Some important questions

what is that all important side dish that is a must on your thanksgiving table? [2008-11-22]
For our table it is Lesuer Green Peas !My Mother always said they were the cadillac of Green Peas and a must at THANKSGIVING ~WHAT ARE YALL'S?

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.

Oh, oh I know the answer to the French fries questions, because.... [2008-11-03]
They way the potatoes are sliced/cut is a french technique (julienne).

Questions about Firefly phone for kids [2008-10-07]
My SIL just emailed me and said they were getting a new cell for their son and asked if we would like the Firefly for our son. She had the phone on their cell account. How do we go about activating it? Can we pay as we go? How do we get a number for it?? TIA

Answers to Questions [2008-09-10]
She's the same age as all the kids in her class. She started kindergarten at the right time (she wasn't one of the young ones). She's not into sports very much, but she does have a few extra cirricular activities. I think she's just disappointed because she never had these problems before. I wish she wouldn't be too hard on herself.

I have a couple of questions [2008-09-10]
When is your daughteryoung or old for her grade? Also, is she involved in a lot of extra curricular activities, sports, etc? I had a child in advanced math and one was just too tough so he took it later on. Really I see no harm in waiting either.

Important [2008-08-26]
I think it is very important to try to get to the root of your son's problem. He may not have a real handle on what is bothering him (or what happens) either, but there should be someone qualified to help with that. Another thought is to see if those nanny shows are on DVD. It seems they are very smart about handling a lot of the situations with children and families.

Anyone out there own a HAIER portable washer? - see questions [2008-07-16]
I just bought a Haier portable clothes washer (8.8 pound, top-load model), and a portable dryer too, with my economic stimulus check. Since I've always used laundrymat machines, I'm a little confused about a couple of things not mentioned in the owner's manual. 1 - Dumb question #1: Are you supposed to turn on the water supply at the sink first, and then the poweron button to start the machine, or do you first start the power, and then start the machine? 2 - Okay, here Where do you put the liquid laundry detergent? Theredetergent, but I Also, there is a little thing above that that says detergent dispenser on it. This is confusing, detergent on it, so I don (And although not a domestic goddess, I am quite mechanically-minded and had no trouble assembling the parts and hooking it up.) I also don or if you first add the detergent, then power it up. I REALLY don I donkill the poor thing its first day on the job!

Most important part of biking..wear a helmet!. [2008-07-07]
And don't forget about extra foam padding for your handlebars, they make gripping handlebars so much easier. Especially for those of us who might have carpal tunnel problems. And those BIG seats are worth their weight in gold. Also a little first aid kit and a portable tire pump. I have one of those where every time I pump the handle, all the air goes into the tire. My hubby, son, and I bike along the rails to trails here in Michigan, and they are great for learning about shifting gears, figuring out how your bike works and other things that you just can't do in your driveway or on a city street. But above all....HAVE FUN.

Just Answer The Simple Questions -- [2008-07-02]
1. What treatment did your daughter receive? 2. Will/did she require plastic surgery? 3. You say you filed a police report, what was the police's resolution? These are very simple questions. Yet, when asked in the posts below, you choose to ignore them. It's what makes people suspect that you are just in it for the money and that no real harm was done. You first claimed that you just wanted them to pay your daughter Yet, later, you state that the $800 would be for pain and suffering for your daughter (as your insurance has already paid it). Lastly, you state that $87 would be reimbursement for your medical bills and the rest would be pain and suffering for your daughter. Pain and suffering is not something one generally reimburses another for without a court to determine the extent one is due. The only one suffering here is your conscience! Again, I say, answer the 3 questions above, or are you afraid of what it might reveal?

You are such an important and beautiful person [2008-05-25]
It sounds like you have done a lot to try to keep this marriage together, but it seems obvious your husband is not interested in that. You need to take care of yourself. Forget about him. If he is not interested in having a relationship with you I would move on. I know it has to be heartbreaking when you love someone so much but they don't return the feelings. If it was me in your shoes I would start making preparation to move closer to family or friends and start a new life for myself. You sound so down on yourself and you need to realize you have done nothing to deserve this. Again, if it was me, I would take some classes that would help feel good about yourself like some cooking, dancing, art or whatever you like to do. I think your closest friends will be your best people to talk to. You said you just want to go home to your mom, dad and brother and be happy again and that is definitely what I would do. I think you know in your heart it will not work out and I am truly sorry you are going through this. I'd say pack up what is yours, and move on back home. Your family can be your greatest ally and strength. They will help you with whatever you are going through. Also remember, there are hundreds of men out there who would be happy to share a wonderful relationship with you. First though I would take care of yourself, learn about yourself, who you are as a person, what your needs and goals are in life and then go for it! You are a beautiful person and you deserve more happiness than what you are going through with him.

