Yeah, this was definitely not my point AT ALL. Just an example of a government that is getting too big in MY opinion. We all have our own, though. ETA: We keep our house at a miserable 86 degrees in the summer. Hardly shucking my responsibility off on other people.

Since I can't afford to build a new home, how does one go about turning an existing home into a "geothermal" home?

Saudi Arabia was mentioned tongue in cheek :tongue_smilie: I'm pretty certain that Spy Car meant it to be tongue in cheek, anyway :001_smile: Christa

I do rest in the fact that God is in control. I'd welcome Jesus coming with open arms. I LOVE my country. The old one. Heck, our dog's name is Liberty! I just don't recognize my country anymore based on the changes where we are becoming like everyone else. I don't see the majority of the changes as good, although some might be. Maybe a change in state is overdue. The federal govt would just get bigger anywhere, though. Socialized medicine. Phooey. Long wait times to be treated, higher rates of death, that's all I have to say about that. I've done the research. This, coming from someone who pays $1000/month for premiums. You'd think I'd welcome it. As for the freedom to speak of this at all...how long will that last? Truly, I mean that with all my heart, not to be a troublemaker :001_smile:. So, as far as outside countries...Saudi Arabia is the only one that is remotely appealing. As far as other states mentioned: TEXAS (always wanted to move there), Alaska, Oklahoma, Montana. I've been to Costa Rica. Aside from crummy roads, I didn't want to leave! (I had dental work done there...amazing medical care for much less!) They did the best job. Thanks for all the great ideas. Christa

No, not NO government. LIMITED government. Where free-market rules for the most part. Not NO police, etc. enforcing the law. That would be ridiculous. Just not...making me pay for my evil of wanting to be comfortable in my home, or for using gas to drive to my job type of punishment, uh, I mean taxation. And, I don't want socialized medicine, either. I'm a nurse, and I know what will happen when that day comes. I guess this doesn't exist? I knew if I asked the hive, I'd get my answer. So bummed. So incredibly bummed.

I'm not an extremist at all. I just don't think I want to live in the U.S. long-term. Hubby and I basically just want to be left alone so we can be free and happy. I want to be able to turn on my A/C when it's 123 degrees and not pay exhorbitant taxes because I like being comfortable in my home. I want to decide the best way to spend my hard-earned money. And my list goes on. I'm conservative, and would love the place I live to reflect my values. Is there any country that would be a better fit for me? I don't want to spark a debate, this is a truly innocent question! Christa

I seriously doubt it is a blood clot! See a Dr., of course, but you probably strained a ligament. Christa ETA: I just saw that your foot is purplish and cold? You do need to get in and have an ultrasound. Keep us posted, hopefully you're getting in TOdAY.

At first I thought this might be a way to increase ratings. Now, I'm more convinced this all might be real. Months ago I read a blog that talked about how Jodi didn't want to discuss the Gosselins and now....an interview? If they are so worried about the kids, PLEASE! They're adding fuel to the fire by validating their affairs, all in the name of pleading with the Gosselins (in public) that they need to save their marriage and protect their kids :confused: Here's an interesting read: http://truthbreedshatred.blogspot.com/. I think this interview is revenge for Kevin and Jodi. They could have written a letter to express their "concern." Basically, a couple seasons ago, Kate allegedly forbade TLC to offer money to Kevin and Jodi for their air time. Kate doesn't have a relationship with her parents because allegedly when she was preg. with the six, her minister Father's congregation showered them with cribs, carseats, etc., and they weren't good enough for her because they didn't all match. She demanded money instead, and her father refused to give in to her freakish inflexibility, therefore she cut ties. I used to find their hectic lives very interesting because they were survivors, and if she could do it, so could I. It's changed so much. What I can't figure out is...why the renewal of vows? Why the comment to the kids "don't come in Mommy and Daddy's bedroom, we need privacy!" And, WHY did they buy that huge house? The whole thing is just weird, and very sad for those sweet little kids. Christa

Pasta Salad (doubled) 16 oz. rotini pasta 2 cans kidney beans, drained 2 cans cut green beans, drained 2 cans garbanzo beans, drained 1 red bell pepper 6 green onions, sliced 1 jar pimento Dressing: (doubled) 2 cups sugar (???)—use less? 1-1/3 c. red wine vinegar 2/3 c. vegetable oil 1 t. salt 1 t. garlic powder 1 t. pepper This is always a hit!!! Christa

My kiddos are always hungry :glare: They have a snack in the am if they need it and always at 2:00. It really helps them to get throught the rest of the morning school work. In the am, I try to do a smoothie (blueberries, banana, protein, fiber, flaxseeds, Kefir). They love it and it fills them up until lunch at 11:30. (They eat breakfast at 6:30 or 7; snack at 9 or 9:30). They tend to eat lighter b'fast/lunches so that's probably why they are always asking for food. They're grazers for sure. I'm going to try making peanut butter protein balls and freezing them for a quickie snack. They also love applesauce with cinnamon, or oats with a little cottage cheese mixed in, a banana with nuts, or a sprouted grain toast with almond butter. Sometimes organic tortilla chips and salsa for a treat. Christa

