Since it's time- Letters for OCTOBER

[hamamelis]

Whatcha got to say?

[hamamelis]

Dear co-worker-

yesterday you were telling me you were looking for more work and more hours. Today you bail on me on one of the busiest afterschool days I have ever had. And if I remember correctly I was told that if I had busy days like this, that you would not be at staff meetings. I'm not sure why you feel you need to be at staff meetings, I miss them every week and somehow manage to still function well and do my job. I get you don't like being with the preschoolers, but the fact of the matter is, the preschool program where we work is very popular and there are no promises there will be a large number of older kids that you do prefer to be with.

I guess if I told you that the child of one of the specialists; who is not a student at the school, and just a 2 year old toddler bit me today, you would definitely not want to be helping me on Wednesday afternoons. So guess what? I'm not telling you how shitty my afternoon was, but I can assure you I will be telling the director. Which means in the future that if I have another full day of kids like I had today, I need your assistance or they need to find a replacement for one of us. Either suck it up and help me out with the preschoolers when I need them or find a new line of work.

:banghead: :screwyou: :screwyou: :screwyou: :screwyou: :screwyou: :screwyou:

[bannanabette]

Dear Powers That Be -

Ok, the Cubs go down in the first game 7-2 and Ryan Dempster gives up a SEASON high 7 walks. Middle child has detested everything that I have cooked for him today and now is super whiny because he's hungry. My period has started THREE days early.

I'm going upstairs to clean the gerbil cage. If I find the gerbil dead, I'm giving up and permanently curling into a fetal ball.

ETA: Ok, the gerbil is alive and kicking and now residing in a clean cage. But it looks like the nanowrimo.org site is fubared. sigh.

[Peggyann]

Dear Cubs,

What the hell happened? When I fell asleep it was 2-zip. You had better wise up, the Dodgers are going to be bringing their "A" game. Joe Torre is an old hand at this.

~PA~

[Artemis]

Please stop lying to me about what you said and did in the classroom. My daughter tells me everything and if you even think I would believe you over her, you are insane. I happen to have a child who doesn't lie to me (well, if she does, it's soooo obvious to me, I laugh inside). I've even caught you more than once myself in the same pattern that she speaks of. Stop trying to CYA and be more honest with me. I've lost respect at this point. It's possible to earn it back by admitting your mistake, but I'm not holding my breath for that to happen.

[kinsey]

Dear STBX - You suck. You were within an hour of your kids for two weeks and you managed to see them twice. Go you. Extra credit points for forcing a confrontation and causing your son to cry in the not-quite 1.5 hours you saw them yesterday. You are a giant ass.

There are no words to describe your inappropriate behavior. Let's review: "If we can't go to the park, I will just leave" Wow. That's awesome. What is wrong with you that you would say this at all, let alone right in front of your children? No wonder DS cried. You fucker. Asking DS if he feels OK, and if he wants to go to the park, is an asshole move as well. He's FIVE. Of course, he's going to say he feels great and wants to go to the park. Especially with you prompting him. That doesn't change the fact that for the 3 hours after he got out of school today, he laid on the couch not feeling well. And I know he wasn't dying to go to the park b/c he did not pursue it. He gave you the answer you (inappropriately) wanted, but when I said no he let it drop. Take some lessons from your 5 year old! And, yeah, he may have been feeling better. However, YOU are not the one who will miss class to care for a sick child if he overexerts and doesn't rest. Oh yeah, you don't actually care about his well-being.

WTF is wrong with you that you would try to physically drag your child away? It's not tug-of-war, asshole. He's a 5 year old, not a rope!


Oh yes, and thank you for ignoring DS for the rest of teh visit. That's great. SUPER. I know DD is adorable (and so does she, BTW) but DS is pretty darn cute as well. I know DD has a great attitude and is fun to spend time with, but DS is a fabulous kid as well. I do not know how you can ignore a child who is trying his hardest to win your heart, but you did. Again, bonus points for walking away in the middle of DS talking to you to go play with DD.



Through all this process, over the last year+, I have never hated you so much as I did yesterday. Completely inappropriate to pick a fight like that in front of the kids, and over something so unnecessary. I considered giving in and letting you go to the park (once I saw that you were going to be an ass - tho I had no idea how much of one you would be!) but it came down to a wellbeing issue. DS was not feeling well, and needed to rest. Sitting in the library and reading to your children would have been a perfectly acceptable way to bond.... oh, I forgot, bonding wasn't the point.


See ya, good luck at your new duty station, we'll expect a call in oh, say, 3 or 4 months?

Signed,
your can't-be-ex-soon-enough-wife.


PS. Thanks for shorting the child support AGAIN this month. I understand, I saw your new iPhone yesterday. It is important to have a fancy working phone so you can call..... people other than your children. Don't worry about winter clothes for DS, I'm sure we can just not eat this month. Just be sure to have lots of fun driving around in your new Mustang! :screwyou:

[Bickery]

Dear STBX - You suck. You were within an hour of your kids for two weeks and you managed to see them twice. Go you. Extra credit points for forcing a confrontation and causing your son to cry in the not-quite 1.5 hours you saw them yesterday. You are a giant ass.

There are no words to describe your inappropriate behavior. Let's review: "If we can't go to the park, I will just leave" Wow. That's awesome. What is wrong with you that you would say this at all, let alone right in front of your children? No wonder DS cried. You fucker. Asking DS if he feels OK, and if he wants to go to the park, is an asshole move as well. He's FIVE. Of course, he's going to say he feels great and wants to go to the park. Especially with you prompting him. That doesn't change the fact that for the 3 hours after he got out of school today, he laid on the couch not feeling well. And I know he wasn't dying to go to the park b/c he did not pursue it. He gave you the answer you (inappropriately) wanted, but when I said no he let it drop. Take some lessons from your 5 year old! And, yeah, he may have been feeling better. However, YOU are not the one who will miss class to care for a sick child if he overexerts and doesn't rest. Oh yeah, you don't actually care about his well-being.

WTF is wrong with you that you would try to physically drag your child away? It's not tug-of-war, asshole. He's a 5 year old, not a rope!


Oh yes, and thank you for ignoring DS for the rest of teh visit. That's great. SUPER. I know DD is adorable (and so does she, BTW) but DS is pretty darn cute as well. I know DD has a great attitude and is fun to spend time with, but DS is a fabulous kid as well. I do not know how you can ignore a child who is trying his hardest to win your heart, but you did. Again, bonus points for walking away in the middle of DS talking to you to go play with DD.



Through all this process, over the last year+, I have never hated you so much as I did yesterday. Completely inappropriate to pick a fight like that in front of the kids, and over something so unnecessary. I considered giving in and letting you go to the park (once I saw that you were going to be an ass - tho I had no idea how much of one you would be!) but it came down to a wellbeing issue. DS was not feeling well, and needed to rest. Sitting in the library and reading to your children would have been a perfectly acceptable way to bond.... oh, I forgot, bonding wasn't the point.


See ya, good luck at your new duty station, we'll expect a call in oh, say, 3 or 4 months?

Signed,
your can't-be-ex-soon-enough-wife.


PS. Thanks for shorting the child support AGAIN this month. I understand, I saw your new iPhone yesterday. It is important to have a fancy working phone so you can call..... people other than your children. Don't worry about winter clothes for DS, I'm sure we can just not eat this month. Just be sure to have lots of fun driving around in your new Mustang! :screwyou:


I'm so sorry.

You will find other options for eating and winter clothes. It sucks that you have to, but you will, and while it may take awhile, your kids will know that you provided.

[Peggyann]

Kinsey, what size is your DS in?

I just wanna bop your X with my bat! :flame:

~PA~

[indigo]

Dear October,
I love you. I love the feeling of the cool breeze. I love your blue skies. I love (even though I should hate) the occasional smell of people burning leaves, which I know is against the law. I love hanging out in the park with homeschooling friends while the whole band of kids play for hours and hours, barefoot, tromping through the creek, making up their own sign language and elaborate worlds. I love the light smell of little-boy sweat on my son at the end of the day. I love the chill in the air at night. October, will you stay forever? I don't like your little brother, November, as much.

[kinsey]

Please stop lying to me about what you said and did in the classroom. My daughter tells me everything and if you even think I would believe you over her, you are insane. I happen to have a child who doesn't lie to me (well, if she does, it's soooo obvious to me, I laugh inside). I've even caught you more than once myself in the same pattern that she speaks of. Stop trying to CYA and be more honest with me. I've lost respect at this point. It's possible to earn it back by admitting your mistake, but I'm not holding my breath for that to happen.


Ugh. I'm so glad you know and believe your DD.

