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

[Sandy V.]

Part of me thinks that DS's determination to now stay at the local univ. has to do with the GF and I am not so sure that is a good idea. I hope he is thinking past it, but I am not convinced that he is.

Melissa, I forget - is the GF a high school senior as well? What are her plans for after high school graduation? You're probably right - they're in that "lovebird" stage. I remember when DD and her boyfriend were both applying to colleges, each all over the country. They were pretty convinced that even if they were going to go to the same school, they were going to break up, because it "made sense". Well, both went to CU-Boulder and they're STILL together.

DS is playing the field here as far as girls go. No real leader at the moment. We have a Snowball Dance in February, and I think he's weighing his options.

I would come to your Super Bowl party, but darn it, this is another year where I have no dog in the Super Bowl fight. Without the Packers in it, if I come to the party all I would do is sit by the chips and dip bowl and EAT!!

Sheila, you have my admiration for doing your absolute best to handle your situation with grace. I can't believe the extent to which this new guy is "cleaning house." Sounds to me like he's throwing the baby out with the bath water. I think that all of this HAS to come back and bite him in the butt eventually.

Have a good day, ladies. It's nice and sunny here. Lots of snow still on the ground, but hey, welcome to winter in Colorado!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Melissa, I forget - is the GF a high school senior as well? What are her plans for after high school graduation? You're probably right - they're in that "lovebird" stage. I remember when DD and her boyfriend were both applying to colleges, each all over the country. They were pretty convinced that even if they were going to go to the same school, they were going to break up, because it "made sense". Well, both went to CU-Boulder and they're STILL together.

It really sounds like they both have a good head on their shoulders. At one time (a long time ago), I was concerned about DD and DFi having been together so long, probably because I was never that way. I dated lots of guys but nobody for a really long time (not over a few months), so I was afraid she might regret not dating a lot of other guys (although she has dated some other guys). I've since changed my perspective.

I have a good friend whose DD and BF broke up when they went to college. The family loved the boy, but DD thought it made more sense to date other people when they got to college (even though he didn't really want to break up). Well, they went to the same college, and sure enough, he did date other people - quite a few other people. My friend said that her DD wasn't too happy with how things worked out, but they never got back together (stayed good friends though).

After Andrea graduated, she was in Italy for a year with Campus Crusade and got a letter from him saying that he was going to call her at a specific time. She told her mother that she just knew he was calling to tell her that he was going to marry the girl he was dating when she left for Italy. She was wrong, he was calling to tell her that when she got back, he would really like for them to try again being together. He missed her and nobody had been the same since they broke up. They were engaged very quickly after she got back and are married now (over a year). It was so sweet!

DS is playing the field here as far as girls go. No real leader at the moment. We have a Snowball Dance in February, and I think he's weighing his options.

Keep us updated on how it goes!

I would come to your Super Bowl party, but darn it, this is another year where I have no dog in the Super Bowl fight. Without the Packers in it, if I come to the party all I would do is sit by the chips and dip bowl and EAT!!

So far, I've lost 11 lbs (but I've got a long way to go! ).

Sheila, you have my admiration for doing your absolute best to handle your situation with grace. I can't believe the extent to which this new guy is "cleaning house." Sounds to me like he's throwing the baby out with the bath water. I think that all of this HAS to come back and bite him in the butt eventually.

I think it will too, but it's going to be a long 4 years (if we make it that long).

Have a good day, ladies. It's nice and sunny here. Lots of snow still on the ground, but hey, welcome to winter in Colorado!!

I love snow. It's funny to watch our animals in it when we get it on the rare occasion. They are all amazed!

 

[Sandy V.]

It really sounds like they both have a good head on their shoulders. At one time (a long time ago), I was concerned about DD and DFi having been together so long, probably because I was never that way. I dated lots of guys but nobody for a really long time (not over a few months), so I was afraid she might regret not dating a lot of other guys (although she has dated some other guys). I've since changed my perspective.