TranscriptionGear user questions [2008-05-21]
I posted this on the main board, but no replies as of yet. Do any of you use Transcription Gear digital systems? I am new to this and have some questions.

VERY IMPORTANT [2008-05-07]
It's very important that you teach your daughter that someone who treats her like this is not a true friend. I have taught my daughter to BE NICE TO EVERYBODY, but you DO NOT have to be everybody's best friend. I have told her what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Help her understand that it is disappointing, but the sooner she accepts that's the way this girl is, the happier she will be. Unfortunately my daughter had to learn the same lesson at that age and I have had to reiterate it to her this year in the 7th grade. It's OKAY to not be best friends with this girl, and that friends should not treat friends this way. It's all about boundaries.

Thyroid Nodule - Questions/Info?? [2008-03-27]
Two weeks ago I had a physical and my doc felt a lump on my thyroid. She sent me for an ultrasound one week ago to check it out. Yesterday, the nurse called and said that I have a 2 cm solid mass on my thyroid and my doc wants me to see an endocrinologist. Does anyone have experience with this? I don't have any health problems. Always get my thyroid checked every year and it's always fine. I'm not overweight or underweight, so not sure what this means. The nurse made a couple of comments that worried me a little though. She mentioned that the endocrinologist doesn't have a very good bedside manner, but he's an excellent doc?? Also, he was able to get me in on Tuesday, which seems very quick for a specialist appt. I don't have any experience with endocrinology, so maybe this is normal for them to see patients faster?? Surely though they wouldn't really be able to tell much from an ultrasound right? I would need to get a biopsy before they knew if it was more than a nodule? I know I'm probably just freaking myself out a bit, but if anyone has any personal or professional experience with thyroid nodules and/or endocrinology, it would be great to hear from you! Thanks!

answer the questions game for mimi [2008-03-25]
How old are you? How long have you been an MT? What state are you in? Is it cold where you are tonight/today? What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time? Who did you most want to be like when you were a kid? If you weren't an MT what would your career choice be? If you could go on vacation to anywhere in the world where would you go? Last but not least... If you won 1 million dollars and couldn't spend it on yourself what would you do with it? (this should keep you busy for a while Mimi!!)

Good questions [2008-03-22]
1.You'll never see me watch___? bloody, violent, gory movies or anything by Michael Moore 2.You'll never see me wear___? spandex or mini skirts - 2 very good answers I saw others posted and definitely wouldn't wear them at the same time! 3.You'll never see me eat___?liver 4.You'll never see me buy___?canned vegetables (DH has an amazing garden every year) 5.You'll never see me clean___? fish or game - you catch it, you clean it, and please do it outside 6.You'll never see me kiss___? my in-laws 7.You'll never see me talking___? religion or politics with someone not willing to have a rational discussion - don't want any shouting matches, thanks.

questions [2008-03-21]
1.You'll never see me watch___? reality TV 2.You'll never see me wear___? a designer dress 3.You chocolate covered ants 4.You'll never see me buy___? any male enhancement products 5.You'll never see me clean___? at all, unless I'm getting company! 6.You Jack Black, ewwww 7.You'll never see me talking___? about wanting to work outside my home

This is very important.. [2008-03-11]
the cat should be an indoor cat ONLY!! It would never survive outside without any claws. I don I let my cat out on my balcony (under supervision) to blow the stink off him but he prefers to be in the house looking out the window.

