Note that AquaDots has been recalled. I went into a KB Toys and found one on

lol I think I found my twin! [2008-11-08]
Same philosophy in my household. Donepisodes to prove the point. My husband and son like to play those games every once in a while but I toss them right back and now it is to the point where we don't even have to discuss it. They get the message through actions loud and clear. My favorite is when hubs does laundry and leaves all my clothes on the corner of the bed. Hahaha! First, folding is the hardest part...second, I have no problem doing only my laundry and no one else's. What's funny is it takes him a bit to catch on, usually when he runs out of underwear! lol What's good for the goose is good for the gander! Not to mention the kids too. At the age of 9 my son started doing his own laundry. Didnbut it :)

Glad to have found another fan [2008-11-05]
If you can believe it, I have one friend who lives across the street who has never heard of them! And the women I bowl with never have either. Their Website is www.maroon5.com. I put their CD on my list for Christmas (the new one they have with a DVD- do you have that one)? I'll have to look out for the 90210 episode. They were on CSI Miami last month and I forgot all about it and missed it. I was upset that I didn't join their Fan Club. The fan club members got a Meet & Greet at our concert :(. I'll know better next time.

Found it - It's on You Tube - NM [2008-11-05]
NM

Found this for you. See inside [2008-10-27]
Sep 22 2008 On Sunday, November 2 (the first Sunday in November) at 2 a.m., Daylight Saving Time ends in the United States. This is the second year that Daylight Saving Time is four weeks longer due to the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005. The Act, which extends Daylight Saving Time by four weeks from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November, is expected to save 10,000 barrels of oil each day through reduced use of power by businesses during daylight hours.

Why would you think her purse was in the trunk of her car?? They've found "items" on a maj [2008-10-22]
road so i'm wondering if it's the contents from her purse. It's very strange - no forced entry, only her purse was taken. The latest is that she is still in critical but stable condition. If itW and had been at a premier for it late last week.

I used to LOVE soap with toys in it. [2008-10-13]
I think I had one when I was little called Fuzzy Wuzzy--or maybe I don (I But what a great thing to recreate.

OJ Found Guilty [2008-10-06]
Simpson Found Guilty on All Charges By LINDA DEUTSCH, APposted: 10 MINUTES AGOcomments: 1245filed under: Crime News, National NewsPrintShareText SizeAAALAS VEGAS (Oct. 3) -- Thirteen years to the day after being acquitted of killing his wife and her friend in Los Angeles, O.J. Simpson was found guilty of robbing two sports-memorabilia dealers at gunpoint in a Las Vegas hotel room. The 61-year-old former football star was convicted of all 12 counts late Friday after jurors deliberated for more than 13 hours. He released a heavy sigh as the charges were read and was immediately taken into custody.

I'm just telling what I found out when I looked into adopting a greyhound. [2008-09-29]
Maybe they all could do it, but maybe some are also more prone to it, and this is too risky for me. I would die if I had a dog that ended up eating my neighbor's pets.

One of the best ways I've found to [2008-09-18]
avoid holiday stress -- a Christmas Club. The first year, we just did a $500 one - that Then after that, we decided to go with a $1000 one - just $20 a week. I know it sounds like a lot, but think about how many times you pick up a $5 lunch at McD If you pay it out of your check first (or direct deposit right into the club account), you don Another way to avoid stress (I have 3 kids, so I do get stressed) for me is to have each of my kids write their lists early, usually early November, after they Then I get on line starting in November to check for the early Black Friday ads. The more stuff I can cross off on Black Friday, the better for all. I have gotten great deals on Black Friday. Yes, it's sometimes stressful to get up and get those deals, but it can be done. Lastly, I try to emphasize to my kids that it Kids appreciate that more than anything under the tree.