We really like DD's boyfriend and who knows what will happen down the road. We like his parents and his brother as well. However, this is the only boy she's ever dated, and you just wonder if she's going to be happy with that fact in the long term. But, it's HER choice, so DH and I keep our mouths shut and our noses out of her business. One of the best things we can say about the boyfriend is that he treats DD very well. That's so important and a great indicator about his character!!! Both are planning on studying abroad next spring (DD in Australia, Boyfriend in Madagascar). That should be a telling experience as to the strength of the relationship.

So far, I've lost 11 lbs (but I've got a long way to go! ).

I need to start exercising again. I have back slid big time!!

I love snow. It's funny to watch our animals in it when we get it on the rare occasion. They are all amazed!

Tundra goes out on the deck and ROLLS in it. She loves it for awhile, then she wants to come in and snooze on the family room floor.

 

[horseshowmom]

Both are planning on studying abroad next spring (DD in Australia, Boyfriend in Madagascar).

WOW!!! Very cool and what a great experience!

 

[mamacatnv]

Well, I love finger foods! (BTW, I doubt very seriously that the Giants have even a remote shot of beating the Pats! )

That is the hope of my boys - they have their Jerseys all ready to go!

He has "assigned" her to this "task" (one of his favorite words). I talked to the former Bus. Manager this afternoon and talked about spending time this morning trying to straighten out the issues with the budget. Since we're friends, she offered to talk the other person through it.

So, he fires the Bus. Mngr then assigns her duties to someone who is clueless.

I told her that she still hadn't fully grasped what "fired" means and that under NO circumstances was she to help in any way (even if it is me). If we don't get it straight, I'll tell whomever inquires about it that we did the best we could considering the fact that the bus. man. was fired with no warning!
Several things came up today that she usually handles. Guess what? They aren't being handled now. Sorry, not a problem that I caused.

Idiot made the bed, now he has to lay in it it. At some point idiot needs to be accountable for his actions - Good attitude to have

Melissa, I forget - is the GF a high school senior as well? What are her plans for after high school graduation? You're probably right - they're in that "lovebird" stage.

GF is only a Junior.

DS is playing the field here as far as girls go. No real leader at the moment. We have a Snowball Dance in February, and I think he's weighing his options.

Somehow I am not surprised

All I would do is sit by the chips and dip bowl and EAT!!

I only watch for the commercials! This is no ordinary game! There are no regular "chips".........This is the one event a year where me and a couple of our friends all indulge in our favorites that we don't eat any other time due to calories or kids/spouses who don't like etc....We have brie, hummus, spinach dip and asst. breads, chili cheese dip and home made tortilla chips, 5 spice oriental chicken wings (my famous recipe) tostada shrimp, bacon wrapped pineapple and some sort of ribs. My DH complains that he just wants pretzels and rootbeer(He has no class!) So, I bought him those fancy "flat" pretzels. Have you seen them? They are shaped like 8's and come in a variety of flavors (they hold dip really well.) I like the sea salt and black pepper. DH was not impressed!

Sheila, you have my admiration for doing your absolute best to handle your situation with grace. I can't believe the extent to which this new guy is "cleaning house."Sounds to me like he's throwing the baby out with the bath water. I think that all of this HAS to come back and bite him in the butt eventually.

I totally agree and hope it is sooner rather than later!

It really sounds like they both have a good head on their shoulders. At one time (a long time ago), I was concerned about DD and DFi having been together so long, probably because I was never that way. I dated lots of guys but nobody for a really long time (not over a few months), so I was afraid she might regret not dating a lot of other guys (although she has dated some other guys). I've since changed my perspective.

I read an article in some "preparing for college" magazine recently that said the first thing all Freshman should do is dump their high schools BF/GF's so that they do not limit their possibilites or hinder their socializing. I read it to DS (couple months back, before GF was a surgically attached appendage) he grunted. This is the first GF for DS and they are always together or on the phone.....We keep our mouths shut and stay out of it.

So far, I've lost 11 lbs (but I've got a long way to go! ).

See what a nice friend I was, I took on your 11 pounds over the holidays Congrats, losing weight is soooo hard. Why could I not have been blessed with a skinny gene!

