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Tue, May 21 2013, 17:44:34 PDT

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• Planning a trip -- M.F., 23:47:21 05/18/13 Sat
  I'm working a stressful, though temporary, job right now in order to earn enough cash for dh and I to go on a trip for my big 6-0h birthday in the fall. At first, we were thinking of going back to Ireland to see all the places we missed the first time but now we're wondering if we should maybe go someplace like Italy, where we've never been before.(We spent a month in Scotland last year so we're going somewhere else this time'-)Germany could also be a possibility - or somewhere else, too. We're not into hot, beachy places - more into museums, cathedrals, graveyards, etc.
  Where would you go?
  

  
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  • We recently went to Paris for a week and would go back to see more museums, cathedrals and graveyards. Loved the Catacombs. Can you split your time between Paris and Rome or Florence? I'd go back to Europe in a heartbeat if we had the money and time. (NT) -- MonicaW, 05:51:47 05/19/13 Sun
  • London....... Love the museums there too! Plus most are free. (NT) -- M&M, 08:31:38 05/19/13 Sun
  • We did the Loire Valley in France a few years ago and it is spectacular. (NT) -- PD, 09:01:56 05/19/13 Sun
  • Come to the US and visit Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA. Lots of antebellum homes, the USS Yorktowne is anchored at Charleston. Lots of historical stuff. OR, how about Australia??? (NT) -- CarolE, 16:36:13 05/19/13 Sun
  • I highly recommend Prague, Czech Republic. Beautiful architecture, rich history, and can be quite romantic to boot. Also if you're a beer drinker, you will find the best there. Even the Germans travel there to drink! (NT) -- Scarlet A, 17:36:13 05/19/13 Sun
    • I must have missed out on something here... ;oP (NT) -- Oatcake, 11:02:52 05/20/13 Mon
      • I lived in Prague for a year. I can attest to the affordability of fine beer :D (NT) -- Scarlet A, 11:58:35 05/21/13 Tue
  • Paris, Prague, Berlin, Rome (+Florence and Naples) come to mind... they all have interesting museums, cathedrals and graveyards. I could spend hours in graveyards and there is a very touching one in Prague. And another in Berlin. They are currently renovating some of the museums in Berlin, so you might want to check that first. Paris has all of the above and Versailles castle on top. I admit I've never been to Rome, but I've been to Florence and Naples, and you can have a trip involving the three - you'd get museums, history, ruins (Pompei!) and beautiful landscapes (Capri!) in one trip. Not to forget the excellent food. (Let's be honest, you don't go to Prague or Berlin for the food! *g*) (NT) -- Patricia, 00:38:25 05/20/13 Mon
  • We had an awesome time in Rome last summer - there is such a variety in the museums - from the sculpture in the Borghese and Capitoline to the Livia's garden room mosiacs in the Nationale museum. Plus besides the well known ruins all around we loved the slightly lesser known places like the Baths of Caracalla and Ostia Antica. And the food was great, and also most everyone we met was very friendly. Venice is easy to combine with Rome, and fun for just walking around. Or you could go to Amsterdam - the Rijksmuseum is reopened after a long restoration. Or my most favorite place - London. You can't go wrong wherever you go! (NT) -- HollyC, 05:42:49 05/20/13 Mon
  • Spain - I'd love to visit the Barcelona/Bilbao region and then head east to Santiago de Compestelo. Mom & I had the good luck to visit the Estepona region in December, or you can head inland to the Alhambra in Grenada and then take in the sights of Sevilla. We spent a week in London over Spring Break, and while I enjoyed it, I have zero desire to go back - too crowded! (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 19:08:07 05/20/13 Mon
    • I second Barcelona and Granada! Bilbao not so much... the Guggenheim is beautiful from the outside, but I don't like it inside, and the old town is nice, but not nicer than other Spanish town centers. I'd stay in the South and travel from Barcelona to Granada and then on to Lisbon. (NT) -- Patricia, 04:00:06 05/21/13 Tue
  
  

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• Looking for advice on buying a new TV. -- CarolE, 16:36:11 05/17/13 Fri
  Fixed is it will be 55"-60", 1080P, not Smart and Not 3D. Wondering about Plasma vs. LED and brand. Will NOT buy store/off brand. BTDT and won't do it again. So..what do YOU have and do you like/hate it and why? Also put this on FB so you don't have to answer twice!! Thanks!
  

  
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  • We have both Plasma and LED Toshibas and love them. We haven't had a lick of trouble with either one. (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 18:00:19 05/17/13 Fri
  • We have a Sony Bravia 40" and a Samsung 55" LED. they are both great but the Samsung only has 2 HDMI outlets and the Sony has 4. If you want to plug in a bunch of peripherals it's a pain only having 2 outlets But the Telus guy used some RCA looking (but obviously better quality) cord to hook up the Optik TV so that left one outlet for Apple TV and one for a DVD player. So it worked out ok but someone might have a VCR still or perhaps some other thing needing an outlet so I like the 4 outlets myself. I THINK Samsung has become even more popular than Sony these days. (NT) -- Judie, 08:55:55 05/18/13 Sat
    • ThebSony is LCD and about 3 years old. We bought the Samsung in January or February. Paid about $1000 for the Sony and $1100 for the Samsung so it shows how prices are coming down. The LED picture may look a little strange at first but we are used to it now and love it. (NT) -- Judie, 08:59:11 05/18/13 Sat
  • We have a Sharp Aquos 60" LED and love it. When shopping, we were told that plasma TV's have a shiny screen surface and aren't good in rooms with a lot of light or if you watch TV with a lot of lights on. But I have read that they are making plasmas with matte screens now. I would advise getting either surround sound or at least a sound bar (that's what we have). These slim TV's have crappy speakers. (NT) -- Traci_Mc, 11:41:46 05/18/13 Sat
  • We have an LG plasma that we purchased from Sears, the model was a year old, so we saved $$$ and the picture quality is exceptional. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another LG. (NT) -- LP, 06:00:47 05/20/13 Mon
  • We have Samsung smart LED I did - just bought it about 2 months ago. I bought smart because I wanted the capability BUT you can get without --do your research where you are putting it that will decide plasma vs LED. Our room was too bright for plasma and we are very happy with picture quality of LED. I just kept researching until I found the top rated for the features I wanted and samsung kept getting the best reviews and popped on sale so we went for it. Extremely satisfied so far except we have yet to figure out ALL the wonderful capabilities --but thats because we have so much stacked on the DVR but we do use the apps to watch movies. (NT) -- BetsyG, 13:41:21 05/20/13 Mon
    • ugh wasn't signed in above sorry! I did is suppose to be about research look online at reviews at consumer search and consumer reports. (NT) -- BetsyG, 04:02:21 05/21/13 Tue
  
  

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• Weather widget--I want to download something that will just show the current temperature on my computer without taking over the whole screen. Just a little tiny thing in one corner! I know they exist. Any recommendations? -- Susannah the Technotard, 11:20:20 05/17/13 Fri
  
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  • If your computer uses the Windows operating system..... Click on the windows logo in the lower left corner. Just above will appear a box that has "Search programs an files" in it. Type the word "gadget" (but without the quote marks). Hit enter, then select "Gadget Gallery." A window should open with a bunch of different options like weather, clock, calendar, etc. Double click on the option of your choice. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 12:26:14 05/17/13 Fri
    • This sounds good! I'm using Windows 7 (not my choice--this is a work computer) and this sounds like something I could actually do myself. (NT) -- Susannah, 06:07:06 05/18/13 Sat
  • I use 'The Weather Channel Desktop'. It gives me a tiny little box in the lower right corner of my bottom tool bar, I can change it when we travel and it was free. Look it up. (NT) -- CathyS, 17:34:05 05/17/13 Fri
  • In Firefox I use the forecast fox add on and in Chrome I use the accuweather extension. Both are free and easy to use. (NT) -- TracyAnn, 19:29:22 05/17/13 Fri
  
  

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• Favourite subject -- heather, 18:02:03 05/15/13 Wed
  Further to my post below, I am wondering what your favourite subject was in high school. DS has recently been diagnosed with a learning disability, and I have basically been tutoring him. I always said it would be fun to go back to high school, so I could relearn all the really interesting things I thought were boring at the time. Be careful what you wish for. I forgot about chemistry! I was an arts major--music, art, creative writing--all the artsy fartsy stuff. So what did you like?
  

  
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  • I actually teach at my old high school. It's an odd feeling sometimes, as many of my former teachers are still there. As a student, I loved history and music, and although I was terrible at it, I had a lot of fun in the sciences, especially my 2 AP chem classes and Honors Physics. I think that was more the teachers than the subjects though. We did some really cool experiments that ranged from building a working hovercraft (Physics) to accidentially setting the ceiling on fire in Chem by mixing sodium and water. (That was a teacher's demi gone wrong!) (NT) -- LadyStormwing, 18:30:31 05/15/13 Wed
  • Chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, and (outside of my normal "Geek" box), history (NT) -- ScarlettO, 19:38:02 05/15/13 Wed
  • My favorites were band, PE, and biology/advanced biology. My adv. bio. teacher was the one who suggested medical laboratory science as a college major--worked in that field for 37 years. Played in a homeschool band with my kids, and looking forward to playing in a community band this summer. (NT) -- Rosemarie, 19:40:56 05/15/13 Wed
  • Hands down, my favorite subject then and now, American History! (NT) -- CarolE, 21:05:06 05/15/13 Wed
  • In my final year I studied what is now called the fatal five - English, Chemistry, Physics, Maths One and Maths Two. I was very sorry to have to drop French from the year before as we were only allowed 5 subjects. I wanted to do Eng at university but wasn't allowed to in a Science degree. Now I am much more interested in history :) (NT) -- astrokath, 03:47:16 05/16/13 Thu
  • I was in every music class you could take, and loved English and History. Still do, for that matter. (NT) -- Susannah, 03:58:19 05/16/13 Thu
  • Art and English (especially creative writing). I majored in journalism in college. (NT) -- LizT, 06:50:54 05/16/13 Thu
  • The subjects that held my interest were Psychology and Biology. (NT) -- LadyGrace, 07:01:30 05/16/13 Thu
  • English (which was of course a foreign language for me) and Maths. Didn't like History and Biology and hated Chemistry. (NT) -- Patricia, 07:45:33 05/16/13 Thu
  • My fave class was German - taught by Luis Araujo (a Brazilian) - and one of my math classes - but only because of my teacher, Sarah Schlessinger. She ended up helping me when I decided, after 16 years away from school, to go to university, by allowing me to sit in on her high school Calculus class - it was a major help in getting me through Statistics in that first year of university. (NT) -- Ruthgold18, 08:18:53 05/16/13 Thu
  • History has always been my favorite subject and I always excelled at it. I even voluntarily took two AP history classes my senior year of high school. (NT) -- Cait, 09:03:24 05/16/13 Thu
  • History, I've always loved history, even before I could read and liked looking at pictures of medieval castles and knights in armour. I eventually studied for a degree and an MA in history. (NT) -- albion, 09:22:40 05/16/13 Thu
  • I loved all the science and math classes and was pretty good at art. I barely tolerated English and History then. Now my favorite hobby is reading historical fiction. I do still love to learn. (NT) -- MonicaW, 12:51:38 05/16/13 Thu
  • Social Studies and English Literature. Art was temporarily dormant. (NT) -- Lemora, 20:04:19 05/16/13 Thu
  • Art, of course, and chorus. English was great since I loved to read. My one physics class was fun. But I especially loved Humanities. We had the most fantastic teacher for that class! Oops, I should have said Spanish, too. Lo siento, Sra. Hufham. (NT) -- SueW (), 20:58:52 05/16/13 Thu
  • I loved everything except anything associated with math or physics. Definitely all my talents lie with the Creative Arts so Art & English were my favorites.. (NT) -- Connee, 10:17:41 05/17/13 Fri
  • Arts and English... yeah - I know.... :oP (NT) -- Oatcake, 11:05:26 05/20/13 Mon
  
  

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• Calling all chemists -- Heather, 08:16:31 05/15/13 Wed
  I am hoping someone can help us. It has been a LONG time since high school chemistry, and I wasn't great in it then. DS is working on naming ionic compounds. I think we understand the 'ide' formulas, but I am lost with the 'ate' formulas. Mn2(SO3)7 Manganese Sulfate. But how do your get that? And when there are roman numerals in brackets iron (II) arsenide. What do they mean?
  
