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Fri, May 24 2013, 20:48:04 PDT

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• Lady in Distress -- Lady Cate, 07:12:25 03/01/13 Fri
  DS 2, a sophomore, is working hard to earn the Underachiever of the Year Award. DH wants to send him to the local vocational school so that when he graduates he will be employable and can pay for college himself if he wants to go. I can appreciate this viewpoint, but I struggle mightily with sending him there, as it is the home to a disproportionate number of violent, angry, underachieving, addicted, paroled, promiscuous students. He can still go to college after graduating from there. He does not want to go, but is earning Cs, Ds, and Fs this 9 weeks (He was ID'd as gifted and earned a 21 on the ACT as a freshman. He can raise 3 grades 2 letters each in 2 weeks when motivated.)If we send him, he may quit putting forth even minimal effort. If we send him, he will not be able to be w/college prep curriculum kids who might be a positive influence. If we send him, he may lose skills - the course work is easier - and may lower his ACT score. If we send him, is this like giving up on him? If we don't send him, he will probably continue to underachieve, and will graduate with us paying for a college education he may/may not succeed at. YARGH!! I love this child, but raising him is hard on me.
  

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  • Sounds like he is bored silly in regular school. Maybe too intelligent for the environment? (NT) -- beccabee, 07:33:37 03/01/13 Fri
  • Lady Cate, I feel your pain and your struggle. Inside.... -- conmama, 08:17:16 03/01/13 Fri
  • DS, now 26, was, I am being generous, a mediocre h/s student. In fact, his only prospect was community college. Long story short: his sport got him recruited to a top-knotch public university. That said, when he was in h/s, he periodically moaned & challenged us that he didn't want to go to college. I played the "girl card." I asked him what he thought of college women. He said he thought they were "hot." Nice, he played right into my hands. I casually dropped that generally, college women only date college men. Although it was early, during his sophomore year in h/s, we took him (dragged him reluctantly) on college visits, just to see what a college/university campus looked like. We took all the student-guided tours (see "hot" college women comment above). He expressed preferences for campus type & size & could start to picture himself there. If close by, maybe you can work some college visits into your schedule..cheaper than a failed semester's worth of tuition. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 09:07:07 03/01/13 Fri
    • That is so funny...glad it worked! (NT) -- conmama, 09:16:42 03/01/13 Fri
    • DS #1, an overachiever, has been taking AP and college credit courses since he was a sophomore in HS. (DS 2 would have been eligible for same, w/some effort on his part.) For the last 2 years we have been doing college visits for him, w/DS 2 tagging along, in the hopes that he might be inspired. Perhaps, though, he felt he was only tagging along, that this was not aimed at him, although I asked him what he thought and if he would like to go to these schools. I will try again this summer, with the "hot girl" emphasis and the college-girls-date-college-guys info. Thanks much! (NT) -- Lady Cate, 11:14:24 03/01/13 Fri
  • I would not send him to the vocational school now. Please remember he is still not mature and his light bulb may not be on yet. You don't want to give him the impression he is a failure. My best advice to parents of teenagers is to a) listen to them and not tell them (what you do did would do etc) and b) encourage them and accept any idea they put forth even if it is dumb. Take my word for it they will have 30 dumb ideas and change their mind 400 times between now and 25. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 10:21:40 03/01/13 Fri
    • 30 dumb ideas and change their minds 400 times .... ROFL. Funny. :) (NT) -- Judie, 09:47:49 03/02/13 Sat
  • I'm not sure what a vocational school is, but he sounds like our eldest, who passed his high school exams just barely although he also was tested gifted. He then flunked first year of uni. If I were you, I would push him through high-school, hoping for a "click" at some point. Then I would have him work for a year and not send him to college immediately. We ended up sending our son to Germany, where he worked as a social volunteer in a community house for mentally disabled people for over a year. He came back a couple of days ago and has matured so much... it's incredible. He will start social & sanitary school in September, in order to be a social worker. (NT) -- Patricia, 12:16:30 03/01/13 Fri
  • Have you tried some tough love? If he has a car, l would take it away. Along with any electronic devices. Tell him he gets them all back once his grades are where YOU feel they should be at. Expect him to be very unhappy, but stay tough. (NT) -- Janet H., 13:58:57 03/01/13 Fri
  • Our DS2 was the same - gifted but bored rigid in HS. It doesn't help that these kids are smarter than most of their teachers, and know it. He got poor results in the last year of HS, got a reasonable job (became a certified Apple technician) then realised he didn't want to spend the rest of his life doing that and is now at Uni. Can your son get a job when he leaves HS? I don't think I would send him to the local place if he isn't interested - you'll get the same result as HS, I think. (NT) -- astrokath, 20:06:55 03/01/13 Fri
    • That's a rather low opinion of us teachers. (NT) -- Teacher, 08:31:34 03/02/13 Sat
      • These kids we're talking about have really high IQs. They're smarter than most people, their parents and teachers included. (NT) -- Patricia, 09:57:55 03/02/13 Sat
        • Pat has it right. I mean no disrespect to teachers, and many my son had were wonderful. But some are very threatened by gifted students, and at least one tried regularly to demean my son in front of the class. (NT) -- astrokath, 01:47:19 03/03/13 Sun
          • Thank you for the clarification - and for that last teacher, I hope you went in guns blazing! The most thrilling thing for us *should* be students who are smarter than we are! My apologies for being defensive; it just seems like it's open season on teachers these days, and we're all a bit raw. (NT) -- Teacher, 07:58:45 03/03/13 Sun
  • Welcome to my world. It isn't an uncommon occurence as I understand from other mothers. AWish I had constructive advice for you but I tried everything. I gave up and let him flounder on his own (NT) -- LadyDuBois, 05:29:49 03/03/13 Sun
  
  

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• Romantic Weekend Getaways... -- Mia, 13:28:21 02/27/13 Wed
  My husband and I have a set of airplane tickets to use later this year. Our 25th wedding anniversary is in May and we're thinking of going somewhere for a romantic weekend celebration. We have no idea where we should go. We are not into shows so not Las Vegas nor NYC. We live close to Chicago so somewhere else. We love to explore historic cities/places. Renting a car a driving around. Perhaps, stay in a B&B. We like to be outdoors moving. Any suggestions?
  

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  • Williamsburg, VA or Charleston, SC perhaps? Lots of history there. (NT) -- CarolSR, 14:13:08 02/27/13 Wed
    • I was getting ready to say Charleston. I've never been there, but I know 3 families who have been in the last 2 years and they come back raving about how gorgeous and historic it is. They all loved it. (NT) -- conmama, 05:06:45 02/28/13 Thu
  • Have you been to South Dakota and the Mt. Rushmore area? It's lovely. BTW, our 30th anniversary is in May and we want to do a short trip, too. I'm thinking about doing a tour of wineries and breweries. (NT) -- shy gal, 15:26:47 02/27/13 Wed
  • I vote for Macinaw Island in Michigan, sigh. No cars allowed, horse drawn carriages, fudge shops, bicycles and very romantic. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 16:56:21 02/27/13 Wed
    • Mackinaw Island has been on my have to do list for years. (NT) -- beccabee, 14:26:36 02/28/13 Thu
      • Michigander speaking up - it's "MackinaC Island" - off the coast of MackinaW City. It is a lovely island (once you get away from the touristy main drag. Ride bikes around the island (suggestion - if you're standing on the ferry docks (the only way you can get to the island), ride to your LEFT out of town, it's a little easier ride). Lots of history - forts, etc. a Scout barracks (although probably not staffed in May), golf, etc. Lovely. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 09:42:27 03/01/13 Fri
    • Mackinac Island came to mind before I even saw the other posts. There are some beautiful B&Bs and inns, and you can wander up to the Grand Hotel where the movie with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour was filmed "Somewhere in Time." The island is great for walking with pretty coves along the shoreline, a beautiful view from the fort, and if you go in May you might even beat the tourists. Fly to Pellston then take the ferry to the island. It really is like stepping back in time! (NT) -- JudyL, 12:11:49 03/02/13 Sat
      • The sad thing is you can no longer even get on the porch of the Grand Hotel without paying. The carriage tours go by the Hotel, but they don't stop there. We LOVE the island, though - and there are many, many nice places to stay! (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 19:56:17 03/02/13 Sat
  • Boston is great for history, and Cape Cod a short drive away and absolutely beautiful in the springtime. (NT) -- LadyStormwing, 17:14:07 02/27/13 Wed
  • Newport Rhode Island - DH and I love going up there. We stay at a fabulous B&B called The Hilltop Inn. We always have a romantic dinner at a quaint bistro called Tucker's. Tucker, the owner and waiter, always remembers us and make sure we have a special night. The place is eclectic and the food is divine. Lots to do and see in Newport and it's the quintessential New England seaside town. (NT) -- Noelle, 17:39:17 02/27/13 Wed
  • I like all the suggestions above and would add Asheville North Carolina. I don't have any specific places to recommend but I hear the Biltmore Mansion is awesome. (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 17:45:27 02/27/13 Wed
  • Napa Valley or nantucket. DH and I have had wonderful vacations in both places staying at B&B's (NT) -- Tam, 18:53:18 02/27/13 Wed
  • Love the suggestions. Adding St. Michaels MD. Haven't been but looks like a quaint place with a mix of everything (NT) -- Nicole (Lady Brit), 19:56:27 02/27/13 Wed
  • The DH and I went to Cape May and have a wonderful time. (NT) -- Lady Lukkarinen, 05:59:02 02/28/13 Thu
  • Come to beauitful Colorado. There are so many places to explore in the Mountains. And many mountains towns have wonderful B & B'S (NT) -- Lynda J, 06:33:04 02/28/13 Thu
  • My DH nd I have been to most of the suggestions above and all are good. I would add Lake Tahoe as a great place to vacation. Fun on the lake, on horseback, on bikes and hiking. Of the suggestions above, I am partial to Asheville, Charleston and Williamsburg. All have good food, great B&Bs and history. (NT) -- MonicaW, 06:39:33 02/28/13 Thu
  • I loved visiting Colonial Williamsburg with my DH last year. I would also suggest Asheville, NC and the Biltmore mansion. There are so many wonderful places to visit in and around Asheville, plus, you would be very near where Fraser's Ridge is thought to be. ;) (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 06:39:58 02/28/13 Thu
  • Savannah, St Augustine, or Key West. Three of our favorites! ;o) (NT) -- LindaT, 08:16:09 02/28/13 Thu
  • Congratulations on your almost 25th, Mia! My DH and I will be celebrating 25 in June. I'll tag along on your post and see if I can get some ideas, too! (NT) -- LP, 08:24:27 02/28/13 Thu
  • What about San Francisco? So much to do and see..not just the city, but Sausalito, Muir Wood, Napa Valley. An hour or so from Monterey Bay and Carmel! (NT) -- conmama, 08:57:31 02/28/13 Thu
    • Skip San Francisco and go north to Sonoma. The Sonoma Mission Inn is pricy (very!) but beautiful. Go wine tasting at Kendall, where "Bottle Shock" was filmed. The Valley Of The Moon is beautiful. (NT) -- Lemora, 16:41:29 02/28/13 Thu
  • Boston! (NT) -- kgp, 10:33:44 02/28/13 Thu
  • Thanks everyone! So many wonderful ideas. We've been to several of the above mentioned places but you've named a few that are definite possibilities! I will discuss them with the DH and let you know! (NT) -- Mia, 08:48:19 03/01/13 Fri
  • The Sierra foothills here in California are lovely. You can hike and see some beautiful scenery or go wine tasting, there are a lot of really wonderful small wineries. You could fly into Sacramento, Oakland or San Francisco, rent a car and you will have a wonderful drive. And them you could go back to San Francisco for a day or two. (NT) -- LisaW, 11:09:32 03/01/13 Fri
    • Also I forgot to mention, there are some historic things to see from the Gold Rush era. For your history part. (NT) -- LisaW, 11:10:55 03/01/13 Fri
  
  

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• TGIF hosers, what's shakin'? -- Lady Lukkarinen, 06:02:41 03/01/13 Fri
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  • Highland Ball weekend, dancing with MIK! (NT) -- kgp, 06:23:03 03/01/13 Fri
  • Fish fry at church tonight, then maybe a House of Cards marathon. If you like Kevin Spacey, this Netflix production is a must see! (NT) -- LP, 09:34:14 03/01/13 Fri
    • I need to start watching. He is one talented actor. Loved him as Bobby Darin. (NT) -- Janet H., 06:59:45 03/02/13 Sat
  • Have lovely time Karen! (NT) -- LisaW, 11:04:22 03/01/13 Fri
  • Final exams (too many essays!), marking period grades, final trimester grades, revising 4 syllabi for 4 classes, creating 2 calendars for 2 senior classes, inputing data for "student growth" and "student achievement" to "prove" I can teach, and then printing out all the forms I need for the start of a trimester (3 or 4 different files for each of my 4 classes). Add to that laundry, groceries, cooking a meal for a coworker who had a baby, and I'll be doing good to get ANY sleep at all over the next 3 days! (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 14:45:00 03/01/13 Fri
  • Cleaning, laundry, putting up some shelves and organizing a bit in the laundry room, some homework and maybe friends over for dinner Saturday. Sunday lazy day and Sunday night I go to work. :p (NT) -- Maria, 23:15:05 03/01/13 Fri
  • Recovering from hyster, just takin' it easy! (NT) -- CarolE, 09:56:16 03/02/13 Sat
  
  

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• I have a new game. -- beccabee, 04:09:47 02/26/13 Tue
  Some of you may have seen it as it is a popular meme right now, meant to point out how fortunate we are.
  
  The game is called "First World Problems."
  
  Picture a well groomed woman or man with tears pouring down cheeks, bemoaning a "serious" problem.
  
  I'll start:
  
  Why does my hair always look the best right before I have to shampoo?
  or,
  Went into the bathroom with my socks on. Got them wet.
  
  Anything similar irking you today?
  

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  • The ice maker's broken and I really wanted iced tea (NT) -- wee, 05:37:08 02/26/13 Tue
  • I am so tired of trying to decide whether to take the van and use gas but have space, or take the car and use less gas but be squeezed. (NT) -- jayn (), 07:11:59 02/26/13 Tue
  • I want to do some sewing today; which of my 3 sewing machines to use? Or maybe I should use one of my sergers. Oh, these decisions are exhausting, I'd better sit down, have a glass of wine to ponder. (NT) -- PD, 07:23:46 02/26/13 Tue
  • I just hate to put away groceries. (NT) -- conmama, 07:50:08 02/26/13 Tue
  • I want that personal chef that they're talking about over on the Social Board. I hate grocery shopping, lugging it home, putting it away. (NT) -- Lemora, 09:27:18 02/26/13 Tue
  • Tim Horton's forgot to put the sweetener in my mocha. (NT) -- Susannah, 10:18:26 02/26/13 Tue
  • When I don't have to be anywhere, my hair looks great, but today, knowing that I am about to leave for court, my hair won't do anything and looks terrible! (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 10:18:29 02/26/13 Tue
  • I have pink eye and am feeling a little sorry for myself. I just want it to go away! (NT) -- J., 10:46:49 02/26/13 Tue
  • Why do my patients keep bringing in delicious chocolate treats and I am trying to be very good? (NT) -- LisaW, 12:51:53 02/26/13 Tue
    • Ditto: But it's co-workers and library patrons. (NT) -- LizT, 07:39:37 02/27/13 Wed
  • DH said this just last night, to which I responded, "First world problem babe." Him: "This book light is a pain because the pages are sort of shiny and reflect the light." (NT) -- Sorcha, 13:18:05 02/26/13 Tue
  • I would really love to turn off the A/C and open the doors but it's soooo humid and steamy outside. (NT) -- CathyS, 15:41:52 02/26/13 Tue
    • CathyS, would you mind sharing where you live? It's snowing in my area right now. (NT) -- shy gal, 14:22:48 03/01/13 Fri
      • We are 'living' for two months in Naples, FL. We 'really' live in SE lower MI. *G* (NT) -- CathyS, 16:09:36 03/01/13 Fri
  • haha. I just said this to a friend the other day when she complained about how inconvenient it was to walk across the street to get a cup of coffee! Mine for today is the cost of the delivery charge for a three-tiered wedding cake. (NT) -- AngieC, 17:39:54 02/26/13 Tue
  • I have to wait MONTHS for the next season of Downton Abbey. (NT) -- SueW, 20:16:34 02/26/13 Tue
    • Ok, that's the winner. LOL! (NT) -- conmama, 09:30:39 02/27/13 Wed
  • I am going to watch the last episode of Torchwood on DVD tonight and there's no new season planned. *sniff* (NT) -- Nicole (Lady Brit), 04:54:20 02/27/13 Wed
  • Nobody wanted to join me for that bottle of champagne last night. (NT) -- Patricia, 05:24:44 02/27/13 Wed
  • The frozen waffles with butter and syrup I had for breakfast this morning are not on my diet! (NT) -- Florence, 11:57:56 02/27/13 Wed
    • Neither is the stuffed crust pizza I had last night, Florence. (NT) -- beccabee, 12:31:30 02/27/13 Wed
  • The dishwasher doesn't unload itself...*sigh* (NT) -- Oatcake, 12:58:18 02/27/13 Wed
  • I am having trouble keeping up with my duties at my job. (NT) -- shy gal, 15:24:20 02/27/13 Wed
  • My shower head is pathetic - I'm literally going without any shower head at the moment because it's better than the old one. The fact that I have not one but THREE showers in the house makes this a major league first world problem! :) (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 16:35:53 02/27/13 Wed
    • Have you soaked your shower head in white vinegar? If the problem is related to mineral buildup, the vinegar will take care of it. Just put vinegar in a ziploc bag and put the shower head in the bag with a rubber band around the handle. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 06:41:59 02/28/13 Thu
      • We've soaked it in vinegar, in CLR, and everything else. A few years back we had a pipe burst in the well line, and, as a result, we get tiny stones in the lines at times. We think a couple may have gotten lodged in the showerhead, and DH can't get the dang things apart. It's almost 9 years old, so a new one is in order. I must say, the last 2 days of not using a showerhead at all have at least allowed me to be clean with NO frustration - lots of water! LOL (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 14:33:33 02/28/13 Thu
  • My driver side power window stopped working. I can't use the drive-thru's anymore. Waaaa! (NT) -- Scarlet A, 16:49:48 02/27/13 Wed
    • Mine just took a crap too *g* (NT) -- Cait, 06:46:22 02/28/13 Thu
      • First world embarrassment - having to open your car door to grab your fast food. (NT) -- Scarlet A, 10:21:28 02/28/13 Thu
        • LOL!! (NT) -- SCarlettO, 09:44:17 03/01/13 Fri
  
  

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• Let't talk Oscars... -- Conmama, 04:33:33 02/25/13 Mon
  Okay, went to bed before it was over. The flight sock puppet skit had DH and I in tears.....especially when it was drinking the bottle of whiskey.
  