I love snow. It's funny to watch our animals in it when we get it on the rare occasion. They are all amazed!

That made me smile. When we first moved here 15 years ago from Los Angeles our city kitties were so disgusted with the snow. They got it up their noses, stuck between their paws and more than once all we saw out the back door was the tip of a very annoyed tail from a kitty who thought the snow was a solid surface they could walk on!

Both are planning on studying abroad next spring (DD in Australia, Boyfriend in Madagascar). That should be a telling experience as to the strength of the relationship.

Oh how exciting! Madagascar, how exotic. I want to go.... What does one study in Madagascar? (all I picture is the animals from the movie )

I need to start exercising again. I have back slid big time!!

My best friend repossessed her treadmill that had been in my bedroom for the past year and a half. (we borrowed it to prep for WDW) She asked if we used it and I said, "Why, do you need a clothes tree? because that is all it is" she laughed.......I was over there yesterday and sure enough it was under the spare pillows and throw blankets.............

Tundra goes out on the deck and ROLLS in it. She loves it for awhile, then she wants to come in and snooze on the family room floor.

I bet that is a sight! To say nothing of a little soggy when she gets in.
DS's girlfriend says her horses will paw the snow out of the way to roll in the dirt underneath!

I am finalizing up the plans for the road trip in June when my In-laws come to visit for 2 weeks
The day after DS's grad. party we are hitting the road. (They arrive on a Wed, the graduation is Saturday, the party on Sunday and we are bailing on Monday)

Day 1: Drive 200 miles to Weed, Ca (near Shasta) where we will spend the night
Day 2: Drive 200 miles to Crescent City, Ca (N. Coast at the Oregon state line)
Day 2-7: I have rented a beach house and we will be exploring the beaches, Redwoods & Rogue River etc...
Day 8:Return via Grants Pass Or. to go visit the "Mystery Spot Oregon Vortex" and to take a jetboat ride thru HellsGate Gorge on the Rogue River, continue to Weed and again spend the night.
Day 9: Drive back to Reno, slow down at the airport, kick inlaws out of the car (after 9 days, I will want to, heck after 9 hours.........) and send them home

I guess I had better go get some work done.......You ladies have a great day

 

[Sandy V.]

I only watch for the commercials! This is no ordinary game! There are no regular "chips".........This is the one event a year where me and a couple of our friends all indulge in our favorites that we don't eat any other time due to calories or kids/spouses who don't like etc....We have brie, hummus, spinach dip and asst. breads, chili cheese dip and home made tortilla chips, 5 spice oriental chicken wings (my famous recipe) tostada shrimp, bacon wrapped pineapple and some sort of ribs. My DH complains that he just wants pretzels and rootbeer(He has no class!) So, I bought him those fancy "flat" pretzels. Have you seen them? They are shaped like 8's and come in a variety of flavors (they hold dip really well.) I like the sea salt and black pepper. DH was not impressed!

Yum, all right - I'm coming to YOUR house!!

Oh how exciting! Madagascar, how exotic. I want to go.... What does one study in Madagascar? (all I picture is the animals from the movie )

Boyfriend's major (at least one of them) is in the Biology area, and there are lots of animals and plants to study there!!

My best friend repossessed her treadmill that had been in my bedroom for the past year and a half. (we borrowed it to prep for WDW) She asked if we used it and I said, "Why, do you need a clothes tree? because that is all it is" she laughed.......I was over there yesterday and sure enough it was under the spare pillows and throw blankets.............

Mine is downstairs in the basement so it hasn't turned into a clothes tree just yet, but it IS collecting dust!!!