Important to check source before posting/forwarding these types of emails and misinformation [2008-02-19]
Please, actually GO to www.snopes.com and read what they have to say about this negative e-email that has been circulating for months now. Right there at snopes, they debunk/clarify all of these mean-spirited accusations. Specifically about it being factual and verified by snopes, it is NOT verified by them. Below I copied one paragraph from snopes.com but please go there read it in full so that you can hopefully choose not to pass on this Internet e-mail full of misinformation. FROM snopes.com - Variations: One version of the e-mail in circulation claims We were told this was checked out on and includes a link to this web site. It's our guess that whoever included that bit was counting on folks to not check, as our article says the opposite: that the polemic is not factual but rather is false. Me again - Even if you do not care for Barack Obama, surely you do not wish to pass on lies or misinformation and engage in or extend the negative campaigning we all hope to NOT see much of... at least, I hope this is true, especially of people who talk about being Christian. At least open your mind enough to read what Obama has to say about all of this misinformation. Between snopes.com and his own website, then make a decision whether or not to engage in actively passing on misinformation. Snopes is a great place to verify information that comes to all of us in these emails. http://www.barackobama.com/factcheck/2007/11/12/obama_has_never_been_a_muslim_1.php http://www.barackobama.com/factcheck/2007/11/12/obama_is_a_patriot.php I sure hope all the good hearted folks on here won't flame me for encouraging us all to check things out before we post them or hit that FORWARD button. Peace to ALL.

Poll questions... [2008-02-18]
1. What ages are your kids? 13 and 8 (boy/girl). 2. Do they have their own cell phone? 13-year-old just got cell phone last September. 8-year-old does not have one. He's been responsible with the cell phone, and I like him having it in case I need him right away as he skateboards a lot outside with his friends in the neighborhood. 3. Do they have their own TV and or computerin their room? If so, are there set hours they They watch it mostly in the evening hours when they are settling down for bed. The computer they use is centrally based and my husband mainly monitors that one with the parental controls. 4. Do they receive an allowance? If so, are they required to do chores to receive this? They do not get a regular allowance. I However, I will on occasion get them something special if we are out and about doing my deliveries and they are with me. My son has to take care of the trash throughout the house twice a week. My daughter has no chores. I want them to focus on school and just being kids. I was made to do chores from the time I was 5 due to my mother I figure in due time they They watch me and will help if asked, but have no specific chores to do.

good questions [2008-02-18]
I have a soon to be 13yo son and an 11yo daughter. We added my son to our cell phone plan last year when he was in 6th grade. It made it nice for when he was finished with his extracurricular activities and could call me plus the kids visit with their father and thought it would be nice for him to have that with him also. Plan on doing the same for my daughter next year, as long as her grades are similar (son gets straight A's) and she continues to help around the house, etc. They both have TVs in their bedrooms but no computers. We have been discussing the possibility of a computer for them to use but it will NOT be put in their bedrooms. I have explained to my son that there are websites he may be tempted to go to and if a computer is in his room, it may be more tempting. I want to know exactly what they are doing on it IF we do decide to get one. Have a friend who can set up parental things on there (sorry I'm computer illiterate)... and I would like to possibly have my friend discuss with both the kids the potential risks involved with being on the internet, sexual predators, etc. No allowance here either. I have explained to them that we are a family and mom doesnmanage this.

Love the questions! [2008-02-18]
1. What ages are your kids? Daughter is 8, Son is 6 2. Do they have their own cell phone? No. They have no reason for one at this age. I can see once in Middle School possibly, but not now. 3. Do they have their own TV and or computerin their room? If so, are there set hours they Each of them have a TV in their room that are only for DVD/video before bed. They are not hooked up to dish for regular TV. They do have a computer that they share in daughters room that is NOT hooked up to internet. They have computer games that they are allowed to play on their so as not to tie up my computer! They are allowed to play on the weekends on DH's laptop... daughter LOVES webkinz and son LOVES nick.com, but these are always monitored so they are not on something that they are not to be on. 4. Do they receive an allowance? If so, are they required to do chores to receive this? No allowance. They are to help out when we are cleaning. They feed dogs/cat and are to let dogs outside when they need to go out. DH was never made to do chores and never got an allowance. My sister and I always helped out at home, but never got an allowance.They get everything that they need now.

Time and love is more important than things. [2008-02-14]
I'm sure she would rather you welcome her phone calls than buy her a washer and dryer.

and another thing...I wasn't trying to make myself seem more important sm [2008-02-05]
I was just saying reliable because I knew this stuff could very well be true - nothing to do with me personally. Get a grip - and I know who you are from your name. Shame on you.

