My personal observations as a

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

See, the problem is, you're taking YOUR personal [2008-10-16]
adhere to it, or else they are morally 'WRONG'. This teacher isn't forcing anyone to attend her marriage. Whoever wants to stay home, can. It's just no big deal. How you think as an individual IS your right in the US, whether you believe it is God-given or not. But the deal is, that right may also be Buddha-given, or Allah-given, etc. I find it really strange that people feel there is a different 'lifestyle' associated with homosexuality. Except for a brief period of time spent in the bedroom (which is really NOBODY's business but theirs - not even God's), for most gays, every other aspect of life is exactly the same. They still set their alarms, get up in the morning, go to work, and contribute to society. Actually, a large number of them contribute far MORE to society than your average 'Joe Sixpack' or 'Joe the Plumber'. Among my own gay friends, there are: - An astrophysicist - A doctor - A lawyer - A teacher - A scientist - On individual who graduated from both Harvard AND Yale When it comes to contributing to the outward appearances of the city, the gay community has moved into some areas (like the Castro) which used to be seedy, dangerous neighborhoods, remodelled, repainted, rebuilt, opened restaurants and boutiques, and turned it into one of the city's best neighborhoods with a strong tax base. There are homes in my own neighborhood owned by gays that they put their effort and money into, and now those homes shine, increasing property values all around them. I've been on this earth far more years than I care to admit, and I have to say - I have yet to meet a single homosexual person, male or female, that I didn't like, and who didn't make a significant contribution in life. That can't be said for many of the heterosexuals I've known. And finally, let me tell ya - the best 'girlfriend' you could ask for is a gay guy. My friends keep me laughing nonstop, and brighten my life. Condemning a person's entire existence because of a mere 20-minute difference in bedroom behavior is wrong. If that's what 'God teaches', then I'm glad that's not MY God. My God is tolerant of all those that he created.

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

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

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

Your observations are right on [2008-07-25]
I think she has not fully researched getting help for people with disabilities. I guess I kept saying retarded because is shorter than writing out mental retardation. Thatspecial or slow, but to me itmental retardation. Forget exactly what percentage capacity they diagnosed him at but that was what it was. As for why they would bring a 2 year old or any other child into this situation is beyond my comprehension, and beyond my father's, my aunt's, my cousin's, my friends's, her friends, my in-laws, etc. I never said anything to her before they adopted because my aunt and a lot of her friends would give her their opinions about how they didn't think it's a good idea when they are always having trouble (sometimes financially but most of the time with the nephew), but sis would call me in tears after they would openly tell her what their viewpoints were and she would be crying because its all she's ever wanted was to have another child, and how all her freinds at church have at least 4 and 5 kids, etc, etc). I would tell her that I cannot advise her because I am not in her situation financially or dealing with the nephew, but told her that with me being 49 years old I would not do it. I just told her for me I am too old and couldn't take having a kid around me all the time. I think sis has some emotional problems herself. She feels that having a young kid around will keep her and her husband young. They love doing things all the time (I don't think they could stand to be home in their house for a whole day without going out). They always have to be out doing something (I'm 100% opposite - I never want to leave my house). Anyway...there's a lot they can't afford and they should have never adopted in the first place but that is my opinion. I only told my dad that once and he agreed with me totally but said you can't tell her anything and she gets defensive. So to answer the last part - they weren't thinking. My aunt has called me several times and always says that. Mom died 4 years ago. I think if she was alive she would have talked to sis and given her some feedback. Well right now I'm seeing if I can find any type of centers back there that help people with nephews problems and his condition. If it was me I would say ditch the nephew and keep the niece. HA HA. Nephew keeps saying how he wants to live on his own, but sis says he has also said that is so he can walk around naked all day, watch cartoons, eat and play with his power rangers without anyone telling him to do anything. All I say is I'm glad I'm not in their shoes. I like my peaceful environment and I know what my limits are both with people and financial. They just go on a day by day whatever happens happens way of life.

