I just wanted to say that I have not heard of The Happiness Project and look forward to learning more about it. I have a hard time committing to New Year's resolutions--is this different?

Luckymama--do you have a squat rack or power cage (sorry if you already addressed this)?

From my experience--teachers are stressed enough as it is and often have a number of kids that need special attention, whether it is because English is not their first language, they have some attention or learning issues, health concerns, come from a broken family, etc, etc, etc. I would give them just a short summary of anything that might be pertinent to his learning style. If he needs an IEP, then I would use the comprehensive report to get him services.

How do you determine how much is enough for retirement? How do you determine a health care plan? Husband is getting near and we have done some of the online calculators, but it still makes me nervous.

What are these 'leftovers' of which you speak?

Nothing beyond the incessant hum inside my head, deafening in the quiet of the morning.

I'm so very sorry. I would think the first thing to do would be get a lawyer.

Grandma used to serve pie suppers. She would have ham sandwiches on the side just in case anyone wanted one. I don't recall that anyone did.

Get bowls. Ham & beans. Chili. Cheap and filling.

Your kids are old enough to cook, clean, and paint the bedroom.

Put it in a large garbage bag, douse it with ammonia, close the bag securely and let it sit overnight.

We went camping this past weekend and my sisters and I were inspired to write a song. It's called "Ode to the Outhouse," or "Come and Sit by My Side if You Love Me," and is sung to the tune of Red River Valley: Do not shine the light down the potty You won't like what you see way down there For the source of the stench from those bodies Is enough to turn gray every hair So you must never shine the light down the potty There's some things in life that never should be What is there will tie your bowels into knotties And never again will you pee 'Tis the last time I breathe this foul air And I will not miss the pee on the floor But I'll miss all the bugs that I've met there And the spider that's guarding the door.

If, by standing by mutely, the other person could take that as an unspoken agreement to their bigoted remarks, then yes, I speak up. If they are spouting off to hear themselves talk, then probably no. I guess it depends on the circumstances.

My friend has identical twins who do not look alike. They look like sisters, but certainly not identical.

I'd first ditch the idea of sizes in women's clothing. A size 12 from years ago is way smaller than a size 12 today. Different brands, too, vary widely in sizes. Go by body fat and what looks good hanging on your bones, not necessarily what the scale says, either.

Poetic--maybe auto correct is right?

If this is a person you care about I would write her a letter telling her how much she has meant to you during your life.

I have heard that some places require a business license. Imagine that.

Back in the day, I got called down for missing 34 days. I had to help my mom on the farm. I got a stern lecture about how I wasn't going to be able to get into college. I only applied to one college (Purdue), applied late, and got accepted into their Engineering program. I guess being on the honor roll helped.

Can't speak for others, but there is absolutely no question that it is/would be harder for me. I don't have an empty nest yet, but already miss my oldest when he spends the night elsewhere--no, I am not a clingy mom, but I can torture myself with a picture of the future and how lonely my mom was (my dad died when we were young) when we all left. I am having empty nest feelings for my friends whose children have already left the nest.

I'm going to be 54. I do not have to work outside the home, but would if the need arises. We are still redoing much of the house and are doing the work ourselves. This alone will take the rest of our lives. Plus we live on 5 acres with fruit trees, chickens, and a large garden. I freeze, can, and cook from scratch. I also sew my own curtains and refinish furniture. Too dang busy for an outside job.

How often do you go in for brain scans?

Same here (husband mostly): he has his Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate in 4 different subject areas. I have a Bachelor's. We fully expected our kids to go to college. I am so glad we were wise enough to let our kids decide. And, yes, SparklyUnicorn, our son does hold a physically demanding job. However, I am certain more of us could do physically demanding jobs if it weren't looked down on by the "college only" sector. You, personally, being below average in size isn't such a good argument against such jobs. I'm 5'9", 140+, 53 years old, and am able to do physically demanding jobs. :001_smile:

"College is career training, unless you have a title at birth. And for the love of god, make money and don't try to be a professional helper. " There are other paths to career training that do not involve college and all the debt one racks up going to college. It is pretty narrow minded to insist that college is the only path for your children to be successful.

Much as you hate doctors I would insist on a recommendation for a specialist. Perhaps it is something you can do over the phone? Tumors can change/grow. What might be an easy surgery now can be vastly more complicated later (if surgery is an option). :grouphug: Been there with my sister--it's amazing what situation can become routine.