Let the Prom Drama begin....Like Aurora, her dress keeps changing

[mamacatnv]

Prom is over (great success) , funeral is over (things went fine), and we are back home now. I haven't cleaned out the car yet or done the laundry, but I'll get to it eventually today. It's more fun to type right now.

So glad you are home and that everything went well.

Which wasn't supposed to happen. The pictures were supposed to be taken at "M"'s house, who was one of the girls that was riding in the limo.

We all ended up with some sort of picture issues

Well, "M" and her boyfriend BROKE UP on Thursday morning before Saturday's prom!!! Great. Just great. Well, boyfriend is a distant friend of DS's, and he was the one that paid for the limo, and fortunately he asked another girl on Thursday night and she accepted (yes!) so we still had 6 kids for the limo. Crisis averted.

Yikes

It's not as much fun to "dress" a boy - you don't have the hair and nail thing going on and he doesn't want me in the bathroom when he's doing his "primping". But, he did look VERY handsome in his tux (black with black vest and black bow tie). Girlfriend got here about 5 minutes before the others. She looked beautiful - she is Japanese-American with gorgeous dark hair and eyes, and she wore a strapless black dress with silver sequins sewn in rows around the top of her dress (her mother put them on the dress).

They looked fabulous! Yes, we Mothers of boys get robbed in the preparation process

it starts to POUR. Oh well, so much for any "limo pictures" this year. There is a mad scramble for umbrellas for the couples The kids hug us goodbye and make a mad dash for the limo. DH does run out with them and grabs a few shots of the kids in the limo, so we did get SOMETHING.

I bet it was a huge relief knowing the kids were not driving in those weather conditions and they will all have something to laugh about in the years to come

DS had a wonderful time at the prom. In fact, he told me that it was one of the best nights of his life. Which is a wonderful thing for a parent to hear. They went to Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for dinner in south Denver. DS had crab legs, which is his absolute favorite thing in the world. He was so proud of himself that he didn't spill a SINGLE drop of butter on his tux or shirt! Girlfriend made a "bib" for him, so that helped.

at the butter bib and so glad he had a great time!

As for the funeral, things went fine. The hardest part for DH was the actual visitation that evening when we first got there, which I completely understand because it really drives home the fact that he's "gone". My dad died when I was 9 and my mom when I was 30 so I detest funerals and I don't go anywhere near the body in the casket, although I know some people need that "closure". (I hope I don't offend anybody who reads this). It was sad and yet healing at the same time. Makes you think about your own mortality (hope I'm not being too morbid). DH's nephew is getting married in July, so we're looking forward to going back for a HAPPY reason then.

Years ago my DH's baby sister died at 19 from Juvenile Diabetes, it was just awful and other than my Grandmother when I was 15 it was the first real death I had had to deal with. I am a firm believer that we all do what we can and handle things differently, that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. We flew to NH for all the services which took place on a Wed/Thur we were then back in the same church for his step brothers wedding on Saturday. We had not planned on attending the wedding and my Brother in Law offered to call it off and reschedule but my MIL felt we all needed to have some Happy memories to end the week with. 15 years later, we all still agree that it was a good decision.

I am so glad that things went well with the prom and that your DS had the time of his life.

Thanks for the wonderful review!

 

[mamacatnv]

Okay, I am SO proud of myself!!!

I posted a picture of DS and Girlfriend!!

For your viewing pleasure . . .

I think they make a handsome couple, if I do say so myself. The portrait on the mantel over DS's right shoulder is his baby picture when he was just under one!

The neckline on her dress is beautiful and so flattering! Very handsome couple. Love the baby pix in the background!

 

[mamacatnv]

Horseshowmom:
Congrats on the 4.0 and the looking at engagement rings . BF sounds wonderful. My DH told me after we were dating a week that he was going to marry me and we were going to have beautiful children. We got married a year and a half later and will be married 20 years this November. Is your DD in Med school? My DS wants to go to med school for emergency/trauma medicine, but he is not a driven achieving type kid and I just don't know how he is going to pull it off. His current GPA is a 3.25 (unweighted) he did take 4 A/P classes this year and is taking a couple next year, so we shall see. I am very curious about his SAT/ACT scores.

