This is very important..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Freedom first and most important [2007-10-01]
My husband has only danced with me ONCE during our entire (more than two-decade) marriage and that was under extreme pressure from his buddies (we were out with a group of friends, mostly couples). I lost my identity for a long time but after YEARS of marriage I am starting to get it back. Baby steps, but little by little...

It's important to know these things [2007-09-26]
You'd know if you hadn't had a BM in 5 days or if you hadn't peed in an entire day. (I'm not suggesting people are writing these things down, I'm just sayin'...) Both might signal that something wasn't right. Periods that are not right in frequency definitely can signal things not right with the body. I think it's a great practice and will do so when my 3 start with their periods. I have PCOS, so I'm a little anal about it, but I so wished someone would have taken notice when I was a teen and showing many signs of it.

Why is the lifestyle more important? [2007-09-24]
He is a me type person. I have a grown daughter just like that. He is only thinking of himself and what he wants. This is the difference in my martial situation- if my husband wanted to move somewhere else I would go with him in a minute, no question. I love my home but I love him more. The statement about the other woman would probably make me feel a little uneasy because I feel if you are saying things like that, how do I know you are not acting on them? I have a cousin spent loads of time hunting, going to all kinds of meetings of things he was involved with, had 2 almost grown sons, left his wife of 30+ years, had met another woman and gave up a paid for 4 bedroom brick home to live with this woman in a trailer� It happens.

Not together I hope.. you could burn something important LOL [2007-08-14]

If you're asking and the love is long gone, it's time. Make copies of all important papers, [2007-07-06]
s

Some important questions [2007-07-06]
Are there people around who can look in on the grandparents and get back with you? If I were unable to get in touch with grandparents, aunts, siblings or the like and had always been able to, I would contact the police to get them to intervene. I would think they could check up just to ease your mind and make sure they are ok. Oh, by the way, you might text or leave message on cousins phones since you are unable to hear from them this is your plan-- It is surprising how putting this out there will get the attention you are wanting. I just recently got some wonderful results from a person not responding to my emails, realtor to be exact- told him what I planned on doing, no need for him to reply, 4th email and that afternoon a phone call and an email. Works wonders!

Health care is important, but.. [2007-07-03]

Anybody see the movie Sicko yet? Important movie! [2007-07-02]
//

Make sure you have copies of all important papers, addresses for mortgage, insurance, etc. [2007-06-02]
s

IMPORTANT - drivers licenses for 2008 [2007-05-12]
With the new laws implemented by the Homeland Security Act, to get a driver's license. state ID, or passport you will need to have the following: Birth certificate Original social security card issued by social security admin. If married, you must have tracking of your name, which means you must have copies of all your marriage licenses so everything can be verified. You will not be able to board a plane or go into any federal building unless you get the new ID or drivers Start early to collect all the data you need. Also, I would urge you to contact your federal senators and congressmen to have them repeal this act.

Eyes are important. Why not make [2007-03-17]
an appointment? If the cause is just allergies and rubbing, maybe they will give you an Rx for allergy drops if eye itchiness is your main problem. Or you could try using an oral antihistamine and avoid rubbing your eyes and see if they improve. Get some Refresh Liquigel lubricant eye drops by Allergan.

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.

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

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.

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.

One more link from CDC.... [2008-11-12]
Here I clicked on Gardasil Vaccine Reports on the CDC website. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaers/FDA_and_CDC_Statement.htm Information from FDA and CDCon Gardasil and its Safety July 22, 2008 Gardasil was tested in over 11,000 women in the United States and around the world, and found to be safe and effective in preventing serious HPV-related diseases. These studies showed that in women who have never been infected by HPV types 6, 11, 16 or 18, the vaccine is highly effective, both in preventing precancerous lesions that often develop into cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, and in preventing genital warts often caused by these HPV types. This vaccine is an important cervical cancer prevention tool that will potentially benefit the health of millions of women. Every year, about 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and almost 4,000 die from this disease in the United States. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, causing an estimated 470,000 new cases and 233,000 deaths per year. Summary Based on the review of available information by FDA and CDC, Gardasil continues to be safe and effective, and its benefits continue to outweigh its risks. CDC has not changed its recommendations for use of Gardasil. FDA has not made any changes to the prescribing information for how the vaccine is used or to the vaccine�s Precautions. In addition, FDA routinely reviews manufacturing information, and has not identified any issues affecting the safety, purity and potency of Gardasil.

That stinks. [2008-11-10]
I'd be mad too. I know my friend's who text and those who don't. I also know some of my friends use their cell for everything and others only for emergency. I would call them according to their preference. If we were all in the same hotel, I wouldn't think of a cell phone but would think of the room phones and/or knocking on the door if you were in the same hallway. Personally, I think its rude to be tied to a cell phone when you are with other people. Everyone knows that if I am busy (that means even just eating dinner at home with my family) I do not answer a cell phone. If its important they will leave a message or call back. If I get 2 calls back to back, I will answer. I think it's disrespectful. Unless of course you have kids but even so my kids would know not to call me to ask where the peanut butter is while I'm out with a friend or at work. It better be a real emergency. With all that said, I think this is becoming a problem in society in general, not just your group of friends. I went to dinner with several friends recently and they all had their cell phones out. One was taking calls and/or calling those who were missing to see where they were. I was the only one who apparently turned their ringer completely off and left it in my pocket. When I excused myself to the bathroom I checked to see if I had any messages, otherwise things can certainly wait 30 minutes to an hour.