I am finalizing up the plans for the road trip in June when my In-laws come to visit for 2 weeks
The day after DS's grad. party we are hitting the road. (They arrive on a Wed, the graduation is Saturday, the party on Sunday and we are bailing on Monday)

Day 1: Drive 200 miles to Weed, Ca (near Shasta) where we will spend the night
Day 2: Drive 200 miles to Crescent City, Ca (N. Coast at the Oregon state line)
Day 2-7: I have rented a beach house and we will be exploring the beaches, Redwoods & Rogue River etc...
Day 8:Return via Grants Pass Or. to go visit the "Mystery Spot Oregon Vortex" and to take a jetboat ride thru HellsGate Gorge on the Rogue River, continue to Weed and again spend the night.
Day 9: Drive back to Reno, slow down at the airport, kick inlaws out of the car (after 9 days, I will want to, heck after 9 hours.........) and send them home

I guess I had better go get some work done.......You ladies have a great day

You are one brave woman to take on in-laws for that long. I do hope that you have fun, though. My MIL is very nice to me, but we went on ONE vacation together (both in-laws and my unmarried sister-in-law) when DD was 6 and DS 4. Lasted a week, and I was very glad to part ways at the end!!! My MIL and SIL are now both saying that they want to go on a cruise, but DH and I aren't sure they are "cruise people". At least they haven't insisted that WE should go with them - that's the surest way to guarantee that someone is going to be thrown overboard!!!!

So when are you going to see your Mom? I forgot.

Have a good day, all.

 

[Sandy V.]

Sorry; double post.

 

[horseshowmom]

So, he fires the Bus. Mngr then assigns her duties to someone who is clueless.
Idiot made the bed, now he has to lay in it it. At some point idiot needs to be accountable for his actions - Good attitude to have

You know, at the very least he should have told her that he was going to replace her at the end of the school year (say in June after school was out) with somebody "he" hired (he's really got a hang up about what he considers "loyalty" issues) and left her in place until then. That would have given her time to look for something else, and we wouldn't be in such a mess. I suspect, if he had kept her until June, he would have changed his mind about firing her.

So, I bought him those fancy "flat" pretzels. Have you seen them? They are shaped like 8's and come in a variety of flavors (they hold dip really well.) I like the sea salt and black pepper. DH was not impressed!

Hey, I love pretzels. I'll be impressed for him!

I read an article in some "preparing for college" magazine recently that said the first thing all Freshman should do is dump their high schools BF/GF's so that they do not limit their possibilites or hinder their socializing.

They told the kids that at freshman orientation. A very small percentage stay with their former BF/GF. I'll have to say that I wasn't too impressed with what DD found at college! Nonetheless, I have been surprised at how it's worked out, and I think it did both of them a lot of good to be apart that 6 months (they both really appreciate each other more, I think).

See what a nice friend I was, I took on your 11 pounds over the holidays

That made me smile. When we first moved here 15 years ago from Los Angeles our city kitties were so disgusted with the snow. They got it up their noses, stuck between their paws and more than once all we saw out the back door was the tip of a very annoyed tail from a kitty who thought the snow was a solid surface they could walk on!

I bet that is a sight! To say nothing of a little soggy when she gets in.
DS's girlfriend says her horses will paw the snow out of the way to roll in the dirt underneath!

Yeah, ours paw it out of the way too once they get over their confusion as to why it's there in the first place (they are Mississippi horses, after all ).

I am finalizing up the plans for the road trip in June when my In-laws come to visit for 2 weeks

I've grown very fond of you and feel the need to ask you - Have you lost your cotten pickin' mind?

Well, if you're set on this madness, better you than me, I guess!




I'm spending money today. You woudn't believe how time consuming it is ordering all this stuff (finding prices, filling our requisitions, making sure all the guidelines are met, etc.). Back to it now (I only get to visit when I'm on hold on the telephone - which happens quite a bit)!

 

[mamacatnv]

Boyfriend's major (at least one of them) is in the Biology area, and there are lots of animals and plants to study there!!!!

Do they have a formal university system or is it more field workl? Either way, what an experience.

My dream when the kids are grown and DH has moved into the old folks home is to travel.......See the world, I love that show 1000 things to see/do before you die. I also love all the travel shows like Anthony Bourdain etc.....

you are one brave woman to take on in-laws for that long. I do hope that you have fun, though. My MIL is very nice to me, but we went on ONE vacation together (both in-laws and my unmarried sister-in-law) when DD was 6 and DS 4. Lasted a week, and I was very glad to part ways at the end!!! My MIL and SIL are now both saying that they want to go on a cruise, but DH and I aren't sure they are "cruise people". At least they haven't insisted that WE should go with them - that's the surest way to guarantee that someone is going to be thrown overboard!!!!