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  • I stayed up and watched the whole show...til midnight. I thought Seth McFarland did a nice job as the host. I was happy to see Argo win Best Picture and Daniel Day Lewis win as Best Actor. I felt so bad for Jennifer Lawrence falling up the stairs..I guess no one showed her how to hold up her gown when she ascended the stairs. I loved the musical numbers: Jennifer Hudson, Adele, Les Miserables. I just wish the show could be shorter and feature just the top categories. I know all the awards for costume, set direction, etc are important...but to tell you the truth..most viewers watching don't care about them. The opening skit with "Captain Kirk" dragged on too long. Hey, I love going to movies, so I love watching the Oscars and love seeing all the fashion choices. (NT) -- CarolSR, 06:29:10 02/25/13 Mon
    • I've always cringe watching them walk up those stairs in their high heels and gowns. Don't you think it's time for an escort to be waiting at the bottom if needed? Or how about a pretty rail for them to hold onto as they ascend? (NT) -- conmama, 08:23:09 02/25/13 Mon
      • Hugh Jackman jumped up to help JLaw when she fell, but she managed to pick herself up and get up the stairs before he got to her. Personally, if I saw him coming to help me, I would have feigned terrible injury and needed LOTS of help!! (NT) -- ScarlettO, 13:12:51 02/26/13 Tue
  • I too thought Seth McFarland did a good job. I didn't know he could sing. I may be in the minority here, but l don't think Argo should of won Best Picture and don't think it would of won, if Ben Afflick would of been nominated, JMHO. (NT) -- Janet H., 07:49:19 02/25/13 Mon
    • I agree. Both DH and I didn't love it at all. Like I said below, it doesn't stick to the facts..the ending is not how it actually happened and the Canadians weren't given their due. I gave it a 6.5 out of 10. I can't believe it beat out some of the other movies. (NT) -- conmama, 08:19:53 02/25/13 Mon
    • I also thought the music this year was the best I've seen in years. My gosh, you had the whole cast of Les Mis, Barbara Streisand singing Memories and Adele and Jennifer Hudson. I thought it was one of the most entertaining Oscars ever! (NT) -- Janet H,, 13:43:25 02/25/13 Mon
  • What did you all think about their dresses? None of them wowed me this year. However, the 2 that I liked the best were Jennifer Lawrences (the bottom of it really) and Jennifer Garner. I didn't like Anne Hathaways, it looked like she made it herself with the darts by her boobs. (NT) -- conmama, 08:21:40 02/25/13 Mon
    • I didn't like any of the dresses this year. Some were prettier than others. I think my favorite was Kristin Stewart's. She should've loaned her crutches to Jennifer Lawrence. (NT) -- Lemora, 08:43:28 02/25/13 Mon
  • Could this have been as tacky as it looked? I caught a clip online where a bunch of men were chanting "We've seen your boobs! We've seen your boobs!" The camera cut to Naomi Watts' shocked, disgusted expression. I looked up the winners. I was glad "Brave" got it for best animated feature. Sorry that "Moonrise Kingdom" didn't for Best Original Screenplay. I watched JL and BA gasp their way through mostly incoherent acceptance speeches. Then, I went to YouTube and watched Vivien Leigh accept her Oscar in 1939 for GWTW, and Humphrey Bogart accept his for "The African Queen" in 1952, as an antidote to 2013 vulgarity. (NT) -- Lemora, 08:35:16 02/25/13 Mon
    • The cut to Naomi Watts and someone else....Halle Berry maybe??? were part of the joke and actually pre-recorded because neither was dressed like that and hair was totally different. We actually laughed hysterically at that because for all their talk of wanting to be considered 'serious' actors, 99% of boobie shots are gratuitous and aren't needed to further the story. So I thought it was pretty funny. *g* (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 12:13:13 02/25/13 Mon
      • Dang it! It was Charlize Thereon not Halle Berry. I had that first then changed it. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 12:20:46 02/25/13 Mon
      • I'll agree - the "Boobs" song had me in hysterics. I'm not a huge fan of Seth Mac's crass humor but I LOVED him as host, I was impressed by his singing, and the Booby song made the night. :-) (NT) -- ScarlettO, 13:15:54 02/26/13 Tue
  • I thought it was the worst Oscar show EVER. Tastless, banal, boring. DH and I kept looking at each other and asking WTF? With the exception of maybe 2 acceptance speeches all the rest were a laundry list of name to thank, yawn. How is being on live TV to billions a time to tell your wife you love her?!!! Maybe at breakfast would be a better choice. AND how dressed up do you have to be, to not be addressed as 'you guys'? (NT) -- PD, 09:11:50 02/25/13 Mon
    • "you guys" might not be accepted worldwide.... but its common speak in Chicago and other places. The president says it for Gods sake, if he can, Im not taking any flack for saying. So you guys just leave us alone. :) Just because people dont like it, doesnt mean we have to stop saying it. :) (NT) -- M&M, 11:51:33 02/25/13 Mon
      • ....actually it makes me say it more just to irratate the crap out of people. :) (NT) -- M&M, 11:52:00 02/25/13 Mon
    • I hated the show, and hope Seth McFarlane isn't invited back. The boob song was distasteful, as were most of the jokes. The highlights for me (few and far between)... the Les Mis cast performance, Adele, Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway, Daniel Day Lewis (loved his speech), and Argo wins. Next year, I would love to see Tina Fey and Amy Poehler host. (NT) -- LP, 12:01:55 02/25/13 Mon
      • I doubt I'll ever watch it again. I don't remember the last time I saw the whole thing. There is nothing funny or entertaining about any of it. I don't know much about Seth MacFarlane and don't want to know any more. (NT) -- Lemora, 12:25:03 02/25/13 Mon
  • I fell asleep by the end. I wish they would add a few of the catagories to the technical awards they host earlier. I think the actual Oscars should be actor, actress, supporting, movie,director. It's just way too long. I thought Seth did a good job but did think the Shatner bit went a little long. I had no idea he could sing. I loved seeing Jennifer Hudson, Adele and the Les Mis cast. They were wonderful. Loved Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Lawrence, Reece Witherspoon, Charlize Theron and Stacy Kiebler. Great dresses! (NT) -- JenK, 10:25:07 02/25/13 Mon
    • ... Seth has been singing like this for quite awhile, has a couple of albums out. (NT) -- M&M, 11:59:02 02/25/13 Mon
  • I watched the movie Kramer vs Kramer (which I have seen twice before)) alternating with the last hour of the Oscars and thus probably missed the best parts of both. I did like Daniel Day Lewis' acceptance speech. (NT) -- Florence, 12:24:56 02/25/13 Mon
  • I enjoyed it! Seth McFarland was better than I expected and the musical entertainment was good. I didn't like Argo as well as some of the other nominees, including Zero Dark Thirty, which was well done IMO. I enjoy all the glitz and glamour and seeing all the stars. (NT) -- J., 12:48:31 02/25/13 Mon
  • Having Michele Obama announce best picture was not needed. It interupted the show. (NT) -- Sara, 12:52:17 02/25/13 Mon
  • What I saw of it, I liked. Although I wish Stewie had made an appearance (one of the characters on Family Guy). I didn't get all the musical numbers and it got very long, but otherwise I thought Seth MacFarlane did a good job. I get that it's the biggest deal of the year, but if people can't poke a bit of fun at themselves, it just becomes a 4 hour nap for me. Also, I didn't see it, but the 'boobs' song used clips from other awards shows to get the desired reaction shots if people didn't know. (NT) -- TracyAnn, 14:38:22 02/25/13 Mon
    • My neighbour has a small Oscar party every year and usually it's just girls but this year the men came too because there was just so much food. We assumed the guys would go to another room or play with the kids but they actually watched the whole thing, I think because they thought Stewie or Peter might show up. *g* (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 17:57:36 02/25/13 Mon
      • Would have been better than, Ted, I think. I love Stewie. (NT) -- TracyAnn, 18:42:54 02/25/13 Mon
  • Seth McF strikes me as a modern day 'Eddie Haskell'.... all smiles & smirks, shaking someone important's hand while knowingly passing gas near them. I just don't like the guy. As far as the show last night - too long. Michelle O not needed. Songs - great, especially Barbara S. Way too much 'pregame' red carpet coverage on tv. Since joy & speeches are always rushed by the timed musical interruption. I know we have to hold speeches to a minimal of time, but these folks need a moment to enjoy the moment. Jennifer L's fall....at least she did it gracefully. I bet they have ramps/rails/escorts next year! hahaha! All in all, an overdone night of hollywood. (NT) -- Donna Mc, 14:55:02 02/25/13 Mon
  • I loved that Michelle O was in it, and can perfectly see why since two nominated best pictures were about gov't.....and one a former president. (NT) -- M&M, 16:38:07 02/25/13 Mon
  • I enjoyed it and stayed up to watch it all. I thought some of the jokes were in appropriate and went too far, but overall I found the show to be entertaining. I loved all the musical numbers. None of the dressed really floored me. Jessica Chastain, Charlize Theron, and Georgina Chapman were my favorites. I also liked Halle Berry, but primarily when she was walking across the stage. That dress of hers showed to its best when she was in motion. (NT) -- Nifty, 16:45:14 02/25/13 Mon
  • I liked them. I thought Seth McFarland did a great job and was funny. Loved Captail Kirk. It was the 1st one in I can't remember that I actually watched most of it. I did PVR it so I could fast forward over some of the boring awards & speaches. (NT) -- Cherie, 11:03:54 02/26/13 Tue
  • Maybe I'm just old-fashioned but I feel that the Oscar Awards program, like late night TV, went down the tubes when Johnny Carson died. (NT) -- JudyL, 12:20:11 02/26/13 Tue
  
  

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• Need decorating help for clubhouse -- conmama, 10:38:54 02/25/13 Mon
  We are redoing the downstairs of our neighborhood clubhouse. We have a formal upstairs, but the great room on the lower level is used more for scout meetings, swimteam concessions, things of that nature, so it's very informal. VCT tile floor, concrete walls. It's about 20' X 20X or so. Currently, VCT tile is old and light beige. concrete painted cream and moulding is shiny white. It's pretty ugly right now. What we do has to last (at least the floor) probably another 20 years so I think neutral, but what about a pattern? What color tile, walls and moulding? It is a very well light up room as one wall is all windows and doors facing outside (it's a walk out)
  

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  • Oh, we are putting in new VCT tile, so we can have new color (s) and a pattern. (NT) -- conmama, 10:40:15 02/25/13 Mon
  • I'd go for some nice subtle pattern on the floor and pick up on that color in a very light shade on the walls, and stick with shiny white, cream or other light-color for the paint on the trim. How about picking up on a color you can see outside the wall of windows? That being said, I'd stay away from gray or blue if it's in a basement, even if it is a walk-out. JMO. (NT) -- shy gal, 14:42:38 02/25/13 Mon
  • Maybe a subtle marbled or swirled sort of pattern (something that looks like natural stone) on the floor in shades of brown, more on the darker side, then a pale coffee ice cream sort of color on the walls and white trim? You could then have any color accents that could be changed out easily. (NT) -- Maria, 16:30:34 02/25/13 Mon
  • I have seen this done in small apartments to give a feeling of movement and space. Fully shirred sheer curtains on any windows and the illusion of windows by hanging curtains on solid sectins of wall. Very light colored sheers. (NT) -- beccabee, 03:21:59 02/26/13 Tue
  • thanks all for your suggestions. I found that VCT tile now comes in rectangular shapes that can look like faux wood...might look into that. (NT) -- conmama, 05:06:26 02/26/13 Tue
  
  

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• Happy Friday Lallybroch. What's everyone up to this weekend? -- Lady Lukkarinen, 05:46:03 02/22/13 Fri
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  • I'm hosting an Oscar party on Sunday, so I have to finish my costume... dressing up as Madame Thenardier, should be fun! (NT) -- LP, 06:09:36 02/22/13 Fri
    • What are your plans, Lady L? (NT) -- LP, 06:09:59 02/22/13 Fri
    • I would love to go to or host an oscar party!! such fun!! (NT) -- JenK, 06:53:00 02/22/13 Fri
  • Not quite sure yet of my weekend plans. One thing I need to do is start using the Treadclimber machine that I just bought - and then maybe my clothes will start to fit properly again! Hoping also that the weather will be warmer this weekend here in Phoenix than it has been, so that I can sit outside and relax. LP - sounds like your Sunday party should be a lot of fun! (NT) -- Ruthgold18, 06:15:10 02/22/13 Fri
  • the weather has been having a very bad effect on my fibro so hopefully catching up on sleep since the DH will be home then watching all the oscar buzz on Sunday. (NT) -- JenK, 06:53:57 02/22/13 Fri
  • dress shopping for my son's April wedding. (NT) -- wee, 09:12:55 02/22/13 Fri
  • It's Purim this weekend so we'll be celebrating! ;oD (NT) -- LindaT, 09:51:52 02/22/13 Fri
  • We had our SIXTH snow day today - and we're without water. Thankfully, the power is still on! We headed up to school to shower, and our road is almost completely blown shut - I could see snow at WINDOW level in the Jeep as we plowed through! So the plans....get water back (please,please,please,please) and hopefully get out to get groceries. If the water doesn't get fixed, there will also have to be a trip to a laundromat...ugh! (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 11:33:08 02/22/13 Fri
    • ((((Lady Jane))) Where do you live Jane? (NT) -- LL, 11:48:48 02/22/13 Fri
      • Lady Jane lives on Michigan's west shore - those of us inland don't get (thankfully) the same amount of snow! (Hope you get water back soon, LJ!!) (NT) -- ScarlettO, 15:02:02 02/22/13 Fri
      • Good news - I am now in possession of a key to the school's locker room where we can get a hot shower with tons of water pressure. Even better news - we heard today from the well company, and they're hoping to get out Monday. If not, for sure we'll have progress on Tuesday. Best news - we're heading to my parents in GR to do laundry tomorrow so NO laundromat will be necessary. We got snow all day on Friday and it's been snowing a large part of today, but it's the fine snow that doesn't add much to the accumulation. My young cherry trees and the maple trees we planted a year ago are LOVING the snow blanket! (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 14:11:26 02/23/13 Sat
  • Going out to eat tonight with DH and another couple. Going to Silver Linings Playbook tomorrow with a friend. Then on Sunday going to my sister's annual Oscar party. Should be fun. (NT) -- Janet H., 12:03:09 02/22/13 Fri
    • Janet, let me know what you think of SLP. I saw it a while back and absolutely loved it. (NT) -- LP, 12:30:18 02/22/13 Fri
      • I loved it too. The acting was magnificent! (NT) -- Janet H., 17:26:17 02/23/13 Sat
      • It was my favorite move of the entire year. So glad Jennifer won the oscar, but I would like to have seen it win more. Bummed about Argo. I honestly think I am the only person who didn't love it. I thought it was quite boring in the middle and didn't like the inaccuracy of not giving credit due to the Canadians. Plus, the ending was false. I read they left the country without drama and it went very smooth. (NT) -- conmama, 02:55:41 02/25/13 Mon
    • Loved, loved, loved SLP. I hope Jennifer Lawrence takes the Oscar for Best Actress. She totally deserves it. Bradley Cooper deserves it too, but I think Daniel Day-Lewis will take it for "Lincoln" (also well-deserved). (NT) -- ScarlettO, 15:03:54 02/22/13 Fri
  • Going to the package store and picking out a nice bottle of wine and proceeding to drink it. Other than that, nothing much! (NT) -- MinnesotaLass, 13:36:23 02/22/13 Fri
  • No interest in the Oscars. They took "85th" off the title because some dips**t thought it sounded "musty." Jennifer Lawrence, regarding last year's wonderful "The Artist," stated , "I'm not going to watch a f**king boring silent movie." While have no interest in the movies and people nominated this time, I hope they give it to ANYBODY but her! (NT) -- Lemora Martin, 22:26:21 02/23/13 Sat
    • She's fairly young. Actually, she was wonderful in SLP. I didn't want to see The Artist for a long time either. I waited until it came out on DVD. I like it, but I didn't think it was Oscar worthy. (NT) -- conmama, 02:57:41 02/25/13 Mon
      • I watched it for about five minutes, I said to dh...... now I know why the talkies took over. :) To each their own! (NT) -- M&M, 05:58:30 02/25/13 Mon
        • Yep - to each their own. I thought Jennifer Lawrence was FABULOUS in SLP and totally deserved the Oscars. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 07:51:06 02/25/13 Mon
          • I love her too..... she is so candid, its a nice change. That was a great movie, I thought it was better than Argo too, which was good but Silver Linings was great. (NT) -- M&M, 07:56:36 02/25/13 Mon
          • Yes, to each her own. I wouldn't sit through SLP or "Amour" for a million bucks! I thought "The Artist" was brilliant. (NT) -- Lemora, 08:40:39 02/25/13 Mon
            • Didn't you want to see SLP because of Jennifer's comments or something else? (NT) -- conmama, 10:18:42 02/25/13 Mon
              • No, the subject matter. I can accept that an actor is brilliant when directed, and sounds like an idiot when winging it, e.g. Colin Farrell, or Johnny Depp.>>>> -- Lemora, 12:37:14 02/25/13 Mon
                • I understand. You know, I have worked in an office cubicle for more than 25 years. I cannot stand to watch anything to do with an office. (NT) -- Conmama, 02:34:03 02/26/13 Tue
            • I would sit through The Artisit for a million any time! :) (NT) -- M&M, 16:39:17 02/25/13 Mon
              • ...... The Artist too even. :) (NT) -- M&M, 17:00:26 02/25/13 Mon
  