I found it! [2008-09-18]
It's called Jetty Park. Here is a link with some more info and the phone number! http://www.floridacamping.com/campgrounds/moreinfo.php?ZID23=12804&ListingFormat=camp&ClassID=2

That's what I found. Not for older skin. [2008-09-14]
nm

Never mind - found their website [2008-09-01]
nm

Severe warning about dangerous dog-toys!! [2008-08-29]
I came across this blog today on Craigslist: http://www.thechaistory.blogspot.com/ And if you have a dog, it It details what happened to a dog that was severely injured by a dog toy called a Pimple Ball made by Four Paws, Inc. The dog ended up losing his tongue, and the pain he had to endure was excruciating. The dog After watchinghis video linksof his poor dog's suffering, even though I have cats, I plan to be sure I don't purchase ANYTHING from this company, andhopefully you won't either.

I think you found your own answer... [2008-08-25]
An 8-year-old boy will quickly come to find what pushes your buttons and then pound away at them.

my mom found them 2/1.00 saturday [2008-08-04]
yay

Sounds like you found a good therapist sm [2008-07-28]
we went through a horrible spell last year - daughter 17 wanted to get married a month before she turned 18, my husband supported this idea - she just graduated in May, no job, no license, no means of support and husband to be was just graduating, etc. They are good kids but very young. Husband supported her all the way and I was the bad guy for making her think things through hoping she would slow down a bit, etc. Therapist made her dad get more involved but they did marry and now she rarely if ever speaks to me - she looks at me as nonsupportive. Does not matter I busted my butt to see she had the wedding she wanted,etc. I I believe parents should always be a team.

You got lucky, babe (When I found you) Tom Petty [2008-07-25]
nm

Anyone on here with interstitial cystitis that has found anything over-the-counter that has [2008-07-16]
helped this problem.

Of further note... [2008-07-07]
My husband and I started going to counseling for us to have someone to talk to about the ex and get ideas on how to handle difficult situations with the child. We then slowly introduced the child after the counselor found out information and suggested it.

I found a recipe for homemade latte that I will try. [2008-05-20]
You liked Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper? I thought it tasted like dirt. But I feel your pain, also, on losing something you love. Most people didn

I would use a check and be sure to note [2008-05-13]
Saw this on Judge Judy 1 too many times where people didn Depending on the type of debt and whether you are mailing the check or dropping it off, I would ask for a receipt. If mailing it, send it certified (check with your post office) and you will get a return receipt for a dollar or 2.

Note my surprise... [2008-05-13]
I did not realize we knew each other so well. You seem to know my age, my mortgage amount, what kind of car I drive, the amount of my household income. You should really be in a different profession.

Please note sm [2008-05-08]
This is not the original poster.

Toys for Tots [2008-05-06]
I believe it is the one run by troops collecting toys for underpriviledged kids at xmas.

here's what I just found [2008-04-28]
Rebate delivery schedule Direct-deposit payment All sent by May 2 Paper check If the last two digits of your Social Security number are: Your tax rebate check should be in the mail by: 00-09 May 9 10-18 May 23 19-25 May 30 26-38 June 6 39-51 June 13 52-63 June 20 64-75 June 27 76-87 July 4 88-99 July 11

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 :-)

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! {{ }}

Whatever sale item is most important to you [2008-11-21]
start there...early. Sale ads from Wednesday night's or Thursday morning's newspapers should tell you the store hours and sale hours. Many end at 11am. My dd and I like to go about an hour after stores open, though it's still dark outside. The crowds that were waiting in line overnight for the big ticket items are gone by then, and most everyone else avoids the stores until the afternoon hours, thinking they will be less crowded. Wrong they are though. There are more employees on duty early rather than later, so things move more quickly in the morning hours. We've also found the earlier crowds to be friendlier. DD starts singing Christmas carols while standing in line and soon lots of others join in. She's a blast to shop with. Then we go to a late breakfast and go home before the unfriendly crowds show up. Hope your experience is an enjoyable one.

