Something About Nothing.......part 2 (please join us)

[marciemi]

That's why they don't recommend people with cats use tinsel.....they love it, yet it could kill them....

Another bad thing for cats is those cheerleader pom poms. You'd think in a house with 3 boys it wouldn't be an issue, but you can't believe how many football or basketball games we've been to where they've handed them out (with the multi colored streamer type things). Bring them home, set them on the counter, and then dealt with them coming out of the cats for the next few days! I guess I always thought of them as just an annoyance (eww, ick!) - didn't know about the wrapping around their interior stuff. Guess they'll have to go right in the trash from now on!

That's a reason we don't own DVC....I just don't "get it" and I know it's expensive cuz DH won't visit during peak time anyway

Thanks Janet....but I'm hopelessly DVC challenged

Ditto on this post! I get a headache just trying to read the DVC boards. We looked into it on our trip back in '97 and walked out pretty much like ! In retrospect, of course we should have done it then, but it just seemed like too much to me! (And this is from someone who minored in math in college - yeah, I can grasp calculus but not DVC!)

ceiling pink paint?

i guess that would be a good thing to know if i ever painted.
i hire it out.

Again - DITTO!

Very cool. If I hadn't lost so many friends I would love to have one myself. Not ever going to happen though. Unless I just bought one to look at!

No offense taken. It isn't for everyone. We don't drive to the parks much so it isn't any big deal to us.

When I was 8, I tore up my knee pretty badly and needed like 17 stitches. I still remember the doctor (we were up north Michigan at a cabin) telling me that based on how poorly my skin healed (I have a HUGE scar), that I should NEVER consider riding a motorcycle because they wouldn't be able to put me back together if I were ever in an accident. Made a pretty big impression on a 8 yer old!

Tricia - Thanks so much for updating us on our boy. Of course it was not more than we wanted to know. I can not imagine having to deal with all that. I'm glad the doctor was reassuring. Remember we are here for you whenever you need us.

Exactly what Lori said Tricia! I couldn't say it any better so I quoted her. I read every word of it and no, it's definitely not more than we wanted to know. I'm glad the doctor was there for you as well and willing to help out (unlike your other doctor!). Hang in there and give him an extra hug for us!

Count me in. I can't shovel the stuff higher than the snowbanks already are. So glad the DH is finally coming home today from his 3 weeks in SC. He can have his snow shoveling job back.

I've been up around 7 for the past week. Since I'm here alone, I seem to go to bed quite early and get up quite early.

Well, first of all, I want to be in the snow club. I posted all my pics already for qualification! DH went today to check out snowblowers. It may be time to retire our tiny little one if we're going to be here for a few more years and invest in an actual one that can handle more than 3 inches at a time!

 

[Metro West]

OK...I have a rant that I need to get off my chest...bear with me.

My neighbor and I went to the SPCA this morning to adopt a dog for me. It's a big step since I'm single but I really want a dog now. The dog I picked out and I clicked and thought everything was great.

We sit down with the adoption counseler and he asks me if the dog would ever be outside in the yard. I told him yes and explained that I have a fenced in back yard and the dog would be safe. I told him the dog would not be outside for hours and hours when I'm at work but maybe when I need to run to the store or something like that.

After going over the application and asking more questions, he looks me in the eye and said he would have to DENY the adoption. I was floored as was my neighbor. When I asked why, he said dogs should never be left outside due to the risk of running away, biting someone, neighbor complaint, etc. He then tells me it's their policy and I said I understood but the dog would be safe with me in my home. But since I had already said the dog would be in the back yard, I couldn't take it back. It's kind of like a job interview when you try so hard to impress them and you end up saying something wrong...and not knowing it. I remained calm, got up and walked out.

Karen (my neighbor) was really upset and I should go back in there and talk to a supervisor. I didn't want to do that but it really hurts when you find the right dog and they won't let you take them home due to a trick question..and it purely was a trick question. I would have NEVER thought saying the dog would be outside was grounds for denial. AND...I can't go to the other SPCA shelter because they put your driver's license # in the computer. I guess I'm tagged now that I was denied.

I'm trying to keep a calm head by saying maybe it wasn't meant to be but I'm still emotionally upset about it. She was such a sweet dog and I would have loved to have had her.

