There is usually a little button that doesnt look important that turns the LCD on and off

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.

Before you push the panic button sm [2008-11-14]
This is a recession, quite possibly the mother of all recessions. It may turn into a depression, but it will run a very distant second to the Great Depression, IF it does. Pre the GP (Great Depression) you several things going on that are NOT true today. We had come out of WWI not that long before. It had been a very bloody war, the first war with mechanized destruction. What the Doughboys witnessed was for them what we saw on 09/11...unimaginable death and destruction. It changed how they viewed America. When these boys came home from the war, they came back to the farm, by and large. We were an agrarian country and with the exception of east coast, there were hardly any factory jobs and most people worked the land. Plenty of places all over the country people worked on shares and they were not all in the deep south and they were not all black. There was not nearly the land/home ownership that there is today. Most of these dirt farmers lived in poverty and barely scraped by enough to eat twice a day. When the great Dust Bowl came through Oklahoma, it took the enormous clouds of dust eastward and dumped it into the Atlantic Ocean. This was a man-made disaster and the story of the Joads in the Grapes of Wrath centers on the Dust Bowl and the farming habits of families, like the Joads caused them problems. It was their fault that the top soil blew across FDR's desk in the Oval Office. There was no infrastructure to speak of, in those days. There were roadways, but not the spider web of paved roads there are today. Goods were carried on the rails, not over the roads. You didnin town and the Sears-Roebuck catalog. If you couldn't find it there or could not afford it you either cobbled something together or did without. You can look the Coal Miner's Daughter about being so low-down dirt poor it is unbelievable. That movie is quite cleaned up and Hollywood presentable. You could look at the sparse surroundings of the ranch house in Broke Back Mountain where Ennis goes after Jack dies, and while the time frame is more modern, the very plain, only the very basics of life appear in that ranch house. They are both a bit sanitized, but reasonably realistic. Today, Americans live extraordinarily different lives than we did 80 years ago. Most people have a vehicle. Most people have more than a dirt floor shack to live in. We, have thanks to the Great Depression and FDR's recovery plan, electricity, roads, water, sewage and other sanitation. We take these things for granted, but we should not. The GP did bring some food shortages, not because of the depression, but because of the lack of infrastructure combined with people on the move to find work to subsist. The food shortages you are thinking of came with WWII and rationing...another problem secondary to lack of infrastructure and subsistence farming where there was not enough food produced to meet the need. If you are going to stock up on food, let be for more common sense reasons. If you put your money in the bank, you will make 2% or 3% return on $500. If you put that same amount into nonperishable food (think canned goods), you make a better return on an investment. You don't earn 2% or 3%, but you can end up leveraging against future price increases that will meet and exceed what interest you make from a bank, which is nothing right now. You will need food whether you buy it now or buy it later. Squirreling away extra under the bed or whatever place you can find room, is a wise investment...financially and in peace of mind.

Good question - ding! (that's the "correct" button you hear on game shows. [2008-11-05]
x

Well I'll let you know how it turns out [2008-10-22]
Since I ordered one, we'll see. Talked to hubby and he said he had talked to somone who actually has one and they think its great, they also heat with wood and use this to supplement at night, that's why he left the article. I don't want to give up my wood and convert because its free and I love the smell (hubby cuts me hickory!) but I know someone who has a corn stove and they love it. I love my wood stove and wouldn't go back to central unless forced to, its the only time in my life I've been truly warm in the winter!

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.

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.

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.

This season has been full of twists and turns! sm [2008-05-09]
Boy, what a goon Eric is!!! I think he is such an innocent young man. To trust those women, good grief! I believe he is the only person ever to give up immunity in all the seasons of the show. It was bad enough when James got voted off with two idols in his pocket, but I think last night with Eric handing over his power to those girls was insane. He was dominating the game, yet he allowed himself to be sucked in. Amanda has played a cool game with her manipulation of various players. I can see her winning. I cannot say I care much for the other two girls as winners at this point, but we shall see. I will definitely be watching on Sunday!

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.

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.

If co. doesnt send 1099, you must rely on your own [2008-02-15]
x

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.

Before this turns into a full blown....sm [2008-02-05]
back and forth free for all, you also don't know me personally to make assumptions about my personality. This has gotten old quickly, so I'll leave with these thoughts. You expressed an opinion saying you were ill about her treatment which you thought was above and beyond. I expressed an opinion, in turn, basically saying if you were in her situation you would want that same protection, considering it's very plausible that it's the obsessive fans and need to know that probably put her in this situation. Opinions are opinions, facts are facts, and considering all the information any of us knows come from cutthroat reporters who are looking to make that big story, it would be rare if anyone knew any true story about a celeb. I know if I were famous and hounded by people 24/7, and having a mental breakdown to boot, you can bet your bippy I'd do whatever in my power to make sure I had nobody around who could violate my privacy any more than it had already been violated. As for the doctors getting suspended, if they weren't on her case, and it's not a teaching hospital, and if she has security, then it's for a reason, and they should have known better than to violate her privacy. Doctors can violate HIPAA just as easily as anyone else, and that's what they were doing, because it's also very possible that those same docs who just wanted a quick peek, probably couldn't keep it to themselves, or they wouldn't have been nosing in her business in the first place. They got less than they deserved. Walk a mile in her shoes. Have sympathy and compassion in your heart for those who need it, which she obviously does!

