Thank you! Your summary helps so much. I went from Trig to Math Analysis in high school, which only adds to the confusion for me. It's pretty obvious from my original post that I am not a "math person" despite understanding Math Analysis pretty well at the time, though I couldn't even tell you want it is now without looking it up. I just remember liking imaginary numbers. Very helpful, thanks.

DS did Algebra 1 in 9th grade, Geometry in 10th, Algebra 2 in 11th grade. We've been using Teaching Textbooks and next in their sequence would be Pre-Calc. Shouldn't Trig be next? I took Trig in high school but never took pre calc. Is Pre-Calc just another word for Trig, depending on the curriculum provider? Or are they 2 very different subjects with specifics things to be covered? So, am I okay just having him do Pre-Calc next or should I be looking for a high school Trig course? DS is not a huge math fan. He does okay in it, but not a fan. Wouldn't do it if he didn't have to. Wants to major in Biology.

My son is a rising senior and has completed Biology, Chemistry and Advanced Biology (Anatomy and Physiology) and we were considering Physics for next year, because that's the usual path for college bound students. He knows he wants to major in biology leading to an advanced degree and he wants to do some kind of research in biology for a profession, but he doesn't know what yet. He did not take the AP Biology Exam because I was woefully ignorant of the AP Program. I'm reconsidering Physics for next year and thinking instead of Advanced Chemistry or a college Bio course (dual enrollment) or a specialized high school bio course (if I can find one). But I know nothing about it. Not a science person. New to the world of dual enrollment. Didn't go to college the traditional route. Do colleges require high school Physics for admission? What biology classes can a high school student take at a local college without having to have prereqs. Is a college Biology 101 course going to be just a rehash of high school biology? Would greatly appreciate the hive's thoughts, opinions and advice.

My 17 yo son (rising 12th grader) has a part time job since last September. I have such mixed feelings about it and wondered how other families handle it. How do college bound students keep up with their school work, get good grades and do extra-curriculars and prep for ACT/SAT and take dual enrollment courses, and pursue music, sports, etc and stay active at church and spend time with friends and have some fun. So, what about your teen & family. Do they/did they have a job? How did it impact your family? How did you make it work? What things did you or your teen give up? We've been giving up family time together on weeknights and Saturdays. This leads me to another question - do all college students work p/t and how do they pull it off and still keep up with school, extra-curriculars, and personal life? (I never went to college the traditional route).

Congratulations! You did it! I will be in the same boat this time next year. I alternate between grief, dread, panic & joyful anticipation thinking about it. With everything you have happening at the same time, I can understand you feeling emotional!

Secretary/Administrative Assistant/Office Manager

How are things going with your Mom? I realize this was a few months ago, but it caught my eye when I was doing a search for Alzheimer's. It sounds like some form of dementia, possibly to me. My Mom has Alzheimer's which manifested gradually with different kinds of paranoia over time, then got really bad. There were memory issues as well for my Mom, but she was very intelligent and really good at covering for a long time. She was not normally paranoid. She was only 69, when it became really bad and we noticed. But in retrospect, it had been happening gradually. It could be other things, as others have said, such as a UTI, vitamin deficiency, etc. When we found out, we also found out that my Mom hadn't been to the doctor for a few (3). Prior to that she was really good about going to the doctor and had a good relationship with her. In my opinion, it's important to inform her doctor of your concerns, see if you can get her in just for a "regular checkup", accompany her if you can. It's really important you or your siblings get involved so you know what's going on with her. Has she designated a medical and financial power of attorney? My Mom did not and to this day it is difficult and/or impossible to get her the help that she needs, though we did eventually get a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Early intervention is important, regardless of the cause. But do it gently. It's important to not undermine trust. A direct approach or trying to reason with her most likely will not work because she's not thinking right. Her reasoner is broke, whether it's temporary or not. My Mom went through multiple losses and financial stress before her paranoia (and delusions) got really bad. It didn't cause the dementia, but made it worse and provoked the worsening symptoms. The Alzheimer's Association has been very supportive and helpful. Many of their suggestions didn't work for us because we got involved too late and Mom's paranoia was too far gone. She is still in excellent physical shape and can still do many things on her own, but just doesn't think right, can't plan well, is forgetful and delusional (her former pastor is out to get her). I did notice that her paranoia and delusions have some tie, even if remote to her life history. Her former pastor was not very supportive during a crisis in her life when she went to him for help, now in her mind he is at the center of the conspiracy ring that has taken everything away from her. Best wishes to you and your family.