Fibromyalgia Questions [2008-01-22]
I had low back surgery in June of 2006. About 5 days after my surgery, I had a huge muscle ball up in my back. Then everything went to pot. I finally was sent to pain management and they diagnosed me with myofascial pain syndrome. I know the dx of fibromyalgia is very skeptical. All I know is I feel like I have been run over by a truck. My joints are killing me in my hips, knees and ankles. They are constantly popping and cracking. My neck muscles are constantly sore to the point where I cannot hardly move my neck. I even had 1 bout where all my muscles in my neck, down to my scapula and left arm locked up. I have very little use of my left arm with lifting because of pain in my left shoulder. Sometimes I feel like my body is misaligned. Can you tell me if this is consistent with fibromyalgia symptoms and pain?

I just need to VENT and see what you all think...Beware...this is long...sm [2008-11-30]
I have tried twice to tell this story but deleted it both times because the story is just too long so I will be as short as I can. I have a bunch of ROTTEN TO THE CORE sisters.My sisters are just about the worst people I have ever met in my whole 43 years on this planet. There is one who is especially bad and I just told my other sister that if she ever dies, to please not call me as I won I come from a very large family with 5 sisters and 1 brother with my brother being the oldest. He is not involved. He sort ofleft the family years ago because he couldn They did terrible things to him after his divorce. We rarely see him now.I am considered a scumbag and a loser because my husband and I don We don We don We can We love our children with everything in our souls. They have made fun of me and my husband and insulted us to our faces.My husband and I have a difficult marriage as he is tough to get along with so they hate my husband My sistershave all gone out to dinner without inviting me. I have found out because of someone They have made threats and sent rumors flying throughout the family, without me knowing, about calling DCYF on me. I heard that one too from a slip of the tongue. I cried for 2 hours in the shower that day. They talk about everyone and I mean everyone badly. They have awell known reputation ina couple of our towns here for being mean horrible girls. They are about as fake and phony as a person can get. Sweet and all smiles to your face and when you turn around, they stick that knife in as far as they can get it in. They have what they have in their lives because of what someone has given them. My sister had her property given to her by her in-laws. It is worth about $1,000,000. My other sister had land given to her by her husbandto lessen their mortage burden so now they owe almost nothing on their $500,000 house. They think they are fabulous people. They think they are the cat In the past years when we were all talking and I would be invited to a holiday, I was not spoken to at all the whole time I was there. I am a venter and I always have been so if my husband and I are fighting, I will always go to my older sister (one up from me) and vent and vent until I can She gets on the phone the second I leave and tells every person in my family what is going on. They in turn judge me and my husband, make their threats, and so on. This is also happening to my oldest sister and her partner (she is in a gay relationship but was always dating a man and was married twice) and my sister The three of us, me, my sister and her partner, and my sister We get along well. We are happy with each other. We don Whatever happens in each other lives, we just accept it and don I now attend holidays at my sister I don I don The sisters (I like to call them the Witches of Eastwick) all attend holidays with each other up at my sister The three of us are not invited. My older sister has a son. Several yeas ago, my sister and her partner had a terrible fight with him. He went to the witches and told them a bunch of lies and now they have pretty much shunned her and her daughter and me too because we still talk to her.I have a sister, who is involved in all of this, that I speak to on a regular basis. She is close to my kids or at least my oldest son. She pretty much ignores my other two children and they tell me, It She is the one who has spread rumors about me in the family trying to get everyone to call DCYF on me. I heard this too by a slip of the tongue from another sister a few years back. I tend to be a forgiving person so I quietly forgave her for this without her ever knowing that I knew what she was trying to do. Now that they are all inviited to the holidays up to my sister They are extremely fat just like her. These holiday trips up north are usually kept quiet and I only know about it the day before they are leaving to go, which is when she inevitably asks me to come feed her f******g cats. This is how Iknow that a big party is going on up at the cabin and once again only the chosen selected few are going. This is usually for 3 or 4 days and they get fed twice a day so I have to goto her house twice a day. Sometimes I have to give them medication and the last time she asked me, I even had to soak her sick cat She lives about 20 minutes away from me. This girl would NEVER, NEVER, EVER do this for me. My husband and I took our children on a cruise 3 years ago and we have a cat and I never asked her to do this for me as I know she would have laughed in my face. I have been feeding her cats for years now when she goes away. Keep in mind though that she was in the select chosen few to be invited up to the cabin. I was not as I am considered trash in the family. I am SICK AND TIRED of feeding this girl My sister who invites everyone to go is a mean, horrible, sadistic, vicious, backstabbing wretched b***h. No one will say anything to her like, Gee Pat, where is everyone else? Didn They could care less. All they know is that THEY were invited. Anyway, I am sorry this is so long. I cananymore. I have been thinking of this all day all weekend long. I am really to the point where I just don I am goingto tell my fat a** b***h sister to fnd another way to get her cats fed because I She is just using me and believe me when I tell you, she enjoys it. She is verydiabolical. She loves it that I am not invited and she and her husband are.She even questions me and counts the cat food cans to make sure that I came on all of the days they were gone. These people have balls of brass and I have had ENOUGH.I am just sitting and waiting patiently for the next time she says, Oh, we Can you come and feed the cats? I just canNo. I can I will never feed your cats again! Find some other sucker to do it! I believe that they are severely narcissistic people and this is nothing to take lightly.These types of people are very destructive. Do any of you have family members like this and what do you do about them? How do you stop them from making you feelsad, lonely, excluded andless than you are or deserve? I think it is time for me to cut all ties with them. I just can

