Wow, your experience sounds sort of like mine.

Mine does too. She will come home for [2008-11-18]
school and ask Is this whatever I can find for dinner night? She is 14 and has just started cooking, so she absolutely loves it.

sounds like you will have to be the adult in this situation as the ex is not --- [2008-11-17]
and follow the mother she is being the adult in the situation as you are, so don't lose it. food for thought: she was hurting at the funeral. sometimes people put all their hurts in one pocket and never deal with it, never heal. gram died, the pocket opened and out it all came. you may be only one situation she put away for a rainy day.

Here is mine...sm [2008-11-17]
It is Souper easy (I know, groan!). Chicken, beef or veggie stock (not broth), frozen veggies depending on mood, quite a bit of garlic and onion,frozen tortellini, and maybe some bits of meat (usually not),and herbs depending onthe other ingredientsbeing used. Amount depends on how many people are being fed. This is good for using up leftover veggies, chicken and beef, too.

I had a similar experience [2008-11-17]
I divorced my first husband in 1972 and it didn You will feel SO much better after you do it!

Sounds to me like [2008-11-15]
you own those dogs now and if he wants to take them out to maul other animals he needs to pay you a hefty fee.

I wash mine every other day [2008-11-13]
I have pretty short hair so I can get away with it. If I have to I can just wet it a little bit and put some gel in it and it's good to go.

Sounds like you could easily turn this into a meal [2008-11-11]
by tossing in some chicken breasts. My MIL bakes pork chops in cream of mushroom soup, bet you could use that too for something a little different.

Well it sounds to me like everyone thought you already knew (sm) [2008-11-10]
I mean it just sounds like they thought everyone was meeting back up for a movie and wondered where you were.

I have no experience but my DH has. He is 50 and [2008-11-07]
and just got out of them about 2 years ago. He looks fabulous! The only trouble he had was at first, his mouth was sore for several days, liquid/smooth diet, but after that everything went great. His were on for about 2.5 years and we could see the change after only 3 or 4 months. He is fastidious about his teeth (really always has been) always wears his retainer at night (a very small one inside the mouth at night only). Make sure you wear the retainer after they are off (assuming they give you one). You will be so happy with your results and the time will fly by. My DH was the ortho's oldest patient he had ever had!

Sounds like [2008-11-06]
you are saying a company Wal-Mart uses is charging the fee. Find out the name and contact them. If you don't get anywhere with them, ask your bank to straighten it out with them. It should be obvious it was a mistake, and you should have been contacted. Things are getting ridiculous these days!

mine doesn't have any. NM [2008-11-06]
.

Mine is usually because I have my children with me! [2008-11-03]
nm

Actually I have the opposite experience. Everyone [2008-11-03]
I know seems to think I am a doctor and can answer all their questions concerning their medical symptoms and those of their family. I have had people call me asking me about meds and what I think they should do.