How exciting for you -- sm [2008-11-21]
I My mom always drug me out an hour before the stores opened. The ads usually come out in Thursday In the past, I Get the paper and makea game plan. Some stores open an hour or 2 later than others, so you may be able to get to both in time for the specials you Wal-Mart generally has a lot of specials, especially in the toys dept. Our Wal-Mart gives you a map when you enter to tell you where each BF special is located in the store. They put some stuff in strange places -- like TVs in the meat dept, computers in dairy, etc. It Ask the Wal-Mart greeter when you enter. Our Wal-Mart is also open 24 hours, as are most, which means no waiting outside. We usually arrive an hour before the sales start so we can be in position for the item. Obviously, the most-sought after items are electronics, so be there early if you Target is 1 of my favorite places because their specials run all weekend, not just until 11 a.m. (I hope it They usually open an hour after Wal-Mart. I usually head there second because even though the specials run all weekend, they do run out of stock. Kohl The cash can be redeemed usually starting the Sunday after Black Friday. Don If there General advise: Wear comfortable shoes. Be polite to others, but don If you got there first, it Make sure you and DH have cell phones so you can communicate if you get separated. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!! Let us know how you make out afterwards.

hide it and give them a pirates' map or [2008-11-20]
give them a note in a stocking (or whatever) with a riddle sending them somewhere else where they would find another note and riddle sending them yet another place, and so on, and so....until they finally get the gift card! then you could put the card in a really funny place like the frig.

According to DH, our budget is $1,000 [2008-11-20]
But more likely I We have 3 kids. We usually get them 1 big gift to share and then round it out with smaller gifts. This year, they It The breakdown of the other $350: Parents $150, Grandma $25, Gift Exchange $60, Siblings (from my kids $20, Niece/nephew: $40, Teacher Gifts $30, Student Gifts: $15. The remaining $30 will go to Toys for Tots! Each of my kids like to pick out a $10 gift to put in. I have 3 siblings and 1 that My brother that Of course, my 2 unmarried siblings also buy small gifts for my children, so we always get them a little something from them -- usually lottery tickets or a gas card for Sheetz. $10 used to fill We do our exchange party on Christmas Eve. It keeps the kids entertained and gives them a little preview of what I have to say I enjoy Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day. It Teacher gifts kill me. It I usually go for a coffee mug with a Christmas scene or teacher saying on it and fill it with candy. Of course, DH thinks I do all this for Christmas for $1000, but why tell him and spoil it? We do a Christmas Club for $1000 every year and I just buy the other stuff here and there. We already got our Christmas gifts for ourselves -- a 46-inch LCD TV for DHand a Dooney Bourke purse with matching wallet for me. Now you all got me excited again about shopping next week. I I always wait until the day before Thanksgiving to do that so I know I won For those of you below who posted that you don Let me just say that I don I sometimes snag a deal or 2, but I learned a long time ago not to wait until Black Friday to get the most sought after items. Best to get them in Sept or Oct.

I've been there [2008-11-20]
I have been in your shoes. Last year my husband died unexpectedly at age 56, I literally woke up one morning and he was dead in our bed next to me (aneurysm). That started a downhill spiral . . . . since then I I canhow depressed III am working now and starting to pull myself up out of the dark hole I've been in. The poster above is right. You need to see a doctor. I found out that most major health systems have programs for those of us with no insurance and no money. Call their financial offices and just tell them point blank you need to be seen and you have no insurance. They will not refuse you. I found a clinic near my house that is part of a largehospital. I was able to see a doctor for a physicalandget my annual Pap and mammogram done at no charge. They gave me samples of my medications (I have asthma) for a few months until I had insurance again. They prescribed an antidepressant which worked wonders and they gave me that as samples each month. Move closer to your family. You My family has been supportive of all the decisions I Spend time with yourgrandchild, kids can make you feel so much better.If you I did. I didn Forjust myselfI was given 174.00 a month for food and it helped outtremendously. I know it You may be hesitant to take free medical care or ask for food benefits, but remember THIS IS ONLY TEMPORARY and you will get back on your feet. It may take a while, but you will make it. Good luck to you.