Hummm, perhaps that is a reason my MIL has never suggested a cruise for the entire family My inlaws are also very nice to me. My DH's Mother passed away when he was 20 and his stepmom is the only MIL I have ever known. She is actually fine, my FIL on the other hand he raised 5 kids, DH's mother had psychological/alcohol & RX drug issues. FIL is a major busy body, grumpy and has to be at the center of attention. I dearly love that man, but he wears on me. Usually when we have departed from a visit I look at DH and comment "don't even think about going there" or my favorite "there could be a shooting in your future"

So when are you going to see your Mom? I forgot.

I leave on a late afternoon flight on Thur. Feb 28th and return on Mon. March 3. That reminds me, I have to call her home and schedule a "care conference" my main objective this visit is to of course check in on her and I want to take her to the zoo or the Rose Gardens (something outdoors) she really seems to enjoy being outside and walking around. I also need to open a bank account in my Aunts and I's names to sock away some funds for funeral expenses when the time comes. Her Medicare social worker told me to get as much out of her accts as possible. She only gets $140 or so a month, but she really doesn't have any expenses and her social worker told me I am not spending it fast enough and to move the funds.

You know, at the very least he should have told her that he was going to replace her at the end of the school year (say in June after school was out) with somebody "he" hired (he's really got a hang up about what he considers "loyalty" issues) and left her in place until then. That would have given her time to look for something else, and we wouldn't be in such a mess. I suspect, if he had kept her until June, he would have changed his mind about firing her.

Well that certainly would have made more sense. He shot himself in the foot with this one, plus the poor Bus. Mngr. is suddenly out of a job.

They told the kids that at freshman orientation. A very small percentage stay with their former BF/GF. I'll have to say that I wasn't too impressed with what DD found at college! Nonetheless, I have been surprised at how it's worked out, and I think it did both of them a lot of good to be apart that 6 months (they both really appreciate each other more, I think).

Oh dear, that is encouraging With the year of age/school separation it will be interesting to see. My DH said the other night he see's them together for forever, rats, I was hoping DS would marry a sugar mama!

I've grown very fond of you and feel the need to ask you - Have you lost your cotten pickin' mind?

YES!!!!

Okay, so here is the deal. The inlaws live in Fl. the majority of the year and New Hampshire where DH was raised for a month or 2 in the summer. We don't see them very often and they have only been here to Reno twice in 15 years.

They have been threatening to come for DS's graduation for a couple of years, I should have encouraged him to take the GED . We have been to Florida 2 years in a row Jan 06 & 07 where we spent a week with them and then headed to WDW where they then joined us for our last couple of days. My FIL is almost 80, I have made an effort for the kids to "know" him and for DH to not have any regrets down the line.

Couple of months back, MIL sends me an email: "we are looking at the Sands Hotel/Casino" "Got a quote from our TA for $ for 14 days, is the Sands a good place to stay?"

What was I to do the Sands is a dive and I would not willingly let anyone (except Sheila's Idiot) stay there, let alone my inlaws, they would "talk" about me for years to come

So, I respond with "we of course assumed you were staying with us, you are more than welcome and we would love to have you" They of course accepted! You all know you would have done the same thing


Now, panic, I need a plan.

There is no way I can have them at the house, critiquing the cleaning lady (the hired one), my cooking, the kids and trying to be helpful by cleaning out my fridge, pantry or a linen closet (and then pointing out to me what they spent their afternoon doing) or doing laundry and washing everything that isn't nailed down etc.....and did I mention that my MIL cannot cook yet insists on preparing dinner since we are working!

BTW my house is immaculate by the time they arrive - last visit I hired extra house keepers, window cleaners, carpet cleaners, landscapers etc..... and yet, they still found "something to do" and something to comment on and FIL is the worst when it comes to commenting! On one visit he was heard to say "I thought you had a housekeeper?"

