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Thu, December 24 2009, 5:48:47 PST

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• So, have you? -- SaraH, 15:46:53 12/07/09 Mon
  Have you faked it? Inside, please. ;)
  

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  • Faking it...--->>>> -- SaraH, 15:48:35 12/07/09 Mon
    • Once or twice--put a really big frozen lasagna in my own pan and served it with MY OWN salad and garlic bread! (Now I know about the no-cook lasagna noodles--GREAT invention!) Pies. Pies are interesting. I HAVE used ready-made crusts, let them thaw and reshaped the edges. This despite the fact that I can and do make excellent pie crust--I just don't plan far enough ahead! The insides have all always been mine. As for the rest, no comment. :-) I say go ahead with the Bob Evans! And why not--if it gives you some extra time to do something else or just have a drink, or just because you like them, why the heck not?! (NT) -- Gayle, 16:57:05 12/07/09 Mon
      • Guess what? You don't have to buy "no-bake" lasagne noodles. That's a real money maker. I've been making lasagne with hard noodles for years. You don't special ones. (NT) -- conmama, 08:54:00 12/08/09 Tue
  • Not me. It's always the real thing! (NT) -- shy gal, 17:49:53 12/07/09 Mon
  • You know, when you think this post is about orgasms and Gayle's response is the first thing you read before going inside, it's really funny. (NT) -- Reid, 18:04:00 12/07/09 Mon
    • Um, yeah, what she said. I laughed so hard at this post that I cried - thanks for the (inadvertent) laugh, Gayle (and SaraH!) (NT) -- ScarlettO, 19:05:10 12/07/09 Mon
    • Well, you know, there's so much "food for thought" here, even BOB references. A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste. I couldn't resist. *snerk* (NT) -- SaraH, 19:13:47 12/07/09 Mon
      • Putting a frozen lasagna in my own pan... what an image. ROFL. I once passed off an entire caterred meal by putting it in my own dishes. I make almost nothing from scratch, I have a cartoon on my fridge that says ' but it is heated and served with love' and another that says 'if it was opened at home it's homemade'. My philosophy exactly. We eat pretty well though because we eat a ton of (mostly raw) fruit and veg, we eat a lot of yogurt and fresh dairy - things that take no real prep, also my kids eat oatmeal everyday (NT) -- jayn, 04:47:19 12/08/09 Tue
  • I *fake* so much (cooking-wise, of course), I can't even list it all here... ;o))) (NT) -- LindaT, 19:33:02 12/07/09 Mon
  • I come from a long line of fakers -- my dear grandma used to make matzoballs using a mix and then hide the box and let my grandpa think they were made from scratch. And they were happily married for more than 60 years :-) (NT) -- LizT, 20:08:40 12/07/09 Mon
  • I've used the Yoders homestyle mashed potatoes many times. My family thinks I make great mashed potatoes. :o) I've also used the nestle tollhouse breakaway dough and reshaped it and added peanut butter or butterscotch chips to the top to make it "homemade" for family or work things. It is SO much easier sometimes. (NT) -- JenK, 05:08:34 12/08/09 Tue
  • I never allow enough prep time so I have to fake it which I think's fine as long as the end result is satisfaction .... at the dinner table. (NT) -- AngieLass, 05:45:34 12/08/09 Tue
  • My first thought was "orgasm" too....now what does that say about all of us!! (NT) -- SheltieLass, 07:26:42 12/08/09 Tue
  • I have faked a couple of times. Insteadof making pickled beets from scratch for 4th of July and my Mom said they were better than hers!! Usually though I will make from scratch. (NT) -- SheltieLass, 07:29:15 12/08/09 Tue
  • You can do that?!? Crud in a puddle! That WOULD make my life easier!! (NT) -- Kim G, 09:30:07 12/08/09 Tue
  • I am the "Meg Ryan"of "faking" LOL....cakes! I make homemade icing...always...but I use a boxed organic mix, usually Up Country Organics and "doctor" it up. Cute Poll question, too! (NT) -- Niseold, 13:05:48 12/08/09 Tue
  • This question reminded me of the whole chocolate chip cookie episode on Friends.. "My grandmother said she got the recipe from her grandmother, NestlĂ© Toulouse..." :D Yeah, nothing more to add. *g* (NT) -- Chirre, 05:27:24 12/09/09 Wed
  • We've used pre-made pie crusts, but we've never called them "ours." Everything else - nope. I truly do not like most frozen/processed foods AND I love to cook, so we make it ourselves. Actually - I take that back. I don't make my own broths for soups - always buy Swansons - but other than that, yup. (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 11:03:33 12/09/09 Wed
  
  

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• Medical type question -- M.F., 20:59:36 12/06/09 Sun
  I'm going for a 'Nerve Conduction and EMG' test next Monday and was wondering if anybody has had one of these. The form says it involves low electrical stimulation of the nerves (I'm okay with that) but then it says 'a thin needle to be inserted in some muscles'(not so okay with this part but maybe its nothing too painful??) Needles don't usually bother me anymore but I'm not so sure about in the muscles. Of course, I don't have many muscles - mostly flabby stuff;-)
  

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  • A friend of mine just had that done like a week ago. He said it was uncomfortable, but not painful. He also said the worst part was not the feeling of the test, but seeing his hand move "on its own" when the nerves were stimulated. (NT) -- Reid, 21:02:36 12/06/09 Sun
  • Is it for pain relief? Sounds like acupuncture with a jolt. (You'll pardon the expression.) Hugs! (NT) -- Gayle, 21:11:19 12/06/09 Sun
  • I hate to tell you this, but a very good friend of mine had this done a couple of weeks ago and he said it was nearly unbearable. I certainly hope his was the exception, not the rule. (NT) -- Sorcha, 22:29:55 12/06/09 Sun
  • Hmmm - I had this done in 1994 and don't remember any pain involved. I was more ticked at having to have carpal tunnel surgery because the results were positive (but had it with endoscopes, no big incision on the palm of the hand) and I was typing the same day of the surgery. :D Well, not marathons, but I was typing............. :) (NT) -- Judie, 00:00:08 12/07/09 Mon
  • Had that done very recently, and it was very little bother at all. (NT) -- Susannah, 04:45:59 12/07/09 Mon
  • A friend of mine had it done also for carple tunnel diagnosis. She said it was uncomfortable but not unbearable. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 05:18:20 12/07/09 Mon
  • I had it done quite a few years ago and if I remember correctly it wasn't needles they used but sticky tabs similiar to the sensor electrodes used for EKG's but smaller. It is uncomfortable but in a creepy feeling way. It wasn't my favorite test I've ever had done but certainly not the worst. Good luck!! (NT) -- Noelle, 06:18:42 12/07/09 Mon
  • I had it done a year ago and it wasn't that bad, they said I had moderate nerve damage. So maybe if your nerves are worse it hurts more. Mine was for carpal tunnel diagnosis; this past year I've worn the gauntlets and they helped, but it's definitely gotten worse so I'm having the surgery on the 29th. I can't wait to have it over, because the CT is driving me nuts. Is this what they're checking you for M.F.? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, 07:38:03 12/07/09 Mon
  • Many years ago (1983 I think) I was a new employee working in Occupational Therapy at a large rehab hospital. The EMG lab was just next to the OT clinic /gym and the doc in charge was looking for volunteers to get baselines on supposedly 'normal' people. After I realized the EMG lab was soundproof and I saw lots of people leave there crying I politely declined the invitation. I knew it involved needles and that didn't add to the allure. Since that was many years ago and I'm sure techniques have improved I am gonna send positive thoughts and blessings for you to have a pain-free experience. My best advice is, 'don't suffer in silence' - there is likely something they can give you if it is needed. (NT) -- CathyS, 12:07:59 12/07/09 Mon
  • You know, I used to work in a rehabilitation hospital and they did these studies all the time. It really depends on the individual. Some people find it terribly uncomfortable and some find it just mildly uncomfortable. I do believe that staying as relaxed as possible can be very helpful. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 15:42:45 12/07/09 Mon
  • I'm having the tests to see why my right arm frequently goes numb. The doc told me it was likely because of the mastectomy and lymph node removal surgery I had done 6 years ago. The strange thing is, though, that I've had the arm problem for at least 10 years. Do they ever just come up with some kind of physical therapy solution? (NT) -- M.F., 17:12:33 12/07/09 Mon
    • MF, this problem can occur for a variety of reasons, most frequently due to nerve compression. Where does your arm start to go numb? This can give a big clue to the level of compression - if the entire arm is numb, the nerves coming off the spinal cord in the neck - if elbow or below, it can be cubital tunnel (the nerves' path through the elbow joint) or carpal tunnel (the nerve path through the wrist) syndrome. I've had two, they were definitely uncomfortable but bearable and the pain does not last after the procedures. And, although you CAN do a type of EMG with electrodes ("stickers"), they aren't very accurate (but less costly - and generally done in a doctor's office) -- hospitals use needles to improve accuract and specificity. Hope all of that info helps. If you'd like more info, I'll put my e-mail addy inside>>>> -- ScarlettO, 19:15:56 12/07/09 Mon
  • M.F. I had this procedure done in September. It takes approx 30 mins and there will be some pain as they need to know where the correct area is so they can then do the zapping. My Dr had 3 nurses w/him. My prob is the back so I was on my stomach and 1 nurse gives a massage in my neck area. It helps for you to relax and helps when the Dr has goes to the areas where it will hurt. The pain does not las t long. I also had 2 squeeze balls that I squeezed throughout theprocedure. Alas for me it did not work asmy back prob is worse and I am hopefully going to have an SCS (spinal Cord Stimulator) implanted in my back. Ask your Dr for a nurse to help just you like mine did for me. It helped so much. Good Luck (NT) -- SheltieLass, 07:38:31 12/08/09 Tue
  • I had these tests done over the summer to determine why my legs were numb. The test was uncomfortable but not really painful. The painful part was when the receptionist called me after the fact and told me that she'd made a mistake and that my insurance hadn't covered the test after all. I'm now on a payment plan to the neurologist :) (NT) -- ShannonK, 04:53:27 12/09/09 Wed
  • Shannon, did they find out why your legs were going numb? (NT) -- M.F., 19:32:03 12/09/09 Wed
  
  

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• I finally went to see New Moon and have a question for Twilight fans. -- Gina-C, 18:16:56 12/06/09 Sun
  First of all, let me say I didn't like most of the Twilight books, but read them anyway to see what all the fuss was about. So far, I think the 2 movies are better than the books because I don't have to deal with Stephanie Meyer's poor writing. I enjoyed the movie and for the most part think it is well cast. I think Kristin Stewart does a nice job with Bella's angst and love-sickness. I particularly enjoyed Billy Burke's job playing Bella's dad. He doesn't have a big part, but plays it true to the role. I could go on & on, but want to ask your opinions.
  
  Who do you think was particularly well cast in the movie? On the other hand, which actor/part was most disappointing to you?
  