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

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

just a personal opinion... [2008-05-08]
I think this can be a little tricky with kids. Children's imaginations are developing and they are learning so many new things, not to mention they do not always know the meaning of things or understand reasons for the way things may be done. Adults on the other hand, I think their dreams do mean something. I think it is their subconscious talking to them. Things they regress coming to the surface. I know I have had some kooky dreams before and they seem to take place when I am struggling with something. I wouldn't put too much into it with an 8 yr old, I have a child who is 10, sometimes they just have bad dreams at that age. If it is something that happens regularly or your heart tells you your child is struggling with something emotionally, it might be worth looking into therapy.

sorry but I don't recall asking for personal opinion [2008-03-30]
no offense, but I was just asking those with experience on the subject.

Not my personal situation but I think [2008-03-25]
a lot of the people you hear bragging about their refunds are those on some form of public assistance or single parents who are getting the earned income credit. Although I think you can get an advance on this, most do not. Personally, I like to get around $2000 back for the year. I know I could be saving that on my own, but it If it were in my account, I The small amount of interest I'd make on it for the year wouldn't be worth the stress of having to save it. I haven We lost our house in a fire in October and were underinsured. Now we have to file some sort of tax deduction for that. It

This is a personal subject between him and his wife. [2008-03-18]
First, I hardly think affairs are only a NY thing. Do you know all of NY office holders? If you believe stats, most American adults have had an affair. I don't think that necessarily makes a person not decent, it just means they're human and had a failing. Personally, I'm tired of God complexes in Government. This is a personal subject between him and his wife. I wonder how many of us could live up to the scrutiny heaped upon politicians. I KNOW I couldn't. I've made mistakes too.

My personal observations as a [2008-03-14]
mom: I am in my 40s and grew up back in the old days when discipline for kids in school and at home was okay; however, methods used then are now taboo. It looks like *traditional* discipline (which I feel wasnot necessarily always sensible)has been replaced with an either hands-off approach (dueto fear of lawsuits,retaliation, etc.) or extreme measures,asdescribed in the above post.This brings to mindthe question: How much more effective are we these days with these approaches? I feel for kids these daysas well asfuture generations - looks like they'll have their hands full, if society continues this way.

Maybe it's the personal preference of the local priest? [2008-03-11]
We used to do it through a screen. Once, when I was in about 6th grade, we went to a different church, and it was awkward. The priest practically yelled at me that I was supposed to say the Act of Contrition. I knew the prayer, but our other priest hadn't expected us to say it. So I guess it's run the way the priest wants to.

If you don't want people to comment on your personal life, then don' t post about it. [2008-02-15]
If all you want is sympathy or someone to agree with your point of view of a personal situation, then you need to phrase your post in such a manner to elicit only that type of response. If you are asking for opinions and advice, you need to take the good with the bad. Remember, honestly is not always pleasant. Also, I have noticed these type of posts seem to be made in the heat of the moment without a great deal of forethought as to content. If you don't want to hear that you have made a negative impression upon someone or don't want negative commentary on your personal life, then you really should not be opening the door to invite it in.

I never said my reliable source was personal - I DID get it from an [2008-02-05]
internet source - but it wasn't the one you found - obviously checking my sources - so you DO care - so you are just a hypocrite!

obviously you don't have a personal experience with mental illness [2008-01-04]
she is very sick and she needs help, which I am hoping she is getting. Mental illness is like any other disease, cancer, diabetes, etc., but there is a horrid stigma attatched to it. She canget over it???

I am basing this on personal experience. They did not contact me [2008-01-04]
unless I was doing something wrong when I started, both as an MT and QA. I only recieved feedback when i was in error.

sorry, this should be posted under Personal Ponderings [2007-12-29]
*

My personal thoughts [2007-12-15]
on the matter - - get out! My husband cheated on me the first time (at least what I knew as the first time) 24 years ago. We stuck together and he said he would never do it again. Well, 5 years ago, it happened again. I wonder now how many times did this occur that I did not know about, or find out about.

Can, but might not. I know from personal experience. nm [2007-12-15]
x

Don't mix soap/lotion/personal care with food. nm [2007-11-20]
x

Agree with this. Diaries/journals are personal space, no matter [2007-11-19]
s

I am personal trainer in addition to an MT [2007-08-14]
so I am at the gym working out almost every day, and when I am not at the gym, I am on my home treadmill. I like to keep in shape and always have. I find that working out always puts me in a good mood (the endorphin release). I was always active in sports as a kid and have always been very tone and fit. I am also only 25 (26 in September), so my metabolism is pretty fast anyway!