[kinsey]

Dear October,
I love you. I love the feeling of the cool breeze. I love your blue skies. I love (even though I should hate) the occasional smell of people burning leaves, which I know is against the law. I love hanging out in the park with homeschooling friends while the whole band of kids play for hours and hours, barefoot, tromping through the creek, making up their own sign language and elaborate worlds. I love the light smell of little-boy sweat on my son at the end of the day. I love the chill in the air at night. October, will you stay forever? I don't like your little brother, November, as much.

I love this month, too! I call it "Football Weather" - I had soooo much fun as a child going to the high school football games and running around w/my friends.


Right now, the afternoons are PERFECT for me to go for a run w/the kids in the stroller. Cool enough that I don't die, lol, but still warm enough that the kids are comfortable. Aaaah.... perfection.

[kinsey]

I'm so sorry.

You will find other options for eating and winter clothes. It sucks that you have to, but you will, and while it may take awhile, your kids will know that you provided.

(((F))) Thanks. Yup, we will make it. And, even tho yesterday was hard, the kids and I are soooo happy and loving our life.


I was thinking about this situation on my way to campus this AM. I know that his "punishment" for the way he's acting will be that he's misisng out on time w/the kids, and that they will know what kind of "father" he was. The thing is, that's not a "punishment" for him, like it would be for me. He doesn't *care* that he's missing out on the kids - if our situations were reversed, it would be killing me. But it's actually convenient for him, & I'm sure he truly doesn't feel in his heart that he's missing anything.

I don't knwo if that makes sense.... I know there's nothing I can do about it, and he probably won't ever get the consequence that I wish he would. Oh well...

[kinsey]

Kinsey, what size is your DS in?

I just wanna bop your X with my bat! :flame:

~PA~

I so wish you *could* bop him! Yesterday was just so flagrant - I thought for a second that i might throw up when DS started crying. I just felt so stuck - I wanted to stop the fighting and get DS out of the middle, but I couldn't cuz I can't afford for DS to get sick. He told his teacher today that he didn't feel well, but still no temp or any real symptoms. :dunno:


Anyhoo.... DS is in a 7 slim for pants and 7/8 for shirts. (:yikes:) Not sure how that was allowed!

[Bickery]

(((F))) Thanks. Yup, we will make it. And, even tho yesterday was hard, the kids and I are soooo happy and loving our life.


I was thinking about this situation on my way to campus this AM. I know that his "punishment" for the way he's acting will be that he's misisng out on time w/the kids, and that they will know what kind of "father" he was. The thing is, that's not a "punishment" for him, like it would be for me. He doesn't *care* that he's missing out on the kids - if our situations were reversed, it would be killing me. But it's actually convenient for him, & I'm sure he truly doesn't feel in his heart that he's missing anything.

I don't knwo if that makes sense.... I know there's nothing I can do about it, and he probably won't ever get the consequence that I wish he would. Oh well...

Possibly not in that he might not actively feel it. But it's amazing how many people expect that their title will carry them and they will get the benefits of office without ever having to do the actions that define that title. (Like my X's birth mother showing up after almost 20 years and expecting to be called "mama" and behaving as if a young man whom she abandoned as a small child has duties toward her to fulfill.)

I do believe that the soul feels the loss even if the person is never conscious of missing out, but that's getting into my own weird sense of How Things Work beyond punching keys on a keyboard.

[Peggyann]

let me dig. I know I have all of Aidan's 7 slims from last year,,,he's almost out of his 8slims now, and his shirts are a 10 :yikes:

~PA~




Anyhoo.... DS is in a 7 slim for pants and 7/8 for shirts. (:yikes:) Not sure how that was allowed!

[kinsey]

let me dig. I know I have all of Aidan's 7 slims from last year,,,he's almost out of his 8slims now, and his shirts are a 10 :yikes:

~PA~

Aww... thanks. :kiss: You're so sweet!! So you haven't figured out the magic Stop Growing So Freakin' Fast Formula either? I'm askeered of puberty here - both kids eat more than i do already!

[Peggyann]

Mike won't let me tie heavy books to their heads, and they both insist on eating! :-P

~PA~


Aww... thanks. :kiss: You're so sweet!! So you haven't figured out the magic Stop Growing So Freakin' Fast Formula either? I'm askeered of puberty here - both kids eat more than i do already!

[Debra]

Dear Miramar Air Base,

I know the air show starts tomorrow. I know you guys need to practice. But for the love of pete. Please give it a rest. ALL WEEK LONG you have been buzzing this entire area and every single time you do our walls and ground shake and all of the car alarms around here go off. Every. Time. All. Week. Long. ENOUGH!

And I wonder how much money this has cost the taxpayers. Multiple planes flying ALL day EVERY day to practice for entertainment. I can't imagine the airplane fuel is cheap.

And to everyone who keeps asking me all the time - no, I am not going to the air show. People who have been in plane accidents don't usually like their entertainment to center around dangerous airplane maneuvers.

I hate working across the street from a military air base.

That is all.

[Annamarie]

What you said about the cost of the fuel is an issue I have with airshows too. DH LOVES them. He took Dawson and his dad and they went to one this past June. Hearing about what they saw sounded freakin' awesome. BUT, I couldn't get past the imagined cost of the Blue Angels alone...not to mention all the other exhibitions. It didn't cost them a dime to get in (and I am sure the price of souviniers doesn't come close to paying the bill if they even see any of that money, I have no clue) so I know it was picked up by tax monies.

[Storymama]

What you said about the cost of the fuel is an issue I have with airshows too. DH LOVES them. He took Dawson and his dad and they went to one this past June. Hearing about what they saw sounded freakin' awesome. BUT, I couldn't get past the imagined cost of the Blue Angels alone...not to mention all the other exhibitions. It didn't cost them a dime to get in (and I am sure the price of souviniers doesn't come close to paying the bill if they even see any of that money, I have no clue) so I know it was picked up by tax monies.
I agree that it seems an egregious use of fuel these days, but in terms strictly of the cost, the services that sponsor these shows consider it money well spent for recruiting and PR. Compared to what corporations spend on similar advertising (for similar results) I think they are probably right. But yes, in terms of fossil fuel usage - blech.

Debra, we had one here last summer on the base, and they would practice at midnight, even :eyes: . . . right over housing. I didn't want to go see them either by the weekend shows, and I haven't been through crash trauma like you.

[mudcreekmama]

and see my issue with it is that it is about recruiting and it totally glossed over in circus fashion WHY these pilots learn such manouvers

[Debra]

What you said about the cost of the fuel is an issue I have with airshows too. DH LOVES them. He took Dawson and his dad and they went to one this past June. Hearing about what they saw sounded freakin' awesome. BUT, I couldn't get past the imagined cost of the Blue Angels alone...not to mention all the other exhibitions. It didn't cost them a dime to get in (and I am sure the price of souviniers doesn't come close to paying the bill if they even see any of that money, I have no clue) so I know it was picked up by tax monies.

Yep. I mean I totally get why people enjoy them, and pre-accident my dad (very into military stuff) took us to air shows and I enjoyed them. But it does give me pause.

I agree that it seems an egregious use of fuel these days, but in terms strictly of the cost, the services that sponsor these shows consider it money well spent for recruiting and PR. Compared to what corporations spend on similar advertising (for similar results) I think they are probably right. But yes, in terms of fossil fuel usage - blech.

Debra, we had one here last summer on the base, and they would practice at midnight, even :eyes: . . . right over housing. I didn't want to go see them either by the weekend shows, and I haven't been through crash trauma like you.

Yeah, I live only 15 minutes from work and I heard them all night last night. It is really driving me nuts! LOL Fortunately our office is moving 3 miles west this month and while we will still hear all the jets, etc. I am hoping we will be far enough away so we don't feel like we are having earthquakes every hour. :jester: Seriously. I think if a real earthquake (mild, obviously) happened I'd just think it was a military jet.

I'll have to find an alternate route home from work today. My 15 minute commute home took me an HOUR yesterday due to the traffic around the base for the air show.

and see my issue with it is that it is about recruiting and it totally glossed over in circus fashion WHY these pilots learn such manouvers

Yes, that's something that bothers me as well. Military is not entertainment. :meh:

[gfrach]

Military is not entertainment. :meh:

Um, yeah. I don't get that, either. Says she who will be seeing her nephew who is currently stationed in Afghanistan next week as he will be home for a bit. Military is not for entertainment at all. :-(

[gfrach]

Dear D, how hard is this???? If I send you an email saying that you and another mom can work out the details of a playdate for C during your time with him, how hard is it for you to actually email the mom you need to work this out with and let her know the time she suggested works for you???? Coming here and telling me that the time works for you after you've left work and won't be on email this weekend is just plain stupid. Frankly, your recent behavior is just truly pissing me off.

[mudcreekmama]

We have a special group of airforce pilots who do these shows called "The Snowbirds" and it disgusts me how many accidents there have been and how many of them have died for the "honour" of doing the shows...."they died for entertainments sake" and THEN I think "OMG not only did they die for entertainment's sake they died acting as a big advertisement for the air force and NO ONE is discussing that PILOTS DIE IN COMBAT!!!

