mizbear
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Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
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Post by mizbear on Apr 11, 2011 22:12:29 GMT -5
sheila- My family is a few crayons short of a box, so I feel for you- and they don't play nice at all.
Tomorrow I am staying home and doing paperwork, housework and homework. Then I am going to watch NCIS at my DGMs.
HUGS everyone.
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reeneejune
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Post by reeneejune on Apr 12, 2011 0:01:06 GMT -5
mcreal - I'm in charge of hiring where I work, so if your daughter would like to talk to a professional about her interviewing/application/resume skills, I'd be happy to help. There are so many little things that people don't think about that make a good or bad impression on an interviewer. My email is my screen name at hotmail dot com or you can PM me here.
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Apr 12, 2011 10:03:20 GMT -5
mcreal: I do all of the hiring where I work as well. We employ all construction type workers but after sitting in on dozens of interviews I have a pretty good idea of what to do and what not to do. Feel free to email me too if you have any questions on behalf of your daughter. screen name at gmail dot com.
mizbear: yeah- you know it's bad when I have to be the voice of reason! I scolded the whole lot of them, gave them strict orders to apologize for each other and set up a "do over" simple birthday dinner for Wednesday for my niece. Told them all the first person to mention "the zoo" or anything that happened prior to 6pm this Wednesday will be getting a butt kicking courtesy of your's truly!
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Apr 12, 2011 10:16:25 GMT -5
Update: 5 CSD + 5 NSD = 10 of 26, 6 of 12 MOAN Yesterday turned out to be an accidental NSD. The guys working on the basement didn't finish, so they'll be back today and get paid today. Also, I tried to e-file our taxes but apparently made a typo in our verification information, so that didn't go through, either. I'll have to double check and re-file today.
I counted Friday through Sunday as MOANs. Friday I mowed half the side yard and we took the dogs on an extra long walk. Saturday I mowed the other half of the side yard, took the dogs to the dog park (lots of walking for us while they run), and pulled up carpet. Sunday we had to use our flat shovel to scrape up the carpet pad because it had just been glued to the cement (like tile). I got a blister from that. Today would normally be a MOAN day for me, but I think I'm going to take it off. Not only am I ahead of the game, but my knees have really been bugging me, so I'm going to give them a little break.
sheila: Good for you. Sometimes people just need a smack upside the head.
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dianartemis
Well-Known Member
God made me and started laughing
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Post by dianartemis on Apr 12, 2011 15:04:35 GMT -5
Hello all, I'm alive. Not much to report at this time. I hope everyone is doing well.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Apr 12, 2011 15:20:07 GMT -5
Dropped off towels at the animal shelter today and a car full of stuff to Goodwill. I have a few more things to take but that can wait awhile. I also need to make another pass through my closet and shoes. To celebrate my charity I bought a coffee I also need to keep adding to the box for the food bank and get rid of the things I'm never going to eat. I added some of them to my emergency stash in the car because I can only really see myself eating tiny vienna sausages from a can if I'm stuck and hungry i'm also WAY too excited that tomorrow is trash pickup. I have a full recycling can and full trash can, half full green waste trash can. Hoping to do some weeding tonight and it'll be nice to have those empty! Heading to my parent's house Wednesday so my goal is to have the fridge cleaned out, dishes all cleaned and my car washed. We'll see if it happens lol
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
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Post by mizbear on Apr 12, 2011 21:28:50 GMT -5
sheila- Can I borrow you to knock sense into my family?
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Honeylioness
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Post by Honeylioness on Apr 12, 2011 22:12:53 GMT -5
Just swinging by for a brief update.
Work was out of control the last few days - I even worked this weekend ...grrrrr
All packed, house is straightened, cat sitter has keys and I went online and did my state taxes. Owed them $33. Oh well.
So we are ready - I guess. Seattle here we come!!!!
Will check in as soon as I can after we get there. I am sure I will need to touch base with adults after traveling all day with teenagers.
