not the Medicare.

Just my 2 cents, these are great ideas! [2007-01-27]
I like the card making especially.

just my 3 cents - Spin The Bottle is okay for you... [2007-01-27]
very curious............

my 2 cents [2006-12-01]
My opinion is that you should just move on. I know you were offended and I feel that no one should have to put up with things like that. You have to just think about it from a retail point of view... I have worked retail before and sometimes associates make small talk with customers about returns...products ect.. because that is their job.. This guy might have been just trying to be nice and SAID THE WRONG THING TO YOU! Maybe it just slipped out. I believe you need to give people the benefit of the doubt... He did apologize and felt bad over it.. I think you scared this guy into THINKING about what he says before he opens his mouth!!

just my 2 cents [2006-10-12]
I was raised in the south. I can tell you right now that if I had told my parents not to hit me, it would not have been pretty. I raised my children in the same manner. I fully believe that children should be spanked, on the bottom, in order to press home vital issues. I have raised 2 children, boy and a girl, both now 21. My son was a handful and then some. My daughter learned the limits and basically stuck to them. My son got mixed up with the wrong crowd and that was what changed his attitude. When you love your children, you will do whatever it takes, even if it means spanking when society says not spanking, time out. Although, if you have not been spanking all along, starting at 14 might not be the best course of action, as it will just make him more angry. One thing I tried, when my son had to serve early morning detention for not obeying the rules, I made him walk to school (8 miles one way). I told him that his bad behavior was not going to change our family routine. (I did follow him in the care, he did not know). Believe, me he did not do this but twice. This even worked as a behavior modifier with the teachers. One made a comment to him about 8 miles was a long way to walk and he straightened right up. Have enough strength in yourself to do what society may say is wrong or mean if it means saving your child.

My 2 cents, FWIW [2006-10-12]
I learned a long time ago that if I went to Church for the people, I'd always get hurt. If I went for my relationship with Deity, I'd avoid much of the drama that exists in these sorts of environments. And it does exist in ALL religious environments. Concentrate on SPIRITUALITY rather than RELIGIOSITY, and it can really help one to have a lighter heart. I hope this helps.

How about ideas for siblings and their families? Here's one [2008-11-19]
I have three siblings, with spouses and children. Not only is it expensive to buy for all of them, but it Last year I went to a craft store and bought cheap baskets on sale. I bought each of them a 2-month subscription to the movies that you get through the mail,NetFlix (can do Blockbuster if you want). I put the gift certificate in the basket along with the big boxes of candy that they sell at the show (.99 cents apiece at Walgreens), a few packets of microwave popcorn, and a 6-pack of their favorite soda. They loved it and everybody enjoyed the movies over the next couple of cold winter months. You can purchase the movie gift certificates on line at their website.

At certain stores in MI, s/m [2008-11-18]
They will double coupons up to $1. I do this a lot with toothpaste and stockpile it. A lot of times it is 2/$4 or 2/$5, so I either get it free or for 50 cents a tube. A lot of the $1 coupons are for new items and our local store here is pretty good about having those on sale a lot during the first few weeks it is out to promote it, so I get the new things relatively cheap as well. You just have to be careful about not getting things just because you have a coupon. When I coupon shop, it can take me 3 hours because I compare all the prices with brands to coupons, etc. You also have to really know your prices as compared to other stores. I have one store where I get my meat and I don Where they double the $1 coupon, I don I'm really careful about it and belong to an internet sites to help me as well.

Dogs v kids [2008-11-18]
I am a sucker for a pretty face & don't have kids, so I am at my dogs' mercy. You should see their stockpile of dog treats. It's ridiculous. School lunches. $2 a day! Doesn't sound like a lot for a meal, but it sure adds up...you would think they would give you some kind of deal because you have 3 kids. I guess I'm assuming they all go to the same school. Now I'm dating myself, but when I was in elementary school I think it cost 40 or 45 cents for lunch. A nickel for milk. Amazing!