I hope someone who says all the right things comes and adopts her. She deserves a good home...one that I apparently can't provide...according to them.

So now I am rethinking the pet whole thing. I was so exciting to find a sweet, loving dog and to have her taken away from me is really hard.

Maybe I'll get a dog someday but right now, I'm not going through this again...I can't...you know?

Thanks for listening.

 

[damo]

There are so many rescue groups looking to find forever homes for their dogs. Have you tried www.petfinder.com? There are also probably other private shelters in your area.

You may also want to wait a few days and go back and try again with perhaps another counsellor. If you really want that dog, it would be worth the effort.

 

[yankeepenny]

sorry you had that bad experience todd.


another thought...
lots of times, vet places get calls from owners that suddenly a kid is allergic or maybe an elderly person cant have a dog any more. they might be able to help. just a thought.

 

[RVGal]

Todd, that is just crazy. The people that run the shelters seem to have taken a power trip. "Want the cute animal? Jump through my hoops and maybe we'll let you have them." Once upon a time, the goal was to find good, loving homes for unwanted animals. Now, it seems that you have to take a training class for how to pass the shelter's test so that you can pretend to have the perfect home for the (unwanted by others) animal to live in.

Helloo? Shelters? NOBODY has the perfect home. My children run around outside and I have no fence. Should someone call DFACS on me? I don't think so.

The stupid thing is, you could go to a pet store and BUY a dog without all that crap. Okay, so I can be an irresponsible pet owner, as long as I can afford to buy the dog? But if I want to save a dog from life in a shelter or, worse yet, being put to sleep, I have to cut through enough red tape that you'd think you were in a government office.

Don't get me started. I've developed a large issue with the trend that "shelters" are taking now. I understand the need to weed out the people who might intend to do the animals harm, but c'mon. We've stepped way beyond that point and into the land of ridiculous.

 

[RVGal]

Thanks again guys for reading my medical saga and for giving me hugs and feedback. I really helps to get it all out there and get the good stuff back from all of you.

Penny, before I forget...

Joshua & Daniel will be here at home. Brad's parents will stay here with them for the 3 nights that we are gone. My mom and Carol & Deb will be next door (hopefully), so they can help if necessary with getting Joshua to/from school and if the in laws get tired or overwhelmed. Cross everything you can think of that everyone stays healthy and we're able to leave with as little worry on our minds as possible.

I asked Brad on the drive home from the doctor's office how he felt about what she had said. His reaction was pretty much the same as mine. Relief that we have a plan in place. Reassurance that we are doing all we can do to keep our boy healthy.

However, with him, you can add shock when they handed us our copy of the bill. His eyes did the big-wide-as-saucers thing. As soon as we were in the elevator, he said, "Four hundred dollars? For an office visit? I don't want to know what the rest of this is going to run us..."

I told him that, no, he probably didn't want to know and left it at that.

 

[macraven]

todd, go back and talk to another counselor . try it today.

tell the person that you talk to, you had thought of letting the dog out for sun shine and running around in your fenced in back yard, but found a solution to the issue.

tell them your neighbor has volunteered to come let the dog out and let her do her business and then put her back in the house when you are out on an errand.

tell them you now understand why they did the denial but have come up with a solution that will benefit all.
you have a neighbor that will help you and watch the dog in your yard.

 

[macraven]

oh and todd, i can write the note as your neighbor..........

 

[AlexandNessa]

Goodness, I am trying to catch up and I find it sooooo overwhelming!

OK, I am going to forget stuff here, random thoughts:

Flights to Hawaii suck! Fly first class if you can! That helps.

Rose, I don't think the teacher is flirting; I just think he's probably excited that a parent shows genuine interest. Band/music programs can be among the first to be cut if there are budget woes. Pessimist in me thinks he wants to keep on your good side for support should it ever come to that.

Sorry, the school lunch thing .... just WAY over my head.

Penny, I am very fair-skinned too, and need to start tanning early and slowly and build my way into it. I don't tan so much as my freckles mesh together!

Here is the info on the PIN code from Disney. Not sure it's 40% off or not:

Buy this 5-night/6-day vacation package at a select Disney Value Resort, including Theme Park tickets, and get the Park Hopper® Option AND Water Park Fun & More Option, FREE!