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

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.

Your welcome! Don't forget to [2008-11-19]
check the theater website for coupons or a frequent visitor card. He probably wouldn't fill one out himself but you could fill it out and include it in with the gift card. Usually you can get free drinks, etc. and it will really stretch the gift card. We did a movie pack for my brother-in-law and sister-in-law last year. I found a plastic popcorn bucket at the $1 store and wal-mart had candy in the boxes (like at the movies) for a $1. Turned out to be a very cute gift if I do say so myself. We through the giftcard in there instead of buying a $3 card to go along with the giftcard.

My family is hurting :( [2008-11-19]
Some of you may remember the recent pet picture postings here. I posted a picture of my baby girl, Daisy, nursing her three babies who arenow nearly two years old. My husbandcame home about an hour and a half ago and went to let them inside, and the only boy (besides the dad), Chewy,did not come with the others. They all always come up on the deck when they hear his car, so he knew something was going on. He came into my office and asked if we had Chewy with us, and then went to see if he had gotten out of the fence. A few minutes later he came in and said that he found him still in the backyard, lying under the trees on a pile of leaves, and that he wasdead. We are all so sad . We do not know what happenedto our baby .. . he had been fine just a couple of hours before, when my son got home from school and went to see the dogs. He said that Chewy was acting no differently than usual and seemed fine. I am just beside myself not knowing what happened to this sweet little guy. He was the SWEETEST EVER and we will miss him dearly. WE LOVE YOU,CHEWY!!! May you rest in peace.

My family is hurting :( [2008-11-19]
Some of you may remember the recent pet picture postings here. I posted a picture of my baby girl, Daisy, nursing her three babies who arenow nearly two years old. My husbandcame home about an hour and a half ago and went to let them inside, and the only boy (besides the dad), Chewy,did not come with the others. They all always come up on the deck when they hear his car, so he knew something was going on. He came into my office and asked if we had Chewy with us, and then went to see if he had gotten out of the fence. A few minutes later he came in and said that he found him still in the backyard, lying under the trees on a pile of leaves, and that he wasdead. We are all so sad . We do not know what happenedto our baby .. . he had been fine just a couple of hours before, when my son got home from school and went to see the dogs. He said that Chewy was acting no differently than usual and seemed fine. I am just beside myself not knowing what happened to this sweet little guy. He was the SWEETEST EVER and we will miss him dearly. WE LOVE YOU,CHEWY!!! May you rest in peace.

chicken soup [2008-11-18]
Good olJewish penicillin - chicken soup. Use leftover chicken or steamed chicken thighs or breasts if no leftovers are available. Use Swansons natural chicken broth (nosodium) but can use bullion, but it contains a lot of sodium. Use about a quart or moreof natural chicken broth. I like to usebaby carrots whole,but can certainly usesliced carrots. Season with lots ofminced garlic and a little dill weed (maybea teaspoon).I slice in a couple of things ofcelery or sliced celeryhearts with leaves. I sometimes add noodles, or rice, sometimes I use a package of frozen mixed vegetables which are really terrific, depending on what I have available and what type of soupmy family wants.Add some white pepper, not black pepper. Simmer until carrots and celeryare soft. If using pasta or rice, add that last, otherwise it soaks up too much broth and gets soggy. My family would eat this even if they were sick and nothing else appealed to them, that is why I call it Jewish penicillin. This is a Jewish mama Enjoy - it is so simple and so delicious not to mention nutritious and healthy. Note: Never let your chicken leftovers go to waste - make a pot of chicken soup!