Um..it was my ex-husband's story, not mine. I just retold it. [2008-11-02]
x

She IS cute, but mine is even cuter! sm [2008-10-31]
You have to know, I am NOT a dog person, although dogs think I am. We never had them growing up. I have not been around them and when I have, I mostly can't stand them. They are either filthy and stink, have terrible behavior or terrible owner behavior towards them. It is always something. I would have told you I hate dogs, especially little poodles. THEN, I downsized because the family grew up and moved out (well for now). I had not been here 3 months when I looked at my fenced yard and my loneliness, and started thinking about a dog. I thought I wanted a big dog because I have poor balance and I trip and fall all the time. A friend who used to breed poodles told me I wanted a poodle or a bichon. She said that poodles don't shed and that I probably needed a small dog. They often live longer with fewer problems and make better companions for quiet people who don't (in my case can't) take them out walking. Then, she got a poodle puppy for herself. OMG I was IN LOVE. I said, find me a poodle! She said it could take a while, but she'd find me a red poodle. She called the next morning, my pup was on her way here. She was sold to me as red, but she is apricot with white trim. Yup, a 2-tone poodle. She was 8 weeks old, tiny and adorable. I was terrified of her, but I was determined I'd learn to love her and I'd take very gentle loving care of her, no matter how scared and stupid I felt. I'd take her out and play with her and hope I could manage to house break her when I had not a clue. We had many issues over finding a food she could tolerate without puking or scours, but we got there. You know, she was house broken in under 3 weeks. I worked at teaching her to fetch a little ball and bring it back and she does it beautifully now (she is almost 2). She knows that I require she beg for a treat properly, so that I know what she is asking for and she knows she will get it. She knows how to tell me she needs to go out. When I got her, I said, that dog will N-E-V-E-R sleep in my bed. That lasted until she could jump up on my bed with me and I could not keep her off. She can sleep without me some, but I can't sleep without her at all. She has never chewed a shoe, never peed in something she should not, never chewed furniture or anything like that. My daughter says she is spoiled. She has a basket of toys and she really does play with them. When she was in that chewy stage, I gave her tiny rawhide bones, which is why I have all my shoes intact. When I go out shopping, which is not often, I buy her a toy or a treat. She is so smart. I bring in the bags and she will go through each one to find what I got her, and never ever takes something that isn't hers. Last year when my DD came home from college for a weekend and I had not had the dog too long, she kept telling me that my dog would love her better. Nuh uh! The dog loved on her only if I was not there to do it and then ignored my DD when I was! We have the sort of relationship that every pet and every owner deserves to have. She is like an extra arm or leg, an extra heart with extra love. She is so much a part of me, and I know I am a big part of her too. I love this!!!! I still don't like other people's dogs for the most part, but I love this one to bits.

That sounds like my neighborhood [2008-10-31]
Don't you just love it? I hear a lot about awful neighbors and neighbors being unfriendly, and I can't even imagine. I used to just walk into my friend's house and vice versa. They're definitely like family. Unfortunately, they moved about 10 miles away, but we see each other every weekend for get togethers. In the summers we have no less than 20 kids running around pool jumping from house to house and general fun.

Anyone have any experience with CareCredit, sm [2008-10-30]
the credit payment plan for medical treatment for pets as well ashumans?

Some of mine are.............sm [2008-10-25]
The Christmas Shows with Rob Lowe. Santa and Pete with Hume Cronyn. The Angel Doll with Keith Carradine. The Santa Clause with Tim Allen And my all-time favorite is It's a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart.

Mine tastes weak [2008-10-24]
We have also bought Folgers for years, and for the past few months I've had to brew it on strong to avoid the sensation I'm drinking dishwater. A close family friend works at Starbuckgifts uswithbags of whole beans.Transitioning back to Folgers from Starbucklately feels like weaning off a drug. I donthink Iof the product haschanged!

Sounds interesting [2008-10-23]
Would you like to share your recipe?

Hmm, sounds like my ex-husband. [2008-10-21]
NN

sounds delicious -- my little boy is in the kitchen [2008-10-21]
i set him up with the mixer in the sink so he doesn he loves baking cakes cuz it's like a science project (he's 8)... loves baking...

mine are not that age yet [2008-10-20]
thought about what i would do should that happen... i did it when i was young and i made some very poor choices during the time i smoked. though that's not happened yet, should it happen, i believe i would try to be with my kids as much as i possibly could. i would take them to school, i would pick them up, if they have a school function, guess what? mom's going too. you know, when i was younger and did that, my parents DID have a clue... they may have wanted to act all naive but they KNEW.. and as ticked off at them as i would have been had they ever confronted me about it, i look back and truly wish they had and maybe shown some tough love. i think your son's father may be going overboard with wanting to kick him out. the most important thing is, regardless of how you decide to deal with this, is to let him know how much you love him. bottom line is, if you didn't love him, you wouldn't care what he does.

Not everyone's experience will be the same as yours. sm [2008-10-19]
Not every teenager who smokes pot ends up like your son. I am sorry you had to go through so much, but as far the OP's son I think you are totally overreacting. When you consider how many teenagers try pot or smoke pot, your son is definitely the exception to the rule. Sheclean up their act they need trust and encouragement.