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Apr 13, 2011 0:23:20 GMT -5
3 NSD!
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MittenKitten
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Home of the Circus
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Post by MittenKitten on Apr 13, 2011 9:20:41 GMT -5
Hey all. Party went well. Adults had fun, kids had fun, puppies and dog had fun. Did I mention we had 3 puppies 5 months and under and 1 dog. Crazy I tell ya. My screen door for the patio didn't survive, and it wasn't even shut. Apparently my sister and her husband watched the dogs destroy it and made the comment "well they should have been expecting that" WTF. I am irritated.
DF has been worse then useless. He did the vacuuming and looked pathetic, kept laying down, taking baths etc. If he did stuff around here on a regular basis maybe I would have more sympathy but unless it is computer related it could take a LONG time to get done. Thus I just do most of the stuff myself.
Rainy weather and my head is not doing so well so I will chat with you ladies later.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Apr 13, 2011 9:32:13 GMT -5
Update: 6 CSD + 5 NSD = 11 of 26, 6 of 12 MOAN
Well, today is going to end up being my allowed "spend" day this week. We had an oil change scheduled for tomorrow, which would have been a CSD, but last night, the check engine light came on and this morning I got an "emissions workshop" message on the little computer screen. The car is at 58,600 miles, and we were planning to wait a month or two for the 60k service (as we don't drive that much right now) but with everything going on... Anyway, I now have the car scheduled to go in for its 60k service, an oil change, and check the check engine light this morning. I'll get a loaner from the dealer (for $10), because I need to do a lot of running around today in order to get stuff for a retirement party this afternoon.
MK: I'd be annoyed ad DSis and BIL, too. Even if they weren't going to try and redirect the puppies, the least they could have done was told you or the owners of the other dogs. *hugs* re: DF. I certainly know the feeling sometimes.
Honey: I hope we have a chance to get together while you're here. Coffee/tea somewhere if nothing else.
startsmart: Yay for charity and coffee. Have a good weekend at your parents with all the dogs.
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Apr 13, 2011 10:16:42 GMT -5
MK- Must be something in the air over MN. I was about ready to strangle DH yesterday! His "check engine" light came on in his truck. I had to drive over to the shop and leave them a check. Force DH to drop the truck off. Pick him up and bring him back to work (because he didn't want to bother anyone else). Pick him up after work, bring him back home and go back to work myself and then drive him to my dad's to pick up a loaner vehicle. The man is about helpless somedays! I was ready to leave him on the side of the freaking road. I have the same issues with him. Some days he is great and does things no problem and other days you would think he was a 4 year old with the way he acts. Really you have to whine because I asked you to unload the dishwasher? !!! I would be annoyed with sis and DBIL if they watched my dog destroy something at my house and did nothing. Thanks guys Shanen: Hoping your vehicle repairs are nice and simple. DH's fix will cost us about $600. Actually a good thing since if he had ignored it the tranny would have blown and cost us some major $$$ to fix. Good thing I bullied him into dropping it off right away. Annoyed with the world today and I don't even know why. So I am going to shut my door, turn off the lights and sit in the corner with my animal crackers until it's Thursday!
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Apr 13, 2011 10:39:17 GMT -5
I'm doing okay keeping things in budget so far this month. Yay. Had to upgrade our cell plan since blue uses it as his work phone. We weren't sure how much he was going to be on it but the upgrade was definitely needed.
Yesterday was one year since my stepmom passed. Didn't expect to still feel so sad. Hits me at odd times... usually after a vivid dream and then waking up and realizing no, she's not still here. But definitely have a case of the blahs this week...
MK - that's so dumb they didn't say anything. So nice of them.
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
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Post by mizbear on Apr 13, 2011 11:13:36 GMT -5
I just want to remove April from the calendar- although I get better about it every year, it is still a bad time of year for me.
HUGS everyone
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Apr 13, 2011 13:28:45 GMT -5
March was the bad month for me, but today appears to just be a bad day all around. I had to pick up some things for a retirement party today, so while I was out, I grabbed some mango turnovers from my favorite bakery and brought them in for myself and one of our teams.