Live in Oregon, just DH and me, spend about 400 a month... [2008-11-18]
give or take including cat supplies. Costco every 4 to 5 weeks. Love really good bread, yogurt, real half and half for my coffee and fresh fruit and veggies no matter what the cost. Eat out on an average of 4 times a week, lunch or dinner on our days off, not fast food (Ugh). Cook everything from scratch, no boxes or cans here, except for pasta. I donat least twice a week. I have only seen a spike in dairy and bread products, but I won if I'm eating it, I want it to taste good and not be loaded with preservatives, etc. I'd rather spend 2.98 a pound for really good apples instead of 98 cents a pound for mealy ones. I'm Italian, so food is a religion for me and it better be good!

When I was in school, it was 85 cents for [2008-11-18]
lunch and 15 cents for milk. All 3 of my kids do go to the same school. The discounted meals aren It We make too much to qualify for any of the state-funded programs (not that I

93 Buick LeSabre and 93 Chevy Silverado [2008-11-17]
The truck mileage sucks, only 12 mpg. Hubby wanted to buy a Toyota this year but with his work being so slow, he's stuck with the Chevy. He's had nothing but problems with it. My last car was a The engine was like brand new, only 45,000 miles when we bought it in 2003. I miss it. It went to the car graveyard after we took the engine out to put in the Buick above. We always pay cash for our cars, so really don't ever buy brand new. Got the Buick for nothing because it had a blown engine and I found 3 cents in it to boot. Now that's a deal. LOL We owned a Datsun Maxima back in the 80s, but it was a diesel and I didn't like it. Gave me backache, and the only other foreign car we owned was a ྄ Opel. That was a good car and comfortable to drive. We always bought American.

I can sympathize [2008-11-13]
If you honestly love him like you say, then maybe it is time for some forgiveness in your heart, just forget what has happened and move on or sit him down one on one and tell him to get it off your chest. My mom and dad divorced when I was one. I am almost 40 now. I won Once he had more kids, I was in the way. He was never there for me even as an adult. His wife (married again when I was 3) only wants to be involved in my life when she can stir up drama. I made the decision to finally cut them out of my life because it was beginning to affect me on a daily basis. I did confront both of them to a certain extent, not all that I wanted to say. But since his wife was stirring up drama with my 4 kids, momma bear came out and enough was enough. I still love my dad, but don't understand how he can be so blind about his wife. Being that your parents are still together, I think you need to either sit him down without your mom and tell him how you feel and maybe he will then understand why you have been so hurt. If you feel you can Just my 2 cents worth...I wish you the best of luck

I love it too. We go a couple of times a month.. [2008-11-07]
spend about 500 bucks each time. Sometimes we come home with money, sometimes not, that the second time same thing, hit for 1500 bucks. I usually do pretty well, only play penny machines and have won as much as 800 bucks on one spin. We never spend more than 500 each. It's our vice and we enjoy it. We visit my family every year in Philly and for the 2 weeks we are there we usually gamble at least half the time. We save our money, take a couple of thousand with us for that purpose only and if we win great, if not, that's okay too.

And Thursday night is safer than Friday night - how? [2008-10-30]
We used to live in a town that was once in the Guiness Book of World Records for number of churches per capita (which by the way was the worst place I've ever lived - discourteous, Nazi schools, etc.), and they wouldn't let us trick or treat on Sundays. Ridiculous! People can say what they want but celebrating Halloween doesn't make you a devil worshiper! Just my 2 cents!

This is simple.. The election is coming up. sm [2008-10-23]
They are trying to make things look better than what they are to the average consumer. I will be more than shocked if the gas prices don't immediately start to increase once the election is over. My 2 cents only! :)

Better yet, see if you can join a [2008-10-23]
credit union. I have been in one since 1969. They pay me every month with interest instead of charging me handling. Not that it is very much, still 30 cents or whatever is better than being charged whatever the current rates are.