What is BFSU?

laundry (ds going on trip) church-teach 4-6th gr jr church last min prep for ds's trip family time to bed very early - (which shouldn't be hard since I didn't sleep well last night. I have to be up at 4am tomorrow to take ds to the carpool spot for his trip!!!! That is just wrong in my opinion, but I didn't set the schedule. I have a headache just thinking about it

Thank you chocolatechip, it's helpful to hear from a fairly recent grad. I can purchase cards for $1 at Dollar Tree or our local grocery store, so that helps. It's just the gift I fret over. I can't get them something that communicates my true regard for them.

Our frig smells very bad as of last night, like bad broccoli or brussel srpouts, but there are none in the frig. My husband did, however, take a chub of ground venison out of the freezer last night (it's been in there a year and a half) and I suspect it is that. He said it's normal for it to smell that way. I'm worried it's not safe to eat. My dh can eat what he wants, but I don't want my son eating it and getting sick, especially since he is leaving for a week long trip tomorrow. I'm just not going to risk it, but I am wondering is it normal for it to stink? Does venison in the freezer have a shelf life in terms of food safety? My thought is if any food stinks, it's not safe. What are your thoughts?

Why must even weddings now have a platform or make a point other than celebrating the occasion? I thought gift bags were the ultimate recyclable gift wrap! I didn't have to buy a wedding gift bag or baby shower gift bag for years after mine! I don't get the no boxes thing. Most things come in a box already. And boxes are reusuable. I think it is impolite to make such requests, but what do you do. You try to honor their wishes & enjoy their wedding. Enjoyed the funny suggestions. Thanks for the chuckle! I need it this morning.

I didn't know you're supposed to give a gift when a boy achieves Eagle Scout.

We have 10+ parties to go to & we are close to about 3 of them, but we see the other kids a lot at church & co-op, etc. or have known them for years, even if we are not close, so I want to wish them well. I love giving gifts, but have never had the budget for it.

We know sooo many high school graduates this year & one college grad. I have next to know money to work with, yet I want to attend their open houses and acknowledge their graduation somehow. Traditionally around here, people give cards with money inside. Even if I gave each graduate only $10 - I cannot afford that, plus the cards! I wish I could, I really do. I wish I could give more than that. I have no problem being generous - we just don't have it. A friend bought a pack of graduation cards at Walmart & that sounds like a way to save money, but she didn't say if they were money holders or just plain cards. Any suggestions? I worry that even if I found an inexpensive gift like a nice book or something that it would be a disappointment to the kid or the parents would think we are cheap or worse that we don't care.

Thanks everyone for sharing the info and reviews. It's very helpful as my ds will be taking the PSAT in the Fall. All of this is giving me a headache!!! Why can't they just do away with these tests altogether?? Do they really test a student's true ability to do well in college? Way too much time and effort going into the tests, instead of students studying their subjects. I'm so annoyed as this is going to affect my ds. He is finishing Geometry this year. Algebra I, which he did last year, was not his strong suit. Won't be doing Algebra II until this coming year, which will not help him for the PSAT. My ds just took an SAT prep course this past winter & now, with the new test, it all goes out the window! It feels like an exercise in futility. He has taken the ACT twice through NUMATS. He brought his section and composite scores up the second time. He very well in the Reading and Writing sections, very poorly in the Math & so-so in the Science (which as someone pointed out is really Data Analysis). I'm worried about him. His standarized test math scores are always a lot lower than his Math tests at home. I'm worried. I'm not so much worried about college admissions as I am financial aid. We will not be able to afford college without lots of financial aid.

I had never heard of it until I happened upon it during a Google search. They also had a booth at the Cincinnati Convention, but I did not have the opportunity to visit it to speak with someone. I really wish I had. Here is a link to their webpage: http://www.belhaven.edu/high-scholars/curriculum.htm

Thanks for your replies. I know it is common for physicals but I didn't realize it was so common for them to require to do it at your home. As some of you said, I guess they intend it to be a convenience, but it is a huge INconvenience for me. I always thought you had the option of going to a medical clinic, but dh made it seem as if it had to be in the home or office & he has no office. He is on the road for his work. As Lisbeth said I find them coming to the home very intrusive. It's also disruptive as he scheduled it for a Saturday which is usually our family day: either to sleep in & hang out in our jammies or go out. He is the only one getting the physical. I'm embarrassed to have anyone in our home. Dh knows that because I have told him. Even if I had time to declutter and do a proper cleaning, it would still be embarrassingly dingy. I think even our place was nice I think I would feel uncomfortable having a stranger in. I'm surprised dh is so cheerful and comfortable about it. It's odd that he is because while very outgoing at church and on the job, he is actually very reclusive at home. Ds & I are more reserved in manner than dh is but like to be with people more. When dh is home he doesn't really like to have people in & he doesn't like to go out. I have to drag him to church socials & other social events or go by myself I surprised he is comfortable with this. I think perhaps he did misunderstand about the home evaluation. And perhaps he does have the option of going to a clinic.