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  • I think the casting for Alice is perfect and Sam and Victoria are very close. I don't care for Robert Patterson as Edward at all, but since Edward's not my favorite character anyway, I don't know if I'd like anybody else any better!! (NT) -- TanyaB, 19:19:28 12/06/09 Sun
    • Oh, I agree. Alice is perfectly cast. She is such an adorable character and Ashley plays her to a "T". (NT) -- Gina-C, 05:35:48 12/07/09 Mon
      • Ditto. Ashley Greene is pairfect for Alice. As for everyone else, they could have picked other actors, but I'm quite ok with Rob Pattison... he has really grown on me as Edward. THUD (NT) -- ladyphantom, 16:44:35 12/07/09 Mon
  • I agree with you wholeheartedly regarding the books, Gina. I struggled with them too because of the extremely poor writing, however, kept at them to see what the fuss was about. In fact, with 'Breaking Dawn', I pretty much skimmed the whole thing. Yawwwwwn! I think the best casting choice was Alice. Bella is pretty good too, Jacob is good but Edward is not how I pictured him in the books. Robert Pattinson is a weird looking dude! (NT) -- Leigh, 21:48:05 12/06/09 Sun
  • I'm so glad someone else feels that way about the series. I read all four books to see what the fuss was all about and came to the conclusion that Stephanie Meyer had one good book in her and managed milk it for all its worth. Feh! As far as the movie casting goes, Robert Pattison isn't weird looking but the makeup and hair make him look pretty awful. (NT) -- LizT, 21:53:23 12/06/09 Sun
    • Yeah, I think that's it. What's with all the lipstick and pastey lookin stuff!? (NT) -- Gina-C, 05:30:03 12/07/09 Mon
      • While not the best written series in the world, I agree, I did enjoy the books & movies as kind of a "guilty pleasure." It is a fun pastime to go to the movies & laugh with my *slightly* older female friends! (I'm a Team Edward! ha ha!) If you want to see some nice pictures of Rob Pattinson, check out December's Vanity Fair. He is quite good looking in those photos! :) Alice & Bella are spot-on; I think Carlisle & Esme are, too. :) (NT) -- bethistle, 13:31:28 12/07/09 Mon
  • Saw it on Sat. night and will just copy and paste from my FB page, sorry if you liked it, but that's my opinion... : "Oh. My. Goodness! The movie was even more boring than the book!!!! The most appealing character in the whole movie was the wolf! The pretentious "Mime Marceau" Edward had my hand itching to slap him each time he said "I only want to protect you", and then he turned around and left her... guess what... without any protection at all! Cute Jacob turned into bull-necked muscle-man running around half naked wearing ugly bermudas with his underpants hanging out. And Bella, oh my, Bella, grow a self esteem, girl! That's it, I've had it with this series, that was the last straw..." (NT) -- Pat, 22:47:07 12/06/09 Sun
    • Yes, I agree about Bella needing to grow self esteem, but that's how the character is written in the books. I thought K-Stew does a good job portraying the self-esteem/neediness issues. (NT) -- Gina-C, 05:38:10 12/07/09 Mon
  • This is interesting! I tried to read the book aloud to my DD last year, and found it waaay to slow in pace to do that, Then I picked it up last week and started reading it to myself, I am enjoying it, but I don't love it. I am 3 quarters through and it's dragging now, thought that was just me. As for the films, saw New Moon on Saturday, and I prefer Jacob to Edward. I think Bella and her Dad are well cast. I agree about Alice, I don't think Rosalie is beautiful enough for the role. (NT) -- Margy, 01:21:50 12/07/09 Mon
  • Two thoughts - I think RP is a perfect Edward and they're both creepy, if you ask me. *G*. Also, when dissing the books/movies remember they were written/produced for the 12-15 crowd. Betcha don't like Hanna Montanna either. *G* (NT) -- jayn, 05:15:27 12/07/09 Mon
    • Oh I totally agree about the target audience and will say that I am for just about anything that gets young people excited about reading. That being said, I don't think the books are well written even for the young crowd. There are too many repetitions, gramatical errors, etc. etc. (NT) -- Gina-C, 05:34:08 12/07/09 Mon
      • My dd (12) is reading Dicken's Christmas Carol at school - and not the easy, revised version. Talk about contrast. (NT) -- jayn, 05:51:11 12/07/09 Mon
    • Oh, my DD (12) loved the books. But she didn't like the movie either. Also I'm pretty sure the French dubbing didn't improve it... *g* (NT) -- Pat, 06:04:57 12/07/09 Mon
  • Well, I actually enjoyed Twilight. I didn't really like the next 2 books much, thought they were boring. The last one was ok, some surprises. I think they nailed Alice dead-on! I think Edward (in my head and how he is written), is much more striking/handsome/beautiful that Pattinson. However, he did okay with the role. I also think they did a great job of casting Jacob, looks wise and personality. So, I guess Alice and Jacob were the truest to me. (NT) -- conmama, 07:12:00 12/07/09 Mon
  • We (my family) have liked all of the books and both movies so far. (Though my daughter, who is now reading Shakespeare, fortunately realizes that Twilight is NOT The Best Book in the Whole World! Actually, she never thought that...LOL!) Anyway, I know people hate Robert Pattinson, but he was SM's second choice for Edward--first choice was Henry Cavill, who got too old to play the part. But SM approves of him, so who am I to question? Robert Pattinson, for me, is the perfect combination of sexy, creepy, painful and angsty. I think Alice was PERFECT casting...and Jacob has definitely *grown* on me (heh heh). ;o) (NT) -- LindaT, 07:23:46 12/07/09 Mon
  • I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't care for the series. I just didn't like the story as much or SM's writing. I actually prefer the L.J. Smith series The Vampire Diares and The Secret Circle better. (NT) -- JenK, 08:02:11 12/07/09 Mon
  • Why'd they have to make Jasper all three stoogey hair?? (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 12:27:28 12/07/09 Mon
    • Oh yeah, Jasper was a HUGE disappointment! :-/ (NT) -- Leigh, 13:30:04 12/07/09 Mon
  • I think that Alice is great. Jacob must have had the same wig stylist as Mel Gibson in Braveheart, but getting past that, I think he was well cast and has done a good job too. I have to say that I can't stand Kristen Stewart. On screen she makes me want to strangle her. I do not think that she is dealing with her fame in a healthy way. It seems to have gone to her head and I would not be surprised if there was some extra chemicals running through her right now. I hope she can keep it together for the next few films, but I wouldn't be broken-hearted if she goes away after that. (NT) -- SaraH (), 14:14:11 12/07/09 Mon
    • I was hoping her "drugged out" real life look was just because she's playing the part of Joan Jett in a movie that is being filmed now. (NT) -- Gina-C, 18:56:39 12/07/09 Mon
  • I loved the story, but I love vampires so that's probably why. I did not like the writing, it sucked. I know it was geared for 12-15 audiance, but my 4th grader can read it. I won't let yet and he is mad, he is so team Edward and loves the movies. I felt the movies were not as good as the books, but they never usually are (NT) -- BrandyC, 05:24:49 12/08/09 Tue
  
  

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• Here's a poll I've not seen here before... -- Sorcha, 12:55:19 12/05/09 Sat
  Have you ever taken "Boudoir Photos" for your DH (or DBF OR DF)? It's not that uncommon in military spouses, it helps keep the fires aflame during those long deployments. I'm not talking spread eagle bare it all Hustler style, but more like lingere/topless and soft lighting type photos. Tomorrow a DGF is coming over and we're going to take some to put in DH's xmas care package as a fun surprise xmas gift. She and I have taken them of each other in the past for our respective DH's while they were deployed before, and they are a very big hit with our men, and I also know of other wives who have done them as well.
  
  But, especially for non-military spouses, I don't think its as common. So, have you? And if not, would you?
  

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  • Haven't done it but oh, I would love to! Do it. And let us know his response. (NT) -- shy gal, 14:15:12 12/05/09 Sat
  • I did this back in the day and I wouldn't do it again>>>>> -- Lemora, 15:00:29 12/05/09 Sat
    • I think its the naughty bits they are actually interested in Lemora *g* (NT) -- Gwen, 15:10:24 12/05/09 Sat
      • Inside>>>> -- Lemora, 15:21:45 12/05/09 Sat
        • Oh come on lass, I really don't think anyone is that bothered these days. Its the norm. There are very explicit pics winging their way over the text lines every minute of the day, they'd have a hell of a job sorting through all them and I don't really think it would be a big news story, not in the 21st century, do you? And to be fair Sorcha didn't actually say full frontal. (NT) -- Gwen, 02:17:58 12/06/09 Sun
    • Lemora, I'm with you. I think what Sorcha has planned sounds like a lot of fun, but I could never do it. I teach in the Catholic school system, and if any sort of risque picture of me went out over the net (even if I were married and they were for my husband), my career would be over. (NT) -- Reid, 06:09:08 12/06/09 Sun
      • I'm a public school teacher and my career would also be over. This was my point, and Sorcha has a military record to protect. Let's not forget that women are held to higher standards than men in any area that is even remotely sexual. (NT) -- Lemora, 12:24:40 12/06/09 Sun
  • Yes I have and still do, although I've never got anyone else to take them for me. (NT) -- Gwen, 15:08:51 12/05/09 Sat
  • Not me! I'm with Lemora. I would be too afraid of where they would end up. They don't have a whole lot of privacy when they are deployed, and just opening the box could expose you to his buddies, and then he would have to kill them. *g* You said you have done it before and he liked it though. Well, *shrug* diffrent strokes I guess. Have fun! (NT) -- JustGina, 16:14:40 12/05/09 Sat
    • I don't send the pictures PRINTED... they go on a disc! (NT) -- Sorcha, 16:38:02 12/05/09 Sat
      • Ummm... so anybody that gets access to the disk, say when he is at chow, can up load them.... -- Kel, 16:48:03 12/05/09 Sat
        • Considering the fact that he keeps it under lock and key I'm really not worried about it. And in NONE of these photos will I be any less covered than in bikini bottoms, so I really don't care. No one will see them but DH, though. (NT) -- Sorcha, 17:11:57 12/05/09 Sat
          • That is, no one will see them until Playboy does its pictorial, "The Women of Desert Storm" in a couple of years. Wear your belly dancing costume just in case. (NT) -- Lemora, 18:25:59 12/05/09 Sat
            • While I appreciate the concern, the costume will be unnecessary. I trust my DH, and I know that there will be no chance of anyone but him seeing the photos. (NT) -- Sorcha, 19:04:52 12/05/09 Sat
  • I'm thinking more of a photo with some nice cleavage and glamorous makeup and hair. (NT) -- shy gal, 16:32:02 12/05/09 Sat
  • I've done it Sorcha, in my 40's no less *g* DH wasn't deployed though and I understand the concern of pics ending up somewhere you/I might not intend, but like you said you're not talking Hustler. I was totally comfortable with and had say in, poses etc. and it was a very close family friend who did the shoot. I'm sure you wouldn't send anything you, yourself weren't comfortable with in the first place :-) (NT) -- Marilyn, 17:23:51 12/05/09 Sat
  • You know, if they are tastefully done, I think it is a great idea. I haven't done it, although, given the right opportunity and the right photographer, I might. One of my childhood friends is a professional photographer in Brunswick, GA. In addition to the normal wedding and portrait type pictures she does, she has started a new thing called the "Black Tie Boudoir". She has done the pictures very tastefully. Come inside for the link to her site>>>>>>>> -- Whiskey Eyes, 18:25:47 12/05/09 Sat
    • Oooohhh what a great site!!! She does fabulous work!!! And yes, those are the kinds of pics I'm talking about for the most part. (NT) -- Sorcha, 20:08:21 12/05/09 Sat
    • These are beautiful! I like the black and white ones best that are abstracted body part studies, i.e. the legs in fishnets. For more ideas, you should check out Edward Weston's nude photos of Charis Wilson. These aren't "sexy" per se, but they are sensual and elegant and you can get ideas for what you want. You can google the Weston family site. (NT) -- Lemora, 21:07:06 12/05/09 Sat
    • Those photos and ideas are fantastic! Wish I lived closer! (NT) -- BetsyG, 05:56:08 12/06/09 Sun
  • Now, here's an idea for a Lallybroch fundraiser, Judie! Remember the movie, "Calendar Girls" with Helen Mirren? A group of ordinary looking, middle-aged women in an English village hired a professional photographer to shoot them nude but with the naughty bits covered, and they became famous. I think it was based on a true story. Sounds like Judie could easily get twelve volunteers here, and LOL could sell it! The Celtic Arts Center of North Hollywood did this very successfully. I showed it to the NorCal Hosers, but nobody was interested in doing it. Just think --what if Diana Gabaldon could be persuaded to join in the fun --the mind boggles! (NT) -- Lemora, 18:38:43 12/05/09 Sat
  • ME?? Nope, never, no way!!! But I can see where it would be kinda cool. And I can totally see you doing it!!! Go girl! But me? I don't think so, even if I had somebody I wanted to send them to. (NT) -- TanyaB, 19:38:38 12/05/09 Sat
  • Nope. I don't look that good in pictures with my clothes on, let alone off! But if it makes you & your DH happy, go for it. I have a funny story about my DH's Grandma and a boudoir photo but I'll put it inside>>> -- Cathryn_L, 19:41:30 12/05/09 Sat
    • HAHAHA!!! LOVE IT!!! What a GREAT story!!! (NT) -- Sorcha, 19:58:15 12/05/09 Sat
    • Uh huh..... and then what happened to that swiped picture? Is she AARP's playmate of the month? (NT) -- Lemora, 20:54:12 12/05/09 Sat
      • Haha, Lemora! No, BIL threw it away. (NT) -- Cathryn_L, 03:03:51 12/06/09 Sun
    • That is a great story, thats the type of Grandma I intend to be one day. (NT) -- Gwen, 02:20:26 12/06/09 Sun
  • Been there, done that and would and probably will do it again. (NT) -- Tam, 20:37:19 12/05/09 Sat
  • Have done it, at a time when we still had to have pictures developed by actual people. I went to a shop at the other end of the city and couldn't face anyone when I picked up the pictures... In the meantime a friend of mine married a guy who used to work for one of these photo developing places and he told me that kind of pictures were veryy frequent and would be stored for a day, so that every employee could have a look at them... So much easier today! (NT) -- Pat, 02:28:04 12/06/09 Sun
  • Took and then luggage with them was lost! For awhile I was so mad and wondered as Lemora referred where they might turn up but that was 25 years ago and I don't really care anymore! I believe that whatever you can do to keep the flames going and give him some pleasure and release from stress on deployment is the point! Have fun! (NT) -- BetsyG, 05:59:46 12/06/09 Sun
  • Many years ago I did. It was fun. I kept the photos after the break up though! (NT) -- Colly, 06:06:52 12/06/09 Sun
    • Colly>>>> -- Lemora, 12:30:54 12/06/09 Sun
  • Of course I have! ;o))) (NT) -- LindaT, 18:10:31 12/06/09 Sun
  • Oh God no.....(and you know I love you, Sorcha - this is not in any way condemning you or your choice, just stating my choice....you're such a doll, your pics would put mine to shame.) OTOH, there was a picture (before digital, and I know it's around here somewhere) of me, twenty-seven months pregnant, that DH found oddly sexy for some reason. I felt and looked like a beached whale, but hey, to each his own. And I was a LOT younger then (DD is almost 17 now.....) :-D (NT) -- ScarlettO, 18:12:03 12/06/09 Sun
  • I have never done it but I think that is so great that you would do that for your Man. I would do it for mine if he was away for a long time. (NT) -- LisaW, 21:56:48 12/06/09 Sun
  • We took some photos of me and my big belly when I was first pregnant >> -- Wilhelmiina, 01:18:28 12/07/09 Mon
  • No, but that has more to do with me not being comfortable with my own body image than anything else. *g* If you're okay with the images, that's all that matters. I understand the concern about them potentially popping up online, but I think you can take precautions to make sure they stay between you and your DH. Have fun, girl! (NT) -- JulieO, 09:29:41 12/07/09 Mon
  • My DH took a few that looked great... but then we got divorced, and when he left them on the lunch table at my job it wasn't so great. (NT) -- Embarrassed Anon, 11:02:27 12/07/09 Mon
    • B@stard! (NT) -- Leigh, 00:19:35 12/08/09 Tue
  
  

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• NETBOOK- Thinking of buying a netbook for DH. Does anyone have recommendations?? Thanks -- Lady Grey, 06:40:48 12/05/09 Sat
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  • We just bought an HP for my DH. He uses it for school all the time. It's quite speedy and can run most Internet based apps with no problem. He had an external hard drive already, which was the main reason he went for the netbook vs. Laptop. If you are surfing and emailing a lot, it's great. Just make sure you have enough battery capacity! We've been really happy with it so far. (NT) -- JulieMarie, 07:20:33 12/05/09 Sat
  • I've had a Dell Mini 10V for about 6 months and love it. The keyboard is about 92% of standard size. If your DH has large hands, keyboard size may be an issue for him. Because netbooks have limited RAM (mine has 1GB), the best use is web browsing and email. You simply cannot put demands upon it like industrial strength word processing, spreadsheets, etc. With the wireless network in the house, it is so convenient to use anywhere we want access. It is also so very lightweight that it is not a bother to bring anywhere. That said, I did not choose to upgrade the battery from 2 hr. to 6 hr. and I bought a network cable and have it rolled up on the electrical cord in case we are someplace that doesn't have wireless and only has hardwire network access (like some hotel rooms). DH has a laptop from work that weighs about 3x as much and he's envious. With the built-in camera, using Skype has been fun. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 07:21:56 12/05/09 Sat
  • I had switched back to Comcast in October, and I get a free one in February. I cant wait, I think its an HP so I hope people say good things. :-) (NT) -- M&M, 08:33:54 12/05/09 Sat
  • I just bought one for my DH for xmas. Our son works for IBM so we got a good deal on Lenovo (use to be IBM) They are offerring specials right now. From what my DS said if you want it for more than just basic computing Lenovo's are highest rated. Not really sure but anymore we don't spend a lot because usually within 3 years laptops are outdated with advancing technology. But check out Lenovo site to price compare! (NT) -- BetsyG, 06:02:12 12/06/09 Sun
  • I've had the Dell 10MiniV for about 5 months and I adore it! The keyboard is bigger than on some of the others, so it didn't take much getting used to (92% like someone said above). My DB got my DSIL an HP and had to return it out of the box- could've been a "lemon" but he didn't take a second chance and went back to Dell. If you've got an external CD or hard drive, you're good to go, and it's fantastic for Internet, Itunes and Office type stuff. (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 16:40:55 12/06/09 Sun
  
  

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• Special Christmas' -- Margy, 15:09:28 12/04/09 Fri
  This January marks 25 years since I came to the UK. My very first Xmas here, when I realised a white christmas wasn't going to happen, I went to Denmark to celebrate Christmas
  
  It was a wonderful experience, BUT it did not snow until Boxing Day, which was while I was traveling back to the UK.
  