Your life sounds like mine and all [2008-10-16]
the other gays out there. I cannot believe someone actually said that we had an agenda and pushing it down their throats. They are just uninformed and ignorant and unfortunately, they worry too much what goes on behind closed doors. Perhaps if they would not concentrate on the bedroom so much, they could actually see that we are no different from them. I am out and my family and friends accept me for who I am and not what I am - I am no different from anyone else just because I am gay. It still amazes me that people can be so ignorant but that is just the way they were brought up. I was raised to respect all people no matter the color, orientation, etc. Obviously the poster here's why is the one with the agenda.

I love Mexican food, but sometimes I [2008-11-19]
make my own or other stuff and make my own TV dinners. Chicken pot pie sounds good with the cooler weather. Could also pick up a presmoked presliced brisket or ribs and heat in the crock pot. Have the recipe for Wendy's chili which I make (TopSecretRecipes.com).

I really appreciate this. [2008-11-18]
Notice I'm the only one who didn't post an answer? I have totally lost track & think I need to go back to the drawing board. I haven't done an actual tally in quite awhile (I think I'm afraid of what I'm going to find out). This can happen when you live alone. I live in a very small mountain community in southern California & things can be expensive up here at the regular markets. I do a Costco run about once a month & try to keep my sanity when I'm there. I make things ahead & freeze, that sort of thing. & I try not to be hungry when I go there. I make my own bread & yogurt, things I eat a lot of. I'm not a vegetarian but eat very little meat. Anyway, you all seem to be doing an incredible job, & this gives me something to aim for when I do get up the nerve to look at my spending habits. Wish me luck. Thanks!

I have a tracfone - sm [2008-11-18]
the minutes do not expire per se. Your service plan does though. I buy mine one year at a time, $99 for a year of service, then you buy minutes. Granted I buy a service plan and minutes together, and have the double minutes for life plan too. You can rollover minutes when your renew your service. You can get service either every two months or yearly I believe. I can text with my phone which is one of the Motorola flip phones. I used to have an old dinosaur Nokia but upgaded to a new phone for $10 or so at the Dollar store, phones are a lot cheaper there. If he is a yakker then it will get expensive fast, texting is a bit cheaper but he gets into the habit of doing that all the time his units will disappear fast. It is a good phone to have for the occasional call, etc. I would not use it as an everyday general use phone though. My old model phone actually worked better and got a signal just about everywhere, my new one is good but does not work everywhere my old one did, but I like it much better as it is smaller and lighter.

Eating Out - About the Same as You [2008-11-18]
We usually get take out on Friday's because I don't cook on Fridays (it's my day off so to speak). Then we go out on Saturday nights just my husband and myself and our best friends and usually spend about $40+ depending on where we go. The kids get together with their kids and they usually get some sort of take out. Then on Saturdays we usually either eat lunch out (fast food) and then Sundays either lunch or dinner out (fast food - I hate to say sometimes it's both). We have been trying to cut down the Saturdays and Sundays as far as the fast food goes. My daughter who is a vegetarian doesn't usually get much from the fast food restaurants so our bill usually isn't that large (About $10). We always use coupons, though (buy 1 get 1 free - we have what is called Entertainment Books that the schools usually sell). My husband will cook, and I hate to say he cooks better than I do.

I can't imagine affording all those meals out, but I have some suggestions sm [2008-11-18]
I usually cook from scratch. My idea of fast food is a can of lentil soup, and I have that about once a month, occasionally twice. I make crockpot soups a lot because I am busy. I will tell you, there is a place that is sort of between a restaurant meal and home cooking. I used to have kids at home, lots of them, and I would get too tired to cook. My answer was to hybrid the dinner, so to speak. You can get Stouffer's lasagne which is good. You can pickup some ready-made stuff in your grocery store deli or freezer case. We liked the frozen Banquet chicken back in the day. I might get that, a box of flavored instant potatoes, potato salad or ready-made mashed to go with it. We might get a bag of salad too. Fresh fruit cups were nice if they were on special. You know, make a nice meal you don't have to 100% cook, but isn't going out. These days, I see that you can get beef tips in gravy, or sliced beef in gravy and other prepared stuff at the store. It just takes looking. It is more expensive than doing it all yourself, but it is much cheaper than going out. You can try another thing that is NOT everyone's cup of tea, and that is OAMC or Once A Month Cooking. This is my favorite website: http://snider.mardox.com/plans.htm I donmini plans using what is on special in a given week. They have breakfast plans, muffin plans, potato plans, chicken, beef, pork plans, ground meat plans, even some dessert plans. With planning, you can do this in bits and pieces. From people who have done far more of this than I have, they tell me that with soup already made, no chopping or messing, they are more likely to make fresh rolls, salad and even a quick dessert...round out any meal because the work is done. Obviously, it saves money.