Gift Giving [2008-11-29]
I just got married in July 2008, bought a new home, and am now expecting my third child in April 2009 so we ourselves have had many blessings this year but our financial situation is also pretty tight. We will not be buying gifts for anyone but our children. Our family will receive homemade treats this year. We still like to do something nice for them because they have done so much for us this year and every year but we don't have a lot of money to play with. In my case, we take care of our obligations (bills, our children, etc.) before we worry about gifts. We feel that providing our children with things that need and the love that they deserve is more important than any material gift will ever be. Our family understands our situation and is very happy just to spend the holidays with us without the expectation of a gift because honestly the quality time with family is the biggest gift we could give each other. In my opinion, you should just explain the situation to them and let them know that you will not be giving gifts this year. They may take it hard but they will get over it. You have to do what you have to do. Gifts aren't the real reason for the Christmas season anyhow. Good luck to you!

You need to take care of your [2008-11-29]
bills first and not worry about giving gifts. Explain to your family that you will not be giving gifts this year and you expect nothing in return. They may not like it but they will get over it. If they ask questions about what you do with your money (which really is none of their business)just answer them with the economy being so bad you are unable to give gifts. I would hope they understand as everybody is going through it right now. You may feel uncomfortable, but at least you will be able to sleep and not worry whether your bills will be paid or not. Stand firm on this and DO NOT feel guilty as there is no reason to be. I have also chosen not to exchange gifts this year as I cannot do it. I was surprised that my brother was relieved. Everybody is feeling the crunch. I wish you much luck!

after my shift...sm [2008-11-28]
I was in Walmart for 10 minutes because there was non-Christmas stuff that I needed and then I went to the grocery store, which was not crowded at all. I was going to go to Target for 1 thing until I saw the parking lot. Not a chance! That 1 thing wasn't that important. This is the first time I've gone shopping on Black Friday in years. It was good to reminded why I don't do it.

I think I am anti-gift giving this year [2008-11-28]
Money is so tight right now I am no sure how I am going to pay my bills this December.I had some unexpectedbills come up that needed to be taken care of. On top of that, I have to come up with X-mas gifts for everyone and they do not like cheap things. Their idea of cheap is hand-made and they do not like it. So that is out. I just got a part-time job but that is not going to kick in a whole lot of money until closer to the end of the year. I would like to opt out of gift giving this year but if I suggest it I get the lecture from family members of what do you do with your money?, what are you spending it on? and other invasive questions. The other unforunate thing is I live in the same town with them. The most inexpensive thing on my niece She is not careful with these and she has already gone through so many. To top it all off I have 3 birthdays in December. I really hate this time of year. Any suggestions on how to tell them to just buy for them and not for me and let me out of this so-called family time? Sorry to be so bitter.

that is so right on. My mom lost the ability to.....sm [2008-11-27]
pay her bills, write a check, etc., but under her bed were at least 3 dozen rolls of toilet paper HIDDEN from who knows and also another case of paper towels. These TP and paper towels become extremely important and nobody has explained it to me yet but.... oh well, she is still a delight, albeit a mindless one. LOL

i agree not to lie, but allow the fairy tale!! [2008-11-27]
i always asked questions -- like really? you don't think there is a santa claus?? etc. Its fun for the imagination. My grown daughter now tells how she used to listen for the reindeer's footsteps on the roof -- and one night she thought she heard them!! Its a fun thing. But no, i never lied. If you EVER lie to your children, they will always question your honesty in a sensitive matter.

