Let the Prom Drama CONTINUE . . . . . . . .

[mamacatnv]

Hi girls:

Okay, I'm too lazy to cut and paste today so I am just going to comment

Sheila:
Ah yes, the family members can be such a joy. Glad you SIL has her head on straight.
Don't know if I ever told you but after I placed Mother in her care facility my brother was very upset (following her getting sick) he was convinced if I left her where she was she would die. He said he was going to go take her out and rent her a little house in the middle of nowhere and let her be happy. (he was drunk and not rational) I told him if he so much as thought about it I would charge him with kidnapping and I was not kidding. This was of course at the end of a long battle with Mother and me getting stuck (yes stuck, no one else would do it) with the Guardianship. I figure he has NO kids, 2 incomes etc.....he could have pulled off the guardianship so much easier than I, but oh no it was too much for him but he still wants to have his way. Nope, sorry, ain't gonna happen on my watch, he had his chance. Now he has to live with the decisions I make. He is better now than he was when this all first went down.

I am curious how are you all managing to keep FIL in the hospital if it is against his will? Does SIL have some sort of Guardianship?
I had 72 hours of an emergency hold and then was able to get a 30 day temporary emergency Guardianship.

As for the annoying Uncle, you know the minute he left they probably got FIL back out of bed
This is such a difficult thing for families under the best circumstances I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Go Tigger The whole bread thing must be a cat thing because my furbeasts will chew holes in the plastic wrap and eat the tops off of hamburger & hot dog buns! Beasts! They also will lick the butter - I finally bought a french butter dish - no more paw prints or tongue marks in the butter!

Aww, Kodak sounds like a sweetie who just wants lots and lots of attention. I think he came to the right place

Sandy:
Those puppies sure are cute and sounds like they are keeping you busy. They will keep Tundra young and in shape for awhile.

I'm so jealous of your laundry room. Our house is the same way, you walk thru it coming in from the garage and it is so dang small it makes me crazy. Couple of years ago, we contemplated moving. We were looking at houses that were twice the size of ours and brand new......Same issue, small laundry "walkway" to the garage. No kidding it was a total deal breaker for me.

You know we have always had cats but there is a pecking order that gets established from the get go. We had Charlie for about 13 years and when he died, Baxter was King and only cat of the house. Baxter had never gotten to check out the food bowl first or even the cat box with the new litter he was always 2nd. The day after Charlie died I took the kids to Animal control and we came home with Simon and Milo. Poor Baxter, got to enjoy being King for about 24 hrs He whipped those kittens into shape in no time. At first he was really annoyed, then he started to warm up to them. We had to put Milo down a year later, but Baxter remains King over Simon. So, along came Deck'Ster and Baxter has nothing to do with her other than the occassional hiss, but Simon does and she plays third fiddle to the other 2. Funny how animals are.

Enjoy having the kids home - your house will be really busy for a few days and then those puppies will be depressed having gotten used to all the attention.

Homecoming was fun - we lost to a team that we have never (that I can remember) lost to, Elko.
Those poor Elko kids spend hours and hours on a bus every other weekend (300+ miles each way) and don't usually ever win (small community near the Utah border) The game was good, it went back and forth all night - high scores.....Final score 33 to 36 Elko. They scored and we got the ball back with 57 seconds and couldn't do it. They were so excited, it was hard for me not to be a little excited for them, I know how few and far between their wins really are.
It was a little nippy - DS was whining about being cold and I was like "Oh, this is nothing compared to some of your games we sat through" he just kept whining that his toes were numb. Poor baby
The Pack headed to Hawaii for a game and they lost.....Then the Patriots won yesterday and balance was restored to our house once again

DS and Girly came over on Saturday to carve pumpkins with DD. They had fun, got pumpkin goo everywhere (I hate pumpkin goo) and we have 4 nice carved pumpkins. DS had to go to work and Girly was babysitting for my BFF next door so when DS came back after work to be with Girly they came to the house and we took some pictures of them with the pumpkins all lit up.

I made a dump style cherry cobbler dessert and the kids and I ate the whole thing Saturday night. (open can, sprinkle cake mix, drizzle with butter....bake) doesn't get much easier than that! I actually had to call DS's BFF for the directions - he made it for poker night and it was really good - he called it Bachelor cobbler. Only I would be calling an 18 yr. old guy for a dessert recipe! I tell you, the girls in the group are useless but every one of those boys knows how to cook and cook well!

I read 2 books this weekend that I picked up at the Library last week. I love James Patterson and read the 7th book in the Womens Murder Club - I think it was 7th Heaven and I read the 2nd one since somehow along the way I think I missed that one. Also caught up on a few more episodes of my "House" marathons that I have been recording. Decided that cleaning house could wait - basically a really lazy weekend.

I haven't been sleeping well so I played catch up. I'm taking an RX to help me stop smoking. It works, haven't smoked in 2 weeks but it messes with my sleep and is starting to mess with my stomach. Got to work this morning and was sick as a dog .....I have been having some issues with nausea (heck, maybe I'll quit smoking and lose a few pounds, that would be a first) the nausea is one of the most common side effects, followed by sleep disruption. I just called my Dr. to ask if what I had read about cutting up the pills and spreading out the dose was ok - yep, cut them babies up and maybe stop yacking. Dr. said that if the nausea has gotten to the point that I am actually sick it may continue if I don't spread the dosage out. I have had the RX in my cabinet for 6 months and finally decided it was time. My brother who was a heavy smoker quit with it a year and a half ago and I know a few other people who have had success.
Another vice bites the dust........gonna go find a pretzel

Oh goodness, as usual I have gone on and on and on.......I guess I had better get some work done. (Boss is off on Monday, none of us do much ) Mondays are like a personal work day

Have a great day ladies

 

[horseshowmom]

Melissa, I'll get back to the rest of your post later (gotta run now), but I wanted to congratulate you on fighting the smoking! It's not something I've ever dealt with, and I'm so allergic that I can't stand to be around even a little bit of smoke, but I've always had some sympathy for smokers trying to quit, because I know how hard I wrestle with my weight. Like you, I made up my mind not too long ago that I HAVE to lose weight. I'll be 49 in a week or so, and NOW is the time. As of this morning, I've lost 28 lbs, but there's lots more to go.

Good luck with your battle!

(P.S. I probably wouldn't ask your DD for too much sympathy with that yakking thing though... )

 

[Sandy V.]