Pam:
Sounds like Mom just doesn't get it, I have no advice other than bite tongue (or maybe not) depending on the situation and - Sandy, pass Pam the bottle of wine please, with the straw...................

Sandy:
I know about falling off of the WW wagon - I have not lost or gained anything in a month nor have I been to a meeting due to DD's softball games and my overall unenthusiasm. I am a long way away from where I want to be, but I just don't have the energy to put into it right now. We leave for our TX vacation in 2 months, I had better get my act together! Dieting sucks - I actually asked My freaky Father why he gave me the smarts & big chest gene but not the skinny gene

Senior Pix - Again, I am convinced that we are just a little backwards here, I have seen no paperwork or advertisements yet. I know many kids who do a photo spread and I know we will also, just not sure who with or when. Several of my friends have dropped $500-$1000.

I know that the yearbook photos will be done in Aug and we are crossing our fingers that DS's braces will be off in time (they should be, and for almost 6K I think it is the least his orthodontist could do since he assured me they would be )

My next project is DS Sr. page in the yearbook. I am going to do one on just him and several of us Moms are going to do one with a collage of the pictures we have taken of the various activities over the years. The 5th grade trip to the childrens museum in Carson City where all the boys decided to play dress up with the ladies clothing (complete with wigs, hats and balloons in all the right places ) will be the center piece of the collage! We have been saving those pix for years and can't wait to make them "public"

HorseShowMom's DD and BF made me think of this....
Do you guys worry about your kid's significant others? Sometimes, I am just petrified that DS is going to lose his head and bring home hoochie Mama or something comparable that is going to just make me cringe or worse, express my true opinion

Aha, I am all caught up and now all you early birds or later time zone gals have something to read while ejoying your morning coffee I'll catch up with you all when I get into the office................

Have a great morning
Melissa

 

[Sandy V.]

Sandy:
I know about falling off of the WW wagon - I have not lost or gained anything in a month nor have I been to a meeting due to DD's softball games and my overall unenthusiasm. I am a long way away from where I want to be, but I just don't have the energy to put into it right now. We leave for our TX vacation in 2 months, I had better get my act together! Dieting sucks - I actually asked My freaky Father why he gave me the smarts & big chest gene but not the skinny gene

Senior Pix - Again, I am convinced that we are just a little backwards here, I have seen no paperwork or advertisements yet. I know many kids who do a photo spread and I know we will also, just not sure who with or when. Several of my friends have dropped $500-$1000.

I know that the yearbook photos will be done in Aug and we are crossing our fingers that DS's braces will be off in time (they should be, and for almost 6K I think it is the least his orthodontist could do since he assured me they would be )

My next project is DS Sr. page in the yearbook. I am going to do one on just him and several of us Moms are going to do one with a collage of the pictures we have taken of the various activities over the years. The 5th grade trip to the childrens museum in Carson City where all the boys decided to play dress up with the ladies clothing (complete with wigs, hats and balloons in all the right places ) will be the center piece of the collage! We have been saving those pix for years and can't wait to make them "public"

HorseShowMom's DD and BF made me think of this....
Do you guys worry about your kid's significant others? Sometimes, I am just petrified that DS is going to lose his head and bring home hoochie Mama or something comparable that is going to just make me cringe or worse, express my true opinion

Aha, I am all caught up and now all you early birds or later time zone gals have something to read while ejoying your morning coffee I'll catch up with you all when I get into the office................

Have a great morning
Melissa

Well, you certainly were busy, Melissa. Glad to have you back.

Yeah, I have a college reunion in October - that's my main motivation (other than overall health and better looks ) for losing weight. Just have to kick myself in the rear and get back on THAT horse again.

Your yearbook photo ideas sound like so much fun. I wish we did something like that. As parents, we can buy 1/4 of a page for an "advertisement" for our kid and put pictures and a message. Yours sounds so much better. I can just imagine the Carson City shots - how funny!!

Yes, I am initially very suspicious of the boyfriends/girlfriends my kids have brought home. I never say anything to them about it, as my fears have always been unfounded (thus far - fingers crossed). They have turned out to be really great kids. DD and her boyfriend have been dating so long I just consider him to be another one of MY kids. If they ever do break up, it will be very weird. DS's girlfriend is pretty new on the scene, but she won some points with her text message to DS on our trip back for the funeral and with the brownies she sent over the other day.

Almost forgot to say thanks, Melissa, for the compliments about the prom photo. It took me a while to figure out how to post it, so I was thrilled when it actually appeared!! DS and I are two peas in a pod, personality-wise, while DD and DH are very much alike.

Well, back to work. Will write more later. I hope that everyone is having a good day.

 

[horseshowmom]

Horseshowmom:
Congrats on the 4.0 and the looking at engagement rings . BF sounds wonderful. My DH told me after we were dating a week that he was going to marry me and we were going to have beautiful children. We got married a year and a half later and will be married 20 years this November. Is your DD in Med school? My DS wants to go to med school for emergency/trauma medicine, but he is not a driven achieving type kid and I just don't know how he is going to pull it off. His current GPA is a 3.25 (unweighted) he did take 4 A/P classes this year and is taking a couple next year, so we shall see. I am very curious about his SAT/ACT scores.

DD is in pharmacy school. She actually considered orthopedic surgery (absolutely adores Biology), but she decided that she didn't want to go to school that long or work that hard after she got out. She decided she wasn't cut out for that (and she's right ). She's mainly interested in the money , and pharmacy was a nice compromise. She knows she's high maintenance (serious horse showing is NOT cheap). Fortunately, she's an honest child - even with herself!

DD said that it's interesting that the first semester of school you have a huge number of freshmen who are pre-med or pre-pharm majors. Then the second semester, most of them switch to business.

As far as your son goes, if he wants it, I hope he's able to make it. I know it's a lot of work, but it would also be very rewarding. ER/trauma doctors are certainly like angels on earth if you need one.

Since we homeschooled, DD never had access to A/P classes. I'm sure they'll be a plus for your son!

Sandy:
I know about falling off of the WW wagon

I've been thinking of WW myself. I sure do need to lose weight!

I know that the yearbook photos will be done in Aug and we are crossing our fingers that DS's braces will be off in time (they should be, and for almost 6K I think it is the least his orthodontist could do since he assured me they would be )

$6K! That sure makes me glad we didn't have to do braces. They had said we might when she was little, but it worked out (thank goodness!).

My next project is DS Sr. page in the yearbook. I am going to do one on just him and several of us Moms are going to do one with a collage of the pictures we have taken of the various activities over the years. The 5th grade trip to the childrens museum in Carson City where all the boys decided to play dress up with the ladies clothing (complete with wigs, hats and balloons in all the right places ) will be the center piece of the collage! We have been saving those pix for years and can't wait to make them "public"

I LOVE the dress up pictures! They will be so cute, and the kids will love them too.

HorseShowMom's DD and BF made me think of this....
Do you guys worry about your kid's significant others? Sometimes, I am just petrified that DS is going to lose his head and bring home hoochie Mama or something comparable that is going to just make me cringe or worse, express my true opinion

Oh yeah, that crosses everybody's mind! We had some issues ourselves last spring that I posted about. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1061341 You may have read about it then. Fortunately, everything worked out (insert huge sigh of relief!).

I honestly think the relationship we've always had is what made the difference (when you horseshow, you spend a LOT of time involved together). She knew that everything we've ever done was with her best interest at heart and that we've always bent over backwards to be fair no matter what the situation. I'm sure that the relationship you have with your son will carry him through too!

 

[mamacatnv]

Hey girls - just seeing what you all are up too.

Discovered a new Martini this weekend - Key Lime Pie

My friend had one at the Tommy Bahama restaurant in Orlando a couple of weeks back and we made a decent attempt at a recreation! Graham cracker crumbs are on the rim, this thing was more dessert than drink, but dessert with a punch! Now I am on the hunt to find the "real" ingredients;

Ke Ke Beach (lime liquor)
Licor 43 (unknown)

That be about it - hope all is well with you all........Catch up when you have a minute

Melissa

 

[Sandy V.]

Good Afternoon, everyone. I hope you're all having a good day.

Melissa, the Key Lime Martini sounds great. DD 19 is attending bartending school this week (this is her long-term plan to get a job that she can work this summer and in college to help pay for groceries and "fun"). I'll have to let her know about this drink. Yesterday was the first class, and she learned a lot. Yes, she's only 19, but she can still be a bartender (at least in Colorado). You have to be 21 if the establishment doesn't serve food (which, around here, is rare).