it's not lying [2008-11-26]
It's just not. I was about to get all preachy and talk about how we need mythology in our lives--stories that tell teach us morals, that remind us of our traditions--but I'll stay off the soapbox for now and just say that for as long as my kids are willing to believe, I will give them stories to believe in. The five-minute cry when they discover Santa isn't real, is more than made up for by the years of joy beforehand, don't you think? As for talking in front of the kids, I don they're good at that.

STOP IT [2008-11-25]
quit putting yourself down - Your child will never hate you - your husband will not hate you - You have done nothing wrong.. SOME people today do put too much emphasis on material things -but you know as well as I do that material things are not that important. . Your heart is what is important. . Love your child and husband and continue being the good person you are - Do you think those people are better than you because they have a lot of land? No - they may have more money but they are no better - and from the way they treat other people - it sounds like they are not as good as you. . And the gifts you gave the child were fine - people would be a lot better off playing board games with their kids than letting them play video games all the time.

Giving [2008-11-24]
Two years working as a missionary overseas has taught me that material things are really not important. Do not hold onto things with such a tight fist. I guess after see children begging in the street for food daily kind of changes your perspective. Oh and then the women who washed her clothes on a rock made me vow to never complain about washing clothes in a machine. Forgive your husband. His giving natureis more important that a rolling pin. A fire, like those in Califronia, or other natural disaster can cause you to lose all of these things. Things really do not matter anyway do they? Have a nice Thanksgiving, and be thankful you can afford food to use a rolling a pin on. So many people in the world cannot.

Well, at least they're working to [2008-11-24]
support their children. Raising kids in this generation isn The pressure are on parents these days isn In addition to making sure our kids are well taken care of and that we attend the all important PTO meetings, baseball meetings, wrestling club meetings, soccer meetings, football meetings, dance recitals, cheerleading practice, on and on, we also must make sure our 1st and 2nd graders are doing their 1 hour worth of homework each evening and in addition to that make sure we are reading a book to them every night. These are the requirements now set by the schools. The parents must also deal with sex, drugs, and peer pressure at a much younger age than you probably did. Just last week, I had to explain to my second grader what a virgin was. Did he learn that word at home? No, he learned it on the bus because our school district decided to save money by busing all the kids together, high school through kindergarten. The meals you mention your GKs eating, that More than likely, your GKs won You seem very harsh on your kids, and IIs either one ofthe parents involved in their children Do you have any idea how much time that takes? Arethey struggling with finances? Were you a stay-at-home mom or work-at-home mom? Having to get kids ready in the morning and get yourself ready, then spend 8 hours a day working, only to come home and pick up the same kids and do homework with them is not an easy chore. More than likely, your DS and DDIL are tired. Instead of criticizing, why not ask where you can help? Maybe you could offer to make them dinner once a week after work. Give them an evening out without kids to just relax a little bit. I As for the kids But aren Maybe he Maybe mom and dad didn I, myself, grew up in a home where I had frozen pizza at least 2 or 3 times a week for supper. My mom worked nights and my dad didn If my mom could make us a meal before she left, she did. Frozen pizza didn I graduated high school at 140 pounds, normal for 5 tall. My mom and dad were there for everything for me, though, and it It Your words are so harsh and I just have to wonder, if you think they Is it because you know the children are well taken care of, just not up to your standards? Perhaps you should have a conversation with your DS and see what his impressions of your child-rearing of him were. Perhaps there were areas you could have improved on.

Thanks to everyone sm [2008-11-24]
I value your opinions/suggestions. Mine like Annie so I am fortunate, I will definitely offer a casserole of Anniein the box)? So good to hear from all of you! Happy Turkey/Ham/MacCheese Day - whatever works is a good idea. All the more for next-day Thanksgiving Sandwiches, yum, turkey, stuffing and cranberry all on a sandwich on recycled plates.No dishes, no holiday stress.Getting together is what is important. I hear the Indians had fish, clams, etc., which sounds realistic for the area.