STOP!!!! BETTER TAKE A CLOSER LOOK [2008-10-22]
This is what I found when researching this: Just Wondering asked the question; Do the Heat Surge Fireless Flame heaters that the Amish sell really work? It is being advertised in the local paper (The Herald-Dispatch,Huntingto n , WV ). That it is a Miracle Heater. Saves Money: uses less energy than a coffee maker. Stay really warm and slash your heating bill all at the same time. It uses 1500 watts. It is 5119 btu. My question is. Is this really a Miracle Heater? Should I buy one for every room in my house and turn off the heat pump? 10 months ago Report Abuse by John R Member since: July 12, 2007 Total points: 1256 (Level 3) Add to My Contacts Block User Best Answer - Chosen by Asker The ads (which are all over the country) are very misleading. 1. A coffee maker uses a large amount of electricity for about a minute. Itmiracle heater uses less electricity than a coffee maker DURING THAT ONE MINUTE. But you're going to have the heater running for a lot longer than one minute a day. So it's going to cost you a lot more to operate than a coffee maker does. The heater will cost you around 12 cents per hour to operate. The average cost of electricity in the U.S. is 8 cents per 1,000 watts per hour, so 1,500 watts costs 12 cents per hour on average. This is true for ANY 1,500 watt electric heater. 2. The ads say that the heater produces an amazing 5,119 BTU (a measure of heat energy), but ALL 1,500 watt electric heaters produce 5,119 BTU. If an electric heater was 100% efficient, it would convert 1,500 watts of electricity into 5,120 BTU of heat. All electric heaters are nearly 100% efficient, and this has been true for decades. The miracle heater is no more efficient than any other electric heater. 3. The website of the heaterzone heating. See the Saves Money section of the website (www.heatsurge.com). This is true, but it's also true for ANY electric heater. The problem is that a lot of people don't like to have just one room of their house warm while all the others are cold. You DON'T want to heat your entire house by putting an electric heater in each room. That would cost you far more than central heat. Gas central heat, for example, would cost around half as much as having an electric heater in each room. (The exact amount varies depending on what part of the country you live in.) If you want to get one heater and move it around with you, that would be cheaper than central heat, but you can get a lightweight 1,500 watt / 5,119 BTU electric heater with a fan for under $100 at your local hardware store, while the miracle heater costs $350 including shipping. The heater at your local hardware store won't have the Amish-made mantle and the fake flames, but it will work just as well. Make sure to get one with a fan, since it will warm up the room faster, although fans can be noisy. 10 months ago

Negotiate lower interest rates on your credit cards [2008-10-21]
It�s worth a shot, and some credit card companies might do it if you�ve been a faithful customer or you threaten to balance transfer to another card.Buy a texting plan for your cell phone. Texting has become unbelievably popular. I have no idea why, because it seems like a pain in the butt, but it�s typically 15 cents for every message you send and receive. This adds up, so better off paying $5 to $10 a month for the add-on plan if you�re addicted to texting.

Not always how they are raised [2008-10-05]
I too had a pitbull from 9 weeks of age. No one could have told me then that a dog raised as she was would turn out to be nothing by heartbreak. She was well socialized, raised around people, livestock, children, other dogs, and cats. We took her everywhere with us. She went to work with me every day on a ranch.She graduated top dog in her obedience class. She was the most wonderful loving dog, with us...until around the age of 3 years, then something snapped in her little brain and she became the killer the breed is known for. It happened overnight.We came home to find the cat she was raised with from a puppy ripped to shreds with blood all over the garage. After that, her personality changed.She became so spaced out every time she would see a small child, cat, or another dog. We tried to justify it, like a parent always does when their child does something horribly wrong. Then shegot holdof another dog at the ranch whom she had known andplayed withfor a year.Fortunately,that dogsurvived and we were rightfullysuedbig time.We had her destroyedthe nextday instead of taking a chance on her getting one of our children or one of the neighborhood children or somone elses pet. It was the hardest decision we have ever made, she was like our child. The difference between pitbulls and MOST other breeds is that most other breeds bite and walk away, whereas pitbulls dona chance knowing the potential they have tobecomekillers without notice.There are too many other nice breeds out there where you will never have to worry about it. We now have a lab andour children and other pets, not to mention the neighborhood children and pets, are safe.My two cents based on personal experience on the subject.