DS is finishing up finals tomorrow. He's got German III and Pre-Calculus on the agenda so I know he'll be happy to have them done!! Better him than me.

Both kids have purchased tickets to Thursday's midnight showing of the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. They've still got that youthful energy, which DH and I are yawning at 10 p.m., if not earlier.

Post when you can, folks!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Hello, everybody! I'm out of town for the week at a conference. I had actually been looking forward to it (which is unusual ), because DD was going to be coming with me to keep me company.

Alas, the best laid plans of mice and men...

We've got something at church that she needs to be there for Wednesday night, DH wanted her to help him with grading his final exams on Wednesday and Thursday (his regular tests are scanned, but the final exam is much more comprehensive and isn't easily put into a scanned format). She gets to work for me during the summer, and since I'm not there, he wanted to "borrow" her. Lastly, BF's little brother graduates Thursday night, and he really wanted her to be there.

Oh well, it could be a lot worse!

 

[Sandy V.]

Have fun at your conference, Horseshowmom, and have a safe journey there and back.

 

[horseshowmom]

Have fun at your conference, Horseshowmom, and have a safe journey there and back.

Thank you, ma'am!

You know, it is kind of nice and quiet, and I can eat whatever I want to and watch whatever I want to on TV. I just have to cross my fingers that DD doesn't choke the Chihuahua before I get home (they have a minor personality conflict - both of them thing they're the boss!)

 

[Sandy V.]

You know, it is kind of nice and quiet, and I can eat whatever I want to and watch whatever I want to on TV. I just have to cross my fingers that DD doesn't choke the Chihuahua before I get home (they have a minor personality conflict - both of them thing they're the boss!)

I used to feel that way when I went out of town on a business trip and I left my teenagers with their dad!!

Our dog is in "the doghouse" right now. Two nights ago, DH went to the back door and called her to come in for bed. No response. I went to the front door and called as well. We got nervous because of all of the "critters" out there. Well, DH stepped out on the back deck and there Tundra was, chomping on some goodie she found. DH was NOT pleased about her ignoring us, so she got gently, but firmly, pulled into the house with DH's hand grasping the scruff of Tundra's neck! Every once in a while you've got to prove again to the Norwegian Elkhound that you're the boss or they'll just assume that the job is theirs.

 

[mamacatnv]

Hello, everybody! I'm out of town for the week at a conference. I had actually been looking forward to it (which is unusual ), because DD was going to be coming with me to keep me company.

Alas, the best laid plans of mice and men...

We've got something at church that she needs to be there for Wednesday night, DH wanted her to help him with grading his final exams on Wednesday and Thursday (his regular tests are scanned, but the final exam is much more comprehensive and isn't easily put into a scanned format). She gets to work for me during the summer, and since I'm not there, he wanted to "borrow" her. Lastly, BF's little brother graduates Thursday night, and he really wanted her to be there.

Oh well, it could be a lot worse!

You mean you have an entire hotel room to yourself? Oh, the decadance

 

[mamacatnv]

I just have to cross my fingers that DD doesn't choke the Chihuahua before I get home (they have a minor personality conflict - both of them thing they're the boss!)

Every once in a while you've got to prove again to the Norwegian Elkhound that you're the boss or they'll just assume that the job is theirs

Chihuahua or Elkhound - just like kids, doesn't matter the size we have to remind them every once in awhile who is boss!
Sounds like my DH and our cat Baxter. Baxter likes to sleep in DH's recliner and then will hiss and snarl if DH tries to move him. It is funny until poor Baxter gets tossed!

 

[mamacatnv]

DS is finishing up finals tomorrow. He's got German III and Pre-Calculus on the agenda so I know he'll be happy to have them done!! Better him than me.

Both kids have purchased tickets to Thursday's midnight showing of the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. They've still got that youthful energy, which DH and I are yawning at 10 p.m., if not earlier.

Post when you can, folks!!!

