Hi all. I've been lurking but haven't joined because I'm not doing anything specific. I have lost 5 pounds since the beginning of the year from switching to water instead of sweet tea (though I do have coffee with sugar in the a.m.) I'm drinking lots of water, lol. And I've started a very gentle exercise program. But I'm not yet ready to count calories or anything -- just trying to make better, *sustainable* choices. I do have quite a bit to lose. I have gained 80 pounds in the last 15 years, but I'd be thrilled to lose 50. I'm pretty happy with 5 down!

My parents did this when my brother and I were about that age. They went to an annual convention and we stayed home (went to school, took care of pets, etc). I mean, the washing machine did overflow...and our parakeet was found belly up one morning...but it was fine. 😉 (But then again, I was married and out of the house at 19, and I'm often shocked how much parenting people are doing for young adults that age, so...)

My 7th grader's room is a disaster zone. She really only cleans it when I insist (and I don't often cause I do try and give her space. And b/c a messy room isn't the end of the world). My kids don't have assigned chores. I ask for help or tidying cooperation, but otherwise...meh. They keep the bathroom they use fairly tidy. They do tend to strew their stuff throughout the house.

How about the Mandie book series? I remember reading them when I was younger. They're like a Christian Nancy Drew, but slightly younger? I remember there being morals in them...? https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandie

Awesome! I've not tried it before, but I'm thinking of trying this "giant meatball" recipe: https://www.budgetbytes.com/giant-slow-cooker-meatballs/comment-page-1/#comments

Do you go out to eat or cook a special meal? Whole family activities planned or ship the kids off to the grandparents/babysitter so you can have a romantic evening? In general, we don't *do* Valentine's Day...however I've decided that this year I'm doing *something* special. The girls and I have decided on individual molten chocolate cakes and chocolate strawberries for dessert. Not sure about dinner but I'm thinking spaghetti. So...not a romantic couples night but it should be yummy!

We use H&R Block. Since DH's tax stuff is complicated, we have to use the mid-priced one.

For NC, I'd say basements are tricky. West of the Triangle, basements are probably more common (especially in hilly/mountain areas). East of the Triangle, not at all. I grew up on the coast (aka sea level) = definitely no basements. I did not see a basement until well after I was married.

I'm anxious about what ours will be. Last year was the first year we owed in a long time -- we used to get a decent refund. I have no idea how this year will play out. (Our taxes are never straightforward-- DH is considered self-employed/minister, and there's so much in the balance with housing allowance and deductions that affect it...)

After a few disastrous weekend trips where DH left the house without necessities, I now make him check for his "3 M's": money (wallet), meds, machine (cpap). If he has those 3, anything else missing can be easily replaced...but no one wants to be stuck at a Walgreens, 300 miles from home, trying to contact the dr to get a prescription filled ASAP. Stunner.

I have no help to offer, but omg...I'd be freaking. Fingers crossed that there was a mistake and you owe much less!

Yep! My most recent photos were of a specific cleaning product I wanted to remember to grab next time, an order confirmation #, a book my child saw and wanted at B&N, and a parking spot number. My memory may be going but TG for camera phones!

I take screenshots/pics of everything. Email with an important date? Screen shot. See a book I want to remember to get at the library? Picture of the cover. For some reason, it's easier than going searching through old emails or jotting notes/reminders. Having the picture on my phone works -- I just delete when that task is completed.

No offense taken, lol. At the time, I was freaked out. Now it's like, just file it under weird crap the human body does. And for the record, it only *looked* like a tongue. Sorry to disappoint.

Well, I suppose it could be some sort of prolapse (bladder or uterine). The cervix is lower at certain times of the monthly cycle..could it be related to that? Making a uterine prolapse more obvious? TMI but after dd2 was born I had a...thing. It looked like a small...tongue...hanging out. It was just a spot that overgrew after things were healing down there. Easy fix - in office -- it never returned. Just another option.

Beef stew feels cozy and warm. Paired with rolls and spiced apples. Tikka masala and basmati and naan. We had potato soup + sourdough + bacon last night. Tonight, however, DH works late so the girls and I are having nacho fries from Taco Bell. 😛

My mind is blown that people don't bathe daily. Seriously -- so foreign to me. Do any non-bathers have straight, fine hair? Cause youngest DD and I do, and our hair is worthless on day 2. Stringy, oily mess. Dh showers daily. Heck, he could probably stand a second shower. He just gets smelly. Maybe we're just naturally oily and smelly here...

I'm all for hiding my slovenliness. Our newish kitchen floor is mid tone browns and grays (with knots and such). Great at hiding mess.

When they were little, every other day. Now it's daily. Oldest can skip a day, if needed, but youngest really needs to wash her hair daily.

+1 On the rare occasion I have cash, the bills are folded or straight but not organized beyond that.

The *only* underwear I fold is DH's. I shove mine in the drawer. I hand my kids theirs in a big pile, and they shove it in their drawers. DH's underwear need to be folded to fit tidy in his dresser, and since I put his stuff away... I fold.

Oh man! I've had my crockpot since 2000, and I use the heck out of it. I'd be so bummed if it died and I had to find a replacement! At least the meat was salvageable.

My kids are eating pizza dip and crackers. I made the dip for DH to take to a football party, but when I removed it from the oven, it slipped out of my hands spilled all inside the oven (cheese and sauce all over the oven floor and door and heating element). So DH's picking up a snack on the way, and the kids are eating the pizza dip that remained in the pan.