DH works near the airforce base here and they were fixing some hangars at another base so all the maritime planes were all at "his" base for a couple of weeks. They did a big deal of them leaving because it was the only time they've had so many of those planes in one place at one time. The kids were disappointed that they didn't give them more of a show - they "just" flew off in wave after wave of small formations.

[mudcreekmama]

Oh yeah, and we won't buy a house near there because it is like earthquakes when they fly over AT ALL HOURS!!!

[Peggyann]

Dear old guy across the street,

Wow, it was so nice I slept with my french door in my bedroom open. The fresh air is so good for my sleeping, I'm not sure why, but I sleep like a log. So imagine my chagrin when I woke up at 7am with a raging sore throat because you were burning leaves (and your household garbage, including plastic) AGAIN! And here it is, 9pm and you are still burning. It's nice out, I want to open my windows, but I can't, because then I can't breathe. As it is, my eyes are watering, my throat is sore, and my eustacean tubes itch so bad I'm half tempted to just dig them until they bleed.

You suck!

~PA~

[Cindy]

Dear MIL,

Honestly, I know you live thousands of miles away and I don't mind your biyearly or so visits. AS LONG AS I HAVE SOME NOTICE YOU'RE COMING!

Leaving a message at 5:30 pm that you're getting on a plane and will be here in a few hours for a week long visit is not my idea of optimal notice.

The house is trashed, I'm sick, Abby has plans for a sleepover at her friend's. I'm an introvert, I don't like having guests at the bests of times, but I grin and bear it as long as I have time to clean the house and mentally prepare.

THREE hours really isn't enough time for me to do any of that!

Because you didn't tell us you were coming we're both working all week while you're here...maybe we could have requested a couple days off or you could have planned to come when your son isn't working 12+ hour days seven days a week. Maybe you didn't remember him telling you over and over the past many years that October is the worst time to come because he always has to do overtime in October.

Maybe we wouldn't have planned Abby's slumber birthday party if we'd known you'd be on the couch in the living room where the girls were going to be sleeping...

Seriously, who does this without calling --I don't know, at least a few days and preferably a few weeks to a month ahead to let people know they're coming? We almost left for an overnight trip to Mass. this morning, we only didn't go because I'm not feeling well. What if we hadn't been here at all when she'd arrived?

When I first heard the message I was so shocked, I seriously spit out the dinner I was eating and started hyperventilating. I know it seems like a severe reaction but I'm one of those people who HATES unexpected guests and I have a very, shall we say, strained and tense relationship with MIL so her visits are hard at the best of times. I've calmed down now, but still just cannot believe that it happened like this.

[Sarah]

Dear MIL,

Honestly, I know you live thousands of miles away and I don't mind your biyearly or so visits. AS LONG AS I HAVE SOME NOTICE YOU'RE COMING!

Leaving a message at 5:30 pm that you're getting on a plane and will be here in a few hours for a week long visit is not my idea of optimal notice.

The house is trashed, I'm sick, Abby has plans for a sleepover at her friend's. I'm an introvert, I don't like having guests at the bests of times, but I grin and bear it as long as I have time to clean the house and mentally prepare.

THREE hours really isn't enough time for me to do any of that!

Because you didn't tell us you were coming we're both working all week while you're here...maybe we could have requested a couple days off or you could have planned to come when your son isn't working 12+ hour days seven days a week. Maybe you didn't remember him telling you over and over the past many years that October is the worst time to come because he always has to do overtime in October.

Maybe we wouldn't have planned Abby's slumber birthday party if we'd known you'd be on the couch in the living room where the girls were going to be sleeping...

Seriously, who does this without calling --I don't know, at least a few days and preferably a few weeks to a month ahead to let people know they're coming? We almost left for an overnight trip to Mass. this morning, we only didn't go because I'm not feeling well. What if we hadn't been here at all when she'd arrived?

When I first heard the message I was so shocked, I seriously spit out the dinner I was eating and started hyperventilating. I know it seems like a severe reaction but I'm one of those people who HATES unexpected guests and I have a very, shall we say, strained and tense relationship with MIL so her visits are hard at the best of times. I've calmed down now, but still just cannot believe that it happened like this.

Dude. Meet her plane and send her to hotel. I'm only half kidding. That's just not cool. ((((Hugs))))

[Debra]

Dear MIL,

Honestly, I know you live thousands of miles away and I don't mind your biyearly or so visits. AS LONG AS I HAVE SOME NOTICE YOU'RE COMING!

Leaving a message at 5:30 pm that you're getting on a plane and will be here in a few hours for a week long visit is not my idea of optimal notice.

The house is trashed, I'm sick, Abby has plans for a sleepover at her friend's. I'm an introvert, I don't like having guests at the bests of times, but I grin and bear it as long as I have time to clean the house and mentally prepare.

THREE hours really isn't enough time for me to do any of that!

Because you didn't tell us you were coming we're both working all week while you're here...maybe we could have requested a couple days off or you could have planned to come when your son isn't working 12+ hour days seven days a week. Maybe you didn't remember him telling you over and over the past many years that October is the worst time to come because he always has to do overtime in October.

Maybe we wouldn't have planned Abby's slumber birthday party if we'd known you'd be on the couch in the living room where the girls were going to be sleeping...

Seriously, who does this without calling --I don't know, at least a few days and preferably a few weeks to a month ahead to let people know they're coming? We almost left for an overnight trip to Mass. this morning, we only didn't go because I'm not feeling well. What if we hadn't been here at all when she'd arrived?

When I first heard the message I was so shocked, I seriously spit out the dinner I was eating and started hyperventilating. I know it seems like a severe reaction but I'm one of those people who HATES unexpected guests and I have a very, shall we say, strained and tense relationship with MIL so her visits are hard at the best of times. I've calmed down now, but still just cannot believe that it happened like this.

:yikes: :wtf:

{{{{{Cindy}}}}} I'd be panic attacking right about now. That is so rude!! I'm so sorry. :-(

[Cindy]

:yikes: :wtf:

{{{{{Cindy}}}}} I'd be panic attacking right about now. That is so rude!! I'm so sorry. :-(

Yup, that's about where I'm at right now...wishing I had some ativan or something around so I could get a grip on the anxiety!

[anastasia]

Dear MIL,

Honestly, I know you live thousands of miles away and I don't mind your biyearly or so visits. AS LONG AS I HAVE SOME NOTICE YOU'RE COMING!

Leaving a message at 5:30 pm that you're getting on a plane and will be here in a few hours for a week long visit is not my idea of optimal notice.

The house is trashed, I'm sick, Abby has plans for a sleepover at her friend's. I'm an introvert, I don't like having guests at the bests of times, but I grin and bear it as long as I have time to clean the house and mentally prepare.

THREE hours really isn't enough time for me to do any of that!

Because you didn't tell us you were coming we're both working all week while you're here...maybe we could have requested a couple days off or you could have planned to come when your son isn't working 12+ hour days seven days a week. Maybe you didn't remember him telling you over and over the past many years that October is the worst time to come because he always has to do overtime in October.

Maybe we wouldn't have planned Abby's slumber birthday party if we'd known you'd be on the couch in the living room where the girls were going to be sleeping...

Seriously, who does this without calling --I don't know, at least a few days and preferably a few weeks to a month ahead to let people know they're coming? We almost left for an overnight trip to Mass. this morning, we only didn't go because I'm not feeling well. What if we hadn't been here at all when she'd arrived?

When I first heard the message I was so shocked, I seriously spit out the dinner I was eating and started hyperventilating. I know it seems like a severe reaction but I'm one of those people who HATES unexpected guests and I have a very, shall we say, strained and tense relationship with MIL so her visits are hard at the best of times. I've calmed down now, but still just cannot believe that it happened like this.

:wtf: Now that is just beyond anything. I am one who doesn't mind drop-in guests at all, but 3 hours notice for a WEEKLONG stay??? That would send me into a tailspin. I'm so sorry. :eyes:

[Kathy]

Dear Ryan,

You and Arden need some time apart. You need to learn how to deal with anxiety and frustration without taking it out on him by hurting and frightening him. He needs to learn how to separate from you when things get bad and not come back for more abuse. The dynamic between both of you needs to change, though I don't know how to fix it. The behavioral plan we are using isn't helping, and even you have said you're scared you are going to hurt someone. It scared us, too, when you were pounding on Arden's door and screaming at us, threatening to hurt us both.

I wish I knew what to do to help you, and how to protect Arden. I can't sacrifice one of my children, and he's so damaged right now. I'm so very afraid that it's going to come to a point where you can't live here with us, and that would break my heart and soul apart.