After a difficult year of Mom having to go back to work during our very first year HS'ing, it looks like the kids are going to public (charter) school next year. I found one that I can get on board with, but of course am sad that we couldn't make this work due to lack of time and money (hence me being up worrying when it's 3 am). We definitely got our work done this year, but the girls are very social and with me working so much I couldn't provide them with the social interaction/extra curriculars they really need and that I want for them. :crying: (Picking myself up and dusting off) So, this new school uses Houghton Mifflin. Anyone heard of it? Since HS'ing, my standards have gone up quite a bit. Afterschooling is an option, but these kids need time to be free and to just be "kids" after school, too IMO. I would appreciate any thoughts!!! Christa

Check out http://www.eastsideexplorers.org. They are a very active HS group here in Scottsdale. Lots of fun! As far as requirements, it's just an affidavit. christa

That was a great link, thank you! I added a Benjamin Moore color to my list :tongue_smilie:

This does help, thanks! (BTW, do you know what sheen you used...I know that can affect color a little bit. It's sounds like I would be okay to go with Camelback. Seems like a poplular and well-liked color. To be sure, I'll get sample quarts of autumn blonde and blonde to compare. You all have been VERY helpful! Next, I'll be asking for great pinks. ;) I painted my daughters entire bedroom in bubble gum :confused: Christa

Maybe I should take a sample of the wallpaper I LOVE in my powder bath and see if they can match that color. It's just right. I've never done that before, thanks for the idea! Christa

Virtual decorating...this is fun. :001_smile: Christa ETA: I'm in AZ, too!

Okay, this is cool, because Camelback & Restrained gold were at the top of my list. Camelback was the swatch I KNEW would be "the one" but it looks yellow when I do a small patch. How does it look in an entire room...what is the overall effect? I have the same question with restrained gold and its overall effect. Is it brownish-gold, or mustard-gold? I'm painting ALL my common areas, family room the same color, so I need to go with one that is more neutral (for resale), but still with the gold I'm after (for Old World). Thanks so much for your reply!!! Christa ETA: I just pulled my fan deck out and hadn't seen Empire Gold before. I'm curious to know how you like it as well compared to the others mentioned?

We're sprucing up the house just in case we need to sell. Here in AZ, the look is Old World. That's what sells. My home is in this decor with very rich textures and colors. I'm looking for a wall color that will also reflect a deep neutral/gold color. Everything I splash on the wall looks too yellow-ey or too muddy brown. I just can't find anything in the middle. Granted, I've only looked at Sherwin Williams colors so far. Does anyone know of a good color I could look at that might be close to what I'm describing? Thanks!! Christa

:iagree: I don't have a special needs child, but living in Scottsdale, self-absorption isn't a rare encounter. Entrances are blocked all the time!!! I simply say/wave "HELLO?!?!?!?" or whatever I need to do in order to get their attention, then tell them what I need for them to do so that I can enter the building or whatever it may be. 98% of people have the "Oh! Sorry!" response...others...well, what else can we say about others. Christa

I've tried some of them already: Exercise - already do that at least 5x/week, always have Progesterone cream - read Dr. Lee's book - I've been using Arbonne's cream for years Extra protein - love it, so that's easy B complex Healthy fats I even tried neurofeedback - total waste of $ As far as underlying issues that aren't dealt with and bubble up to the surface each month...while I feel blessed in many ways, my life ain't perfect! I have problems like everyone else and I deal with them as best I can. Unfortunately, I can't make certain people go away or make the economy better. But, I think I'm pretty accepting and roll with the punches. I think I'll implement one new idea each month and see what helps. I'll report back :001_smile:. This month I'll start with Evening Primrose Oil. thanks, everyone!!! christa

I'm a wreck every month. It is so predictable. I am ruining this family over my PMS rages. It feels like I can't control it (although I know somehow this can't be true). Every little disappointment, put-out, or flaw in life just sends me into orbit. I really do hate myself when it happens. I really think I am doing damage to my kids by witnessing my monthly meltdowns. We are already on a relaxed, year-round schedule because I work quite a bit, so taking a week off every month isn't an option for us. I haven't gotten any great advice from my docs...so....do you know of any natural remedies for this? TIA, Christa

I'm a Christian, and I also believe in the "paranormal." Where the source of it stems from is where I probably differ from what the Ghost Hunter type shows believe. I think it's something Satan uses to lure us in because most people have a fascination with it. Personally, I'd take advantage of his piqued curiosity to dig deeper into where you believe the source of these paranormal events come from. Can you talk to your pastor about spending some time with him in his research? Developing a good solid understanding on a spiritual level right off the bat will really benefit him in the long run, at least in my opinion. Christa

This is pretty much standard operating procedure. They can't keep refilling without seeing the patient at least once a year. Christa

I can't get over what sitters make these days, and I think we're doing them a disservice. I can't bring myself to pay a teenager almost what I make after taxes as an RN who spent 5 years at a university. Sorry, but this money is too easy for them. Just my opinion, though. Christa

Upon filling out the paperwork, was your bf dealing with the Dr. or just with his staff? If it was the latter, I *believe* this may be a fraudulent practice to bill insurance for? Even if the Dr. was present, filling out paperwork hardly classifies as an evaluation or a treatment... I'd call the insurance to report this if the office doesn't refund. Again, I may be wrong, so (if it were me) I'd call the office first to find out if it is acceptable to bill for this. If they say yes, then call insurance to double check. I've never heard of this and I've been in the medical field for 12 years. Christa