A little personal but [2007-06-14]
when my hubby and I want some alone time the dog can't stand to be in the room. If we don't realize the dog is in the room and we close the door, he lays at the door and cries to be let out.

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

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

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

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

"It's the thought that counts" - sm [2008-11-11]
Anyone who thinks enough of you to give you anything at all, deserves a heart-felt 'thank you'. All it means in the end is that they gave you something to let you know you mean something to them. When I was a kid, a girl I knew had about 30 friends she wanted to give a holiday card to, and only had 15 cards. And no money to buy more. So, she tore each card in half, and gave each half to all 30 of her friends. Sure, you got a printed message that either said, 'Merry Chr- an- Happy Ne-', or else you got one that said, '-istmas -d a -w Year'. But each half had a personal, handwritten holiday message to the recipient on it, and we all treasured our half-cards as much as if they'd been whole, because of the person that gave them to us. So, it really is the though that counts!

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

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

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

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

You are not too proud and this is sm [2008-11-01]
One: You should be proud of what you have done for animals. We are stewards of animals. Some of us take this to the ultimate and become vegans so as not exploit animals. Others give money. Others open their homes to many pets. Others help out in shelters. Without any judgment of what is best...ANIMALS NEED ALL THAT HELP. You are part of that help. Two: Being proud about this would indicate you are doing it for some sort of personal gain. Personal gain would not include, to my mind, being remembered publicly for doing good. When this takes place, and your will is enacted, you won't be here anymore, but your legacy and care will be. Why not have the recognition and encourage others to do as you have done? NOTHING wrong with it at all. BRAVO for doing something so generous and kind.

I just went thru something similar - sm [2008-10-24]
I was the one back in late August and then back on Oct. 13 or so----I had racked up a ton of debt on his and my credit cards which he knew nothing about. I finally confessed to him, he reacted pretty well considering the bomb I dropped on him. He does not want to divorce over it thank God but some amazing miracle. Obviosly your situation is a bit more complex. My DH is not that controlling. I was/am the one to get the mail, and would decide what he would see or not see, though he had no scruples about reading my mail, he would get upset if I ever read anything personal sent to him. As I know it is nothing to get bent about I let that one go. He has never cheated and even confirmed that when I confessed my deceit and financial infidelity to him. Luckily he still loves me enough to keep it together. He is trying a little more, though he has backed off doing a few things he used to around the house, I have taken on more responsibility around here, the price I have to pay I guess. I did 85% of it before, now, 95% (he used to cook dinner....now it looks like I get the pleasure of doing it from now on as he has not done it once since the 13th. Granted any reference to buying anyting is , we cannot afford it....which we can, but yes things are going to be a bit tight for the next five years, but we will manage. I have not done it yet, but Monday going to get the wheels rolling and do CCCS for my debts. His will be taken care of soon as we are selling off a bunch of mutual funds from the 401K (loan) so no penalties though with the economy we will have to sell more than we would have a few months ago which stinks. ---He is willing to economize now that he knows there is an issue though (he makes about 4x what I do). You will have to bit the bullet and confess as well. It is not easy. I wrote him a note and then left the house for a short while, then came back and we talked it all out. I figured my marriage would be over, but I think for the kids and still some feelings for me he wants to keep it all together. We have a good life together for the most part and he knows that. We do things together as a family, still have enjoyable sex once a week (took him 9 days after my confession), and are in tune with each other and the kids. Considering it he has been so good after it , you never know your husband might surprise you like mine did. He has not really made any comments for a week now, which is amazing in itself. My DH generally is the type of guy who blames everyone else for his mistakes and takes no responsibility for anything, so that is why it was such a shock that he is handling this all so well. Generally he acts like a 3-y/o and holds grudges. So it is possible your husband can be a standup guy. I guess it will depend on how much he cares for you, keeping the marriage together and not becoming a part-time dad or having to give you the house or a ton of money.....I am sure that all factored in in my situation. All I said was that no one would win in a divorce. He has been divorced before so I know he does not wnat to go thru that again, sees it as personal failure. But I feel so much better for telling him, a huge weight has been lifted. I still have a lot to get thru but the worst is over. I know my streess is still up there some, but I know longer have to worry about him finding out, etc. So you need to formulate a plan, maybe set aside some ready cash, and and tell him what is going on. You can email me if you want. I hope it all works out for you.