Pit bull or not he is a loving dog ...sm [2008-11-09]
who has never attacked and I honestly with all my heart know he would never hurt me. I believe in all honesty he would die to protect me to make sure I wasn't harmed if that is what it took. I know some pits have attacked owners and I believe these were either unstable dogs or abused or provoked. My dog has a respect for me also. He knows I am the boss and when I take a firm tone and let him know I am not happy with him he just bows his head and lays down. I didn't set out to own a pit bull he kind of fell into my lap you could say and I fell in love with him and he with me. I rocked him as a baby and nurtured him and he loves me with everything in him and I love him the same. My ownership of him just happened unexpectedly and I am so grateful it did. When I am sad he licks my tears and is so loving. I know other breeds are capable of this but CJ just happens to be a pitbull. I dont care. His breed is not important. It is the love in his heart. What is inside him. I don't judge a dog for what they are but who they are.

Why, no matter how carefully [2008-11-03]
I plan my list, do I always forget one very important item at the grocery store?

I know your pain! [2008-10-30]
I went through the same type of thing years ago. I remember after a repeated battles with them, I saw a segment on the local news (talking about the outbreak) and that it's important not to make a big deal about it (so the kids don't think it's so bad). I remember thinking ... right, you go through this crap over and over and then say not to make a big deal about it!! Anyway, I saw on the show The Doctors that mayo works, but I see you already know about that. I don't know any other good tricks but know people who have cut their girls' hair very short to make the whole process easier. Maybe you could make sure you kids wear something on their heads on the bus as a barrier. Also, I know sometimes at school for young ones who hang coats near each other, they will have them put garbage bags over their coats. One time when my kids got them, I also got them, and they got really bad before I realized why I was itching in my occiput so badly at night. Eeeew! My husband never got them (figures). :)

The Stink in Farts Controls Blood Pressure... [2008-10-30]
Amelia TomasLiveScience StaffLiveScience.com amelia Tomaslivescience Stafflivescience.com � Thu Oct 23, 3:21 pm ET A smelly rotten-egg gas in farts controls blood pressure in mice, a new study finds. The unpleasant aroma of the gas, called hydrogen sulfide (H2S), can be a little too familiar, as it is expelled by bacteria living in the human colon and eventually makes its way, well, out. The new research found that cells lining miceno doubt produced in cells lining human blood vessels too, the researchers said. Now that we know hydrogen sulfide said Johns Hopkins neuroscientist Solomon H. Snyder, M.D., a co-author of the study detailed in the Oct. 24th issue of the journal Science. Snyder and his colleagues compared normal mice to mice that were missing a gene for an enzyme known as CSE, long suspected as being responsible for making hydrogen sulfide. As they measured hydrogen sulfide levels taken from tissues of the CSE-deficient mice, the scientists found that the gas was depleted in the cardiovascular systems of the altered mice. By contrast, normal mice had higher levels of the gas, thereby showing that hydrogen sulfide is naturally made by mammalian tissues using CSE. Next, the mice were subjected to higher blood pressures comparable to serious hypertension in humans. Scientists had them respond to a chemical called methacholine that relaxes normal blood vessels. The blood vessels of the CSE-lacking mice hardly relaxed, indicating that hydrogen sulfide is a huge contender for regulating blood pressure. Hydrogen sulfide is the most recently discovered member of a family of gasotransmitters, small molecules inside our bodies with important physiological functions. This study is the first to reveal that the CSE enzyme that triggers hydrogen sulfide is activated itself in the same way as other enzymes when they trigger their respective gasotransmitter, such as a nitric oxide-forming enzyme that also regulates blood pressure, Dr. Snyder said. Because gasotransmitters are common in mammals all over the evolutionary tree, these findings on the importance of hydrogen sulfide are thought to have broad applications to human diseases, such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. The research was supported by grants from the U.S. Public Health Service and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research as well as a Research Scientist Award.

Something nice my DD said to me last night sm [2008-10-29]
She is away at college and out of the blue, my IM flashed and this is what she said: I just wanted to tell you that I am very grateful to have a mother like you. I have heard about other mothers and read in books and none of their moms listen to them like you do for me. you try to understand me and usually do. you don't tell me what to do, you make suggestions. you don�t treat me like a child and you are just awesome. I know that when I make a mistake it is not the end of the world for you and that is so important to me. You are always there for me when i need and even when I don�t. Thank you so much for being the mother that you are. You mean so much to me and I would never trade you for anyone else. I love you mom. I IMd back: OMG I don't know what to say. You know, you bring out the best in me. She said: No mom, YOU bring out the best in ME. Thank you.

holiday quandry [2008-10-29]
I toothink it would be good for everyone to come to your home, as this is your first Christmas as husband and wife - This is very important..o the two of you and family should respect that.