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

I am so sorry! [2008-11-17]
That sounds like a horrible disease. Is there any treatment? Do you know what causes it? I hope you get better!

Post Your Favorite Soup Recipe Please [2008-11-17]
Now that the weather is turning chilly in some areas (mine included) soup sounds wonderful! Would you all please post your favorite soup recipes -- thanks!!

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

I drove Ford pickups most of my life, but - sm [2008-11-17]
I got tired of the fact that the danged things don't steer well. They all have steering-gear problems. Each of my trucks ended up having anywhere from 2-4 new or rebuilt gears put in during my ownership, and they still were next to impossible to drive in a straight line. Getting parts was a pain too, as often you had to know the month the vehicle was built in order to get the right part. Simple do-it-yourself work often had to go to the shop instead, because of the difficulty of accessing the area without taking half of the front end apart. So of course the shop bills were high, too. It became increasingly difficult to get parts after the truck was 5 or 6 years old, and I drove most of mine for 12+ years. So when it was time for a new car, I wanted a midsize SUM. I did my homework, and chose a 4Runner because of the quality & favorable consumer reports. I couldn't afford a new one, so got a used one that was 5 years old. I'm still driving it, loving it, and it's like they say in the Timex watch commercials: 'It takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'!'

Obviously you've never had a family member killed by a drunk driver. [2008-11-17]
Long ago? Time has nothing to do with it. The man has an alcohol problem and left the scene of a homicide. Sounds like you're ok with that. I'm not. It speaks volumes about his character.

Just curious...sm [2008-11-17]
as to why you have a deadline for putting up your decorations. We put ours up here and there AFTER Thanksgiving and enjoy the whole experience. Deadline just sounds like it would take the pleasure out it. Honestly not trying to start anything, Just sayin'.

It all depends on the airtime cards you get [2008-11-17]
My husband got one that lasts a whole year, but when the year is up no matter how many minutes were left (he hardly uses his) he would have lost them if he didn't purchase another airtime card. I get mine every three months so I have to buy a new airtime card every three months before my expiration date or else I lose my minutes and I believe the whole phone has to be reactivated.

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

very well said [2008-11-16]
I totally agree. I have done this sort of thing, apologized after a long period of time. I heard back from each of the 2 people & they were grateful for it. They had not felt heard all those years ago & finally did. These were not people I was romantically involved with, so I did send an e-mail & heard back. I think your choice not to include your address was very appropriate. If the person wants to contact you, they can go to the trouble of looking you up. Nicely done.

Hope venting made you feel better... [2008-11-16]
The thing that struck me the most in your post is that you help a friend by listening to dictation. Is this during *your* work hours? If so, try not to answer the phone. I know, it sounds so simple, but if you have kids, this can betough. Anyhow, if the friend asks why you are not answering, tell her you need to focus on getting lines so you can pay your monthly bills (stress this!). Maybe she will get the hint. I had to do this when a coworker called me constantly. I As for the friends working when they were asked not to, well, unfortunately, it is a supervisors/managerHopefullys/he will take care of this. Good luck.

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

Any chance you could visit family or a friend... [2008-11-16]
for a few days when he leaves the dogs? Or simply tell DH that you will only take care of your guys? Let hubby experience what a job it is. I have a cat and a large black lab and those two alone can keep me pretty busy. Can I believe in karma, and you have a giant reward coming your way one of these days, as domany of you other kind-hearted posters.

Yep, RUN, she was never really a friend to start with. [2008-11-16]
A true friend doesn Dating a friend Sounds like your new husband has a good head on his shoulders. Hope it works out well for you.

Yep, RUN, she was never really a friend to start with. [2008-11-16]
A true friend doesn Dating a friend Sounds like your new husband has a good head on his shoulders. Hope it works out well for you.