  Thank you so much for any help!!
  

  
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  • -SO3 is sulfite, -SO4 is sulfate; both have a -2 ionic charge. The Roman numeral refers to the valence (the + charge from missing electrons in the outer shell of the atom); some atoms have two forms, e.g. Fe+2 (ferrous), Fe+3 (ferric), Cu+1 (cuprous), Cu+2 (cupric). Wikipedia has good brief info on this, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valence_electron (NT) -- Rosemarie, 09:35:43 05/15/13 Wed
  • Well, crap. Thanks for that glimpse into my homework help future. He's doomed if he comes to me. I remember feeling sooooo smart when I memorized the periodic table. But then you actually had to DO stuff with it. Nightmare. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 13:37:26 05/15/13 Wed
  • My DH, a chemist, could get on here and explain it all to you in extreme boring detail. By the time he was done, you would a) fall asleep or b) want to gag him or c)wonder how I stay married to him. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 13:44:49 05/15/13 Wed
  • Heather, is there a "Parent/Teacher Store" in your area? They have knowledgeable staff who know what classroom aides/enrichment/tutorial materials to supply you with. Staff are usually former teachers. (We used to have the fabulous Oakland Parent Teacher Store, which was purchased by an idiot, who ruined it, putting it out of business. I don't know of a decent replacement.) Anyway, shop around and you may find such a place. Does your local library have a section devoted to education assistance materials and perhaps a knowledgeable librarian? Good luck! (NT) -- Lemora, 17:19:12 05/15/13 Wed
  • Um, thanks Rosemarie, but could you say that again and pretend I am 7? Lemora, I live in a rural area. Not sue if we have a store like that, but it would be about an hour away, and not an option in the near future. (NT) -- Heather, 17:54:21 05/15/13 Wed
  • I can't help with the actual chemistry part, but my kids have textbooks that have online components with tutorials and practice items. It is very helpful to watch these when we get stuck on math - somehow having someone tell & show it in a demo is so much easier than reading the text alone. Maybe the chemistry text he uses has an online edition? You will need the teacher's ID & password for the class to log on. ((((Hugs to you!)))) DD will be home next week & I can ask her (if not too late for you) - she is a chemistry major at college. (NT) -- MaryJ, 19:28:44 05/15/13 Wed
  • Heather, the formula for Manganese Sulfate is MnSO4. THe compound you name above is Manganese SulFITE. As for the iron (II) oxide, transition metals can form more than one ion (and iron is a transition metal). When it forms an ion, iron will be either 2+ or 3+ charge. In order to know what compound it will form with arsenic, you need to know if you have the 2+ iron or the 3+ iron. Arsenic has a +3 charge, so the formula would be Fe3As2 (you need 3 iron ions to every 2 arsenic ions so the charges balance. There is a lot more that goes into it, obviously, but that should answer that question. :-D (NT) -- ScarlettO, 19:36:29 05/15/13 Wed
    • I am soooooo glad I never took chemistry. Both my kids did though - and did well with it. *G* (NT) -- CathyS, 16:28:13 05/16/13 Thu
      • All the chemistry facts I learned Argon from my brain. (NT) -- SueW (sad), 20:57:00 05/16/13 Thu
  
  

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• TGIF Meeps and Peeps. What's shakin' this weekend? -- Lady Lukkarinen, 07:47:55 05/10/13 Fri
  
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  • Red Hat breakfast in the AM and DDIL having us over for dessert tomorrow evening. Sunday taking Mom out to eat for Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day Lallyland! (NT) -- CarolE, 08:41:44 05/10/13 Fri
  • DH and I are off to Llandudno tomorrow to have lunch with friends we haven't seen for ages. Really looking forward to it. On Sunday I intend to potter around the house. (NT) -- albion, 11:31:14 05/10/13 Fri
  • I will be resting. Just spent a day and a night in the hospital after falling and banging my head. Good news, just an internal bruise, no bleeding. (NT) -- beccabee, 13:24:53 05/10/13 Fri
    • My goodness! Glad it isn't worse! Take good care of yourself, lass! (NT) -- Oatcake, 14:23:03 05/10/13 Fri
      • It is worse - I didn't make it to the bathroom in time! Ha! (NT) -- beccabee, 14:45:16 05/10/13 Fri
        • ((((((((((beccabee!)))))))))) (NT) -- Florence, 16:07:52 05/10/13 Fri
        • literally adding insult to injury! hope your much better soon (NT) -- Wee, 04:59:38 05/12/13 Sun
    • Yes, take care of yourself! Glad it wasn't worse. I'm resting and trying to get over a nasty cold. (NT) -- Lemora, 16:20:38 05/10/13 Fri
    • Oh, beccabee, I hope you are feeling better by now!!!! (NT) -- MaryJ, 13:09:02 05/13/13 Mon
      • Got out of the hospital just in time to get hit with food poisoning. (NT) -- beccabee, 13:13:19 05/14/13 Tue
        • Oh, honey, taken care. (NT) -- MaryJ, 14:52:27 05/14/13 Tue
  • I'll continue to recover from my 24hrs/7d/week job as a mom and wife while my men get soaked on the camping site.... :D (NT) -- Oatcake, 14:26:50 05/10/13 Fri
  • Gonna see Iron Man 3. I've heard mixed reviews so far, but love Robert Downey Jr., so I guess I'm really going just to gaze at his pretty face. (NT) -- Connee, 19:25:32 05/10/13 Fri
  • Gaby turns 2! So along with trying to actually clean up the yard, we'll be having a bit of a party at a local pizza/game place and just overall fun! (NT) -- TracyAnn, 20:51:59 05/10/13 Fri
  • Auction Saturday morning, baby shower Saturday afternoon, friends over Saturday evening. Sunday, whatever the hell I want. :) (NT) -- Maria, 22:12:50 05/10/13 Fri
  • Rabbit meeting for 4-H today, then dinner and Iron Man 3 tonight, and tomorrow, traditional breakfast with my mom and sister along with church in the morning, then my great-niece's first birthday party in the afternoon. Busy days! (NT) -- JustGina, 15:08:51 05/11/13 Sat
  • Recovering from week one of four subbing in a grade one/two classroom with lots of high needs. (NT) -- M.F., 17:18:07 05/11/13 Sat
  • Grandson's 2nd birthday party yesterday. Today is just going to be a quiet me day (NT) -- Wee, 05:01:14 05/12/13 Sun
  • I saw an excellent parody of "The Hunger Games" last night - "The Hungry Hungry Games" - featuring Kat Evans and Peter Mellencamp. It was awesome. Today we're celebrating Mother's Day at my grandmother's with a lovely dinner. (NT) -- LadyStormwing, 09:08:02 05/12/13 Sun
  • I can't believe Gaby's 2 already!! Happy Birthday! (NT) -- M.F., 17:20:19 05/12/13 Sun
    • You and me both! She had a busy day and sacked out by 8:30. Thanks! (NT) -- TracyAnn (), 19:26:33 05/12/13 Sun
  
  

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• Poetic Justice? -- CathyS, 16:36:56 05/09/13 Thu
  Just wanted to share a story and ask who else has one to share. My sister told me that her son, who loves acting and has been in a number of plays over the years, was bullied a few years back by a much larger boy in the acting troop. It was well handled and has never occurred again but these things are never really forgotten. This year, the play is Peter Pan. The boy (now 14 or 15) is playing Captain Hook. My nephew, who will be 14 the end of this month, is playing the crocodile. (Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock)
  
  I thought this was a wonderful example of poetic justice. Do you have any stories to share?
  

  
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  • hehehehe. (NT) -- jayn, 06:29:49 05/10/13 Fri
  • That's a good one, Cathy. (NT) -- beccabee, 13:26:01 05/10/13 Fri
  • Okay this is a little vicious but after former husband has worked on his 4th engagement (would be his 3rd marriage) his intended jilted him by telling him she wasn't ready for a committment and calling off the wedding. DD just told me about it last week. Payback is a witch with a "b". (NT) -- Connee, 14:30:39 05/10/13 Fri
    • Hehehe. Love it! (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 19:52:17 05/10/13 Fri
  • I've been trying to think of something comparable to share. My cousin's husband dumped her for a floozie a couple of decades ago. (Said Cousin and her husband had been high school sweethearts; the divorce was excruciating; her lawyer was incompetent, and her dad was dying.) Fast forward to 2013: The ex is now stuck with a potty-mouthed alcoholic slob who embarrasses him in public. His chickens have definitely come home to roost. And yes, he knows it. (My cousin is in a better place in her life than her ex.) I don't know if this compares, but I absolutely love your story about Captain Hook and the crocodile. (NT) -- Lemora, 21:41:45 05/10/13 Fri
  • When one of my friends was married to her first DH he did not want to even think about having kids. He did not like them especially babies. Donna is a wonderful, pretty woman with her act together. Well he left her and married another. She had TRIPLETS two years later. I still snigger when I see them in public. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 03:40:42 05/11/13 Sat
    • Ha! That's a good story! (NT) -- shy gal, 14:37:23 05/11/13 Sat
    • This story reminds me of a friend of mine>>> -- Patricia, 02:27:37 05/13/13 Mon
  • I wish there would be more (& immediate) poetic justice in the world. (NT) -- MaryJ, 18:00:51 05/12/13 Sun
    • And . . . I want to witness it. With popcorn and a cold beverage. (NT) -- CathyS, 17:37:59 05/13/13 Mon
      • Yes!! (NT) -- MaryJ, 06:44:16 05/14/13 Tue
  • Love it!!!!!!!! (NT) -- LisaW, 10:45:26 05/13/13 Mon
  • Kind of a long story so inside>>> -- jayn, 07:17:15 05/14/13 Tue
    • I feel your pain. When I was a second grader and my sister was a fourth grader, each of us had teachers who hated us. We found out decades later it was because after our father (a teacher) was widowed, our teachers were interested in him but he married our very, very young mother instead. Scandal city! (NT) -- shy gal, 13:17:41 05/14/13 Tue
  
  

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• I hate asking people what they pay for something, but I am completely flabbergasted by a quote I received and thought I would ask here. -- Traci_Mc, 15:26:34 05/09/13 Thu
  We are looking into buying our daughter a used car. She is 17 and just got her license in January, but she will be off to college in the fall. We found one the other night, and when I called our insurance company to get a quote, it was $1,400 for 6 months (that's $240 a month, basically a car payment). I know teenagers are more expensive, but WOW! DH and I each pay under $500 every 6 months, and he has a new car, so I wasn't expecting it to be that high. And that is with the Good Student and Steer Clear discounts. So, if you have a teenager with their own car, how much do you pay? Anonymous answers are perfectly fine. I know there are other factors like where you live, type of car, etc. but I'm just curious if this is about the average.
  

