Dh always gets me a calendar for one of my gifts. For about 10 years straight, he got me the same exact style calendar, made by the same company. They are nice, but I was tired to the same old thing hanging in my kitchen. So, last year before Christmas I asked if he could get something different. He did a great job, and I enjoyed the new calendar all year. Apparently, he thought I only meant a one-year break because yesterday I opened up...yawn...the old style. I am not ungrateful, as I do love this tradition. However, I'm not sure if I should say anything or ask to exchange it. It's a whole year of looking at something I don't really like! I suppose this is a small problem to have.

Donate, most definitely. Imagine how great you will feel when: (1) these things are no longer in your home! (2) you think of others who will benefit from low cost second-hand stuff; (3) You can spend about one hour dropping the whole kit and kaboodle off with no sorting, pricing, or haggling; and (4) Did I mention they will be gone and you won't have to look at them again? Gee, just typing that inspired me to get rid of things in my basement! :001_smile:

Well, I would consider it rude! What were they communicating by being there 2.5 hours after you asked them to arrive? They didn't really want to spend that much time with you. At least, that's how I would interpret it. I guess my feelings would be hurt, especially if they didn't call and let me know. Keep in mind that I am a pretty punctual person, so I can't imagine this scenario without a shudder! That does color my response, no doubt.

Wow, Jean, that is terrible! I wonder why it was so bad? I am not sure exactly how it works, but could the sound depend on the internet provider? That really stinks.

Oh, my introvert self shivers at your holiday schedule! I am impressed you made it through so well and would definitely recommend some alone time - you deserve it! I did about half of what you did but added about 15 rehearsals for different things at church, so I kind of get it.

My oldest was Jonathan for 24 hours. That is my nephew's name, but it didn't occur to me that it might be a problem. I figured that since we saw each other only once a year it wouldn't be difficult, but even if we saw him more, I would have considered it. We ended up switching names before we left the hospital, but not because it was the same name as dn.

We are feeling the pinch, too. Honestly, I have gone over and over our bills, and I have come to the realization that we either have to further cut (still can cut cable, but I don't want to!) or bring in more income. It's just that simple. Since dh is doing all he can (as a tenured college prof also), I feel that it is up to me. It is time. Now, if only a job that I am qualified for would fall into my lap, I would be most appreciative!

Magic jack is for land line use. If that is what you're interested in, here is my review. As far as I know, they don't do anything with cell phones. The biggest plus - It is $20 a year! I will say that the quality of the sound isn't as good as when we were with the phone company, but to save $460 per year, we are okay with that. (Phone co. charged about $40 per month) We're not big phone talkers anyway, and I often use my cell phone for quick calls out of convenience anyway. We transferred our old phone number, which was nice. They also have voicemail, which was easy to set up and is great to use. I can listen to my messages through my email or from my ipod touch - convenient. Based on our experience, I would recommend this option if you don't spend a lot of time on the phone.

I struggle with reading about this problem as well. I will admit to feeling just a bit sad on my kids' birthdays and Christmas when there is nobody to send them a measly card or give them a gift (except my sister). Dh's parents are gone, my father is gone, and my mother has Alzheimers. (She does give them quarters she won at Bingo, which is quite special and precious, as that's all she has to give anymore.) My youngers often mention how weird it is to talk to their friends, who all have family get-togethers with lots of gifts and parties over the holidays. They can't even conceive of this.

I used to let #3 son eat his Cheerios off the floor because he screamed in his high chair. I once took ds #2 out of his carseat to nurse while riding in the van because he was hysterical in the backseat, and we would have been late to a wedding if we'd stopped. I plopped my kids in front of the TV in the morning so I could lay on the couch and doze just a little longer. Sadly, I could be at this for a long time, so I'll stop at those three. :blushing:

Thank you. I loved this. :)

Praying here.

I haven't read responses, so I might be late to the party. I do wonder why you made assumptions about everyone on the board, then proceeded to reprimand us? Last I heard, that was higher on the "rude list" than letting our children play normally on a playground.

Oh, this is fantastic! I will definitely be checking out many of these. I am tempted to make a tally sheet to see which show was mentioned most and start there. I just LOVE Christmas break! If I watch half the TV and read 1/100 of the books I plan to, I will not do anything else. Sounds good to me. :001_smile:

What do you watch on TV? If you're in the middle of a series on Netflix/other streaming, please post that too. With break coming up, I am excited to spend some time relaxing in front of the tube, and I need some ideas! :)

Do you still use your Ipod Touch? Thinking of getting an Ipad mini and wondering if I should plan to give one of the kids my ipod.

Cool! I will pass this on to several people who will enjoy! Thank you.

Today, I showed my ds15 my to-do list and he said, "Geesh, I don't know if I want to be an adult!" We had a conversation about the advantages of being young and having few responsibilities. I definitely forgot about one HUGE advantage of being an adult, however. We can go back home after short visits with toxic relatives if we want to, and there's nothing they can do about it! I'm sorry you were treated unkindly and like a child. That really stinks. Please don't go to jail. However, if you do, I will contribute to the Spring KKinVA fund!

Today, I showed my ds15 my to-do list and he said, "Geesh, I don't know if I want to be an adult!" We had a conversation about the advantages of being young and having few responsibilities. I definitely forgot about one HUGE advantage of being an adult, however. We can go back home after short visits with toxic relatives if we want to, and there's nothing they can do about it! I'm sorry you were treated unkindly and like a child. That really stinks. Please don't go to jail. However, if you do, I will contribute to the Spring KKinVA fund!

I just figured out what I miss about the new forums - our locations being visible! Wow, what an adventure your son will have!

He is in the air, scheduled to land in 38 minutes! The rest of my family thinks I am bonkers because I have been cleaning and grocery shopping. "Mom, it's just Adam, not a guest." I want him to be thrilled to be here, that's all!

My ds22 is in graduate school in Edmonton, Alberta (we're in NY) and I haven't seen him in four months! I am so looking forward to him being home! When he is home, someone actually appreciates my cooking (he is a foodie), I get to play Bananagrams any time I want, my ds15 has his best bud here to help occupy him, I can have great conversations about pretty much anything, including composting and Victorian literature (two that come to mind), and...drumroll...there will be someone here who can sleep even later than my ds20! Boy, this kid can sleep. Last time he was home, he kept night owl hours and stayed in bed easily til noon. :sleep: I am just happy to have him home and don't mind a bit.

My jaw would have hit the floor. :blink: I am speechless... So sorry this happened.

My gallstone symptoms were chest pain and right-sided pain under my breast. I was fairly convinced I was having a heart attack. I was in terrible pain, cold sweaty, and rapid breathing. I paced around the room trying to wait it out. I finally went to the E.R. and they discovered the stones. I had surgery four months later after trying to eliminate foods and being unsuccessful. I only had one "attack" a month or so, but by the end, I had vague feelings of yuck most of the time. I hope you find out what it is for sure that made you feel so awful!

Gotcha. Just a note to say that my dr. told me the failure rate is only 3-5% for those who use it correctly each and every time and use it with spermicidal jelly. I'm just making myself feel better for having recommended it. :)