Mommy

[gfrach]

Huge hugs to all of you!!!! :-(

[gfrach]

:yikes: Good grief. I'm afraid I would have to find a hotel or flat out say "I'm sorry, it's simply not a good time for you to come see us. I'd love to plan another time when it will work better for us." Hugs, Cindy!

[libbylibbylibby]

Kathy, I am thinking of all of you, and hoping that some other resources come through for you to give your family the help you need so all of you can grow together. (((Kathy, Ryan, Arden, and Dan)))

[gfrach]

And oh what a surprise when you tell me today that you think the start time of the playdate is inconvenient. Um yeah. I did suggest you tell her a later time, but you couldn't be bothered to, so live with it. Good grief.

[riversprite]

Holy shit!!
That's just unbelievable.

Is she in some kind of crisis? That's honestly the only way that I could understand something like that.

[Cindy]

Holy shit!!
That's just unbelievable.

Is she in some kind of crisis? That's honestly the only way that I could understand something like that.

Nope, no crisis. Her only explanation is that she thought she talked to my husband a month ago when she booked the ticket...that conversation never happened, my husband was as shocked I am and knowing how stressful her visits are for me that's not something he would just forget about.

[Cindy]

:yikes: Good grief. I'm afraid I would have to find a hotel or flat out say "I'm sorry, it's simply not a good time for you to come see us. I'd love to plan another time when it will work better for us." Hugs, Cindy!

I know, I totally wanted to find a hotel (and honestly I feel bad because we live in a tiny apartment with no guest space at all and I'm sure she'd be more comfortable in a hotel) but my husband said he wouldn't do that to her, whatever that means. As if offering her a comfortable bed and some privacy is doing something bad to her.

Instead, I moved Abby's party to a hotel suite...the girls are totally excited about being able to go swimming in the pool and the novelty of the situation, etc.

[hamamelis]

Nope, no crisis. Her only explanation is that she thought she talked to my husband a month ago when she booked the ticket...that conversation never happened, my husband was as shocked I am and knowing how stressful her visits are for me that's not something he would just forget about.

:grouphug: Oh Cindy. I'm so sorry about this. I have a very good idea how you are feeling because I'd react the same way. I don't do well with surprise visits for an afternoon, OMG a whole week would send me over the edge.

[Bickery]

I know, I totally wanted to find a hotel (and honestly I feel bad because we live in a tiny apartment with no guest space at all and I'm sure she'd be more comfortable in a hotel) but my husband said he wouldn't do that to her, whatever that means. As if offering her a comfortable bed and some privacy is doing something bad to her.

Instead, I moved Abby's party to a hotel suite...the girls are totally excited about being able to go swimming in the pool and the novelty of the situation, etc.

Hey, that's a great idea!

[shannon]

Dear Ryan,

You and Arden need some time apart. You need to learn how to deal with anxiety and frustration without taking it out on him by hurting and frightening him. He needs to learn how to separate from you when things get bad and not come back for more abuse. The dynamic between both of you needs to change, though I don't know how to fix it. The behavioral plan we are using isn't helping, and even you have said you're scared you are going to hurt someone. It scared us, too, when you were pounding on Arden's door and screaming at us, threatening to hurt us both.

I wish I knew what to do to help you, and how to protect Arden. I can't sacrifice one of my children, and he's so damaged right now. I'm so very afraid that it's going to come to a point where you can't live here with us, and that would break my heart and soul apart.

Mommy

(((((Kathy)))))

I sent G to my parents' place this weekend after J told me he had come up with a runaway plan to give himself a break from G's explosive behaviour. :-( I know he's feeling better, but I'm afraid it's just going to be more of the same when she comes home. :sob:

[Artemis]

(((((Kathy, Ryan, and Arden))))). Please let me know if I can help in ANY way.

[Debra]

Dear Ryan,

You and Arden need some time apart. You need to learn how to deal with anxiety and frustration without taking it out on him by hurting and frightening him. He needs to learn how to separate from you when things get bad and not come back for more abuse. The dynamic between both of you needs to change, though I don't know how to fix it. The behavioral plan we are using isn't helping, and even you have said you're scared you are going to hurt someone. It scared us, too, when you were pounding on Arden's door and screaming at us, threatening to hurt us both.

I wish I knew what to do to help you, and how to protect Arden. I can't sacrifice one of my children, and he's so damaged right now. I'm so very afraid that it's going to come to a point where you can't live here with us, and that would break my heart and soul apart.

Mommy

Oh sweetie. :-( :grouphug2:

[hamamelis]

Dear Ryan,

You and Arden need some time apart. You need to learn how to deal with anxiety and frustration without taking it out on him by hurting and frightening him. He needs to learn how to separate from you when things get bad and not come back for more abuse. The dynamic between both of you needs to change, though I don't know how to fix it. The behavioral plan we are using isn't helping, and even you have said you're scared you are going to hurt someone. It scared us, too, when you were pounding on Arden's door and screaming at us, threatening to hurt us both.

I wish I knew what to do to help you, and how to protect Arden. I can't sacrifice one of my children, and he's so damaged right now. I'm so very afraid that it's going to come to a point where you can't live here with us, and that would break my heart and soul apart.

Mommy

Oh Kathy :grouphug::grouphug:

[skwerllee]

Dear Clueless Restaurant Owners,

I understand that this is your first venture. I know you haven't the foggiest idea of what you're doing. But really, it isn't rocket science. You hired X amount of people to cover X amount of shifts. Now you've changed your mind about operating hours. Obviously, you no longer need X amount of people. We're all scrambling for the same shifts, and nobody's making enough money. The staff needs to be pared down. Fix it.

Secondly, I know you believe you need every seat in the house, but you're sacrificing efficiency in the name of one extra table. A properly stocked side-station is worth more than four seats. If we can turn the remaining tables faster, it will make up for the loss of one table.

Lastly, it's getting cold out. BUILD A COAT RACK!

Sincerely,
Job-Hunting-(Again)-In-Providence

[Pensive]

{{{{Kathy and kids}}}} :grouphug:

[Jessica]

Dear Ryan,

You and Arden need some time apart. You need to learn how to deal with anxiety and frustration without taking it out on him by hurting and frightening him. He needs to learn how to separate from you when things get bad and not come back for more abuse. The dynamic between both of you needs to change, though I don't know how to fix it. The behavioral plan we are using isn't helping, and even you have said you're scared you are going to hurt someone. It scared us, too, when you were pounding on Arden's door and screaming at us, threatening to hurt us both.

I wish I knew what to do to help you, and how to protect Arden. I can't sacrifice one of my children, and he's so damaged right now. I'm so very afraid that it's going to come to a point where you can't live here with us, and that would break my heart and soul apart.

Mommy


(((((((Kathy, Dan, Ryan, and Arden))))))))) I am so so sorry. :grouphug:

[gfrach]

Dear newegg.com,

I think it's very sneaky of you not to mention that you won't take returns *at all* on laptops except for on the page where you request an RMA. Otherwise it says on your site that you will exchange them for the same item but not give refunds. On the RMA page it says you have to take it up with the manufacturer first and thenn if you don't get satisfaction from them in 30 days, you will take it back and try to fix it (which could take 3 weeks).

Frankly, I wouldn't have ordered from you if I'd know that. I'm glad ASUS apparently has very good customer service and they're happy to help me.

Grump!

[Hawthorne]

Dear October,
I love you more than any other month. Be kind to me so that we can enjoy each other's company.
Yours truly,
Rebecca

[Sensitive Topic]

Whatcha got to say?

Dear people that I volunteer my time for and donate stuff to,

How about a freakin' thanks? Oh yeah and it's a real kick in the ass when other people donate the same kind of stuff you recognize them with Photo by... But mine says "Photo of....."

I got more, so much more..5 years worth.....

[Sue]

Dear STBX - You suck. You were within an hour of your kids for two weeks and you managed to see them twice. Go you. Extra credit points for forcing a confrontation and causing your son to cry in the not-quite 1.5 hours you saw them yesterday. You are a giant ass.

There are no words to describe your inappropriate behavior. Let's review: "If we can't go to the park, I will just leave" Wow. That's awesome. What is wrong with you that you would say this at all, let alone right in front of your children? No wonder DS cried. You fucker. Asking DS if he feels OK, and if he wants to go to the park, is an asshole move as well. He's FIVE. Of course, he's going to say he feels great and wants to go to the park. Especially with you prompting him. That doesn't change the fact that for the 3 hours after he got out of school today, he laid on the couch not feeling well. And I know he wasn't dying to go to the park b/c he did not pursue it. He gave you the answer you (inappropriately) wanted, but when I said no he let it drop. Take some lessons from your 5 year old! And, yeah, he may have been feeling better. However, YOU are not the one who will miss class to care for a sick child if he overexerts and doesn't rest. Oh yeah, you don't actually care about his well-being.

