((((Caraway)))) How close are you to an A+ hospital. The gamma knife surgery changed his life. Let me know if I can answer any questions that he can answer. W.

Kind of exciting to have an article in SixtyandMe.com. I'm not 60, but the editor didn't seem to care that I'm 57. 🙃 How I Use My Lazy Gene to Uplevel My Weight Loss Success https://sixtyandme.com/lazy-weight-loss-success/ W.

((((GracieJane)))) I'm so, so very sorry for your loss. Grieving is like having a f/t job. One of the hardest. When I was grieving I found that if I cried every hour or so, I'd get an hour of peace. Then I'd cry again. Then an hour of peace again. It's so difficult. I know it doesn't seem like it, but you will one day turn a corner. Hugs to you, W.

I've had TMJ for years now. No pain at all. But, just in case, I want to tell you about my dad. Like Spryte he had trigeminal neuralgia. It's considered to be one of the most painful disorders. He was in so much pain that he had a Gamma Knife surgery done at a renowned hospital. I hope this helps.

My husband isn't unusually tall, he's 6-foot, but his weight is around 260 and he carries most of it in his tummy. His pants situation is abysmal. Trust me, I should have done an intervention years ago. I'm getting him a really "manly" fanny pack for everything he carries (that truly weigh his pants down; it's not pretty), but can you recommend a good pants brand? And yes, I'm into smart eating and he feels sorry for me. TIA!!!

I'm so sorry re: the tech problems. Doesn't sound fun. Do you know Tim Ferris? He's heavily into world travel and has found the most interesting way to learn new languages (he figured his system out onJapanese as a teen). My kids are in college but if they were younger, I'd totally try this out-of-the-box idea. Of course some of this system involves some tech, but you can just bypass it for now. He's seriously into how your average comic book in Mandarin or Spanish or whatever comes in very handy. He wanted to go to a high school -- not college -- in Japan and thought that he'd have language classes. Huge miscommunication. No language lessons. He was very close to giving up and flying home. Google to read the story, it's a good one. Here are two Tim links: Learning a New Language in Record Time (that's not Tim in the photo.) How to Learn Any Language in Three Months He also explains why he thinks regular language courses don't really work for most long-term. Writing this post has made me want to give it a go! Thanks for the push!! Wendy

Dumb idea retracted.

My boys' latest joke: Son: "Did I tell you that joke about gaslighting?" Me: No. Son: Yes I did. Get it? He was gaslighting me in the joke. The term gaslighting comes from a 1940s movie with Ingrid Bergman. One of the things the husband does is continually dim the lamp lights all while telling his wife that the the lights are totally fine. She thinks that her eyes are playing tricks on her or that she going insane. Which is what he wants her to think. It's supposed to be a good movie. I hope that helps.

You guys!! @Lucy the Valiantand @Kassia!! I just saw this post (Christmas afternoon), thank you so, so much. What a Christmas gift!! I know I'm being repetitive but thank you so much!

I'm doing this, thank you for the recipe!! My Gram used to make homemade kahlua. Made me smile to see this post.

I haven't followed Ghislaine -- b/c the subject matter is too hard for me --, but I can't fathom that she won't do plenty of prison time. I've been following the Elizabeth Holmes' trial. Man, she is slick. I can't tell at all which way the jury will go.

Can you share which groups you're in? I need minimizing!!

I just wanted to hop in and say that my first two years of having twins were a scrambled blur. Without a doubt I didn't have my head screwed on straight (I was 38 so plenty old too like they are). A gentle "no" from you might help wake them up a bit. Like, "gosh I would love to but I'm slammed with a, b, and c." You sound like a wonderful aunt. ♥

wow, that is not cool. Just my .02, but in your mood you could write one hell of a letter for the local paper's letter section (as long as you stay somewhat neutral on how much you dislike the admin. at the moment). I'm really sorry.

What a creative group!! Adding: this idea would make the best book! If anyone wants this book-idea it's all yours!

((((dsmith))) I think your neurologist is on target. Would it help to have neuro meet w/ dh? I'm praying for the very best, but if possible, take him in.

Laughing, I had to share this with Dh! He cracked up too. A really adorable Christmas story!!

Your example of blending the work out into the day is a good one! You're way ahead of me.

This is what I'm finally understanding about lifelong fitness: working out needs to be part of my entire world. I've noticed that as Alec Baldwin is going through his horrific situation, his wife is continually running three miles and doing yoga! At first I thought, if my family were in crisis, I sure wouldn't be running!! But that's the thing. The people who have totally embraced a certain lifestyle -- around fitness, smart budgeting, smart home cleaning or smart eating etc.-- actually lean on their good habits for strength when life turns brutal. Wow. I have to think more on this one. Thank you Laura for the model!!

Thank you, Everyone! I loved all of the ideas! I'm going with a black Lab stuffed animal -- extra soft -- and a music cd from the 50s/60s. Thank you so much for your help!

My mom is 77 and she's still at home. My dad takes care of her. Last year I sent slipper socks. I also have sent a huge clock so she can tell time, but I don't think she'd know what the numbers mean at this point. I feel weird just sending my dad a gift and nothing for her. TIA!

Right! It's the unwrapping thing that the kids love so much in December. It's such a fun memory from my boys' kid-hoods. ❤️

Lori! You are awesome! Thank you for this!!

I posted this on K - 8, but thought it would go here too: When my boys were 10 and under I would order Christmas books from the library. I'd get the books home, wrap them, and put them under the tree. Then every evening in December I'd tell my boys that they could each pick one wrapped book every evening. The boys would get to open the "gift" and get a great read-aloud that very evening. I don't know who loved this more: me or the boys. 🥰

Wow, this is gorgeous.