Kris
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Posts posted by Kris
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We bought our HDTV last week. Dh got it all mounted, wires run in the walls, etc. Sunday morning. I had DTV lined up to come this morning to put in our new hdtv box and dish. They set our appt for between 8 and 12.
Not only did I assume that, with it being Christmas Eve, we'd be lucky to get them to show up at all, but I definitely assumed we would be hanging there all day waiting (as many people do for the cable company that's in nearby areas).
Lo and behold, we got a call at 7:30 this morning. The guy said he'd be there for 8 - and he WAS!! By 9 a.m. they were finished, cleaned up, and outta there. He was such a knowledgeable young man, and very friendly and professional. I am astounded that we got such great service - and the HD is amazing!!
I would imagine those guys are running around like crazy right now, trying to get everyone hooked up for Christmas!
Our experience, too, with DirecTV has been mostly positive, including the guy who installed it (who came out late and was still working when it was dark to get it done because of *my* schedule), and the guy who came out to realign the dish a couple of years later and found an "extra" remote in his truck.
I believe the "hardware" guys are independent contractors, but the people at customer service are great, too. The only problem I have with them is I will *not* speak to a computer, and it takes awhile, sometimes, to actually get through to a real person. But once you do, they're great.
I'm glad it went well for you, too, and you weren't disappointed! That's quite an investment. :001_smile:
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I had my little tantrum in private (to dh, who totally "gets it" since this is his family we're dealing with). I really did think that was the best response...just to complain out loud to someone who understands but with whom it would not go any further...and then proceed to get over it.
This whole thing has just been a pain. The dollar limit was $150 (!!!) And we were NOT allowed to ask for cash, gift cards could only make up 1/2 of the gift, and you were NOT allowed to ask for things for anyone but your yourself (my first response was "Perfect, so I'll just make a list of things for my kids and I'll buy for my assigned person whatever they want" but that was nixed from the get-go).
Dh and I thought the dollar limit was outrageous. Since it was $150 in, $150 out, we decided to ask for things we were planning on buying ourselves. For instance, on my list were things like a set of four glass drinking glasses to match my new-to-me secondhand set of dishes I bought off craigslist on August, some thick padded running socks (I don't have enough), a book for our homeschool ($30 on Amazon) that I've been wanting, and the DVD for a home-study course I want to take. So it was all practical and things I would get eventually (i.e. in the next twelve months). Dh's list included shaving supplies and cold-weather running clothes (i.e. leggings and a hoodie).
My assigned person wanted video games and DVDs and a flashlight. So I bought those off Amazon and had them shipped to him. Dh's person wanted a new set of scriptures, a Zippo lighter (don't ask me why--none of us smoke!), How to Win Friends and Influence People book, and some jeans from Old Navy. So we bought those online and had them shipped.
Part of the reason I'm annoyed is this isn't a $10 exchange--it's an outrageous $150 exchange.
However, I'm trying to play nice because the person who sent me the email saying Secret Santa was trying very hard not to be late this year was my sil...so either she or her husband is my Secret Santa. She's normally a very organized, get-it-done-on-time type of person and so my initial annoyance has changed to worry... I hope her tardiness is not an indication of things going very wrong in her life! She has emailed and called (and responded to emails and calls) less and less over the past couple of years and it has been seven years since we've seen each other.
All of this explanation to say...I had my private tantrum, decided it is a good thing my sil got me (it probably doesn't seem like it from my question here but I'm actually one of the few who would be able to take this situation "well"), and am trying to understand and hope that she is okay. If some other family members--those known for their unreliability--had had me as their person, I wouldn't be too surprised if they were late. But for my sil to be late (assuming it IS her, since she sent the email) is unusual and concerning. It is unlikely that she is doing this "on purpose" or "to show" me something (althought she might have considered it with other family members as payback!)...she is the least-liked of all the spouses and although I do not have a close relationship with her I am closest...if that makes sense. She does not get along well with my mil, fil, or siblings-in-law and they generally do not get along well with her.
**sigh**
You know, I don't completely understand everything, of course, since I'm not you, but there are so many emotions and "things" going on, it's no surprise that you wanted to get some feedback and vent a little. It's more than just throwing a tantrum about not getting a present. You've got disappointment and worry and frustration in there, too.
I think it was pretty great of you guys to "play along," even though with the dollar limit ( :eek: ) and all the rules, it sure didn't sound like any fun at all. It sounded more like a job! Personally, I don't think gift-giving, for *any* occasion, should be a task that's required to be performed. If I see something that makes me think of someone else -- and I have the money, which in itself is rare :001_smile: -- I just get it for them and give it to them. Not just at Christmas time. Frankly, I don't want that special "something" sitting in the closet if that person doesn't happen to be around anymore when the calendar says I'm supposed to give it to them.