chicken soup [2008-11-18]
Good olJewish penicillin - chicken soup. Use leftover chicken or steamed chicken thighs or breasts if no leftovers are available. Use Swansons natural chicken broth (nosodium) but can use bullion, but it contains a lot of sodium. Use about a quart or moreof natural chicken broth. I like to usebaby carrots whole,but can certainly usesliced carrots. Season with lots ofminced garlic and a little dill weed (maybea teaspoon).I slice in a couple of things ofcelery or sliced celeryhearts with leaves. I sometimes add noodles, or rice, sometimes I use a package of frozen mixed vegetables which are really terrific, depending on what I have available and what type of soupmy family wants.Add some white pepper, not black pepper. Simmer until carrots and celeryare soft. If using pasta or rice, add that last, otherwise it soaks up too much broth and gets soggy. My family would eat this even if they were sick and nothing else appealed to them, that is why I call it Jewish penicillin. This is a Jewish mama Enjoy - it is so simple and so delicious not to mention nutritious and healthy. Note: Never let your chicken leftovers go to waste - make a pot of chicken soup!

Live in WI [2008-11-18]
I live in northern WI and it is only my husband and Iin the household. I think we spend about 75 a week. We used to spend less living in south-central WI, but found groceries are more expensive up here..... I try to use coupons whenever possible. I definitely get more bang for my buck...

Pitbull Hero [2008-11-17]
Stray Pit Bull Saves Woman, Child from AttackerPet Pulse Staff Reports Browse NewsFront Page BY CATEGORY:Alerts Notices Animal Attacks Care Safety Crime Law Cruelty Abuse Deaths Accidents Entertainment Health Science Heroes International Lost Found New Trends Petlanthropy Strange But True Survival BY PET:Dogs Cats Fish Birds Horses Reptiles Small Pets Other Pets November 5, 2008 A dog came out of nowhere and stopped a knife-wielding robber from accosting a mother and her young son on Monday afternoon. (Pet Pulse Illustration by Tim Mattson) PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The wandering 65-pound Pit Bull mix might have seemed menacing to some passerby, but one woman will always remember him as her guardian angel. The dog, which authorities think is lost and not a stray, successfully thwarted a robbery attack on a mother and her 2-year-old son, who were held at knifepoint Monday afternoon. The Florida woman, who has been identified by authorities simply as Angela, was leaving a playground with her toddler son in Port Charlotte when a man approached her in the parking lot with a knife and told her not to make any noise or sudden movements. Angela didn't have to do either to protect herself and her child -- a dog mysteriously ran to the scene and charged the man, who quickly fled. I don Animal Control Lt. Brian Jones told Pet Pulse. I don The exceptional part of the story, Jones said, is that the dog had never met or even seen the people it quickly jumped to defend. You hear about family dogs protecting their owners, but this dog had nothing to do with this woman or her kid, Jones said. He was like her guardian angel. After the alleged thief ran away, Angela quickly placed her son, Jordan, in the car and tried to drive off. Before she could, though, the dog jumped into her backseat, waiting with her for the police and animal control officers to arrive at the scene. The dog was transported to a local shelter and if his owners donAngel. Animal control officers and shelter workers believe Angel is lost, and not a stray, because of his good health, sturdy weight and mild temperament. It Jones said of Angel's possible owners. For Angela, it doesn't matter where the dog came from, just that he was there when she needed him most. I don Angela told NBC2 News. For a small town with a population of 46,452, animal control officers were kept busy Monday afternoon. Jones says they department also responded to a report about a boa constrictor in a church parking lot. The snake found its way into a car engine and was able to be removed without being harmed. It took three people to move the massive, seemingly random placed snake. It he said of the Gulf Coast town. And we can go for four or five months without the media contacting us about a story. It Officers from the responding county sheriff's office canvased the area and were unable to locate the suspect described as being in his 20s, tall and dark haired. Tell us what you think about Stray Dog Saves Woman, Child Held at Knifepoint below. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204. Pet Pulse reporter Amy Lieberman and NBC-2.com contributed to this article.