The end of the school year is soooo stressful and I don't know about your son but mine is "done" even tho he has a couple of weeks to go.
He has finals in all his classes coming up (A/P Chem and A/P English are his worries), ACT & the NATS Combine test, a Lifting competition for Football this week, he is also coaching the Jr. girls Powder Puff Team (I personally think his Coach recommended him because Coach couldn't stand the thought of him in a cheer outfit)

How fun your kids are going to Pirates at Midnight! I'm with you Sandy, there is no way I would make it and I am somewhat of a night-owl. My DD can hardly wait, she loves the Pirates Movies and it is on the list of things to do this weekend to escape my DH who will be home recovering from his surgery (that is if we haven't killed him by the weekend )"Honest officer, I thought the RX said to give him the whole bottle not 1 PILL every 4 hours, oops!"

I used to feel that way when I went out of town on a business trip and I left my teenagers with their dad!!

The teen does okay in our house, but the 8 yr. old has been known to call me in tears because Daddy dressed her and she doesn't match!

 

[mamacatnv]

You ladies take care - Especially you Pam with you Mom

I will be tied up with DH most of tomorrow (send vodka, I think I am going to need it) whoever came up with the idea of out patient surgery should be shot.
I am a spouse, not a nurse! I think the hospital should have to put up with him not me, afterall for thousands of dollars I think it is the least they could do

Horseshowmom: Safe Travels

Sandy: Good luck with the finals and the Elkhound!

Melissa

 

[horseshowmom]

Well, DH stepped out on the back deck and there Tundra was, chomping on some goodie she found. DH was NOT pleased about her ignoring us, so she got gently, but firmly, pulled into the house with DH's hand grasping the scruff of Tundra's neck! Every once in a while you've got to prove again to the Norwegian Elkhound that you're the boss or they'll just assume that the job is theirs.

Well, I'm afraid the Chihuahua has the same issue (but a lot more frequently than your baby)...

He's black, so that makes him hard to see at night. Sometimes he'll stand just out of sight in the dark while I'm 10 feet from him screaming his name.

Since he WILL sometimes slip off if he gets the chance, I try to keep an eye on him, but he has to take the "grand tour" to take care of his business (can't just go outside and come back in like every other dog I've ever had! ). If he's out of sight very long, I go in and get our bullhorn to call him. Yes, you might be a redneck if....

 

[horseshowmom]

You mean you have an entire hotel room to yourself? Oh, the decadance

Ohhh, better than that. It's a suite, so I've got a kitchen, living room, and a bedroom to spread out in. The hotel has a wonderful hot breakfast, so I can go eat before I get dressed (I never fail to drop things on myself when I'm the most dressed ). And the best part of all is that the maid will come in everyday and clean everything back up for me!

I will be tied up with DH most of tomorrow (send vodka, I think I am going to need it) whoever came up with the idea of out patient surgery should be shot.
I am a spouse, not a nurse! I think the hospital should have to put up with him not me, afterall for thousands of dollars I think it is the least they could do

I sooo agree about the out patient surgery thing. It really annoys me. Good luck with your husband, and if worst comes to worst (and he actually winds up being given that whole bottle "by accident" ), we'll send Sandy V. to represent you!

 

[Sandy V.]

Good Morning to Everyone.

Melissa, I hope that your DH's surgery went well and that you didn't kill him or give him too much of the drugs to keep him quiet.

Horseshowmom, I'm pretty sure you're not around to read this, but I hope that you've having a wonderfully relaxing time at your conference. Your hotel situation sounds wonderful.

Pam, I've been thinking about you and I hope that everything is going smoothly with your parents. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that they aren't (I hope I'm wrong, though).

Not much to report on the Colorado front except that we had SNOW last night. On the last day of school, for Pete's sake!!! It was only about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch, but I am so sick of snow that I can't stand it - this was an usual year. Fortunately, today is going to average at least 10 degrees warmer so it will all be gone by mid-morning.

Tundra is back to being "somewhat" obedient. Until the next time.

DS is so glad to be done with school. He was very "chatty" at dinner last night, which is very unusual for our 17 year old. He got a 99% on his Pre-Calculus final, so we were very proud of him for that (I am definitely NOT blessed with the math gene). Still awaiting all of his grades, but he's done great so far with what we have seen. I just want to know NOW - I am not a patient person. DS and girlfriend are running to Walmart today to buy "Pirate" stuff for the movie premiere tonight. Silly kids.