Underweight? Seriously? We are the opposite unfortunately.

I have looked into it myself for when I have to go visit my Mom who is in assisted living & my sister (who smokes), but I haven't tried it yet. I couldn't find one that was actually cheaper than a cheap, safe motel after fees and everything. But if I did and it looked safe & clean, had good reviews, etc. I would totally do it to save money. I would have a Plan B though just in case you were uncomfortable once you got there.

I have never experienced this before & last night my husband dropped the bomb on me that a nurse practitioner is coming to our home on Saturday to do a physical. We had life insurance before but he let it drop a few years ago because we had financial problems. We are older now & he has just been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, is overweight & has high cholesterol. He also said they want to evaluate our home. What?? I never heard of that. This is AAA by the way. It's not the physical I object to. I know they would want that with his health problems. It's them coming to our home. Is this typical? And do we have other options? Can't he go somewhere to get the required physical?

I'd very much like to find a personal trainer for my 16 yo ds, but this is my concern. I want someone who will encourage him, and consider his starting point (overweight & not very fit) and give him pointers for avoiding injury & ideas for practical, lifetime fitness. I don't want him getting caught up in some extreme obsessive fitness culture. I want someone to help him meet his weight loss goals goals in a common sense, fun, doable and safe way. I have no idea where to begin. I checked our local community center (actually it's 20 miles away) and their guy is the elite athlete, military kind of guy.

We had bedwetting in our family. 2 generations. I recommend doing some research on bedwetting and talking to their pediatritian about it. There are physiological causes. According to my research there are two potential causes: a sleeping disorder that causes them to not wake up when they have to urinate and/or the growth of their bladder does not keep pace with the growth of their bodies and their bodies' production of urine during the night. They usually outgrow it. Alarms helps some. Medication helps others.

When I visit my sister, who smokes, all my clothes that I wore on the trip reek of smoke. I just pop them in the washer with Tide and Borax (1/2 C.) and that gets rid of the smell. Maybe it's the addition of Borax that helps. I would wash them a second time and add Borax.

Hi I am new to Book A Week (though not to WTM Forums), can I jump in now? Though I love to read, I am a little hesitant about being able to read a book a week. I feel like I'm always reading, but I barely manage a book a month for the book club I attend (irregularly). I think I start a lot of books, but don't always finish. I've always wanted to do this when I saw your posts in previous years, so I want to give it a try. This week I'll be rereading The Two Towers, since we are rereading it for book club, which meets on the 20th. Then I'll read The Princess Bride, and The Red Tent also for book club. I will read others in between, don't know what yet, though. I have more than 52 books on my library wish list. If I read a book club selection too soon before book club, I tend to forget the details. Love the months theme, but not sure I will get to any of those books this month. Love Jane Austen and have read all her novels, thanks to book club. We just reread Mansfield Park for January. I am amazed (and a little intimidated) to see that many of you are reading three and more books at a time! How do you manage to find the time? I have a friend who listens to audio books while she works but I could never do that unless I was doing something mindless like dishes or ironing or driving on a long trip. Would love to read History of the Medieval World along with you, but I need to tackle the Ancient World first. Maybe I will try both. Not sure yet. Wish I could MultiQuote, because I cannot recall the posts I wanted to comment on. Someone mention that it is Love Your Library Month & I soooo appreciate that heads up, because I do love my library and our librarians, so I need to show them some love in February. Our librarians are the greatest! They are so friendly and helpful and know us by name. If we have books on order, they see us coming and sometimes have them all checked out before we even get to the counter! Someone read The Kite Runner. I saw the movie, but didn't read the book. However I did like A Thousand Splendid Suns by the same author. Such beauty and love in the middle of such harsh circumstances. Best get off the forums and start reading. I see I am going to have to use my crockpot a lot this year to save me some reading time.