  

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• Bladder issues -- LP, 12:41:09 02/22/13 Fri
  I just finished my second round of antiobiotics for a UTI and I haven't noticed much of a change (but a yeast infection is in the works, thank you very much *grrrr*, sorry TMI). If I'm still having problems next week, I will go back for another test.
  
  Many, many years ago, I had the mesh sling surgery and it definitely helped, at least for a while. Lawsuits for the mesh sling are all over the news right now and I'm wondering if the issues I'm having are related to this.
  
  Has anyone had the surgery and ended up with problems years later? I welcome any feedback.
  
  Thanks!
  

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  • I just happen to work as a receptionist in the Urology Dept. where I live. We do see people who are having problems with them. I would see a Urologist if your problems continue. (NT) -- MinnesotaLass, 13:33:55 02/22/13 Fri
    • Thanks, ML! (NT) -- LP, 17:40:21 02/22/13 Fri
  • For the yeast infection you can take a probiotic like Culturelle. Whenever I have to take antibiotics I make sure to take Culturelle twice a day. Keeps diarrhea and yeast infections away. Sorry TMI but it really works. (NT) -- Noelle, 19:26:04 02/22/13 Fri
    • I agree with Noelle - taking a probiotic twice a day (and not within 2 hours of taking your antibiotic) really does help. Works for me! (NT) -- Leigh, 18:57:14 02/23/13 Sat
  • I have the mesh sling too...... you can email privately if you want to talk about it. lolmichelle at yahoo dot com (NT) -- M&M, 10:54:33 02/23/13 Sat
  • I have a close friend who had to have a FOURTH surgery last spring - and it was because the third surgery used the mesh. It messed her up big time - 10 years later! - but she has fully recovered and is doing well. Definitely get it checked! (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 14:08:53 02/23/13 Sat
  • My MIL is having trouble with her mesh sling. She has had to have 2 surgeries already and is looking at a probably 3rd. She still has urine leakage and is raw and irritated all the time. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 08:30:41 02/24/13 Sun
    • Julie, get her some of Colly's Shea Butter Souffle. That stuff works like magic on irritations, burns, etc. (NT) -- CathyS, 15:33:11 02/25/13 Mon
  
  

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• Crazy New Mother Symptom -- Lady Elizabeth, 19:41:47 02/21/13 Thu
  So did you do you have it? My DD is sometimes too overprotective and worrisome when the babes are concerned. The men in our lives roll their eyes and tonight I told my DS how I was when he and DD were small. He really laughed when I told him the baby had to wear mitten gowns because I was afraid she would scratch her eyes out and the doctor had to cut her fingernails. I could go on but I won't. Luckily I got past that stage and calmed down. Have to admit my DH was a saint to stay with me thru it all.
  

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  • I wasn't a crazy new mother, but I was a crazy wife when my ex wouldn't help because that would be "womens' work." (NT) -- beccabee, 05:16:24 02/22/13 Fri
  • Do you know what sterilizing is? For your first baby it's a thorough wash followed by 20 minutes in boiling water. For your second, it's a good soapy wash and rinse. For your third...ehh... a wipe on your jeans will do. (NT) -- jayn, 05:33:40 02/22/13 Fri
  • I was pretty relaxed as a new mother. I was the last in my group of friends to have my first baby, so I had seen a lot before it was my turn. On another note, have you noticed that there are a lot of pregnant women recently? We are thinking of changing our name at work from The Ontario College of Pharmacists, to the Ontario College of Conception. In the last year we have had 7 preganacies. We are a very small staff and evertime I turn around someone else is stepping forward to announce. There were three lovely ladies on the cruise who were pregnant in their bikinis. (NT) -- Lady Lukkarinen, 05:41:18 02/22/13 Fri
  • I think in this day and age, new moms are overloaded with all the safety issues, recalls, and judgement so you tend to be overprotective. I was really bad with my first and my mom would get upset and say "it's amazing you survived!" which didn't help matters. We have access to the internet and social media and people telling us how we need to be careful of this, that or the other thing. I was more relaxed with my 2nd but not by much. I think it's just a different time. So many people judge new moms on what the kids are wearing,do they have all the new safety stuff (what do you mean you are using your older childs carseat?? Don't you know they expire??). We second guess everything we do. Did we remember to sanitize so they don't get the flu or MRSA or the plague. All I can say is just be patient, we get better. (NT) -- JenK, 06:50:50 02/22/13 Fri
  • I was a complete mess with my first, 21yrs. ago. He was a colicky baby and cried morning, noon, and night. And l cried right along with him. My DH didn't know what the heck was happening. After going through that with the first, l was completely relaxed with the second and third, which is why l believe they were such good babies. (NT) -- Janet H., 07:17:58 02/22/13 Fri
  • I agree with Jayn. I was much crazier with my first and got more relaxed as the other two came along. I think this is pretty typical since none of us have a clue about what to do with our first newborn. We weren't inundated with all the safety issues that are out today, thankfully. We used an old car seat purchased at a flea market. I'm sure it was "expired" and all our kids slept in our bed at one time or another. They all survived and grew into 3 amazing adults. (NT) -- J, 09:30:27 02/22/13 Fri
  • Yup. I was a crazy one. To add insult to injury, my neighbor's little girl got salmonella from a contaminated baby bottle when she was six months old (and my DD was five months old). Needless to say, I became even crazier after that. ;o) (NT) -- LindaT, 09:50:29 02/22/13 Fri
    • having met Becca and seeing the wonderful young adult she is, I'd say you did an amazing job Linda!! Crazy or not!!! Hugs!! (NT) -- JenK, 10:11:43 02/22/13 Fri
      • Thank you, sweetheart! <3 (NT) -- LindaT, 13:47:07 02/22/13 Fri
  • In the days of cloth diapers, and because I had seen my mother do it, I boiled my first babie's diapers. I was told I was probably the only mother in town who did such a thing. Second baby survived with nornal diaper washing (NT) -- Florence, 11:08:45 02/22/13 Fri
  • I'm the oldest of 5, 3 of which are 10 yrs + younger then me. I had looked after a lot of babies by the time I had my 1st at 21. I wasn't too bad. I do get a good chuckle out of my SIL & Sister who's are all under 3 with another on the way. More then once I've said I'm amazed mine ever made it (NT) -- Cherie, 14:35:13 02/22/13 Fri
  • I wasn't bad - my sister is bat$#it crazy. Her kids have to go to bed at the STROKE of bedtime and she helicopters over them like crazy. I don't think it does kids much good. JMHO, of course. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 15:07:07 02/22/13 Fri
    • I share your opinion about helicopter parenting and since we agree, we are right and that makes it a fact, LOL. (NT) -- shy gal, 10:01:34 02/23/13 Sat
      • I heard a new one recently. "Snow plow" parenting, so called because you shove all your child's problems out of the way for them. (NT) -- jayn, 14:03:58 02/23/13 Sat
    • I have a work colleague who does the 'helicopter parenting'....and her kids are now 23, 25, and 27! She gets them out of all sorts of trouble EVERY time! Get this: I have to work for her tomorrow because her 25 year old daughter is returning from her honeymoon and she has Bali Belly (i.e. a bacterial gastro bug picked up in Bali while on honeymoon) and my colleague simply MUST look after her daughter, despite the fact that the daughter has a very caring new husband who is quite capable! Gah! Really?! (NT) -- Leigh, 19:03:57 02/23/13 Sat
  • Yes, I was a crazy new mom 35 years ago! I would insist my poor DH call the emergency room for every little thing! My poor DD was a nose bleeder from the get-go, so I was not prepared for that! My DH would tell me he did it too, but I had to take her to the ER to learn it! By the time DS came along I was 'Eh, he'll live'! (NT) -- Natalie H, 09:43:04 02/25/13 Mon
  
  

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• Downton Abbey Season 3 finale -- LP, 20:49:03 02/17/13 Sun
  NO SPOILERS
  