Think it through sm [2008-10-24]
This profession can be very depressing, you can feel so isolated, sit too long which makes you gain weight, have health problems, etc. It is demanding, overhelming, andnot to mention these days, very demeaning and a lot more negative stuff. We are greatly misunderstood. No one knows but us what we put up with. You have to get yourself feeling better about you before you make any decisions. This economy has everyone down because it looks so bleak. In divorce everyone loses, you, the husband, the kids. Self-esteem is very important. I donschools in your area which teach massage, hair dressing,dental hygiene, etc., these people will see you as a client at almost no cost to you. You could get a massage, a new haircut, or have your teeth cleaned for zilch.I found when I got down, I would get myself a manicure at Wal-Mart for $12.00 and if I couldnSupercuts for a quick cut and go home and set my hair myself. (Regis Salons - Google them) owns many of these places, the fancy ones in the mall, along with the walk-in el-cheapo franchises). Do all you can to uplift yourself which is hard with the hours and demands you have to put up with donWhen you have had a personal and spiritual (just say a prayer is all) makeover, your self-esteem will start to return and then you can probably have a talk with the hub about how lonely and rejected you feel and how you feel you are being ignored and lonely. Dondepressed because my husband throws a fit when I use that word. Many times I felt like you as my husband worked over 12 hour days, ate, went to bed, etc., and everything was left to me to handle. I almost felt as if he were avoiding being home. However, we have stuck together, my kids did well (I think because they were not from a broken home) and to tell the truth, Iflame you and if it doesnComes the Dawn and I try to live by it, Google it and print it out. My very, very best to you. Perhaps the prayer board can help. I do not claim to be religious, but I do believe in miracles!!.You are worth it, feel better about yourself, we love you and if no one else has told you that today, we will!! We are the brain behind the machine, not the machine.

Think it through sm [2008-10-24]
This profession can be very depressing, you can feel so isolated, sit too long which makes you gain weight, have health problems, etc. It is demanding, overhelming, andnot to mention these days, very demeaning and a lot more negative stuff. We are greatly misunderstood. No one knows but us what we put up with. You have to get yourself feeling better about you before you make any decisions. This economy has everyone down because it looks so bleak. In divorce everyone loses, you, the husband, the kids. Self-esteem is very important. I donschools in your area which teach massage, hair dressing,dental hygiene, etc., these people will see you as a client at almost no cost to you. You could get a massage, a new haircut, or have your teeth cleaned for zilch.I found when I got down, I would get myself a manicure at Wal-Mart for $12.00 and if I couldnSupercuts for a quick cut and go home and set my hair myself. (Regis Salons - Google them) owns many of these places, the fancy ones in the mall, along with the walk-in el-cheapo franchises). Do all you can to uplift yourself which is hard with the hours and demands you have to put up with donWhen you have had a personal and spiritual (just say a prayer is all) makeover, your self-esteem will start to return and then you can probably have a talk with the hub about how lonely and rejected you feel and how you feel you are being ignored and lonely. Dondepressed because my husband throws a fit when I use that word. Many times I felt like you as my husband worked over 12 hour days, ate, went to bed, etc., and everything was left to me to handle. I almost felt as if he were avoiding being home. However, we have stuck together, my kids did well (I think because they were not from a broken home) and to tell the truth, Iflame you and if it doesnComes the Dawn and I try to live by it, Google it and print it out. My very, very best to you. Perhaps the prayer board can help. I do not claim to be religious, but I do believe in miracles!!.You are worth it, feel better about yourself, we love you and if no one else has told you that today, we will!! We are the brain behind the machine, not the machine.

Gift certificates for massages for Christmas question. (sm) [2008-10-22]
There is a littlespa near us that has gift certificates for massages, aroma therapy, etc and had thought about getting my daughters each one as a Christmas gift. Thought they could go together as they are good friends as well as sisters. I am a bit of a country bumpkin myself and know nothing about these things. Anyone tell me a little about what they might expect? One daughter is prettyeasy going, the other is a little more conservative. I understand sheets coveringthe body, justwanted to make sure the massage isconfined to extremities and back, nothing too personal.TIA

Do you claim all your donations [2008-10-21]
I do not claim what I give to church. I just don't think it's right to use that ... MY PERSONAL OPINION ONLY! I haven't ever claimed what I give to goodwill or anything like that.