Wow! Was a nerve hit??? [2008-11-24]
I didnLeave it to Beaver. That's just not the case. By the end of the 1960s and into the 1970s the pendulum had started to swing so far toward women having careers that we were often belittled for choosing to be home with the children. Remember Hillary Clinton's cookie baking comment during her husband's first campaign? In fact, stay-at-home moms were the norm for only one brief period in our history right after WW II in the post war boom times. There was a pretty awful recession in the 1970s, and I remember gas rationing and long lines at the pumps. My mother had to work two jobs, and my father, who was in construction, was often one of the first to feel economic ups and downs in his paycheck. But we had dinner together every night at the kitchen table. Before the stay-at-home mothers of 1950's t.v. fame, most mothers worked. They had to. Only the very privileged stayed home and waited for Ward Cleaver to come home from the office. My grandmother, who lived to be 94, God bless her soul, was born in 1908. Her mother died during the great Spanish flu epidemic in 1918. My grandmother was the eldest of four children, and at the age of 10 she became the woman of the house. She stopped going to school so that she could cook and clean and took care of her father and siblings. And no one thought that was wrong. It was expected because there really weren't any government social services -- no welfare, no foster care. Eventually, when her father's depression over the loss of his wife became so great that he couldn't manage to bring home an income, people in the neighborhood just took over. The two eldest children went to live with other families. The two youngest went to an orphanage. My grandmother's father just drifted away and his children never saw him again. My grandmother married at age 20 and had four children during the depression. Talk about having it hard. When I was a young mother trying to make ends meet and I'd cry to my grandmother, she brought me around to reality. She told me what it was like for her to raise children during that time. Many a night she cried over whether or not she could even feed her children or if they would have a roof over their heads. And she wasn't alone. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, was in the same boat. The Great Depression was enormous. She and my grandfather worked wherever and whenever they could. They brought home a dollar or two at a time and fed their children buttermilk and potatoes. They didn't sleep, they worried all the time. Today, my grandmother's washboard hangs in my kitchen on the wall next to my dishwasher. It reminds me that I have no right to ever say that things are harder on us today. They aren't. Generally speaking, most Americans have so many more advantages, choices and opportunities than those who came before us. Yet many in my generation and the one or two generations behind me are just whiners and crybabies who don't think about the big picture. They even dare to say they have a harder time as parents today. Please. Not even close! Every generation seems to believe that, but just a short trip through a history book proves otherwise. I'm not that very old. But I've raised my children and I raised them well. I know what it takes to do that. It takes self-discipline, sacrifice and consistency. And you know what? That's exhausting. Parents today are tired. So what? All parents are tired. Offer it up, as the old nuns used to say. The kids have homework an hour a night. So what? They should have homework, and parents should make sure that it gets done, because education is important. There are parent-teacher meetings to attend, coaches association meetings, scout meetings, dance lessons, school recitals, etc. etc. etc. So what? Balance it out, quit what can't be done, do what can. Work because you have to. The kids have to be fed. It's still easier than it was a generation ago, two generations ago, three and on and on. We're parents to young ones for only a short time. Which reminds me, let's not forget about birth control. Most of us have 2-point-whatever children these days. I'm the youngest of 7. Most of the families in my neighborhood when I was growing up had 4 or more children. Today women can choose to have as many or as few children as they want. That means that we parent for far fewer years than the generations before us. I'm done with day-to-day parenting after just 20 years, and in fact, it got much easier on my day-to-day schedule once my boys were in high school. But my mother had children at home for 34 years. Imagine the number of cloth diapers for 7 children for year after year after year. Yes. I had it far easier, and I know it. So when I was exhausted raising my two boys, I just sucked it up and kept at it. The OP, I think, probably didn't want to be as blunt as I'm willing to be. She IS helping by babysitting her grandchildren while her children work. I'm sure she loves her children and grandkids, but I'm willing to bet that if she dared to say to her children the things I've posted, her children would react just as you did and she'd end up cut off from her family. To the OP: I hope it helped to vent a little, and I want you to know that I understand.