WTF is wrong with you that you would try to physically drag your child away? It's not tug-of-war, asshole. He's a 5 year old, not a rope!


Oh yes, and thank you for ignoring DS for the rest of teh visit. That's great. SUPER. I know DD is adorable (and so does she, BTW) but DS is pretty darn cute as well. I know DD has a great attitude and is fun to spend time with, but DS is a fabulous kid as well. I do not know how you can ignore a child who is trying his hardest to win your heart, but you did. Again, bonus points for walking away in the middle of DS talking to you to go play with DD.



Through all this process, over the last year+, I have never hated you so much as I did yesterday. Completely inappropriate to pick a fight like that in front of the kids, and over something so unnecessary. I considered giving in and letting you go to the park (once I saw that you were going to be an ass - tho I had no idea how much of one you would be!) but it came down to a wellbeing issue. DS was not feeling well, and needed to rest. Sitting in the library and reading to your children would have been a perfectly acceptable way to bond.... oh, I forgot, bonding wasn't the point.


See ya, good luck at your new duty station, we'll expect a call in oh, say, 3 or 4 months?

Signed,
your can't-be-ex-soon-enough-wife.


PS. Thanks for shorting the child support AGAIN this month. I understand, I saw your new iPhone yesterday. It is important to have a fancy working phone so you can call..... people other than your children. Don't worry about winter clothes for DS, I'm sure we can just not eat this month. Just be sure to have lots of fun driving around in your new Mustang! :screwyou:

(((((Kinsey and Kids)))))))

[shannon]

Dear daughter,

Please stop being so angry. When you slammed your head as hard as you could into my throat this afternoon, my life seriously flashed before my eyes. You could quite literally have killed me. I'm so sorry I scared you by telling you the truth, but when you were laughing as I gagged and tried to catch my breath, I felt the need to explain to you just how seriously you hurt me.

I pray you've fallen asleep. It's the only thing that seems to work in preventing the explosions, if we catch you early enough. I am so sorry you are hurting so much. I am so sorry it's going to take us so long to get to the bottom of what's hurting you. Please stop scaring your brother. Please stop attacking grandma. And please stop hurting me.

[Sue]

Dear Miramar Air Base,

I know the air show starts tomorrow. I know you guys need to practice. But for the love of pete. Please give it a rest. ALL WEEK LONG you have been buzzing this entire area and every single time you do our walls and ground shake and all of the car alarms around here go off. Every. Time. All. Week. Long. ENOUGH!

And I wonder how much money this has cost the taxpayers. Multiple planes flying ALL day EVERY day to practice for entertainment. I can't imagine the airplane fuel is cheap.

And to everyone who keeps asking me all the time - no, I am not going to the air show. People who have been in plane accidents don't usually like their entertainment to center around dangerous airplane maneuvers.

I hate working across the street from a military air base.

That is all.

One of my flickr contacts has been posting a lot of pictures of this. Sorry it's disturbing you so.

[Sue]

Dear Ryan,

You and Arden need some time apart. You need to learn how to deal with anxiety and frustration without taking it out on him by hurting and frightening him. He needs to learn how to separate from you when things get bad and not come back for more abuse. The dynamic between both of you needs to change, though I don't know how to fix it. The behavioral plan we are using isn't helping, and even you have said you're scared you are going to hurt someone. It scared us, too, when you were pounding on Arden's door and screaming at us, threatening to hurt us both.

I wish I knew what to do to help you, and how to protect Arden. I can't sacrifice one of my children, and he's so damaged right now. I'm so very afraid that it's going to come to a point where you can't live here with us, and that would break my heart and soul apart.

Mommy

((((Kathy, Ryan and Arden))))) :grouphug:

[Sue]

Dear newegg.com,

I think it's very sneaky of you not to mention that you won't take returns *at all* on laptops except for on the page where you request an RMA. Otherwise it says on your site that you will exchange them for the same item but not give refunds. On the RMA page it says you have to take it up with the manufacturer first and thenn if you don't get satisfaction from them in 30 days, you will take it back and try to fix it (which could take 3 weeks).

Frankly, I wouldn't have ordered from you if I'd know that. I'm glad ASUS apparently has very good customer service and they're happy to help me.

Grump!

That stinks. I always had the impression New Egg had good CS.

[Sue]

Dear daughter,

Please stop being so angry. When you slammed your head as hard as you could into my throat this afternoon, my life seriously flashed before my eyes. You could quite literally have killed me. I'm so sorry I scared you by telling you the truth, but when you were laughing as I gagged and tried to catch my breath, I felt the need to explain to you just how seriously you hurt me.

I pray you've fallen asleep. It's the only thing that seems to work in preventing the explosions, if we catch you early enough. I am so sorry you are hurting so much. I am so sorry it's going to take us so long to get to the bottom of what's hurting you. Please stop scaring your brother. Please stop attacking grandma. And please stop hurting me.

:grouphug::grouphug:((((Shannon))))) I hope you guys figure this out more quickly than you expect.

[gfrach]

Huge hugs, Shannon and family!!

[Kathy]

((((((Shannon)))))) I understand. Wish I didn't, but I do. Hang in there somehow.

[libbylibbylibby]

:grouphug: I'm sorry, Shannon. I hope you can get some real, useful, help soon.

[gfrach]

Yeah, I guess they're good about everything except laptops/notebooks. It's a PITB!

[Debra]

Dear daughter,

Please stop being so angry. When you slammed your head as hard as you could into my throat this afternoon, my life seriously flashed before my eyes. You could quite literally have killed me. I'm so sorry I scared you by telling you the truth, but when you were laughing as I gagged and tried to catch my breath, I felt the need to explain to you just how seriously you hurt me.

I pray you've fallen asleep. It's the only thing that seems to work in preventing the explosions, if we catch you early enough. I am so sorry you are hurting so much. I am so sorry it's going to take us so long to get to the bottom of what's hurting you. Please stop scaring your brother. Please stop attacking grandma. And please stop hurting me.

{{{{{Shannon}}}}} :-(

[Debra]

Dear STBX - You suck. You were within an hour of your kids for two weeks and you managed to see them twice. Go you. Extra credit points for forcing a confrontation and causing your son to cry in the not-quite 1.5 hours you saw them yesterday. You are a giant ass.

There are no words to describe your inappropriate behavior. Let's review: "If we can't go to the park, I will just leave" Wow. That's awesome. What is wrong with you that you would say this at all, let alone right in front of your children? No wonder DS cried. You fucker. Asking DS if he feels OK, and if he wants to go to the park, is an asshole move as well. He's FIVE. Of course, he's going to say he feels great and wants to go to the park. Especially with you prompting him. That doesn't change the fact that for the 3 hours after he got out of school today, he laid on the couch not feeling well. And I know he wasn't dying to go to the park b/c he did not pursue it. He gave you the answer you (inappropriately) wanted, but when I said no he let it drop. Take some lessons from your 5 year old! And, yeah, he may have been feeling better. However, YOU are not the one who will miss class to care for a sick child if he overexerts and doesn't rest. Oh yeah, you don't actually care about his well-being.

WTF is wrong with you that you would try to physically drag your child away? It's not tug-of-war, asshole. He's a 5 year old, not a rope!


Oh yes, and thank you for ignoring DS for the rest of teh visit. That's great. SUPER. I know DD is adorable (and so does she, BTW) but DS is pretty darn cute as well. I know DD has a great attitude and is fun to spend time with, but DS is a fabulous kid as well. I do not know how you can ignore a child who is trying his hardest to win your heart, but you did. Again, bonus points for walking away in the middle of DS talking to you to go play with DD.



Through all this process, over the last year+, I have never hated you so much as I did yesterday. Completely inappropriate to pick a fight like that in front of the kids, and over something so unnecessary. I considered giving in and letting you go to the park (once I saw that you were going to be an ass - tho I had no idea how much of one you would be!) but it came down to a wellbeing issue. DS was not feeling well, and needed to rest. Sitting in the library and reading to your children would have been a perfectly acceptable way to bond.... oh, I forgot, bonding wasn't the point.


See ya, good luck at your new duty station, we'll expect a call in oh, say, 3 or 4 months?

Signed,
your can't-be-ex-soon-enough-wife.


PS. Thanks for shorting the child support AGAIN this month. I understand, I saw your new iPhone yesterday. It is important to have a fancy working phone so you can call..... people other than your children. Don't worry about winter clothes for DS, I'm sure we can just not eat this month. Just be sure to have lots of fun driving around in your new Mustang! :screwyou:

{{{{{Kinsey}}}}} That just BOILS MY BLOOD that he's shorting you on child support while freaking flaunting his new Mustang and new iPhone. WTF?? :brickhit:

[Debra]

One of my flickr contacts has been posting a lot of pictures of this. Sorry it's disturbing you so.

