Viv, I wasn't picking at your post for being "doom and gloom", I actually very much agree with you on everything you said . It IS daunting when you think about it. I'd only contest that everyone wouldn't steal from you. I know how I would behave in that situation, I wouldn't ever think about theft, or taking shortcuts that the owner wouldn't approve. For me, I would WANT to be the model employee and run a clean company. I would want to deliver a top-notch product. My downfall would be running costs up too high because I'd want to have the best of the best of everything and not adequately charge the customer for it.

I like the hour house idea way better Deb, WAY better.

Found an awesome Mario beanie and a Mario hoodie on Amazon. Gonna get it next month.

Okay, scratch the beanie, I am gonna get just the hoodie, so I can order a subscription to merchbox.

I am so unbelievably insecure and I am extremely envious of my sister.

Cassie, what do you think your sister has that you don't? Keep in mind everyone has a battle going on of some kind - and if they haven't, they will. (Not that we should wish that on people, but it's just life.)

Deb, I like the house idea better, too. Also, keep in mind that kiddos are quite expensive! You want to be sure there's PLENTY going into savings for them.

So my li'l one had her Kindergarten "Meet and Greet" this morning - so freaking adorable! I think she's the tiniest one in the class, but she got plenty of spunk :)

Awesome...my sister is just a beautiful person. She's outgoing, has lots of friends, is great with hair/makeup/clothes, she's the one who everyone always wanted to be with. Couldn't tell you how many guys would tell me how hot my sister is. She's doing modeling on the side, something I've always wanted to do but can't. There's a lot more to it..this is just the start

That sounds lovely, but I'm betting there are things about YOU that SHE envies as well.
A few years ago it probably looked to outsiders like I had it all - nice house, gorgeous children, outgoing personality, good relationships, education . . . no one knew I was living a nightmare with an abusive husband. I hid it very well; my own family didn't even know. Your sister may very well be super happy and all that, and if you love her, then I hope you can be happy for her as well. :) It's always hard to banish comparitive thinking, though. I get it.

That's some really solid advice Awesome!

Can't really add much to it. Just be happy as you can't switch bodies or minds or lives. Be you and be good with it!

Awesome- I am happy for her, I am very proud of all that she's accomplishing. She's doing everything she needs to do to pursue her dream. It's just extremely difficult to let that comparison mindset go. I get we live two completely different lives and are at two completely different times in our lives. It just would be nice to be appreciated and get the praise that she does you know?
Ugh.. Never mind...I feel like I'm whining now.

my day:

up 6:00

6:30 eat breakfast, lay out kids clothes, put on make-up, make lunches and get them packed.

7:00 leave for work

7:30 get to work

10:30 leave from work

1:00 doc appointment for son

2:00 get to my school to pick up my books and gait belt

3:00 pick-up daughter from school

5:00 daughter's first volley ball practice

6:30 parents night at daughters school

7:30 i am finally home and making dinner. sooooo tired.

btw, have i mentioned that i am working BOTH jobs on sunday for a total of 12 hours of work? yeah....

Okay, I've arranged to take a look at four of these houses with hubby over the weekend. Haven't gotten hold of anyone about the fifth, but I left a message, we'll see what becomes of it.

I took a look at the neighborhood, and it looks pretty decent - the exceptions being two of the houses I'm looking at. But, then, they're priced like it. These two will take a little work to get them to a point where we can rent them out, but it shouldn't break the bank. And I talked to a gal in the group I'm thinking we'll market to, and she says it sounds like it would be an improvement for her family. She said she'd talk to her husband and some of her friends and get their thoughts.

Hubby told me he was impressed ^_^

The stereotype that women are suppose to be hot and go out and men play video games needs to die, and die quick.

ok, randomness

i have had this really strong battery taste in my mouth for nearly a week now. no amount of eating, brushing my teeth, gargling, or mints/gum will get rid of it! i have also been getting really intense headaches at the bottom of my forehead and behind my eyes right about 3:00 every afternoon and some really awful nausea in the morning that just disappears around 9 or 10? anyone have any idea? because i am totally clueless and my net research isnt helping any!

good for you deb! it sounds like you really have a knack for it!

Des, it could be medications (anti-depressants) and others, nasal infection, dare I say pregnancy, dehydration, gingivitis, polyps in nose to name a few things.

things to help:
Drinking fluids, staying hydrated - very important. Citris drinks (oj, lemonade very helpful

Brushing teeth 2-3 times a day

rinsing with salt water

chewing on a piece of ginger or clove an help

use baking soda & salt as toothpaste - neutralizes acids