  
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  • It's worse for boys. I called my insurance agent when DS#1 got his learner's ... around $300 per month extra just for him. Therefore, no regular license & car for him... until HE can pay for the gas & insurance. He's a FT college student, living at home, no job - we still have to drive him to school. =/ (NT) -- Donna Mc, 17:23:55 05/09/13 Thu
  • Wow, I know ours didn't go up that much. When DD was 18 she had a car, used mostly for summer job transportation. It raised our rate by about $150 a month. That was about 6 years ago, so maybe things have gotten much worse. (NT) -- HollyC, 17:36:03 05/09/13 Thu
  • Just paid this today. DD is 18, drives a used car, and with Good Student and Steer Clear discounts, it costs about $645 every six months. (NT) -- LadyJay, 19:16:08 05/09/13 Thu
  • This is absolutely area specific!!! Having worked in the insurance industry I know the comparison is vast within the borders of the US. Down in Texas, auto insurance is incredibly lower than homeowner's... so... our son with his own liability only car costs $650 a year on our policy. On his own it would double. In Philadelphia, where we used to live, this would all be double. HO Insurance however is close to $2,000 a year down here!!! (NT) -- Shari of Houston, 04:54:20 05/10/13 Fri
  • Not really a quote of what we paid but what I learned. A friend of my mother's teenage son was on their car insurance policy. He had an accident where he was killed and the other guy was hurt. The parents lost their son, their home and their business because of this. I insisted my kids have their OWN insurance even if I had to help pay for it. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 05:06:22 05/10/13 Fri
  • If there are more cars than people its cheaper. If it works out that there is a car specifically for the teenager its more. Also...... have the teenager listed as the principle driver of the least value car. DS is 20, we have a 2009 Honda Fit he drives and its 800 a year. Before we got that he was sharing a 1999 Sable with his brother we had, and it was only an extra 400 a year. (NT) -- M&M, 06:08:41 05/10/13 Fri
    • I have to add we live in the 2nd lowest county for auto ins. in IN.. (NT) -- M&M, 06:12:10 05/10/13 Fri
    • Good info, thanks. Would DS1 now be considered an occassional driver since he doesn't have it at college? DS2 will be getting his license in the summer. My van is the oldest vehicle we have. I wonder if we should list him as a driver on that instead of the more expensive SUV. I didn't realize it made a difference what car they drove. (NT) -- conmama, 07:29:16 05/10/13 Fri
      • When my girls went to school, it didn't drop our insurance, as their permanent address is still our home. Trust me, I tried. LOL (NT) -- ScarlettO, 17:49:54 05/10/13 Fri
        • Our insurance will lower the insurance rate if your student is away at college without their car, but they have to be at least 100 miles. Unfortunately, DD will be less than that. : ( (NT) -- Traci_Mc, 12:39:36 05/11/13 Sat
          • Thats how ours works too, but it was a bit lower. (NT) -- M&M, 17:17:14 05/11/13 Sat
      • The 2009 Honda Fit was 400 bucks cheaper than the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. Before that he was principle on my 2003 van. (NT) -- M&M, 17:18:22 05/11/13 Sat
    • I don't understand the 'if there are more cars than people it's cheaper'? Shouldn't it be 'if there are more people than cars it's cheaper'? Joey is 17 today and should start his new job this week....when he has $1000 saved he will take drivers ed and have half a years insurance...THEN he can get his license. He'll be 3rd on our one car...and if he actually gets his own car it will have ME listed as primary to keep the costs down...I hope O.o (NT) -- Ceilidh, 06:01:14 05/13/13 Mon
      • YES YES YES......... oh my sorry! More People than Cars, then the kids arent tied to one car, so sorry about that. (NT) -- M&M, 08:26:46 05/14/13 Tue
        • I sound like Meg Ryan in the diner. *g* (NT) -- M&M, 08:27:11 05/14/13 Tue
          • I figured that was what you meant...but I had to check ;) Joey is now $400 closer to driving thanks to his grandparents paying a huge chunk of drivers ed ;) (NT) -- Ceilidh, 08:57:43 05/14/13 Tue
            • Some offer discounts for good grades too! (NT) -- M&M, 11:32:07 05/16/13 Thu
        • Oh good...we'll have 3 cars and 4 drivers this summer! Plus one will just be occassional and we can put the other one on my cheap van. It will be interesting to see the cost. (NT) -- conmama, 08:36:03 05/15/13 Wed
  • To add Joey to our policy....and we only have ONE car in the house...it was going to be $800+ for the year (as casual THIRD driver on the one car)...we pay under $600 for the insurance now. (NT) -- Ceilidh, 06:17:04 05/10/13 Fri
  • Having worked in the insurance industry for many years now, both in Canada and the US, I have to say that, unfortunately, kids who are young and have their own cars, whether used or not, are going to end up paying quite a significant amount of money - and yes, it does depend on where you live as well since it varies widely. (NT) -- Ruthgold18, 07:32:26 05/10/13 Fri
  • We pay about $1800 per YEAR extra for our two girls, ages 19 & 20, both of whom are full-time students. DD1 has a car at school (our second car - my DH is disabled and doesn't drive) but DD2 goes to school in NYC and doesn't have a car. I tried to get our insurance reduced when DD2 went off to school, but since her permanent address didn't change, it didn't make any difference. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 17:53:24 05/10/13 Fri
  
  

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• My men have gone camping for the weekend... -- Oatcake, 07:48:12 05/09/13 Thu
  ...so I'll dedicate the next three days to laziness, comfy clothes and unhealthy food.
  What's on top of your shopping list if ye dinna care about health and calories? (Theoretically of course ;o)
  

  
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  • Ice Cream, something full fat like Haagen Daz or Ben & Jerry's with chocolate. I love a bag of Munchie Mix with a bag of dark chocolate peanut M&M's tossed in. And orange Fanta. That's my weekend movie mix. (NT) -- Cherie, 08:05:35 05/09/13 Thu
  • Sounds absolutely wonderful! Don't forget to thrown in those chick flicks, also. Hmmmmm.....I love chocolate covered raisins and brownies...after the pizza of course. I also love spicettes. Have fun! (NT) -- conmama, 08:08:30 05/09/13 Thu
    • You are my twin! (NT) -- MaryJ, 14:09:26 05/09/13 Thu
      • We are midwesterns....LOL! Aren't you in KY? I'm in IN. (NT) -- conmama, 05:01:07 05/10/13 Fri
        • Why did I think you lived in Los Angeles?? I live in Minnesota, but there is another Mary from KY on the boards. I graduated from IU Bloomington though. I <3 Indians! (NT) -- MaryJ, 14:48:09 05/10/13 Fri
          • I <3 Indiana... Darn autocorrect. (NT) -- MaryJ, 14:49:37 05/10/13 Fri
            • You are right, it's Maryky I am thinking of. In also went to IU, when were u there. I graduated in 1982, was a reluctant sorority gal...haha. (NT) -- Conmama, 11:29:35 05/12/13 Sun
              • I started in 1982, met DH in Oct '82, rushed but didn't go to bid night b/c so sick of it, then joined a new one my sophomore year ADPi. Which house were you? (NT) -- MaryJ, 18:04:30 05/12/13 Sun
                • I'm a Phi Mu. Actually, I consider myself a reluctant sorority gal because....inside.... -- conmama, 05:41:07 05/13/13 Mon
                  • Why did I say my "current' DH...he's my only DH! (NT) -- conmama, 05:42:17 05/13/13 Mon
                • Do you ever get back? We went for year, had football and basketball season tickets. (but then again we live an hour away). I love going to Nicks and walking around. It killed us our DS didn't get in..it's so hard to get in now? Remember when all you had to have was a 2.0 GPA and even less than a 1000 on SAT? LOL! Avg. admittance GPA is 3.7 now and SAT is 1300. Crazy. (NT) -- conmama, 05:45:43 05/13/13 Mon
  • Cheese! Cheese is always top of my list for indulging. Love a good aged cheddar, or brie on bits of toasted bread, or a smoky gouda mmmm. I love cheese, oh and Gummi Bears. I have a strange addiction to Haribo Gold Gummie Bears :) (NT) -- Cait, 08:16:15 05/09/13 Thu
    • Haribo Gold Bears! Hello sister!!! :) (NT) -- Patricia, 02:39:41 05/10/13 Fri
  • Tostitos, ANY kind but Tostitos!!! (NT) -- CarolE, 11:35:53 05/09/13 Thu
  • Pizza then ice cream at our local candy store. They make their own candy and ice cream. My favorite is chocolate with caramel running thru it , with chunks of peanut butter and pecans. Then I would watch GB again in Playing For Keeps. He looks sooooo good in it. (NT) -- Janet H., 12:07:11 05/09/13 Thu
    • Including eye-candies is okay...:D (NT) -- Oatcake, 12:11:15 05/09/13 Thu
  • I always make homemade tapioca pudding, served warm with cinnamon on top. :) (NT) -- M&M, 12:53:31 05/09/13 Thu
    • I have a new favourite tapioca. You mix with coconut milk, chopped mangos and put maple syrup on top. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 14:27:56 05/09/13 Thu
  • Tofu pad thai or greasy chicken fried rice from our favorite carry out place, shower, jammies, & netflix - my favorite evening alone :) Enjoy!! My guys go camping regularly & I love it! (NT) -- MaryJ, 14:08:48 05/09/13 Thu
  • Canned chili with lots of toast, sour creme and shaved cheese, followed by a trip to Dairy Queen for a caramel, pecan, chocolate thing. I might be the only person I know who likes canned chili but I do - it's no more chili than I am the queen, but I love it for what it is. (NT) -- jayn, 14:16:56 05/09/13 Thu
  • Take-out kebab or pizza, ice-cream (Ben & Jerry's, preferably), Milka chocolate (or Côte d'Or milk chocolate with slightly salted almonds), Coca-cola, sour cream & onion Pringles, Ferrero Rochers, vanilla custard, rice-pudding (Milchreis!!!), pumpkin soup in a carton, and a pack of menthol cigarettes. :) (NT) -- Patricia (), 02:45:10 05/10/13 Fri
    • haha love the menthol cigarettes I used to call them dessert cigarettes. (NT) -- Cherie (), 14:21:18 05/10/13 Fri
  • A bottle of wine; a bag of plain Lays potato chips and Outlander. (NT) -- Lady Lukkarinen, 05:49:45 05/10/13 Fri
  • My favorite candy when it's just for me is a very dark chocolate with almonds (I can't have them often because of DD #1's tree nut allergies). I love red cinnamon bears. For snacks, I like warm artichoke dip with melba toast. For food... pizza with mushrooms (because no one in this house likes mushrooms besides me) and sushi. (NT) -- JenK, 06:12:44 05/10/13 Fri
  • Wine, dark chocolate, curry, but not necessarily all together! (NT) -- Em, 10:49:52 05/10/13 Fri
  • Canned spaghetti and meatballs. I just love the gummy texture and tomatoey flavor. Haven't had any for years. (NT) -- beccabee, 13:27:19 05/10/13 Fri
    • I hope you're in your car eating out of the can with a plastic spoon within the next ten minutes (NT) -- shy gal, 14:39:28 05/11/13 Sat
  • Shrimp egg fu yung, margaritas & sour cherry gels (NT) -- Connee, 14:25:06 05/10/13 Fri
  • Depends on the mood. Sometimes it's seafood - especially shrimp. If I'm looking for salty - it's olives from Spain and tortilla chips. If it's sweet - then it's double-stuffed oreos or homemade molasses cookies. (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 15:49:04 05/10/13 Fri
  • Kraft mac n cheese and cheesecake. DH hates cream cheese so cheesecake is a restaraunt treat for me usually- (NT) -- Nicole (Lady Brit), 16:01:44 05/10/13 Fri
  • A bacon cheese burger with extra sharp cheddar, or a carnitas burrito with pinto beans, guacamole, tomatoes and hot salsa. In fact, I had this burrito for lunch this afternoon. (NT) -- Lemora, 21:48:00 05/10/13 Fri
  