$ 512 *
per adult, based on adult double occupancy. Available for stays most Sunday–Thursday nights 3/30/08–5/21/08 in a standard room. Save $102 per adult.

*The number of packages available at this rate is limited. Savings based on the nondiscounted price for the same package. Theme Park tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Offer is nontransferable.

Water Parks subject to seasonal and weather closures.




or call 407-939-7653 or your Travel Agent today!

Be ready with your PIN: 0xxxx 0xxxx 9xxxx

Like to see if there are any room-only offers?
Ask when you call. Other Resorts, room types and lengths of stay, including Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, available at varying rates!
​

We are already doing HRH/DCL 4/28 - 5/10; and RCI cruise 8/30 - 9/7, and HHN/RPR 10/9 - 10/14, so no room for Disney, which is exactly why they sent me the offer! First one and I can't use it!

mac - many thanx for the HHN primer, can i ask you again in 7 months , how much is express pass for HHN?

random musings after 1st 2 beers, the moon looks very odd tonight

most hot dogs have very little in the way of beef, more of a mystery meat - get kosher

ds's best friend has flunked out of 3 different skools (WVU, Pitt & Penn State)...now mommy (local politico) got him accepted to State Police Academy my reach doesn't stretch quite that far

jodie - i'm downloading all the new order songs i lost in the computer purge (i'm forgetting one i think - bizarre love triangle, you spin me round, round, true faith & blue monday...think there's one more i like

feel free my friends to throw out some golden oldies so that I may pirate them for my booty. Drawing a blank other than techno lol

Smiths
Erasure
Clash
ABC
Justin Timberlake - he brought sexy back,
UB40
Bob Marley


enjoying driving me other half bonkers (made some off-the cuff smart A remark earlier; enough to po me royally rarely does he get my goat) - told him to crack open another bottle & go kill some troops (Command & Conquer) whilst i get comfortably numb.last man standing wins

maybe i'll make gemma proud ; have we heard from our girl lately?

Janet, I should just overnight you my CD collection so you could upload it as I have many of the groups you just mentioned!

New Order: I also like their songs Blue Monday and True Faith and Ceremony.

How about Yaz (Only You and Don't Go). Morrissey (Pseudehead, Every Day is Like Sunday, Hairdresser on Fire, Picadilly Palare)? Pschydelic Furs (Heartbreak Beat, Ghost in You)? Depeche Mode (Enjoy the Silence, Just Can't Get Enough)? Old Duran Duran? I love some Barenaked Ladies and They Might Be Giants as well. The Cure? I too love Justin Timberlake, and I love Usher as well as Will Smith. At my wedding, I told the DJ he wasn't getting paid until I heard "Yeah!" (Usher) and "Getting Jiggy with It" (Will Smith). He seemed pretty surprised, but was even more surprised when he saw I knew all the words to Yeah! Mike was mortified. He got over it. Have fun and let me know what you upload!

You are making me want to crank up the stereo. I can just hear Miss Gemma and Miss Katie going New Order???? Psychedelic Furs????? Who are they????!!!

Ok, I only got through like 3 pages ..... back to catch up.

 

[RVGal]

FYI...

Never, never, never... under any circumstances... attempt to buy Valentines at Wal-Mart on the Saturday before Valentine's Day.

I'm going to go curl into a ball and wait for the shuddering to stop.

 

[AlexandNessa]

To tide you over until Jodie shows up with her kitty stories, I have a tidbit for you.

Amanda has a long shoestring from James' goalie skates that she folded in half and knotted to make a kitty toy for bad kitty....


Well, about 5 days ago, the shoestring was missing about 15 inches of length...


Yesterday, bad kitty barfed up the missing shoestring onto Amanda's bed....


I'll spare you the evidence photo.
No wonder she had been snippy the last few days!

Don't spare us the evidence photo! Why would you do that?! Do you think we can't handle it?!

 

[AlexandNessa]

Well, the host (Jeff) has been dating a girl from Maine for quite a few years. She was a contestant at one time. Maybe an uninhabited isle off the coast of ME in the winter time?

Todd, I don't like Jeff anymore either .... is Probst still dating Julie Berry, half his age Julie Berry? Are they getting married? Difference between girls and guys:

A girl KNOWS she looks like an idiot dating a guy half her age.

 

[bubba's mom]

Morning everyone!

Got home at 11:15 last night from the meet

But we had 2 boys going to the finals so that is a good thing!

Yay!! Congrats!!!

I have an interesting motor cycle story. When I was in the 8th grade we went on an end of school trip. As I said before I went to a VERY small school, everyone through 8th grade was on this bus. Our principal was a very old man. He went to pass this guy on a motorcycle and did not clear it completely before starting back over. He clipped the front of the bike and flipped it sending the guy flying through the air. Fortunately he was not hurt badly. Can you imagine a bus full of kids seeing this.

Don't work to hard Barb. I really wish Todd had been a little quieter. I didn't need to get up so early.

sorry.... I needed the "call" tho

I'm going to have to ask for one of those free pass thingys. If Jodie shows up, please tell her I need one.

Yesterday was the big appointment with the Pediatric Neurologist.

Sounds encouraging and like a doctor who knows what she is doing/talking about! How does JOSHUA feel about all this and her?? Speaking to a specialist is way more comforting

moral to the story: don't piss the principal off or get on his bad side......

So glad the DH is finally coming home today from his 3 weeks in SC. He can have his snow shoveling job back.

Oh yea.....HIS 'vacation' is SO over!

OK...I have a rant that I need to get off my chest...bear with me.

Okay...I have to agree with Tricia and Raven here....WTH?!?! You are going to give her a loving HOME.....and, they are trying to tell you that she isn't allowed outside unless she is doing her "business"??? Is this a LAW?? Demand to see it. If it's not, you have a case....if it IS a law, how were you supposed to know?? You didn't own a dog yet to know the rules changed..... If you really want her, I'd fight for her.....that is absolutely ridiculous! Call the news....make a public case out of it....

I wish you luck....hopefully you can get her.....

However, with him, you can add shock when they handed us our copy of the bill. His eyes did the big-wide-as-saucers thing. As soon as we were in the elevator, he said, "Four hundred dollars? For an office visit? I don't want to know what the rest of this is going to run us..."

I told him that, no, he probably didn't want to know and left it at that.

BRAD=

Gas to doctor visit: $25.00
Office visit: $400.00
Peace of mind for a healthy child: priceless

todd, go back and talk to another counselor . try it today.

tell the person that you talk to, you had thought of letting the dog out for sun shine and running around in your fenced in back yard, but found a solution to the issue.

tell them your neighbor has volunteered to come let the dog out and let her do her business and then put her back in the house when you are out on an errand.

tell them you now understand why they did the denial but have come up with a solution that will benefit all.
you have a neighbor that will help you and watch the dog in your yard

oh and todd, i can write the note as your neighbor..........

That is worth a try....good thinkin' mac

 

[AlexandNessa]

for the guys...............

Aggghhh, unfortunate flashbacks from my college days. This works in vice versa mode too. The walk of shame across the Quad wearing the same clothes you were wearing the night before, hoping you don't stumble across anyone you know on the way back to your dorm.....

 

[bubba's mom]

FYI...

Never, never, never... under any circumstances... attempt to buy Valentines at Wal-Mart on the Saturday before Valentine's Day.

I'm going to go curl into a ball and wait for the shuddering to stop.

well........duh.........

 

[bubba's mom]

Goodness, I am trying to catch up and I find it sooooo overwhelming!

and you are doing a great job too...... (didja slip Tricia one of your 'passes'?)



AND??? How was the show?? You're not going to leave us hang like you did with the Savannah story....ARE YOU

Don't spare us the evidence photo! Why would you do that?! Do you think we can't handle it?!

She's such a tease, ain't she?

Aggghhh, unfortunate flashbacks from my college days. This works in vice versa mode too. The walk of shame across the Quad wearing the same clothes you were wearing the night before, hoping you don't stumble across anyone you know on the way back to your dorm.....

Glad I didn't go to college .....ahhhhh...the good ole days, huh Jodie??

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for all the support. I have written letters to the Executive Director and President of the local SPCA regarding this issue. I hope she does the right thing and responds back with her comments.

I will let you know what's going on.

Thanks again!