I'm not familiar with the items you used [2008-11-22]
but I do definitely try to find natural cures if possible. I flatly refuse to take prescription or OTC cough medications. I make my own, because it's so much better for me, and it doesn't contain all those chemicals that wreak havoc on my body. I have and continue to use herbs for various things. I think it's important to know about alternative cures. There may come a day (and it's here for a lot of people) when we won't be able to get prescription meds, or be able to afford them, and we'll need to know how to take care of ourselves for a lot of things.

we usually take it off... [2008-11-22]
I guess it would be important to know what it is made of and how you are cooking your bird. Some are wire and some are plastic--hey, plastic melts you know

agree with the clean up, and remove programs not used. sm [2008-11-21]
research the computer site, like dell, etc. sometimes they have forums, questions and answer areas. sometimes they offer fixes if it was a company glitch. but first get your ducks in a row by defragmenting and freeing up space.

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! {{ }}

I'm a virgin, help a first timer out .. [2008-11-21]
BLACK FRIDAY Shopper's!!!! Ive NEVER in my life shopped on Black Friday, it used to be of no interest, then it got interesting for awhile, but DH hated the idea and I dont shop without him unless I absolutely have to and/or dying to get out, and now the interest is back with DH on my side! So I am excited, or should I be frightened, is it a true mad house? I need some tips and info. Do you have any tips for a 1st Timer?? What time do you get at the store? Do you have to get a coupon or something to be allowed IN? If so, where do you get these coupons? What time do stores typically open? What times do they take the sale prices down, is it usually an all day thing, or an end at lunch type of thing? And most important of all. I am a fan of the old fashioned way..... newspaper ads to see who has what deal. Where do you get this? Does it come out THIS Weekend or on Thanksgiving Day?? Thanks so much!!!!

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

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

I don't think so [2008-11-16]
I don Obviously if it has been bothering you lately, you felt it was something you needed to do. How the other person reacts and if they want to accept the apology, it But maybe the other person needed the closure, even after all those years, you never know. I think it was very nice of you and I give you credit. Some people would have said just forget it, it's not important after all this time.

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....

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.

Slightly different perspective. [2008-11-13]
So maybe I shouldn't post about this since I have not exactly been in your shoes but I think possibly I can lend a help perspective. I lost my father to cancer when I was 19. My FIL is an alcoholic. No I didn't grow up in a divorced family or without a father through my childhood and no I haven't experienced my father being an alcoholic. What I feel I can tell you is there is such a thing as being too late to say the things you wanted to say, good or bad. If it does come to that, you will never let it go. He is still your father regardless of the choices he has made in his life. You only have 1 father. After seeing my FIL, I believe alcoholism is an illness. Sure people can fight it and get help if they wan, but it takes a very, very strong person to overcome it and it is a constant battle. From the sounds of your post it seems as though you have some things you need to get off of your chest. Whether that means sitting down and talking to him or putting the past in the past and moving on with any kind of relationship - I think only you can figure that out. Even a relationship that is only on holidays and important events is still a relationship. Who knows, maybe talking to your mom would help her as much as it might help you. It certainly can't be a short conversation, it needs to be thorough to get through the surface feelings and to the nitty gritty. Maybe, just maybe, your mom could shed some light for you on why she has been able to forget the past to a certain extent and move on. If nothing else, this might make you and your mom even closer and it sounds like no one else (professional or otherwise) would understand better than her. With my FIL, we do not stay when he is drunk or starts drinking. The entire family knows we pack up and leave, regardless of the situation. It hurts his feelings sometimes I can tell, but he knows the circumstances and we have small children that we will not subject to that. It was difficult at first but over the years it is just the way it is and no one says a word anymore and respects where we are coming from.

It sure looks like we could head toward ...sm [2008-11-13]
a great depression. Well about the questions. My mom is queen of stocking up. I do some too. But not like her. I need to do it more. But the things you stock up on are like mostly things that will stay good a while like can items and flour and corn meal and cooking oil and cereals. Just look at the dates and see when it expires so you can see how long it will stay good. Canned items you have a few years usually. Stock up on drinks, tea, coffee, sugar. My mom puts sugar, flour, and corn meal and rice and things like that in stock piles in her freezer. It will keep a long time in there. What my mom does and me too is look in the sale paper at the grocery store and when something goes on sale and is a good deal buy plenty. Like one time they put hamburger helper on sale for $1 a box and my mom bought 10 of them. Just look for good cheap deals and stock up. Toilet paper too. Paper towels. Soap. Whatever. Just when you catch sales get a little here and there and put it up. Don't go spend a fortune in one day. As far as shortages of food I have no idea.