  

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• Since Germans sometimes don't go through the pains of inventing their own name for things we call those little cakes "muffins". Is it the same as a cupcake or is there a difference? -- Oatcake, 04:30:43 05/09/13 Thu
  
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  • In American English, a cupcake is sweet and is made with the same recipe and batter as is a cake. Muffins can be neutral to savory, but can also be sweet, like blueberry muffins. Muffins are not made from cake batter. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 05:01:02 05/09/13 Thu
  • I might have added that while a (cup)cake recipe can be mixed manually in a bowl with a large spoon it most often is prepared in an electric mixer. Generally speaking, a muffin recipe is mixed in a bowl with a large spoon, although I have muffin recipes that I prepare in the mixer. A (cup)cake recipe is more thoroughly mixed than a muffin recipe prior to baking. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 05:09:39 05/09/13 Thu
  • Will I never finish? A (cup)cake batter tends to be thinner (although there are exceptions) and pours easily into a cake pan or what we call a "muffin tin" or "muffin pan" (which is used for both cupcakes and muffins...got that?...confused already?). A muffin batter is thicker and is spooned into its tin. (NT) -- Joyce Mc (anyone else?), 05:19:02 05/09/13 Thu
    • I think you covered it all Joyce! LOL (NT) -- M&M, 06:25:45 05/09/13 Thu
  • Thank you, Joyce Mc! - Um...I think I have to read it another two or three times... ;oP (NT) -- Oatcake, 06:12:48 05/09/13 Thu
  • I think the difference between cupcakes and muffins is the texture. It's the same as the difference between a cake and a sweet bread (such as banana bread or pumpkin bread). Also, muffins aren't normally frosted while cupcakes are frosted. (NT) -- LizT, 07:09:41 05/09/13 Thu
  • And cupcakes are generally a dessert or a treat, while muffins are more a meal or healthy (supposedly) snack. In my corner of the world cupcakes have largely replaced birthdaycake as easier and more controllable. (NT) -- jayn, 14:20:15 05/09/13 Thu
  • Seriously, no "cupcakes" in Germany? In my perception, muffins are bigger and "denser" than cupcakes, which are somehow "fluffier". (NT) -- Patricia, 02:50:46 05/10/13 Fri
  • If you don't have cupcakes, you better start making them and selling them LOL. Cupcakes are all about the frosting. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 05:10:07 05/10/13 Fri
  • I'm addicted to making cupcakes!! We also have a smaller version over here in the UK we call fairy cakes. Whatever you call them, I love them! (NT) -- Em, 10:48:09 05/10/13 Fri
  • THESE are Cupcakes - CLICK (NT) -- Cherie, 11:05:14 05/10/13 Fri
    • Now I see why it's all about the frosting! :D Thanks! (NT) -- Oatcake, 12:27:08 05/10/13 Fri
    • Whoa! May special is a Boston Cream! Have GOT to try those! (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 19:57:45 05/10/13 Fri
  
  

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• Can anyone help me?? -- MaryJ, 19:43:37 05/04/13 Sat
  I am trying to do a slideshow w/music on my iPhoto (mac). It has taken me hours & hours to finally think I understand how to get everything the way I want it. Now, I find out I can't burn this directly to a CD??? It seems to need to go through iDVD, which I didn't even know I had, but I do, but it doesn't work or look anything like my options in iPhoto.
  I just want my slideshow to go from iphoto to a cd or dvd is this impossible? Tomorrow I think I will go buy DVDs to try to copy this to, as perhaps that could be the problem?
  

  
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  • Eeek! iDVD frightens me. Every time I go in there for a peek around I run screaming. It just makes no sense to me. And I hop someone has an answer because I would love to know how to do that. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 07:44:33 05/05/13 Sun
    • It's morning, I'm refreshed now, I'm going to go get dvd discs (saw many people recommend them when I was searching for answers). Also going to try exporting to my desktop & burning from there. Really, what good is a slideshow on iphoto if you can't burn it from there? Or at least they should have the same theme & transition options in idvd that are in iPhoto. I'll let you know. (NT) -- MaryJ, 07:47:22 05/05/13 Sun
  • I'll ask my DIL, not sure.....never tried but now you have me curious!! (NT) -- CarolE, 09:11:38 05/05/13 Sun
    • Did you try this>>> -- CarolE, 09:14:52 05/05/13 Sun
      • Yes, I saw that last night, along w/many other q&a pages. Ity looks easy on there, but, in real life, not so easily done. Thanks CarolE! (NT) -- MaryJ, 13:44:07 05/05/13 Sun
  • I've got one copy done - inside for what I've figured out w/idvd so far, Jodi YoB... -- MaryJ, 14:01:50 05/05/13 Sun
    • Be happy to HAVE iDVD...it isn't even on Macs anymore...and the stress I went through to burn movies to dvd recently almost made me HATE my new Mac :( (NT) -- Ceilidh, 17:35:18 05/05/13 Sun
      • Even my 22 yr old DS, who usually solves all tech problems for me, was surprised at how hard it was to use! We transfered old vcr tapes all onto a hard drive and thought no problem we'll go in and edit and burn to dvds. It took hours to just do one, and we're still thinking we must be doing the process wrong. First time for me that MAC has made something so complex! (NT) -- HollyC, 05:14:38 05/06/13 Mon
      • Ceilidh, how did you do it without idvd? I transferred my slideshow to my desktop, thinking I would be able to burn from there, but haven't tried it that way yet b/c I figured out idvd & I like having the cover page piece. But I'm curious as to how you did it w/out the idvd. So true, Holly! I am really disappointed with Apple right now. (NT) -- MaryJ, 05:35:36 05/06/13 Mon
        • I THINK I used iMovie to make the video (home movie bits from cameras and phones) and then used free program "burn" to burn it. Soooo frustrated to realize that Macs son't come with a program to use to burn dvds anymore!! Apparently windows is starting to do the same thing as well :( (NT) -- Ceilidh, 09:36:49 05/07/13 Tue
  • Another option (for the future) is to use iMovie to make the slideshow, if you have it. Gives you far more control over timing, music placement, transitions, and special FX, and the finished product can be moved directly into iDVD with no problems. I love it and have made several slideshows with that combination. (NT) -- LadyStormwing, 20:31:21 05/05/13 Sun
    • Yes, Lady Stormwing, a friend walked me through how she used iMovie, I was already done on iPhoto, but next time...and if I get the energy to redo this one maybe this time, I will try iMovie. I loaded my album into iMovie, but it accidentally went into one of my son's projects & the tabs for split and duplicate are grey...ggrrrr so I can't figure out how to separate his from mine. Again - it should be so simple, yet the simple options are not available - why does apple do this???? Also, I think my idvd has a bug because my computer freezes up, duplicates the screens, and won't let me quit idvd until I unplug from the wall. I am not pleased w/Apple right now. (NT) -- MaryJ, 05:17:20 05/06/13 Mon
  • Been a while since I've done this, but as I recall, you can skip having to go through iDVD to burn your slideshow. I have iPhoto 11 and if I pull up a slideshow, there are the Play, Preview and Export buttons at the bottom of the window. Click on Export—don't use the commands from up top because for some reason the option that you'll want isn't up there—then Custom Export, then export the slideshow as a Quicktime movie. To make it easy, have it save to your Desktop. Once it's finished creating the movie and it's on your desktop, right-click and select burn to disk. That should do it. Won't have the fancy formatting that you can do via iDVD but it's quick and fairly simple. Hope that helps. :-) (NT) -- LadyJay (), 08:15:38 05/06/13 Mon
  
  

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• The weekend is upon us once again. What will you be doing with it? -- Lady Lukkarinen, 11:12:57 05/03/13 Fri
  I'll be spending the weekend with my family in our garden. Some of my DD's friends have promised to come over and spend some time with us as well. Have a nice weekend every one and stay safe.
  

  
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  • The DH is learning how to drive his new lawnmower and I am adjusting to yet another medication change. Think that calls for at least one restaurant meal. (NT) -- beccabee, 11:53:24 05/03/13 Fri
  • It's bank holiday here! I'm heading home with DH and the kids to my parents. My sister and her 2 kids are visiting from Montreal and my brother, sister in law and new baby are visiting too. Big family gathering!! (NT) -- Em, 12:28:21 05/03/13 Fri
  • Cooped up inside... suffering big time, and pollen count is going to be extremely high in the DC area. Ugh. (NT) -- LP, 13:12:24 05/03/13 Fri
  • Not much of nuthin'! If it doesn't rain tomorrow (AGAIN) we will be doing yard work. Sunday cooking for the family. Happy weekend Lallyland! (NT) -- CarolE, 15:21:40 05/03/13 Fri
  • Tomorrow I'll be grading like a mad-woman (75 papers from seniors - ugh), tomorrow late night will be post prom (although I'm only working part of it so DS can have at least one senior event "mom free"), nephew's first communion on Sunday and then throw in all the other normal stuff like laundry, groceries, lesson plans, etc. ONLY 23 DAYS LEFT!! (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 18:01:17 05/03/13 Fri
  • Going out to the back 40 with DH to fix pasture fencing. Hoping to entice him into lying under a tree with me for awhile.... (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 18:14:47 05/03/13 Fri
  • 3 day weekend for me. Day 1 was exhausting, and expensive! DH's Xterra was on its last legs, so now that my Rav is paid for we bit the bullet and traded the Green Monster in for a Pathfinder. I'll have to turn over the keys to my Fiona for DH to drive to work every day and I guess it will be a total hardship to drive the spiffy Nissan (I was rooting for the Highlander, but it was way more expensive). So since it's DH's long weekend and his birthday tomorrow, we'll be doing some yardwork, going to dinner and probably taking the new car for a drive or three! (NT) -- TracyAnn (), 20:12:27 05/03/13 Fri
  • Yard work and spring cleaning! I'm trying to get a lot done thia week since work is slow - maybe I'll even paint the kitchen, although thats not likely _this_ weekend. :) (NT) -- Maria, 12:24:15 05/04/13 Sat
  • Packing. We're moving house in a few days. (NT) -- Kirsten, 01:33:55 05/05/13 Sun
  
  

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• Just wondering -- jayn, 11:03:13 05/02/13 Thu
  
  Does anyone here know anything much about lipo suction. especially how much it costs? I'm not looking to have it, but a few of us were discussing the subject and no one knew, now I've gotten wondering. Is it generally one treatment, or several sessions?
  