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.

Don't know about "sweet" but dog is God spelled backward sm [2008-11-16]
I put up with a terrier mix (not a pit - just a mutt) who was hyper and ate everything, my house shingles, kitchen floor, rugs, etc., tried caging her and she bent the wires, scaled a 6 ft. fence or dug holes underneath to get out. We called her Hogan's Heroes. When she literally ate my whole couch one cold Christmas Eve with 20 people coming, I called the SPCA in tears and they said no one would take a dog like her, they would only bring her back and she'd be put to sleep. So I kept her over 16 years and she's buried in a pet cemetery nearby. I now have a 120 lb. Golden who had big paws when he was born and the last one left because he was going to be big, so I took him. People have dropped off dogs to me crying and I found homes for them. I understand how we can't turn away these beautiful animals others don't have the heart to understand. I would present your husbandbill for food, etc., but don I believe in good deeds being rewarded. It takes time but good only leads to good things coming back at you. I doesn't seem that way right now and times are tough, but hopefully you will be rewarded in other ways.

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

Explaining a couple of things sm [2008-11-14]
I studied IQ as part of my Masterget you because your sense of humor is probably well off the beaten track. You probably lack social skills from an early age. Your peers would play childhood games while you preferred to try to improve upon the toys they played with. In school, you didn't have to work very hard in most areas. It all came very easily. You didn't learn how to learn, which is a very valuable skill. You probably have a low frustration level and when something doesn't come very easily, you are prone to giving up. Because you see the world in completely different terms than people of more average intelligence, those same average people call you crazy or mentally ill and tell you that you should be locked up. You don't fit in and despite the higher intelligence, you are remiss to know how to accomplish the feat of being more ordinary. I alluded to this in my previous post. I have the unusual combination of being very artistic, creatively gifted AND being rather intellectually gifted. Yes, I did fall at the 99.6% percentile on the Wechsler. I know what it means and I have a firm understanding that indeed, that score suggests that I possess more intelligence than 99.6% of the people who have taken that test, and only 0.4% are smarter than I am. It has been a life-long struggle to fit in. I am too cerebral for artistic people, and too artistic for intellectuals. I literally have no one I fit in with. I have learned to tone myself down to make it work. I didn't say dumb down, I said tone down. That means I don't intentionally talk over the heads of others and I won't cram what I know down anyone's throat. I have had those people in my life who have been jealous of me. I learn quickly if it is artistic, musical, creative, the written word, history and philosophy. I struggle with math. I took piano lessons 10 years ago. I had 40 of them and had never played the piano before. In 40, 1-hour lessons I could play the Moonlight Sonata in piano solo (not a dumbed down easy version). Most people cannot do that. There many other things I have done in a similar fashion, but this is an example for you. You ask why I am an MT if I am so smart. I make very good money as an MT and I enjoy the challenge. My photographic memory comes in very handy too. I often stop and read up on a disease process I am transcribing about, so that I know what it means. Show me a word once and I'll know it forever. It makes my job easier for me to accomplish. This all sounds like I am blowing my own horn, but I am merely trying to explain. Being highly intelligent wonreally smart is not only not helpful, I think it is the root of the housecleaning issues in my life. In short, it is just great to have a good ol' high number and in the end it makes absolutely difference...if you don't count the fact that people with IQs over 150 are 3 times more likely to be depressed and commit suicide than the average population. People who are 125 to 140 are the most fortunate. They succeed in greater numbers in school, in a job, in life. They are very bright, and likely have learned how to learn. They are more likely to persevere in the face of frustration and challenge. It really isn't all you think it is.