So, road trip it is.
We originally discussed renting a motor home and then I regained my senses and decided a house with 2 bathrooms and separate bedrooms where they can comment all they want on the cleanliness and it won't offend me.

I think I have found a house - all the guests comments contain some reference to how "clean" the house is. That should do it!

So that is the story - gheesh, the things I do in the name of "family"

 

[Sandy V.]

Do they have a formal university system or is it more field workl? Either way, what an experience.

I just looked on the CU website regarding the Study Abroad programs, and the Madagascar ones are affiliated with the School of International Training. I've seen a variety of ones in other countries with the same affiliation, so it must be some international program. The boyfriend is also studying French, and you need some fluency in that as well, I guess.

In Sydney, DD would be going to either the University of New South Wales or MacQuarie University.

To be completely honest, DD would prefer to go to London, but with the value of the dollar compared to the euro, the trip would cost at least $10,000 more.

And, DD and I know that DH would love for her to go to Australia because we were there 3 years ago over Christmas/New Year's (17-day vacation to Australia and New Zealand), we met a local family in Cairns on Christmas Eve, had Christmas Dinner with them, and we have remained in contact - they want to take us camping in the Outback!! So we know that DH wouldn't blink much about going to Australia because he wants an excuse to return there!! Come to think of it, so do I.

Melissa, it's always a juggling act to balance "getting along" with the in-laws for a decent amount of time, and not wanting to kill each other by the end of the trip!! I'll have to use your idea about hiring cleaning help! I need to do that anyway, but I have to get my house in decent condition BEFORE I would let the cleaning people see it!!

 

[horseshowmom]

To be completely honest, DD would prefer to go to London, but with the value of the dollar compared to the euro, the trip would cost at least $10,000 more.

I would love to go to London myself. We keep talking about it but haven't made it yet.

And, DD and I know that DH would love for her to go to Australia because we were there 3 years ago over Christmas/New Year's (17-day vacation to Australia and New Zealand), we met a local family in Cairns on Christmas Eve, had Christmas Dinner with them, and we have remained in contact - they want to take us camping in the Outback!! So we know that DH wouldn't blink much about going to Australia because he wants an excuse to return there!! Come to think of it, so do I.

And there's another place we've been wanting to go to. We've spent so much time (and money) on horse shows, horses, show clothers, trucks, trailers, and the trainer the last few years that there wasn't much money left. Besides which, all of the free time was involved in one of the above. We're looking forward to getting some time to travel in the near future (at least we were up until it started looking like I'll either be out of a job or take at least a $10,000 pay cut ).

I'll have to use your idea about hiring cleaning help! I need to do that anyway, but I have to get my house in decent condition BEFORE I would let the cleaning people see it!!

I understand completely! That's my feeling too. I really hate to have anybody come in until I get it cleaned up first (which is dumb, but this is a small town and people talk ).

 

[mamacatnv]

I just looked on the CU website regarding the Study Abroad programs, and the Madagascar ones are affiliated with the School of International Training. I've seen a variety of ones in other countries with the same affiliation, so it must be some international program. The boyfriend is also studying French, and you need some fluency in that as well, I guess.

In Sydney, DD would be going to either the University of New South Wales or MacQuarie University.

To be completely honest, DD would prefer to go to London, but with the value of the dollar compared to the euro, the trip would cost at least $10,000 more.

And, DD and I know that DH would love for her to go to Australia because we were there 3 years ago over Christmas/New Year's (17-day vacation to Australia and New Zealand), we met a local family in Cairns on Christmas Eve, had Christmas Dinner with them, and we have remained in contact - they want to take us camping in the Outback!! So we know that DH wouldn't blink much about going to Australia because he wants an excuse to return there!! Come to think of it, so do I.

Good reasoning in my book. I have seen where you have referenced this trip in other posts, sounds like it was just wonderful. I'm not so sure about the camping in the Outback, did you not see that season of Survivor !

A few years back my former boss's son's both went to Spain. The oldest went for a semester and the boss was too cheap to go visit. Couple of years later, the youngest went for a year, Mom put her foot down and they went for a visit. They had the most wonderful time, not only did they get to play tourist but the Son's host family took them under their wing and took them to all the off the beaten path things to see, do and eat. Wonderful opportunity for the entire family. Boss had a blast, said it was the best thing he had ever done!