I know if SHE doesnt get proactive and take charge [2007-12-30]
x

IMPORTANT ADDENDUM: Please read (sm) [2007-12-24]
The Xbox 360 console supports only the Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter and Xbox Live Compatible wireless-to-Ethernet bridges, routers, and gateways bearing the Xbox Live Compatible logo. If you can not get the Xbox live wireless adapter, You could buy a very long ethernet cord and just plug directly into the router without going wireless.......

You have to confront him. Your health and well being are most important. [2007-12-18]
I believe people know they are gay from a young age. Some might be confused about it, but, by adulthood, they know they are gay. I cannot imagine a straight guy watching gay porn or, worse yet, seeking gay escorts. He's gay.

It's not really as important to me as it is to you. [2007-12-12]
Why don't you take your misdirected anger and put it where it belongs instead of being mean and rude to people on the Internet who have done NOTHING to you!!! Now I remember why I stopped coming to MT Stars and that's because of rude people like YOU.

easy button sm [2007-11-27]
I gave a gift to a home for troubled kids, attached a gift card to an easy button. Still getting thank you's. Just added a simple touch to money card which I don't like to give, but in this case it worked well, as kids are older, teenage troubled kids.

I try and never make left turns across traffic for [2007-11-25]
s

I get a kick out of the "Easy button" ones (sm) [2007-11-25]
just saw one where electronic stuff is landing everywhere, a laptop on the holiday table, a GPS hitting a guy in the head while he's hanging lights outside, etc. and it turns out to be a baby just playing, smacking the Easy button over and over. Makes you stop and watch, and funny the first time, anyway!

Question. Do many of you have problems with streets, turns, etc. driving at night in strange areas [2007-11-24]
you are not familiar with. I am not thrilled by night driving in unfamiliar towns.

I am for them. They are an important reminder [2007-11-19]
Although they are considered areligious symbol, it should not offend atheists to see them on the side of the road. This is America, land of many religions, and how someone wants to honor a loved one that has passed is their business in my opinion. They are free to be atheists and should allow others their freedom as well.

My family decided last year to just enjoy the holidays [2008-12-01]
We're all adults, no children, and live in small homes or apartments. I NEED tons of stuff, but have no place to put much of anything, and can't afford to reciprocate with a gift. Same with a couple other siblings. My mom's been impossible to buy gifts for, for probably the last 10 years. I was the first to bow out the year before last. I started the ball rolling because I just plain couldn't afford it anymore, and was too busy working all the time to spend hours on end in a department store. I had a new job, no PTO, and NO money, so I alerted everyone that I wasn't going to play the game that year. Turns out it was a relief to all! And last year, without all the holiday 'getting mauled at the mall' disasters, each of us had quiet, happy, stress-free holidays. So now that we've eliminated the gift-giving aspect of Christmas, I finally can look forward to the season and enjoy it again.

These 10 things definitely ain't right: [2008-12-01]
1) MTSOs who want people with top-notch skills and experience, but don't want to pay them what that skill is worth. 2) HMO's: So-called *health-maintenance-organizations* --yet they spend every minute and every dime of their far-too-large profits on denying healthcare, meds and procedures to their patients. These organizations have ruined American healthcare, and many American lives. HMO's have been a con-game since their inception. 3) The Bailouts: Giving money to companies who can too bad for the rest of you.* Then the Big Three show up in DC to beg for a handout, and fly there in private Lear jets. My answer to them would be, *I too bad for the rest of you.* 4) Apartment managers that won't allow even a single quiet, well-behaved pet, but will rent to people with continually screaming small children, and out-of-control older children and teens. Give me the pets for neighbors, ANY day. 5) Businesses that give an age-discount to absolutely everything that walks, runs or flies, but not to the middle-aged middle-class, who need it the most. Take the ski-industry: Young children ski for next-to-nothing, and sometimes nothing. There is a Teen Discount. There is a Student Discount for college kids. There I'll probably never be old enough - it's a carrot-on-a-stick, always just out of reach.) There are even corporate (UGH) discounts. But for those in my age group, who barely make ends meet but like to go up once a year for a couple days of bliss, there is NOTHING. 6) Travel-lodging deals that are always based on double or quadruple occupancy. What about singles? NOTHING. 7) TV commercials that are about a million decibels louder than the regular shows. Why can't it all be the same volume? Same with online newscasts. THEIR commercials will blow your eardrums out if you aren't quick enough turning down the volume before they start. 8) Surround-sound: Everything is too loud, already! Why do we need it coming at us from 4 directions? Why do people living in tiny apartments feel they need it? I've lost count of how many fights I've had with neighbors over this issue. Same with movies and music concerts. Why do they feel we need to feel the music in our SPLEENS? I went to Universal Amphitheater last week. (Now named something else). There is actually a sign outside warning that the decibel level inside might damage your hearing! (?!?!?!) Why do they need this? (To avoid lawsuits, obviously). If it's so loud you have to post a warning sign outside the entrance, then DUH.... it's TOO LOUD! 9) Banks that charge you a fee to use their ATM. They (I haven't actually been INSIDE a bank in YEARS).... and they want to charge US for using the machines instead of the tellers? Forget it. I won't give those banks my business. 10) The Post Office: Talk about rewarding slow, inept performance! The worse their employees are, the longer they seem to stay there. I'd rather have a root canal than go to a P.O. during the holiday season.