  
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  • According to Wikipedia between $1,500 - $7,500 depending on what you are having done and the area you live in. I know one person who had lipo done on her thighs. She said it ruined them. Plus, you are taking out fat cells. When you gain weight, the fat has to to go somewhere else i would think. (NT) -- conmama, 11:20:21 05/02/13 Thu
  • I was wondering about lipo too. Having had 2 c-sections, my stomach isn't where it is supposed to be anymore. :) Not that I can afford it now, but was hoping some day. (NT) -- JenK, 13:41:12 05/02/13 Thu
    • I hear ya, sister. I was fine after my first but the second just turned my insides to mush. Of all the things I couldn't stand about my body, a muffin top and belly was the one thing I never had. The ONE thing! So sad. :( (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 21:03:15 05/02/13 Thu
      • Jodi YoB - I know! Ugh... I was never skinny before my kids were born but at least my stomach was normal. Now it hangs and pants just are uncomfortable and wearing dresses or form fitting things is out of the question. A large stomach and small boobs do not make for a good combination! I just look pregnant still! (NT) -- JenK, 04:53:18 05/03/13 Fri
        • I have no boobs either! (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 06:05:05 05/03/13 Fri
          • I have boobs......but they're also hanging. :( I need a tummy tuck and a boob lift. And my turkey wattle removed. If I ever win the lottery..... (NT) -- Maria, 08:48:22 05/03/13 Fri
  • Lipo is surgery to suck out fat. The NEW non invasive treatment is cool sculpt. It freezes the fat away! Office visit and not nearly the amount of $$. No I haven't had it. I saw the procedure on Dr. Oz and you can see the results immediately, no down time. (NT) -- PD, 07:39:33 05/03/13 Fri
  • I saw this done on television and vowed never to have it done. The person looked deformed afterwards. You could try Kymaro undergarmets. I have some and am very happy with the fit and my apperance. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 08:19:42 05/03/13 Fri
  • I heard there is a new procedure for floppy upper arms. I'm in line. (NT) -- beccabee (), 09:57:23 05/03/13 Fri
  • Jayn, I have a price list from my dermatologist's office with this type of service listed, as well as cool sculpt & some others. They are thousands and some do take more than one treatment. If you want specifics, I can post them, but probably won't have time today/tonight. . (NT) -- MaryJ, 10:56:12 05/03/13 Fri
    • I'd love to see the prices and what all is offered. (When you have time, please.) (NT) -- CathyS, 14:12:47 05/03/13 Fri
    • I'm not really looking for the treatment, was just curious about the cost - it's one of those things, could be $50 or could be $5000. (NT) -- jayn, 15:24:57 05/03/13 Fri
      • Careful of those $50 ones. *g* An old boss of mine, his SIL died when she went to Mexico to have it done after doctors here refused to perform elective surgery on her because of a heart condition. Crazy. It's one of those things, nice to dream about but at the end of the day it is still surgery and has risks. I did it for babies but wouldn't for a flatter stomached or bigger boobs. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 10:51:22 05/04/13 Sat
    • Sorry , no lipo was listed, but I put a bunch of other ones in my post below. (NT) -- MaryJ, 14:57:59 05/05/13 Sun
  • My sister had it, said ..... never again...... it HURT!!!!!!!! (NT) -- M&M, 17:14:57 05/03/13 Fri
  • I had one relative that had it to her stomach and saddle bags. Looked great for a couple of years. In her case she continued to gain weight. Today you'd never know she had lipo. She had the procedure in her mid-40s before her hysterectomy. I wonder how menopause plays into success of stomach/hip lipo (if at all)? Maybe if done after menopause as some folks tend to carry more weight after that hormonal adjustment? Just a thought. (NT) -- AngieLass, 07:01:00 05/04/13 Sat
  • Inside for some price info I have... -- MaryJ, 14:55:45 05/05/13 Sun
  
  

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• A fun poll because I'm curious :) -- Cait (), 09:09:04 05/02/13 Thu
  Do you have a nick-name or a funny descriptive line for the Outlander series? I personally, when I feel the call to read them, say I need a session of "Jamie and Claire-apy". :)
  

  Last edited by author: Thu May 02, 2013 09:09:46   Edited 1 time.
  
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  • My family calls them Mom's big fat books. (NT) -- Susannah, 12:15:53 05/02/13 Thu
  • My family refers to them as "those Scottish books". (NT) -- LadyStormwing, 13:12:50 05/02/13 Thu
  • I call them "THE BOOKS" and I guess I would say I'm in need of some Jamie & Claire, must be time for a re-read! 1.5 books left in my physical TBR pile and I'm back to J&C. ABOSAA is next up. (NT) -- CarolE, 16:43:54 05/02/13 Thu
  • Not as much now, but when the kids were babes/toddlers, I would say I was going to go 'touch the stones' and disappear for some mom/read time. The term 'Lallybroch' is a tangible place to my family -- they've heard it so much through the years. I too refer to the series as The Books. (NT) -- AngieLass, 07:07:21 05/04/13 Sat
  • I call them 'my favorite books' (NT) -- MaryJ, 14:59:10 05/05/13 Sun
  • My husband calls them "your porn books" (noting, however, that he HAS read them all. So they must not be too porny - or he likes it. LOL). I call them The Books. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 09:25:19 05/08/13 Wed
  
  

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• Twitter.....Love it or Hate it? I can't decide! I have had a Twitter account for 6 days now. I don't think I am really "getting it" -- so I'm wondering if and how people are using Twitter? For personal family/friend updates? To follow favorite authors and/or celebrities? To follow sports or entertainment updates? Current events? To promote your own work or projects? Seems there are so many ways it can be used, but very odd to see all these threads of interest and activity mashed together in one endless stream! Full disclosure -- the original purpose (I thought) for getting on Twitter was to be able to tweet about a new blog project. I'm still old-fashioned and keep in touch with family/friends via email. But Twitter is such a Pandora's Box - I'm really curious what others think. I've been away/lurking for a long time; getting back online now and it feels like a whole new world! -- pamelalass, 07:29:42 05/01/13 Wed
  
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  • I have a Twitter account but I don't tweet - I only follow celebs, current events, etc. I'm too verbose for Twitter! :-) (NT) -- ScarlettO, 07:34:45 05/01/13 Wed
  • I don't have a twitter account. With email and facebook I just don't feel it's necessary. I have enough stuff to keep track of as it is. That, and I just don't feel like learning yet another system. (NT) -- LadyGrace, 08:06:31 05/01/13 Wed
  • I don't have anything of value to add concerning twitter. I don't participate, just do Facebook. I think it sounds like fun and might look into it in a few months. I just don't have the brain cells right now to learn anything new. (NT) -- conmama, 09:58:05 05/01/13 Wed
  • I only have it to creep on my teenage son and his friends. Verra enlightening, it is. However, I never tweet for myself...only a creep : ) (NT) -- JulieMarie, 12:33:24 05/01/13 Wed
    • Thanks to everyone who's responded! It's looking like not a lot of Twitter users around these parts.... I continue to experiment with it but mostly find myself wasting a lot of time looking at random and ephemeral pieces of information! Someone in my twitter stream (I'm mainly following authors and bloggers) just tweeted " Facebook is for your friends from high school; twitter is for the friends you want to have" -- whatever that means! It does seem like a lot of the tweets are the online equivalent of jumping up and down and saying "Look at Me! Look at Me!" in short little rapid fire bursts.... (NT) -- pamelalass, 18:31:28 05/01/13 Wed
  • I really enjoy twitter for following my favorite chefs and a couple of celebs. I only have about 3 followers, and not one of us tweets much. (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 18:43:49 05/01/13 Wed
  • I had a twitter account that I just used to follow bands and comedians I like. It was useful for getting advanced warning for gigs and tours. I put on my twitter account that I wasn't looking for followers as I don't interact, but everyone so often a follower pops up. I can only just keep up with email, facebook and texting,so twitter just became another chore by trying to keep up the posts. I rarely bother now. I just don't have the time or inclination. I may go back to it when I have more time over the summer, but for now I don't miss it (NT) -- albion, 01:20:58 05/02/13 Thu
  • I'm moderately into Twitter. I have had interesting conversations with several aurhors - DG, Tiffany Reisz, Sophie Morgan, Stuart MacBride, Ian Rankin among them. I follow some musical people (mainly Aussie hihop) but not many 'celebrities''. I also follow quite a few Aussie Rules footballers and related sites. I enjoy it. (NT) -- astrokath, 03:10:41 05/02/13 Thu
    • Wow! You must have an interesting twitter stream - I should follow you! I saw Tiffany Reisz at a book fair and signing (New England Chapter of RWA) last week but did not talk to her. It was a whole room full of romance authors -- sort of too much, like twitter! ;-) (NT) -- pamelalass, 08:01:04 05/02/13 Thu
  • I have it, hardly use. (NT) -- M&M, 05:40:32 05/02/13 Thu
  • I stalk my single twenty something adult son- can't tweet back- he's blocked that as in restricted FB use BUT I can see his tweets so at least I know he's breathing and walking when I don't hear from him for weeks! I thank the goddess for technology as I'm a worrier and he's too busy to use technology to connect with his Mom much! (NT) -- BetsyG, 06:15:09 05/02/13 Thu
  • I was following some tennis players and a funny satire type blog on Federer called pseudofed, but honestly it just felt like time wasting clutter to me! I mean lately I haven't even been reading as much as I'd like, so I'm trying to eliminate stuff that just doesn't lead anywhere. I like the LOL boards because you get a feel of real people talking - twitter seems like all self-promotion. I must be too old to handle so many distractions :-) . (NT) -- HollyC, 06:24:41 05/02/13 Thu
    • Yes! I had been thinking that this Voy format is kind of like a better twitter - because it can happen in real time but you can actually write in complete sentences! I guess it has a more "old-fashioned" look and feel, but it is totally great for actual discussions because it allows for so much text to be displayed onscreen, and in logical threading you can follow. (NT) -- pamelalass, 08:04:17 05/02/13 Thu
  • I'm not touching Twitter! I spend so much time on Facebook and on my e-mails already. I reckon the day only has 24 hours and I need to spend some of them away from the computer. I have noticed that teens are migrating away from FB to Twitter, though, and if my DD moves over there, I will probably get an account, too, to keep up with what she's doing. (NT) -- Patricia, 08:03:47 05/02/13 Thu
    • My 16 year old says that they don't do FB anymore. Twitter, instagram and Facetime is the thing for them now. (NT) -- conmama, 08:28:28 05/02/13 Thu
  • I had a Twitter account and I closed it, too much clutter, and I never figured out how to use it. Interestingly, there was a report on the news recently that Twitter is being used primarily by publicists and people with something to sell or promote, that 'normal' people really don't use it. Dont know if that's true or not. (NT) -- jayn, 14:29:59 05/02/13 Thu
  • I love Twitter. Took me a while to get into it but I've met some great people on there . I tweet every day. It's different to Facebook as I don't really know my Twitter followers (except for a few family and close friends and a couple of Lallypals) I'd really miss it if I didn't have it. It can be hilarious sometimes. (NT) -- Gwen, 10:02:16 05/05/13 Sun
  • Have a Twitter acct but havena used it in years. As a matter of fact I used it once to wish Tom Felton Happy Birthday being a big Draco Malfoy fan. (NT) -- Connee, 22:15:43 05/06/13 Mon
  
  

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• Question on summer school for College Freshman. -- conmama, 05:05:51 05/01/13 Wed
  DS will be home this weekend. During the past year, he ended up withdrawing from 3 classes due to poor grades at midterm. 3 remainder of his classes he passed but did poorly in. He knows he has to take summer school classes at the local CC, credits will transfer. The classes are 8 weeks starting in June. One class meets twice a week for 3 hours. We are considering having him take 2 classes. He will be in school M-TH for 3 hours, plus study time. He will also work a PT lifeguarding job, but they are very reasonable. Do you think 2 classes is too much in just 8 weeks? i guess we feel since he played during the year, now he has to pay the piper. Thoughts?
  