Bah humbug on Santa? No way! [2008-11-14]
When kids get on the school bus or talk in the cafeteria, what would happen? Perhaps group mentality which we learn in Psych 4, is what you are thinking, but what about going along to get along? For Petep double ee on their parade. Kids know - they believe in a Sants, i.e., St. Nick, i.e., blue and white stuff for 8 days for the Jewish kids. So what -- for goodness sake, let the kid ge a kid! Play - toys - Chris Kringle - whatever! Donabove it all. Get real! DonSanta. He is not Satan - he is S A N T A. Got your letters crossed.

huh? [2008-11-14]
your post is all over the place, or is it just me. It could be just me. Its been just me before. Anyway, I really dont know what you are talking about. I SAID my daughter was really upset when she found out that we told her that santa was real when he was not. She felt that we lied to her. She could care less about there being no santa as long as she still got her gifts. She was upset about the lie. What the HECK does MENSA have to do with ANYTHING????? Wow. doodoodoodooooooo

I do pity you...sm [2008-11-13]
It sucks when you have a parent who has chosen to put other things/people before their children. I donjob and not coming home to see his family for long periods of time. So you kind of feel like why should I feel guilty when he didn't? It is up to you if you want to see him more than the holidays and b-days. My dad has chosen another family over his family. I am 31 years old and my parents divorced this year because my dad was running around. Well according to bank statements he is paying not only the woman's bills but is paying her daughter's car note and her son's electric bill, etc. Anything they want they got it. This woman's kids are in their 20s. I have to work to pay my car note and I am his own daughter. Which I realize it isn't his place anyways. But it is the principal. He has NEVER payed anything for me and I mean NOTHING. He has never given me money at all. My mom has helped me when I needed it but not him. But yet he can give them anything. He doesn't know I have seen those bank statements so he doesn't know what I know. It kind of makes it hard to want to be around him when I know what he does for them and has never done for me or my sister. I kind of know where you are coming from in that I don't specifically care to be around my dad either and sometimes I feel guilty about it. But then again does he feel guilty for what he is doing? Apparently not.

There are no jobs where I am sm [2008-11-13]
I had thought of working part-time in a mall to get the discount, do some Christmas shopping, get out to see people, only a few days here and there. Our newspaper used to have at least 3-4 full pages, 7-8 on the week-end, down to 1 column on weekdays, 2 on weekends. Most are heavy lifting jobs for men and/or must speak Spanish, especially if medical. So I buy extra at every sale, extra everything, use coupons, got 30% off from Kohlnice dress with atoy inside.The only thing is I am getting depressed from clutter, too much stuff all over but have to remind myself some have nothing. We do not go out to eat except perhaps soup in a sour bread bowl on special just every other week or at a Panera Bread just to say we went out, bought video movies for a dollar at church bazaars (all Disney) for grandkids, using our VCR which will be obsolete soon but can still watch movies on old TVCutting back in general, baking bread, baking cookies, really clipping and saving everything I can get my hands on. Walmart does not accept internet coupons, so check the newspaper. I do read labels on food from Walmart as some is from China.Joined a wholesale club but found it more expensive than most stores, so we can get our money back, refundin 3 months so they tell us. I really wish I had been more frugal when I made decent money at MT, I can now see I was wasteful and shame on me! I should know better, have been through recessions before. They do turn around and the only good thing is they give us a swift kick in the rear! Feel sorry for those who can barely make it, work is hard to come by in New England and a lot are losing their jobs, even teachers with over 20 years. No one knows when the next shoe will fall, even malls are failing. I am leaving all tags on gifts this year, usually cut them off, but with so many people returning things for the money, they said itand even though I get gift receipts, I want them to see where it came from so the store won't give them grief. Target is the worst for returns. So that's my story here in cold, sleeting today, NE.

they smell chemical changes... [2008-11-13]
my friend had kept a retreiver that wandered up and when my friend got pregnant, Fancy would not part from her side until after the baby was born. My neighbor had trouble with her son and his friends. Somehow, the bull got loose and was kept for 2 to 3 days in the front yard (we he would not let any of the potheads in. Anybody doing drugs was greeted with earflapping and then a charge!