  What have you done to experience a special Christmas (or other holiday relevant to you)? And did it work? I've just seen Helkas' Xmas song post on the social Board, one day I'm going to Finland!
  

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  • Oh Margy, thank you for your kind words and i'm glad you liked the song Silent Night. Unfortunately the scenery of the video resembles ours only a little(maybe the wee barn with the tractor). We have no such beautiful mountains and I'm really sorry that the white winters of my childhood have turned into really long dark rainy days. If we get some snow for Chrismas I'll try to take some photos for you guys. (NT) -- Helka, 23:50:09 12/04/09 Fri
    • Yeah, what Helka said about our weather is true... tho we'd love to have you anyway, Margy! Just tell us when! :))) (NT) -- Chirre, 00:29:11 12/05/09 Sat
  • We travelled to California (from Australia) to spend Christmas with DH's brother and his partner who live in Los Angeles. DBIL took my sons (ages 9 and 13 at the time) to pick a fresh Christmas tree for his house in LA - the boys were so excited! Oh, the smell of that tree was divine! I desperately wanted to experience a white Christmas, so DBIL arranged for us to all go to Lake Tahoe. Well, I have to say that whilst Lake Tahoe was gorgeous, it didn't snow at ALL for the three days we were there, although there was snow on the ground. Everyone ice-skated on Christmas Eve (except me - I was recovering from a bad back and didn't want to risk stuffing it up again) - that was really special to be skating on an outdoor rink with the snow all around. The only downside was that we stayed in one of the big hotels and it was very impersonal. Next white Christmas, I want to rent a little log cabin somewhere, complete with roaring fireplace and our own freshly cut Christmas tree. (NT) -- Leigh, 23:51:15 12/04/09 Fri
  • Christmas 2007 at the beach in Dakar - that was something really special!!! (NT) -- Pat, 02:24:15 12/05/09 Sat
  • Christmas 1986, we were living in West Germany and went to Canada (Ontario) for Christmas with the family. It was the first time in history that it didn't snow on Christmas Day. There was lots of snow on the ground but it didn't actually snow the whole time we were there. We still felt we'd had a white Christmas though, only thing was when we returned to Germany they had had a beautiful white Christmas. Typical eh. (NT) -- Gwen, 03:18:24 12/05/09 Sat
  • I thought about this question, & my answer is a little different. For us, the location doesn't change. We've always been home at Christmas., & spend it seeing the extended family. To be honest, I suppose we take a White Christmas for granted here in Michigan. It's almost always snowed by Dec 25. It's the white Thanksgivings (like last year) & white Easters (less common, but it happens!) I could skip. :) (NT) -- Cathryn_L, 03:55:13 12/05/09 Sat
  • One of my favorite Christmas days was in Monterey California where we went to Christmas dinner and sat outside overlooking the ocean. If you saw my FB post yesterday the fact that we got snow already makes me bah humbug! We have lived so many differnt places that we just make Christmas be about our family traditions and not so much the weather. (NT) -- BetsyG, 06:05:42 12/06/09 Sun
  
  

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• Wigs! -- JustGina, 07:53:30 12/04/09 Fri
  I am thinking of buying a wig.
  
  I have always had pretty thin hair, but it's getting worse, and there really isn't a good way to style it anymore. I'm taking supplements and trying to find a good shampoo, but nothing is really working, and you see more and more scalp. SO, I'm thinking, why not get a wig for when I want to look really nice? What do ya all think?
  
  Do any of my lallypals have fake hair? How do you like it? How do you take care of it once you have it? Where do you get it? Have you ever had it fall off in public and horrify small children?
  
  Your Balding Lallypal,
  Gina
  

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  • Hi JustGina....I have a friend with your problem and she wears wigs...if you send me your e-mail me I can put you in touch with her. She has been wearing them for years...I'm sure with others she would be happy to give you some advise and insight. (NT) -- Lynda J, 08:42:52 12/04/09 Fri
  • Boy...one should edit before posting...if you e-mail me, I'll put you in touch with her. (NT) -- Lynda J, 09:29:59 12/04/09 Fri
    • Well, Lynda, I took the plunge without consulting anyone! *g* but thanks! (NT) -- JG, 09:19:42 12/05/09 Sat
  • JustGina, my mother wears a hairpiece and it looks wonderful. She couldn't be happier with it! I think she bought her hairpiece here >>>> -- ladyphantom, 11:36:51 12/04/09 Fri
    • Thanks ladyphantom! I'm perusing this site with interest! (NT) -- JG, 09:18:33 12/05/09 Sat
  • My cousin has a hairpiece because of thin hair after way too many years of bleaching it. Give me a yell on FB and I can tell you where she got it. She lives in Tennessee. (NT) -- CarolE, 12:55:04 12/04/09 Fri
  • My mom wore a wig for convenience back in the 1970s, then again in 2003 because of cancer hair loss. Her wigs were gorgeous! I think you should get one or even two! (NT) -- shy gal, 13:41:19 12/04/09 Fri
  • Funny story inside>>>> -- Lady Elizabeth, 14:56:24 12/04/09 Fri
    • ROFL!!! Thanks so much for the laugh, Elizabeth!!!! (NT) -- Pat, 02:25:47 12/05/09 Sat
    • ROFL@Rolling Alice! *snort* (NT) -- JustGina, 08:49:39 12/05/09 Sat
  • I'll be reading the replies with great interest, as I've been dreaming of having a couple of wigs for years. My problem is just the contrary: my hair is very, very thick and coarse, and I can't really wear it long (when I do, I mostly pull it back, and it takes 1,5 hours to blow-dry and I look like a lion), so my dream is to have very short natural hair and have one or two long-haired wigs to satisfy my "longing for the long". Stupid me missed the opportunity to buy wigs in Senegal where they are really cheap (most African women wear hair-pieces, extensions or wigs). But I live in the country and I think people would stare if I suddenly show up with long hair one day and not the next... (NT) -- Pat, 02:30:35 12/05/09 Sat
    • Go for it, Pat! It's fun! (NT) -- JG, 09:26:35 12/05/09 Sat
  • Thanks for your responses! My sister and I ended up stopping by a costume shop and I DID it! I bought a wig! I LOVE it! I wore it to my husband's Christmas party last night, and it was so fun having good hair! It wasn't expensive. $29. for a synthetic wig, and I had to take it to a salon to get the bangs trimmed because I was too chicken to do it myself. I thought it looked good, and got lots of compliments yesterday. Only one person flat out asked me, "Is that YOUR hair?", but it was just funny, and I said in my best Dolly Parton style, "No!" Inside for pictures >>>>>>> -- JustGina, 09:16:15 12/05/09 Sat
    • Too cute! My hair is thinning like crazy and I dont have much to begin with, I think I will be getting one of these in the future! (NT) -- M&M, 11:36:35 12/05/09 Sat
    • Looks good! And my answer to is that YOUR hair would have been "yes". After all you bought it, it's yours! *G* (NT) -- Maria, 14:43:40 12/05/09 Sat
    • Looks great, I love it!!! So, please tell me, did it feel hot? Itchy? How did you hold it in place? And did it then hold in place properly? Could you tie it in a bow, for example, or does it have to stay like it is? Anything else...? (NT) -- Pat, 02:37:53 12/06/09 Sun
      • Pat, it was warm...like wearing a hat. It didn't itch at all though. It just fits like a cap. It has an adjustable head band inside, so you can makeit tight as you need to. You can pin it to your hair with bobby pins, but I didn't feel like I needed to do that. We did some pretty fast swing dancing where I lost my scarf, my braclet, had to kick off my shoes, and lost the contents of my little purse, but my wig stayed in place! LOL I could put in barrettes or a bow, but don't think a ponytail would work too well. (NT) -- JustGina, 08:24:00 12/07/09 Mon
        • Thanks!!! I think I'll go for it. (NT) -- Pat, 12:32:47 12/07/09 Mon
    • Very Cute, JG! Glad you did it. I'm almost to the point of buying a wig myself. I've been losing a lot of hair the past few months due to a health issue. (NT) -- Gina-C, 18:06:29 12/06/09 Sun
  • I think your bobbed wig looks GREAT! Good for you! I wear a synthetic loooong ponytail when I bellydance sometimes & I love it! However, I learned that with the synthetics they only last about 5-6 performances and then they just don't look nice anymore, so I would definitely suggest looking into real hair wigs too. (NT) -- Sorcha, 10:16:40 12/05/09 Sat
  • I am proud to announce that my DS has been growing his hair to donate for wigs for people with cancer. It is long and absolutely beautiful in a Jamie way and I love it. Don't want to scar the poor guy by telling him I think he's hot, will let the girls do that. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 18:21:11 12/05/09 Sat
    • My youngest DD (who has inherited my trait of having more hair than I know what to do with) has cut and donated her hair twice. She's adorable (of course :-D) with it short and long. Of course, I'm too vain to cut mine. With it short, I look like a poodle on crack. LOL (NT) -- ScarlettO, 18:24:12 12/06/09 Sun
  • Hey, JG, I always said if ever I saw more scalp than I was comfortable with, I'd do the hairpiece thing. GO FOR IT and BRAVA! BTW, I don't think your own hair is as bad as you think it is. It suits you. So does the wig--lucky you--Choices! (NT) -- Gayle, 21:24:36 12/06/09 Sun
    • Thanks, Gayle, but you can see a LOT of scalp with my real hair. In that picture my sunglasses are on top of my head so you can't tell. *g* (NT) -- JG, 08:31:45 12/07/09 Mon
  
  