Don't know if I ever told you but after I placed Mother in her care facility my brother was very upset (following her getting sick) he was convinced if I left her where she was she would die. He said he was going to go take her out and rent her a little house in the middle of nowhere and let her be happy. (he was drunk and not rational) I told him if he so much as thought about it I would charge him with kidnapping and I was not kidding. This was of course at the end of a long battle with Mother and me getting stuck (yes stuck, no one else would do it) with the Guardianship. I figure he has NO kids, 2 incomes etc.....he could have pulled off the guardianship so much easier than I, but oh no it was too much for him but he still wants to have his way. Nope, sorry, ain't gonna happen on my watch, he had his chance. Now he has to live with the decisions I make. He is better now than he was when this all first went down.

I am curious how are you all managing to keep FIL in the hospital if it is against his will? Does SIL have some sort of Guardianship?
I had 72 hours of an emergency hold and then was able to get a 30 day temporary emergency Guardianship.

As for the annoying Uncle, you know the minute he left they probably got FIL back out of bed
This is such a difficult thing for families under the best circumstances I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Good for you. Why is it certain family members always feel free to tell other relatives how they they "things" should be until THEY have to take the final responsibility for it all?!?!? Your brother was perfectly willing to criticize because HE didn't have to do any of the legwork!!

Go Tigger The whole bread thing must be a cat thing because my furbeasts will chew holes in the plastic wrap and eat the tops off of hamburger & hot dog buns! Beasts! They also will lick the butter - I finally bought a french butter dish - no more paw prints or tongue marks in the butter!

Aww, Kodak sounds like a sweetie who just wants lots and lots of attention. I think he came to the right place

Sandy:
Those puppies sure are cute and sounds like they are keeping you busy. They will keep Tundra young and in shape for awhile.

It's amazing. She acts YEARS younger. I know she was jealous at first, but I think these puppies may be key to keeping her around for a longer time. She has so much more to be interested in.

I'm so jealous of your laundry room. Our house is the same way, you walk thru it coming in from the garage and it is so dang small it makes me crazy. Couple of years ago, we contemplated moving. We were looking at houses that were twice the size of ours and brand new......Same issue, small laundry "walkway" to the garage. No kidding it was a total deal breaker for me.

I am so much like you on this. We can go visit new(er) houses and I can always tell that some man or a single woman designed these stupid "pass-through" laundry rooms. There's no room to do laundry, to take off muddy boots, hang up coats, you name it. They are worthless and a deal-breaker for me as well. We finished out our basement at the same time, and we were contemplating putting the laundry room down there. I am SO glad that we kept it where it was and got rid of the half bath. It was a dirt collector and we needed the space much more. We already had a guest bathroom on the main floor anyhow.

You know we have always had cats but there is a pecking order that gets established from the get go. We had Charlie for about 13 years and when he died, Baxter was King and only cat of the house. Baxter had never gotten to check out the food bowl first or even the cat box with the new litter he was always 2nd. The day after Charlie died I took the kids to Animal control and we came home with Simon and Milo. Poor Baxter, got to enjoy being King for about 24 hrs He whipped those kittens into shape in no time. At first he was really annoyed, then he started to warm up to them. We had to put Milo down a year later, but Baxter remains King over Simon. So, along came Deck'Ster and Baxter has nothing to do with her other than the occassional hiss, but Simon does and she plays third fiddle to the other 2. Funny how animals are.

Yes, they establish their own pecking order.

Enjoy having the kids home - your house will be really busy for a few days and then those puppies will be depressed having gotten used to all the attention.

Yes, I anticpate having two sleepy dogs on Monday morning as they try and recover!!

Homecoming was fun - we lost to a team that we have never (that I can remember) lost to, Elko.
Those poor Elko kids spend hours and hours on a bus every other weekend (300+ miles each way) and don't usually ever win (small community near the Utah border) The game was good, it went back and forth all night - high scores.....Final score 33 to 36 Elko. They scored and we got the ball back with 57 seconds and couldn't do it. They were so excited, it was hard for me not to be a little excited for them, I know how few and far between their wins really are.
It was a little nippy - DS was whining about being cold and I was like "Oh, this is nothing compared to some of your games we sat through" he just kept whining that his toes were numb. Poor baby
The Pack headed to Hawaii for a game and they lost.....Then the Patriots won yesterday and balance was restored to our house once again

Sorry that your team lost, but I'm like you - inside I would have been a little happy for the Elko team.

DS and Girly came over on Saturday to carve pumpkins with DD. They had fun, got pumpkin goo everywhere (I hate pumpkin goo) and we have 4 nice carved pumpkins. DS had to go to work and Girly was babysitting for my BFF next door so when DS came back after work to be with Girly they came to the house and we took some pictures of them with the pumpkins all lit up.

I made a dump style cherry cobbler dessert and the kids and I ate the whole thing Saturday night. (open can, sprinkle cake mix, drizzle with butter....bake) doesn't get much easier than that! I actually had to call DS's BFF for the directions - he made it for poker night and it was really good - he called it Bachelor cobbler. Only I would be calling an 18 yr. old guy for a dessert recipe! I tell you, the girls in the group are useless but every one of those boys knows how to cook and cook well!

Recipe, please!!! That sounds so yummy. The pumpkin-carving sounds like fun - you are lucky in that you've still got a little one who wants to do it. I'm sure Butch and Sundance would "help" me with pumpkins, but Tundra wouldn't!!

I read 2 books this weekend that I picked up at the Library last week. I love James Patterson and read the 7th book in the Womens Murder Club - I think it was 7th Heaven and I read the 2nd one since somehow along the way I think I missed that one. Also caught up on a few more episodes of my "House" marathons that I have been recording. Decided that cleaning house could wait - basically a really lazy weekend.

I read a David Baldacci novel in late August - that's my last foray into book reading. Since I read for a living, cleaning house is my latest hobby!! Glad that you got some good reading and tv watching in this weekend.

I haven't been sleeping well so I played catch up. I'm taking an RX to help me stop smoking. It works, haven't smoked in 2 weeks but it messes with my sleep and is starting to mess with my stomach. Got to work this morning and was sick as a dog .....I have been having some issues with nausea (heck, maybe I'll quit smoking and lose a few pounds, that would be a first) the nausea is one of the most common side effects, followed by sleep disruption. I just called my Dr. to ask if what I had read about cutting up the pills and spreading out the dose was ok - yep, cut them babies up and maybe stop yacking. Dr. said that if the nausea has gotten to the point that I am actually sick it may continue if I don't spread the dosage out. I have had the RX in my cabinet for 6 months and finally decided it was time. My brother who was a heavy smoker quit with it a year and a half ago and I know a few other people who have had success.
Another vice bites the dust........gonna go find a pretzel

Good luck in the battle to stop smoking. I tried smoking and drinking when I was in college 30 years ago, but used to get sick as a dog when I did both at the same time, so I had to make a choice, and I chose the booze. I know that it's a very hard thing to do, so hang in there and keep at it.

Oh goodness, as usual I have gone on and on and on.......I guess I had better get some work done. (Boss is off on Monday, none of us do much ) Mondays are like a personal work day

Have a great day ladies

You too!!!

 

[mamacatnv]

Melissa, I'll get back to the rest of your post later (gotta run now), but I wanted to congratulate you on fighting the smoking! It's not something I've ever dealt with, and I'm so allergic that I can't stand to be around even a little bit of smoke, but I've always had some sympathy for smokers trying to quit, because I know how hard I wrestle with my weight. Like you, I made up my mind not too long ago that I HAVE to lose weight. I'll be 49 in a week or so, and NOW is the time. As of this morning, I've lost 28 lbs, but there's lots more to go.

Good luck with your battle!

(P.S. I probably wouldn't ask your DD for too much sympathy with that yakking thing though... )

28#'s Thats awesome - I'll eat your pretzels for you!

Other than when I was pregnant and I quit immediatly with both pregnancies all the way thru nursing, I have been smoking since I was 16. My problem is I like it, plain and simple, I enjoy it. I am very "oral" I eat, I smoke, I chew on my fingers or I always have something in my mouth. I have always been this way and I don't like gum.
Reason for quitting: I'm tired of the cost.......not health, not smell, the costs. Oh well whatever it takes I guess.

 

[mamacatnv]

Good for you. Why is it certain family members always feel free to tell other relatives how they they "things" should be until THEY have to take the final responsibility for it all?!?!? Your brother was perfectly willing to criticize because HE didn't have to do any of the legwork!!

He can't handle being the "bad guy" he used to call me and he would say "I'm the good son" and we laughed about it. He has not been to see her since she went over the deep end 2 years ago. Oh well, it has all worked out fine, but it is irritating as heck when someone is trying to do what they think is best for the other person and the family is interferring because they want what is best for them and their feelings.

It's amazing. She acts YEARS younger. I know she was jealous at first, but I think these puppies may be key to keeping her around for a longer time. She has so much more to be interested in.

How old is Tundra and has she always been an only child? Those puppies are going to keep her really busy, she needs to see HomeWard Bound The older dog and the young pup crack me up, you know that is exactly the way that animals think

I am so much like you on this. We can go visit new(er) houses and I can always tell that some man or a single woman designed these stupid "pass-through" laundry rooms. There's no room to do laundry, to take off muddy boots, hang up coats, you name it. They are worthless and a deal-breaker for me as well. We finished out our basement at the same time, and we were contemplating putting the laundry room down there. I am SO glad that we kept it where it was and got rid of the half bath. It was a dirt collector and we needed the space much more. We already had a guest bathroom on the main floor anyhow.

Yeah, 5 bedrooms, 3-4 baths, 4000 sq. ft. and a laundry walkway that is the size of a postage stamp I so do not get it. If we took over the bathroom then we would not have a guest bath but we may eventually move it back into the den when DS permanently moves on and we can make his room into the guest room.

Yes, they establish their own pecking order.

and size has nothing to do with it - ask the kitty whipped bull mastiff around the corner from me. That cat rules!

Yes, I anticpate having two sleepy dogs on Monday morning as they try and recover!!

Puppies have 2 speeds: on and asleep!

Sorry that your team lost, but I'm like you - inside I would have been a little happy for the Elko team.

Just a little - they earned it and they deserved to celebrate.

Recipe, please!!! That sounds so yummy. The pumpkin-carving sounds like fun - you are lucky in that you've still got a little one who wants to do it. I'm sure Butch and Sundance would "help" me with pumpkins, but Tundra wouldn't!!

Okay - this is so easy and yummy:
2 cans cherry pie filling
1 box white cake mix
1 cup melted butter

Loaf or deep dish pie pan

Place cherries in the bottom
Drizzle 3/4 c. of the butter over the cherries
sprinkle the cake mix on top - lightly smooth with your fingers - don't press it into the cherry mix
Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup butter over the top

Bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes, until top is light brown and fruit filling is bubbling

serve with ice cream or whipped cream or in our case - plain!

I read a David Baldacci novel in late August - that's my last foray into book reading. Since I read for a living, cleaning house is my latest hobby!! Glad that you got some good reading and tv watching in this weekend.

I'll send you a book report if you will come clean my house
My house is actually staying really clean - since DS left and DH is anti social and DD is under a strict 8:30 bed time, I have a ton of time on my hands and nothing to do with it so I putter and clean.

Good luck in the battle to stop smoking. I tried smoking and drinking when I was in college 30 years ago, but used to get sick as a dog when I did both at the same time, so I had to make a choice, and I chose the booze. I know that it's a very hard thing to do, so hang in there and keep at it.

I started smoking first, always liked it. I smoke more if I am drinking. My Brother started just before me or about the same time and then my Dad started up after we teens did - how ironic and stupid is that. Dad had to quit several years ago because of the hormones she takes and Brother quit 1.5 years ago when his Dr. told him he wouldn't live another 10 years. My brother is a heavy drinker, alcoholic and was a recreational street drug user for years. We have had some episodes over the years with my brother He got married for the first time 3 years ago, best thing that ever happened to him.
We really are not as screwed up as we sound we all have educations, successful lives and families - we just have our vices
My brother has been nagging at me to quit, so I said, "Ill quit smoking when you quit drinking" that usually shuts him up for a minute or 2.

Thanks for the support - I am going home today and cutting those pills in half. There will be no more repeats of this morning

Enjoy your puppies - I bet you can't wait to get home to see them everyday

 

[Sandy V.]

He can't handle being the "bad guy" he used to call me and he would say "I'm the good son" and we laughed about it. He has not been to see her since she went over the deep end 2 years ago. Oh well, it has all worked out fine, but it is irritating as heck when someone is trying to do what they think is best for the other person and the family is interferring because they want what is best for them and their feelings.

True; some folks always have to have someone else be the 'bad guy". They just aren't mentally capable of having to be the decision-maker. It's always easier to be the decision-criticizer.

How old is Tundra and has she always been an only child? Those puppies are going to keep her really busy, she needs to see HomeWard Bound The older dog and the young pup crack me up, you know that is exactly the way that animals think

Tundra turned 9 on June 4th of this year. When in good health, they usually live 12-14 years. She is such a sweetie.

I love Homeward Bound. I always cry at the end when Shadow is limping down the hill to "his" Peter. My kids were SO embarassed when I did that at the movie theatre. But then, I cried at the end of E.T. and Beauty and the Beast.

Yeah, 5 bedrooms, 3-4 baths, 4000 sq. ft. and a laundry walkway that is the size of a postage stamp I so do not get it. If we took over the bathroom then we would not have a guest bath but we may eventually move it back into the den when DS permanently moves on and we can make his room into the guest room.

Yeah, these house plan designers often have NO common sense. We put another bed in DS's room so that we've got a bigger one in there, but it's still not a guest room yet. Heck, I'm not sure I want overnight guests anyhow!!

and size has nothing to do with it - ask the kitty whipped bull mastiff around the corner from me. That cat rules!
Puppies have 2 speeds: on and asleep!

It's got more to do with attitude than size, doesn't it?

Okay - this is so easy and yummy:
2 cans cherry pie filling
1 box white cake mix
1 cup melted butter

Loaf or deep dish pie pan

Place cherries in the bottom
Drizzle 3/4 c. of the butter over the cherries
sprinkle the cake mix on top - lightly smooth with your fingers - don't press it into the cherry mix
Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup butter over the top

Bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes, until top is light brown and fruit filling is bubbling

serve with ice cream or whipped cream or in our case - plain!

Thank you. I may try and make this this weekend when the kids are home.

I'll send you a book report if you will come clean my house
My house is actually staying really clean - since DS left and DH is anti social and DD is under a strict 8:30 bed time, I have a ton of time on my hands and nothing to do with it so I putter and clean.

You don't realize just how badly my house needs the cleaning!!!

I started smoking first, always liked it. I smoke more if I am drinking. My Brother started just before me or about the same time and then my Dad started up after we teens did - how ironic and stupid is that. Dad had to quit several years ago because of the hormones she takes and Brother quit 1.5 years ago when his Dr. told him he wouldn't live another 10 years. My brother is a heavy drinker, alcoholic and was a recreational street drug user for years. We have had some episodes over the years with my brother He got married for the first time 3 years ago, best thing that ever happened to him.
We really are not as screwed up as we sound we all have educations, successful lives and families - we just have our vices
My brother has been nagging at me to quit, so I said, "Ill quit smoking when you quit drinking" that usually shuts him up for a minute or 2.

Thanks for the support - I am going home today and cutting those pills in half. There will be no more repeats of this morning

Heck, we all have "family stories", so yours is no exception. I really hope that you can quit smoking - it really is a deep addiction from all that I know.

Enjoy your puppies - I bet you can't wait to get home to see them everyday

Remember - I work from home Monday through Thursday and only go into the office on Fridays, so I get to do all potty breaks and the feedings throughout the day. Actually makes it a little easier and they seem to figure out that they really make Mom mad if they pee and poop on my floors!!

 

[horseshowmom]

And still be back in the house in time for dinner!

I thought about you yesterday afternoon when I got home, and he ran straight to the door to go inside. He's such a cutie and very big, but he thinks and acts like a kitten.

Don't know if I ever told you but after I placed Mother in her care facility my brother was very upset (following her getting sick) he was convinced if I left her where she was she would die. He said he was going to go take her out and rent her a little house in the middle of nowhere and let her be happy. (he was drunk and not rational) I told him if he so much as thought about it I would charge him with kidnapping and I was not kidding.

DH and I have discussed this, and the truth is that FIL probably will not last as long as he would have if he had stayed at home, but this just isn't a situation that they can deal with. It's going to take the rest of his mother's health (which isn't great anyway), and he needs professional care at this point.

I think DH's brother has the mindset that your brother did - just bring him home and let him be. But it just doesn't work that way (as you well know).

I am curious how are you all managing to keep FIL in the hospital if it is against his will? Does SIL have some sort of Guardianship?
I had 72 hours of an emergency hold and then was able to get a 30 day temporary emergency Guardianship.

You know, I really don't know. I know that SIL called before they went to make sure they could have him hospitalized, and they told her yes. I know that when he first got there he kept telling the family and the hospital workers that he hadn't decided for sure that he was going to stay. Maybe he never flat out said no (of course, I'm pretty sure that he knew he didn't have a choice because he kept making ugly remarks about how what they were doing to him was something they could share with their grandchildren). Maybe the psychiatrist was able to make the assessment that he needed hospitalized. I don't know exactly how it worked, but he's been there a week last night.

Go Tigger The whole bread thing must be a cat thing because my furbeasts will chew holes in the plastic wrap and eat the tops off of hamburger & hot dog buns! Beasts! They also will lick the butter - I finally bought a french butter dish - no more paw prints or tongue marks in the butter!

Tigger wouldn't eat a piece of bread if I cut it up in pieces for him, but he does like to do what you're talking about. You can tell he's fighting with it though because the sack is torn in places on every side from one end to the other.

Aww, Kodak sounds like a sweetie who just wants lots and lots of attention. I think he came to the right place

He is, and he did. I must have sucker written across my forehead!

Homecoming was fun - we lost to a team that we have never (that I can remember) lost to, Elko. They were so excited, it was hard for me not to be a little excited for them, I know how few and far between their wins really are.

I would have felt the same way. If you have to lose, at least it was to somebody deserving!

I read 2 books this weekend that I picked up at the Library last week. I love James Patterson and read the 7th book in the Womens Murder Club - I think it was 7th Heaven and I read the 2nd one since somehow along the way I think I missed that one. Also caught up on a few more episodes of my "House" marathons that I have been recording. Decided that cleaning house could wait - basically a really lazy weekend.

I love to read but never seem to find the time. As far as TV goes, I like Ghost Whisperer and Eureka (which they can't seem to keep on the air for very long at a time) and anything remotely related to any of the Star Trek shows (TNG, Voyager, Enterprise, etc.). I think I'm going to like the new Crusoe, but I haven't made up my mind yet.

and size has nothing to do with it - ask the kitty whipped bull mastiff around the corner from me. That cat rules!

Sounds like our Scooter. He may be handicapped, but that cat tells everybody what to do. Kodak would never even dream of trying to chase Scooter (if he did, it would turn into a nightmare ).

Puppies have 2 speeds: on and asleep!

They're just sooo cute!

Okay - this is so easy and yummy:
2 cans cherry pie filling
1 box white cake mix
1 cup melted butter

Loaf or deep dish pie pan

Place cherries in the bottom
Drizzle 3/4 c. of the butter over the cherries
sprinkle the cake mix on top - lightly smooth with your fingers - don't press it into the cherry mix
Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup butter over the top

Bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes, until top is light brown and fruit filling is bubbling
serve with ice cream or whipped cream or in our case - plain!

Get thee behind me, Satan!

I love Homeward Bound. I always cry at the end when Shadow is limping down the hill to "his" Peter. My kids were SO embarassed when I did that at the movie theatre. But then, I cried at the end of E.T. and Beauty and the Beast.

Me too, I just about won't watch animal movies at all because I just can't stand it. And I hate it when I see a character has a pet in a movie because you can almost guarantee that the pet is going to be killed.

Heck, I'm not sure I want overnight guests anyhow!!

Now this is me. No overnight guests please! DH would love to have company all the time. I'm the type that when they pull up in the driveway I'm thinking, "Uhhh, I guess they're going to want to come in..."

Heck, we all have "family stories", so yours is no exception.

Oh yes! We all do. Of course, you've heard DH's sad saga, and I have a brother who has been married 3 times (he's a good guy but had poor choice in women except for the last one). Then DD had the nutso ex-BF. We all definitely have issues. How we deal with them is what defines us, I guess.

Actually makes it a little easier and they seem to figure out that they really make Mom mad if they pee and poop on my floors!!

 

[agnes!]

This might be long, so grab & chair and have a seat.

*Preamble*
My DD is sick with a virus that mimics mono. She is a HS sophomore taking all Honors classes + an AP class.
She has been sick for almost two weeks. She hasn't been able to attend a full day in that two weeks. *Today* was the earliest she made it to school and it was 8:45.

*So*...

One teacher yesterday called the house and said that DD hadn't completely signed up for an audition slot for a District Honors group and it was really too late. "What?!?" I said (thinking that this will be a surprise to her, she's been prepping for this audition). Teacher then proceeded to mention something about putting a reminder on the classroom blackboard. I then told him "You realize that DD hasn't been ABLE to attend a full day for almost two weeks?!?" That's why she didn't see your reminder that you put on the classroom blackboard."
"Oh."
FTR, DD did send out an e-mail telling all her teachers about how sick she was.
LAST WEEK.

Then this morning an adult she had asked to mentor her two-person team for a science-fair type of thing called and pulled-out. So now she has to try to find someone who *can* do it and who is *willing* to do it. FTR, the person she asked would have been perfect - he was a genius choice, but this person doesn't feel "qualified".
*Whatever*.

And then there's the new construction going on next-door. Don't get me wrong, the workmanship is spectacular, but I HATE THE NEW HOUSE. They paid a couple of $100,000 for the house + lot and basically tore down the pre-existing house and the new one?!? ugh. Plus the new people have put up a fence all around their property (including the front-yard)and their new fence went over (by about 2 feet at one end of the angle) into another neighbor's lot. So we decided to put up some fencing down the lot-line in-common, mostly for when they re-do their driveway (which HAS to be re-done because of all the construction damage) it doesn't somehow magically end up in part of our front-yard.
So the fence-guy comes by to measure and take a look and the new neighbors show up at the same time(they're almost never around) and start asking him "Can I help you?"
Yeah lady, we feel the need to delineate our property-line because of what happened on the other side of your HUMUNGOUS lot.
And I really don't like the look of fences everywhere but I feel I HAVE TO because of what these yahoos have already done.
Have I mentioned how much I HATE the new house?

And DH is away on business.

AND on the other not-new house side those neighbors sold & a surveyor was surveying their property yesterday and gee wouldn't it have been nice to at least KNOCK on my door and say hey I'm doing a survey?!? Rather than just start walking around and ASSUME I know who you are?!?
And, I swear, every [self-deleted expletive ] surveyor who does these surveys comes up with a slightly different lot-line between us and the not-new house.
From my previous understanding of our lot, we seemed to have lost some on that particular side towards the front of the house and we gained a little in the back.

With the changes in the two houses on either side, I feel like we've moved without getting a new house. And I feel like moving for real because I'm not sure I like my neighborhood now.

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

agnes!
PS - I did have to arrange for a new windshield to be put into one of our cars. The old one had a crack & wouldn't have passed inspection. But haha!, that was actually one of the least stressful parts of my day so far today. They came when they said they would, the price was reasonable, they are recommended by the dealership and the windshield is guaranteed.

 

[Sandy V.]

I'm so sorry, Agnes. You are always welcome here to blow off steam!!

First of all, your poor DD. I hope that she gets better soon. Mono and the similar viruses can be so physically draining. It's very hard to catch up on rest, no matter what you do. It's a very slow recovery process. Hang in there.

So did the teacher understand and give your DD an audition slot? I sure hope he did. She sure had a good reason for not doing so.

Sounds like the science guy would have been a good mentor. Sorry that he backed out.

It's very frustrating when you have to deal with neighbors, surveyors, and fences. And ugly renovations.

One thing I don't understand it the fencing in the FRONT of the house. That sounds really ugly and pretty darned unfriendly. Kinda makes you wonder what on earth they'll be doing in there once the fence is installed? What's the next step? A moat?

I know it's a little early for this, but here's a drink for you . . . Looks like you could use one!!

Here's hoping your DH gets back soon to help you deal with all of this. And come vent any time. If you need something to hug, I could send my new pug puppies to your house. Butch and Sundance would love to cuddle and lick your toes.

I hope the rest of the week is better, Agnes!

 

[Sandy V.]

I thought about you yesterday afternoon when I got home, and he ran straight to the door to go inside. He's such a cutie and very big, but he thinks and acts like a kitten.

I would really love it if my pets could talk back and answer the questions I ask them. I'm thinking that I would get some very interesting answers!

DH and I have discussed this, and the truth is that FIL probably will not last as long as he would have if he had stayed at home, but this just isn't a situation that they can deal with. It's going to take the rest of his mother's health (which isn't great anyway), and he needs professional care at this point.

I think DH's brother has the mindset that your brother did - just bring him home and let him be. But it just doesn't work that way (as you well know).

You know, I really don't know. I know that SIL called before they went to make sure they could have him hospitalized, and they told her yes. I know that when he first got there he kept telling the family and the hospital workers that he hadn't decided for sure that he was going to stay. Maybe he never flat out said no (of course, I'm pretty sure that he knew he didn't have a choice because he kept making ugly remarks about how what they were doing to him was something they could share with their grandchildren). Maybe the psychiatrist was able to make the assessment that he needed hospitalized. I don't know exactly how it worked, but he's been there a week last night.

I really think that it's all for the best, even though he may not live as long. Truthfully, the quality of his life hasn't been all that good, and neither has that of those around him. So while he may not like the hospitalization, it does dramatically improve that aspect for everyone, including your FIL, at least physically.

Tigger wouldn't eat a piece of bread if I cut it up in pieces for him, but he does like to do what you're talking about. You can tell he's fighting with it though because the sack is torn in places on every side from one end to the other.

Cats. Always "killing" things!!

I love to read but never seem to find the time. As far as TV goes, I like Ghost Whisperer and Eureka (which they can't seem to keep on the air for very long at a time) and anything remotely related to any of the Star Trek shows (TNG, Voyager, Enterprise, etc.). I think I'm going to like the new Crusoe, but I haven't made up my mind yet.

I watch Fox News, Dirty Jobs, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Anthony Bordain's No Reservations, Survivorman, What Not to Wear, Project Runway and American Idol. I'm stuck on a reality tv bit for the moment!!

Me too, I just about won't watch animal movies at all because I just can't stand it. And I hate it when I see a character has a pet in a movie because you can almost guarantee that the pet is going to be killed.

I hate animal cruelty too!! I can't stand to see Animal Precinct because looking at abused animals makes it so I can't sleep at night.

Now this is me. No overnight guests please! DH would love to have company all the time. I'm the type that when they pull up in the driveway I'm thinking, "Uhhh, I guess they're going to want to come in..."

Yeah, if I can clear away the dust bunnies, you can come in and spend some time. Just don't make me clean the bathroom upstairs and clear out one of the bedrooms for you to sleep!! My home is my sanctuary and sometimes it's difficult to let others in. I like to socialize; just not at my house.

Oh yes! We all do. Of course, you've heard DH's sad saga, and I have a brother who has been married 3 times (he's a good guy but had poor choice in women except for the last one). Then DD had the nutso ex-BF. We all definitely have issues. How we deal with them is what defines us, I guess.

In our family, it's more of DH's neices and nephews who are either too picky and have never married, or they have been married multiple times to some real "doozies". That's our biggest family entertainment around here.

Well, better get back to work. I hope that everyone has a good day!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

My DD is sick with a virus that mimics mono. She is a HS sophomore taking all Honors classes + an AP class.

One teacher yesterday called the house and said that DD hadn't completely signed up for an audition slot for a District Honors group and it was really too late. "What?!?" I said (thinking that this will be a surprise to her, she's been prepping for this audition). Teacher then proceeded to mention something about putting a reminder on the classroom blackboard. I then told him "You realize that DD hasn't been ABLE to attend a full day for almost two weeks?!?" That's why she didn't see your reminder that you put on the classroom blackboard."
"Oh."

First off, I'm sorry your DD is sick. I had mono in college, and it was really tough to get over. I can remember laying down, feeling fine, and deciding to get up. Boy, when I got up, it would really hit and put me right back down. I hope she's better soon.

Secondly, if the teacher was "kind enough" to call to let you know that it was too late for DD to get an audition slot, it would have been even "better" if they had called before it was too late. Considering the fact that the teacher was notified about the illness, and DD had no way to know about the deadline, I think she should be given an audition spot. Tell the teacher to call me, and I'll explain it to them.

Then this morning an adult she had asked to mentor her two-person team for a science-fair type of thing called and pulled-out. So now she has to try to find someone who *can* do it and who is *willing* to do it. FTR, the person she asked would have been perfect - he was a genius choice, but this person doesn't feel "qualified".
*Whatever*.

Wish I could help with this one. It's one area that I could actually come up with some excellent candidates, but I'm afraid they won't travel. Hopefully, between DD and her partner, they'll be able to find another good candidate.

And then there's the new construction going on next-door. Don't get me wrong, the workmanship is spectacular, but I HATE THE NEW HOUSE.

So the fence-guy comes by to measure and take a look and the new neighbors show up at the same time(they're almost never around) and start asking him "Can I help you?"

Yeah lady, we feel the need to delineate our property-line because of what happened on the other side of your HUMUNGOUS lot.

They sound like real winners (not). I can remember a house in Memphis that was on the news from time to time over the years, because they bought a house and started remodeling it (very slowly) into a monstrosity that was totally out of character with the rest of the neighborhood. It was horrible (probably still is). Good luck with the fence!

And DH is away on business.

You don't really think that was an accident, now do you?

I did have to arrange for a new windshield to be put into one of our cars. The old one had a crack & wouldn't have passed inspection. But haha!, that was actually one of the least stressful parts of my day so far today. They came when they said they would, the price was reasonable, they are recommended by the dealership and the windshield is guaranteed.

You know, on days like you're having, you have to look for something good wherever you can find it!

Hope things get better soon!

 

[horseshowmom]

I really think that it's all for the best, even though he may not live as long. Truthfully, the quality of his life hasn't been all that good, and neither has that of those around him. So while he may not like the hospitalization, it does dramatically improve that aspect for everyone, including your FIL, at least physically.

DH and I have discussed this at length. We feel like this is an instance of where modern medicine prolonged a live that would have been better off to have already ended. A couple of years ago, he had a serious attack with his breathing, totally non-responsive, incredibly low oxygen level in his blood. Medical personnel called for the helicopter.

The medical personnel from the helicopter told the family that it was extremely unlikely that he would make it to the hospital alive, and if he did, he probably wouldn't live long. He did though and spent quite awhile in ICU. They were eventually able to pull him through. DH feels like his dad would really have been better off if he hadn't made it through that episode. He's been significantly worse ever since then, and you're completely correct about the lack of quality in his life. He's miserable all the time and does his best to make everybody else as miserable as he is. It's a sad situation.

Cats. Always "killing" things!!

Yes, the carnage was terrible - little bits of plastic and bread scattered all over the kitchen...

I hate animal cruelty too!! I can't stand to see Animal Precinct because looking at abused animals makes it so I can't sleep at night.

Same here, I just can't deal with it.

Yeah, if I can clear away the dust bunnies, you can come in and spend some time. Just don't make me clean the bathroom upstairs and clear out one of the bedrooms for you to sleep!! My home is my sanctuary and sometimes it's difficult to let others in. I like to socialize; just not at my house.

Oooo, oooo, that's ME!! DH recently mentioned inviting a guy from our church for dinner. He and his family are moving back up north (where they originally came from), and his family is already gone (he is too now). DH suggested we have him for dinner. I told him that I'd be happy to do something with him, but I'd much rather take him out to eat. DH insisted that he wanted to have him over because he had never had him to the house before. I know we're in the south (where hospitality is everything), but I really thought taking him out to eat would be fine. DH was insulted and wouldn't discuss it further even when I said we'd have him to the house (got to be honest here, that was fine with me too ).


Everybody have a great day!

 

[horseshowmom]

Couple of updates:

DD said that she decided to let DFi come to see her Monday night (he didn't get back from Indianapolis until late Sat. night, and she had gone back to school to study). She had originally told him no because of more tests this week, but her brain was mush, and I think she needed some entertainment.

I've been fussing at her because I didn't think she was eating properly lately. I checked her account, and she has plenty of money so that's not it. She says that the stress has been getting to her, and she just doesn't have much of an appetite. Apparently, after they got home from dinner, DFi started to look throught he cabinet for something to snack on. When he commented on all the food, she told him that it was all RM's except for a box of cereal and half a box of goldfish crackers.

He told her to get up, they were going to Wal-Mart to get her some groceries. She complained because it was cold outside (we went from shorts weather to below freezing at night in just a few days), but he told her that he wasn't leaving Oxford until she had groceries in the cabinet to eat. She fussed, but she admitted that she appreciated him trying to take care of her. And I do too!


DH got a phone call from his brother last night expressing concern that they had made a mistake in taking FIL to the hospital and that he thought they were going to kill him. He thought they needed to bring him home. DH asked him point blank what his plan was because their mother is no longer able to care for him (thankfully, even she sees that), and he has to have care 24 hours a day. DH told him that FIL isn't in rehab, he's not going to improve from what he's been for the last year or better. BIL didn't have an answer for that one.

DH said the only option would be for them to take turns staying at home with him 24 hours a day (there are 5 siblings but only 3 of them would actually help). As DH and I discussed, all of them are 52 - 58 years old, and they would not be physically able to do that for too long (not even considering job responsibility). After a lengthy conversation, BIL grudgingly agreed (but he wasn't happy about it at all).

Afterwards, he got calls from MIL and SIL both. Fortunately, they agree with DH. FIL is not doing well and seems to be getting worse quickly. They're having to medicate him, and he sleeps a lot. Truthfully, he's probably very unhappy to be where he is, and he probably isn't going to make much of an effort to improve. When BIL suggested a hospital, DH reminded him that this is a hospital (just the psychiatric floor). Further, in a regular hospital floor, he wouldn't get anywhere near the attention he gets now. He has a camera on him, and they are in the room immediately if he needs anything at all (right by the nurse's station). I told DH that BIL is struggling with things not "working out", which is understandable, but sometimes things just don't work out the way you wish.

I really feel sorry for DH. The stress is really getting to him, but, as he tried to explain to BIL, you have to be rational about the situation (whether you want to or not).

Take care...

 

[agnes!]

horseshowmom -

I am so sorry for all the stress that you & yours are going through right now. I'm glad that DH & his sis were about to talk some sense into DBIL

Prayers,
agnes!

 

[horseshowmom]

horseshowmom -

I am so sorry for all the stress that you & yours are going through right now. I'm glad that DH & his sis were about to talk some sense into DBIL

Prayers,
agnes!

Thanks very much, SIL is a nurse and works in a nursing home, so she's had a lot of experience with elderly patients. Since she can see all of the clinical aspects of it, it probably makes it even harder for her.

I hope your day goes better than yesterday!

 

[mamacatnv]

Good morning ladies!

I have to go spend the day in the shop training the new shipping/receiving clerk because my Purchasing/Inv. Control manager (as I suspected all along) does not have a clue. He has allocated 90% of his duties to the "helper" over the past 2 years and then does nothing but complain about their performance and point fingers when something is not right. I had a clue this was going on, but yesterday my Boss's eyes were opened. I don't like whiney weasels, should be an interesting day since he is now stuck with me who will spend all day asking him why I am doing his job

Agnes: I am so sorry your DD is sick. I agree, the teacher should have a little more common sense and a phone call is warranted. Hope your DD is on the mend soon.
As for the neighbors, you know the idea of having my own island has occurred to me more than once. Hang in there. Of course I am from the West Coast, the land of the fence and our property lines are clearly known.
I remember going back East as a kid (both Chicago area where Dad had friends and New England where we had family) and being puzzled by the lack of fences. It still puzzles me to this day, how do you keep the kids and the dogs in and the creeps and nosey neighbors out
Just remember, it's 5 O'Clock somewhere!

Sandy & Sheila Regarding TV: Lets see, along with House I watch Project Runway, Amazing Race and Survivor with DD along with any of the Food Network Challenges and Ace of Cakes, Heroes with DS and Criminal Minds, CSI and NCIS with DH. We get together at BFF's house once a week to watch Dexter (they have Show Time and we don't). When no one is looking I will watch the Rachel Zoe Project and Iron Chef. DD likes the Animal Precint shows, I can't watch.....too sad. We record all this and catch up when we can. I still have not seen a single episode of the new season of NCIS or CSI Miami.........Christmas break is coming!

Sheila: Well I am certainly glad that your DH was able to reason with his Uncle. Your DH and SIL are doing the right thing and need to stick to their guns. Funny, having Mother in a home IMO will prolong her life. She is getting cared for, fed etc. When I finally got guardianship, she was suffering from malnutrition and on going UTI infections to say nothing of the stress of guarding all her stuff.

Yikes, your DD needs to be paying a little better attention to herself or she will waste away and that beautiful wedding gown will fall off of her. Glad DFI intervened and got her sorted out.

I was up working on DD's costume last night. We ironed some really great "Hippy" fabric onto some "wonder under" and then cut out peace symbols and flowers and adhered them to her brown suede vest. I am also working on making an attachable fringe for the pant legs. She is very excited.

DS called yesterday, he is coming down with a cold - I figure he is in for a few living in the dorm. He takes a maintenance allergy med so I sent him to the pharmacy for some good old fashioned Sudafed. I would have gone and gotten it, but he was headed to Girly's and drove right by the drug store. Guess he wasn't that sick.

Sandy: How are the boys doing?

Okay ladies I have to run, got some butt whooping to go do
Have a great day

 

[Sandy V.]

Popping in for a second; today is a busy day for me!!

Sheila, good for your DD's fiance to insist that she get some decent food in the house. Don't want that girlie to waste away and get sick!! That boy is a keeper.

Sorry to hear that your FIL is fading a bit, but like your DH said, the family has to be rational about all of this, and it seems that family opinion is swaying to common sense, which is good. I hope your DH doesn't get himself too stressed out by all of this - tell him to take care of himself!!

Melissa,
Heaven help anyone in your path when there's butt-whooping to be done. Enjoy the job training today!

The hippie costume sounds great; you are very creative!!

Hope your DS only gets a mild sniffle. Dorm life seems to really bring these things on with frequency.

The doggies are all fine. Potty training is doing well, which saves my sanity a bit (what little I have in the first place ).

Agnes, I'm like Melissa - here in Colorado we abide by the "good fences make good neighbors" mantra. At least in our cities and towns - there are a lot of fenced yards. Where I live, on 2 1/2 acres, we aren't fenced in, but we are very fortunate to have neighbors that respect your property lines and leave you alone. Man, after typing that, I sound like I real hermit!! Which I can be at times!

Gotta get back to work, but I hope everyone has a good day.

 

[horseshowmom]

Good morning ladies!I have to go spend the day in the shop training the new shipping/receiving clerk because my Purchasing/Inv. Control manager (as I suspected all along) does not have a clue. He has allocated 90% of his duties to the "helper" over the past 2 years and then does nothing but complain about their performance and point fingers when something is not right. I had a clue this was going on, but yesterday my Boss's eyes were opened. I don't like whiney weasels, should be an interesting day since he is now stuck with me who will spend all day asking him why I am doing his job

We'll be waiting for an update tomorrow!

Agnes:
As for the neighbors, you know the idea of having my own island has occurred to me more than once. Hang in there. Of course I am from the West Coast, the land of the fence and our property lines are clearly known.
I remember going back East as a kid (both Chicago area where Dad had friends and New England where we had family) and being puzzled by the lack of fences. It still puzzles me to this day, how do you keep the kids and the dogs in and the creeps and nosey neighbors out

I can't help but smile at all of that. Considering the fact that our land adjoins my uncle's and between us we have about 60+ acres, the only fences around here are to keep the horses in! We're very minor compared to DFi's folks, they live on about 400 acres (and that's just his parents, the rest of his family also live on major acreage). I'd have a hard time living in a subdivision (we did for a few years when I was a teenager, and it was okay, but I like the wide open spaces - can you imagine what the homeowner's association would say when I tried to put a horse in the backyard... ).

Where I live, on 2 1/2 acres, we aren't fenced in, but we are very fortunate to have neighbors that respect your property lines and leave you alone. Man, after typing that, I sound like I real hermit!! Which I can be at times!

Yes, that would be me! Why do you think I like it so much out here in the sticks!

Christmas break is coming!

Yes, and I'll be in Orlando!

Sheila: Well I am certainly glad that your DH was able to reason with his Uncle. Your DH and SIL are doing the right thing and need to stick to their guns. Funny, having Mother in a home IMO will prolong her life. She is getting cared for, fed etc. When I finally got guardianship, she was suffering from malnutrition and on going UTI infections to say nothing of the stress of guarding all her stuff.

I think some of this has to do with the fact that your mother was really suffering from mental issues beyond her control. In FIL's case, while he does have the bi-polar issues, much of it is his normal personality (which is made much worse by the mental issues). He's just naturally a very self-centered, not very nice person (to his family at least, he's different to church members, etc.). He does not do well when he's not giving orders and in complete control. I think all of that is complicating things. Added to that, his breathing issues are very serious. Unfortunately, it pretty much seems to be a lose/lose proposition.

Yikes, your DD needs to be paying a little better attention to herself or she will waste away and that beautiful wedding gown will fall off of her. Glad DFI intervened and got her sorted out.

She said that she thought she had lost about 5 libs. This child does not have 5 lbs. to lose.

I was up working on DD's costume last night. We ironed some really great "Hippy" fabric onto some "wonder under" and then cut out peace symbols and flowers and adhered them to her brown suede vest. I am also working on making an attachable fringe for the pant legs. She is very excited.

Congratulations on your resourcefulness! Now I'm going to show just how dumb I am. As I was reading your description of how you did the symbols, it occurred to me that I'm not sure I would have thought to iron the fabric onto the "wonder under" and then cut out the symbols. I'd like to think I wouldn't have tried to do it the other way, but I am useless at that type of thing, so I can't guarantee it.

DS called yesterday, he is coming down with a cold - I figure he is in for a few living in the dorm. He takes a maintenance allergy med so I sent him to the pharmacy for some good old fashioned Sudafed. I would have gone and gotten it, but he was headed to Girly's and drove right by the drug store. Guess he wasn't that sick.

I think he'll survive.

Okay ladies I have to run, got some butt whooping to go do

Go team!

 

[agnes!]

This is what I posted in MushyMushy's thread about 'going back to work today'.

Originally Posted by MushyMushy
So true! I also had myself convinced that I wouldn't be able to handle a roomful of kids and that was so not the case. I remembered again how much I love teenagers -- especially the 10th graders. They are so awesome.

And here's what I wrote in response...
Can I please clone you and all of the yous could then teach at my DD's school? My DD is so not feeling the love from some of her teachers this year - two are yellers & put-down artists ("You're the worst class I have", etc.), two play favorites & also have their own little cliques. It's sad that there are some adults in a high school environment who just maybe shouldn't be there.

Your statement that you love 10th graders and that they're awesome made me cry.
agnes!

******

And, in addition to DD feeling like crud, she now is being ignored by people she thought were her good friends. This year didn't start out to be so AWFUL for her, but it sure has gone downhill fast.

mamcatnv -
We're waiting for that update...

horseshowmom -
The split-rail fence between us & MonstroHouse is being installed Friday morning. Hope your DD remembers to EAT. Glad she has someone looking out for her.

Sandy V -
I can't stand Animal Precinct either. My DH will turn the channel to that show and I have to leave the room, it's just too upsetting. to the moat for MonstroHouse - who knows, that might be next.

Thanks for letting me vent,
agnes!

 

[horseshowmom]

This is what I posted in MushyMushy's thread about 'going back to work today'.

And here's what I wrote in response...
Can I please clone you and all of the yous could then teach at my DD's school? My DD is so not feeling the love from some of her teachers this year - two are yellers & put-down artists ("You're the worst class I have", etc.), two play favorites & also have their own little cliques. It's sad that there are some adults in a high school environment who just maybe shouldn't be there.

Yelling is never a good response. I've taught high school, and they can certainly be challenging (although I honestly think that jr. high is more so), but yelling should never be an option.

My perspective on it was always that it wasn't personal. These are the rules, and these are the consequences. If you don't follow the rules, I follow through with the consequences. It's not personal - has nothing to do with whether you like me, or I like you, so there's certainly no reason to lose your temper over it. That said, I have had more than one student marvel over the fact that I never yell like Mrs. So-and-so!

I have to be honest though. I don't yell at home either - not at DH and not at DD as she was growing up. I was pretty much the same way with her - these are the rules, these are the consequences if you break the rules. It always worked for me.

Now, I'm an honest person, so I can't say that I have never yelled, but it's an extremely rare occurrence.

And, in addition to DD feeling like crud, she now is being ignored by people she thought were her good friends. This year didn't start out to be so AWFUL for her, but it sure has gone downhill fast.

Girls at that age can be really ugly...

horseshowmom -
The split-rail fence between us & MonstroHouse is being installed Friday morning.

A split-rail sounds nice. It's probably going to turn out well. I don't blame you for trying to "stake out" your own land holdings.