So sorry, SeaMT...sm [2008-11-16]
Such a wonderfully long life. He obviously had a happy home. Last week was the 1-year anniversary of losing my 17-year-old cat, and as dumb as it sounds, it still hurts. RIP, Fred. Take care, SeaMT.

Eeew. This just popped into my head [2008-11-15]
If this she/he can claim to be a man, then when are they going to do the first female organ transplant into a man who wishes to experience the pain of pregnancy without becoming a full blown woman? Just the reverse of what this she/hedid. It would probably take as long to change, but how many real men would think about it if they could make all this money? Can you imagine the confusion? I thinkcloning is just as bad. Weoriginal not a manufactured person.

I think she fancies herself [2008-11-15]
some sort of media behavioral psychologist/intellectual, and she seems to think we find the same things fascinating that she does. Me? I think it's a story about a person struggling with life and trying to find happiness in a world that's confusing if you don't fit a mold.

Blondie, have read your posts before sm.. [2008-11-15]
You sound like a very good person, very caring. I was in the same situation once with a neighbor's dog. He would go to Canada hunting and just leave his dog tied to a dog house in mid-winter in New England and I would take her into my home, feed her, keep her warm and all. This neighbor today I can say with full confidence was borderline-retarded without a doubt. I am so glad I did this. I even at one time went to the dog pound and claimed this dog who had gotten loose and said it was my own. I could not let this poor dog suffer because of its owner. All I can say is do what is in your heart, it may cost you a few dollars more but think of it is abandoned children and you are there for them. Take a good look at this guy and truly ask yourself is he is capable of the love and caring you have in your heart. I know times are tough, but perhaps you are the one who is meant to save these poor animals. Sounds like this guy is either not the sharpest tool in the shed or something else wrong with him. Does he have enough money for beer or etc., and not his dogs? Then he doesn't deserve them! Think hard about the dogs and what would happen to them if it were not for you. You are a very nice person. I hope you find an answer. As for your husband, only you can answer that question. I think he should at least stick up for you and address his dumb friend as to what his responsibility is in the situation. Good luck, Blondie, you are a sweetheart to put up with all this, and I am sure the dogs are in a better place with you. Do you have an SPCA or someone who could help with the food? Perhaps online you can find a way to make your own food suitable for dogs at a reasonable price. May God be with you. Perhaps you are meant to care for dogs in some way that would be beneficial to you in other ways. God bless you for caring.

I need some advice [2008-11-15]
Ok this is the story: My husband is still friends with his first girlfriends family. This does not bother me. She did a couple of things to really disgrace her family when she was dating him but after a period of time he still kept in touch with them as we live in a very small community. When we met and got engaged they were all very kind to me and the mother even did the cake and flowers for our wedding. The ex is never around much so no big deal. Well this past weekend her great grandmother passed. My husband had known this woman for sometime and the mother asked him to come to the funeral and told me I was not to feel like I shouldnI. To which the ex rolled her eyes and looked at her HUSBAND. So we walked away. To tell you the truth, we didn't really care. Well we get a phone call about an hour ago from the exum we aren Well, knowing how immature the ex and her husband are, we knew they were behind this (plus we could hear them in the background). So my husband told the boy Look, it Well a few minutes later he gets a text message from the brother saying my mom can (which obviously is not true since we saw her Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon and she was obviously not mental). So my husband sent back a message saying Look, whatever issues your sister has with me and your mom having an ADULT friendship, she needs to take those up with your mom, but quit trying to start drama. Well a few minutes later the phone rings. My husband handed me the phone. Knowing how mad he was at the moment, I answered. It was the ex. She asked if she could talk to him, and I said No. This needs to stop right now, it She said well my mom is really going crazy and she can. She went on for about five minutes and I said fine, we won I'm just so angry right now! I mean this is high school drama! What would you do? I know the mom will be absolutely heartbroken if my husband and I just stop coming to see her and talking to her (since her lovely daughter never comes home). I mean except for the funeral, we never go around if she is going to be there, and we don't sit there and talk bad about her or anything. I honestly think she knows she screwed up by messing around on him SIX YEARS AGO and is just upset that he's married and happy and it sounds like her husband is a jerk.