  
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  • If you push for the 2 classes, I'm afraid you run the risk of having the summer just mirror what happened during the school year. If he only has one class, then there really is no excuse for not keeping up with the work and getting a decent grade. I understand your frustration, and the 'pay the piper' aspect, but if he feels like the summer is just a continuation of more school - I don't know how that will affect sophomore year. For you and me, a 3 hour class plus some homework time 4 days a week sounds very reasonable - but where your DS has already struggled maybe it'd be better to set up a way he can feel he's successful? Its always so hard to figure out the balance between are we being too easy on our kids, or are we pushing for something they haven't figured out on their own yet. The whole 'lead a horse to water but can't make him drink' thing. There are no easy answers grrrrrr, good luck! (NT) -- HollyC, 05:30:21 05/01/13 Wed
    • That is exactly what we've been considering. Part of it is we are just mad. However, we know something else is going on..maybe depression, some apathy thrown in, a little bit of lazy. We've struggled since H.S. to try to figure him out. We're not ready to throw in the towel just yet, but I think you might be right and something for DH and I to really discuss the next month. Thanks. (NT) -- conmama, 05:44:38 05/01/13 Wed
  • Not only would he take as many as possible he would PAY for them or pay me back and I would make him show ME the work - accountability to me would be the word of the summer and determinei if he returned to campus! When we sent our kids off they were required to maintain deans list status (very capable of such) for us to pay the bills. Perhaps a similar contract based on his ability? (NT) -- BetsyG, 05:32:55 05/01/13 Wed
    • That is one thing that will be good about the summer..he will be accountable to us. We also discussed that he would have to maintain a certain grade to be able to return to campus in the fall. But I don't want to set him up to fail. I did take summer courses when I was in school and only one is a ton of work in such a short time span. I'm angry right now, so want to punish by forcing two classes. Now, I'm backpedaling and thinking that perhaps 2 vs 1 isn't the best approach for someone who isn't doing well to begin with. I agree something has to change going forward next year, but I'm still reeling that he's back in a couple of days...argh. (NT) -- conmama, 05:48:18 05/01/13 Wed
  • 2 classes is totally doable....and HE needs to be paying for this. He is seeing it all as a 'free ride' and not taking you seriously. If he doesn't want to go to school you can't make him...no matter what. I did community college (3 classes per 10 week quarter) while working 40+ hours a week as teachers aide in a preschool...I can't see why 2 classes and a part time job would be difficult? (NT) -- Ceilidh, 06:58:13 05/01/13 Wed
    • Thanks for your advice. I agree that he isn't taking any of this seriously enough and that's a problem that we have to address. He paid for 10% of his total bill last year, that was all the money he had ($2,000). He basically has to money at this point. The money he will be making this summer will be used again next year, and he will also be getting a PT job (10 hrs/week or so) next fall to pay for his expenditures. (NT) -- conmama, 07:25:06 05/01/13 Wed
  • I took two classes during a summer (8-week) semester, AND worked nearly full time. One of the classes was biochem, the other was easier (don't even remember what class). Well, I was a motivated, hard-working, A student, and I'm far from stupid - and I nearly killed myself (figuratively) trying to keep up with that damn biochem class. So - as tempting as it is to come down hard on him and require two classes, consider the amount of work and the probability of success. The last thing you want IMHO is another withdrawal; it starts to become a mindset and you DON'T want that. (((((((((conmama)))))))) (NT) -- ScarlettO, 07:29:13 05/01/13 Wed
    • Thank you very much for your BTDT advice! We don't want failure...we do want success. It does make sense that the odds of doing well and not burning out and quitting will be higher with only one class. Plus, if he does go back in the fall, I would imagine he might be a bit burned out. Where did I put that crystal ball again? (NT) -- conmama, 07:58:30 05/01/13 Wed
      • I'm glad to help - I wish we ALL had crystal balls!! (NT) -- ScarlettO, 10:52:02 05/02/13 Thu
  • Oh, this is tough and sounds so incredibly stressful -- for everyone involved! Maybe doing well in one class will give him some momentum and inspiration to try for better grades in the fall...? Regardless of what he registers for, it ultimately is going to be his decision whether or not to fully engage, whether it's one class or two. Hope you will all start to get some clarity/some kind of gut feeling may emerge in the coming weeks...? (NT) -- pamelalass, 09:47:51 05/01/13 Wed
    • Good point Pamela! I agree that it will be his decision whether he wants to do well or not...one or two classes. I think I'm leaning on having him just take one and no excuses not to do well. Plus, the next few weeks will also tell how his mental health is. We suspect depression of some degree, but need to live with him for awhile. We've already been checking outpatient facilities, but it's hard when the Patient thinks he's fine. (NT) -- conmama, 09:54:43 05/01/13 Wed
  • No new points to make - just hugs. (NT) -- Lady Cate, 11:32:26 05/01/13 Wed
  • Big hugs to you, conmama. Again, we think the same - I'd be all for a tough summer, but cooler heads are right, I think the chance for success is important for both summer & fall & that may well be taking one class. Is there any chance he may decide to take more general requirements at the community college & return to the university later? I know a lot of kids do that now, for financial reasons - it's smart. Hugs! (NT) -- MaryJ, 18:54:39 05/01/13 Wed
    • I would love it if he had the personality of someone who wanted to stay home and transfer later. He really wants to just get away from us and vice versa unfortunately. However, after next fall that may happen if he can't pull it together. Thanks for the support MaryJ. (NT) -- conmama, 05:09:27 05/02/13 Thu
  • Just had another thought - since what you don't want is the aimless down time - if he ends up with one class and the pt life guarding, is there any way to factor in either: more hours at work, another pt job, or volunteering with something he's moderately interested in. The trouble is finding jobs/volunteer stuff is not so easy, so thats even more hassles falling on you :-( , but I can just see my blood would boil if there was alot of sleeping late, movie watching, etc. (NT) -- HollyC, 06:13:42 05/02/13 Thu
    • Yes, he can up his hours for lifeguarding. It also makes our blood boil when they sleep late. We will be making him do the 8:00 class (8 - 11) twice a week. That way he is up and out of the house at least twice a week with the rest of us. (NT) -- conmama, 08:30:25 05/02/13 Thu
  • I would say leave it up to him. I think he's a lot like my DS#1 and when mine doesn't feel like doing something, then he won't. Or we have to spend all our time and energy on pushing him to do it, and it ruins the atmosphere for the entire family - and the other kids (and our marriage) suffer from the constant conflict. As long as he has a part-time job for the summer, I'm not sure I would even push for the one class if he's not motivated to do it. (NT) -- Patricia (), 08:08:10 05/02/13 Thu
  • Since he's pretty much proved that he's not ready or interested in a university education, I wouldn't send him back in the fall. The one class and the PT job are good for this summer. If he stays at home in the fall, he either takes a full course load at CC or one class and a job (paid or volunteer) that will occupy him 40 hours per week. (If he needs you to support him--he HAS to be working at something useful.) I wish we had done something similar with our DD2 who didn't have much interest in higher education (but it's hard to change OUR mindset!). We wasted too much time and money on an unsuccessful and unfinished college career. Best of luck to you. (NT) -- Rosemarie, 10:15:14 05/02/13 Thu
  
  

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• Did you all see this: http://m.deadline.com/2013/04/ron-moores-outlander-series-adaptation-for-starz-sets-up-writing-staff/ -- Sarah K, 10:39:55 04/30/13 Tue
  Diana posted this on her Facebook page. Outlander is coming to the screen!
  

  
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  • I can't help but wish it was going to be on the big screen. (NT) -- Janet H., 16:03:53 04/30/13 Tue
  • I don't get Starz, don't know anyone who does, and don't plan to get it. I'll adopt a wait-and-see attitude. (NT) -- Lemora, 21:10:11 04/30/13 Tue
  • I read the article and it makes me nervous that all the writers and director have more "sci-fi" backgrounds. Although important, the time travel aspect of the story pales in comparison to the adventure and the love story, in my opinion, anyway. (NT) -- CarolSR, 06:18:52 05/01/13 Wed
  • I cancelled all my pay channels in order to save money. I will however pick up Starz in order to watch this series. (NT) -- LadyGrace, 08:15:33 05/01/13 Wed
  • I will believe it when I see it. I've never heard of Starz before this and it doesn't look like it's available in Canada. (NT) -- jayn, 14:36:07 05/02/13 Thu
  
  

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• US Vacation -- astrokath, 03:46:42 04/28/13 Sun
  DH will be attending a conference in Boston in September, and we intend to go to NYC and Washington DC as well.
  We had planned on spending a week in Washington, but have had a US friend tell us this would be too long.
  Any thoughts would be appreciated :)
  

  
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  • It depends on your interests. With the wealth of museums and attractions in and around the area I think you could be well entertained for a week or more. One day could be set aside for a hoser meet up. Quite a few of us around these parts! (NT) -- Wee, 04:22:33 04/28/13 Sun
  • I live in the area & most tourists could easily spend a week in Washington, DC. It depends on your interests. The tourist area of DC is very walkable...be prepared. Museums? We've got plenty & those on the National Mall are free admission. You are outside of the US, no? If so, work with your embassy a month ahead of time to get tickets for tours of the US Capitol...& maybe the White House. At this time, the White House is not available for tours (budget cuts) but who knows by September? If you have a rental car, consider a day trip to Charlottesville, Virginia, home of Thomas Jefferson. If not, try a google search of "tours from Washington, DC" to locate commercial bus tours. If you are looking for an endless list of things to see and do, google "Washington, DC tourism." If any in your party are into military history, we are observing the 150th anniversary of our Civil War. There are plenty of battlefields (now national parks) also on the order of day trips from DC. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 04:49:00 04/28/13 Sun
    • if you decide on the U.S. civil war type tour I live 45 minutes by car from Gettysburg and 1.5 to 2 hour drive to Washington DC (traffic) we also have big house with plenty of space you would be welcome with your own bedroom and bath feel free to email me.....inside -- BetsyG, 07:00:32 04/28/13 Sun
  • Having been to Washington DC I could easily spend a week + there! Make sure you go to Mt. Vernon, George Washington's home!! You can spend a whole day just touring the War Memorials. Wish I lived closer! (NT) -- CarolE, 07:33:40 04/28/13 Sun
  • My parents and my son spent a week there last summer and still didn't see everything they hoped to! The Smithsonian alone can be at least 3 days! :) (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 08:45:23 04/28/13 Sun
  • I agree with Joyce, there is so much to see here in our nation's capitol (FYI: Washington Monument is closed until 2014, because of earthquake repairs). If you're here a week, definitely visit Mt. Vernon, it's fairly close. Have you looked into accommodations yet? I would encourage you to book a hotel near the metro (parking in DC is horrendous): Arlington, VA (Ballston, Courthouse, Rosslyn area), Alexandria, VA (Old Towne). You can find less expensive hotels a litle further away, and most offer free shuttles to the metro). Here's a great link to get you started: http://washington.org/100-free-and-almost-free-things-do-dc (NT) -- LP, 09:15:53 04/28/13 Sun
  • I could spend a week in DC and not be bored. There are plenty of sights just outside to visit, too. You could come up to Baltimore (just an hour away), we have a great aquarium! You could also spend a day in Annapolis. And count me in for a Hoser meet-up if you can fit one in! (NT) -- Traci_Mc, 09:32:33 04/28/13 Sun
  • If I went to DC I'd spend my time at the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress. There are so many books I remember & want to look up. (NT) -- Connee, 21:15:41 04/28/13 Sun
  • Personally, I'd rather spend a week in New York than in Washington, but there is definitely enough to do in DC to keep you busy and interested for a week if you want. (NT) -- Patricia, 01:42:49 04/29/13 Mon
  • Thanks for your input. I was quite surprised she said that, as we knew the Smithsonians were huge. For Australians, we are keen historians of the Civil War (thanks to Margaret Mitchell and Ken Burns) and I was quite excited to see the Manassas Battlefield was close by. And Patricia, we are spending a week in New York too, plus a bit over a week in Boston and a couple of days with friends in CT. I will definitely look into a meet up with anyone available when I know the dates better. Thanks again! (NT) -- astrokath, 03:24:25 04/29/13 Mon
    • Do let me know when you'll be in CT and in NY - I'm planning to visit with my cousin in CT in the fall! (NT) -- Patricia, 03:47:30 04/29/13 Mon
    • Ok Kath if you are keen on civil war then to the north of DC is Antietam (bloodiest battle and Gettysburg - most famous and turning point) so in a week you could EITHER do the famous monuments museums in DC which relate to American History which you may or may not care about OR see some of the main DC sites and several civil war sites. It depends on where you interests lie. Also how are planning to get from DC to NYC-it is a horrendous drive due to traffic - flying is preferred but you still have to plan an hour each way to the airports again due to traffic. Use the metro in DC and subway in NYC for transportation. (NT) -- BetsyG, 05:10:22 04/29/13 Mon
      • My cousin, who lives in CT with most her family near DC, often travels by bus. When we were there, we drove - and then got a little lost and managed to drive through Princeton, the university town, which turned out to be an added bonus. (NT) -- Patricia, 05:31:49 04/29/13 Mon
      • There's a train between DC and NYC as well if you want to avoid driving and flying :) (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 15:33:23 04/29/13 Mon
    • We'll have to get together when you're in NYC :) (NT) -- Lady Oliver, 13:49:03 04/29/13 Mon
  • I can't help but ditto most everyone. I love DC and can easily spend a week or more at the monuments and museaums. There is the National Zoo, as well, and nearby Baltimore has an excellent zoo, aquarium, and the famed Camden Yards- home of the Baltimore Orioles- if you'd like to take in a baseball game. I've been to Gettysburg, Manassas, and Antietam as well- all wonderful; Gettysburg especially. NYC has so much to do, from Broadway to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Intrepid aircraft carrier and the space shuttle. (NT) -- LadyStormwing, 16:54:53 04/29/13 Mon
  • Thanks for the info :) We are planning to bus from NYC to DC at this stage, certainly not drive. Visits to war sites may depend on how easy it is to get there, but I will certainly be looking into it. Be too funny to meet Patricia in CT! (NT) -- astrokath, 04:10:10 04/30/13 Tue
    • Are you taking the Chinatown bus? Goes from Chinatown NYC to Chinatown DC for something like $20.....very popular here in DC! (NT) -- Reilly, 05:49:16 05/01/13 Wed
      • Haven't got that far yet, but it sounds good, thanks! (NT) -- astrokath, 03:02:25 05/02/13 Thu
  • It looks like youre going to be busy. :) (NT) -- M&M, 05:43:10 05/02/13 Thu
  