Cutting out the grandparent(s) sm [2008-10-21]
Please before you take such drastic measures, try everything possible to get your message across in a nice way. The pain of not seeing grandkids is so great and once you lose the offending person you may wish you had them back in your life so you could talk it all over and keep them in your life. My MIL was awful, awful, used to think she suffered from xenerism but miss her. I wish I would have been more patient with her instead of hurting her and my husband by dreading her visits. Life is temporary. I can remember my horror the day my dad showed my grandmother to the door for offering me candy, He literally threw her out. I will never forget how hurt I felt for her. I was only four but my heart was broken and I can still see it in my mind. There are other ways rather than banning someone from your life or your children's lives. I know this will make you even madder, so please don't flame me. Just my humble experience. Unless there is a personal injury, things can be talked over rationally I hope and rules can be set, even if you have to write it down in a nicely-worded card or note. Don't be sorry at the funeral..You have a brain or you wouldn't be a transcriptionist, be the adult but don't be mean about it. Banning is being very drastic IMHO.

Wash your car yourself. [2008-10-21]
because their sprayers chipped a piece of paint on our car. There was already a tiny chip there, so I couldn�t really argue with them about it. You car deserves personal attention. Don�t spend $10 for a machine that can�t get dirt in areas you can.

I haven't made this yet, but I got it from Allrecipes.com. I like sweet potatoes anyway so will g [2008-10-21]
6 sweet potatoes 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 pinch ground cinnamon 1 pinch ground ginger 1 pinch ground nutmeg 1 pinch ground cloves Add to Recipe Box My folders: Add to Shopping List Add a Personal Note DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter one 9x13 inch baking dish. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes; cook until tender but still firm. Drain, and transfer to a large bowl to cool. Peel and quarter. In a sauce pan, combine pineapple, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Bring to boil and reduce heat. Arrange potatoes in a single layer in baking dish. Pour sauce over potatoes and bake for 45 minutes.

Talking with a nonChristian about Jesus [2008-10-17]
I have been reading this and I just wanted to offer a few thoughts: 1) No, you cannot go up to someone and say YOU ARE A SINNER! REPENT and expect a positive reaction. I think that God will give you opportunities to talk to people. When those opportunities arise, you ask for their permission to speak with them about it. If they say no, you drop it. I believe that God will open the hearts of those who are ready to hear it. If they do give you permission, you donYOU are a sinner because I saw YOU lying to so and so, I heard that YOU were sleeping with so and so and you At the moment of witnessing to someone, you better believe Satan is standing right there waiting for you to slip up so he can turn it against you. I think a better thing would be to say Well God tells us in the Bible that WE are ALL sinners no matter what we do. That is why we need Jesus. 2) Back you're claims up with Bible verses. That way no one thinks you are saying this in you're own words. Some good Scripture for witnessing: Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 3:3 - Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. These are just some to get you started. If the person you are talking to has opened their heart to hearing you, I doubt they won't want to hear the verses. 3) If you get a positive reaction, don't leave them to figure out the rest by themselves. Support them, invite them to church, introduced them to other loving Christians. Look, our nation is at war, but we are in a much bigger war. Satan is wreaking havoc in our nation and for to long we have sat by and let him. But just because the situation is dire does not mean we can just stand on our soap boxes and start proclaiming out loud that everyone is a sinner and they must all repent now. It requires personal connections with people. All throughout the Bible you read about Jesus having a personal connection. He spoke to people one on one. He allowed them to discuss the issue with Him, to question Him. One of his disciples even doubted Him! I know many of us, myself included, probably questioned all the way up to the aisle before we gave our lives over to Him. It is our nature to do so. As much as we all pray for a revival in this nation and in our churches, I doubt it will happen. Any of you who have studied and believe in the Bible know the time is drawing near. It is also said that every nation will turn against us before He comes. It's time to come together and be ready to support one another, because times are going to get tough. If you are sitting on the fence, you better choose a side, because Satan owns that fence. Call me crazy, call me fanatical. But I KNOW that my Lord is the living Christ, and I know that he will come back, and I am much more concerned about what He thinks about me then what YOU think about me! :) True Christians love everyone. We just hate sin. I hate that I sin everyday. But I thank God that I can ask for forgiveness and He gives it. All this mess about oh you Christians hate gay people, hate abortion supporters, hate blacks, etc is simply not true. I have friends who are gay. I love them just as much as I love my Christian brothers and sisters. I just don't love the sin. Abortion is a sin. And I'm not sure why you say we hate black people unless you're saying it's because we don't vote for Obama, but black is just another color and Jesus doesn't pay attention to color, therefore neither should we, and I believe most of us don't. The ones that do are sinning and will have to ask for forgiveness. If anyone is seriously interested in discussing this or just wants to talk, please email me. If you just want to be hateful and bash, please, just save it.

