A small dissent: if you feel guilty being gone for (presumably) just a few hours, why would you expect it to be less troubling through a whole weekend?

That's a great idea, freesia, thank you! I'm feeling a bit less run down today; I hope it sticks.

Exactly! I'm tired. He's tired. He'll be 15 in a couple weeks. I will probably end up dropping the lit paper; he needs the expository paper (in bio) to boost his grade, and he needs the research paper to boost his skill, but I'm really not sure I have the energy to fight the literary analysis fight, too. :( I've been in such a funk this month. And last month. I HAVE to dig myself out.

I'm ready, too. I've been wanting to post for several weeks now asking whether I'm the only one for whom "February" stretches from January to March. We've been on break this week and DS hasn't been home; I accomplished next to nothing, and do not feel the slightest bit refreshed to get back to it next week. DS's attitude has hit new depths lately, and that certainly hasn't helped. Trying so hard not to fight with him, and then getting sucked in anyway, takes SO much energy.... And then there's algebra. Stick a fork in me. I'm done. Except - I can't be, not yet. Where did I put those bootstraps?

I haven't assigned as many papers to DS as I originally intended; since August, he has written one literary analysis essay, one research paper, and at least a half-dozen reader response papers (plus some other writing like lab reports). I'd guess the page total runs to roughly 20 pages, excluding lab reports. I would still like him to write one more literary analysis paper, one more research paper, and probably an expository essay, but we have only nine weeks left. Is that too much to assign when I haven't been demanding this level of output previously? I'm not using any particular writing program right now; my "method" has essentially been: read stuff, think about stuff, write about stuff. Unfortunately the latter two pegs of that method have been given somewhat short shrift.

I have no idea whether this is possible, but - thinking about potential tax issues - it may be that you can put the entire estate into some kind of trust and then the trustee can distribute as directed. You'd most certainly have to consult a lawyer and banker, though.

We haven't done it before, but will do it for the first time in a few weeks. I was told it would take about a half-hour and would only involve filling out the "demographics" paperwork. All test takers (ETA: just in that school, not nationwide) do it at the same time.

The bit in bold tells me that an idea I had earlier (but didn't mention) may be possible. Can you get to the rich neighborhood relatively easily and do some house- or office-cleaning for the rich folks? I know people sometimes bring their kids along, so no need for daycare. Maybe you can phone an agency or two and see what's involved. It is also possible that an agency will already have someone in your area who is willing to pick you up... you never know.

So glad your DH is making moves! As for coding time with a toddler - I think you need to enlist the older two to amuse the toddler while you work. Maybe make some toys/activities available only when you're not available. And, honestly, you don't have time or energy right now to pay attention to anybody's tsk-tsk-ing. Focus on doing the work you need to do. One foot in front of the other and all that. Hugs to you.

Sounds like a terrific opportunity! Sending lots of good vibes your way. There was a time when I worked 4 part-time jobs, 7 days a week. The biggest problem was answering the phone - I had to do a quick look around me to remember where I was so I'd know which business name to say! Then if the phone rang at home I was truly befuddled.... :willy_nilly: Glad you found the back-up, too, but for the moment all my good wishes are going to Door #1. I have to say, I'm really impressed that you managed everything, including striving to branch out your certifications and such, for so long. You've been working HARD, but definitely working SMART, too. Well done.

The most recent version of Pantry Challenge in my house consisted of rooting out all the pasta that had flour bugs. :( Anybody know how to get rid of them?

I'd crumble up the crackers and use them in meatloaf, turkey burgers, anything with ground meat - but assuming you have a whole box, that might require several meals!

Hugs to you, Rosie. Those are real things to worry about. I wish I could fix your worries, too.

I hear you! Worrying is one of my greatest talents. ;) If I don't have anything real to worry about, I'll start worrying about things that are not likely to happen, or about things that might happen 20 years from now.

Mine is a bit like that, too. And when he's grocery shopping with DH, he'll pick the cheapest of whatever item even if the one he'd really like is only a dime more. If I suggest going out to breakfast on a school day, he'll tell me he can pay. Sigh. Drives me bonkers. What are you planning to do for financial literacy? I bought the Life of Fred book, but his politics are clearly very different from mine - not necessarily a bad thing, because it can open discussions, but still, I'd rather have the main thing be more in line with my own views. I've never read Dave Ramsey, but I suspect he too is pretty far from my POV.

If you search for some of the work-at-home threads, you might come across some links for writing web content. I've never done it, and can't remember any names off-hand, but I could see this bringing in a small income even if you can only do it during your 2-hour quiet time (if you do that - if you don't, consider starting, for your own rejuvenation if nothing else).

From one English major to another - have you read Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series? The first is called The Eyre Affair. They are great fun, especially for English majors! ETA: P.S. Sorry you had a rough week. I hope this one is better, and good luck with the new job!

Some of these rules, while reasonable, seem unenforceable, like changing the radio or allowing someone else to drive the car. How would you know a rule like that has been violated except in case of accident or someone spilling the beans?

It's election season, and that always makes SWB a little gerrymander-crazy. Considering you don't even have to be a U.S. citizen to vote here, there has to be *some* way to keep the voting under control! ;)

Awww! Maybe they're just not used to that sort of thing, and didn't know they *could* comment. Don't give up, though - keep doing it, if only for your own amusement!

Thanks for the report, and congratulations on doing such a great job! :thumbup1:

Do you have good museums nearby? Maybe you could be a docent, or maybe attending classes/lectures/Q&A sessions would introduce you to people who can lead you to other opportunities. My goodness, combining people-heavy with idea-heavy with small town is tough!

Do they at least have a French class? Not exactly "stimulating" in the way I think you're seeking, but it might at least help you meet that other goal.

Yay! I think it's a great idea.

The only thing I can think of that might work for you is pursuing coursework in a new area, so you could hash out ideas with classmates. Does your university offer graduate work in philosophy? Maybe political science? I know those areas are probably touched on in your Great Books group, but maybe a couple courses would take it deeper.