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  • Spoilers inside >>> -- LP, 20:50:12 02/17/13 Sun
    • More inside >>>> -- LP, 20:54:35 02/17/13 Sun
      • But what else do you think Julian Fellowes could have done? I knew what was coming and I'm glad it's over with. Looks like Lady Edith is all set to become a mistress. >>>>>> -- Lemora, 23:19:25 02/17/13 Sun
  • I loved the scenes from Scotland. (NT) -- CarolSR, 06:13:29 02/18/13 Mon
  • LP, about one of your comments >>>inside -- HollyC, 06:43:23 02/18/13 Mon
    • Behind the potted palms, please >>>>> -- Lemora, 09:57:56 02/18/13 Mon
      • I loved Matthew this season, he grew a spine... still very sweet, but I loved how he took charge of the estate. (NT) -- LP, 10:19:53 02/18/13 Mon
      • :-) Lemora, your dog analogies are more apt than mine! Lassie - haha, I can see it! (NT) -- HollyC, 10:25:42 02/18/13 Mon
        • "Bloody Timmy's in the well..." (NT) -- LizT, 08:05:55 02/19/13 Tue
  • Inside>>> -- Patricia, 07:59:58 02/18/13 Mon
    • I was thinking the same thing - inside>>> -- HollyC, 08:10:59 02/18/13 Mon
  • I kept saying, *The music of my people.* DD says, *Your people are from RUSSIA, not Scotland!* ;oD (NT) -- LindaT, 09:59:45 02/18/13 Mon
    • Bahahaha... hate it when the kids give us a reality check! I feel your pain. (NT) -- AngieLass, 10:06:21 02/18/13 Mon
    • Bagpipes really are the music of my ancestors, but my reaction is the same as Lord Grantham's. That piper is lucky no one has dropped a flower pot on him. (NT) -- Lemora, 10:35:42 02/18/13 Mon
      • That was a LOL moment for me. My reaction would have been the same as Lord Grantham's (NT) -- LizT, 08:06:56 02/19/13 Tue
  • Spoiler discussion.... -- conmama, 02:25:32 02/19/13 Tue
    • Lady Mary... -- LizT, 08:10:10 02/19/13 Tue
      • Mary and Edith, Behind The Fan, please >>>> -- Lemora, 09:21:12 02/19/13 Tue
        • Inside... -- conmama, 10:10:16 02/19/13 Tue
          • I thought it was more like ten years. It seems like Season 3 ended in 1922. Baby Sibbie was born in 1920 and she doesn't look three years old to me. In the magical world of DA no one ever visibly ages. (NT) -- Lemora, 10:16:45 02/19/13 Tue
        • Mary - inside...... -- ScarlettO, 08:09:53 02/23/13 Sat
          • I've always liked her too! >>>> -- Lemora, 09:05:40 02/23/13 Sat
  • Julian Fellowes has said he will NOT kill Maggie Smith's character, even though Maggie herself has said he would have too "Isn't she like 100 by now?" ;) He said he'd be more likely to send her off to the seaside or something but he'd never kill the character ;) And found this (for the dates)..The first series spanned the two years before the Great War beginning with news of the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, which set the story in motion. The second series covered the years 1916 to 1919, and the 2011 Christmas Special covered the 1919 Christmas period, ending in early 1920. The third series picks up soon thereafter, covering 1920 through the autumn of 1921. (NT) -- Ceilidh, 11:02:43 02/19/13 Tue
    • Thanks...9 years sounds more reasonable than 11. The only one that looks older is Cora...must be due to Sybil's death. (NT) -- conmama, 11:23:57 02/19/13 Tue
  • I just didn't think there was much chemistry between Matthew and Mary or any of the other couples for that matter. What they need is a Scottish hunk who is a bit of a rebel, but who is also very intelligent. (NT) -- Janet H., 15:12:45 02/19/13 Tue
  • Here is a great article interviewing Julian Fellowes. SPOILERS http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/18/julian-fellowes-discusses-a-season-of-comings-and-goings-at-downton-abbey/?smid=fb-share (NT) -- Reilly, 18:18:37 02/19/13 Tue
  • I am two shows behind and I AM SO CURIOUS!!!!!! It's killing me not to get in on this conversation!!! We were away for the weekend and even my mom sent me a text saying she hoped I remembered to record Downton! LOL! Hopefully tonight I can get to both shows! (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 13:37:39 02/20/13 Wed
    • Enjoy, they are both 2 hours long!!!! (NT) -- conmama, 02:44:31 02/21/13 Thu
      • ENJOY???!!!! How could I possibly enjoy that ending!!!!! I'm so pissed off! I did NOT see that coming (neither did Matthew apparently *g*), and between Matthew and Sybil, they were my two favourites!!! Besides Granny, of course. So mad!!!! I would not have been disappointed if a new actor had replaced him, I could have lived with that. But to have 2 Downton babies lose a parent the day they are born. Come on. Super hokey! (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 15:44:56 02/23/13 Sat
        • I had the same reaction when I found out what was going to happen. >>>> -- Lemora, 22:12:21 02/23/13 Sat
          • Inside too>> -- Ceilidh, 14:02:33 02/24/13 Sun
  
  

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• Has anybody given up their smartphone? -- conmama, 04:16:58 02/21/13 Thu
  I'm considering it. I've had mine over 2 years, and really don't do much with it but talk (rarely) and text (I have teens so I do use this feature and it is easy on a smartphone). I never use apps, and only look up something on the internet once in a blue moon. I pay around $37/month for all of this. If I went back to a regular phone it would be $10 month, $5 unlimited texting plus taxes. I figured I'd save $25/month. Not a lot, but I'd really rather do something else with $25/month. Just a hassle to go buy a "dumbphone". So, has anybody else done this?
  

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  • Nope. You'd have to pry my smartphone from my cold, dead, fingers. :) I use it for everything - email, texting, checking online stuff, my calendar is on it, notes, shopping lists, music, Kindle books.......and that's just the stuff I use often. (NT) -- Maria, 04:32:30 02/21/13 Thu
    • I lay you money you are at least 20 years younger than me? LOL? Are you? I'm 53. (NT) -- conmama, 05:57:08 02/21/13 Thu
      • I'm older than you and I feel the same way about my smartphone. (NT) -- LizT, 07:30:25 02/21/13 Thu
      • Nope - 48, but a tech junkie. :) (NT) -- Maria, 02:38:32 02/22/13 Fri
        • Forgot to add, it's a $100 android phone on Virgin Mobile prepaid, so only $25/month unlimited texting, unlimited internet (up to 2.5G then they slow it) and 300 talk minutes a month. DD has the same plan, but we are grandfathered at that rate - same plan now is $35/month. Still well worth it to me. If I don't have internet for more than a day, I start having withdrawals! I also use it for practical stuff like GPS, but it's really my connection to my friends. (NT) -- Maria, 02:46:59 02/22/13 Fri
    • Nearly 62 - DID I JUST SAY THAT!!!????? - and you'll have to kill me to give up my iPhone. Only if I have an iPad mini to lug around and some wifi. :D (NT) -- Judie, 07:44:32 02/21/13 Thu
      • See...we have 2 IPADs in the house and I'd rather look at those than my phone. I stand corrected, i guess age has nothing to do with it. I'm just a mental dinosaure. (NT) -- conmama, 07:50:02 02/21/13 Thu
        • A dinosaur who doesn't even know how to spell. (NT) -- conmama, 07:52:00 02/21/13 Thu
        • No, I get it. I hated my phone at first because it was just a teeny ipad and I would rather have the ipad but am used to it now and at the 'can't live without' point. We spend a lot of time in no or slow wifi areas so I have come to appreciate it tremendously. Best use so far...was skiing last weekend and ditched the family to take another run. Missed our meeting point so stopped mid hill to wait for them but started worrying because we were a long way from home and needed to still catch a of couple of different lifts to get back to the lodge. It was late in the day and another skier comes up to me and asks what time the lift closed. I said I didn't know but was worried. We hummed and hawed for a while and he says, well why don't I just look it up. So he pulls out his phone and looks up the trail map and finds the closing time for this lift. As he skis off he says, what did we ever do without these things. He was in his 50s. It was pretty funny. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 12:01:22 02/21/13 Thu
      • I dont think its got anything to do with age either, I'm 54 and like Judie says you'd have to kill me to get my iPhone off me, I love it. I use it constantly to keep in touch with people and the world. I have apps for trains, cinema tickets, news, football, you name it I've got it. (NT) -- Gwen, 03:57:28 02/22/13 Fri
    • Nobody, but nobody is getting my iPhone off me! (NT) -- Leigh, 17:45:33 02/21/13 Thu
  • I have a plain phone, it has more capability but you have to buy the internet access to get the smart stuff. I'm not really sure how it works but my dd has the same phone with a ton more stuff she can do, and that's he explanation. I have no desire for my phone to do more, but it ticks me when I see a promotion or something and you need a smart phone to participate. (NT) -- jayn, 06:14:31 02/21/13 Thu
    • I'd actually save $30 a month. Our family plan has unlimited texting, so I won't have to pay extra. You know, I just don't enjoy it or use it much for it to be worth $30 month. I'd rather have the money to buy things...makeup, clothing, dinner. I think I'm going to looking into doing that. I totally understand if you use it..then it's worth it. (NT) -- conmama, 06:24:10 02/21/13 Thu
  • I've had an iPhone for 3 or 4 years. Just got the iPhone 5 and still love it. I enjoy a minimal amount of texting, googling stuff, checking e-mail and facebook when I'm away from the house, taking pictures and transferring them via dropbox, sending pictures to my kids, etc.. DH has just a phone and uses his much less than I do. Oh . . . I'm 11 years older than you. *G* (NT) -- CathyS, 06:53:03 02/21/13 Thu
    • Cathy - I have an iphone and hate it. Trying to get pics places has been a pain and I can't download videos to my computer because they are always sideways or upside down. What is dropbox? (NT) -- JenK, 07:48:40 02/21/13 Thu
      • Jen, dropbox is a free app that you can get for your computer, smartphone, and/or tablet. You can use it to store documents, photos, etc and sync them from one device to another. I love it and use it all the time for photos and documents/information that I want to have with me when my laptop/tablet is at home and I'm not. Google it. (NT) -- CathyS, 11:46:07 02/21/13 Thu
        • Thanks Cathy!! I'll check it out! (NT) -- JenK, 06:55:31 02/22/13 Fri
  • I have no plans or even a thought to give up my smartphone. I talk, text and search the internet not to mention Emails, Facebook, and many apps. I don't need an intervention or anything but being without it would take some major readjusting. (NT) -- LadyGrace, 07:22:07 02/21/13 Thu
  • I'm just the opposite. I do everything BUT talk on my Droid. So I'd really be lost without it. ;o) (NT) -- LindaT, 07:42:03 02/21/13 Thu
  • Why yes I did. I just had to have one, found it too big,was always needing a charge, and I didn't use it as much as I thought. Missed my small flip phone so I traded with my SIL and since he is on our family plan he assumed the contract. We are both happy. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 07:45:30 02/21/13 Thu
    • Did you have any problems getting your contacts transferred. I've had mine 2.5 years now and just don't use it. I'm like you, I actually miss my flipphone. However, I didn't like texting on it, so will probably try to find one with a slide out keyboard. (NT) -- conmama, 07:53:13 02/21/13 Thu
  • I talk, text, google, email, play games and really would be lost without my smart phone. My kids use it all the time and I hate to admit but it's been a lifesaver with my 3 year old when I'm at the doctors and need her to entertain herself for a bit while I talk to the doctor. I hate the price though. (NT) -- JenK, 07:47:27 02/21/13 Thu
  • I would be totally lost without my smart phone. I use it for everything. But I would kill for your US cell phone plans. We pay double or more for the same plans in Canada (NT) -- Cherie, 08:28:37 02/21/13 Thu
  • I thought about getting a smartphone but got an iPad instead. DS has an iPhone but it's way too small for me to see and use comfortably! My phone plan is voice and text only and I'm happy with it. (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 09:26:43 02/21/13 Thu
    • It also bothers my eyes to look at the internet on my phone. I remember when the IPAD first came out I thought how ridiculous. We got one for DS a year ago and my DH has one for business. I love it! It's easy to read and I can just plop on the couch and not have to go to the office to use the PC. (NT) -- conmama, 09:41:53 02/21/13 Thu
  • DH and I use our cell phones as, uh, telephones(?) and very rarely at that. We had been paying $70/month.....that's $840/year (!!!)...for the bare bones family plan with no texting and no web and concluded it was a waste of money. We just changed to a pay/go plan that costs us each $25/quarter, that's $200/year total. From that, phone calls are deducted at $0.10 per minute. I doubt that our phone usage will require us to replenish the accounts other than on a quarterly basis. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 09:51:11 02/21/13 Thu
  • I would never give it up and I'm older by 10 years. Love it when traveling for finding our way around new places and keeping up with what's going on at home too. It's the easiest way to keep in touch with my older kids because they rarely answer a phone call or reply to a voicemail but if I text them, they reply right away. (NT) -- J, 11:01:40 02/21/13 Thu
  • Nope, not going to happen. If I forget to take my phone when I leave the house, I feel completely naked. And conmama, I think I'm older than you, lol (are you 50 yet?). (NT) -- LP, 13:21:21 02/21/13 Thu
  • I am 41 and my DH is 43 an we are considering giving up our phones. As a SAHM (without a car) it really doesn't make sense that I have an iPhone but the boys bought it for me last mother's day. Currently we pay $170 a month for 3 phones and that only happened when we got the smart phones a year ago...it was $110 before that. I had a phone in the first place because my line was only $10 a month and the insurance on the other 2 was going to be more than that so I was the 'insurance plan'. Right now we are considering giving up DHs in the summer because before that there is a penalty and he got his way before mine...and then mine will possibly become the 'family' phone to have when someone is out of the house...then it will got to DS2 in a year or so. 2 years ago I was wondering how we'd pay for car insurance for DS1 when he was old enough...and now he is almost 17 without a license because we REALLY don't have the $$ to pay it now. (NT) -- Ceilidh, 13:22:00 02/21/13 Thu
  • Never had one. My cheap prepaid works for the limited talk and text I need, but I am home most of the time and concentrating all my efforts into getting completely debt-free. THEN I'll get a smart phone. (NT) -- SueW, 13:46:59 02/21/13 Thu
  • I have an iPad, so don't need a smart phone. (NT) -- Janet H., 13:54:00 02/21/13 Thu
  • NEVER! I am on my phone constantly I even use the kindle app daily to read! I am having withdrawals thinking about not being able to have internet access on our cruise---plugging in is my relaxation! and I'm your age! Connecting with friends on line is fun for me! (NT) -- BetsyG, 17:20:56 02/21/13 Thu
  • I have Verizon and no they did not have a problem with us switching phones, and they didn't care who had the contract as long as we didn't want to break it, which we didn't. So basically we traded phone numbers and phones. Again we are on the same family plan. Verizon has gotten more customer friendly over the years. I remember watching customers almost take out Verizon employees before. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 19:36:47 02/21/13 Thu
  • I have an Android smartphone, as I'm not willing to pay more than 50$ for a phone and this one came with my plan. I use it for calls, texting (a lot), checking my e-mail, checking Facebook, sometimes I google somethin or read the boards and I have a couple of games to pass the time when I'm waiting somewhere. When I'm abroad, the Internet and e-mail function doesn't work and while I don't fervently wish I had it, I do miss it somewhat. It's not an age thing though, as none of my three kids (16, 17 and 20) even want a smartphone. DS1 got himself an iPad mini when his laptop broke down and he said he was going to give it to me, because he doesn't like it. (NT) -- Patricia (), 00:51:34 02/22/13 Fri
  • Never...... use it all the time. (NT) -- M&M, 06:18:57 02/22/13 Fri
  • Helz no - I'm with Maria. Cold. Dead. Hands. I'm 42, if it matters. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 15:10:19 02/22/13 Fri
    • Me too!!! But I'm not 42, unfortunately. (NT) -- Noelle, 19:29:12 02/22/13 Fri
  • 38 and I'll keep it because it passes the time when I'm waiting. I only have it because the phone itself was free and I was grandfathered in on a truly unlimited data plan. If I want to upgrade I have to change the plan and likely pay for a new one. I don't even remember to turn on the volume half the time because we can't have them on at work, so usually I'm about 2 days late in responding to anyone. We'll see if I get another when my current smartphone dies. It's nice for the wireless hotspot it creates for my Nexus. But I only use that access rarely. (NT) -- TracyAnn, 09:18:07 02/23/13 Sat
  