I still think it should be the parents who teach the child these things, not the school's place. [2008-10-16]
Each child goes to school to learn facts. They learn their social skills, values, etc.at home and from friends that their parents allow them to associate with. The school is a public entity full of many INDIVIDUALS who all have different values and opinions. Teachers should not be teaching children their own personal values and should leave that to the parents.

Tolerance [2008-10-16]
This is my personal stance, my personal opinion and I am allowed to have it as much as anyone else is allowed to have theirs: I do not have to, nor will I, be tolerant toward behavior that I believe to be fundamentally wrong, anti-God, anti-Christian and morally corrupt. It is MY RIGHT notto like it, not to tolerate it, and not to put up with it. I do not punish or shun those who practice lifestyles that I am morally opposed to; however, I will not ever say that I agree with such. Thank goodness my children are grown now but it is still the right of every parent to teach their child the moral principles they wish to instill. It is not the school's right, not the government's nor any self-proclaimed group's authority to act on to ensure they are accepted equally. I don If we are going to pressure-cook the minds and morals of everyone regarding alternative lifestyle tolerance, we might as well exercise the same toward other groups with somewhat alternative lifestyles such as criminal behavior, etc. How and what we think as individuals are our God-given and government-protected right.

Chances are, this is an outdoor, nondominational [2008-10-16]
codes against taking them to a church service, because that would open up a whole nother can of worms. But really... home-teaching shouldn't be the ONLY input a child gets in life. They will ultimately make their own choices in life, and the more viewpoints they learn, the better their choices are likely to be. Some of the wildest, most out-of-control kids I know are the ones with ultra-strict parents. Worse yet are the home-schooled, who go out into the world without a good working knowledge of how to deal with diversity. And look where home-teaching about sex, birth-control, and abstinence has gotten us. More and more teenagers giving birth every day. sex education in the home is pathetically lacking for most kids, and so is home-schooling when it comes to morals and values. And I'm not talking about biblical 'morals', I'm talking about an every-day, common-sense personal CONSCIENCE. Far too many parents I meet appear to be sadly lacking in common sense or a conscience.

It just shows the current moral climate of our country... [2008-10-15]
you can advertise a site offeriing help to have an extramarital affairs but don't try to push anythig that has anything to do with morals or values such as church, God, taking personal responsibility, etc. Very troubling times indeed.

Yes, I've had this happen too, sm [2008-10-15]
As my allergies have gotten worse over the years, I have been pulling up the carpet throughout my house and yuck, nasty! I would love to put wood floors throughout, but cannot afford it. In the fall, my sinuses are even worse. I can To get rid of the drainage, you have to dry up your sinuses. I personally use Zyrtec and it works very well for me. I also have a personal steamer that I use a few times a day to try and steam things out. I I keep a few peppermints with me in case I'm in public and the nausea gets too bad, it helps dry things up for a few minutes at least. Good luck!

in the same boat... [2008-10-14]
I am pretty much in the same situation and can relate to what you are going through. My problems with debt started because I decided to quit a job making 45,000/yr to do medical transcription in which I am lucky if I make 20,000/yr. I could not keep up with my own personal bills and instead of confiding in my husband, I put bills on my credit cards and every payperiod swore to myself that my paycheck would increase, but easier said than done since I do VR and the pay stinks. My husband thinks MTing is ridiculous for the pay and hard work we do. I was insisting upon staying with it and had too much pride to let him know I could not pay my own personal bills. When I did finally tell him he was upset that I would put myself in debt, knowing that as a couple, our debts affect each other. I am now seeking help from CCCS, a counseling service that has a very good reputation. Just make sure you pick a reputable, nonprofit agency, and they will put you on the right track back to financial stability. Needless to say, I am going back to the work I used to do and doing MTing on the side. Best of luck to you!