They are going up. I heard that this morning on the radio. sm [2008-09-12]
And it is not from any war or speculation. Well, not this time anyway. Evidentally all the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico closed down production and everybody went home because of Ike coming onshore this weekend. Right now gas on the west side of Michigan is 3.88, but they said it will probably go up approximately 50-75 cents a gallon. It hasn't happened yet, but then it is only 12:30 in the afternoon here.

Exactly. [2008-09-03]
Overall the school lunches in this district are great. The elementary school would offer ice cream or popcorn for 25 cents once a week. Always fresh fruits, vegs with the meal. Itype A (regular) or type B (ala carte crap) lunches and there is no control other than for the parents to discuss their expectations with the student. I'm thinking we may go to packing lunch except for once a week or something. We are going to give a trial this week and see what he says he buys and then address it. I'm hoping he surprises us but I'm sure its just a matter of time before he joins the rest of the crowd.

memories of [2008-08-16]
sitting at grandparents on the back steps (very wide to fit the porch) and eating watermelon, or watching my dad and brothers taking turns cranking the ice cream machine and all making fun of each other for being too weak. It was so quiet you could hear the windmill squeak, very restful. Hearing stories of when Daddy and his three brothers were young and took turns jumping out of the barn hayloft with a parachute made from one of grandma's good white sheets which ripped. Daddy said he hugged that limp sheet all the way to the ground. Uncle Joe said they let him go first because it was his idea, but they all got a whipping for it. At my other grandparents, Mother and her sister talked about skating all over Austin jumping the cracks in the sidewalks. I had to be quiet when John Cameron Swazy was on (Timex keeps on ticking) or Billy Graham. Going to the barbershop (Papa was a barber) for haircuts. sitting on the porch snapping beans or peas. Aunt Nell and Uncle Frank lived in the country, feather tick mattresses and bolsters, chamber pots and outhouses, mean chickens. Aunt Nell's hair was let down at night and hung below her hips. She had a built-in ice box (not fridge) and a water pump in the kitchen and thought she was in high cotton. They lived in the house she had been born in. She had sunbonnets by the back door. Never went out of the house without one and at 86 still had beautiful skin you would not believe. Kept their money in a bible. They had a 17 year old hound under the front porch with no teeth who acted like he would tear you up. They called him didhebitecha. She made the best biscuits in the world until canned came out! Daddy loved woodworking, helping him hold large piece of wood in the shop or handing him tools. I was anxious to learn to cook (I never said I was smart!), made cookies and such at 12, cooking whole dinners by 16. Being the oldest was not all you would think it could be. I was a miniparent. I remember my baby brother being droopy drawers, would step out of his diaper and keep going. Love to remind him of that now when he is 52 and 6. Then came two more sisters, the last when I was 17, Mother had it made for that one! I remember my border collie, Lady. We got her when I was 9 and she was 2. Had her until I was 21. One of those dogs who knew who could come in the yard and knock on the door and who to run entirely out of the neighborhood. She was my best friend. She had trouble delivering her last litter and my grandmother helped her. I remember the attic fan, and wish I had one now. My son does and it saves him AC bills about 2 to 3 months of the year. I remember being around my great-grandparents. In fact, one grandmother was 90 when she died in 2000. I was 54. How many can say that? I also remember seeing a civil war veteran in the 1950's. This feels like such a time warp as the memories go flashing by. I remember when most moms stayed home. The fuller brush man went door to door. There was a man who traveled around sharpening knives and scissors. Milk was delivered to your door. Remember keeping wet clothes in a bread bag in the fridge? You put a tin sprinkler with a piece of cork around the base on a 10 cent coke bottle to sprinkle while you ironed. Do they still make those? and I remember when keyboards had a cent sign on the number 6 key! Just for the groan effect, here's one for you - gas was 18 cents a gallon and there was a gas war between competing stations!