Hummmm, I better start researching where to send DS off to

My Hubby has a thing about leaving the US, he won't do it and he has passed this fear onto DS. I may end up in Alaska or something

It snowed again last night, this is getting old fast. Not a lot of snow, just enough to coat the roads with a nice sheet of ice for the morning commute!

My best friend (she lives next door) has a house cat (Abby) that got loose 6 days ago. The little beast had not been seen in 5 days. We figured she was a catsicle because it has been so dang cold at night. Yesterday, we were posting her picture on Reno's most wanted Lost Animal website. My DS calls me after school and tells me Abby is sitting on our deck, but when he tried to get her she ran under our deck.

About an hour later, I am dropping the girls off after school (so I could go get my nails done) and lo and behold, Abby is now sitting in my front yard. She see's us and bolts under my front porch (beast!) So, last night my BFF and I are out stomping around on my porch and we can hear Abby meowing. I decide to go into the house so that BFF and her DD can coax Abby out.

Couple minutes later my DH says, "Sweetie, did you know that BFF is out dancing and stomping around on our porch" I laugh and he continues "Is this some sort of new ritual, instead of calling you she is sending morse code from the porch?"

She got the beast who is back in the house and telling her tales to my BFF's other 2 cats. BFF's hubby comes home from work and goes into their bedroom where he proceeds to chew out Abby for her antics. We can hear him on the baby monitor and we are in the living room rolling around in laughter. He carried on for quite awhile.

No plans for the weekend......Laundry, oh how exciting!

Hope you all have a great weekend
Melissa

 

[mamacatnv]

I understand completely! That's my feeling too. I really hate to have anybody come in until I get it cleaned up first (which is dumb, but this is a small town and people talk ).

We have had the same housekeeper for about 9 years, she knows ALL our secrets by this point in time and yet, the night before she comes we all run around like idiots picking up all the crap so she can clean the surfaces underneath. We could never fire her, she knows too much

For some reason it really bugs me when my inlaws start making comments.
Of all the kids, (between them they have 8) we are the only ones with college educations, good jobs, good kids and are still married.
DH doesn't care, but I do, I feel like it is some kind of reflection on me as a wife/mom. Which is just stupid, irrational and dumb.....I know all that but I still go to great lengths to make sure they have "nothing" to fault. Good thing they live on the opposite side of the country and I only have to host them every 5 or so years!

I did something very daring (for me anyway) I got a french manicure with a black tip instead of a white tip they are kinda "sexy" per my DH....

 

[mamacatnv]

I would love to go to London myself. We keep talking about it but haven't made it yet.

And there's another place we've been wanting to go to. We've spent so much time (and money) on horse shows, horses, show clothers, trucks, trailers, and the trainer the last few years that there wasn't much money left. Besides which, all of the free time was involved in one of the above. We're looking forward to getting some time to travel in the near future (at least we were up until it started looking like I'll either be out of a job or take at least a $10,000 pay cut ).

to say nothing of what we have all spent on Disney vacations! For us it wasn't animals it has been sports. DS played baseball for years and had gear and coaches etc..... then he went into football, more gear and more trainers!

We also complicated things when DD came along and had that huge daycare bill. I am down to just paying for before school and school breaks but have been paying some sort of daycare bill for 18 years. And now.......college

 

[Sandy V.]

Happy Friday, ladies!!

Melissa, glad that your neighbor got her wayward cat back!!!

Yeah, Sheila, I understand about how hobby expenses get the way of travel. We've been pretty fortunate in that regard, but with TWO kids in college next year, it won't be easy.

I spent yesterday afternoon crunching some numbers, after looking at the expenses for these semester abroad programs. Man, are they expensive. And the prices listed on the website are for THIS semester, so you just know that they'll go up next year. It probably doesn't help that DD doesn't pay as close attention to these things. But at 20, it's largely about "me".