  

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• Couch slip covers -- Shellb, 14:27:16 02/19/13 Tue
  We have the Cindy Crawford metropolitan couch from rooms to go. While we didn't expect this to become heirloom furniture, we didn't expect a seam to split after 4 years of normal use. A new couch is not in the cards right now, so what slipcovers have you had that were decent? Any favorite sources?
  

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  • I got some nice ones at Bed Bath Beyond, they were fairly heavy and fit well and were washable. They cost $100 but a new sofa is way more. If going for new sofa I suggest Ashley Furniture. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 19:44:06 02/19/13 Tue
  • Check your drycleaners, a lot of them have connections with people who mend upholstery. If it's just a simple seam it should be fixable, I've done it myself. (NT) -- jayn, 06:14:16 02/20/13 Wed
  • a side seam I could do, this one is across the top of the cushion where two panels come together and the fabric just shredded. sigh. (NT) -- shellb, 07:41:35 02/20/13 Wed
  • I had Sure Fit slipcovers while saving for a new set of furniture. They were like heavy-duty canvas duck fabric. They did the trick in the interim, had elastic so were a bit easier to shape to the furniture. They have more fabrics and colours now, than what they used to have. Good luck! (NT) -- ErinD, 16:26:06 02/20/13 Wed
  • I made them and they turned out pretty good. Made my pattern pieces out of muslin first and stiched all up, made adjustments and then took apart and used on real fabric. I did it twice although each time I said I would never do it again. (NT) -- M&M, 16:36:47 02/20/13 Wed
  • Slipcovers? I'd stuff that couch down someone's throat (figuratively, of course.) IMHO, you should contact the store. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 15:11:47 02/22/13 Fri
  
  

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• Whole life insurance -- Scarlet A, 18:16:14 02/14/13 Thu
  I am switching from term life insurance to whole. I've had a term policy since I was 19 years old. After experiencing my grandma's passing recently, and seeing what my mother and her sisters have gone through due to my grandma not having enough insurance to cover all her services, I realized that I should not wait until my term policy ends before I start a whole policy. I want to get locked into a lower rate now while I'm relatively young.
  
  So anyway, I don't know where to start. I'm in the U.S. Do you have a preferred insurance company? Or is this pretty much like finding vehicle insurance where I need to get as many quotes as I can?
  

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  • I have Metropolitan on all the family, whole life and DD went with State Farm. Once I got enough paid into it I let the dividends pay the premium. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 20:07:21 02/14/13 Thu
  • DH and I each have Metropolitan, but our policies are different. DH also has an IRA with them. (NT) -- Maria, 04:43:27 02/15/13 Fri
  • Don't do it! It's a bad savings plan (too many fees, bad rates) inside a life insurance plan, and when you die, they pay face value and KEEP your savings. You're much better off with term. You can get much greater coverage for less money that way. Compare and see. (NT) -- SueW (), 13:06:58 02/19/13 Tue
  
  

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• Hi Lallybroch! TGIF. What's everyone up to this weekend? -- Lady Lukkarinen, 05:52:10 02/15/13 Fri
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  • Headed to doctor's soon, UTI still hanging around, had fever, chills & aches, so another round of antiobiotics, I guess (just finished my last dose of Nitrofur-Macr... anyone taken this one before for a UTI?)... I hope to feel better soon, so I can enjoy this three day weekend. (NT) -- LP, 06:06:04 02/15/13 Fri
    • I have a permanent prescription for the stuff. 1 pill after sex! (NT) -- CarolE, 08:23:21 02/15/13 Fri
      • Really, what is it? (NT) -- LP, 08:48:50 02/15/13 Fri
        • Nitrofur Mac is the generic form of Macrodantin and it is an antibiotic that is used primarily for UTI's. I get them really easily. So, my doc just gives me a new script each year. (NT) -- CarolE (), 07:52:07 02/16/13 Sat
          • Duh, I'm glad it works for you. They are running a culture, so in the meantime, she started me on Cipro. (NT) -- LP, 08:02:28 02/16/13 Sat
            • When I used "Duh", I meant that your post clearly stated you had taken Macrobid, lol. (NT) -- LP, 08:03:41 02/16/13 Sat
  • Not sure. Planning a quiet weekend with Jason but just got an email from xdh wanting me to take the kids - this is not 'my' weekend. I'm torn, on the one hand I would simply like to be cooperative and reasonable. J and I have no set plans, it's just that Oly (his adult neice who lives with us) is away and I kind of had romance in mind. Of course, that isn't including that I love my children and want to be with them. (NT) -- jayn, 06:09:03 02/15/13 Fri
  • Taking a riding lesson tomorrow morning - first time in many years - to see if I want to start up again (it's an Amazon Local coupon that I bought) and I have a date on Saturday night with someone new - should be nice, Rob and I have talked on the phone and chatted via IM for over a week now, but it's different when you actually come face to face with someone, isn't it? Glad it's a long weekend - work has been stressful lately (see Kirk for info) and I really need a break from it. (NT) -- Ruthgold18, 06:53:02 02/15/13 Fri
    • Sounds like lots of fun Ruth! Hope its a relaxing weekend for you! (NT) -- Cait, 06:56:51 02/15/13 Fri
      • Thanks, Cait - and thank you too for your empathy over on the Kirk. I hope I like the riding lesson at this place, as I really do want to take lessons again - or maybe it's just because I miss being around horses. (NT) -- Ruthgold18, 11:34:17 02/15/13 Fri
    • I'm only just reading this. How did it go, Ruth??? The riding and of course the date??? (NT) -- Patricia, 12:03:28 02/19/13 Tue
  • Today is the first day of a 5, yes, I said FIVE day 'weekend'. Nothing special planned...just using up some 2012 vacation days. DS#2 is out of school next week, so maybe we'll do something together. Otherwise, I'm hoping to spend some time working on a quilt. =) (NT) -- Donna Mc, 07:56:15 02/15/13 Fri
  • Taxes :-P (NT) -- JudyL, 08:49:52 02/15/13 Fri
  • We are enjoying our time in Florida. We've been here two weeks today and the rain that began yesterday is the first we've seen since we got here. They really need it but I feel bad for some folks who are only here a short time and it's raining two days in a row. Hoping for sunny skies the rest of the weekend but looks iffy. I DON'T miss the cold, wind, snow, and ice at all. This is the way winter should be! (NT) -- CathyS, 11:00:11 02/15/13 Fri
    • 'like'. So glad you're enjoying your loooong holiday ((((Cathy)))). (NT) -- jayn (), 05:37:57 02/16/13 Sat
  • Lady L, we need a report on your cruise. Was it wonderful? Details, please? (NT) -- CathyS, 11:01:23 02/15/13 Fri
  • Hi Cathy. The cruise was wonderful. I've never been so pampered in my life! On Monday morning the DH caught me looking at my watch and asked what I was doing. When I told him it was 9:30 and I was wondering if so and so was doing such and such, he reached over and took the watch off my wrist and said I couldn't have it back until we left the ship. We met lots of lovely people and I was not out of the swimming pool. Seriously, I was not out of the pool. We will be doing this again. Thanks so much for all the wonderful advice everyone.I'll try to post some pictures. (NT) -- LL, 13:11:59 02/15/13 Fri
    • Welcome home LL! so glad to hear you enjoyed the cruise! Iam on the 7 day countdown! We are packing this weekend! (NT) -- BetsyG, 15:24:12 02/15/13 Fri
  • Leaving the island tomorrow on the float plane with dh, son and 3 grandkids to catch a flight out of Vancouver. Think we'll be back on the next seat sale. (NT) -- M.F., 01:34:46 02/16/13 Sat
  • Off to see Cirue Du Soleil - really looking forward to this - this was my major Xmas present. (NT) -- DonnaC, 16:03:14 02/16/13 Sat
  
  

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• This is so funny on YouTube. 3 dogs who did I this mess. It's 34 seconds long, but be sure o catch the first 3 seconds, also. -- Conmama, 04:04:00 02/19/13 Tue
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  • 3 dogs who did this mess (NT) -- Conmama, 04:05:07 02/19/13 Tue
  • Very funny! Thx for the advice to pay attention to the beginning. (NT) -- Lady Cate, 09:03:58 02/19/13 Tue
    • I think I've watched it about 5 times, it is hilarious. (NT) -- conmama, 10:19:58 02/19/13 Tue
  
  

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• Any hosers in the Raleigh, NC area? -- Traci_Mc (), 12:38:01 02/08/13 Fri
  DD1 and I are hopefully coming down for a tour of NC State mid-March and would appreciate any suggestions for hotels/motels in the area. Would also love to meet up if both our schedules permit!
  