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• O.k. Meeps and Peeps, what's shakin' this weekend? -- Lady Lukkarinen, 04:56:13 12/04/09 Fri
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  Replies:
  • Running errands today and having family over tomorrow evening for DD's 4th bday party!! Sunday is finishing up errands and relaxing. Only a few more weeks till baby! (NT) -- JenK, 05:06:14 12/04/09 Fri
  • Date night with DH tonight and Disney tomorrow... It's been four years since we've been! (And we live about an hour away.) (NT) -- LindaT, 05:31:44 12/04/09 Fri
  • Something different for me - a hockey tournament!. First game at 7am an hour dirve away. Good gravy I am sick of hockey - what we do for our kids. Sun night (if I am still alive) I will figure out my Christmas list so I can power shop Mon & Tue then be mostly done. (NT) -- jayn, 05:34:28 12/04/09 Fri
  • Baking cookies and making fudge. (NT) -- kgp, 05:52:17 12/04/09 Fri
  • My DH and I are taking the afternoon off from work to celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary (tomorrow). We'll go out to lunch and probably see a movie, then we'll go out for a nice dinner Sat. night. Only bummer is that he's got to go out of town on a business trip on Sunday. (NT) -- ShannonK, 05:54:01 12/04/09 Fri
    • Happy Anniversary Shannon and DH! (NT) -- LisaW, 06:43:48 12/04/09 Fri
  • Research paper deadlines draw ever closer. One down, two to go and I'm FREEEEEEEE (until spring semester, that is) (NT) -- LizT, 06:09:31 12/04/09 Fri
  • Work tonight. Work tomorrow. Movie with DH Saturday night. Sunday we'll break out the Christmas decorations and get the lights up. (NT) -- Tam, 06:17:46 12/04/09 Fri
  • Have a handbell program at noon today. Grocery shopping after so we can host our Sunday School class Christmas party tonight at my parent's lake house. Tomorrow morning DS1 has futsal (indoor soccer) and tomorrow evening the kids are singing at the cities Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Sunday is church in the morning and playing at another handbell program in the evening. I'm hoping to get some rest sometime in there, but I'm not sure it will happen. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 06:21:04 12/04/09 Fri
  • My BFF and I are going to take her 3 yo with cerebral palsy to a breakfst with Santa that's being put on for special needs kids. She's really into the fat guy in red this year...I'm so excited! (NT) -- Jeanie, 06:34:36 12/04/09 Fri
  • We are heading up to Mt. Shasta for our annual Wanket Christmas Tree Hunt. There will be 22 of us scouting the forest in search of the perfect tree. DH hopes I don't find it down a hill. :) (NT) -- LisaW, 06:47:27 12/04/09 Fri
  • Today - trying to find my kitchen table. (I know it's under that pile of stuff somewhere!) The rest of the weekend - Christmas decorating stuff. In the end, my LR will look like Christmas threw up all over it. =D (NT) -- Donna Mc, 07:01:08 12/04/09 Fri
  • Writing my cards today, some shopping tomorrow AM and then off to Annapolis to have dinner with Mike's 2 roomates from USNa. My very best friend married one of the roomates, So looking forward to seeing them. Sunday is church and finish the decorating and cards. (NT) -- SheltieLass, 07:21:51 12/04/09 Fri
  • DD10 birthday party going on, she has 7 friends over. Tomorrow, a dear friend gets married. That is going to be lovely - but scary, I have made them a song and we perform it with two other friends. And on Sunday Finland celebrates independence day, so it is party, party, party all weekend. (NT) -- Wilhelmiina, 07:46:19 12/04/09 Fri
  • Well, I thought I'd sleep well tonight, but here it is - 1.45 a.m. and I'm wiiiiide awake! Ugh! Tomorrow (Saturday) we have the dreaded grocery shopping to do in the morning, then the house and Christmas tree to decorate in the afternoon. Sunday, we are driving to Brisbane to visit two of our old neighbours for the day and having a barbecue lunch with them. One of the ladies is on a lung transplant waiting list and is not very well. I hope she'll be ok to come to lunch on Sunday. Happy weekend, everyone! (NT) -- Leigh, 07:55:59 12/04/09 Fri
  • Nothing much planned other then just trying to stay warm...will be in the single digits all week-end...burrrrrrr (NT) -- Lynda J, 08:33:01 12/04/09 Fri
  • The snow has started falling in Calgary and it's not supposed to let up. Tomorrow is DD's 15th birthday (Holy Crap!!) and we're supposed to go to the Zoolights but we'll have to see just how damn cold it is. Besides that, I'm thinking books & my bed (NT) -- Cherie (), 09:01:46 12/04/09 Fri
    • Please, Please keep it NORTH of the border!!!!! (NT) -- CarolE, 13:01:51 12/04/09 Fri
      • Oh no Carol, we're sharing. Bwahaha. (NT) -- jayn, 18:05:27 12/04/09 Fri
  • Its just DD and me again so we'll try to get the tree up. We have pedicures scheduled for tomorrow to celebrate the end of the first week of her new job! Still have tons of her stuff in the basement to move around so maybe I can get her interested in doing that. Grocery shopping too so she has food when she gets home after 7PM. Trying to adjust to her living here again AND get ready for Christmas --its a wee bit crazy! My medical leave got extended by a week, Time to do things but time to continue healing so can't do too much! (NT) -- BetsyG, 10:15:06 12/04/09 Fri
  • I'm taking my second Reiki class (workshop?) tomorrow, something I'm very much looking forward to. On Sunday we celebrate my godson's 5th BD. His BD is Dec 25th, so it's normally celebrated before Xmas. I also need to get some studying done! :))) (NT) -- Chirre, 11:11:21 12/04/09 Fri
  • Friday: finally get the Christmas tree up, Saturday: work on Lallycards, and try to create this Blurb.com picture book gift thingy for the in-laws (why do I sign myself up for these things? haha) Sunday: church, then DH's extended family annual Christmas cookie decorating afternoon. Somewhere in there, we're also helping kiddos w/homework/studying, and doing laundry too. (NT) -- Cathryn_L, 11:28:54 12/04/09 Fri
  • Just visited the Southern Living Idea House in Dahlonega with my mom. Still have Lallycards to draw, backsplashes to paint, and church/cantata practice on Sunday. That's enough for me! (NT) -- SueW, 11:59:12 12/04/09 Fri
    • Hi, Sue! My DH was not involved w/ that SL house but is involved in an upcomming one. Maybe if you visit next year's we can have a meet up! (NT) -- AngieLass, 13:16:16 12/04/09 Fri
      • That sounds like fun! Where will that house be? (NT) -- SueW, 15:25:25 12/04/09 Fri
        • Will email soon- need my NAP! (NT) -- SueW (sounds like a toddler), 13:21:55 12/06/09 Sun
  • Going to dinner with DH, DM & DC and then a play for my DM's 90th birthday. Had a huge party yesterday. Tomorrow and Sunday DH & I have a few chores to do around here b/4 he heads back to SC for a couple of weeks b/4 Christmas. Anyone wanna buy a real nice house in SC????????? (NT) -- CarolE, 12:57:15 12/04/09 Fri
    • Wouldn't it be great if we had a Hoser Real Estate exchange? Blackdog was looking to move to a warmer climate... maybe one of the other ladies can put you in touch with him? Good real estate selling vibes coming your way..... (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 13:08:29 12/04/09 Fri
      • I vote for that. (Plus I like Kentucky, it seems just the right blend of warm and cold weather) Any one wanna come where it's too cold to be outside but not cold enough to freeze for ice skating. Too wet so nothing dries but not enough snow to cover the soggy messes of leaves in the yard. Too green for Christmas but too drizzly to put up lights...I hate this time of year, nice fall over, winter not here, months and months until spring. Yeah, I usually love where I live but I hate late Nov, early Dec. Plus my bf is off to Bahamas for a week starting tomorrow. Ok, I'm done whining now. *G* (NT) -- jayn, 18:09:54 12/04/09 Fri
  • Heading out in a blizzard to pick up a Starbucks and TV guide, then coming home to stay toasty warm tonight. Tomorrow, an art class and then babysitting my sis's 2 dogs while she throws a party. Working on Christmas gifts on Sunday. Chirre, my sis and bro have Reiki certificates. (NT) -- M.F., 14:07:05 12/04/09 Fri
    • Did you get a gingerbread latte? Those are the best!!! I had one for lunch today *G* (NT) -- Cherie, 19:25:25 12/04/09 Fri
  • Psych final Sat. morning for which I am still studying. After that I think I'll just collapse. *G* I did promise the family a couple of real dinners and maybe a dessert this weekend. Oh and some more internet shopping, I'm almost done with my list and 90% of it has been from the puter - I love internet shopping! *G* (NT) -- Maria, 21:43:29 12/04/09 Fri
  • We are all about the Musical this weekend!! Both kids involved and my son has a leading role. Sunday evening we finally get to go to a Christmas party--just us! (NT) -- Kim G, 22:12:18 12/04/09 Fri
  • Wine & Trivial Pursuit at my DGF's last night, today I am washing the bedding, shampooing carpets & getting this house clean & organized. Tomorrow I'm having a DGF come over to take some "boudoir photos" for DH's xmas care package thats going out next week. (NT) -- Sorcha, 10:19:49 12/05/09 Sat
  
  

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• Printer help please -- KyPam, 11:52:43 12/03/09 Thu
  I bought a Kodak ESP 5250 (printer/scanner/copier) and I can't get it installed. It says it needs a UNIDRV.DLL file. So I found one and downloaded it but apparently its in the wrong place because its still says its missing. Any ideas ladies?
  

  [Edit]
  
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  • Unplug it all and reinstall, and maybe that will work. (NT) -- M&M, 16:41:22 12/03/09 Thu
  • Option 1: did it come with a CD? Usually the installation CD program will install the needed drivers in the right place. Option 2: go to the Kodak website and use their customer support search function or FAQ to get help. (NT) -- Stargove, 18:16:55 12/03/09 Thu
  • I'm so flustrated............ -- KyPam, 19:58:18 12/03/09 Thu
  • I dunno how it works for PCs, but in the Mac OS, you sometimes have to go into the system preferences - printers- and make sure that the computer is selecting the correct printer. If this is a new printer and you have used the computer with a different one, it may be defaulting to find the old printer rather than the new one. You have to tell the computer which printer you want to use. (NT) -- Shadow, 20:39:21 12/03/09 Thu
    • That's true on a PC, as well. It happened to us when we got our new printer and couldn't figure out what was wrong. It was defaulting to the old printer. It would be a lot easier if screaming and cursing would make a printer work!! (NT) -- Noelle, 21:06:06 12/03/09 Thu
    • I thought of that too. I looked and the new printer isn't even in there. I think the software is downloaded but the problem happened when I connected the USB to the printer. Thats when I got this message that said "the file UNIDRV.DLL on Windows XP CD ROM is needed." The IT guy at work is suppose to call me today to do walk through. Hopfully he can help Otherwise I'm gonna pull out my hair. I HATE to have something that I can't get to work. GRRRR (NT) -- KyPam, 05:47:28 12/04/09 Fri
      • Have you tried the troubleshooting pages on the printer manufacturer's website? I suppose you could read the manual. :P Even with the drivers installed there's sometimes a need to run their nifty CD. I am so sorry that you're having frustrating troubles. I have a new printer too---went wireless. I've gotten it to work twice, each time after an hour of struggling. Then can't remember how I did it. I finally gave up and just plugged it back in with USB. (NT) -- Shads, 07:58:25 12/04/09 Fri
        • It sounds like the computer is asking for your original XP install disk. If your IT guy can't help, I'd use the ultimate solution and take it back to the store. (NT) -- Maria, 13:12:12 12/04/09 Fri
  
  

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• MASH and the Hallmark Channel Schedule Holiday Hiatus -- Lemora, 11:29:37 12/03/09 Thu
  You are all going to laugh, but I have lately rediscovered TV. (The last time I watched a series was 'The Beverly Hillbillies' in 1963, in Middle School.) It's the only thing I can "do" while keeping my mostly bed-ridden dad company for several hours every day. One of our favorite rituals is to watch MASH re-runs on Hallmark from 5-8 p.m. I've just watched it for the first time this fall, and it's all new to me. However, the Hallmark station currently seems to be on a holiday schedule that continuously shows Christmas-themed movies. Does anyone know when MASH will resume in January? Since I missed Seasons 1-3 with Wayne Rogers as Trapper John and Col. Blake, I'd like to see these the next time the whole thing is re-run, which I hope they will do. I suppose I could Google 'Hallmark', but I find that what many websites show, schedule-wise, even with adjustments for local programming, bears no resemblance to what I actually get on my TV! ( I've given up trying to figure out HBO's schedule.) I'm from the pre-Cable era, when everybody got 13 channels, period. I plan to go back to the 'no-TV' state eventually, but any info anyone has about MASH on Hallmark will be helpful. Thanks
  

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  • I don't have any information about the hallmark channel but I do know they have MASH on DVD. If you don't want to buy them, maybe your local library will have them in stock. (NT) -- JenK, 12:23:51 12/03/09 Thu
    • My Aunt Jenny has the whole MASH series on DVD, and I can borrow them from her anytime. She recently came to see my dad, and I foolishly did not think to ask her to bring it, but I'll probably do so in the future. In the meantime, since I pay for cable TV, I'd like to try to figure out scheduling! I may also run up the street to the library to see what they have. (NT) -- Lemora, 14:20:20 12/03/09 Thu
  • I just explored Hallmark's website and no info. You can only get Dec. Scheduling. The Discussion Board has everyone up in arms over the broadcasting ending on November 20, and everyone hopes the station will resume it in January, since the last episode shown was in Season Six. We'll have to wait and see. (NT) -- Lemora, 15:50:21 12/03/09 Thu
  • we watched that in the evenings too. see if you can get the ION station. it has MASH too. I love that show. lol (NT) -- shellb, 18:59:12 12/03/09 Thu
    • Where I live in the western San Fernando Valley, we have to have Time Warner as our cable provider. ION is not available here, according to the printed cable guide. I hope Hallmark will resume MASH broadcasts in January. Common sense would seem to indicate this, but TV is so unpredictable now that who knows? I know they will eventually run it again. It would be nice if the Hallmark website would give out this information, unless they haven't decided yet. But sheesh! It's the most popular series ever, in TV history! (NT) -- Lemora, 15:25:41 12/04/09 Fri
  • My local library carries DVD sets of many t.v. shows - CSI, Home Improvment, The Cosby Show, Star Trek, MASH, and more. Maybe your library has them, too? (NT) -- Lady Cate, 04:40:46 12/04/09 Fri
  • I don't know about Hallmark's schedule, but TV Land also plays MASH reruns in the evening and I think sometime throughout the day. You can get on their website, pick the show you want to see and see its schedule for the next several days. (NT) -- Valerie H., 06:53:13 12/04/09 Fri
    • Thanks! We get TV Land and I just checked: MASH is on at 5:30 a.m. Dec. 5 and on the 6th it's on at 9:30 p.m. EST, which means I should tune in at 6:30 p.m.! WFT!? For several days it's on at dawn, and then it's on later at night! Andy Griffith and All In The Family are on in prime time! As if they were any where near as popular or as good! Go figure. I can't make any sense of TV programming! (NT) -- Lemora, 22:23:33 12/04/09 Fri
  • The Hallmark channel continuiously does reruns of MASH. We have seen the beginning several times. Once it is finished going through the series, it will start over and you will see Trapper. My DH is a big fan, and he watches it every night on rerun. (NT) -- LadyBelle, 06:56:01 12/04/09 Fri
  • Love,Love MASH. Speaking of all Dec from noon to midnight they will be showing Holiday movies. (NT) -- SheltieLass, 07:24:42 12/04/09 Fri
  
  

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• Ladies, I'm wondering if anyone can help.... -- JulieMarie, 17:08:41 12/02/09 Wed
  I'm an every day lurker, infrequent poster. My niece, who is 9 years old, is bravely fighting Ewing's Sarcoma, a very aggressive pediatric bone cancer. She's going through a second round of chemo---she's on treatment 11 out of 16---she is so tough and so brave. All she really, really wants for Christmas is a Gray Wolf Webkinz. Don't you know it, we can't find one anywhere, not even on eBay. Does anyone have one that they would be willing to sell me?
  If so, please email me snyder619--at--sbcglobal---dot--net
  
  Thanks in advance for considering...I don't post often, but am literally here every day, multiple times. I feel like I know all of you without really talking...I guess that's the beauty of Lallybroch : ) I never would have felt comfortable asking, otherwise.
  
  Thanks!
  

