I would say it was quite reasonable. My dd 13's tankini alone was $60, and that was on the cheaper end for what she needed.

Everyone has a lined trash bin in their bedroom. They use that, then we tie up the bag and throw it away. We don't get stomach bugs very often, so we haven't had to use this method often.

Well, the news could have been much worse. Here's what I know: "Atypical cells, cell dysplasia. Surgery recommended." Basically, from what I understand, they are pre-cancer cells picked up before they advanced to cancer. I am trying to decide what surgeon to see. I assume they want to do a lumpectomy? I am so thankful for medical technology. It wasn't that long ago that this wouldn't have been found until it had progressed. I read that some people opt not to have surgery and are closely monitored, and on the opposite part of the spectrum, some decide to have a mastectomy so they don't have to worry. I am not sure where I fall yet...have to digest and process. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I want to have as much information as possible when I speak with the surgeon. Thank you for all your encouragement and kind words! This is a such a great forum.

Okay, now I'm cracking up reading my post. "Abundance of estrogen surging..." Geesh, that sounds...gross!

I am not so patiently awaiting results of a biopsy. I am hoping to hear that others have had clustered microcalcifications and still had benign results. This is a new finding since last year's mammogram. I am nervous because I have had an abundance of estrogen surging for several months (which led to an endometrial ablation in January, but that's another story...), and I know that estrogen causes cancer cells to grow. I am usually pretty good about these things, but I am very nervous! Results should be here tomorrow afternoon. Prayers would be appreciated!

I had an ablation in January and feel like I can live again! I was miserable for several months prior, had a D&C which only helped for two weeks, then had bleeding like you describe for three months. The ablation was done under sedation (didn't feel a thing), recovery was not bad, and anemia reversed within a month or so. Ablation is most successful in "older" women (I am 47, and I am apparently in that category). My doctor said that it is possible I will need another one if I don't start menopause until the typical 52 years old, but it may do the trick until then.

I assign names to each email address I regularly use. Sorry to say that she would have had to enter that herself. :(

Yes! I would register. As a shower attender, I always use the registry and would be appreciative. In fact, the last time I did not use the registry, I ended up purchasing the same thing as the mother-to-be's aunt. It took me a long time to pick out what I wanted to get her (couldn't decide what to get and then the color when I did decide). I was disappointed. Whatever you choose to do, a big congratulations to you!

I know that Gmail personal email accounts do not have this feature, only business accounts. I have often wished I had that feature when sending email to our co-op students and/or parents.

Have a plan - we called it the Code Red plan! I had two big Rubbermaid bins for last-minute calls. Each kid was assigned a room, and anything out of place got thrown into the bin. I'm talking mail pile-up, toys, even books. The bins went with us in the van. It took very little time to do it that way, and then I just went through everything and put it where it belonged when we got home. While kids and dh did that, I went room to room after them and straightened everything, made sure beds were made, and added any extra touches. Oh, and the kitchen had to be kept perfectly clean ALWAYS, no matter how tired we were. There was no, "Oh, I'll just clean it in the morning" because inevitably the morning would be when a call would come! That was a pain but was well worth it. When kids and all animals (dog, gerbils, parakeet) went to the van, dh and I stayed behind for a few minutes to check again, and I vacuumed my way out of the house. Yes, I took the vacuum cleaner to the van each time! I hope your home sells quickly! It sounds like you have a lot of activity, which is encouraging. Hang in there!

So I take back what I said earlier. My dh has been on the road trying to get home from work for over three hours now. It is normally a 25-minute drive. Our area has everything known to man to combat snow - plows, salt, you name it. They just couldn't keep up with the snow today.

I only know that we were once counseled to be sure we got rid of all past due accounts. He said that even if your credit report says "current" (not necessarily "paid") on accounts, it increases your score substantially. I would work on paying off debt in conjunction with showing you could pay something on time. I am a believer that credit cards can be beneficial if used correctly, and I think this is one of those situations. I know it might seem like you are facing a monumental battle here, but the fact that you are facing the monster is HUGE! Knowledge is power! I would encourage you to list it all out - every debt you have. It hurts like heck to do this, but when you have, you can plan how to pay them off and maybe make some phone calls showing your desire to pay them off. There are some good debt reduction calculators on-line. I really feel for you. We've been through a more minor situation, but it was brutal nonetheless. It Be encouraged - you can do this with very focused effort! Good luck to you. :)

I am wondering the same thing. We live right on Lake Ontario (1/2 mile away), and two feet is right around the time we start paying attention! It is not terribly unusual and does not shut things down for long. That said, it is snowing to beat the band out there right now, and if it continues at this rate, it's going to be a very interesting weekend!

Okay, I asked my friend who just finished treatment for melanoma and has lost her hair. She said she would be horrified if someone did that "for her". She is very self conscious about her hair loss and works hard to have a nicely styled wig or head covering, and she said that someone drawing attention to her situation in that way would be upsetting. (Keep in mind that this person is fairly private and does not like a lot of attention in general.) For her, having people send cards and FB messages and bringing meals for her family meant a lot to her and kept her going. She also said that a little girl in her church donated her hair to Locks of Love in friend's honor, and that was meaningful.

I think it has been given to characters on TV/movies who are portrayed as stereotypical nerdy, or at least that's the way it used to be. I don't care for it for that reason but also because there is too much sssss sound in it. Also, I have known two Spencers, and one was a spoiled and bratty child, the other was a self-absorbed full-of-himself teenager. :( Gee, I am not usually negative on the board, so I feel bad for saying that! :leaving: