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

[mamacatnv]

Happy Monday is probably an oxymoron, but it's my way of coping through that day!

Personally, I prefer a good martini I swear I am not the lush I make myself out to be! Really!

 

[mamacatnv]

and don't forget YOUR father!!

Well, there is that! She just sent me her itinerary, is coming to the area for Christmas. (I host the family Christmas gathering) I was just having a long discussion with my Aunt about the fact that "She" is not welcome at my house and I don't want to hurt her feelings but DH does get some say in the matter and there is no way he would go there. DS is still in the "I don't want to know" phase and DD does not know. By the way, we are not a bunch of intolerant, homophobic hicks, "She" did a lot of damage to the family relationships when she went down the road she chose. She was pretty mean, thoughtless, selfish and in many cases very cruel, especially to me. My DH has not gotten over it nor is he willing to forgive it. (He is very protective of all of us) My Brother also, has no relationship for all the same reasons. I guess, that Father/Daughter thing kicked in as I am more willing to turn the other cheek.

Yes, DS does like to live dangerously, by the way!!! I guess life is more fun when it's exciting.

or when you are afraid to sleep

Mine like to tease/argue about who's the strongest. They also used to argue about who was the fastest, but DS put that one to rest some time ago.

Fathers and Sons................

I hope you have fun on your visits. We did when DD and I went.

We are both looking forward to them. The OSU is he and I, the Humboldt will be a family weekend get away once football season is over.

 

[horseshowmom]

I think your DH and Chachi need to spend some quality, alone time together.....Your DH would be miserable at a kennel and Chachi doesn't sound like he would go willingly, plus the cost of the kennel would seriously put a dent into your hotel massage budget. I think you need to lay down some ground rules, remind them that they can only call you if they have been admitted to the local hospital and that they need to "sort it out"

DH assures me that he and Chachi will be fine. I paraphrased Sandy's testosterone statement and applied it to DH and Chachi. He insisted that everything will be fine. I told him that I didn't want DH bit or Chachi beat! (J/K BTW) He guaranteed me that there will be no problems. He even went so far as to say that it will work much better, because DD won't be home (she tries to boss Chachi, and it doesn't work well )!

Well, there is that! She just sent me her itinerary, is coming to the area for Christmas. (I host the family Christmas gathering) I was just having a long discussion with my Aunt about the fact that "She" is not welcome at my house and I don't want to hurt her feelings but DH does get some say in the matter and there is no way he would go there. DS is still in the "I don't want to know" phase and DD does not know. By the way, we are not a bunch of intolerant, homophobic hicks, "She" did a lot of damage to the family relationships when she went down the road she chose. She was pretty mean, thoughtless, selfish and in many cases very cruel, especially to me. My DH has not gotten over it nor is he willing to forgive it. (He is very protective of all of us) My Brother also, has no relationship for all the same reasons. I guess, that Father/Daughter thing kicked in as I am more willing to turn the other cheek.

Have you ever noticed that the people who are so quick to criticize are often the ones who haven't lived through what you have. From what you've said, you really had a difficult situation to deal with, and it doesn't sound like anybody was any too worried about your feelings in any of this (and never once have I heard you say that you were trying to make choices for someone else). It really sounds like the whole thing was handled in a very callous way with no understanding for how the children would have to deal with it (and grandchildren).

Honestly, I think your son's reaction is pretty much to be expected and totally normal at his age. My DH's reaction would be pretty much the same as yours, so he's not alone. DH's going to try to keep his family from being hurt (and you've said that she purposely does/says hurtful things). While I completely understand your willingness to try to at least handle the situation, it's obvious that you also understand where the rest of the family is coming from. Basically, you're just trying to do the best you can in a difficult situation.

 

[mamacatnv]

DH assures me that he and Chachi will be fine. I paraphrased Sandy's testosterone statement and applied it to DH and Chachi. He insisted that everything will be fine. I told him that I didn't want DH bit or Chachi beat! (J/K BTW) He guaranteed me that there will be no problems. He even went so far as to say that it will work much better, because DD won't be home (she tries to boss Chachi, and it doesn't work well )!

Have you thought about renaming the dog "King" Chachi, seems like his name does not have nearly enough status implied in it - We were discussing King Chachi & Father/Son battles last night at dinner. Chachi, a dog with a "small man" complex

Have you ever noticed that the people who are so quick to criticize are often the ones who haven't lived through what you have. From what you've said, you really had a difficult situation to deal with, and it doesn't sound like anybody was any too worried about your feelings in any of this (and never once have I heard you say that you were trying to make choices for someone else). It really sounds like the whole thing was handled in a very callous way with no understanding for how the children would have to deal with it (and grandchildren).

I spent many hours with a shrink. I was looking for permission to basically write my parents off guilt free (not that simple, but hey, I tried ) The interesting thing is that the only person who is really critical of me and my decisions is of course Her. She is and always has been very selfish, just a character trait and when she decided to transition she was "in our faces" about it. She told us "Dad" is dead! Well then, okay............Why are you still here? is what came to my mind at the time and still does from time to time. When is the funeral, that would have made things simple. I refer to her as my unfinished filing - the emotional file cabinet of life does not yet have a drawer for Her or my "Dad". Funny, She does know when she has pushed too far and like an errant child figures out ways to weasle back into my good graces.

When my DS was around 5, my "Dad" came to visit. My DS made the comment "Grandpa, you look like a girl" My DH about had a fit and my "Dad" stated to me that he needed to have a "Discussion" with my DS. Well, that was about it, you don't discuss those kinds of things with someone elses child let alone a child who is 5. That was when I felt I needed to pull the kids away and told "Dad" that Grandpa was welcome but no one else. She has since admitted that her original approach was way off, but so much damage was done that some times things are hard to repair. I make an effort to keep some semblance of a relationship because She really is the only parent I have. My Mother is a loon and at this point so affected by Dementia that she does not know who I am and to be honest we never had much of a relationship due to her mental illness.

Basically, you're just trying to do the best you can in a difficult situation.

Thanks for the supportive words, they mean a lot. This is the constant juggle. The weird thing is that I don't like Her. If I was to meet her at a gathering she is not someone I would choose to spend time with. So, I have this ongoing dilemna as to why I even try and have a relationship and I have yet to come up with an answer. She is very moody and gives me the "silent treatment" alot. I have gotten used to it and do not jump at Her beck and call anymore, although I used to. I am a pretty strong person emotionally and while my Brother does not cope at all, I view a lot of this as a challenge and just keep cruising along yet there is a small part of me that will not allow myself to terminate the relationship, which is dumb. It is an abusive relationship, I am smart, educated, strong willed, etc.....yet I can't quite let go.

It was a real source of drama between myself and DH in the early years, this is where the shrink actually did some good. I had to address the issue with DH and we had to come to an agreement on how to handle the situation and the kids. We did and it made a world of difference. DH does not question my visits to see Her and he pretty much keeps all his negative/nasty comments to himself. We agreed to tell DS when he was 15 and we agreed what to tell him. We have also agreed that if DS wants a relationship we will not stand in the way and will be supportive (so far DS is not interested).

 

[Sandy V.]

DH assures me that he and Chachi will be fine. I paraphrased Sandy's testosterone statement and applied it to DH and Chachi. He insisted that everything will be fine. I told him that I didn't want DH bit or Chachi beat! (J/K BTW) He guaranteed me that there will be no problems. He even went so far as to say that it will work much better, because DD won't be home (she tries to boss Chachi, and it doesn't work well )!

Well, glad to hear that the DH/Chachi relationship will be a smooth one next week.

Now . . . what about Tigger?

I told DH about the statements about your DH waiting for days to tell you that the dog was even missing or Melissa's statements about her DH buying a replacement and hoping that you wouldn't notice. He said he would use either of those if I left him alone with Tundra (he was joking; at least I THINK he was - DH is definitely Tundra's "alpha" person around here).

 

[Sandy V.]

I spent many hours with a shrink. I was looking for permission to basically write my parents off guilt free (not that simple, but hey, I tried ) The interesting thing is that the only person who is really critical of me and my decisions is of course Her. She is and always has been very selfish, just a character trait and when she decided to transition she was "in our faces" about it. She told us "Dad" is dead! Well then, okay............Why are you still here? is what came to my mind at the time and still does from time to time. When is the funeral, that would have made things simple. I refer to her as my unfinished filing - the emotional file cabinet of life does not yet have a drawer for Her or my "Dad". Funny, She does know when she has pushed too far and like an errant child figures out ways to weasle back into my good graces.

When my DS was around 5, my "Dad" came to visit. My DS made the comment "Grandpa, you look like a girl" My DH about had a fit and my "Dad" stated to me that he needed to have a "Discussion" with my DS. Well, that was about it, you don't discuss those kinds of things with someone elses child let alone a child who is 5. That was when I felt I needed to pull the kids away and told "Dad" that Grandpa was welcome but no one else. She has since admitted that her original approach was way off, but so much damage was done that some times things are hard to repair. I make an effort to keep some semblance of a relationship because She really is the only parent I have. My Mother is a loon and at this point so affected by Dementia that she does not know who I am and to be honest we never had much of a relationship due to her mental illness.

Thanks for the supportive words, they mean a lot. This is the constant juggle. The weird thing is that I don't like Her. If I was to meet her at a gathering she is not someone I would choose to spend time with. So, I have this ongoing dilemna as to why I even try and have a relationship and I have yet to come up with an answer. She is very moody and gives me the "silent treatment" alot. I have gotten used to it and do not jump at Her beck and call anymore, although I used to. I am a pretty strong person emotionally and while my Brother does not cope at all, I view a lot of this as a challenge and just keep cruising along yet there is a small part of me that will not allow myself to terminate the relationship, which is dumb. It is an abusive relationship, I am smart, educated, strong willed, etc.....yet I can't quite let go.

It was a real source of drama between myself and DH in the early years, this is where the shrink actually did some good. I had to address the issue with DH and we had to come to an agreement on how to handle the situation and the kids. We did and it made a world of difference. DH does not question my visits to see Her and he pretty much keeps all his negative/nasty comments to himself. We agreed to tell DS when he was 15 and we agreed what to tell him. We have also agreed that if DS wants a relationship we will not stand in the way and will be supportive (so far DS is not interested).

You know, I admire you for talking to a professional about all of this. It can't be easy at all to deal with - after all, you were FORCED to deal with a huge change of your father's identity and you had no say in the situation initially. It was just thrust upon you.

Hang in there and do what you think is best. No one knows what it's like to walk a mile in YOUR mocassins.

I think I have the health insurance figured out. Probably going with an Aetna PPO. Our company is really pushing Aetna this year, phasing out United Healthcare and one of their Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans. Probably (my guess) will get rid of Kaiser next year (that's what I currently have). Because I HATE switching insurance companies, I am reading the writing on the wall and making the change NOW for hopefully minimal stress next year.

I hope that you are both having a good day. Work continues to be very busy, but hey, it's job security!!!!

Talk to you later!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Thanks for the supportive words, they mean a lot. This is the constant juggle. The weird thing is that I don't like Her. If I was to meet her at a gathering she is not someone I would choose to spend time with. So, I have this ongoing dilemna as to why I even try and have a relationship and I have yet to come up with an answer. She is very moody and gives me the "silent treatment" alot. I have gotten used to it and do not jump at Her beck and call anymore, although I used to. I am a pretty strong person emotionally and while my Brother does not cope at all, I view a lot of this as a challenge and just keep cruising along yet there is a small part of me that will not allow myself to terminate the relationship, which is dumb. It is an abusive relationship, I am smart, educated, strong willed, etc.....yet I can't quite let go.

I'm sure you have the mixed emotions because she is your father (good, bad, or indifferent), and deep down we all have a connection to our parents (whether they're good or bad) that is very difficult to separate ourselves from. We came from them, and they're a part of us just like we're a part of them. When a relationship is dysfunctional, it throws everything into turmoil, and I think we're often left floundering.

I think you should commend yourself for doing as well as you have. You've raised a family of normal children and have a good relationship with your DH. Those are accomplishments that many, many people aren't able to achieve when they come from dysfunctional backgrounds. Kudos to you!

 

[mamacatnv]

I think I have the health insurance figured out. Probably going with an Aetna PPO. Our company is really pushing Aetna this year, phasing out United Healthcare and one of their Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans. Probably (my guess) will get rid of Kaiser next year (that's what I currently have). Because I HATE switching insurance companies, I am reading the writing on the wall and making the change NOW for hopefully minimal stress next year.

I hope that you are both having a good day. Work continues to be very busy, but hey, it's job security!!!!

Talk to you later!!!

Your company may be doing the rate juggle. Health care costs have increased so much that more and more companies are switching things on a yearly basis to go with the lower costs that are offered to get a group in the door. Kaiser is big in Calif. but we don't have it here at all. It is my understanding that the reputation and services of Kaiser have vastly improved over the years and they are really big in the California markets. My DH's employer has kept our coverages rich but we increasingly pay more for it. Hoever, I am not complaining we have a fantastic benefit package.

My current employer swallows the ever increasing premiums because they are happy with the plan provider which is a local health care provider. My previous employer used to switch carriers almost annually to keep the coverage adequate and the costs under control. The annual switching causes lots of anxiety for the employees and a ton of paperwork for me who handles all the benefits.

I told DH about the statements about your DH waiting for days to tell you that the dog was even missing or Melissa's statements about her DH buying a replacement and hoping that you wouldn't notice. He said he would use either of those if I left him alone with Tundra

Despite their differences hubbys generally think alike! Tundra due to shear size and volume would be harder to lose

Eeewwww, I came home last night from a Booster meeting (boring, yawnnnn) and pulled into my garage where I found a mouse that I must have run over on my way out of the garage earlier I'm thinking the cats must have maimed it and placed it under my tire, sick kitty humor
I walked into the house to find my 2 cats looking like they were up to something DD still awake (a no-no) and DS and DH hanging out in the living room having some sort of argument over my DH's tendancy to record CSI repeats and then subject us to them because he cannot remember who did it! We play this little game with him, when he first starts to replay the episode (that we have all seen a gazillion times) DS and I throw out as many details as we can remember from the episode until DH remembers it! DH is a little slow at night Then he begins to "play" with us by playing dumb. He goofs around with the remote which he will not hand over, can't remember how to delete, pulls up the on screen guide and generally makes DS a little nuts! By the time we went to bed, I was laughing so hard, DS was fit to be tied and poor DH was still trying to figure out who did it!

Now . . . what about Tigger?

Yeah, what does Tigger think of Chachi?????


BTW Girls:

DD had a great day yesterday She really likes her new teacher and was very excited that they were starting cursive writing (something prev. teacher could not find the time for ). I saw teacher breifly at the end of the day. She said it was a hard day for all of them, all the changes and she also told them of her previous class that got split up just like they did and started back without her. She said she found a couple of stories that addressed the subject and they read them together. She said that by the end of the day she felt they were well on their way to a great new start! DD commented that the class was orderly and that her new teacher really had a handle on the behavior

Okay, back to work for me too................have a great day ladies

 

[horseshowmom]

Well, glad to hear that the DH/Chachi relationship will be a smooth one next week.

Yeah, well, I don't believe everything I hear...

Now . . . what about Tigger?

I finally figured out last night how best to describe Tigger's bouncing. Did y'all ever watch Pepi LePew cartoons? Do you remember how he bounced on all 4 feet as we went along his way?

When Tigger is playing in the flowers or jumping on the other cats, that's how he does it. All four feet come off the ground at the same time, and he just elevates himself through the air. It's not at all like a regular dog or cat jumping (you know, front feet first and then back feet following). I don't know how he does it, but it's pretty funny to see this cat coming straight up and flying a foot or more up in the air over the flower fronds as he bounces over to another section (landing on all 4 feet). He is a little unusual (but he's sooo cute!).

I told DH about the statements about your DH waiting for days to tell you that the dog was even missing or Melissa's statements about her DH buying a replacement and hoping that you wouldn't notice. He said he would use either of those if I left him alone with Tundra (he was joking; at least I THINK he was - DH is definitely Tundra's "alpha" person around here).

King Chachi - it has certain ring to it...

The elderly lady who had him his first two years ruined him. I don't think I'll ever be able to get him completely straightened out.

My mother loves him dearly. Because of that, I actually told her she could have him when she was here over the summer, and DH had a fit. He said that I loved him too much to send him off to Florida... (No worry, my dad wasn't taking that heathen home.. )

 

[horseshowmom]

Despite their differences hubbys generally think alike! Tundra due to shear size and volume would be harder to lose

Yeah, it would be really hard to talk yourself out of that one...

Yeah, what does Tigger think of Chachi?????

Interestingly enough, they get along pretty well. For some odd reason, Bobbie (our bobtailed cat - not very creative, I know, but when you have as many as we do... ) has decided to become very jealous and needy. She likes him fine, but now she wants to be the one in your lap all the time. She wasn't this way before. Last night, DH and I were sitting on the couch and I had a Chihuahua on the back of the couch behind me, Bobbie on my shoulder, Stormy in my lap, and Tigger curled up by Stormy. I told DH that I may not be very personable, but I'm very animalable! He just shakes his head in amusement.

DD had a great day yesterday She really likes her new teacher and was very excited that they were starting cursive writing (something prev. teacher could not find the time for ). I saw teacher breifly at the end of the day. She said it was a hard day for all of them, all the changes and she also told them of her previous class that got split up just like they did and started back without her. She said she found a couple of stories that addressed the subject and they read them together. She said that by the end of the day she felt they were well on their way to a great new start! DD commented that the class was orderly and that her new teacher really had a handle on the behavior

Thanks for keeping us updated. I was wondering about this last night (I had a school board meeting, and we had a teacher there who was missing a few screws, so I thought about your DD's situation) but forgot to ask this morning. I think you can breathe a sigh of relief now!

 

[Sandy V.]

Your company may be doing the rate juggle. Health care costs have increased so much that more and more companies are switching things on a yearly basis to go with the lower costs that are offered to get a group in the door. Kaiser is big in Calif. but we don't have it here at all. It is my understanding that the reputation and services of Kaiser have vastly improved over the years and they are really big in the California markets. My DH's employer has kept our coverages rich but we increasingly pay more for it. Hoever, I am not complaining we have a fantastic benefit package.

My current employer swallows the ever increasing premiums because they are happy with the plan provider which is a local health care provider. My previous employer used to switch carriers almost annually to keep the coverage adequate and the costs under control. The annual switching causes lots of anxiety for the employees and a ton of paperwork for me who handles all the benefits.

I agree with you. And we've had good coverage with Kaiser, UNTIL the past two weeks. DD had a few health issues while at Boulder, and hardly anyone takes Kaiser up there. She really had to scramble to find someone who would see her. So I did some research, and Aetna is much more widely accepted there. Since DD and DS will both be up there next year, I think we need to have a plan that they can use up there easily.

I sure hope that my company doesn't switch carriers annually!!

We are an international publishing company, headed in Brussels and London, although my particular branch is headquartered in the U.S. Even if they made annual carrier switches only in the the states, our HR departments would go under from all of the work.

Despite their differences hubbys generally think alike! Tundra due to shear size and volume would be harder to lose

True. She's not tall, but she is kinda "rotund".

Eeewwww, I came home last night from a Booster meeting (boring, yawnnnn) and pulled into my garage where I found a mouse that I must have run over on my way out of the garage earlier I'm thinking the cats must have maimed it and placed it under my tire, sick kitty humor
I walked into the house to find my 2 cats looking like they were up to something DD still awake (a no-no) and DS and DH hanging out in the living room having some sort of argument over my DH's tendancy to record CSI repeats and then subject us to them because he cannot remember who did it! We play this little game with him, when he first starts to replay the episode (that we have all seen a gazillion times) DS and I throw out as many details as we can remember from the episode until DH remembers it! DH is a little slow at night Then he begins to "play" with us by playing dumb. He goofs around with the remote which he will not hand over, can't remember how to delete, pulls up the on screen guide and generally makes DS a little nuts! By the time we went to bed, I was laughing so hard, DS was fit to be tied and poor DH was still trying to figure out who did it!

Sounds like life as usual!!! At least it's never boring!

DD had a great day yesterday She really likes her new teacher and was very excited that they were starting cursive writing (something prev. teacher could not find the time for ). I saw teacher breifly at the end of the day. She said it was a hard day for all of them, all the changes and she also told them of her previous class that got split up just like they did and started back without her. She said she found a couple of stories that addressed the subject and they read them together. She said that by the end of the day she felt they were well on their way to a great new start! DD commented that the class was orderly and that her new teacher really had a handle on the behavior

I am so happy for you and your family. That is GREAT news!! Your DD deserves this.

 

[mamacatnv]

Yeah, well, I don't believe everything I hear...

Is that like when I say to DH "(insert: evil, hand wringing smilie)Go ahead dear, go to sleep" when he knows he is on my doodoo list

I finally figured out last night how best to describe Tigger's bouncing. Did y'all ever watch Pepi LePew cartoons? Do you remember how he bounced on all 4 feet as we went along his way?

When Tigger is playing in the flowers or jumping on the other cats, that's how he does it. All four feet come off the ground at the same time, and he just elevates himself through the air. It's not at all like a regular dog or cat jumping (you know, front feet first and then back feet following). I don't know how he does it, but it's pretty funny to see this cat coming straight up and flying a foot or more up in the air over the flower fronds as he bounces over to another section (landing on all 4 feet). He is a little unusual (but he's sooo cute!).

I totally get it, his name is soo appropriate! Hate that cartoon (what an annoying skunk!) but can now visualize Tigger. I don't remember if you have told us, what color(s) is Tigger?

(No worry, my dad wasn't taking that heathen home.. )

Deck'ster actually waited at the screen door last night without bolting when I was filling up his food bowl, but stayed just out of arms reach when I put my hand out for him to sniff/rub. Now I need DH to build him a little house for the winter or he will be a catsicle. DH is slowly warming up..........

 

[Sandy V.]

Yeah, it would be really hard to talk yourself out of that one...

DH talks a good game, but he would miss that dog SO much. We keep talking about getting another one, or even a cat, but DH doesn't think that Tundra's ego could handle sharing "her" people.

Interestingly enough, they get along pretty well. For some odd reason, Bobbie (our bobtailed cat - not very creative, I know, but when you have as many as we do... ) has decided to become very jealous and needy. She likes him fine, but now she wants to be the one in your lap all the time. She wasn't this way before. Last night, DH and I were sitting on the couch and I had a Chihuahua on the back of the couch behind me, Bobbie on my shoulder, Stormy in my lap, and Tigger curled up by Stormy. I told DH that I may not be very personable, but I'm very animalable! He just shakes his head in amusement.

I just got quite the visual impression of you and your menagerie of pets. Quite a pleasant image.

I can picture "King Chachi", sitting on a velvet pillow, making sure someone is stroking him with one hand and feeding him doggie kibble with the other!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Is that like when I say to DH "(insert: evil, hand wringing smilie)Go ahead dear, go to sleep" when he knows he is on my doodoo list

Well, I think it's safe to say that if they do have any problems, I won't hear about it (I don't know whether that's a good thing or not ).

I don't remember if you have told us, what color(s) is Tigger?

He's yellow striped with a long tail (longer than our other cats, and he's only about 6 months old). This moring he tried to take the amoxicillin bottle away from me. Tonight will be his last dose - he may go into withdrawal.

Deck'ster actually waited at the screen door last night without bolting when I was filling up his food bowl, but stayed just out of arms reach when I put my hand out for him to sniff/rub. Now I need DH to build him a little house for the winter or he will be a catsicle. DH is slowly warming up..........

How sweet! It sounds like Deck'ster is coming around slowly but surely. It's nice that your other cats have been friendly. You might try a cardboard box under the deck with an old blanket in the meantime (if Deck'ster will get in it - I know they don't always see things the way we do).

 

[mamacatnv]

I agree with you. And we've had good coverage with Kaiser, UNTIL the past two weeks. DD had a few health issues while at Boulder, and hardly anyone takes Kaiser up there. She really had to scramble to find someone who would see her. So I did some research, and Aetna is much more widely accepted there. Since DD and DS will both be up there next year, I think we need to have a plan that they can use up there easily.

I sure hope that my company doesn't switch carriers annually!!

We are an international publishing company, headed in Brussels and London, although my particular branch is headquartered in the U.S. Even if they made annual carrier switches only in the the states, our HR departments would go under from all of the work.

The advantage to the larger company is their rate structures are generally more stable and less subjective to "loss ratios" like us poor small companies. I work for a small (under 30 employees) company. One of my Managers a couple of years back had 2 kids in college - 1 in Wisconsin and 1 in So. Calif. I went looking for a benefit plan where he could get decent coverage for the kids. This is another area where the HMO's really hurt and the PPO's with Nation Wide networks come in really handy. Your choice in the Aetna PPO is probably a good one. Aetna is a well rated company. My DH's plan has a nation wide network and we have used it in just about every state we have ever visited Hey, what would a trip to Florida be without at least 1 Urgent Care visit for something!

True. She's not tall, but she is kinda "rotund".

Remember, Tundra has feelings too

Sounds like life as usual!!! At least it's never boring!

No, life is never boring, we do laugh alot - even if it is at each other it is laughter nonetheless!

I am so happy for you and your family. That is GREAT news!! Your DD deserves this.

Thanks! We are pleasantly optimistic at this point

DH just called - on his way from the dentist with DD - good check up! Dentist wants her to see the Orthodontist due to severe crowding (I knew this was coming )she actually had a double row of teeth for awhile, we called her shark tooth! Of course she needs to see the Orthodontist, DS's braces are coming off next Tuesday and I just paid his off last month! It is a conspiracy I tell you!!! I am never going to get to retire!

 

[horseshowmom]

DH talks a good game, but he would miss that dog SO much. We keep talking about getting another one, or even a cat, but DH doesn't think that Tundra's ego could handle sharing "her" people.

Awwww, that's sweet!

I can picture "King Chachi", sitting on a velvet pillow, making sure someone is stroking him with one hand and feeding him doggie kibble with the other!!

Yes, that would be my mother...

 

[Sandy V.]

He's yellow striped with a long tail (longer than our other cats, and he's only about 6 months old). This morning he tried to take the amoxicillin bottle away from me. Tonight will be his last dose - he may go into withdrawal.

Sounds like you may have to enroll him in a rehab program. Admitting the addiction is the first step. What a cat!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Remember, Tundra has feelings too

Have you been drinking again?

Of course she needs to see the Orthodontist, DS's braces are coming off next Tuesday and I just paid his off last month! It is a conspiracy I tell you!!! I am never going to get to retire!

Maybe you could start collecting aluminum cans...

 

[horseshowmom]

Sounds like you may have to enroll him in a rehab program. Admitting the addiction is the first step. What a cat!!

Well, if he winds up with Lindsay Lohan or Brittney Spears, he'll have them wrapped around his little dew claw....

 

[Sandy V.]

The advantage to the larger company is their rate structures are generally more stable and less subjective to "loss ratios" like us poor small companies. I work for a small (under 30 employees) company. One of my Managers a couple of years back had 2 kids in college - 1 in Wisconsin and 1 in So. Calif. I went looking for a benefit plan where he could get decent coverage for the kids. This is another area where the HMO's really hurt and the PPO's with Nation Wide networks come in really handy. Your choice in the Aetna PPO is probably a good one. Aetna is a well rated company. My DH's plan has a nation wide network and we have used it in just about every state we have ever visited Hey, what would a trip to Florida be without at least 1 Urgent Care visit for something!

I never realized how important it would be until this year. Now I think having nationwide coverage will be one of the first things I look at from now on.

Remember, Tundra has feelings too

I swear the dog knows when we tease her about her weight. She gets all "pissy" and turns her back to us.

DH just called - on his way from the dentist with DD - good check up! Dentist wants her to see the Orthodontist due to severe crowding (I knew this was coming )she actually had a double row of teeth for awhile, we called her shark tooth! Of course she needs to see the Orthodontist, DS's braces are coming off next Tuesday and I just paid his off last month! It is a conspiracy I tell you!!! I am never going to get to retire!

Oh, I do empathize. Since DD and DS are a little over two years apart, we were paying for theirs at the same time. I was SO happy when that was done. However, now we have tuition bills, which are even higher!! And we'll have at least 2 years of paying for both kids in college at the same time.