2 problems with hubby - any advice??? [2008-11-30]
Problem #1: His hearing. He will not go to the doctor, complains to me all the time that he can not hear me and talks SO loud. I can't tell him anything in the stores or I might as well announce it over the loud speaker which in turn creates an argument (hence, miserable day out shopping yesterday). Problem #2:I dread this time of year with him. He turns into this greedy person that is beyond comprehension for me. Every time he opens his mouth it I always grew up being thankful for what I got and can I never ask for items for Christmas - I appreciate the thoughtfulness that a person puts into getting me something (even if it I also believe the kids come first (3, 2 of which are teenagers) and we buy for them first but it seems I always have to budget my money for the kids and then for him. He does not like inexpensive items either. The last few months I'm the only one who has bought gifts for the kids - he hasn't spent any of his money and is counting on a bonus from his employer that may or may not come through and you never know how much it's going to be. Sorry - and thanks for letting me vent. I've been so stressed lately.

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!

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.

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

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.

Yes & could you help me find the best Scrabble game ?? sm [2008-11-25]
I have turned my grandsons onto Scrabble. They are very into Wii and computer, etc. When they come here we have a Scrabble challenge and I cannot believe they want a board game so when I go over there we can continue. There is one at LL Bean for $50 that turns and is wood. One at Hasbro.com which is an anniversary addition for about $39 but plastic. I am just so happy we have this connection and this contest going on, I am searching, but perhaps you know the best place. Of course, I am Grammie so it takes me longer. Keep on playing board games as these kids are addicted to technology!

I go through this same thing every holiday - [2008-11-25]
I have to spend the holiday with my family by myself and miss my husband or else I have to insist that he go and then we are both miserable all day and it turns out bad anyway. I never know what to do... I want to spend holidays with him, but at the same time I do not want to make him go somewhere he obviously does not want to be. I'm sorry that I cannot give you answers, but just wanted you to know that you are not alone.

My SIL swears by mac & cheese [2008-11-24]
YUCK -- but my kids like noodles -- the egg noodles in turkey broth. They also like the turkey drumsticks and the wishbone. They love Stove Top stuffing, but not homemade stuffing. They don They love deviled eggs. Are my kids weird? One year, I thought I They didn Truth be told, most kids don Too much excitement I think. Try to make sure they have a good breakfast, then let them pick what they want to eat. I usually ask my kids to try 1 thing, just a small amount. When they come back later, I give them a turkey sandwich (if they like turkey) or PBJ. Don They It's only 1 day.

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.

The slips were called petticoats, [2008-11-23]
and some girls wore more than one (extremists everywhere). They wore bobbie socks they could roll down (almost anklet), some wore flats and some in the 50's wore oxford loafers or just plain loafers. If you wore loafers, you had to put a coin in each shoe on the top. You would also note a lot of scarves worn rolled over into a band and tied with a knot on the back under the ponytail or the knot pulled to one side - and don't forget the bubblegum. The scarf should also have colors more or less from the skirt with a white cotton button down shirt, short sleeves. I was there, but too young for sock hops, could not wait, and then they did not have them anymore. Story of my life.

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

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.

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.

My Rottie did the same thing [2008-11-13]
He loves everybody. He will get up and see who is coming in, but if we tell him okay, he goes back and lays down. We had some repairs being done after a leaking roof. Painters and carpet installers in and out. Roofers on the house. All sorts of noise and men for a few days. The day after they finished the work, I was home by myself, andone of the carpet guys came back and knocked on the door. When I opened the doormy Rottie got between me and the screen door, growled a low serious growl, and his hair on his back came up. The guy wanted to come intocheck on the carpet job. I told himthe carpet was fine, I would call the store if there were any problems, and closed the door. A few weeks later the same guy raped a woman the day after he had been to her house installing carpet. Turns out he didn I trusted my dog Although I don't know what the guy was thinking that he could come in and hurt me without fighting off me and the dog, but you never know!

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.