A small file cabinet that happens to have a lock could be a discreet way to keep a few things safe. I realize, though, that some dorms are too small for even a tiny addition. I have a fire proof safe that's designed to hold files. It's about the size of a banker box, but it weighs enough to make it difficult to move. It could be stashed in the closet or under a higher bed. I suppose it might attract unwanted attention. I agree not talking about the medicine is the best way to deter theft. As for cash there's no reason to keep more than what you need in your wallet. Debit and credit cards work everywhere and there's an ATM for cash emergencies.

It's not for me either. DD plays on her Kindle or my phone only in creative mode. She only plays on a PC with her older cousins. I can barely walk forward through whatever new structure she's built for me.

DD started playing when she was 6. She plays mostly in creative mode, though. Has your son tried that?

My father is now deceased. I still don't regret my choice to set boundaries. I planned his funeral alone. Only 3 people came for him: his best friend (He showed only twice in the dozen of hospital stays), his financial advisor, and his 2nd wife. Everyone else came to support me. Just because you are the only family and they are old does not automatically entitle a parent to anything. I realize my situation with an absent father is not the same as yours with a difficult mother-in-law. I just want to reassure you that you don't have to give up boundaries or face a lifetime of regrets. She can visit less often. Your husband can go to see her between trips. There are other options as travel becomes more difficult for her. She could relocate to an apartment in your city if she really needs help.

Your responsibility is to your own children. She could choose to behave in a way that would make her visits welcome and enjoyable. Maybe she's old and set in her ways now, but it's been 15+ years. That is just an excuse. She's chosen to put her own desires above the needs of her hostess and young grandchildren for all these years. You have no reason to feel guilty. You are saint for inviting her into your home again and again with no change in her behavior.

She's living with the consequences of her own behavior and choices. Why would you want to extend her trips when she's still so unpleasant? Your kids can't possibly enjoy the disruption and criticism any more than you do.

Another option is to use meat as more of a flavoring rather than leaving it out altogether. I use diced ham or bacon in 15 bean soup or egg dishes for example. (At least I did when I was single and cooking for myself.) I could leave the meat out, but it seems more satisfying even with just a sprinkle of meat. Using consistently less meat and more vegetables and starches might be an easier change. Just a thought if the meatless meals prove too big of a challenge for your family.

Mr Putter and Tabby and the new Amelia Bedelia early readers with Amelia as a child. Little Bear is another family favorite.

I've wore Clarks, Born, Ecco, and Keens, but I'm not sure any of them go up to 13 in women's. I'm an 11 N, and I usually top out the sizes and require a strap to make up for the width. Honestly, the Keens are just as ugly in womens as mens. The mens width may or may not be an issue for you. I love my Keens, but I use them for situations like Disney. For dress shoes you might be able to just use an insert or orthodic with your current shoes to get you through this. I know some people have ongoing issues, but you may recover quickly and fully. If your shoes need to be replaced anyway, though, now is the time to do it.

I developed it during my librarian days. I promptly switched to some decent shoes instead of my usual ballet flats. Keeping my foot flexed more often helped more than anything else. After about 6 months it went away. I can now go barefoot or wear crappy shoes again.

I grew up in the old school South. I received a copy of Emily Post's book as a gift from my aunt before leaving for college. It was not the only etiquette book I owned. There were local traditions for some occasions, but for the most part Emily Post was considered the most correct option. In my family, the aunts or great-aunts hosted baby and wedding showers because it was considered poor taste for the expectant parents or grandparents to do so. Sister-in-laws were acceptable hosts, but not sisters. Emily Post and Miss Manners didn't make up these rules. What they wrote reflected the norms at that time. Emily Post's guidelines have been revised over the years to reflect changes in accepted practices.

If the dinner is very late or an adult only thing I could see leaving young members of the wedding party out. If the kids aren't invited, there's no reason to invite their parental chaperones. My family always has child friendly events, but that's not true for everyone.

I was taught the rehearsal dinner included: 1. wedding party and their significant others, 2. parents, siblings, and adult children of the bride and groom, and 3. out-of-town guests. Here's the more official word for what it's worth. Emily Post http://www.emilypost.com/weddings/planning-your-wedding/460-the-rehearsal-dinner Miss Manners https://books.google.com/books?id=Q348PWE1p6MC&pg=PA378&lpg=PA378&dq=miss+manners+wedding+rehearsal+dinner&source=bl&ots=LDhCMT2Jni&sig=X1nKNCBsDAErlm46OvXTn_KppmU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CCoQ6AEwA2oVChMIj_Lyy56TxgIVAS2MCh07PQou#v=onepage&q=miss%20manners%20wedding%20rehearsal%20dinner&f=false

I bought Math Mammoth gold to use for extra practice. I think the download version also has a practice problem generator. Would it be possible to use this for additional review?

I got A's for college piano if my performance during my lesson indicated I'd practiced during the week. It was completely subjective. In middle school and high school band I got A's for showing up, paying attention, and performing in a way that indicated I'd practiced. I don't recall any tests and A's were pretty common for anyone who followed the rules.