Eh, it's ok. :-) I'm over it (and the air show is over! whoo hoo! LOL).

{smooch}

[Peggyann]

Dear TPtB;

It is not fair for me to be ovulating at the same time I have a sinus infection.

Horny and headache do not mix.

~PA~

[Schmirlies]

Dear Cubs. It would be much easier on me if you just came in last place every year.

I cannot handle the disappointment of the post season. 9 straight post season losses. Is next year really our year? It didn't happen in my grandfather's lifetime, it didn't happen in my dad's lifetime. Please let it happen in mine -- I'm raising two little life-long Cubs fans.

[Pensive]

{{{Shannon and kids}}}}

[sarahs]

I'm sorry sweetheart. I can't imagine your pain. Much love to you all. (nt)Dear Ryan,

You and Arden need some time apart. You need to learn how to deal with anxiety and frustration without taking it out on him by hurting and frightening him. He needs to learn how to separate from you when things get bad and not come back for more abuse. The dynamic between both of you needs to change, though I don't know how to fix it. The behavioral plan we are using isn't helping, and even you have said you're scared you are going to hurt someone. It scared us, too, when you were pounding on Arden's door and screaming at us, threatening to hurt us both.

I wish I knew what to do to help you, and how to protect Arden. I can't sacrifice one of my children, and he's so damaged right now. I'm so very afraid that it's going to come to a point where you can't live here with us, and that would break my heart and soul apart.

Mommy

[sarahs]

Dear daughter,

Please stop being so angry. When you slammed your head as hard as you could into my throat this afternoon, my life seriously flashed before my eyes. You could quite literally have killed me. I'm so sorry I scared you by telling you the truth, but when you were laughing as I gagged and tried to catch my breath, I felt the need to explain to you just how seriously you hurt me.

I pray you've fallen asleep. It's the only thing that seems to work in preventing the explosions, if we catch you early enough. I am so sorry you are hurting so much. I am so sorry it's going to take us so long to get to the bottom of what's hurting you. Please stop scaring your brother. Please stop attacking grandma. And please stop hurting me.

{{{{Shannon}}}} (nt)

[kinsey]

(((Kathy, Ryan, Arden, and Dan)))


Dear Ryan,

You and Arden need some time apart. You need to learn how to deal with anxiety and frustration without taking it out on him by hurting and frightening him. He needs to learn how to separate from you when things get bad and not come back for more abuse. The dynamic between both of you needs to change, though I don't know how to fix it. The behavioral plan we are using isn't helping, and even you have said you're scared you are going to hurt someone. It scared us, too, when you were pounding on Arden's door and screaming at us, threatening to hurt us both.

I wish I knew what to do to help you, and how to protect Arden. I can't sacrifice one of my children, and he's so damaged right now. I'm so very afraid that it's going to come to a point where you can't live here with us, and that would break my heart and soul apart.

Mommy

[kinsey]

(((Shannon and DD)))


Dear daughter,

Please stop being so angry. When you slammed your head as hard as you could into my throat this afternoon, my life seriously flashed before my eyes. You could quite literally have killed me. I'm so sorry I scared you by telling you the truth, but when you were laughing as I gagged and tried to catch my breath, I felt the need to explain to you just how seriously you hurt me.

I pray you've fallen asleep. It's the only thing that seems to work in preventing the explosions, if we catch you early enough. I am so sorry you are hurting so much. I am so sorry it's going to take us so long to get to the bottom of what's hurting you. Please stop scaring your brother. Please stop attacking grandma. And please stop hurting me.

[bannanabette]

Dear Cubs. It would be much easier on me if you just came in last place every year.

I cannot handle the disappointment of the post season. 9 straight post season losses. Is next year really our year? It didn't happen in my grandfather's lifetime, it didn't happen in my dad's lifetime. Please let it happen in mine -- I'm raising two little life-long Cubs fans.

Dear children,

I understand that you are extraordinarily resentful that I have raised you as Cubs fans. After two back-to-back postseasons of getting swept in the first round, you already have so much more insight into what it is to be a Cubs fan than I did at your age, when I just thought that losing was the natural, but gentle, order of the universe. It is, as you have pointed out, too much like a religion, and I have inculcated you with one of those seemingly cultish ones that get no respect, akin to worshipping at the altar of the Flying Spaghetti Monster or being a Scientologist.

I am sorry. But please stop asking me why I did this to you, because my answer will not change. My father made me a Cubs fan, and now I must pass the curse on to my progeny. It is simply the way of things.

Love,
Mom

[Bickery]

Dear TPtB;

It is not fair for me to be ovulating at the same time I have a sinus infection.

Horny and headache do not mix.

~PA~

Though getting off can do wonders for a headache :bag:

[Peggyann]

:rofl: for some strange reason, Mike won't have sex with me while I'm in a nyquil induced coma :rofl:

~PA~


Though getting off can do wonders for a headache :bag:

[libbylibbylibby]

When I say we are reviewing for the test tomorrow, that means a few things
(1) We will have a test tomorrow
(2) The things we are talking about are important for the test
(3) You should review your notes, in the notetaking guides that I checked, before you take the test.
(4) You should not talk loudly about what you are going to be doing tonight, and then tell me you don't know what I am talking about.

When you take the test, and you don't know the vocabulary words and the symbols on the test, you should know that it is because you were not paying attention during the review period, not because I never told you what "collinear" means. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

And what kills me is that this is stuff that is supposed to be review. Review! Aargh!

[Sensitive Topic]

Dear Friend,

I was so happy for you when you said you found someone and were madly and passionatly in love.

Until you told me he was married and his wife was expecting.

Now I'm just icked out and dissapointed.

[Bickery]

:rofl: for some strange reason, Mike won't have sex with me while I'm in a nyquil induced coma :rofl:

~PA~

Sounds like a keeper to me! :hug2:

[Debra]

Dear Friend,

I was so happy for you when you said you found someone and were madly and passionatly in love.

Until you told me he was married and his wife was expecting.

Now I'm just icked out and dissapointed.

UGH. Just......UGH.

[Pensive]

Dear Kids:
I know you're disappointed that the toy room is still off-limits today. I wish you understood how kind we're being by literally devoting hours to cleaning the devastation you left behind. Normally, we would make you participate in cleaning it up, but it had gotten to such a shocking state that I just want you out of the way while we do it ourselves. I cannot wrap my head around how it got that way. The only way I could even clear a walking path was to start tossing things in sorted piles. Then, I had to sort those piles. After a few hours, it's still trashed.

Daddy really wants to know where the rest of the Playmobil castle bits are. Not only did you completely disassemble the castle itself, you even took apart the chain that the ghost figure has. And then, you dispersed these pieces, along with lots of random tiny Lego, in the strangest places, like in the play kitchen or inside bags. I know that when you play, these bits become other things, like pretend pizza, but it's still frustrating to find them everywhere and underneath everything.

I didn't want to be like my mother and be a hard-ass about daily cleaning of the toy room. But I see that I'm going to have to insist on a nightly cleanup to keep it under control. I hope that the new labeling system I've devised will help you put things away so that they can be easily found and used. Even if you just dump things, at least you can dump them in a meaningful place by using the labels.

I am amazed, however, at how busy you've kept yourselves over the last few days. I'm amazed, but not surprised, at how Ben has simply recreated the toys you guys want out of paper. Of course, now there are lots of paper "toys" and he doesn't want to part with any of them. I don't know how to teach you guys how to part with papers when I've always had such a problem parting with my own. I anticipate opening Ben's bedroom door one day and not being able to find him in a sea of paper 3D "toys". But again, I have to take my hat off to you for keeping yourselves busy over the last few days with no toy-room access and only a few random toys in your bedrooms. If Ben ever says he's bored, I might fall over in shock. Ben, thank you for being patient with your little brother, the one who frequently suffers from the "I'm bored's".

Dear Cat:
I love you. You know that. But when I ever saw what was hanging out of your mouth last night, my heart sunk. I know you have been killing birds lately because we've found lots of feathers in the garage. I thank you for cleaning up after yourself and only leaving a random organ behind (and the feathers). But I was so sad when I saw one of my Eastern Meadowlarks in your mouth, that beautiful yellow patterned bird that I have literally spent hours watching and photographing before you came into our lives. Furthermore, dh says that, moments before, he saw you happily eating your catfood, which you didn't even finish. I know this is a fact of life with cats, but I LOVE my birds and I am deeply saddened by this. I hope the birds wise up to you.

Btw, why are you hanging out on the outside windowsill, bugging me for something? We've left the garage door cracked for you and there's food and water in there. I think you just want some love but it's raining outside and you're pretty wet. I'm not hugging a wet cat.

Dear rain: Thanks for coming. We really need you. I can't believe we were 10 inches down this summer. At least the heat is gone. I wish my kids could play outside but I know we need this rain.

Dear Ben: I LOVE the statues you made in your class. I absolutely love them. The Wall-E clay statue was particularly cool.

Dear Tommy: I hope you dance and dance to your heart's content in class today. I need to run an errand while you're in class, but it's going to be very hard for me to tear myself away from the observation window. I love to watch you spin and plie.

Dear tea and chocolate: Here I come.

[Storymama]

I hope the birds wise up to you.
Kerry, does the cat have a bell on her collar? That's a fairly effective way to spoil their hunting prowess.

[Pensive]

She doesn't have a collar, because I'm not sure if she would tolerate it or choke herself trying to get it off. But I also worry that a bell would also make her well known to predators like coyotes.

[Sue]

When I say we are reviewing for the test tomorrow, that means a few things
(1) We will have a test tomorrow
(2) The things we are talking about are important for the test
(3) You should review your notes, in the notetaking guides that I checked, before you take the test.
(4) You should not talk loudly about what you are going to be doing tonight, and then tell me you don't know what I am talking about.

When you take the test, and you don't know the vocabulary words and the symbols on the test, you should know that it is because you were not paying attention during the review period, not because I never told you what "collinear" means. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

And what kills me is that this is stuff that is supposed to be review. Review! Aargh!

It's so much easier when they are young. When I have kids not paying attention (6-9 year olds in school and scouts) I say "If you heard....put your hands on your head." And wait. That usually gets everyone attention. And I can always tell which ones weren't paying attention because they are looking around wondering why everyone has their hands on their heads, :rofl:

[Sue]

Dear Friend,

I was so happy for you when you said you found someone and were madly and passionatly in love.

Until you told me he was married and his wife was expecting.

Now I'm just icked out and dissapointed.

:-(:-(

[Sue]

Dear Kids:
I know you're disappointed that the toy room is still off-limits today. I wish you understood how kind we're being by literally devoting hours to cleaning the devastation you left behind. Normally, we would make you participate in cleaning it up, but it had gotten to such a shocking state that I just want you out of the way while we do it ourselves. I cannot wrap my head around how it got that way. The only way I could even clear a walking path was to start tossing things in sorted piles. Then, I had to sort those piles. After a few hours, it's still trashed.

Daddy really wants to know where the rest of the Playmobil castle bits are. Not only did you completely disassemble the castle itself, you even took apart the chain that the ghost figure has. And then, you dispersed these pieces, along with lots of random tiny Lego, in the strangest places, like in the play kitchen or inside bags. I know that when you play, these bits become other things, like pretend pizza, but it's still frustrating to find them everywhere and underneath everything.

I didn't want to be like my mother and be a hard-ass about daily cleaning of the toy room. But I see that I'm going to have to insist on a nightly cleanup to keep it under control. I hope that the new labeling system I've devised will help you put things away so that they can be easily found and used. Even if you just dump things, at least you can dump them in a meaningful place by using the labels.

I am amazed, however, at how busy you've kept yourselves over the last few days. I'm amazed, but not surprised, at how Ben has simply recreated the toys you guys want out of paper. Of course, now there are lots of paper "toys" and he doesn't want to part with any of them. I don't know how to teach you guys how to part with papers when I've always had such a problem parting with my own. I anticipate opening Ben's bedroom door one day and not being able to find him in a sea of paper 3D "toys". But again, I have to take my hat off to you for keeping yourselves busy over the last few days with no toy-room access and only a few random toys in your bedrooms. If Ben ever says he's bored, I might fall over in shock. Ben, thank you for being patient with your little brother, the one who frequently suffers from the "I'm bored's".

Dear Cat:
I love you. You know that. But when I ever saw what was hanging out of your mouth last night, my heart sunk. I know you have been killing birds lately because we've found lots of feathers in the garage. I thank you for cleaning up after yourself and only leaving a random organ behind (and the feathers). But I was so sad when I saw one of my Eastern Meadowlarks in your mouth, that beautiful yellow patterned bird that I have literally spent hours watching and photographing before you came into our lives. Furthermore, dh says that, moments before, he saw you happily eating your catfood, which you didn't even finish. I know this is a fact of life with cats, but I LOVE my birds and I am deeply saddened by this. I hope the birds wise up to you.

Btw, why are you hanging out on the outside windowsill, bugging me for something? We've left the garage door cracked for you and there's food and water in there. I think you just want some love but it's raining outside and you're pretty wet. I'm not hugging a wet cat.

Dear rain: Thanks for coming. We really need you. I can't believe we were 10 inches down this summer. At least the heat is gone. I wish my kids could play outside but I know we need this rain.

Dear Ben: I LOVE the statues you made in your class. I absolutely love them. The Wall-E clay statue was particularly cool.

Dear Tommy: I hope you dance and dance to your heart's content in class today. I need to run an errand while you're in class, but it's going to be very hard for me to tear myself away from the observation window. I love to watch you spin and plie.

Dear tea and chocolate: Here I come.

If you figure out the playroom thing let me know. Ours is HORRIBLE. I can always tell when it get completely out of hand because the girls start bring their stuff down stairs.

Does your kitty have any toys that might keep her occupied and away from the birds?

[Sensitive Topic]

She just emailed me with "what do I do?" and I wrote back "get out, get out now, get far away. You know it's wrong, he knows it's wrong and there is a woman and a baby that will be the ones truly hurt by all of this."



UGH. Just......UGH.

:-(:-(

[mudcreekmama]

And you can pretty well guarantee he'll treat her the same way.

[Sensitive Topic]

She just emailed me back "it's not like that. ths is nothing like that. it's not about cheating, it's not about getting away with something, there is something happening that is beyond us, I can't explain"

So I wrote back "no, having sex with a married person, or being a married person and having sex with someone other than your spouse*, is the def. of cheating. If he feels that strongly about you, then he will come clean to his wife and man up and pay spousal and child support"

*in an agreed upon mutually monogamous relationship/marriage.




And you can pretty well guarantee he'll treat her the same way.

[Jessica]

She just emailed me back "it's not like that. ths is nothing like that. it's not about cheating, it's not about getting away with something, there is something happening that is beyond us, I can't explain"

So I wrote back "no, having sex with a married person, or being a married person and having sex with someone other than your spouse*, is the def. of cheating. If he feels that strongly about you, then he will come clean to his wife and man up and pay spousal and child support"

*in an agreed upon mutually monogamous relationship/marriage.

~PA~

:mouthfull:nono::banghead::sob::mad:
If this is so special and sacred and all of that, why is he sneaking around behind his wife's back to do it. Fucker. I have absolutely no respect for a person who does that...especially with a pregnant spouse. (((ST)))

[gfrach]

ST--hugs to you and yes, I totally agree with you. (And also--you signed the previous post and you might want to remove that.)

[Peggyann]

Dear Water company,

I'm coming to pay the bill. I will be there before 5pm. I lost track of the days, I'm sorry.

But to be honest, your bill is too easy to lose. It looks like an advertisment on a postcard.

~PA~

[Pensive]

For the playroom, I stuck labels to the wall to denote sections like "dress-up", "Legos", "restaurant/kitchen", that sort of thing. Even if they just dump stuff, I'll settle for them dumping stuff in the right corner of the room so we don't have to sift and sort. I think we're going to have to go up there with them every night and enforce cleaning. My mother wouldn't let us leave our toyroom until we had tossed all the Barbies in the Barbie box and cleared the floor. I used to HATE that. But I think I'm going to have to do the same thing: enforce daily cleaning.

Re: Cat
We have bought her toys but it's like she doesn't know what to do with them. Once she determined they weren't edible, she turned her back on them. The only toy that she will occasionally play with is a felted wool ball I made. We also make sure that she always has food out there. And we give her treats sometimes. I think she's decided that "chicken" tastes better than dried kibble. :-( We were reading bedtime stories in the parlor last night and we heard this TERRIBLE sound inside the garage. Dh jumped up and cautiously went out to check on her but she was gone. He's 99% certain that it was a bird screaming. :-( I have never been a cat person and I've always loved my birds. Now, the cat that I have learned to love is killing my birds and I'm so bothered by it. But I don't think I can do anything. It's what she does. I've found blood stains on the driveway and everything. It's the one thing about this cat that bothers me. And then, she can be so fluffy and sweet and affectionate; my brain is having a hard time reconciling both faces of her.

[davidah]

I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but you might want to consider being more proactive about cat predation if you truly value wildlife.

First of all, being outdoors could be dangerous to your cat.

http://www.petplace.com/cats/song-bird-fever-in-cats/page1.aspx
http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/materials/hazards.pdf

Second of all, cat predation is a huge problem for wildlife.

http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/materials/predation.pdf

You could consider transitioning your cat to be an indoor cat:
http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/materials/outin.pdf

Disclosure -- I am an ecologist by training; I've never owned a cat or a dog. I don't have a personal understanding of attachment to pets and don't have any idea how difficult it might be to keep a cat indoors.