Car repairs will start at $400, go up from there depending on what's wrong with it. We have the money for the 60k service, I just wasn't planning on spending it for another month or two.
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dakota4600
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Post by dakota4600 on Apr 13, 2011 15:03:31 GMT -5
Hey all. Hope the car repairs are all quick and reasonably priced (if that is every possible.)
This week is crazy with getting ready for mini-D's birthday. We aren't doing anything over the top (I don't think). But we tend to only deep clean when companies coming so we are doing that a little each night. It doesn't help that I have an ear infection. It hurts to chew and swallow, so maybe I'll lose some weight. The ear drops are no fun either. I hope mini-D doesn't get these because laying still after the drops for 5 minutes with that sensation in your ear is hard for me and I am an adult.
Tonight we have his 3 year checkup at the doctor, followed by tumbling class, if he isn't too cranky from shots.
Need input do any of you have smart phones? If so what do you have? Do you like it? If you don't mind how much does it cost per month? I really WANT one. I know I don't need it at all, but I think it is one of those splurges I'm going to allow myself. I can upgrade on my current plan in a couple months, but want to start researching now. I'm leaning towards the i-phone, because one app I want is only available through them.
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
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Post by mizbear on Apr 13, 2011 16:37:35 GMT -5
dakota- I decided to stay with a non-smart phone this go round and will upgrade the next go when I should be done or close to done school. My ex-SIL and brother have both had smartphones. My ex-SIL loves hers. She makes sure that she researches the phones that she is interested in carefully, included going into the stores and looking at them- so she can check display size. She also makes sure she gets insurance on the phone. Smartphones are geeally not as sturdy as those old nokia bar phones, so if you drop it without some sort of rubberized cover on it, it's probably gone. She pays $45 or 50 /month for unlimited everything, but it's not a verizon or sprint- it's one of those other plans. My brothe liked his until he dropped it with no case on it, hadn't backed it up, and had no insurance- lucky for him I had an old phone laying around the house or he would have been paying the full OOP for a new phone. He was paying something like $120/month for his phone, but DM said he had every bell and whistle available and refused to just do what I did when I dropped my old phone package when I divorced and just get on hers- I just pay extra for my phone insurance and text plan. Another thing to look at is what coverage is available in your area- for instance, 4G will not be availablr where I am for a while, so it's not worth it to me to pay for a 4G phone. HTH
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Apr 13, 2011 17:46:44 GMT -5
dakota - i have the HTC incredible and I LOVE it. When it was just me it was $40 for 400 minutes, I think, plus $30 for data plan (which is required on most smartphones). So I was paying about $70, plus some taxes and fees. When we added blue, it added $10/mo for his line plus $30 for his data. My phone was $130, but you can wait for good deals. Blue's was free with a new 2year plan. I love the games, I love the camera quality, I love being able to bring up google maps and figure out how to get to the nearest highway, I love the grocery list that is synched to mine and blue's phone (we can both add stuff, and whomever goes shopping just buys what's on the list adn crosses it off as they go along). If my bank account is overdrawn while I'm out, I can quickly transfer funds through their app. Well worth it, for me!
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dianartemis
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God made me and started laughing
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Post by dianartemis on Apr 13, 2011 19:10:29 GMT -5
Sammy Update: Sammy and Topaz are tolerating each other. This morning they were both waiting for me. Topaz was on top of the half wall (so you don't fall down the stairs) and Sammy was on the floor on the other wall. They were IGNORING EACH OTHER! A few minutes later Topaz jumps down and Sammy didn't even twitch.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Apr 13, 2011 20:16:25 GMT -5
$1400 later, we have the car back. DH asked how this was going to effect our finances and I got to remind him that this is exactly what we have savings for. We saved $3k for taxes and only owed $1k, so we're still ahead, just not as far ahead as we would have liked.
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on Apr 13, 2011 20:38:03 GMT -5
Update: 8 NS and 5 CS days. Dakota -- I am almost in the same boat as you are. I don't have a smart phone either and I know that when I have to replace mine that that will be a consideration. My phone is over 5 years old and I keep hoping that it lasts a little longer. I do know that I have to charge it more often and that usually is one of the first signs that one is beginning to reach its last days,
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Apr 14, 2011 8:58:33 GMT -5
ARGH!!!! So frustrated right now. So we have the do over party for my niece last night. All went really well, she had a good time, my dad sprang for the pizza, everyone had a nice peaceful night. So this morning I ask my brother (we both work for my dad) did A have a good time last night. He mutters "yeah, I guess". I said well it would be nice if you'd say thank you to me. He says "I don't say thank you to anyone, ever". Umm, excuse me? I know that's not how my parents raised the rest of us. Then 5 minutes later he gets in a screaming match with my dad. No one else was in the building so I went back there and said "Boss, Employee! Don't swear at my DAD!" So sick of it. My brother takes and takes and takes and treats the rest of us like dirt. Then if anyone calls him on it he starts crying and claims we are all mean to him and think he is a bad dad to his kids.
Officially done. Love my niece and nephew but if I never have to deal with their dad again it will be too soon. What kind of ahole screams and swears at their employer (who is also their dad) in the middle of the work day? What to know what they are discussing? Production. Our salesmen is with a customer today so they don't have exact quantities and dad wanted production to start out based on the estimates. Keep in mind it will be a good week plus before they will need to know the exact numbers. Yup- something that simple and it's 30 minutes of my brother swearing at my dad and bad mouthing the salesman.
If I didn't truly enjoy every other aspect of my job (and the paycheck) I would quit in a heartbeat. As it is I still look for other work because I can't stand the stress of having to deal with my brother.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Apr 14, 2011 9:36:46 GMT -5
Sheila: *hugs* brothers can be such PITAs. I know he's your dad's son, and the whole family loves the kids, but really, I'd think your dad should be considering firing the boy (because "boy" is the age he's acting).
smart phones: I keep thinking I want one, then I see what changing my plan to have a data plan would do to my monthly bill. Actually, I kind of like not even having the capability. My phone is my phone and occassionally a camera, but that's it. I did compromise in that my ereader has some tablet functionality and wi-fi, so if we're going to be out and I think I might want the internet, I can bring that and log in at any Starbucks or anywhere else that has free wi-fi
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dakota4600
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Post by dakota4600 on Apr 14, 2011 9:43:22 GMT -5
Thanks for the input on the phones.
Last night was mini-D's 3 yr checkup. So proud of my boy, he listened and let the doctor and nurse examine him and he answered their questions. He even asked for his shot and only cried for about 10secs when he got it. He is doing great on track for everything. He also did a forward roll by himself at tumbling class.
Shelia- Hugs! Sorry you brother is being such a bother.
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mcreal
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Post by mcreal on Apr 14, 2011 10:08:48 GMT -5
Checking in - here 's my update. CS = 5/12 NS = 8/12
#3D had another interview yesterday - a second, and met the district manager. I hope we hear today. Thanks for your offers of help on this everyone. I will let you know depending on how this works out.
The tricky thing for me right now is that the ex cut off child support. I knew it was coming, but was never sure when, and just kept crossing my fingers. This money was automatically withdrawn thru the state, so he had no real control over it until #3D finished high school. She completed her GED last week, we have not even received the certificate yet, and he stopped the support. Not worth hiring an attorney to work it out. He actually was overpaying since last summer as he did not drop #2D off when she graduated, so I am probably on the plus side anyway. This is the only way he has ever financially helped out with the girls, so college expenses, living expenses, lifes struggles for them are all on me (and them). This is going to be a very hard few years.
I got the insurance summary for my ladies procedure last month. This thing is going to top $2K for me.
I wish I knew how not to worry constantly about money. I have dug myself a big hole, now lifes expenses are greater than ever before. I can't worry the girls any more - they are very aware - so I keep a positive attitude on the outside. But, this week, the weight is pretty heavy and I find myself near tears frequently. I know this is going to be a long journey, but at times like this, I am just worn out. I am tired of trying to find a way to cover this without taking from that. The EF is wiped out - and I am going to have to put $1K of college expenses on a CC (the child support was to have covered this). I hate using my CC - Getting out of that debt has been my biggest focus, and now I feel like I am going backwards.
Just venting, ladies. There is nowhere else I can go with this stress.
You all inspire me!
My input on the phones - as much as I would love to have a smart phone, I am stubborn about not increasing my monthly bill. I am too focused on my goal. When my phone broke at christmas - they replaced on insurance with the cheapest phone possible. Or at least it seems that way. I don't like it, but I refuse to make a change as my other goals are more important.
My input on family - I recommend healty distance on the crazy ones. They will always be your family, but sometimes getting too close can burn. My younger brother called this week to apologize for some very hurtful things he did to me around christmas. The apology is great, but I will always be cautious from here on out. I can't let him in too close. I keep things light and friendly with my brothers.
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dianartemis
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God made me and started laughing
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Post by dianartemis on Apr 14, 2011 10:09:16 GMT -5
shiela: I agree w/ shanen. Bro needs to go. He also needs to pull on his big boy pants and grow up already! Sheesh. Also, shame on your DDad for putting up w/ it. Write him up and move on. If bro keeps it up, he's out the door.
ETA: The above is just my opinion and not meant as criticism against your family. I'm in my 30's and I think my Dad would've canned my butt years ago for a display like that.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Apr 14, 2011 11:03:13 GMT -5
mcreal: I know a lot about your struggles from the WIRR West board, and you may have done this over there, but I really do suggest posting your budget for the ladies here. We have an amazingly creative bunch who may be able to help you look at your expenses in a new way, or give you hints and ideas about how to do some things for cheaper. For example: Honey and Renee can teach you how to mend clothes, SES has been doing her grocery shopping based on the food stamp budget for her state, mrslynch is the queen of menu planning, 3cats is learning how to put her needs ahead of her son's and grandchildrens' wants in a loving (but firm) way. We've all been stressed about money, and we are always happy to provide a place to vent. But know that while we are happy just listening, we'd love to actually try and help.
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Apr 14, 2011 11:34:31 GMT -5
I have a job interview tomorrow morning. Send some good job juju my way. It's pretty similar to what I do now, just for a larger company, which would be really nice. Sick of feeling so isolated all the time!
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Apr 14, 2011 12:30:20 GMT -5
Ladies- thanks for the advice and virtual hugs for dealing with DBro. I nearly passed out when he walked in my office an hour ago to tell me an actual "thank you" for planning a party for his daughter. He has never ever said thank you to me before. I accepted it, but told him it did hurt that I had to basically ask him to say thanks. Then I told him that there is never a reason to shout at dad at work and that the F word should never ever come out of his mouth when talking to dad. It's hurts my heart and soul when he talks to dad like that.
Dad and I talked some and he is at his wits end as to what to do. We live in a relatively small town (50,000 people) and my family is really well known. It would be difficult for DBro to get another job (he has a bad reputation and attitude problem). Dad feels reponsible for him since he allowed it to get this bad. I feel for Dad but told him I refused to stand by and watch my brother scream at my dad. It won't happen.
Hopefully one of these days it will sink in for them.
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Apr 14, 2011 12:34:29 GMT -5
mcreal: I am sorry you have been struggling. In my opinion you are making forward progress. Some days it might not feel like it but you are. Fingers crossed that DD3's interview went well and turns into a job for her.
redwagon: Good ju ju on it's way to you for your interview.
Smart phones: I want one something fierce. I have never had tech envy or really lusted after anything before but I want an Iphone like no one's business. BUT I don't like the $30 a month data plan and the fact that DH wants one too so $60 a month. DH and I prioritized things the other day and have an idea as to when we might be able to buy them. They are on the list well behind "car repair, taxes, fence, landscaping, etc" So it may be a while.
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