  Last edited by author: Sat February 09, 2013 17:46:44   Edited 1 time.
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  • Heather is near Raleigh, and Lady Leaha is in Greenesboro. Maybe one of them could weigh in. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 19:50:58 02/08/13 Fri
  • I am in Fayetteville, I will get you some info tomorrow! (NT) -- Sorcha (), 01:30:52 02/19/13 Tue
  
  

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• Curious about something. -- jayn, 10:17:24 02/12/13 Tue
  
  A good friend told me a few months ago that she hasn't used deodorant or antiperspirant in years, I have never once noticed her to smell anything but fresh. So I tried not using it unless I was going somewhere, and have gradually quit almost completely. I know when I was younger I needed to use something, I guess it's probably age and hormones at work.
  
  My question, then, is - do you use deodorant or antiperspirant, or not? Do you think it's disgusting not not use such products, or is it just habit? Would you be willing to try going without?
  

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  • Oh, I know the days I forget to put it on. *g* I think it just depends on the person and if you can go without, more power to you. I have a girlfriend who told me she has to put it on at night after a bath too. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 10:23:23 02/12/13 Tue
  • I don't think my DH has used it for years, although you'd never know by a sniff test. But he hasn't put it on the shopping list in forever. (NT) -- Susannah, 10:58:41 02/12/13 Tue
  • I've never used deodorant or anti-perspirant. I use Shower to Shower powder after my bedtime shower and in the morning before dressing. I've never had any complaints. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 11:22:03 02/12/13 Tue
  • I have a coworker (in her early 60's)who feels she has reactions to everything & she never uses personal hygiene products. I usually don't notice anything, but just once in a while in her office I catch a whiff of BO. Not bad for someone who never used deodorant or soap or shampoo. Not sure at what age she gave all this up, but my teens couldn't go one day without. (NT) -- MaryJ, 11:37:50 02/12/13 Tue
    • I had a co-worker who didn't wear deodorant, would wear the same clothes day after day and wouldn't wash them in between....she was positively rank. Another co-worker bought her a dryer for Christmas, I'm not kidding, because she said she couldn't wash her clothes through the week because she didn't own a dryer. Really odd because she was highly educated and well paid. Several people talked to her about the smell. But I think she really did it just to annoy people because she was also a complete b@*ch. every once in a while I will have a flash back of the smell and it's like a momentary trip back to hell. *g* (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 14:44:31 02/12/13 Tue
      • Wow - someone actually bought her a dryer - that cracks me up!! Living in MN, I thought I'd seen passive-aggression to the fullest, but wearing stinky clothes to spite your coworkers puts a whole new spin on passive-aggression :) (NT) -- MaryJ, 10:44:34 02/13/13 Wed
        • Spin dry? :D (NT) -- Judie, 23:10:16 02/14/13 Thu
  • I'm no scientist, but I still think it's bacteria related to odor. I can use alcohol swabs instead of deodorant, but I usually use antiperspirant. My nose knows...I've gotta do one or the other. (NT) -- AngieLass, 12:46:13 02/12/13 Tue
  • Nope. I don't use either. (NT) -- LindaT, 13:10:59 02/12/13 Tue
  • I haven't used either for years. Had to stop because of a bad reaction and guess it's been OK, cause no one has ever said I smell. and believe me my friends and family would have if I did...*G* (NT) -- Lynda J, 21:16:45 02/12/13 Tue
  • I put it on every day. If I forget, I can def. tell by mid-afternoon. (NT) -- Cathryn_L, 00:26:08 02/13/13 Wed
  • I wear it daily. Like Jodi, I've worked with some stinky people and I think I'm paranoid. Also - I don't like having sticky armpits. Yes, I'm weird, (NT) -- ScarlettO, 05:08:49 02/13/13 Wed
  • I use it everyday, not because I worry about smell, I have went days without it when I don't go anywhere and I haven't noticed anything, but because I have an unusual amount of perspiration. Even regular antiperspirant doesn't work for me, I have to use the clinical strength stuff which also contains a deodorant but I have to have antiperspirant. If I don't wear it it doesn't matter what temp it is out side, my shirt will be soaked under my arms by then end of the day. Sometimes even the clinical stuff doesn't work very well. I've talked with my doctor about it and she says it not unusual in women in my age group (I'm 27) but she did reccomend the clinical strength stuff to me. (NT) -- Cait, 07:12:03 02/13/13 Wed
  • I use it every day. (NT) -- LizT, 07:30:11 02/13/13 Wed
  • I use it everyday (Arrid extra dry BTW). I can tell within an hour if I have forgetton, as I'll get "sticky". I rarely forget, maybe 2 times a year. I have a stick at work, just for those cases. This is how I feel about it....you know how sometimes you have bad breath and don't know it until your DH tells you? Well, i think the same thing with BO. YOU may not notice, but others do. They are just too polite to say anything. (NT) -- conmama, 08:43:19 02/13/13 Wed
  • Never used deodorant; but there was a short time in my 20s when I used it cause I thought you were supposed to, but that didn't last long. I guess it depends on your body chemistry if you need it or not. (NT) -- PD, 09:01:54 02/13/13 Wed
  • I went outside with Orry in the snow on Monday before I got a shower...forgot to put more deodorant on...yep, you could tell ;) I am a hot sweaty smelly person...and I am usually just in the house ;) (NT) -- Ceilidh, 09:55:04 02/13/13 Wed
  • I stink, period! I quit using anti-persperants because of the aluminum chlorohydrate and have experimented with natural deodorants. About the only brands that work for me are Kiss My Face or a Crystal Stick or Crystal roll-on body deodorant. If I don't use something you don't want to be around me...hell, I don't want to be around me! I sweat, lots!! My crystal roll-on is Hypoallergenic, Fragrance & Paraben Free and I love it! (NT) -- CarolE, 15:12:07 02/13/13 Wed
  
  

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• Bedwetting alarms....anyone tried them? -- Jodi YoB, 10:20:16 02/12/13 Tue
  My post below is about shipping costs but I suppose I could also ask if anyone has ever tried a bedwetting alarm. My DS is almost 15, has been day trained since he was 4 (which is pretty awesome for a kid with a developmental delay) but the night time message is just not getting through, he is a super sound sleeper. When we go away and he's in another bed he is usually dry for the first few nights so I know he can do it. But at home he wets the bed every night. Every single effin night! And because of his size (he's the size of a 10 yr old I would say) the kids night time pull ups don't even come close to holding it all in, he is soaked every morning, and the adult diapers, even the smallest ladies is too big. He produces more urine at night, he has a urologist who explained how it works. He's tried meds several different times but they've never worked. He doesn't drink much at night, way less than my 4 yr old who has been dry at night for almost 2 years. He pees at least twice before bed. Trying to time when he pees and waking him up before that doesn't work either.
  
  So, last resort here. I've ordered a wireless alarm that has the wires in the underwear that sends the sound to the alarm plugged into the wall. Not looking forward to the middle of the night wake ups (and it almost seems a little cruel to me....) but we have to try something. Poor kid. And poor me having to change beds every day. Sooooo tired of it. *g*
  

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  • We did try one w/DS#2. I can't remember too much about it at this point, but it did work. It was something that we put in his pull up or special underwear - I can't recall - but at the first sign of moisture, it chimed & "woke him up" which stopped the flow, then we went in the bathroom & he could finish the job. Sometimes, he didn't even wake fully up in the bathroom; he did everything & we had to guide him to & from the bathroom, how to wash his hands, etc., & he went right back to bed. I don't recall using it very long so either it worked or we started right before he was ready on his own. I did invest in the heavy-duty crib sized pads that covered most of his bed to protect the mattress. Wishing you & your DS the best of success with this :) (NT) -- MaryJ, 11:33:55 02/12/13 Tue
    • Thanks, Mary J. It sounds like the one I want, not so invasive and hopefully we are as successful just as quickly as you were! I have the pads as well but there is so much there that his top sheet and comforter are soaked as well so in the washer they go, every day. *sigh* But at least the mattress is safe. *g* (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 15:36:39 02/12/13 Tue
  • We used one with both DSes. It was more of a vibrate than an alarm, which seemed to wake them up better. Good luck, I remember it's no fun for anyone. (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 16:01:37 02/12/13 Tue
  • We used a bed wetting alarm with DS with great success. Probably going long, so...>>>> -- Cathryn_L, 00:23:18 02/13/13 Wed
    • Really useful tips, thanks Cathryn and everyone else! Ya, I was thinking about putting the pull up on over the underwear also, shouldn't hurt. I bit the bullet and ordered it so I will let you know how it goes! There's really no reason it shouldn't work for him, his brain is wired a little differently but he eventually figures everything else out so I am very hopeful about this. I just had no idea they even existed, DH was thinking maybe a type of catheter like race car drivers use. *g* I am so desperate even this was looking like a good idea. So in my searching I came across these alarms and wonder how on earth I've never heard of them. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 10:32:48 02/13/13 Wed
      • Fingers crossed for you guys, Jodi YoB. The word 'alarm' seems a bit strong, so don't worry, I think they are gentle sounds & vibrate like Cathryn mentioned. I hope he likes it & I hope it works. Mine did say it could take time, so don't worry if it's not a quick fix. (NT) -- MaryJ, 10:49:49 02/13/13 Wed
        • Yes, the sounds weren't smoke detector loud, more like junior alarm clock loud. It wasn't so bad that it scared him, but it DID wake him up, if that makes sense. We could hear it in the next room, with the doors open...of course this was ten years ago too. (NT) -- Cathryn L, 20:24:40 02/14/13 Thu
      • I was going to research shipping today since I'm finally off work. Good luck with this I'm sure he'll get it eventually. Hugs! (NT) -- BetsyG, 05:43:36 02/14/13 Thu
  
  

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• HELP! I use Mozilla Firefox. For some reason, tonight, the bookmark folders I have set up, the tabs and anything on the outside of the browser are suddenly in tiny font. I can easily adjust what I'm looking at online (control +) but I don't know how to change the font size of Firefox. Anyone have any ideas? -- Lady_Jane, 17:19:07 02/13/13 Wed
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  • go to options content tab and you can fix it there (NT) -- BetsyG, 17:43:41 02/13/13 Wed
    • That seems to just have an effect on the pages that I've opened on the web. The tabs themselves don't change. :( (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 15:13:50 02/14/13 Thu
  
  

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• dirty jobs -- Lady Cate, 08:51:52 02/13/13 Wed
  Hello, Lallypals! DS #2 needs some inspiration for academic success. The promises of a ski trip, electronics privileges, and driver's training are not working. The sophomore child earned a 21 on the ACT as a freshman, and has scored similarly well on other tests, and can bring 2 grades up 2 letters in 2 weeks when properly motivated, so ability is not the issue. I'd like to get him a miserable, hot, dirty, boring job for the summer. I'm thinking Dept of Transportation flag boy on a road crew. Have any other ideas?
  