So I think we will propose:
1) DH and I will pay for a study abroad semester program costing no more than "X", and DD must contribute "X" of her own money toward the cause, UP FRONT. That way she's financially motivated.
2) DD finds a less expensive summer program, with some of the same rules as #1.
3) DD finds a paid internship abroad for a semester, and we discuss our contribution. Again, DD contributes.
4) DD stays at CU-Boulder without studying abroad during that time. Pursuant to her college fund, there should be a sizeable amount left over that she could use for an extended graduaton trip anywhere she wants.

I think those are fair options. Interested in seeing what DD thinks about it all. She likes to think about the destination, but not what it will take to pay for it!!!

No skiing this weekend; I need to do some work around the house. Need to catch up with the laundry yet again!!

Well, ladies, I hope that you both have a great weekend!!!! I'm still wondering if we're going to need to create a new thread. Many others already have. Think about it.

 

[horseshowmom]

Couple minutes later my DH says, "Sweetie, did you know that BFF is out dancing and stomping around on our porch"

She got the beast who is back in the house and telling her tales to my BFF's other 2 cats. BFF's hubby comes home from work and goes into their bedroom where he proceeds to chew out Abby for her antics. We can hear him on the baby monitor and we are in the living room rolling around in laughter. He carried on for quite awhile.

For some reason it really bugs me when my inlaws start making comments.

I know exactly what you mean! Except in my case, it's always been my parents. My mother was a SAHM and seldom worked outside the home. Both of them could probably be classified as being perfectionists. They are great people but can be very critical. My dad once came in and proceeded to say some very ugly things to me, because he had seen my husband doing the laundry. That was when I finally lost it with him. He's been better since then, but you still know that he's thinking it. It can really take away from enjoying their visit.

We also complicated things when DD came along and had that huge daycare bill. I am down to just paying for before school and school breaks but have been paying some sort of daycare bill for 18 years. And now.......college

Which is a whole different kind of daycare!

 

[horseshowmom]

So I think we will propose:
1) DH and I will pay for a study abroad semester program costing no more than "X", and DD must contribute "X" of her own money toward the cause, UP FRONT. That way she's financially motivated.
2) DD finds a less expensive summer program, with some of the same rules as #1.
3) DD finds a paid internship abroad for a semester, and we discuss our contribution. Again, DD contributes.
4) DD stays at CU-Boulder without studying abroad during that time. Pursuant to her college fund, there should be a sizeable amount left over that she could use for an extended graduaton trip anywhere she wants.

I think those are fair options. Interested in seeing what DD thinks about it all. She likes to think about the destination, but not what it will take to pay for it!!!

I think what you're proposing is more than fair. We tend to deal with DD in the same way. I've noticed how sometimes she changes her mind about things when she finds out that she's going to be expected to contribute to it too!

Well, ladies, I hope that you both have a great weekend!!!! I'm still wondering if we're going to need to create a new thread. Many others already have. Think about it.

If the long threads are causing problems, I'm all for switching over.

 

[mamacatnv]

I think what you're proposing is more than fair. We tend to deal with DD in the same way. I've noticed how sometimes she changes her mind about things when she finds out that she's going to be expected to contribute to it too!

Amazing how the desire shifts when their "hard earned" funds are involved! Easy to spend Mom & Dads money, my kids have the tightest fists in the world when it comes to their money!

Sandy:
I think those are great options for your DD.

I have no issue with switching to a new thread - the boards are cruising along this morning and it is so nice. What should we call the new one? I think it should be as Sandy suggested something along the lines of:
Let the Prom Drama CONTINUE...................

All we really need to do is let Pam know right? So she can find us.

 

[Sandy V.]

Yeah, amazing how tightfisted they can be with THEIR money, but not ours!!!!

I'll start the new thread with your title, Melissa (I really like that), and I'll send a pm to all to share the link.

 

[mamacatnv]

Yeah, amazing how tightfisted they can be with THEIR money, but not ours!!!!

I'll start the new thread with your title, Melissa (I really like that), and I'll send a pm to all to share the link.

ok - I'll watch for it.....see ya in a few on page 1 !