:iagree: Besides, it may be a different postal employee who decides to inspect.

I remember learning in college that children speak like their peers and not like their families. Which explains why my children all speak standard English and no thick accent LOL!

LOL! None of my teens were morning people! Quite a switch from when they were little and were up with the sun :glare: Funny how sometimes some people don't think outside the box about high school and college. Which is odd because I remember a dear friend in high school who took college courses at night.

What changed my mind about my children going straight to college ... My oldest son went into the military (from being HSed) and trained in the field he was passionate about; robotics/engineering. When he got out he was immediately hired in his dream job (same field of work) making about twice what the military was paying him. His employer will also pay for him to go to college - which he will do this fall. What changed my mind about public school ... One of our youngest children begged to go to PS. He went, excelled in sports and academics. This year he is enrolled in all honors classes and his testing scores were high. We are in the middle of nowhere in the mountains and PS is about the only action around here. It is more like a small private school. When they compete in sports they play in other countries - last year finals were in Italy. I can not compete or do better FOR HIM by homeschooling right now, this year, with this child. I think if I were to HS right now it would be for my benefit and not his. I did put his two older siblings in college at his age - but right now he is not at the place that they were - and unlike them - he would feel slighted. Anyway, I will wait another ten years to find out from all of them what they REALLY thought about my parenting decisions LOL!:lol:

:grouphug: I am looking forward to your post next weekend because I just know that it will be a positive report! :grouphug:

My teens started summer jobs - Comments from their peers (PS) coworkers: "Oh, you were homeschooled? I am too social to be homeschooled!" "You started college at 16? You missed the best years of your life in high school! You don't need college, you can go straight to work after high school." When i first started HSing, I would get ruffled at comments like these. Then, about 5 years into HSing, I went through a phase where I would scoff and laugh them off. Now, nearly 20 years into HSing I can see how in some cases there is a valid point. In the end - as it seems I am coming to the end of my 'season of HSing' - I now believe the (my) decision to HS should be weighed for each child, each year. I am curious, has your (alls) thinking changed at all over the years?

I think it prudent to file for legal separation while divorce is pending. Otherwise, I believe you could be legally responsible for debts he incurs in the interim. Best advise I have heard is "There is always time to be nice later" - I hope all works out for the best for your family. :grouphug:

I am in Europe and bought 3G with mine even though I do not use it here. We went to the states last month and I bought the 3G service for one month and I LOVED it!! I use a (free) Text application already so I didn't use the phone a lot but I did use the text app. over 3G and it helped when we were needing instant direction. After we returned home I shut it off. I would reccommend getting the option so you can activate it if you need it at a later time - even if it is only for a month, here and there.

As a child, my clothes always came from thrift shops and the towns "free" clothing bin. As an adult, I spent my adult life wearing thrift shop, walmart and hand-me-downs. Until this year. Have you ever noticed cheap t-shirts always get tiny holes in them, shrink up like a box and attract stains??? This year I gave away and threw away ALL my clothes and replaced them with Eileen Fisher clothes. Her clothes line is simple and high quality. I have never owned such comfortable clothes. I did not pay full price either, I bought much cheaper on eBay.

Started Day 1 today. I hope this is the jumpstart that i need - have dropped 70 pounds in the last last five years and still have another 70 to go until I am no longer obese. I hope this 70 doesn't take another five years!

I am sorry about how your relatives expressed their concerns. You have to know that they are coming from their own histories and speaking from experience, fears and/or regret. Is your daughter living with you? If she is, I would ask her to attend college at least part-time. As a parent, I would pay for it too if possible and if not, I would be aggressively insisting she apply for FAFSA and grants etc. If she is living on her own and supporting herself then she is old enough to weigh options and decide for herself. I have 3 adult children; two are 18 and 20 and college graduates and my oldest started his career before college. In his teen years my oldest was allowed to pursue his passion which was electronic, programing computer to give commands to curcuit boards and servos ... All above my head. So he built A LOT of circuit boards in his teens. He moved out at 18, went to military and got out and applied for his dream job making very good money to start. He walked in the door for his job interview and guess what the first thing the interviewer did? Handed my son a circuit board and told him to explain what it does! He was hired. He will also go to college in the evenings to work on his degree. Anyway, I can see both sides. Your daughter is young and she will need to make many tough choices. I have to say though, for me, college is not just about getting a degree, it is about the life experiences and people you meet there too - and the mind opening events and knowledge. Also, I think it is a bit of a safe haven to delay the (possible) drudgery of adulthood! :lol:

Please factor in using a tracker and/or insurance - depending on how brave you are. I think that times are so tight right now that buyers are A LOT more picky/short tempered than they used to be. Make sure you post good pics and describe it very accurately. Also, pack well and use lots of tape. I just recvd an item today in a paper envelope Thant was torn up and taped back up by the post office. The item inside is destroyed.

What is funny, is this same child did not realize until they were a teen that their dad has an 'accent' too as English is his third language.

Right. I get that. :001_smile:

I noticed some hotels have built in hair dryers. We had them in Czech, London and Italy. Worth checking out. I live in Germany and my friends just get disposable phones and pop in a chip when they get to the country they are going to. Then keep in contact with stateside via free Internet @ hotspots. If you use your phone watch out for $$$$$$$$$$$$ phone bills for roaming etc. Go to http://www.ricksteves.com help forum for excellent advice. Greece!! woohoo!! :lol:

This is so weird, Wonder what's up in NJ??

My child observed that some British singers have 'American' accents when they sing - but most definitely NOT when they talk. Do they do this on purpose or ? Ayone know? Thanks!

I need to rent a car from an airport. I will need it for 5 days and return it to the same airport. Any tips on if I should do it online - who, how to pick who to rent from ... What to ask for ... Etc? Thanks!

Lara, how very cool you get to work on engines! My son and I rebuilt my Mustangs original 260 V8 :001_smile: Recently, he found two 351 Windsor engines for $200 and a 1967 fastback that had been in storage in CA for over 20 years. It is full of rust he has to fix/replace - but he loves that he is the 2nd owner.

Nice 66 Coupe! Sorry about the fastback. I woulda kept it (and walked everywhere lol!) - it holds it's value much better than a minivan :001_huh:

That depends on if the annoyed child is being annoying by being annoyed: "MOM! She is looking at me!" ... Or if the annoyer is presenting antagonistic behavior. The first case I would discipline the annoyed child and the latter I would discipline the antagonist. Or you can punish BOTH for irritating and distracting you, especially if you are driving.

I always say that to my loved ones! I am letting them know I love them and care about them and my thoughts and prayers are going with them even if it just around the corner :001_smile:

My mom making noise as she inhales through her teeth, my mom burping though her teeth ... other things my mom does ... These used to bother me until my daughter started expressing her annoyance at things *I* do! I realized that something mean in me allowed me to be exasperated at my mom and I love her and need to be grateful she is alive and with me. So, I guess changing my perspective helped.

The add URL works but the add image button is gray and can not be clicked :001_huh:

A 65 Wimbledon White Coupe! Is it a 260 or a 389? NO, I am not a fanatic! LOL!