  

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• A silly poll I am asking because of a poll further down. What fictional character are you, DH, and your kids like? -- Lady Elizabeth, 20:51:09 04/25/13 Thu
  As I said, I AM married to Eeyore. I guess I would
  pick Doc McStuffins for myself. I like to fix things
  and people. My brother is Baby Huey. DD is Rainbow
  Bright.
  

  
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  • My DS is Winnie the Pooh, I am the Noo Noo, and I am married to Doctor Who. It's an interesting life, to be sure. (NT) -- Susannah, 04:20:17 04/26/13 Fri
  • My DH would be Bugs Bunny, my youngest DD would probably be Angelica from Rugrats and my oldest DD would probably be Tigger! I have no idea who I'd be. Depending on the day, probably Yosemite Sam or Daffy Duck or Hallie from Doc McStuffins. I think I have multiple personalities. (NT) -- JenK, 05:06:11 04/26/13 Fri
  • This will sound stupid, but I think I am rather like Ana from Fifty Shades of Grey; in a relationship with a control freak, and trying very hard to make it work, most of the time it's more than wonderful but everyone now and then I have to bite my tongue so hard....my ds (heaven love him) is Pigpen and dd...hm, not sure, have to think about her...maybe Penny from Big Bang, sweet, lovable and fun-loving, not overly bright (actually she is she just prefers to not think these days, teens - argghh), leaning on the every-so-slightly promiscuous side but in fun, good sort of way. (NT) -- jayn, 05:16:05 04/26/13 Fri
  • The DH is Grumpy Cat and I am also Grumpy Cat. We are a dynasty. (NT) -- beccabee, 05:21:31 04/26/13 Fri
  • My DD is SpongeBob, I am Patrick, and DH is definitely Squidward. (NT) -- LindaT, 07:26:05 04/26/13 Fri
  • DS 1 is Axl from The Middle, DS 2 is Theo from the Cosby Show, DH is Jamie-like in his devotion, sense of humor, showmanship, sex drive, wide knowledge base, and integrity but w/o the violence and poetic language, and I am like Melanie from Gone With the Wind, but healthier, thank God. (NT) -- Lady Cate, 09:11:44 04/26/13 Fri
    • HI Melanie...LOL, that was pretty funny. I'm glad you're healthier, too. (NT) -- conmama, 09:51:40 04/26/13 Fri
      • Hi, conmama! I think of you and your DS often, (so much like mine) and remember you in prayer. Hope all is well! (NT) -- Lady Cate, 06:51:15 04/27/13 Sat
        • Thank you Lady. (NT) -- Conmama, 12:02:24 04/27/13 Sat
  • Too funny! One DS would be a young Troy Bolton from High School Musical. Other DS would be a young version of Q (Quartermaster) from James Bond movies. DH is my own version of Jamie. I'd claim Elastigirl. (NT) -- AngieLass, 21:57:33 04/26/13 Fri
  • I know who Yosemite Sam, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Pooh and Eeyore are, but don't have a fix on any of the others. I don't know which fictional character I'd be at this point in life. (NT) -- Lemora, 11:37:20 04/27/13 Sat
  • DD says she is the Goddess Artemis which is funny because I wanted to name her Diana when she was born but it happened to be the name of former husband's last girlfriend so it was nixed. (so I named her after Supergirl) Me, I'd definitely be Tweety Bird or Granny from the Little Red Riding Hood WB cartoon. I've always wanted to say "One of these days, one of these days, Pow! Right in the kisser!" (NT) -- Connee (usually non violent), 21:28:07 04/28/13 Sun
  • I would be Anne Shirley, Tom would have to be Shrek and since we don't have kids the dog and cat would be Donkey and Puss in Boots respectively. :) (NT) -- Cait, 15:12:16 04/30/13 Tue
  
  

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• Another silly little question: -- jayn, 15:16:53 04/25/13 Thu
  
  As a follow up to my question about frivolous purchases, what luxury can't you live without? I know a lot of us have had to tighten our belts in the last year or so, so what is the one really unnecessary thing you won't give up, or was the last thing you did?
  
  For me it's pedicures. I love getting a monthly pedi and I will give up a lot before I give that up. I justify it somewhat my doing my own hair colour instead of paying for that. I will give up a lot before I give up my pedis.
  

  
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  • Jayn, I take the opposite approach. I do my own pedi but won't give up my hair cut/color every 5 weeks. I also get my nails done every 4 weeks or so. If I had to give up something it would be the nails, not the hair. So far I haven't been able to justify (to myself) a cleaning service twice a month. I'm getting closer, though. LOL (NT) -- CathyS, 15:52:42 04/25/13 Thu
  • Does going out to eat count? We could certainly cut back on how often but I'd give up something else b/4 giving it up entirely! Cathy, I'm getting a monthly cleaning lady in July when I get my first SS check!!! :-) (NT) -- CarolE, 16:39:53 04/25/13 Thu
  • My Philosophy skin care products. My fair skin doesn't like many products, but their Purity cleanser the Renewal night cream are phenomenal! Once in a while I'll switch to Olay, but ounce for ounce, Philosophy really isn't that much more expensive and it makes a huge difference in my skin. (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 19:34:54 04/25/13 Thu
  • The hairspray I use. I order it from California and it's salon expensive, but it's worth it to me. (NT) -- AngieLass, 20:05:42 04/25/13 Thu
  • I'd have to say that we've given up a lot of the last 3 years but I have to have my clinique foundation because it's the only stuff that doesn't make my face break out. Other than that, I have cut back on everything else. (NT) -- JenK, 04:52:54 04/26/13 Fri
  • My fragrance oils. I have patchouli, jasmine and lemon for perfume and lavender to dump into the bathwater. (NT) -- becca, 05:19:11 04/26/13 Fri
  • My prescription Retin-A....what a difference in my skin and smoothing wrinkles. BTW, I consider my cuts/colors necessities not luxuries! (NT) -- conmama, 05:54:13 04/26/13 Fri
    • Conmama, the colour is a necessity, the salon isn't (for me, that is). The cut, yes, I admit to paying more than I absolutely need to, but it isn't way overboard, and I get a great cut. Years ago, pre mortgage and kids, I dropped$350 for colour/trim every month and thought nothing of it, that was 15+ years ago, probably would be closer to $800 now. ( the guy was a big shot stylist in Toronto, he did all the hair for the CTV ladies, and a lot of other celebrities and ladies-who-lunch). (NT) -- jayn (), 09:39:25 04/26/13 Fri
      • You know, I didn't think of the price. I guess that is why I didn't consider it a luxury. My gal only charges $25 cut and $65 cut/color. If I had to, I could color myself I suppose, but after 6 months my hair starts getting dry. (NT) -- conmama, 09:55:29 04/26/13 Fri
        • Your gal is a keeper, conmama! (NT) -- MaryJ, 19:07:13 04/26/13 Fri
  • Barry's Irish Gold tea. (NT) -- kgp, 09:38:07 04/26/13 Fri
    • Yes, that is good stuff. Have to have it in my iced tea - or is that a sacrilege??? (NT) -- beccabee, 09:57:18 04/26/13 Fri
  • My hair mousse (design foam?) cost between $17-20....it kills me to pay that much but it lasts about 3 months and the cheap stuff lasts about 3 weeks...so in the end it's cheaper ;) I get my hair cut maybe twice a YEAR...when we are in NS. Right now anything other than pasta, potatoes, milk or cereal is a luxury in my house *sigh* YES...I spent quite a bit of money on nail polish when we got our tax return...and I feel totally guilty about that now. (NT) -- Ceilidh, 14:42:05 04/26/13 Fri
  • I've gotten used to some expensive shampoo & as much as I hate the price, I hate going back to regular shampoo. I don't color my hair & get it cut only a few times per year (because also expensive) & mani/pedi only once or twice a year, so I talk myself into keeping the shampoo. (NT) -- MaryJ, 17:10:09 04/26/13 Fri
  • I colour my own hair, but have my nails done every 3 weeks. (NT) -- astrokath, 03:49:44 04/27/13 Sat
  • My cleaning lady!!! I used to give the ironing away, but I'm doing it myself now. Never had a pedicure or a nail appointment in my life, the hairdresser sees me twice a year (if that), my hair and skin products come from the supermarket... I guess having foie gras and champagne on ordinary week-ends is a luxury though. Another one is that I don't search for parking spots in the city, I just go to the parking garage rightaway - but these are still way cheaper than in the US. (NT) -- Patricia, 09:00:51 04/27/13 Sat
  • Heated seats in my car. I'll never again own a car without them. I'm cold at all times and the only time I am ever CLOSE to warm is when I am backed up to my woodstove with my flannel nighty yanked up so my buns are toasting and when I am driving with my heated car seat on high. The heat penetrates deeply into my bones and creaps up my back. Heaven!!! (NT) -- Betsy Barefootspinner, 11:12:35 04/27/13 Sat
  • My Mary Kay skin care and makeup. I actually signed up to be a consultant to get it at half price and it's STILL expensive, but worth every penny. I'll do my own nails, go to cheaper shampoo/conditioner, buy generic, stop eating out, whatever it takes to pinch pennies but I will NOT give up my Mary Kay. Every other skin care I've ever used didn't clear my skin up. I was breaking out well into my 30's until I started using MK. (NT) -- Sorcha, 16:20:26 04/27/13 Sat
  • I have read all of these and just want to say..... I am very low maintance...... and I am a Keeper! lol (NT) -- M&M, 16:40:44 04/27/13 Sat
  • Two: Internet and air conditioning. (NT) -- SueW, 16:57:27 04/27/13 Sat
  • Nails and hair - don't spend big money on either (Jayn, there is no way even today I could spend $300+ on my hair!) Beyond that, I'm pretty low maintenance. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 08:46:16 04/28/13 Sun
  • Getting my hair colored every 4 weeks. I hate my grey showing, so I need to have it done. (NT) -- LisaW, 13:22:33 04/30/13 Tue
  
  

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• Speaking of age...I read an interesting article in MORE magazine this morning. It was concerning happiness studies, and of course there are always exceptions. It said the the age women are at their unhappiness is between the ages of 54 - 57. That there is a definite "U". Young people and old people are at their happiest in life. What are your thoughts (more so for those who are in their 50's and beyond)? The article didn't go into the reasons why this is,...so what are your thoughts one that? You might be able to find the article at MORE.com -- conmama, 09:33:33 04/24/13 Wed
  
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  Replies:
  • I'm 53 and consider myself a happy person, prone to normal ups and downs. Even with that, I have to say this is the unhappiest I've been in my life, and I don't consider myself "not happy"...does that make sense? More inside. -- conmama, 09:43:59 04/24/13 Wed
  • Bunch of typos, sorry. Wish there was an "edit" feature for the author of a post to use. (NT) -- conmama, 09:48:44 04/24/13 Wed
  • There is an edit feature but only if you are signed in. To answer your question, I believe I was happier in my 50's than ever before. Turning 50 seemed to be empowering for me and I loved the feeling. I'm now almost 65 and very content with my life. Our marriage is good, retirement is wonderful, and, our kids are happier than they've been in years. We have lost a lot of family and most of what is left lives many states away but we maintain contact with them and a lot of good friends. Life is good. (NT) -- CathyS, 13:01:26 04/24/13 Wed
    • Are you happier now than in your mid fifties? That is what this study is saying. (NT) -- Conmama, 16:16:21 04/24/13 Wed
      • I would have to say, Yes, I am happier now than in my mid-50s. Actually, each year seems to get better. I hope we can continue this way. I truly think attitude has a lot to do with it. I am determined to make the best of each day and each situation. A former co-worker was truly an inspiration and set such a good example of this. I need to get back in contact with her. *G* (NT) -- CathyS, 20:25:57 04/24/13 Wed
  • I am 53 and to tell the truth I have never been more unhappy. Hate life, hate myself. (NT) -- anon, 13:10:15 04/24/13 Wed
    • ((((((((anon))))))). Are changes needed? I was you two years ago and made those changes, it wasn't easy, and it's not all done but I had to do it. (NT) -- jayn, 13:36:35 04/24/13 Wed
  • I am 53, count me in the group of happier than ever. If the world were perfect I'd like to be about 10 years younger, but not more and not that big a deal. I am (I think...) reasonably attractive, in good health, financially secure, got my head on and know where I'm going. No one tells me what to do, I have those I like to please but only because pleasing them pleases me, not because I am expected to, because I think I need to please people to 'buy' love. I act and dress the way I want to, and I'm good with me. To be really honest, I think this might be the first time in my life I've really liked myself. (NT) -- jayn, 13:39:35 04/24/13 Wed
  • I just turned 57 this year, and I have to say that I've been pretty unhappy for a while. I've been on my own for such a long time, and thought it would be like that forever, but I met this guy last month and it is really great right now, so I'm in a much better frame of mind, and able to handle the recent setbacks I've had (issues with my Crohn's Disease, job woes) with a more cheerful outlook. I don't know what the future holds, whether we'll stay together (he's just recently divorced, and 'not looking for any commitment'), but I'm much more comfortable with myself now, and happier. So I think I do agree with that poll. (NT) -- Ruthgold18, 14:50:00 04/24/13 Wed
  • I'm 54 and things are stressfull. I just went back to school for a graduate certificate as my job is ending soon. I know that I am competing in a tight job market with new graduates who would get lower salaries and fewer benefits. Funding for research is drying up and I don't have much hope of getting into another lab. My kids are adults but still cause me worry. Both my and DH's parents have passed or we'd be taking care of and worrying over them also as my friends are doing. Retirement age keeps getting pushed back and all the plans we made before the economy tanked are worthless. DH is stressed he may lose his job as well. But, we are okay and will muddle through. We're both healthy, so are the boys, and we'll get through. Am I unhappy? meh, could be worse. I'm actually reminding myself to count my blessings. Thanks for the kick in the pants. (NT) -- kgp, 03:25:07 04/25/13 Thu
    • That's what I do so I don't become depressed...count my blessings, as they are many. But I didn't think this time of life would be so full of stress and worries. (NT) -- conmama, 08:10:49 04/25/13 Thu
      • Right? Aren't we supposed to be comfortable and planning for retirement? (NT) -- kgp, 09:11:29 04/25/13 Thu
        • What retirement? I almost didn't respond to this poll, as my sixties have been an incredibly stressful time for me. I have excellent physical health and I have to remind myself to count blessings. I never thought this time in life would be so fraught. I planned differently, but reality intervened. (NT) -- Lemora, 17:42:52 04/26/13 Fri
  • I am 55, and yes this is the unhappiest I have been in my life. DH's and my parents are gone and we were all very close. I miss them terribly each day and wish they could see our new grandchildren. My job has been gone for 10 years now and I worry about DH's job and what we will do for health benefits if he loses his. My health could be better and I know that is my fault but I can't seem to motivate myself and don't want the good lord to do it for me. I try to stay positive and look on the bright side. Not easy to do when you are married to Eeyore. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 05:30:17 04/25/13 Thu
    • Eeyore...I'm sorry, Lady Elizabeth, but I laughed out loud at that name. That's a perfect name for some of my relatives. I'm 47, up to my eyeballs in commitments, start on menopausal creams this week, saw a cardiologist this week for 'stress issues.' I know this time of my life is very busy and very blessed. I also remember Carol E. telling me years ago that Stress Kills. I remember that. I remain thankful for The Broch keeping me smiling even through the tears some days. I'm thankful for RuthE, I think, that sent out HRT informational packets years ago. I'm reading mine now! (NT) -- AngieLass, 20:19:41 04/25/13 Thu
    • Lady Elizabeth, missing my parents has been the hardest thing! Not having any family close by that I care about is also difficult to bear. Aging these days just reminds me of all the places, things, and people that are gone forever. Time does NOT heal all wounds!! (NT) -- Lemora, 17:46:29 04/26/13 Fri
  • My 50's were awesome as I got back together with my now DH when I was 52. Now just about to turn 62 and looking forward to SS. I got to retire early with benies (don't hate me, we walked the picket line for those) and retirement (12 years now) is AWESOME!! Health issues seem to be either gone or under control...Life is good! (NT) -- CarolE, 07:16:16 04/25/13 Thu
  • Oh goodie! I'm 57 and if this study is true, I'm on the cusp of happier times ahead. In many ways this has been a rough patch. Looking forward to the U turn. (NT) -- LizT, 07:16:53 04/25/13 Thu
  • I really hope that isn't true, because I'm mid 30's and really unhappy. If this gets worse than I'm so not looking forward to that. (NT) -- JenK, 07:50:32 04/25/13 Thu
    • 41 here....and if ten years from now is going to be worse than NOW??? Get me to the antidepressants because stuff SUCKS right now (NT) -- Ceilidh, 14:36:46 04/26/13 Fri
    • I feel the same way, Jen. After a failed marriage and everything that goes with it, please don't tell me there are unhappier times ahead. (NT) -- Scarlet A, 19:05:03 04/26/13 Fri
      • It depends on a lot of external things. I had to leave my job, left my church, have an empty nest now, hate my new job and am incompetent at it, am in menopause and husband is never home. I'm fat, ugly, stupid and unwanted. (NT) -- anon, 09:07:38 04/27/13 Sat
        • {{{(((anon)))}}} Anon, please believe you are worth something to someone. (NT) -- Scarlet A, 17:13:40 04/27/13 Sat
          • I have awareness that I matter to some people. I am not among them, unfortunately. (NT) -- a, 05:46:43 04/28/13 Sun
            • (((((((((((((((anon))))))))))))). If you are on these boards, then you are one of us & we love you! Please take care of yourself & keep participating here where everyone is needed & appreciated. Big hugs to you!! (NT) -- MaryJ, 20:14:17 05/01/13 Wed
  • My 50's are fantastic! (NT) -- BetsyG, 06:37:43 04/27/13 Sat
  • I'll turn 50 this year (I hope!) and am very happy. Marriage good, DD on her own and doing OK, health good at last checkup, extended family reasonably well. The hard work DH and I have put into our finances these last 4 years is paying off. Even our good old Max (Lab) is hanging in there. I remind myself often to be thankful for the peace we have today. (NT) -- SueW, 17:24:26 04/27/13 Sat
  • To be happy: I've been thinking that is so subjective an idea. Lookinga back on my life, I can remember periods of happines combined with episodes of stress and strife, but to consider whether a whole era was happy or unhappy is very difficult as there were always periods of joy and happiness, If I must pick a time when I was most happy, I would choose when my children were young, (30s thru about 45) at that time there were moments of joy and contentment, and my purpose in life was assured...I was happy then. (NT) -- Florence, 10:33:13 04/29/13 Mon
    • BTW, I am now 87. I believe my 50s and 60s were reasonably happy considering I had to make a new life for myself after losing my DH and other loved ones. At this time, I am contented with moments of joy, And that is good! (NT) -- Florence, 11:01:31 04/29/13 Mon
      • Wow, Florence, you sound like someone I'd like to sit down and have coffee with. You know all about surviving the deaths of people who've been in your life for decades. I'm reeling from it and I'm 64! I feel like I don't want this to go on. And it will: I am surrounded by friends who've survived/are living with life threatening illnesses. And they're in better spirits than I am! I feel like saying, "Hey, when you check out, take me with you!" (NT) -- Lemora, 19:42:30 04/29/13 Mon
        • I'm so sorry to see your distress, Lemora. Please give yourself time to go through the grieving process. You not only suffered the loss of your parents but also the busy and purposeful life you had taking care of them. Be patient with yourself and keep involved with life. You always seem very upbeat, I know you will be okay! It took me several years to accept the loss of my DH and learn to live without him. It helped me that it was necessary to earn a living and be tnvoled with life.. (NT) -- Florence, 20:58:07 04/29/13 Mon
          • Thank you, Florence. I was feeling more up beat, but I seem to have hit a rough patch recently. I appreciate your words of encouragement. (NT) -- Lemora, 22:29:57 04/29/13 Mon
            • ((((((Lemora)))))). You have been through so much in recent years, I think Florence is right, the grieving process is long & full of ups & downs. Wishing you peace & comfort. (NT) -- MaryJ, 20:18:08 05/01/13 Wed
  
  

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