I really hope your SIL is okay. From what you say, it sounds like she's dealing with a lot, not the least of which might be feeling alienated from the rest of the family. It's possible that, if you don't receive anything from her, it might even be the best thing, bringing you two closer together if she takes this opportunity to tell you what's really going on -- to vent herself a little bit.
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It sounds like your FIL has a lot on his plate! Could you ask *him* what she would like? Or would that ruin the surprise for him, too?
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I would definitely call them. I found a *beautiful* wooden jewelry box in my last shipment from Fire Mountain. The invoice even said there was a thank you gift sent with the order. But a few days later when I went through everything, I found the little plastic star box with some beads in it and the "Thank you!" sticker on it. The jewelry box wasn't listed anywhere.
I looked it up in the catalog and it was a $20 box. I did think about it for awhile. When I did call them, I was really hoping they would say it was intended, or don't bother to send it back, but no. :D
It was pretty expensive to return, too, because of the size, I guess. They reimbursed me for that.
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:party:
Happy Birthday!
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I laughed so hard in the theater! I may have even embarrased my kids.
I really loved this movie; creepiness and all.
Part of the reason I haven't really wanted to see it is because Sweetie already has and he didn't like it at all! He didn't say anything about it being funny! Hum -- now I'm starting to wonder if he actually watched the right movie. :D
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Because of this thread, I had a talk with my dh about what I'll do when, and that I really don't think he should ever be involved (unless I'm not available and one of the girls personally comes to him for whatever reason). He was MORTIFIED that Dad's would even want to be involved! He was so relieved that I was going to handle everything:lol: He's a very sensitive husband, and has never been embarrassed buying supplies for me, but he has already stated, he won't be doing it for the girls.:lol:
My Sweetie has always been like that too. We kind of had a deal. If we actually *needed* a cart and a half full of stuff at the grocery store, I bought my own "supplies." But if we just needed one or two things, he had no problem doing it. :lol:
But, when it came to my daughter, my husband didn't need to be involved. I don't know if he was relieved or not. She probably was, though. :001_smile:
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What great pictures! The first one is my favorite. :D
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I really wanted love from my parents, but did I act like it?
I really had a hard time, too, but I did not have a good relationship with my parents even before I went hormonal. They always insisted that they loved us, and showed it by strict rules and belts. But there were no hugs to go with the rules. No spontaneous, "I love you Kiddo!" Nothing warm and fuzzy there. I don't have a perfect relationship with my son, but it's *much* better than what I grew up with. I'm really hoping that will help.
My son is 13 and showing signs of teenagerdom. I think it is easier to deal with when they act it out younger.Oh, I hope so, for your sake -- and your son's!
I've wondered if it's really been going on all along, under the surface. He's always been so stoic that it's certainly possible. Maybe he's just reaching "critical mass" right now. I know he's frustrated because he feels like he's "all grown up," and yet being held back because really, he's not. Nothing new there -- that's been going on since time began. :001_smile:
I'm praying for you and your son now when I pray for mine.Thank you for the positive thoughts. I really appreciate it!
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The only thing I've resolved for the past few years is to just try to be a "kinder, gentler person." Unfortunately, some idiot always sidetracks me in the first few weeks. :lol:
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:lurk5:
The only time I ever tried it -- and this was *years* ago -- the recipe said to cook it frozen. I, frankly, can't remember if it worked or not! I haven't done it since, but that's probably just because of the expense. :D
Here's Alton Brown's recipe. I haven't tried it, but, hey, it's probably Good Eats! :lol:
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When I started homeschooling I was so confident that I would bypass this awful stage with my younger children. After all, I thought, they wouldn't be in that breeding ground of discontent known as school, so where would they get the attitude?
It floats around in the air -- no one is safe. :D
I do admit, though, I was *beginning* to think we might escape. After all, he'll be seventeen next June! But, alas, here we are. Maybe it's like dogs smelling fear -- he sensed that I was beginning to feel relieved and thought he better do something about that?
Well, I guess the attitude found my sweet son somehow. I'm hoping to get through this, but my older daughter had already worn me out, so my patience is thin.Good luck to you!
Thanks! And back to you! Here's hoping your patience can last just a *little* bit longer. :001_smile:
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It might be a good time for dh to have a little talk with ds about respecting his mother and behaving like a man not a child. We've had great success with this gentle approach.