 

[RVGal]

Sounds encouraging and like a doctor who knows what she is doing/talking about! How does JOSHUA feel about all this and her?? Speaking to a specialist is way more comforting

Joshua was fine with it. He knew why we were going and all that. He was shy with the doctor at first, but he was chattering away by the end of the visit.

Also, I told her that our regular doctor is out of the country on a tour of duty and that it made me feel more than a little nervous that he wasn't around. She said immediately that I didn't need to worry about anything. She would be monitoring everything closely for the next few months anyway. I can call her office whenever I have a question or a concern. I have no idea what the response would be like if I actually did have to call, but it is nice to hear.

 

[bubba's mom]

Well....guess while I was working, everyone was busy with other stuff too!

I'm already dun ketchuping

Altho, not a good morning in House of Bubba. It would appear he is under the weather.... fever and starting with the cough thing. Immediately pumped medicine into him to head off the cough thing....left untreated, it develops into a nasty, croupy, wheezing cough thing So...started that Then, after I left for work, he apparently spiked a fever....told DH to Motrinize him ...worked like a charm

Says he feels better...was bummed he missed his soccer clinics today ....but, he needs to rest, because tomorrow is his birthday party at Laser Quest and about 25 boys depending on HIM to be there (involves running, so he better get better ) So, I am off to purchase beverage and snacks and paper goods for tomorrow....picking up cake in the morning and having Papa Johns delivered Oh...and have to go buy stuff for goodie bags...will have him help me 'assemble' them tonite....while he is just laying around 'resting'.... Who would have ever thot you'd have to 'rest up' the day before your party?

 

[AlexandNessa]

OK...I have a rant that I need to get off my chest...bear with me.

My neighbor and I went to the SPCA this morning to adopt a dog for me. It's a big step since I'm single but I really want a dog now. The dog I picked out and I clicked and thought everything was great.

We sit down with the adoption counseler and he asks me if the dog would ever be outside in the yard. I told him yes and explained that I have a fenced in back yard and the dog would be safe. I told him the dog would not be outside for hours and hours when I'm at work but maybe when I need to run to the store or something like that.

After going over the application and asking more questions, he looks me in the eye and said he would have to DENY the adoption. I was floored as was my neighbor. When I asked why, he said dogs should never be left outside due to the risk of running away, biting someone, neighbor complaint, etc. He then tells me it's their policy and I said I understood but the dog would be safe with me in my home. But since I had already said the dog would be in the back yard, I couldn't take it back. It's kind of like a job interview when you try so hard to impress them and you end up saying something wrong...and not knowing it. I remained calm, got up and walked out.

Karen (my neighbor) was really upset and I should go back in there and talk to a supervisor. I didn't want to do that but it really hurts when you find the right dog and they won't let you take them home due to a trick question..and it purely was a trick question. I would have NEVER thought saying the dog would be outside was grounds for denial. AND...I can't go to the other SPCA shelter because they put your driver's license # in the computer. I guess I'm tagged now that I was denied.

I'm trying to keep a calm head by saying maybe it wasn't meant to be but I'm still emotionally upset about it. She was such a sweet dog and I would have loved to have had her.

I hope someone who says all the right things comes and adopts her. She deserves a good home...one that I apparently can't provide...according to them.

So now I am rethinking the pet whole thing. I was so exciting to find a sweet, loving dog and to have her taken away from me is really hard.

Maybe I'll get a dog someday but right now, I'm not going through this again...I can't...you know?

Thanks for listening.

Todd, what shelter honestly thinks a dog is going to be kept inside 24x7 unless it's for a walk? The shelter is being overprotective. I would speak to a supervisor or find somewhere else to adopt. Sad the shelter forwent a good loving home. What if the wrong family says "no, the dog will never be outside?" Do they get the dog over you? Good grief, you have a fence!

When we adopted Savannah, we had to prove that our cat Alex's vaccinations were current, that he was neutered, and provide references. That was it. In fact, they first tried to contact my sister as a reference, then my mom, then our cat sitter who all weren't home. Since my cat sitter's husband answered the phone, they were tired of making phone calls, and asked him if we'd be good pet parents. He said yes, we love animals. That's good, because we have never met our cat sitter's husband, ever! We didn't tell them that, and they were just really excited we came prepared with all of Alex's records and a cat carrier and were ready to take her on the spot. I'm sorry you were tricked that way, and hope you don't lose hope.