Oh that reminds me "We got a great big Tomboy....(sm)

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

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

Great story! NM [2008-11-17]

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

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

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

"We love dogs" got cut off [2008-11-13]
...

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

Pumba. Reminds of Lion King. LOL...sm [2008-11-12]
She is a pretty kitty and sitting under the tree like she is a gift for someone. lol

This reminds me of an incident a couple of [2008-11-11]
months ago. My parents live 4 hours away and wonlonely people. Now, my parents may not come down but who says we are lonely??? I too went through many years of crying because we didn't have that Martha Stewart Christmas.

Great post...nm [2008-11-08]
aa

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

Ugh. Reminds me of (sm) [2008-11-02]
I remember dating this very handsome eligible batchelor when I was in my early 20s. He had his own apartment and a good job. He proudly told me about the fancy set of pots and pans he'd bought, so that was one thing he'd already have when he got married. I don't even care about cooking, but I didn't like the idea of the male picking out stuff for his future wife. I'm sure he made somebody a great husband, but it's funny how that conversation set off alarm bells for me. My husband also bought a car without talking to me about it while we were engaged, and I was quite shocked. It did say something about his attitude about money and purchases, and I should have listened to those warning bells too.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

great idea [2008-10-13]
I love that idea but I think the grandchildren are doing that for them.. I know they are gathering up as many pictures as they can find. . I'm not sure what price range I'm looking at - my fiance hasn't told me yet.

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

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

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

I agree with all of the above. sm [2008-11-21]
You are younger than you think. Also, I do not agree with the 2nd BOS but I do read their foolish rules, and especially learn the dosages, etc. That is the only worthwhile change that is important. I think you would do great working on your own with your own accounts as you have a lot of years ahead to work, but either way, you will do well. Some of these tests are ridiculous,so don't feel bad about them as they are looking for low-rate compensation and I found SOME of those in supervisory positions, only some, don't know what they're doing. Some of them are not true transcriptionists. So don't be discouraged, there is something out there for you. Don't settle for less, it's not you - it's the way the industry is right now and many are being taken advantage of. Be choosy, don't work for less than you're worth. You can do it! Watch out for those who may try to take advantage of you though - there are some money-grabbing numb nuts out there running these companies. Be choosy who you trust. Trust yourself! Good luck! {{ }}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Has anyone ever made any extra...sm [2008-11-19]
money selling things on ebay? I have went through the closets and have a lot of things I need to get rid of. I am posting them on ebay. After selling those things I may open an ebay store with things I may buycheap and resell. I even thought about making little throw pillows and throws and things. I can make pillows. My mom is great at sewing and I can sew some things. Just a thought. Anything to make some extra cash. Has anyone had success selling on ebay?

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

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

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

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

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

I'm in Delaware... [2008-11-18]
but I go usually twice a week. I don I like to buy it, cook it, and move it out, so I can go back and buy fresh. I have 3 grocery stores right within 5 miles to choose from and just got a Super WalMart, but prefer the smaller grocery stores. But, if I bring DH, we spend more. He likes to try different marinades and spices that can get costly, but we do use them. I tend to be more frugal than my DH. But, then again, that's just me. Oh, we have two school-aged children that eat plenty of anything you put in front of them. So, not much goes to waste. I was taught to cook enough to feed an Army so we usually have plenty of leftovers that I can also fool with for another meal, i.e., leftover meatloaf becomes meat for spaghetti sauce. Mashed potatoes become fried potatoe pancakes in the pan for a great side dish. I also by those Pillsbury french loafs in the can and make my own strombolis out of leftover taco meat or even just lunch meat. My Mom taught me a lot about making food serve multiple purposes. We eat out very rarely although there is plenty to choose from, but it I guess I'm lucky there..

YEAH baby!! Me too. sm [2008-11-18]
About 10 years ago I bought a Honda HX with prototype gas-efficient trannie, light wheels, no frills. That puppy would still be with me if not for the prototype trannie pretty much fizzled on most of the HXs but I milked mine for as long as possible. Ex had a Prelude, same year (99). He loved the car and took great care of it. Gas was killing him though (uses it to drive and travels a bit). He wanted to keep it in the family so he sold it to me. I drive about 5000 miles a year, if that. Amost 300,000 miles on that one and what a dream it is!!! He bought a new Civic. Another SWEET car. My son has a 1990 Accord, bought it used with less than 100,000 miles about 3 years ago. We've put some money into it, mostly cosmetic and just catching stuff up, but it runs like new. My Civic was actually built in US, so I didn't feel too guilty, but how many years have US automakers had to see the writing on the wall? I'm sorry, but I like keeping a car forever. No car payments are great. Honda fits that mold.

Honda [2008-11-17]
I drive a 2001 Honda with 99,000 miles on it. I bought it used. The last time I had my breaks done, the mechanic told me this car was only at it's halfway point!! Sorry I know, it's foreign but what a dependable ride and great on gas. Next car will be a Honda as well.

Ted Kennedy back on Capitol Hill [2008-11-17]
returning to work 6 months after his brain cancer diagnosis. He looks and sounds great. Good to see him back. He has his wife anddogs with him too.

My car is foreign...sm [2008-11-17]
I have always owned foeign cars. I currently drive a new Kia Spectra. I just bought it in May of this year. I am quite proud of it. It gets great mileage for me especially on road trips. I drove a VW New Beetle before I got the Kia, and I currently have it up for sale right now. It was a 99 model. Before the VW, I had a Toyota Corolla. Those are great cars. Before the Corolla I had a Toyota Camry. Before the Camry I had a Mitsibishi Eclipse. My first car was a Toyota Tercel. I don't have anything against American I just always like the cars I picked.

apologies [2008-11-16]
I just wanted someone When I was young and stupid I broke someone We were best friends. I have been thinking about this person a lot lately. They moved on to get married and have a family, so that is great. I recently sent a letter saying howsorry I am for being so terrible and asked for forgiveness. I did not give my number or put a return address on the envelope becuase I did not want anyone to think I was wanting a reunion or anything. I just really wanted toapologize and maybe get some sort of closure. Do you think there is a statute of limitations on saying I'm sorry and asking for forgiveness?

Andy & Jenna [2008-11-15]
no, they are not the same breed. I got Andy (laughing boy) at a shelter when he was about 8 months old. No idea what breed he is. Have had people guess retriever, greyhound, ridgeback. He has some spots on his tongue so I figure some Chow but I'm not really seeing it. He is a wildman, a real play-maniac & my arm was falling off from throwing the Kong, so I figured he needed a playmate. I got Jenna (serious girl on the left) at a different shelter. They told me she was part collie & part lab. That pic was taken right after she came home with us. She has gotten much more playful & interactive & has her own sweet smile. When I first got her she wanted to hide all the time & was afraid of everything. She & Andy get along great. They still have some shelter baggage but they get both happier & happier every day, even Andy, who looks in the picture like it's not possible to get any happier. But it is. :D