Ah! Good idea! Sweetie is home for the holidays -- maybe that can be my Christmas present. :001_smile:
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I have FOUR of them here.....even the one with autism and minimal language (he is also the tallest and glowers the meanest.....!!!)
I am now patterning myself after Ma Cody in White Heat with a little Marie Barone thrown in. Those kids may be (all but one and she is almost there) taller than me BUT they shall fear me!!!!
:lol:
You win! I don't know what I'd do with four! :lol:
My son does not fear me. Hard as I try, he makes me laugh and I am undone. Hopefully, we'll be able to laugh our way out of this mess. :D
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:lol:
I am still in denial about my sweet teenagers...but the signs are there!
I hear it passes, thank goodness.
Considering the population, I can only assume it passes before either the kids or the parents become homicidal, though I'm starting to understand why some animals eat their young. :D
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Is it harmful, or just an odd routine?
Nope and nope! They're getting plenty of sleep, and it works for you guys!
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Since Gene Wilder is my hero, I haven't watched the new one. I didn't know it was funny, though. I didn't know the original was "creepy," either, until someone told me so. :lol:
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My dh has a dillema, and would like the input of the board.
He likes ketchup. He loves ketchup. But he doesn't like that it is cold from the fridge and when you put it on hot foods it makes them cold.
So... how do you store your ketchup, or warm it beforehand for warm foods?
In the fridge. Actually, if I have to open a new bottle and it's warm, I don't like it. I like the cold on the hot food for some reason.
I know people who keep their ketchup in the cabinet, and even one guy who kept his "condiments" on his kitchen table. He was alive and well, so I guess it's okay! Either that, or he went through a *lot* of ketchup. :001_smile:
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I agree. What's the thing Flylady always says? "Housework done imperfectly still blesses your family" or something like that.
I don't know the exact quote, but I do know that the philosophy has been working. I never could get this place "together" because I couldn't do it all at once -- so I got discouraged and just didn't try anymore. Boy, did it show.
The past couple of months, I've been doing bits and pieces here and there, generally following the week's "zone" but not even really too worried about that. It never fails that if I'm supposed to be working on the living room, it's the bathroom or the kitchen where I want to be. :lol:
My kitchen now looks pretty good! And the rest of the house isn't as overwhelming, either. It definitely works.
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If you've gotten off track?
I, personally, have totally BLOWN my diet to shreds (and I mean diet in general as my lifestyle, not losing weight diet) to the point of gaining about 12-15 pounds.
SO, inspire me with ideas on how to work, home school AND keep the health foods coming regularly!!
Nope -- no inspiration here. I take a "vacation" during the holidays. This year, so far anyway, I haven't put on any weight. But I will definitely have to get back on the wagon after Sweetie goes back out on the road.
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I am feeling so much better now. Thanks! I just ran into dh in the hallway, and he asked where I had been. I told him I was hiding from him, and that I was sorry I had washed his key. He laughed and said it was his fault, and he was sorry for fussing.
I'm so glad! He sounds like a great guy!
But I think I WILL start checking his pockets, just to be on the safe side. He works so hard, and I know he comes home just exhausted and forgets to check. I think it can be something else I do for him to show him that I love him.That's sweet! I don't know if anyone's mentioned this to you yet, but . . .
I just don't like sticking my hand into dark, unknown places, KWIM? :lol: You can "check" the pockets by just squishing them in your hand from the outside. Something like the key you're talking about you can find pretty easily and quickly without having to actually stick your hand in there. :D
I'm glad it's all better now!
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Sing it, sister!
I actually don't mind making the dough. The rolling bothers me cuz I struggle with making the cookies the same thickness.
I know what you mean! Each successive "rolling" always seems to come out different, which I guess wouldn't be such a big deal if I remembered to stand at the oven and watch them bake. Fortunately, you can cover much of those over-browned edges with more icing. :D
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Thanks so much, Kris! I love drop cookie recipes...I hate rolling out cookie dough.
You're welcome! I *love* the rolled out, decorated cookies -- but only if someone else does all the work. :D
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Short answer yes, I bake without recipes also. Pie crust, short bread, biscuit, cookies, cake and quick breads, I don't have recipes for these. I cook and bake by touch and feel only. I do have cook books. I even read them. They are upstairs in my bedroom; they never make it to the kitchen.
You definitely rock. I don't even attempt baking without a recipe, and even then, I'm often surprised. :lol:
how to forever stop gift exchange between SIL/cousins?
in General Education Discussion Board
Posted
I pretty much agree with everyone else. Just send a card. If she sends something for one or all of you, send a thank you note. I don't think a conference is required. :001_smile: