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

[mamacatnv]

Okay, if I understand this correctly, the two men had sex changes to become two women and then established a relationship together. Now that's what I call going the long way around!
No wonder you're a little on the shaken side!

You guys got it - used to be a man who liked woman, now is a woman who still likes woman on this point I give up, I don't understand - that was the only real relationship and she has been single for about 10 years now and likes it that way. She hangs with the "Kinky Community", runs an electronic repair/computer repair service, gardens, makes jewelry, loves ebay and seems to be happy.

However, I do understand that the drastic surgical/hormonal change is generally not sexual, it is about identity and that woman tend to "get it" more so than men because we are not generally afraid we are going to "catch it"

ETA: I forgot to add - it is considered rude to inquire if her current flame is a genetic female or a tranny. I know that sounds strange, but I did ask that question once, I was curious and was left to be curious and try and come to my own conclusions. Sometimes it is VERY hard to tell, I have met several of her friends. Some I spot right away, but others................I'm still clueless

 

[mamacatnv]

Real Quick:

Just got off phone with VP - she will move DD as I asked since I did everything she asked me to do. She thinks she can get her into the other 3rd grade class on her current track since the numbers have changed since we last spoke. She will call me tonight - keep your fingers crossed, this is the best scenario for DD, same schedule, same friends just a different class room.

Bragging: DH & Kids sent me flowers today - card says:
"For all you do for us......Love............Him"
I better go make sure he didn't lose one of the kids

 

[Sandy V.]

Real Quick:

Just got off phone with VP - she will move DD as I asked since I did everything she asked me to do. She thinks she can get her into the other 3rd grade class on her current track since the numbers have changed since we last spoke. She will call me tonight - keep your fingers crossed, this is the best scenario for DD, same schedule, same friends just a different class room.

Bragging: DH & Kids sent me flowers today - card says:
"For all you do for us......Love............Him"
I better go make sure he didn't lose one of the kids

Even better!! Glad it's a happy update.

Flowers? Good for you! He didn't lose one of the kids, did he?

Due to some misdeeds by the Harley repair shop (we took the bike in to get some different handlebars and they tried to pull a stunt to cost us an additional $150), it looks like we're probably going to drive either our car or SUV back to Lincoln and not leave until Saturday morning. DH is NOT happy with our local dealership and I'm right there with him.

DS took potential new girlfriend out for ice cream and a walk around the lake after school tonight. Apparently, there was "good chemistry" (whatever that means ) so he's pretty sure he's going to ask her to Homecoming on Friday.

That's all for tonight. Tune in tomorrow!! I'm off to order pizza -it's a no cook night!! Yeah!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Real Quick:

Just got off phone with VP - she will move DD as I asked since I did everything she asked me to do. She thinks she can get her into the other 3rd grade class on her current track since the numbers have changed since we last spoke. She will call me tonight - keep your fingers crossed, this is the best scenario for DD, same schedule, same friends just a different class room.

Being able to stay on the same track kind of makes you feel like having to wait a little while was worth it.

Bragging: DH & Kids sent me flowers today - card says:
"For all you do for us......Love............Him"
I better go make sure he didn't lose one of the kids

Ooooh, that's nice! I think I'll forward this to DH! After last night, he needs to send me some flowers.

On my DH's part, I was standing in the hallway after church last night talking to his nephew's wife. She's helping get the fixed assets straightened out down at the school that has the teacher who got mad at me and needed some advice on how to handle some issues that were coming up.

He looked down the hallway and urgently told me, "Come on, we have to leave right now." I looked up and said, "What?" He replied with an even more urgent tone and said, "Come on, we have to leave right now!"

As you might imagine, I thought that something had happened to DD (based on recent events), and it scared me to death. I literally ran to the door. When we got outside, I asked him what was going on...... He had just remembered that he left something cooking in the oven and forgot to turn it off. Now, why didn't he just look at me and say, "I left something on in the oven" instead of scaring me half to death?

Everything was okay when we got home - a little smoky but not bad. I'm not sure how long the smoke detectors went off, but the batteries were dead when we got home. I'm sure my poor dog and cats were trying to cover their ears up!

 

[horseshowmom]

Due to some misdeeds by the Harley repair shop (we took the bike in to get some different handlebars and they tried to pull a stunt to cost us an additional $150), it looks like we're probably going to drive either our car or SUV back to Lincoln and not leave until Saturday morning. DH is NOT happy with our local dealership and I'm right there with him.

I'm sorry about that. I know you were looking forward to your ride this weekend. Hopefully, you'll have a good trip anyway.

DS took potential new girlfriend out for ice cream and a walk around the lake after school tonight. Apparently, there was "good chemistry" (whatever that means ) so he's pretty sure he's going to ask her to Homecoming on Friday.

That's sweet!

That's all for tonight. Tune in tomorrow!! I'm off to order pizza -it's a no cook night!! Yeah!!

One of the bad things about living out in the middle of nothing is that not only is there nowhere to order the pizza from, but even if there were, they wouldn't deliver to my house!

 

[Sandy V.]

I think I'll forward this to DH! After last night, he needs to send me some flowers.

On my DH's part, I was standing in the hallway after church last night talking to his nephew's wife. She's helping get the fixed assets straightened out down at the school that has the teacher who got mad at me and needed some advice on how to handle some issues that were coming up.

He looked down the hallway and urgently told me, "Come on, we have to leave right now." I looked up and said, "What?" He replied with an even more urgent tone and said, "Come on, we have to leave right now!"

As you might imagine, I thought that something had happened to DD (based on recent events), and it scared me to death. I literally ran to the door. When we got outside, I asked him what was going on...... He had just remembered that he left something cooking in the oven and forgot to turn it off. Now, why didn't he just look at me and say, "I left something on in the oven" instead of scaring me half to death?

Everything was okay when we got home - a little smoky but not bad. I'm not sure how long the smoke detectors went off, but the batteries were dead when we got home. I'm sure my poor dog and cats were trying to cover their ears up!

He owes you a BIG bouquet of flowers for that!!! I'm sure your animals were sufficiently traumatized. Not to mention the anxiety that YOU felt!! Glad that nothing burned down.

Yesterday afternoon, I did something for just for me. Something I've put off for years raising a family.

To explain, I do NOT swim very well. Being a farm kid in rural Nebraska, there weren't a lot of opportunities to go, and I think that I got put into lessons when I was a kid probably WAY before I was ready. I don't like putting my face/head in the water and I'm very nervous being in water over my head. I can snorkel with the best of them because I can BREATHE while my face is in the water and I have a life jacket on. But I knew that I really needed to learn to swim better and work on my fears. So I signed up for private swim lessons at the country club and my first one was yesterday. The instructor just graduated from high school this past spring and is a real sweetheart.

To make a long story somewhat shorter, it went pretty well. I did the whole tred water in the deep end of the pool thing, and that went okay. I can do an okay backstroke (probably because my face is OUT of the water! ). My biggest challenge is putting my face in the water and KEEPING it there. The first thing I discovered is that I need to invest in a pair of goggles and maybe some nose plugs. I borrowed the instructor's goggles and those made a world of difference. So I have another lesson next Wednesday - wish me luck!!

As far as the Harley saga goes, we may still ride the bike back tomorrow after all. We were trying to put some different handlebars on it that would put DH's hands and shoulders closer to him by a few inches - he gets uncomfortable riding after a while because his arms are extended too far forward with the current ones. We took the bike in Sunday night and told them it had to be done by Wednesday. They said, "Okay."

Well, they called me yesterday afternoon, wanting to speak to DH and telling me that they needed to replace a brake cable in addition to all of the other work and everything was going to cost at least $150 more. I was confused as to why they call our house. First of all, they KNEW they called the wrong # - I was standing right there when DH gave them his work number as the contact number (they just didn't want to have to give him the bad news - being an attorney, you do NOT want to get on DH's bad side if you've "wronged" him or one of his clients!). Second of all, they didn't start the work until WEDNESDAY when it was supposed to be done that day. Told us it would be done by Friday morning, when we were supposed to leave. Uh, I don't think so.

So I tell them to call DH immediately (which of course they don't do) and I sense that they won't so I call DH and let him know what's being said. So he calls the dealership and tells them to put the bike back together as it was and we're coming to get it Thursday. There's nothing wrong with the bike as it is; we just wanted to make it more comfortable for DH on the long trek. This is the only Harley dealership in town and they KNOW they have you over a barrel - that's why we bought the bike at another dealership 100 miles away in the first place. So we're debating whether we're taking off tomorrow morning on the bike or going by car/SUV. Either way, I think we're still leaving tomorrow anyway.

Well, that's all the drama that I can handle for awhile, so hopefully things will calm down. I hope that everyone has a good day.

 

[horseshowmom]

My biggest challenge is putting my face in the water and KEEPING it there. The first thing I discovered is that I need to invest in a pair of goggles and maybe some nose plugs. I borrowed the instructor's goggles and those made a world of difference. So I have another lesson next Wednesday - wish me luck!!

I understand completely! I have the same problem even though my circumstances were completely different than yours. When I grew up, we were at the lake every weekend. We always had a motorhome and a ski boat. I literally grew up in the water. I can swim really well (and really far, I used to amaze my dad), used to be able to water ski with the best of them, BUT I don't do the face in the water thing. I cannot go under the water without holding my nose. I just can't. I've used the nose plugs, but they didn't make much difference. In my case, I really think the water in the face thing trumps it all.

I'm glad to hear that you're dealing with your issues though. I made sure DD was a good swimmer (and she can do the underwater stuff just fine). I'm sure it gives you a strong sense of accomplishment. Good for you!

Well, they called me yesterday afternoon, wanting to speak to DH and telling me that they needed to replace a brake cable in addition to all of the other work and everything was going to cost at least $150 more. I was confused as to why they call our house. First of all, they KNEW they called the wrong # - I was standing right there when DH gave them his work number as the contact number (they just didn't want to have to give him the bad news - being an attorney, you do NOT want to get on DH's bad side if you've "wronged" him or one of his clients!). Second of all, they didn't start the work until WEDNESDAY when it was supposed to be done that day. Told us it would be done by Friday morning, when we were supposed to leave. Uh, I don't think so.

So I tell them to call DH immediately (which of course they don't do) and I sense that they won't so I call DH and let him know what's being said.

I'd say you're right. They didn't want to have to tell him the "bad news". They not only didn't do as promised, but they wanted to charge extra money. Yeah, right...



I just got a call from DD. Interestingly enough, her car was broken into. She hasn't been in the car since she got there Sunday, so she's not sure when it was broken into. There was no damage. They used something to pop the lock or get the door open. They took all the change in her ash tray and emptied the stuff out of her glove compartment. Oddly enough, they didn't take an old debit card that she had in the glove compartment. It's not functional anymore, but they didn't know that. Of course, she should have destroyed it, and I've told her to do so now.

Now I'm left wondering whether it was really a random car break-in or whether it was A (the stalker guy). He works at an auto parts store, and I wonder if they have the things to get in a locked car. I can't imagine why somebody who was after money wouldn't have taken the debit card. Of course, if it were him, he probably wouldn't be interested in the debit card since his purpose would be harrassment. There was no damage or vandalism to the car.

I called the police dept. and was fortunate enough to get transferred to the same Captain we had before. He told me to tell her to come in when she finished her classes, because he wanted her to file a report. I just don't know what to think.

 

[mamacatnv]

Hey Girls:

Okay, I am so mad I could just spit and know you both are rational - tell me, am I being unreasonable?:

DD's VP just called, (never called last night)
"The 3rd grade will be receiving another allocation for a teacher". They are leaving it up to the teachers to decide if they want a stand alone class or a roving partner to help them on a scheduled basis.
The VP is not comfortable moving her into the other current track class for the following reasons:

If they opt for another class, it would not be on the track DD is currently on, it would probably be on yellow track. The district needs to approve the personel change and a new teacher would need to be found.(great an unknown, we could be worse off than we are now) This would hopefully be done by the middle to end of October. To fill that class, they would 1st ask for volunteers, then they would take all the kids without a sibling in this elem. school, throw their names into a hat, draw names and reassign those kids to a different class on a different track. DD would be included in the "drawing" since her sibling does not attend the elem. schoool.
Remember that Yellow started up in early July and green started up in early August and by the end of October, they are 1/3 thru the year and the green track is now 1 full month behind the yellow track. Yet, they would move the green kids to yellow track.

I stated to the VP, that since I had been battling this issue for well over a month that I didn't want to have to wait another month. I also stated that since I had been trying to get her moved that I felt that they should honor the request, move her to the green track class (least disruptive) and exempt her from their "drawing" in the event they won't get enough volunteers and be done with it. She refused, stated that she was not "comfortable" with that. I told her that given all our efforts and jumping thru all her hoops that I felt it was warranted, she won't budge. A month ago is was, "observe & talk with the teacher, if you still feel that way then we can move her to yellow" Yesterday it was, "you have done what I asked, I will honor your request, but I need to look at the numbers, looks like I can keep her on green, I'll call you back" this morning it is "well, we are going to be having some changes and I don't want to move your DD twice, I'll get back to you in a couple of weeks to let you know where we stand"

Is it just me? Is waiting another few weeks reasonable to ask me? Should I start to get nasty, go over their heads to the district? I am so frustrated!

I feel like we are just being strung along.............She wanted permission to speak with my DD and "explain" the situation, I told her NO. My DD is a pleaser and if the VP approaches her with the scenario, my DD will go along with it so as to not rock the boat. This is a parent matter and frankly I was annoyed she took that tactic.

I called the alternate school the other day. He is full and will not offer any variances to outside students.





Sandy:
The whole thing with the motorcyle sounds so frustrating. Being in a small area also I can totally relate to that feeling like you are stuck with the local idiots mentality and they take full advantage of it. Did you DH address them calling your home in an effort to evade him? Did you get the issue resolved?

Your DS sounds so cute, ice cream and a walk! Hummmm sounds like the chemistry might be working......It will be interesting to see if he takes the chance or goes the safe route. Keep us posted

Good for you taking on your fear of water!

Horseshowmom:
Definately, big bunch of flowers! Isn't it funny how they can be so "alarming" over the little stuff and so blaise over the stuff that really gets us going! Sorry he scared you, they don't think the way we do.

Your poor DD, I agree it is scary to not know what was behind the break in. She has been thru a lot, I certainly hope things settle down.
Is the area where her car was broken into prone to break ins?
Can they tell how the car was broken into and does the method mean
anything?
Good to know Mr. Police Captain is on the job.

Just curious, how far out in the boonies do you live?
If you can't get pizza your DH is going to have to get creative with the flowers We can get pizza, but appliance & furniture delivery gets interesting. "Oh, you're out there? we only go that way once a month" WTH we are actually closer to town that some of the other booming areas but for some reason we are considered "way out there". it is only 10-15 miles from the main interchange.

We are on the edge of the boonies but we have several friends that live 13-25 miles out from us and the local gas station. I always tease them, I could not be that far from civilization. The 6 miles to the grocery store makes me nuts, but at least I have a gasoline/convenience store within 1/4 mile. The gas station is like a marker, my friends will say, "were 12 miles from Texaco" you can always tell those of us who have been out here for awhile, it hasn't been a Texaco for years, but that is what we call it and probably always will


It's Thursday, back to payroll....................

 

[Sandy V.]

Hey Girls:

Okay, I am so mad I could just spit and know you both are rational - tell me, am I being unreasonable?:

DD's VP just called, (never called last night)
"The 3rd grade will be receiving another allocation for a teacher". They are leaving it up to the teachers to decide if they want a stand alone class or a roving partner to help them on a scheduled basis.
The VP is not comfortable moving her into the other current track class for the following reasons:

If they opt for another class, it would not be on the track DD is currently on, it would probably be on yellow track. The district needs to approve the personel change and a new teacher would need to be found.(great an unknown, we could be worse off than we are now) This would hopefully be done by the middle to end of October. To fill that class, they would 1st ask for volunteers, then they would take all the kids without a sibling in this elem. school, throw their names into a hat, draw names and reassign those kids to a different class on a different track. DD would be included in the "drawing" since her sibling does not attend the elem. schoool.
Remember that Yellow started up in early July and green started up in early August and by the end of October, they are 1/3 thru the year and the green track is now 1 full month behind the yellow track. Yet, they would move the green kids to yellow track.

I stated to the VP, that since I had been battling this issue for well over a month that I didn't want to have to wait another month. I also stated that since I had been trying to get her moved that I felt that they should honor the request, move her to the green track class (least disruptive) and exempt her from their "drawing" in the event they won't get enough volunteers and be done with it. She refused, stated that she was not "comfortable" with that. I told her that given all our efforts and jumping thru all her hoops that I felt it was warranted, she won't budge. A month ago is was, "observe & talk with the teacher, if you still feel that way then we can move her to yellow" Yesterday it was, "you have done what I asked, I will honor your request, but I need to look at the numbers, looks like I can keep her on green, I'll call you back" this morning it is "well, we are going to be having some changes and I don't want to move your DD twice, I'll get back to you in a couple of weeks to let you know where we stand"

Is it just me? Is waiting another few weeks reasonable to ask me? Should I start to get nasty, go over their heads to the district? I am so frustrated!

I feel like we are just being strung along.............She wanted permission to speak with my DD and "explain" the situation, I told her NO. My DD is a pleaser and if the VP approaches her with the scenario, my DD will go along with it so as to not rock the boat. This is a parent matter and frankly I was annoyed she took that tactic.

I called the alternate school the other day. He is full and will not offer any variances to outside students.

No, you're not being unreasonable at all. I'd be furious too!! I especially dislike the "let me talk to your kid and explain the situation" tactic - I find that to be particularly underhanded. Your DD is a child. She has no "power" in the situation. It's a decision made by adults.

Still no word on the motorcyle other than I guess we're picking it up this afternoon. It IS tough when they're the only game in town.

About 95% sure he's asking the new girl to Homecoming. Will let you know.

 

[Sandy V.]

I just got a call from DD. Interestingly enough, her car was broken into. She hasn't been in the car since she got there Sunday, so she's not sure when it was broken into. There was no damage. They used something to pop the lock or get the door open. They took all the change in her ash tray and emptied the stuff out of her glove compartment. Oddly enough, they didn't take an old debit card that she had in the glove compartment. It's not functional anymore, but they didn't know that. Of course, she should have destroyed it, and I've told her to do so now.

Now I'm left wondering whether it was really a random car break-in or whether it was A (the stalker guy). He works at an auto parts store, and I wonder if they have the things to get in a locked car. I can't imagine why somebody who was after money wouldn't have taken the debit card. Of course, if it were him, he probably wouldn't be interested in the debit card since his purpose would be harrassment. There was no damage or vandalism to the car.

I called the police dept. and was fortunate enough to get transferred to the same Captain we had before. He told me to tell her to come in when she finished her classes, because he wanted her to file a report. I just don't know what to think.

I wouldn't know what to think either and I'm so sorry that your DD (and you and your DH of course) have to deal with this. The fact that the debit card wasn't taken is alarming to me because a common thief would grab that. But I'm hoping she just got vandalized by a stupid criminal.

Please keep us up to date. How is your DD handling things?

 

[horseshowmom]

I stated to the VP, that since I had been battling this issue for well over a month that I didn't want to have to wait another month. I also stated that since I had been trying to get her moved that I felt that they should honor the request, move her to the green track class (least disruptive) and exempt her from their "drawing" in the event they won't get enough volunteers and be done with it. She refused, stated that she was not "comfortable" with that. I told her that given all our efforts and jumping thru all her hoops that I felt it was warranted, she won't budge. A month ago is was, "observe & talk with the teacher, if you still feel that way then we can move her to yellow" Yesterday it was, "you have done what I asked, I will honor your request, but I need to look at the numbers, looks like I can keep her on green, I'll call you back" this morning it is "well, we are going to be having some changes and I don't want to move your DD twice, I'll get back to you in a couple of weeks to let you know where we stand"

Is it just me? Is waiting another few weeks reasonable to ask me? Should I start to get nasty, go over their heads to the district? I am so frustrated!

I think I'd now pull out that grievance procedure and take the next step. Quite honestly, you said you know the Supt. Depending on how informal things are in your area, I would consider talking to him directly. You've waited quite awhile for a resolution (more than patiently, I would say). You may have to follow the standard grievance procedure, but if you're comfortable calling the Supt., that's what I'd do.

I feel like we are just being strung along.............She wanted permission to speak with my DD and "explain" the situation, I told her NO. My DD is a pleaser and if the VP approaches her with the scenario, my DD will go along with it so as to not rock the boat. This is a parent matter and frankly I was annoyed she took that tactic.

I tend to agree. When she talks to your DD, and DD says that everything is okay with her (even though it isn't), VP will use that to her advantage saying that the child isn't unhappy, it's the parent who has the problem.

I called the alternate school the other day. He is full and will not offer any variances to outside students.

Sounds like you'll have to fight this battle where you are.

Horseshowmom:
Your poor DD, I agree it is scary to not know what was behind the break in. She has been thru a lot, I certainly hope things settle down.
Is the area where her car was broken into prone to break ins?
Can they tell how the car was broken into and does the method mean
anything?
Good to know Mr. Police Captain is on the job.

I will have to say that I did tell DD that it was certainly nice for her to have her own personal police officer - I think...

Her apartment complex is very upscale - one of the nicest in town. Also, keep in mind that her university is in a relatively small town (population decreases dramatically when the students are gone for the summer), not a city area at all.

I did call the complex a little while ago and found out that they had 4 car "break-ins" on Sunday night (all of those cars were unlocked, so they weren't exactly break-ins). Those 4 were all in the vicinity of Bldg. 4 in the front of the complex (pretty large complex). DD's car was at the far back, and no other cars were reported back there.

She is positive that her car was locked (she even keeps it locked at home, so she's really not one to forget that sort of thing). That means that the other incidents were in a different area and involved cars that weren't locked to start with.

That leaves me in the same place I was. It could be a coincidence that I'm just more suspicious of due to the last couple of weeks (kind of like after you buy a new car, you notice how many of them are on the road, but you'd never noticed before), or it could be A harrassing her. Who knows...

Just curious, how far out in the boonies do you live?

We live over a hour from a major city (or a small one for that matter! ). I'm 15 miles from the nearest McDonald's or Wal-Mart. Our entire county doesn't have even one stoplight! We've got about 50 acres and only have one neighbor that we can even see. The next nearest one is about a half mile away. I actually wouldn't change it. We sit out in the backyard in the swing and watch the horses as the sun goes down. It's one of the most peaceful places I've ever been.


ETA: DD just called. She was on her way to the PD and passed a wreck on the street. She called and said that she saw Captain O working the wreck, so she's going to go get lunch and then go to the PD (to give him time to finish). I never dreamed that my child would develop such a personal relationship with one of the police officers.

 

[horseshowmom]

I wouldn't know what to think either and I'm so sorry that your DD (and you and your DH of course) have to deal with this. The fact that the debit card wasn't taken is alarming to me because a common thief would grab that. But I'm hoping she just got vandalized by a stupid criminal.

Please keep us up to date. How is your DD handling things?

Actually, quite well. She doesn't think it was A, because she figures if he were going to do something he would vandalize the car. Since there was no damage, she's thinking it was somebody wanting the money. But, as I said before, I agree with you about the debit card. Of course, it's possible that they missed it when they pulled everything out of the glove compartment. Sure wish I knew for sure!

 

[Sandy V.]

Actually, quite well. She doesn't think it was A, because she figures if he were going to do something he would vandalize the car. Since there was no damage, she's thinking it was somebody wanting the money. But, as I said before, I agree with you about the debit card. Of course, it's possible that they missed it when they pulled everything out of the glove compartment. Sure wish I knew for sure!

Glad to hear that. It sounds like if there is anything positive to be gained from all of this, it's the assertiveness and the ability to take charge that your DD has utilized here.

I agree with you, though. Given the timing of it all, I would still be an uneasy Mama for awhile. Hopefully the debit card was just missed in the stealing shuffle. Hang in there, woman.

The place where you live sounds beautiful and very peaceful. DH would like to move out somewhere like that, but I grew up on a farm out in the boonies (DH was also a farm kid, but his was on the edge of town, so I always tease him and say that he was a pseudo-farm kid because he could ride his bike to things all over town and I lived miles away from "civilization" and couldn't do that. ). It was very isolating for me, and I like being within a relatively close distance of restaurants, movie theaters, and shopping. But hey, we all like different things and that's what makes us interesting!!

 

[horseshowmom]

It was very isolating for me, and I like being within a relatively close distance of restaurants, movie theaters, and shopping. But hey, we all like different things and that's what makes us interesting!!

I think the difference for me is probably the fact that we traveled so much when I was growing up. As I said, during the summers we spent every weekend (and some weeks) at the lake (about a hour and a half away). We always went to FL 2 or 3 times a year as well as lots of other places (mountains, etc.).

We actually bought my parents house when my parents retired (DD's room is my old room). Both of them are very happy in FL and have no desire to live in such a rural area anymore. In our case, I don't think the horses would fit in well in a city environment.

 

[Sandy V.]

I think the difference for me is probably the fact that we traveled so much when I was growing up. As I said, during the summers we spent every weekend (and some weeks) at the lake (about a hour and a half away). We always went to FL 2 or 3 times a year as well as lots of other places (mountains, etc.).

We actually bought my parents house when my parents retired (DD's room is my old room). Both of them are very happy in FL and have no desire to live in such a rural area anymore. In our case, I don't think the horses would fit in well in a city environment.

There's the difference - we hardly ever travelled. I went on 4 vacations from the time I was born until I was 18 (Florida, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado). And they were always last minute trips because, being farmers, we had to wait and see if we had enough rain so that the crops could be unattended for more than a few days and not irrigated. The one thing I knew for sure growing up was that I was NOT going to marry a farmer. Couldn't take the lifestyle. Living it in adolescence was enough for me.

The biggest annual event for us was going to the State Fair in Lincoln. As you can tell, we didn't get out much.

Your lake trips sounded like a lot of fun (and I'm jealous of how well you learned to swim - you are my inspiration!! ) I can see why you would like to "stay put" more now.

Happily, for me, we have been fortunate to have travelled a lot of places and are always looking for a new adventure. My kids may end up like you and want to stay HOME. Although for now, they still like to hop on a plane and see some new part of the country or world.

Yes, those horses would have a difficult time in a metropolitan area!!

 

[horseshowmom]

I know what you mean about farming. When I was younger, I dated a couple of them. Also, DD's BF's family owned a dairy until he was in high school. If you know anything about dairys, you don't get to leave them for anything. Those cows have to be milked (twice a day, I think). His mother said that she was soooo glad when they got out of that business!

When DD was younger, we actually traveled a lot. Then we got into the horses, and while we still traveled, it had a different focus. She was fortunate enough to show well enough to show regionally in breed shows (all of the southeast). Of course, the main thing we saw was the different arenas and stalls!

Now that we aren't showing, we're getting back into traveling a little more. DD and I definitely prefer flying to driving (DH flies, but he would just as soon not ). I also travel a fair amount on business. I'll be in Nashville in October and Orlando in November (still watching for December! ).

Still, I do like getting back home.

 

[mamacatnv]

City Girl checking in.
I do not know if I could handle being that rural. The peace and quiet would be nice, but to not have neighbors to sit and yack with on the porch in the evenings.............to say nothing of all the driving. I don't know, I be thinking it would get to me I do think it is really neat that you purchased the family home, I am sentimental enough to totally appreciate that.

I grew up in the Silicon Valley, I can't imagine a yard the size of a football field let alone acreage! Several of our friends have acreage, horses, livestock, sage brush (acres & acres of it) etc. This is one of the things that makes DS's as well as DD's school so diverse. We have it all, the ropers & riders, the hunters and the nerds and their offspring and the transplanted city folk like me! Our 2 schools cover a huge radius of land, we have kids that are 30-50 miles away. Some drive down the dirt road themselves in the farm truck to the paved road to catch the school bus.

DD's best friend lives 10 minutes from us (would be quicker, but there is a dirt road involved that I curse every time I am rattling along ) actually only a mile or 2 as the crow flies, they have horses, dogs, rabbits, cats, and who knows what other varmits hang out at that homestead Her mother runs an equestrian center - me, no thanks, they smell.

My DH grew up in New Hampshire with the river and woods in his backyard. He has always missed it and would have loved to raise our kids there. He is a Product QA/Testing Engineer and the job prospects just were not there, which is one of the reasons I met him in the Silicon Valley where he came after college. Woods give me the creeps, I read to many murder mysteries!

I do love to travel and am one of those that will always find the good points of any destination, even if it rains or is hot or cold or whatever, I enjoy myself. My DS is the same way which is why I take him with me on my little adventures a lot more than I take DH. DH is a homebody and goes along only when it is a family trip. (He did like the Texas trip tho, "no relatives, strollers or cranky people at what is supposed to be a "Happy Place" ")

My Father worked for a major airline when I was a kid but we mainly flew to Oregon to my Mothers family. We took a few trips when I was young, D-Land and once to Boston to visit Dad's relatives this was before I was 8 and before my Mother got really loonie. She was always loonie but after I was about 7 or 8 no one could control her or predict her behavior and family life changed dramatically. I loved New England and always enjoy when DH and I go visit.


Thanks for all the advice on the school situation - we do know the superintendant, but not on a come over for coffee type relationship. He was DS's Principal way back in Elem. School and we met with him several times. We attend the "brown bag lunches" he holds occassionally and thus he recognizes us by name and from conversations he does remember out DS.
I printed out the grievance form and I think we will follow the proper procedures, it has a time line on it and will end up on S's desk if not resolved anyway. At least if we end up in his office, we know we did so properly and then the past relationship may work to our advantage.

Well, girls it is time for me to go help DD's teacher I'm taking my cell phone which has video capabilities (My SIL's idea-the English teacher in Calif)

Sandy, have a great weekend regardless of how you travel there.

Horseshowmom: I think you should go with the car thing as being random for your own peace of mind. Given the location of the other break it is possible that this is coincidence, but I agree that is seems unlikely, checking in with the Police is still a good idea. Glad your DD is taking it well, that is part of our Mom job, we worry more than they do.

 

[horseshowmom]

DD's best friend lives 10 minutes from us (would be quicker, but there is a dirt road involved that I curse every time I am rattling along ) actually only a mile or 2 as the crow flies, they have horses, dogs, rabbits, cats, and who knows what other varmits hang out at that homestead Her mother runs an equestrian center - me, no thanks, they smell.

Girl, you just don't realize, that smell is full of everything I love! I don't even want to mention how much manure I've shoveled. Honestly, when I'm out in the barn, my cell phone doesn't ring (pretty close to no reception out there! ), and I don't have to solve anybody's problem (which is a HUGE part of my job - I fix situations). Those horses appreciate me (we won't talk about the fact that one of them has broken my toe at two different times )!

BTW, currently, along with the dogs and cats we have a squirrel who was bottle raised and two roosters that technically belong to my uncle, but they spend most of their time at our barn. Our goat that DD bottle raised is currently living with a herd of goats up the road.

Sometimes it would be nice to go out to dinner somewhere nice without having to drive a hour or more though, I've got to give you that!


ETA: DD just called and said that Capt. O fingerprinted the ashtray (where she had all the coins), but nothing came up. I appreciate him at least making an effort. It sure would have been nice if something showed up!

 

[mamacatnv]

Girl, you just don't realize, that smell is full of everything I love! I don't even want to mention how much manure I've shoveled.

eewwwww DD comes home from BF's house and heads straight to the shower, even if she hasn't been out on the horses she comes home with THAT smell

Honestly, when I'm out in the barn, my cell phone doesn't ring (pretty close to no reception out there! ), and I don't have to solve anybody's problem (which is a HUGE part of my job - I fix situations). Those horses appreciate me (we won't talk about the fact that one of them has broken my toe at two different times )!

Mine doesn't ring much either, I leave it in the car when I get home The rest of the time I just hide in the bathroom behind 3 locked doors (bedroom, bathroom & toilet room) where no one is capable of breaking my toe or asking me to resolve anything!

BTW, currently, along with the dogs and cats we have a squirrel who was bottle raised and two roosters that technically belong to my uncle, but they spend most of their time at our barn. Our goat that DD bottle raised is currently living with a herd of goats up the road.

Is the squirrel a pet?

:Sometimes it would be nice to go out to dinner somewhere nice without having to drive a hour or more though, I've got to give you that!

That does it, DS and I could not be that far from JimBoys for our midnight taco runs after football games!

:ETA: DD just called and said that Capt. O fingerprinted the ashtray (where she had all the coins), but nothing came up. I appreciate him at least making an effort. It sure would have been nice if something showed up!

I am sure they have checked to make sure creep is not in the system. Does your state mandate fingerprints? Our's only requires thumb prints with a drivers license.

It is funny, when we moved here 15 years ago, we came from the Los Angeles area. I truly thought I had stepped backwards 20 or more years. I had moved to podunk! I saw teens at the mall (the single story , no escalators, mall - huh??????) who were wearing cowboy hats and boots IN PUBLIC I saw trucks with gun racks with actual guns in them (remember, we had been in LA) People protect their property with fire arms and 8 - 10 year olds drive themselves in the ranch truck to the bus stop for school!(I did a double take the first time I saw that)

There were 2 freeways. 1 went N/S the other E/W, they met in the middle of town at what is known as the spaghetti bowl other than it was designed for a horse and buggy, I never understood the reference to pasta(15 years later, I still don't ) The snow was a new concept and the first time I heard the word Pogo-Nip and inquired I was laughed at (of course silly me asked a native). Shortly after we moved here, we drove south to my Aunt's house (about 50 miles from Reno) and DS who was 4 saw cows in the pastures and asked if we were at the zoo

The calm pace, small town feel and raising my kids in a place that was a little behind works for me. Other than the lack of rain and the fact that the place is really brown, I do love it here. 10 years ago, we moved N. about 13 miles, just far enough to get out of the city lights. I can sit on my back deck in my perfectly sized subdivision back yard and look at my neighbors house and the stars. Life is good! We are out in our own little community.

Now, I can stand about 3 days in a city and that is it, so maybe as I age I could feasibly go more rural and deal with it. I don't know............Personally, I really like the Pacific NorthWest - it is cool (I don't like heat) it is green and them folks sure do like their coffee-yummmmmm

 

[Sandy V.]

Sandy, have a great weekend regardless of how you travel there.

Thanks!!

We ended up putting the new handlebars on the bike after all. The Harley shop miraculously found a pair of brake cables that would work, so the $150 crisis was averted. So I guess we're taking off tomorrow morning and we'll be home late Sunday afternoon.

You ladies have a wonderful weekend!!!