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  • I'm in the midst of this with my college freshman. It has been like this since he started high school. Unfortunately, there is nothing and I mean NOTHING that you can do to motivate him. We have had ours tested, gone to psychologists, tried the bribing route, etc. It has to come from within..inside. -- conmama, 09:27:25 02/13/13 Wed
    • Mine is coming back in two weeks... I think you are probably one of the very few people, conmama, who knows what that means. (NT) -- Patricia, 03:15:13 02/14/13 Thu
  • Good luck...the flagger job probably won (NT) -- Ceilidh, 09:50:27 02/13/13 Wed
    • Good luck!! Having and almost-17 year old myself I feel your pain. The flagger job probably won't happen though...those are highly sought after and WELL PAYING jobs ;) (I know it paid $14 and hour when *I* was a teenager) Try landscaping ;) Pay is pretty good but that is hot and sweaty when it ISN'T the summer ;) (NT) -- Ceilidh, 09:53:12 02/13/13 Wed
  • How about roofing, that would be hell. But a little dangerous, I wouldn't want my kid up there. Or true landscaping where you are laying sod and planting trees from scratch, not just mowing lawns which is too easy. *g* (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 10:20:36 02/13/13 Wed
  • Some kids just have to learn the hard way(and some never do) like my nephew who is also very intelligent, but was academically dismissed after his Freshman year of college. Now he is 32 and just landed his dream job after going back to school at the age of 29. (NT) -- Janet H., 10:27:30 02/13/13 Wed
    • Janet, what happened after your nephew flunked out his freshman year until he turned 29? I'm foreseeing my future with DS. (NT) -- conmama, 11:00:46 02/13/13 Wed
      • He worked odd jobs, mostly in restaurants. I'm very proud of my Dsis, she told him he was not allowed to live with her without a job. Then after he had been working awhile, she charged him rent, not much, but enough to make him want to move out, which he soon did. When he went back to school he was working two jobs, but still managed to get on the dean's list. I think he just needed to grow up and she helped him. (NT) -- Janet H., 11:49:17 02/13/13 Wed
        • I have a feeling that is the path we will be taking. I read alot about tough love, but what do you do with a older teen, etc. if they don't have a drop? Where do you send them? A homeless shelter? I just don't know if I could stomach that. (NT) -- conmama, 05:00:28 02/14/13 Thu
          • I mean job, not a drop. I understand if they are looking for a job they still need support. But i don't know what they are to do if you kick them to the curb. (NT) -- conmama, 05:01:25 02/14/13 Thu
            • She knew he could go and live with her ex (his father) but knew he wouldn't want to. She was also so upset with him for pretty much wasting away a whole year of school that she helped pay for. (NT) -- Janet H., 09:23:47 02/14/13 Thu
  • Dirty, hot & boring job brought me right back to my summer working at Dairy Queen during high school (ok maybe not as hot or dirty as road construction, but still pretty bad!). I hated it so much; I knew I would never work in fast food again. A bonus is that I am kind & patient with anyone working fast food/retail because I know what it's like to be in their shoes (and I never want to be there again). I think everyone should have to be wait staff or work fast food to learn empathy. Just a thought if the road crew job doesn't pan out. (NT) -- MaryJ, 10:38:52 02/13/13 Wed
    • Another thought...my DH worked in the kitchen of a nursing home in high school - clearing & washing dishes, another hot, dirty, gross job. (NT) -- MaryJ, 10:40:11 02/13/13 Wed
  • Get a job on a farm - having to get up at 4 in the morning to help with chores, and not getting much pay for all the heavy work, might be an eye opener (I happened to like it, but then I wasn't there because I was sent there, but because I wanted to be there, on the off chance I could go riding). Tough world to bring kids into and make them succeed. (NT) -- Ruthgold18, 10:57:28 02/13/13 Wed
  • MaryJ and Ruth both have good ideas! Also, I have a friend who stuck her 16 yr old DS with hauling cement bags, buckets, bricks and stones for a local brick mason all last summer. She was trying to teach him humility and it worked! After a whole summer of being ribbed about everything from his attitude to his shoe size by a bunch "tough guys" he learned what humble meant *g*. She says it was the best idea she ever had. (NT) -- Cait, 11:51:27 02/13/13 Wed
  • Yup get him a job on a farm. Hot hard work, little pay. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 12:05:37 02/13/13 Wed
  • When my friend's son was in high school he was bored to tears and did horribly on everything UNTIL his dad got him flying lessons. Long story short, today he is a commercial pilot! He did much better in school after starting the lessons because he knew if he didn't get good grades he couldn't be a professional pilot. Today he is in his 40's and flying regularly. (NT) -- CarolE, 15:03:03 02/13/13 Wed
  • job miight work but positive motivation might also...Jessica Chastin said in an interview she was a terrible student until she went to a Broadway show and saw someone acting and KNEW thats what she wanted to do.--I would say even McDonalds or any fast food restaurant--no money for anything this summer that isn't earned? (NT) -- BetsyG, 17:42:27 02/13/13 Wed
  • Flagman on a road crew is not, according to my nephew, a bad job - it's really good money for little effort. I like the farming idea better, especially if you live in tobacco country. (NT) -- jayn (), 19:33:51 02/13/13 Wed
  • Aussiewench is always looking for good workers for her farm in Australia! :) (NT) -- CarolSR, 06:22:54 02/14/13 Thu
    • The problem with unmotivated teenagers and jobs with friends, is that the unmotivated teenager is not any more motivated to do a crappy job than he is to do his school work. You don't want to do that to a friend. (Don't ask me how I know...) (NT) -- Patricia, 09:13:45 02/14/13 Thu
  
  

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• For peeps who mail a lot of parcels outside U.S. -- Jodi YoB, 09:58:16 02/12/13 Tue
  I'm trying to investigate by google but it's taking forever and way too confusing so thought I would check with the experts.
  
  I ordered an item in the U.S. and it looks like the shipping weight is 2 lbs. I am in western Canada, big city, and the item is coming from the Maryland area.
  
  I ordered it and the original estimate was $10 to ship and they use USPS Global Express Mail or UPS International Expedited. But then I get an email today saying, sorry, it's actually $39 to ship. I didn't request anything expedited.
  
  It's already too effin expensive (it's a night time bedwetting alarm system I'm going to try with my special needs DS), it's $130 without shipping. So an additional $29 over the original shipping estimate just pissed me off today. *g*
  
  But for those of you who ship, does it sound reasonable?
  

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  • I mailed 3 books to Canada from the US and it was over $20 to mail it. Cost more to mail it than the books cost. So that does sound about right. You can go on usps.gov and they have all the shipping rates for around the world. (NT) -- Noelle, 10:03:43 02/12/13 Tue
    • Thanks, Noelle. I just need to let the steam wear off me before I call them back and give them the okay. *g* Seriously, what a crappy estimate they gave to begin with, they should know better. Feels a bit like bait and switch. I I did go in the USPS site but found it confusing since I don't ever ship stuff. Like why would a 2 lb box cost as much as a 20 lb box so wasn't even sure I was calculating properly and the estimates I got were around $70 so I know I didn't do it right. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 15:29:31 02/12/13 Tue
  • Jodi doeas that include Custom Duties? They can more than double an item's cost, not including the shipping itself. You might want to look into that, then see if you can get someone to buy it in the US and send it to you. My parents have a place in Florida and I sometimes get stuff sent there for them to bring home, even if they declare something it's cheaper (and Customs seems to ignore snowbirds' shopping). Yarn is one horrible example, yarn from Lion Brand that was worth $29 was going to cost $92 by the time I paid shipping and customs. (NT) -- jayn (), 10:12:24 02/12/13 Tue
    • No, it doesn't include duties either. I just can't find any other company in Canada with this alarm or that ships to Canada. :( (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 15:33:17 02/12/13 Tue
  • Jodi I live neare MD just found this may take me a couple days to figure it out but I will see what I can find out - we have a small Post Office that might tell me too (NT) -- BetsyG, 18:03:25 02/12/13 Tue
  • I've lived down here a while and it's always been expensive to ship to Canada (not as much as shipping IN Canada though--yikes)...the shipping seems a tad high to me as now we can send parcel post to Canada. If it is under 2 lbs and under a certain size then there are cheaper ways to send. I've even sent packages to my nephews after years of it not being worth it to mail them! But (as I said) I mailed 3 bags of Roast Chicken potato chips from Nova Scotia to Calgary 2 summers ago and it cost $20!! How much do I hate postage costs?? (NT) -- Ceilidh, 19:47:07 02/12/13 Tue
    • PS--if you need anything shipped again...let me know! :) (NT) -- Ceilidh, 04:59:02 02/13/13 Wed
      • Thanks, Christine! Will do. So, who did you send the roast chicken potato chips too??? Because if it was Cherie and she didn't share, she's in deep sh#&!!!! (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 10:35:45 02/13/13 Wed
        • It was my godsister ;) I had no idea they weren't nation wide!! (NT) -- Ceilidh, 11:03:19 02/13/13 Wed
          • Is she hosed??? We should meet her! (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 12:00:56 02/13/13 Wed
            • I sent her one of my free copies I think...but never heard back. I should ask her...and tell her I have some axe murderers she should meet....and then get very very jealous ;) (NT) -- Ceilidh, 19:53:18 02/13/13 Wed
  • Not sure about international shipping but I do know postal rates to Canada went up last month. It now costs as much to send a card to someone in CA as it does to AUS!!! That is nutz. Can't remember what it cost to send baby gift to Kellye but it was prolly more than what was in the package! Good luck! Did you check Amazon.ca? (NT) -- CarolE, 15:17:04 02/13/13 Wed
    • Ya, the buggers. It's not on .ca and .com won't deliver it here. I found a couple of companies in the U.S. and Europe but there is only one who ships to Canada. I hate not having choices. *g* (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 19:39:10 02/13/13 Wed
  
  

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• Bathtubs -- Lady Elizabeth, 17:50:09 02/13/13 Wed
  I live in a very very old house and have been slowly having some much needed remodeling done. The tub was probably put in in the 30's and has some bad rust stains near the drain and a few other flaws. I do not want to get one of those cover your old tub with a plastic tub jobs. I read an ad for a guy that offers refinishing tubs. Might be the way to go. Has anyone had this done before?
  

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  • We had our tub re-painted a couple of years ago. It was mainly due to rust around the drain where water pools. The guy that did it inspected the entire tub and agreed that the rest of the tub was fine. I did request he put a rough coating on the bottom of the entire tub and that worked out great. It looks super and didn't cost a fortune. (I think about $150) Warning . . . very stinky stuff. He had the ventilator fan on and I set up another fan blowing out the window that we left on all the rest of the day and all night long. The smell was gone before morning and I think we had to wait 48 hours before using the tub. (NT) -- CathyS, 18:30:05 02/13/13 Wed
  
  

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