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  • Sorry that I can't help you with the wolf, but I did just want to say hugs to your niece, and hope you can find this or something else to make her Christmas special. (NT) -- HollyC, 18:05:19 12/02/09 Wed
  • I'll keep a lookout for one. (NT) -- Tam, 18:08:03 12/02/09 Wed
  • I'll keep my eyes open for one too. (NT) -- BetsyG, 18:36:20 12/02/09 Wed
  • Have you tried Craigs List? It's worth a shot. ((((hugs)))) and prayers for your niece. (NT) -- ladyphantom, 19:33:18 12/02/09 Wed
  • Hey JulieMarie. Please give your niece great big hugs from me! Also, I consulted the neighbor girl (a Webkinz expert) and the Webkinz website and found that the Gray Wolf is a virtual pet only. The plush wolf is actually the Timber Wolf, could this be the one she means? I found bunches of those on Ebay. I'll put a link inside. -- Whiskey Eyes, 19:39:10 12/02/09 Wed
  • We will look too. My daughter is the Webkinz expert. If it's out there, she'll find it! (NT) -- LindaT, 20:08:21 12/02/09 Wed
  • JulieMarie, I will ask my nieces this weekend. If I find one I will pass it on to you. Hope all goes well with her treatments. (NT) -- LisaW, 21:35:04 12/02/09 Wed
  • JulieMarie, I have NO idea what you're talking about!!! But, if I see anything that remotely sounds like what you're looking for, I'll let you know. Your brave niece, her family, all of you, will be in my prayers. Aren't kids something else? (NT) -- Merrymags, 22:02:28 12/02/09 Wed
    • Me neither, not sure they have them in the UK or maybe its just that they are for small children. But hugs to you and your niece, hope you manage to get one. You came to the right place. (NT) -- Gwen, 04:20:31 12/03/09 Thu
  • I have forwarded this post (edited a little) directly to Mr Ganz at Ganz Toys, the company that makes Webkinz. Ganz is a Canadian company, at one time I worked for the agency that did their advertising, and I know that Mr Ganz particularly truly cares about children (I never met the man personally although I attended meetings he was at, but his reputation was great) . I will be surprised if you do not hear from them, whether or not they can actually help. (NT) -- jayn, 05:05:56 12/03/09 Thu
  • Wow, everyone, THANK YOU!!! You just don't know what this means to me. She's such a precious girl...we're not sure how things are going to go over the long haul, so anything we can do for her, no matter how small, is our focus right now. She thinks this webkinz was out about a yr or so ago, maybe that's why it's virtual one now. If the gray wolf is no more, maybe we'll try the Timber wolf! Thank you all for your good wishes and willingness to help. It just means the world to me! (NT) -- JulieMarie, 05:22:35 12/03/09 Thu
  • And one other cool thing that has happened lately...here in MI, there is a group of retired pilots and flight attendants who have gotten together to do a program called "Angel Flights". They take the kids on real flights to the North Pole to see Santa. They put the kids on the plane, close the window shades, and fly them around the airport for an hour or so. They land on the other side of the airport, deplane, and have the hangar totally decked out like the North Pole!! The kids get to spend time with Santa and the elves, have treats and presents and then get back on the plane and "fly" back home. It takes about the whole day, so they really think they've been to the North Pole! And they have, haven't they? Since the North Pole and Santa can be wherever you believe he is. The kindness of people astounds me and gives me faith in all of us...that's what cancer has done for us. (NT) -- JulieMarie, 05:27:43 12/03/09 Thu
    • Those pilots are wonderful. My dad and nephew belong to a similar group but they are all private/hobby pilots with little planes - when they come home that day I wonder who had the better time! The airport they fly out of sells them fuel cheap to do their part. (NT) -- jayn, 06:55:50 12/03/09 Thu
    • My best friend's DH is an Angel Fight pilot. He owns his own plane. He flies the families back and forth from home to hospital and anything else they need. What a noble thing to do. (NT) -- Niseold, 14:56:45 12/04/09 Fri
      • ....sorry forgot the "L"..that is Angel Flight *g* (NT) -- Niseold, 14:59:26 12/04/09 Fri
  • Hugs to your niece! I will look around here - DS didn't know of a grey wold plush animal - I think WE is right in that it's a virtual character & the Timber Wolf is the plush character. I'm still going to look though! (LOVE the idea of the Christmas flights! That made me cry!) (NT) -- MaryJ, 07:04:41 12/03/09 Thu
  • JulieMarie can we send her some Christmas cards? I just got my LOL list and would love to add 1 more to it (NT) -- Cherie, 07:04:49 12/03/09 Thu
    • Sure, I think she would love getting Christmas cards. Is there a list I should get her on? I think I remember seeing it the other day, but didn't click on it.. (NT) -- JulieMarie, 10:21:42 12/03/09 Thu
      • JulieMarie.. I'm in charge of organizing this year's Holiday Card Exchange. If you want to send me her information, I will get her info to all the folks that signed up. Just email me at lolrisab at yahoodotcom. (NT) -- RisaB, 10:28:24 12/03/09 Thu
        • Email sent...thank you, RisaB! (NT) -- JulieMarie, 16:49:36 12/03/09 Thu
  • I have a call in to our local shop here in MD and will let you know. In the mean time I am s ending your neice loving hugs and prayers. (NT) -- SheltieLass, 07:26:03 12/03/09 Thu
  • They do have a light gray Husky pup. I wonder if she is thinking of that? I will consult with the Webkinz expert in our household to-my DD. (NT) -- Toddles, 08:19:00 12/03/09 Thu
  • A couple years ago, my DS#2 had a webkinz gray & white canine of some sort. I asked him this morning, & he said it was a husky. Unfortunately, I believe it sold at the garage sale last summer. (NT) -- Cathryn_L, 10:25:32 12/03/09 Thu
  • JulieMaire, please go inside -- jayn, 11:29:06 12/03/09 Thu
    • THANK YOU, JAYN!! Looks like the gray wolf is a virtual pet only. She probably saw it online and thought there was an animal that went with it. Thank you to all who responded...I so appreciate it. You all are the best! (NT) -- JulieMarie, 16:48:40 12/03/09 Thu
      • Sorry for yelling, I really wanted to make sure you saw it. *G* (NT) -- jayn, 17:53:48 12/03/09 Thu
  
  

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• Carpet Cleaners? Professonal or home uprights? -- BetsyG, 13:11:05 12/02/09 Wed
  I have a bissell spot bot that I love for the little messes that occur. But after 4 years here, 2 cats, 1dog and my MIL in the basement apartment we really need to get our carpets cleaned. I especially want the basement cleaned because DD is living in it now. I had one room done last year by a professional but I don't feel that it lasted that long. So I am wondering if I wouldn't be better off buying a carpet cleaning machine. Would love some ideas on brands, costs, features if you own one. OR would you stick with having people come in to clean the carpets?
  LOL is my go to for advice on buying products so thanks for your input!
  

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  • Three weeks ago I bough the Bissel Pro Heat 9500. We have been in this carpeted house for 2 years now and have had the carpet professionally cleaned, as well as rented the Rug Doctor a few times. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new Bissel!!! It does a remarkable job, and it's not heavy or bulky at ALL. It retails for about $299, and I got it at Bed Bath & Beyond with my 20% off coupon, so it was only $239. After using the Rug Doctor and nearly throwing my back out simply doing a HALLWAY because it's so damn heavy (DH usually does it but he won't be home til Feb & the carpet can't wait that long) I decided to just go and get it. Boy am I GLAD I did!!! (NT) -- Sorcha (), 13:20:03 12/02/09 Wed
  • I've got a Bissell QuickSteamer Powerbrush. I've been pleased w/ it. We have only area rugs. Beware not to use too hot water in it. I did and it warped the water bottle. (NT) -- AngieLass, 13:33:43 12/02/09 Wed
  • What I use to do is have them professionally cleaned once. Then I rented the carpet cleaners from Kroger, I think they are called Rug Doctor. I would do that maybe once or twice a year. Now...... I have a Bissell Carpet cleaner, I didnt pay that much for, I dont think it heats like Sorcha's does, but it does a nice enough job, esp. with that Awesome cleaner Ive been using lately instead of buying carpet cleaner. I would like the model that heats the water though. I do my carpet in my family room every other month, it only takes a half hour. Between that and not using my Dyson vacuum cleaner on that carpet anymore, it looks MUCH MUCH MUCH better. Dont get me started on the Dysons and how awful my carpets looked with it. (NT) -- M&M, 13:51:53 12/02/09 Wed
    • That should be...... I know it doesnt heat like Sorchas does. *G* I just use very hot water. (NT) -- <M&M, 13:54:29 12/02/09 Wed
      • Will, now I want to know what the Dyson did or didn't do to your rugs. Spill the bean, please. (NT) -- Toddles, 16:30:47 12/02/09 Wed
        • When we moved into this house we replaced all the carpets. That was six years ago, but my carpets looked old. Really worn and I couldnt figure it out until I noticed that the Dyson doesnt have a belt on its beater bar and it just doesnt turn that fast. So its not fluffing the carpets as much as it could. So I bought another Kenmore Canister and it has a fast beater bar (almost dangerous *G*) cleaned the carpets and then started using the Kenmore and I cant believe how much cleaner they look, and not so runned down. In my old house my carpets were 14 years old when we went to sell, my realtor, who sold me the house, listed it also, she couldnt believe they looked so good for being old builders grade carpet. Thats it. :-) (NT) -- M&M, 17:30:46 12/02/09 Wed
          • My mom has the Kenmore canister. She loves it. She said after 20+ years of Filter Queen, it's the only brand that comes even close. I have the Kenmore Upright and it's the best I've had for dog hair. I'm not as vigilant as I could be, but for getting up the dog hair, it works really well. I'll stick with Kenmores. (NT) -- TracyAnn, 04:03:58 12/03/09 Thu
  • We have tan/creamish carpets upstairs only, and have them cleaned once a year professionally. Of course it looks amazing for a couple weeks- and then between dogs and the two of us and anyone else, it goes back to icky again. I've rented the Rug Doctor as well as borrowed my moms Hoover Steamvac and neither come close to the results of professional. For the work that I put into cleaning it myself the results just aren't worth it. (NT) -- Elle S, 15:14:25 12/02/09 Wed
  • I too have a Hoover and am not that impressed with it. I have them done about twice a year. I have 2 dogs and 3 cats. I ended up putting plastic down on the carpet in one room just to keep them from "using" it. I put the plastic away when company comes over. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 17:02:40 12/02/09 Wed
  
  

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• What would you do??? -- Ceilidh, 06:56:13 12/02/09 Wed
  I am sitting here slightly ticked off at my dentist's office!! Let me start this with the fact that I LOVE him...and after years of orthodontia and a horrible dentist as a child this is an AMAZING thing. (I've NEVER liked one before!) So much so that I switched my kids from their pediatric (?sp) dentist in another town to our new guy.
  
  Declan had to get some new molars 'sealed'...a process I find ridulous honestly but our insurance pays for it so they get it done. I just got a bill from the office for $55...for one of the teeth that apparently wasn't 'covered'. We didn't get the notice from insurance until AFTER the dentist did the work either. Turns out this was a tooth that had ALREADY been sealed but it fell out.
  
  The office would have KNOWN it wasn't covered when they did the work...since, as we know, everything goes through insurance first before ANYone does ANYthing...and should have told us before they did the work!! RIGHT?
  
  I would assuredly have said NO...when this process started with Joey a few years back I initially said no to the sealants anyway--the kids can brush their teeth or have fillings in their back teeth like the rest of us!!
  
  Would you fight this?? I told DH I will NOT pay for this...the office dropped the ball and should have told us what wasn't covered first!
  
  GRRRR...I hate that it's all so expensive!! I know in the grand scheme of things $55 isn't much, but on something I would NOT have paid for (and the fact they want it paid by next week--bill came 2 days ago) it is TOO much!!
  
  Vent over...suggestions?? (BTW--DH calls them, he's much calmer!)
  

  [Edit]
  
  Replies:

  • Well...I think you have a good argument for not paying if you don't want to. But don't underestimate the power of that sealant. I am so thankful for it, Connor, my oldest and developmentally delayed, has them on his molars because they were formed with pretty deep pits. Kids don't brush that well and especially kids with developmental issues who don't like getting their teeth brushed! Connor's teeth didn't develop like a typical kid and he's only had one cavity and that was on the backside of a front tooth which I find remarkable given our issues with brushing. Sealant beats a cavity and filling any day! I agree they should have told you and I agree $55 is nothing to balk at but still better than all the hassle and pain of fillings. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 07:21:48 12/02/09 Wed
    • Good morning, your up early *G* call me, we have dance tonight. You can make me hot chocolate & baileys (NT) -- Cherie, 07:26:05 12/02/09 Wed
      • Early...ha! I got one on the bus 45 minutes ago and another wants out of his crib but I'm still on my break so he's going to have to wait. *g* Yep, I'll be home and I have loads of Bailey's because no one here likes it but we seem to get it as gifts all the time. :) (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 07:29:37 12/02/09 Wed
    • Hi Jodi!! I should also have mentioned that we had issues with billing procedures at the kid's old dentist--not that we had to pay for stuff but they way they billed our inusrance seemed 'fishy' (they would bill half to dental and half to medical even though dental would cover the whole thing?) And as I said, I did conceed and have Joey's and Declan's sealed (D in process) but seeing as Declan already had the sealant fall off it doens't seem to be working! *G* Joey hasn't had ANY cavities and Declan has had 3...Joey waited for sealants and D had them right away! :) Of course the new dentist also said that 2 of D's 3 fillings (by old dentist) are pointless and a flouride treatment probably would have been enough! So he got paid for sealants and fillings D didn't need! (our insurance covers filling 100% too) UGH Dentist=GREAT & Billing Office=SUCKS (NT) -- Ceilidh, 07:30:48 12/02/09 Wed
  • I work in a medical office - not a dental office - but not everything goes through insurance before something is done. We do chemo in our office and that is extremely expensive so we check with insurance before, but for things that aren't as expensive (like lab work, etc.) we may not check before hand. Since it was only $55 it may not be something that gets checked ahead of time. I'm just trying to play devil's advocate here, but even if they did check, if they didn't specify that the tooth was being "re-done" the insurance company may have just given general benefits and may not have known until the actual billing. (NT) -- Valerie H., 07:59:29 12/02/09 Wed
    • Ditto. We verify coverage on big-ticket items, but $55 does not qualify. Also, every time we verify benefits, we get a disclaimer that says "this does not guarantee coverage" - so even if we make the call, the claim can be rejected. Ultimately, and I don't mean to be snarky, bills for the treatment of you and/or your family are YOUR responsibility. If you want to be more certain that you'll have coverage for a certain service, your best bet is to verify the benefits yourself. Seems to me that your dentist is not responsible here - the sealant came off and needed to be re=done....same thing happened to my DD. And sealants DO work - 30 seconds per tooth to paint some goop on -- neither of my girls have had any cavities, and I had a bunch by the time I was their age. One cavity is 20 minutes of drilling, numbing shots, etc.....if you ask me, goop vs. drilling is no contest. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 15:42:39 12/02/09 Wed
  • I agree you have some grounds to argue but I also I agree with Valerie - the dentist might not have realized it, and his clerk (or whomever) wouldn't know until after the work what the work was. I don't know all the ins and outs of (I assume:) US insurance. I had some trouble with my pediadontist (whom the kids love etc etc). My ds has had 5 teeth pulled outright and root canal on 3 others (he's 8!!). He has spacers that fall out regularly and need to be reglued to the tune of $100 per time - not insured. The dentist told me no sticky candy, no gum etc but honestly - tell an 8 year old that he can't have good stuff for 5 years or more? The last straw came when the spacer fell out while eating ordinary bread. I told the dentist he could replace them if he wants but I am not paying anymore, then my family dentist told me they probably aren't needed anyway. (NT) -- jayn, 08:41:59 12/02/09 Wed
  • I feel for you... my family doctor sent me to a physical therapist and they had all my insurance information. I thought they would run it before they did anything. They didn't and it turns out they were out of network and I am no in the hole for $300. Not to mention they billed me 6 months after the fact. They unfortunately don't check prior to your appointment. They leave that up to you. (NT) -- JenK, 09:39:54 12/02/09 Wed
    • To be honest, medical offices just do NOT have the staff to verify participation and benefits for every patient. We try very hard to send patients in-network, and always ask when we schedule the appointment, but sometimes things can change fairly quickly. Ultimately, if YOU are getting the service, YOU are responsible. Make the phone call - it's worth the money. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 15:46:51 12/02/09 Wed
      • I guess I assumed that since the last time the referred me somewhere and it was in network and they did verify that time. I guess I feel that they should verify all or none. If if they don't verfiy that the person they are referring you to they should let you know to check with your insurance company. It's a simple little disclaimer that would save people a lot of money. But yes, I should have asked the doctor's office if they checked and then called the insurance company myself. (NT) -- JenK, 16:16:20 12/02/09 Wed
  • Chris fyi from my experience my Mom is a dental hygenist and highly reccomends sealants but she also has billed them as fillings so the ins. covers them...this was 10 years ago so not sure if that is still the case of course different insurance does different things. I would certianly call your dentist and discuss this...if you like them and they like you they should work it out with you so you continue to use their services. (NT) -- BetsyG, 13:13:19 12/02/09 Wed
  • Ive had them seal teeth that I didnt ask for, and I called and they credited with no problem. I think if you call and are nice about it, and how it was their mistake and not yours they will credit you for the amount. (NT) -- M&M, 13:53:14 12/02/09 Wed
  • I work at a medical office and >> going long -- Scots Pixie, 14:58:44 12/02/09 Wed
  • OKAY...sorry it looks like I upset some people! I didn't mean to! Our dentist preapproves EVERYTHING...this wasn't just a $55 visit...he had 3 teeth sealed that day for $165 but our insurance decided to only cover $110 AFTER they approved it. We have FULL coverage for sealants...once per tooth...and were not told by the dentist that they we re-doing a tooth until we called about this bill. We KNEW they would only cover it once. We have pretty good dental insurance and don't pay pennies for that priviledge! But the office DID decide to eat the cost because they did not let us know that they were doing a tooth a second time. And beleive me they have LOTS of staff in this new office...the only thing I DON'T like about our dentist is that he went from this tiny little office to this GORGEOUS new place...I could FEEL the prices rising!! Hopefully they don't! And hopefully I've explained myself better and aren't irritating the Ladies who work with insurance anymore.Sorry! (NT) -- Ceilidh--will just complain to DH!, 16:35:23 12/02/09 Wed
    • My ortho did the same thing. Had a nice little office in the hood then moved into the mall development. Even the ladies all got new fashionable outfits. The waiting room has a late machine and 4 video games. My dentist tried to slide in something I didn't want because it wasn't covered on me. He wanted to replace 2 old fillings, they weren't covered cause there was nothing wrong with them so I said no. A year later I needed a root canal, when I got the info back from the insurance company on their coverage these 2 fillings had been added to the quote the dentist sent to them. Luckly I asked questions about everything on it or they would have done them and I would have had to pay for it. I was choked. I got a new dentist. (NT) -- Cherie, 07:13:18 12/03/09 Thu
      • Mine retired (saw him since I was a baby!) and the woman who had worked with him for years bought the practice. They had to move because the west LRT line is going right through the offices they were in for 45 years. So she has just moved to that swanky new condo in Marda Loop and the office is gorgeous. Walnut flooring throughout and a fireplace in the waiting room. No big charges though, in fact, she didn't charge me for Nate's first appt at all and isn't charging Grant for a temporary bridge that she's even had to re-insert a few times. We'll see how that goes over time though. *g* (P.S. Nate sends his love. *g*) (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 09:17:41 12/03/09 Thu
        • Tell Nate I send my love too. Maybe you better not, you may not be able to get him off you for the rest of the day *G* (NT) -- Cherie, 09:44:59 12/03/09 Thu
  
  

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• Poll.... -- Colly, 14:57:43 12/01/09 Tue
  I had a discussion with my boss today. He is very particular about things and is always talking about the psychology behind every tiny detail of what he does... I work in an auto body repair shop and I write estimates on damaged cars. This requires me to go outside, obviously, though in bad weather we often pull the cars into an open bay by the office. I place my coat on the back of my chair so it is readily available, or I often leave it on. My boss wants me to hang my coat on a coat rack at the top of the staircase which is to the right of my desk and would require me to climb about 8 steps, turning my back to the customer in the process, every time I need to go outside. I also need to take a camera outside with me which is kept on a shelf on a wall behind his desk. Also, he feels that to keep my coat on is a signal to a customer that I am ready to leave work. I feel it signifies that I am ready to go outside and look at your car.
  I personally think it is unacceptable to turn my back on a customer in the middle of helping them, to go retrieve my coat, then have to retrieve the camera...just seems to me like it would appear very disorganized. His reasoning is that he wants the office atmosphere to be an "experience" to customers and a coat on the back of the chair would ruin the perfect experience. (I must add, both desks are to be kept absolutely clear of any items other then the immediate item we are working on. I am not to spread more than 2 piece of paper over my desk top and can only have one file at a time (makes it a bit difficult at times when I am trying to finalize a bill and am sorting through invoices).
  
  So...which would impress you more: to walk in and have someone be able to stand up, with notepad, coat and camera in hand and immediately walk out the door to help you? Or to have someone turn their back on you to run up a flight of stairs, then come back down and dodge behind another desk to get something else before they can help you? Keep in mind you are "experiencing" the lovely decor of the office, with its coffee and water and the pretty paintings and lamps and lit candles.
  
  Personally, I think I am going to put my coat in my desk drawer...problem solved, except for the camera.
  

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  • I'm with you on the desk drawer idea. I think the less a client has to wait the better, no matter how lovely the surroundings. I have zero patience and HATE waiting. (NT) -- Sorcha, 15:06:05 12/01/09 Tue
    • ditto! (NT) -- CarolE, 21:53:40 12/01/09 Tue
  • Coat in the drawer works. On the other hand, you could say to the customer, please excuse me for a sec while I get my coat and the camera--and that excuses YOU having to turn your back on the customer. (NT) -- Gayle, 15:06:13 12/01/09 Tue
  • First, an employee with a coat on gives the impression of counting the minutes until their shift is over or that there is no heat. As a customer, I don't want to be kept waiting while someone is scuttling about getting what they need. The heck with the "experience," I want to know that my time is valued & that the staff is ready for me. About the camera location, maybe security is an understandable issue. As to the neat-freak desk, it shows organization & professionalism. I worry that when someone's desk is groaning with paperwork my business will get lost in the shuffle or worse, be put at the bottom of the pile/service queue. If there is no way to hang your coat adjacent to your desk so that when you stand you can simultaneously reach for it (back of the chair doesn't count), I vote for the desk drawer. I was a librarian for 32 years in 4 different systems & do know something about public service; heaven help us if we were not prepared the instant patrons approached the desk. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 15:57:12 12/01/09 Tue
  • I see an employee with a coat on and I think they are cold. I would imagine that pretty common in a body shop too. I think I would just keep my coat in my drawer too. This guy sort of sounds like a bit of a pain in the butt. :-) I like things neat and orderly but hes a bit extreme. (NT) -- M&M, 18:31:42 12/01/09 Tue
  • I agree with M&M Colly...this guy does sound like a real pain in the butt...perhaps shoving some soap up his might alleviate the problem. And I wonder why I'm still unemployed? I can't imagine you unprofessional in any situation...sounds kind of like a control issue to me! Hang in there girlie (NT) -- Jeanie, 19:26:16 12/01/09 Tue
  • I would rather spend as little time dinking around as possible, so the the coat and camera at hand would work for me. The only "experience" I want at an auto shop is quick, efficient, reasonable, professional service. If I wanted pretty, I wouldn't be looking for it at an auto shop. *G* If your boss is that OCD about where things are, maybe he should get you a coat rack for your office area - not only for your coat, but for customers who may want to use it. I wouldn't want my coat up 8 steps and out of my reach if I were a customer. Or he could get you a uniform coat which would show you're "at work" even if you're wearing it. You know, the lovely dark blue ones, with "Colly" on the little oval nametag. *G* Same with the camera, it should be readily accessible if you need it. If you both use it, maybe he should get you your own. (NT) -- Maria, 20:33:02 12/01/09 Tue
    • It is a work coat with the company logo on the back/shoulder area because to have anything on the front lapel area is too awkward for people to look at. (according to him) If you put logos/names on the front then people are looking awkwardly at your chest which would be uncomfortable for a female and the person doing the looking..... (NT) -- Colly, 12:42:26 12/02/09 Wed
      • I still don't like how anal he is - I know it's hard times tho and you have to take what you can get. :( Hope he loosens up or a better job opens up for you! (NT) -- Maria, 20:43:45 12/02/09 Wed
  • Can you get a coat tree (smaller than the object that I think of as a coat rack - a horizontal rod - but maybe that's what you mean already). If that would work, you could situate it near the door and hang both your coat and your camera (in a bag or just by the camera strap) so you can grab them on the way out. As for having a coat on the back of your chair, I sort of agree with the boss, but I don't like his solution at all - you're running all over to retrieve the stuff you need, and as a customer I would think that looks unorganized. I do think a sweater on the back of your chair is more than OK - almost everyone in my office has one. Sorry, went long >>>>>>>>>> -- ScarlettO, 21:02:54 12/01/09 Tue
  • First, Geez-Louise, deliver us from folks that sweat the small stuff. I agree w/ JenK. Gift him w/ an anal soap plug. I think you should buy one of those beautiful celtic shaws that are sold by Fergus vendors (I got mine at GfMt.). I keep mine on the back of my chair. It looks like a small, non-bulky lap blanket so I forget it's there. Your chair will look decorated & when you see it you'll be reminded you're a hoser and special! Whoever uses the camera most is whose posession I'd place it in. (NT) -- AngieLass, 21:55:56 12/01/09 Tue
    • Sorry, should have credited Jeanie w/ the soap comment. (NT) -- AngieLass, 21:58:06 12/01/09 Tue
  • If I see someone wearing a coat in the office, I get the impression of "cheap", because I think they don't heat the office enough for their employees to be warm. Not too good. A coat on a chair gives me the impression of "very casual", bordering on negligent. Not that good either. I wouldn't mind if the employee said "ok let's go have a look at your car, excuse me, I'll just get my coat" and then "now I'll get the camera"... but I think you shouldn't have to do that all day long. Can't you have him put two hooks near the door, one for your coat and the other for the camera? (NT) -- Pat, 01:16:42 12/02/09 Wed
  • If this guy is so keen on psychology why doesn't he realise he's an effing control freak!?>>>>> come inside I got wordy -- albion, 02:23:18 12/02/09 Wed
  • If I walked into an auto body shop and saw an employee with her coat on, I would think "She's just come in from outside" because auto shops are cold in the winter in MI!! Honestly, car repair shops that have waiting areas that are all frou-frou--I wonder how much they are over-charging me for the decor. If you are spending time fixing my car--you don't have time to go all Martha Stewart in the waiting room. Clean and neat, yes please, latte and candles? no thank you. That said, I wouldn't mind if you said "excuse me I need my coat" and turned your back on me, either. Though I'm sure walking up those steps will get really old, really fast for you.... (NT) -- FloraMac., 04:52:06 12/02/09 Wed
  • If I was the customer I'd rather get in and get out, because having my car worked on isn't going to be on my list of fun things to do for the day. I'm sure most people are trying to work it into an already busy day. It wouldn't bother me to see a coat on the back of a chair but maybe a tree stand close by would work and still look professional. As for the camera, he won't change his mind on this, but I feel if you are the one taking the pictures, it should reside at your desk. I like a clean desk but if you are busy, sometimes that isn't always possible. It sounds like he's a bit OCD and isn't likely to change. Maybe have him "experience" both ways of doing it and have him be the customer and see how he likes to be kept waiting. Good luck! (NT) -- JenK, 05:03:07 12/02/09 Wed
  • Colly, how about you put your boss in the drawer and your coat wherever you want to? jk. I think you're absolutely right... when customers arrive they're already anxious about cost, etc., and the less you make them wait, the happier they are. Sounds like a control thing to me. I don't know why bosses have to do this stuff to employees who are doing a good job. I vote for your way. (NT) -- JudyL, 07:09:26 12/02/09 Wed
  • I think it is ridiculous to make you walk up 8 steps to get your coat, and no, as a customer, I wouldn't want you to turn your back on me. Do you think he would meet you in the middle and let you have a coat rack or a hook somewhere near your desk, so that it can keep up the appearance that he wants, but at the same time, not make you climb the stairs or turn your back on the customer. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 07:58:18 12/02/09 Wed
  • An empty desk top, to me, looks like there isn't enough work to do and maybe those other customers know something I don't. I would consider going to a busier shop. As for the coat - I like the logo idea - a shop coat readily available on a hanger by or behind your office door so you are ready to serve when I come in with a problem. (NT) -- kgp, 08:42:40 12/02/09 Wed
  • Having just had to go into an autobody shop last week,a stupid squirrel and several pinecones being drop on my car, but I digress. I am not one bit concerned with the employees having a coat on or one on the back of their chair. It is an autobody shop and they have to go outside to view my car, I would expect them to have their coat available. I appreciate the readiness shown by the employee to get right to it and inspect my car and give me an estimate. (NT) -- LisaW, 08:51:51 12/02/09 Wed
  • all I can say is GOOD luck with your crazy boss! little headaches make life miserable! (NT) -- BetsyG, 13:14:43 12/02/09 Wed
  • Shouldn't auto body shops be dirty and have calendars of naked women sitting on cars? Your boss is making a big deal of the appearance of this place, when it should be all about the quality of the work his business does. (NT) -- Toddles, 13:51:43 12/02/09 Wed
    • LOL, haven't seen a naked woman calender in about 10 years(??) The current trend is breaking that stereotype and many shops have upgraded their office/waiting areas, but I do think it's a bit over the top. (NT) -- Colly, 14:12:32 12/02/09 Wed
      • Will, since times have changed you need a Hot Men in Kilts (working on cars of course) calendar to hang right by your desk. (NT) -- Toddles, 16:36:37 12/02/09 Wed
  • Sheesh, no offense but it isn't a beauty salon - it's a garage, right? I wouldn't mind if the employees were covered with grease (within reason.) On the other hand, he is your boss and looks like he has no ability to compromise. I think keeping your coat in a drawer is a good solution & I don't think an empty desk signifies good work - a desk should look used and useful, it's the end of the day when it should be empty! (NT) -- annieo, 09:53:27 12/03/09 Thu
    • I once read this here at LOL: "If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, then what is an empty desk a sign of?" This has been hanging on my wall ever since... (NT) -- Pat, 10:16:09 12/03/09 Thu
      • I like that one!! (NT) -- kgp, 12:45:30 12/03/09 Thu
        • Me, too. Of course, you should see my desk - it's a fire hazard, but I can always put my hands on anything I need - and nothing falls through the cracks. And my boss' desk looks just like it, so I'm OK. My favorite office sign is: "I can only make one person happy per day. Today isn't your day. Tomorrow isn't looking good either." (NT) -- ScarlettO, 18:39:33 12/06/09 Sun
  