DD and boyfriend are going to Pirates as well after she finishes bartending school tonight. Tomorrow is her "final" exam. She's learned a lot and has been practicing her "flash cards" with drink recipes on them (yes, they DO exist; the bartending school sells them ).

Still trying to figure out what we're doing this weekend. There's an arts . festival in Colorado Springs that we'll probably attend on Saturday or Sunday, and we may go to Boulder on Monday for a benefit concert for Habitat for Humanity. Hoping for good weather and NO snow!!

Check in when you can folks and have a great day!!!

 

[mamacatnv]

Well, I'm afraid the Chihuahua has the same issue (but a lot more frequently than your baby)...

He's black, so that makes him hard to see at night. Sometimes he'll stand just out of sight in the dark while I'm 10 feet from him screaming his name.

Since he WILL sometimes slip off if he gets the chance, I try to keep an eye on him, but he has to take the "grand tour" to take care of his business (can't just go outside and come back in like every other dog I've ever had! ). If he's out of sight very long, I go in and get our bullhorn to call him. Yes, you might be a redneck if....

Pets! Just like my fat cat has to sit up, lay down, sit up, lay down on his edge of my pillow a dozen times when I am trying to go to sleep.

 

[mamacatnv]

Ohhh, better than that. It's a suite, so I've got a kitchen, living room, and a bedroom to spread out in. The hotel has a wonderful hot breakfast, so I can go eat before I get dressed (I never fail to drop things on myself when I'm the most dressed ). And the best part of all is that the maid will come in everyday and clean everything back up for me!

I'm so jealous!

I sooo agree about the out patient surgery thing. It really annoys me. Good luck with your husband, and if worst comes to worst (and he actually winds up being given that whole bottle "by accident" ), we'll send Sandy V. to represent you!

Good news, I won't be needing Sandy's services just yet

All went well with DH's surgery - When the anesthesiologist came in to give him his "cocktail" into his IV, she and I along with Mr. Surgical Nurse (who was very handsome BTW) started talking about cocktails. We were swapping martini recipes and DH was just laying there with that "hello, I'm still here look!"

We were at the hospital longer than I would have liked but his blood pressure was really low and every time he sat up he turned gray and his eyes started to roll around in his head

They finally got him stable and I brought him home, got him settled (ran to pharmacy & store, stopped at highschool with Bananas & Gatorade for DS who woke up that morning puking since he didn't get the bug the week before, I think he was feeling left out ) then had to leave to go to DD's softball game.

Now, could DH do as he was told? "eat lite today: crackers, broth, jello, toast, juice etc" Oh NO that would have been too easy.

I leave him alone for 2 hours and walk into my house exhausted & hungry to the smell of vomit. The idiot had decided that he wanted a chocolate covered ice cream bar and then had proceeded to yack it up! Serves him right. (It was more likely the effects of the anesthesia, but still!)

Fortunately, he did make it into the bowl I left for him but the bowl was awaiting my return I looked at the bowl, looked at DS who promptly said "ummmm, I gotta go clean the cat boxes" and disappeared down the hall faster than I could blink. So, I gag and choke my way to the toilet with the bowl, cursing DH the whole way and muttering things like "you are lucky I love you, you are so lucky we don't own any firearms, you are never getting IT again"

I have had almost no sleep and have been running around like an idiot but he is doing really well and since I have diligently kept him on a 3 hour pain med rotation he has not been super uncomfortable. I knew it was bad, when at 3 this morning I was eating cold chow mein! It's like having a baby again, in no time at all my schedule has gone to heck but I will catch up over the weekend. Oh, and forget WW for this week, I had Hostess Snow Balls for dinner (at least I think it was dinner ) last night.

Oh, I almost forgot, you guys will love this - I discovered one of those EKG patches on DH, just under his armpit. I'm thinking the nurse left it there for me to REMOVE when I feel the time has come for DH to suck it up and get his own glass of juice!

Tonight DS is the coach for the Jr. girls Powder Puff team - they are taking on the Sr. girls. Should be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to it!.

Sandy: Snow! Yikes, it was pretty cool here earlier in the week, but I am glad to report warmer weather is headed your way! Congrats to your DS on his finals! Did everyone like Pirates? We are going to try and make it to the show on Monday.

That is my update - hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing weekend - the snoring sound coming out of the West will most likely be me!

Pam: Thinking about you