I believe that calorie deficits will lead to weight loss. :leaving:

I, too, know many lovely middle and high school kids who attend regular public schools. They're really out there! Lots of them!

I started a new school in a new city mid-year in 8th grade. It was fine. Not easy, but no "nightmare demons." It depends on the child. Does she want to go? How does she do in new situations generally? How does she do with peers? What do you know about activities at the school? Is there a place she could plug in easily? It might work out very well. Plus, I would not be inclined to be too accommodating to a child who had been so uncooperative about homeschool. In our home, the deal is this: You "won't" homeschool? Then it's off to public school for you. Mid-year or not.

I do almost all the sides ahead of time. I use the America's Test Kitchen Make-Ahead Cookbook recipes and they are all excellent. I just cannot do it all on the day-of; I'd be way too grumpy by mealtime. I admire those of you who have the fortitude to host and cook such a big meal on the same day. This way, all that's left is the turkey, lots of reheating, whipping the cream, and beverages. It is my favorite meal of the year!

Inspired by this thread, I set Pandora to Fogelburg while I cooked this evening and wound up crying into my sweet potato pie filling. It was lovely.

I can clear the kitchen in a flash just by putting in my John Denver's Greatest Hits CD. Works every time. I'll be trying the Fogelburg!

I have had success with the 1969 Perfect Boot jean at The Gap. I was stunned when I put them on and there was no huge gap at the waist! They are a bit low-waisted, but not crazy-low. Try on a bunch of pairs because they vary. Good luck. My waist is two sizes smaller than my hips so jean shopping is kind of a joke.

I'm so glad people have shared here. I think it's much more hopeful to discuss real, individual situations than generalities. There's nothing one can DO about generalities, but one can 'attack' one's individual situation. Even it's a long, hard road ahead, one can decide which way to go. I really admire those of you who are plodding down a difficult path with hope and a plan and joy in the gifts of today.

This is why I started this thread -- to have people discuss actual individual experiences rather than stereotypes or vague 'possible' scenarios.

The two 'themes' standing out to me so far are 1) medical/injuries, and 2) living below one's means. I also see that most people who are currently struggling financially are working very hard, managing to get by, and seem to have hope for the future. I admire that. Obviously, as homeschoolers, many of us have put outside work on hold for a long time -- that automatically puts folks on this board into a category of sorts. Maybe it could be called the Money Isn't Everything category? Glad to hear from everyone. I find it much more helpful to hear about individual experiences rather than to speak generally -- as in the original Dave Ramsey thread.

That Dave Ramsey thread is wearing me out. Bicker, bicker! So, I wonder who is up for a frank conversation about their finances. Are you rich? Poor? In debt? Comfortable? Stretched, but okay? Who is responsible for your situation? Is it due to your own decisions? A medical crisis? Family money? Stock options? Reckless spending? Not enough education? Too much education (school debt dragging you down)? The recession? Careful planning? Or something else? We are comfortable on one teacher salary. We have no debt -- not even mortgage any more. We have had some family help, but also are very careful about our spending. We would have more money if I had been working more the past 15 years, but I'm glad to have stayed home with the boys. Work is back on the horizon in the next couple years for me. Anyone else? (And no bickering!)

We've had this issue. I don't think there's an easy answer. He wants you to be happy, not tired. He's probably sorry you're tired, but can't do anything about it, so it makes him feel bad. At least, that's how it goes around here.

Specifically, I wonder how much your electric has cost each month.

We are considering an electric vehicle. The cost of the lease and the electricity would be about what we are currently spending on gas each month. For a brand-new car! But, I don't know anyone who drives one. I read good reviews, but would love to hear from anyone who drives one.

Be prepared for some unbelievably high rent rates. I wouldn't want to be renting in this area right now -- sorry. If my husband were going to work at the S. Seattle Boeing Field (a.k.a. King County Airport) I think I'd aim for the Normandy Park area. Short commute and some really lovely but modest neighborhoods --close to some nice parks on the water and not too far from all the stuff to do in the city. I would not want to go from JBLM to S. Seattle each day. That would be a horrendous commute of at least an hour each way.

Also, which Boeing? Everett? Renton? Or South Seattle?

How much money do you have to spend on a house?

From what you've shared in your posts here, I'd say you're already on that road.

Around here, rich people are mostly inconspicuous. Not entirely, but it is rare to see valuable jewelry and watches and incredible outfits or luxury cars. It's not PC to come across as rich in the PNW. The rich people I know drive nice (but not flashy) cars, have the homes with views, travel, snow ski, may have boats, shop at the really nice grocery stores, and do a lot of charity work.

Dave Ramsey is condescending and rude and sarcastic and calls people stupid. Blech. He also gives a lot of good advice. I know this isn't the popular or PC thing to say, but I do believe that many (no, not all) people are in their crummy financial situations because of their own crummy financial decision-making. Many people do believe they are entitled to nice things and go into debt to get them rather than save for them or go without. They often do this for years and then throw up their hands and complain about it. They never change their habits and so their descent into poverty continues. These are the people Dave Ramsey goes after on his show. And he has decent and somewhat compassionate, encouraging advice for them if you can get past his obnoxious tone.

Huh?

I had lots of time to think during my flight, so I was thinking of just this issue. This passenger had difficulty getting into her seat (the aisle and the 'legroom' between seats were both too narrow for her). She would have blocked the aisle somewhat during an evacuation. Of course, there are other people who would have trouble evacuating as well -- the elderly, parents with little ones, very ill passengers, etc.

The suggestion seems to be that changing one's habits may change one's financial situation. I think that's often true.

I had had it with the squalor, so I put an end to it. (My boys are 12 and 14, so bear that in mind, moms of little ones.) We did one big cleanup, and they are required to maintain it each and every day. I'm not too picky about specifics. The rules are: clothes put away, no trash anywhere, bed made, no food or dishes in the room, no random junk. This has to be done each and every morning before they are allowed to do anything else. They can do this. They have realized that if they just keep up with it, lo and behold, the room can be quickly tidied and be decent! I am so happy! They aren't nearly as thrilled, but seem to see the sense in it. No more squalor.

I wondered what would have happened if I were her size, too. I'm a size 6, so it 'worked' -- meaning we could both manage to be in two seats. I just didn't get a whole seat.