  

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• iPod Touch -- AmandaW, 12:49:00 12/01/09 Tue
  I am getting an iPod Touch for combined Christmas / Birthday this year. I don't know whether to go for the 8GB or the 32GB.
  
  I will use it mainly for music and my audio books and maybe movies - not sure on that yet.
  
  Any thoughts or comments?
  
  Thanks ladies
  

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  Replies:

  • I have an 8gb and I wish that I had the 32. I like to have a large selection of music to choose from and there isn't enough room for me to include what I want. If you think you would like movies, I'd definitely get the 32. (NT) -- SaraH, 13:17:07 12/01/09 Tue
  • I have a 32gb ipod touch...I LOVE it! Definately get the 32gb...there's plenty of room for all my audiobooks, several videos (Star Wars Clone Wars for my 7 year old) and every music mp3 I own (which is gigs and gigs worth), and I've only used about 16 gigs of my available space. The apps are cool, like my Weigh Watchers app that lets me calculate points on the fly, Bejeweled 2, which entertains me when I'm bored, a digital level, etc. I don't have wireless at or near my home, but you can use it anywhere someone offers free wi-fi (Dairy Queen, Barnes & Noble, etc). I have nothing but rave reviews for it! (NT) -- Zodiac-Lung, 13:26:32 12/01/09 Tue
  • I just bought DS2 an iPod Touch for this Christmas. We got him the 32GB version. I doubt he'll have trouble filling that 32GB up in no time. I agree with Sarah - if you want to include movies, go for the 32GB. (NT) -- Leigh, 13:27:20 12/01/09 Tue
  • Thank you - just confirming what I thought. I will go with the 32GB. (NT) -- AmandaW, 13:36:51 12/01/09 Tue
  • Go for the 32 gig! I have a 30 gig Zune and it's full! DH is looking at the ipod that has over 100 gigs for me next. (NT) -- Sorcha, 15:07:06 12/01/09 Tue
  • I have the 16GB iPhone which is the same as the iTouch minus the phone and I so wish I got the 32GB. It's so worth the capacity for music, photos, movies and audiobooks. Don't forget the fabulous app downloads!! 32GB is a must!! (NT) -- Noelle, 17:38:29 12/01/09 Tue
  • I just think it's hilarious no one has room on their 16G when I have a 1G Shuffle and am totally happy with it! ;) And I am a music girl....I have only about a quarter of my cds in iTunes and then only my fave songs (not whole discs) and it's about 2000 items. Of course I am STILL amazed there are 240 songs on that matchbook sized thing...I was the girl with the walkman and 6 tapes in my jean jacket in high school---damn thing weighed about 10 lbs! :) Go for bigger though...esp since it's you BIG gift! (of course I also just realized you do audiobooks too--am I the ONLY one who doesn't like audiobooks??) (NT) -- Ceilidh, 05:12:07 12/02/09 Wed
    • I can't listen to audiobooks either, they become background noise and I tune them out. On the iPod debate? Go with the most g's you can afford... I'm amazed how quickly I filled up my iPhone! (NT) -- DebbieM, 11:26:32 12/02/09 Wed
      • Audiobooks are great for in the car... in the house I get too distracted by other stuff to listen properly. Unless I'm doing a big crafty project where my hands are busy but my brain is not. (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 12:42:36 12/02/09 Wed
        • I never thought I would want an audio book, I agree with the comment above about 'tuning out' , also I like to read a bit, pause and think, maybe re-read etc. I would like to try one now though; my eyes are beginning to go and I can no longer read even in regular sunlight (I only need magnifiers to read so far - I have a pair of magnifying sunglasses but they give me a headache). I think audio books might be a good solution to times when I want to, for example, lie on a beach reading ('cause I spend soooo much time doing that) but I'm not sure it's worth the $190+ for the i-pod. DD is getting a touch for Christmas, I think I will just borrow hers for a trial then decide. (NT) -- jayn, 14:22:00 12/02/09 Wed
    • I have never listened to an audiobook... they just don't appeal to me at all! (NT) -- Sorcha, 13:25:34 12/02/09 Wed
    • Me either. (NT) -- M&M, 14:03:37 12/02/09 Wed
    • I love audiobooks… IF they are well done. Production values (talent of the reader, ability of the director, and --very important-- quality of the writing) make a huge difference in whether I can listen to a book or if it just fades to white noise. Certain readers are brilliant to the point where I feel I am watching a film and have no difficulty listening. Indifferently or poorly written books are unlistenable, regardless of the talent of the reader. Davina Porter and DG = AWESOME. The Stephanie Plum books also are great in audio. (NT) -- Shadow, 19:51:13 12/02/09 Wed
      • OMG what a mess I made here...I CAN type...computer hicupped!! (NT) -- Ceilidh (), 05:42:14 12/03/09 Thu
      • My DH listens to audiobooks...he LOVES the Stephanie Plum ones too! But he has learning disabilities and reading is a pain for him. I often get him the audio version of a book I want to read so we can talk about them!! But we've tried in the car before (Harry Potter for the kids) and even the kids said they'd rather read (I can't read in the car--it would make the 12 hour trip to NS sooo much easier!) but when DH listens I just can't stand it! Maybe it's because of his text books in uni but mostly I think it's because I need to SEE the words! :) I do remember getting him a Cormac McCarthy book as read by Brad Pitt...and he fell asleep in the tub listening! hee hee (NT) -- Ceilidh (), 05:43:31 12/03/09 Thu
        • Funny how we are all different.... I cannot drive 9 hours to visit family without an audiobook and the HP ones were our first and most favorite listens!! AGree with Sorcha that Davina Porter is just awesome, it helped me learn how to pronounce Gaelic words in Outlander. And for fun stuff, I am listening to one of the Georgia Nicholson books (read by the author) and it is full of fabulosity!! (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 06:55:28 12/03/09 Thu
          • Sorry, I got my S friends wrong, that would be SHADOW not Sorcha ;-) (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 06:56:36 12/03/09 Thu
  
  

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• Credit Card Survey -- MiladyM, 06:26:09 12/01/09 Tue
  My DS is doing a survey for his Personal Finance class. If you'd like to help him out, he has a few questions regarding credit cards.
  1. Do you use a credit card?
  2. What are the benefits to using a credit card?
  3. What are the drawbacks to using a credit card?
  4. Does your card have incentives or rewards, and, if so, what?
  5. Do you know your interest rate on your card (yes or no)?
  6. Do you use your card more or less than five times per week?
  7. Is your average charge more than or less than $50?
  A big thank you in advance. He's got an A in this class and I'd like to see him keep it (*G*)!
  

  [Edit]
  
  Replies:

  • My answers inside >>> -- MaryC in KY, 06:47:33 12/01/09 Tue
    • answers inside>>>> -- Rosemarie, 12:32:05 12/02/09 Wed
  • Here are mine> -- Wilhelmiina, 06:57:09 12/01/09 Tue
  • Great project (inside) -- MaryJ, 06:59:57 12/01/09 Tue
  • My answers>>> -- LizT, 07:04:53 12/01/09 Tue
  • Inside --->>>> -- Cherie, 07:09:50 12/01/09 Tue
  • Here's more -- Susannah, 07:09:51 12/01/09 Tue
  • Response inside >>>> -- Joyce Mc, 07:18:46 12/01/09 Tue
  • Inside. -- conmama, 07:58:19 12/01/09 Tue
  • I answered, but I want to bring attention to credit cards for my Lallyfriends. Every time you open a credit card (kohls, target, whatever), even if you pay off the balance every month, your credit rating goes down. I don't recommend doing this...just use one major credit card. I got tired of saying "no" to the persistent Kohl's salespeople, so know I just tell them infront of other people about the credit rating. That stops them cold in their tracks and they don't argue with me anymore. (NT) -- conmama, 08:00:40 12/01/09 Tue
    • I don't know about that. Could be different in the US but in Canada I know that having open credit gives you a better credit rating. Too much can hurt you. But using the credit every 90 days will improve it even more. And carrying a balance of 15% every 90 days is even better. My mortage broker told me to carry a balance (I always pay off each month) to improve my rating. -- Cherie (), 10:04:38 12/01/09 Tue
      • I think it's the 'opening' of new credit - frequent or alot of inquiries on your credit report that affect the rating. Too many new is a flag, is this person getting in over their head - debt to income ratio etc. Well at least I think that's what conmama is referring to *g* (NT) -- Marilyn, 10:49:31 12/01/09 Tue
        • Yep. And poor Scotty whos credit rating was 851 last year, went to buy a car, he didnt know that the bank reported HIM dead instead of his wife. So it showed a dead guy trying to buy a car, and the IDIOT car dealer made 15 inquiries in one day trying to get a loan for him, w/o telling him. His rating went down 100 points! (Its back up now though*G*) (NT) -- M&M, 12:14:15 12/01/09 Tue
          • Yes that is true "hits" on your credit will flag it. I used to have an "emergency" card that my bank told me to get rid of because it was unused open credit and not helping me. And I have gotten rid on my dept store cards and only have major cc now. (NT) -- Cherie, 12:32:30 12/01/09 Tue
            • The only dept. store one I have is Kohls. They give discounts all through the year so its worth it to keep. :-) (NT) -- M&M, 13:25:54 12/01/09 Tue
              • We don't have Kohls and I hardly ever used the Bay & Sears ones so I dumped them. I have 1 of each of the majors *G* so I'm covered (NT) -- Cherie, 14:00:11 12/01/09 Tue
      • Yes, I agree with Cherie that is what we get advised to do in Canada, carry 4 or 5 cards, maybe a Visa and 3 store cards, and not pay them off sharply every month. Usually you would want but to always pay in full (supposedly) tells the creditor only that you live within your means, not that you can use credit wisely. Also, here at least, closing cards hurts your rating more than keeping unused cards. (NT) -- jayn, 16:17:33 12/01/09 Tue
        • Yeah but I think your car loans and mortgages prove that. I dont know but whatever Im doing is right, when we bought our last car the loan officer who had worked there 20 years, said I had the 2nd highest score he had ever seen. *g* Im kinda proud of my credit score! :-) (NT) -- M&M, 17:51:59 12/01/09 Tue
          • loans & mortgages prove that you can pay your bills on time. I had issues years ago (about 10) I didn't have cc but have had a mortgage and car loans since I was 19, never missed a payment but my credit rating was low because I had no open credit. I have tons now and have a great rating. I also "re do" my credit about every 3 years, either change my line of credit or re mortgage. Something and that does some good too. Why? I don't know. (NT) -- Cherie, 07:19:06 12/02/09 Wed
    • I dont think thats true. It really has more to do with keeping your credit at a certain limit. Lets say I have a 50000 credit limit, it looks worse if all of sudden my credit limit is only 30000. I open a Visa card almost every year for a free airline ticket, and close it before the yearly fee kicks in. My credit score is 816! (NT) -- M&M, 12:11:21 12/01/09 Tue
      • Conmama...... you do need a Kohls care. OMG the money I save with that card is AMAZING! (NT) -- M&M, 12:12:13 12/01/09 Tue
        • I do have one. My credit report went down 20 points when I opened it. (NT) -- conmama, 16:47:29 12/01/09 Tue
          • Well when you hit a sale, and you get the extra 30% off coupon you wont feel so bad. :-) You credit score will go back up. (NT) -- M&M, 17:53:22 12/01/09 Tue
          • I don't really understand the logic behind having your credit "looked" at and your rating going down, it affects it, I know, I just don't know why. But because it was a new check on your credit that could be why your rating dipped. Use the card and I'm sure your credit will go back. (NT) -- Cherie, 07:23:22 12/02/09 Wed
            • When Ive gotten credit reports in the past, there are tons of companies constantly checking my credit to send pre-approved credit cards and that doesnt seem to effect it. I wonder if it only affects it when its "you" opening a card and there is a credit check????? I dont know, but it kinda ticks me off because people pay higher interest rates according to their credit score and when you dont know why it goes down, how can you bring it back up. (NT) -- M&M, 08:03:46 12/02/09 Wed
              • Yes, there are different types of checks - a credit check for employment is different than a check for loans or CC's. The employment checks don't affect the score either, I don't think. Ha, it's been 10 years since I worked with this stuff...who knows how much has changed - maybe I should qualify my posts as 'in the past' *g* (NT) -- Marilyn (), 08:07:30 12/02/09 Wed
                • Thanks Marilyn. (NT) -- M<&M, 14:05:16 12/02/09 Wed
            • I *think* it's because, technically, no one can 'look' at or do a credit check on you unless you are applying for something. And if you are actually applying for all these things (this has to be within a short amount of time too), what's going on? A credit report only tells you so much about a persons ability to repay - someone could be having financial issues that don't show up on a CR for 3 months. (NT) -- Marilyn (), 08:04:40 12/02/09 Wed
      • Glad things are working for you, but it's true. The more credit cards you apply for and get, your rating goes down. (NT) -- conmama, 16:46:53 12/01/09 Tue
        • I agree if you have a ton of cards it goes down, but also when you get rid of too much of your credit line it also goes down. At least that what someone I know that works with mortgages told me. :-) (NT) -- M&M, 17:48:48 12/01/09 Tue
          • You win, okay? (NT) -- conmama, 04:33:11 12/02/09 Wed
            • Im not out to win, its just that there is are a hundred things that compose a credit score. It would be helpful if there was a site that listed the details with the exacts instead of us consumers just guessing all the time. I havent seen all the information in one place just suggestions of what a person has to do. Its crazy, but Ive had people tell me to close accts to get a better score, and Ive had people tell me not to lower my credit line because that will lower it. Im not sure who manages Kohls cards either, I think its Chase. But......its worth it for the discount. :-) (NT) -- M&M, 06:07:37 12/02/09 Wed
              • I know some cards give you good discounts. I'm reconsidering getting a Bay card again. I seem to do a lot of shopping there for work and yesterday it was 30% off with your Bay card. It was for the office, not for me so I'm not so worried about the discount, but it does add up. (NT) -- Cherie, 09:32:26 12/02/09 Wed
  • Inside --> -- Lady Cate, 08:01:43 12/01/09 Tue
  • Come inside, please >>>>>>> -- ScarlettO, 08:30:33 12/01/09 Tue
  • My answers>> -- kgp, 08:36:56 12/01/09 Tue
    • How do you list Lallybroch as a reference? (NT) -- kgp, 08:37:33 12/01/09 Tue
  • Answers>>>>> -- Wee, 10:43:46 12/01/09 Tue
  • Here's mine >> -- SarahK, 11:03:20 12/01/09 Tue
  • Inside for my answers>>>> -- Helka, 11:39:05 12/01/09 Tue
  • Heres mine>> -- M&M, 12:08:38 12/01/09 Tue
  • My Answers: (Come Inside. :-) ) -- Gayle, 13:52:33 12/01/09 Tue
    • Oops! Been years since I did that, too! (NT) -- GN, 13:56:12 12/01/09 Tue
  • Mine are in here: -- SueW, 13:56:39 12/01/09 Tue
  • (NT) -- fcf, 14:03:14 12/01/09 Tue
  • inside>>> -- Colly, 15:05:52 12/01/09 Tue
  • Wow! My DS was thrilled with all the responses, and says his 98 just went to a 100. Thank you, dear hosers! (NT) -- MiladyM, 17:17:01 12/01/09 Tue
  • Not 110??? Aren't we worth more than 2 (cents)??! (NT) -- Gayle (smilin' -- you know I am!), 18:58:49 12/01/09 Tue
    • But of course, but you know that *G* He does get extra credit in this class for "professional dress days", when he wears business attire (dress slacks, dress shirt, tie, belt, and dress shoes) to school. Sure beats the usual baggy jeans, t-shirt, hoodie and sneakers! (NT) -- MiladyM, 04:32:59 12/02/09 Wed
  • if it's not too late?>>>> -- FLroaMac, 04:57:24 12/02/09 Wed
  • Mine inside...>>> -- Cathryn_L, 11:14:54 12/02/09 Wed
  
  

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• Anyone out there have a TiVo? -- Traci Mc., 18:01:19 11/30/09 Mon
  I currently have a TiVo series 2 and am thinking about upgrading to a newer HD model. With the newer model, you can use cablecards supplied by your cable company in place of a cable box, and also watch Netflix Play Instantly movies on your TV. I was just wondering if anyone has a TiVo that uses cablecards, and have you had any problems with them? Thanks!
  

  [Edit]
  
  Replies:

  • we have 2 Tivos! dh informs me that one is Series 3 (whcih they no longer make) the other is HD. He says we have not had any problems with the cable cards. I love having Netflix play instatnly, though occasionally it pauses in the middle of watching a movie as it transferrs, but that hasn't happened in a while... (NT) -- FloraMac, 18:25:58 11/30/09 Mon
  • Have some thoughts on this but don't have time to post right now - back later. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 08:34:15 12/01/09 Tue
    • Oh, sorry, I mis-read your question. WE have a Series 2 TiVo that I LOVE, but we had to move it to the kids' TV when we got the satellite service, because they have their own DVR, which I hate. Sorry I can't help with your question. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 16:05:50 12/02/09 Wed
  
  

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• Diagnosed with mild ADD and offered Strattera -- Anonymous, 12:03:25 11/30/09 Mon
  Ladies, I need your help, any and all would be great. I was dianosed with mild ADD today and offered the drug of Strattera. I chose a nonstimulant drug b/c I have never taken any drugs like this at all for any reason. So this morning I started my doctor recommended dose of staterra but I find myself very, very odd. I feel like I have had 1-2 glasses of wine. I do feel dizzy, sleepy and find it hard to concentrate (vs my normal concentration habits). Everything I have listed is apparently a normal side effect and I know I have to let a period of time go by for my body to get use to it. But I would like to know if anyone has had any experience with Strattera, good or bad? Also if anyone has ADD what would do you take or would recommend? I am very uncomfortable with this diagnosis but my job/career and life have forced me to acknowledge that my sometimes inattentiveness may be a burden and something needs to be done. Today was my first step, going to the doc and discussing my options but I just don't know what to expect. This is very new territory for me. I actually hate the idea that I have to play "wait and see" and "hit or miss" games with different kinds of meds. This all makes me uncomfortable!! So if anyone can help me out, that would be great.
  

  [Edit]
  
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  • No advice but tons of best wishes and moral support, whatever you decide. Vent here. (NT) -- jayn, 12:41:43 11/30/09 Mon
  • Even tho I didn't get an actual diagnosis with ADD my fam dr had seen both my kids thru their school years care of it . So when I took an office job that required long hours on the computer ( doing non fun stuff mind you :+) I asked him if I could try it. I quit after a couple of months cos I just never adjusted to it. I had the tiredness you had but at night I couldn't fall into a good sleep which may have caused the mood swings n depression. That was 5 yrs ago n I haven't got a replacement, I left the job.... But my daughter takes metidate I believe its called, a generic time release of Ritalin I think, that I've taken a few times and really like. No tiredness and no problems at night... for me at least. Email me if you want any further info (NT) -- drm (drm257ATyahooDOTcom), 13:09:29 11/30/09 Mon
  • I have known for years that I have ADD, and finally went on medication for it last year. I take 10mg of Adderal extended release and am like a NEW PERSON. I accomplish things, don't leave things undone, and I especially noticed how well I was able to learn and study while in real estate school. I actually think I need to go on a slightly higher dose. It's a methamphetamine, but the way I understand it on people with ADD it has the opposite effect than on regular folks. I don't feel drugged at ALL, just clear and focused. (NT) -- Sorcha (), 16:36:09 11/30/09 Mon
  • From what I understand, Strattera takes time to reach a theraputic level in your bloodstream, unlike the stimulants which wear off after a specified time. Everyone reacts differently to different meds. DS got terrible headaches on regular ritalin, Adderall turned him into a zombie and Concerta is just perfect for him with no side effects. I'm not diagnosed, but I amd sure I have it. I have never finished *anything* becasue something else isa alawys more interesting. I cannot think of anything more frightening than doing the same thing everyday for the rest of my life! (NT) -- FloraMac, 18:33:24 11/30/09 Mon
  • I'm in the same boat as Sorcha!! After suffering for years, I finally went to a therapist and my Dr to get on meds! It's only been a month and I am a new person!! I'm on Adderall XR also. Any ADD med should start working immediately, except Strattera, per my Dr. and I could tell a difference immediately!! Both my therapist and Dr said that in their experience, they have seen NO positive effect on adult add with Strattera. Talk to your Dr and get something else, you'll be happy you did!! Don't be uncomfortable with your diagnosis!! Think of it like this....if you had diabetes you'd do what you had to do to take care of yourself, it's the same thing, you are taking care of yourself!!! If you have any questions, feel free to email me!! (NT) -- Leaha (), 18:41:05 11/30/09 Mon
  • My teenage son was just diagnosed with ADD-NOS inattentive. He was put on Vyvanse (simiar to Adderal in it's chemical component). It's very smooth, with no apparent highs/lows throughout the day. Even though it's a stimulant, it's not like what you think (coffee). It get the dopamine levels to normal, and puts you a a level playing ground. It has worked wonders for him, he can concentrate in school and now does his homework. His personality is even more pleasant. (NT) -- conmama, 05:46:56 12/01/09 Tue
  
  

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• Can I add another child dilemma? I hosted dd's b-day Sat. 4 girls, movie then sleepover. Everything went well, but later, I asked dd about her gifts and she said X hadn't given her one. I thought that odd but they are fairly recent immigrants and perhaps didn't realize it is customary to bring a gift. Anyway, met the mother at the grocery today, she asked about the party and apologized for giving $$ but explained she hadn't been feeling well last week and couldn't get out shopping. I answered that I had missed the 'grand opening' but as my dd is saving for an i-pod I'm sure she loved $$. I have never really trusted this girl, nothing concrete just mother's intuition I guess. I talked this over with my dd but did not really come to any conclusion/decision. Any suggestions? Let me stress that I'm not concerned about the gift itself, had she given $1 or something handmade or whatever I could understand, times might be tough for them but clearly that is not the case. -- jayn, 08:51:29 11/30/09 Mon
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  • I would let it go but count the spoons anytime this girl was invited over again. (NT) -- kgp, 09:33:13 11/30/09 Mon
  • I wouldn't say anything to the mother about this, she would probably not believe a stranger over her child. But I would have a conversation with your DD and make sure she didn't receive the money. If she didn't, I'd explain to your DD (providing she's not super young) that the girls mother gave money for your birthday and that you didn't receive it, so the "friend" wasn't honest and kept the present. I'd limit the girls time around your DD as she would be a bad influence. I do think your DD should know what type a "friend" this girl is. (NT) -- JenK, 10:03:39 11/30/09 Mon
    • They are 12 and we have talked. My policy is to not choose my children's friends (except once and that was a violence issue) but I am VERY clear to them how I feel. Usually they more or less listen. This girl is in her class (only 4 girls) though so tough to avoid. (NT) -- jayn, 12:39:16 11/30/09 Mon
  • I think I would say something to be honest. I don't think its fair that the girl will get away with this. Not sure how I'd go about it, probably just explain that your daughter hadn't thanked her for the money as she hadn't had any and you thought you'd better tell her. It doesn't sit well with me to let it go. I'd have hated it if I had given my DD money as a present and she'd kept it. I'd really want to nip that sort of thing in the bud. Difficult one though Jayn, you need to do what you feel comfortable doing. (NT) -- Gwen, 10:54:54 11/30/09 Mon
    • I had my first ever experience with this sort of thing recently. My DD8 friend had been over and she took something, a little jewellery Hello Kitty watch. Her father found out and brought her straight over next day to explain and apologize.> -- Wilhelmiina, 14:14:33 11/30/09 Mon
  • You know, there's always the possibility thet it just got accidentally shoved inside something else or has been otherwise mislaid. I wouldn't raise a fuss until you've exhausted possibilities like that. (NT) -- Susannah, 14:31:53 11/30/09 Mon
    • Wish this was a tv show so I could believe that. Keeping an open mind though. (NT) -- jayn, 15:16:44 11/30/09 Mon
  • I had a similar thing happen this summer. I e-mailed the mother, who talked to her daughter who then apologised to my daughter. It cleared the air, they are still friends and the girl's anger issues were dealt with (in our case, the girl took my DD's money out of anger and jealousy, tore it up and threw it behind the armoire where we found it 2 months later). But it took me about 2 hours to write that e-mail, because the mother is a friend and I didn't want to hurt her. My thought was: if it were my DD who'd done it, would I want to be informed? And my answer was yes. I turned it very diplomatically, with all sorts of "might it be possible" and "what could have happened is" and "I would understand that" and "I'm just curious about what happened to the money"... Good luck with that decision, Jayn! (NT) -- Pat, 23:52:07 11/30/09 Mon
  
  

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