why on god's green earth are 8 jumbo crayons [2008-08-01]
a pack of 8 regular sized crayons is 2 for $1. I can get a pack of TWENTY FOUR crayons for 17 cents. But a pack of 8 large sized is $1.50 a pack at the cheapest. I found them at winn dixie for 2.99 a pack. I need 2 packs. Six dollars for 16 crayons?? That's highway robbery...geez

This works! [2008-06-27]
I did the same. It only took one summer (last year) of doing this and then we slowly tapered off the chore chart. I would forget to print it off the computer from time to time. Since then I no longer have to ask but when I do it is already done, just had to get in the habit of doing it without question, I think. My child is like OPs that he really is a great kid but for some reason brushing teeth was a nightmare twice a day every day. The only difference in our allowance chart was that for each item completed (without being asked or questioned) my child would get 25 cents - totaled at the end of the week. He still had to do everything, it was just a matter of initiative and no arguments on his part. I think max would be $5 a week or something like that. I had it calculated out so I new there was a limit. Truth be told, he asked for more than $5 of stuff every time we went to the store (and that was another fight) so this did double-duty in that if we went to the store he had to use his own money. Amazing how picky kids get when its their money.

ANY money is worth recycling for! -sm [2008-05-22]
With the cost of groceries what they are today, and aluminum cans getting 5 cents ea., it adds up pretty fast. Even if I only have 2 grocery-bags' full of cans, I take them to the recycler just before I go shopping, and then I have an extra $2-$5 in my wallet - the equivalent of several good coupons!

Are they for real? [2008-05-21]
I can cents per line - I wonder how many people can (or would)work for that??

What would you suggest? [2008-05-21]
Would anyone have suggestions for MTs looking for a higher pay rate? If one has good references, background, experience, and skills - what more can they do to earn a starting pay greater than 7 cents? I agree that it is not much financially but with all things considered this seems to be the going rate these days for an MT with less than 5 years experience.

No, you are not the only one. I do too. [2008-05-10]
We have an 11 yo son. He doesnbut everybody else can _________. (Fill in the blank). My standard reply.....If everybody else jumped into the sea, would you jump too? That kind of shuts him up. He is an only child and as such, does get his way up to a certain point, but after that, he knows not to push. He knows not to back talk, knows we will take away his priviledges if he doesn't do his chores (and he doesn't have a lot, but he has enough), no computer, no video games, no anything. He is a pretty good kid 99% of the time, and I guess I can't complain about the 1% that he isn't. You need to do what you need to do and to everybody who says different, a great big raspberry. THRRRRRPPPPP. Just my 2 cents worth.

I use coupons when I can get them, but lately [2008-04-27]
Safeway gives a few in its weekly mailings, Lucky practically ZERO. I.31 cents per oz., etc.) If I product I formerly bought a lot of (for example, granola bars) turn into incredible shrinking products, which seem to get tinier each month, then I stop buying them. I figure, if you can eat an entire granola bar in one bite, it is no longer a granola BAR - it is a granola BITE! And Ibars, when it takes all 6 to make you feel like youbreakfast - now it's more of an on-the-go tidbit. And $5 for a box of Corn Flakes, where the level of cereal contained within the box is now hovering right at or below the halfway mark, and the rest is AIR? Forget it. Cereal has got to be the biggest gyp in the entire supermarket. Nowadays I pretty much just have oatmeal and coffee for breakfast. Used to eat a cup of yogurt, but those have shrunk drastically in size, as well. I have to laugh that the Pres. thinks a one-time economy booster check of roughly $600 is going to be of much use in convincing people to spend more. It would only work for me if I got an extra $600 every month!

We can our veggies every year...sm [2008-04-26]
We go out to the countrysideto U-Pick veggie fields. Last year picked lots of tomatoes for 20 cents a pound. Also picked or bought eggplant, peppers, pears, apples, peaches. We canned the tomatoes andfruits; froze the peppers, and ate the eggplant (not sure how to preserve those yet). We also freeze snap peas from the garden and some other stuff. Whoa, I sound like a little country Cathy, don Anyway, hopefully this helps support the farms/farmers and keeps their land away from developers. Off my soap box now.