I realize that the websites I linked could be considered "bird propaganda".

Good luck,
Davidah




Re: Cat
We have bought her toys but it's like she doesn't know what to do with them. Once she determined they weren't edible, she turned her back on them. The only toy that she will occasionally play with is a felted wool ball I made. We also make sure that she always has food out there. And we give her treats sometimes. I think she's decided that "chicken" tastes better than dried kibble. :-( We were reading bedtime stories in the parlor last night and we heard this TERRIBLE sound inside the garage. Dh jumped up and cautiously went out to check on her but she was gone. He's 99% certain that it was a bird screaming. :-( I have never been a cat person and I've always loved my birds. Now, the cat that I have learned to love is killing my birds and I'm so bothered by it. But I don't think I can do anything. It's what she does. I've found blood stains on the driveway and everything. It's the one thing about this cat that bothers me. And then, she can be so fluffy and sweet and affectionate; my brain is having a hard time reconciling both faces of her.

[Debra]

I don't have a personal understanding of attachment to pets and don't have any idea how difficult it might be to keep a cat indoors.

Depending on the cat it can be very easy or very, very difficult bordering on impossible! Cats are SO fast and sneaky. It's a constant thing in our home but we are dealing with the escape attempts less and less over time. I'm hoping it will eventually stop. Transitioning an outdoors only cat to an indoor only cat may not be possible, depending on the cat.

[JaamE]

World: Sometimes i think it would be easier to just stop taking the meds and go down in flames. It would be quick.

DH: Some days you're the only thing keeping me from going down. I hope you know how much you mean to me.

[JaamE]

n

[Pensive]

This is so weird for me, because up until now, I would have been 110% in favor of what you've said. And I have never owned a cat. Domestic cats were on my list of neighborhood pet peeves.

But now, it's very weird to find myself on the other side of things. We didn't want this cat (or any cat) but she just showed up at our door. We started feeding her because she was hungry. I won't transition her to being an indoor cat because I don't want a cat in my house (or a dog or any kind of furry pet). If I bought a cat, I'd keep it inside. Since she's an outside cat that someone put out, who started hanging around, we decided that it would be humane to care for her outside. I would have given her to a shelter except that I couldn't find one that wouldn't euthanize her. It seemed like the most humane thing to do, to let the cat live and to give her a certain amount of care (like shots and food). Plus, based on how she acts and how long she's been outside (we got some back story on her from neighbors), I don't think she would transition to being indoors. She's not feral because she's so sociable but she is like a farm cat or something; I don't think she could be made into an indoors cat.

I am horrified and distraught over the bird situation, I truly am. I don't know what else to do because of the background of the cat coming into our lives. I know it doesn't make it any better but outdoor cats are extremely common around here, esp out in the country, and the amount of birds that she's killing is probably a drop in the bucket compared to the rest. Plus, she's keeping the snake and rodent population in control around our house. Of course, it's like they're my birds, which is what makes it hard for me to stomach.

I'm just not sure what the other options are. She can't come inside because I don't do furry pets (I think I'd have an anxiety attack over it) and I don't think she would transition to it anyway. We didn't adopt her, rather she adopted us. I can't give her to a shelter because I won't let her be euthanized. We're really out in the middle of nowhere, with lots of farms close by, surrounded by woodland, and there are tons of cats wandering around. I've also thought of the possibility that another unwanted cat might befriend us in the future and we might care for it too. We're way out in the sticks.

It really sucks. I'm heart-broken about it and I was the person giving the anti-outdoor-cat speech before...It's so weird for me. I'm so unhappy about, but unfortunately, I don't see other options except having the cat put down.

[Sensitive Topic]

Dear Daughter,

I think it’s time for you to stop having company. You are routinely rude to me when you have company in a way that is most unpleasant and I’m simply tired of it. I do not place heavy expectations on your contribution within the home, you do not contribute in any large way, rather you contribute in a semi-effective resentful way and I am simply tired of it. Henceforth you will not be allowed to have company within our home unless the dishes are completely done and the house is picked up. I am not interested in approaching you about tasks that I would like you to do while your company is here because even if my attempt to simply communicate my expectation is made in private the backlash of your fury is unreasonable and I am simply tired of it.

Furthermore, I will not accommodate your desire to visit with people in their homes if these tasks are not done as well. Your penchant for trying to redirect any reasonable expectation on my part by fuming about the contributions of other family members is unreasonable and unpleasant. I am simply tired of it.

I do apologize for giving you the impression that I respected your opinions. I am far too tired of your bratty backlash to care any longer.

Please make sure that the bathroom is shiny clean tomorrow morning first thing and that the kitchen has been thoroughly cleaned including counters, the sink fixtures and the floor.

When we get this problem ironed out I will be willing to discuss relaxing my expectations.

Love,
Your Mother

[libbylibbylibby]

((((ST))))
Can I safely assume your daughter is a teenager? If so, then I agree with your approach -- the "there are times that we need to put off the things we want to do, to do the things we have to do." I am undergoing this same struggle with my 10 year old, whose only jobs are to take out the trash and keep his room clean.
I hope that, in the absence of guests, you and your daughter are able to have a respectful and productive conversation.

[serialmom]

I'm dreading you, and it's not even Halloween. My aunt is gone. She was the only person in our family who could hold together a crowd of rude and dysfunctional people. I feel like the lowest person on earth for bowing out, but it's just too soon. My best friend is gone. Nobody could cook as beautifully as she did, or deftly kick people in line, all with a smile.

I promise I'll have it together for Christmas, but for now, go fight and criticize someone else on November 25th. I'm taking my family and the old guy for buffet.

[gfrach]

Hugs, Gudrun!!!! I'm sorry!!

[Sensitive Topic]

Very good guess, she is indeed a teenager. Her tone changed the minute her guests left. She did send me a pretty nasty email indicting me for all matter of bad parental behavior. Apparently she is a spoiled brat (her words) because she learned it from me. I don't mind the email (it was a reply, I actually did end up sending this to her) because I think it's fine for her to feel that she can clear the air with me. The thing that really stinks is that I try very hard to remember that teens often don't realize how they are coming across and my daughter has a pretty easy time of it. The issue started with my asking her to wash dishes (in private and quite nicely) and I had already taken care of most of them already. She refused in a most unpleasant way. Teens can be awfully difficult.

[Storymama]

Dear Daughter,

I think it’s time for you to stop having company. You are routinely rude to me when you have company in a way that is most unpleasant and I’m simply tired of it. I do not place heavy expectations on your contribution within the home, you do not contribute in any large way, rather you contribute in a semi-effective resentful way and I am simply tired of it. Henceforth you will not be allowed to have company within our home unless the dishes are completely done and the house is picked up. I am not interested in approaching you about tasks that I would like you to do while your company is here because even if my attempt to simply communicate my expectation is made in private the backlash of your fury is unreasonable and I am simply tired of it.

Furthermore, I will not accommodate your desire to visit with people in their homes if these tasks are not done as well. Your penchant for trying to redirect any reasonable expectation on my part by fuming about the contributions of other family members is unreasonable and unpleasant. I am simply tired of it.

I do apologize for giving you the impression that I respected your opinions. I am far too tired of your bratty backlash to care any longer.

Please make sure that the bathroom is shiny clean tomorrow morning first thing and that the kitchen has been thoroughly cleaned including counters, the sink fixtures and the floor.

When we get this problem ironed out I will be willing to discuss relaxing my expectations.

Love,
Your Mother
I just want to add that I *heartily* endorse your Teenager Attitude Adjustment method here. Kids who are so worn out by their company that they cannot summon the strength to be pleasant and courteous (...the spin I basically put on all poor choices) clearly need less company. And kids who gripe about very simple chore requests, are clearly out of practice, and need more chores.

Of course she'll escalate it a bit to start with (ie, her email reply) but stick to it. I think most teenage parenting (well, ALL parenting, but especially with teens who think they don't need it) is quality leadership, and stuff like this helps strongly reinforce your leadership role. It helps my kids sometimes if I remind them that I am not controlling their universe out of some perverse need to be recognized as Ruler, but because I have an obligation to them, as a parent, to lead and to do it well. To do any less, shirks my responsibility to them, and I am not a shirker.

The final thing that helps me stick to my guns when we are dealing with Nose Out of Joint issues, is that I know my response today will go on record with them - permanently - and it's the treatment my grandchildren will get someday. That is huge to me; I want my grandchildren treated well, and with thoughtful, strong parenting . . . the only way to get that, is to model it today . . . and you are doing that in spades. A Gold Star for you today :thumbsup:.

[Sue]

I'm dreading you, and it's not even Halloween. My aunt is gone. She was the only person in our family who could hold together a crowd of rude and dysfunctional people. I feel like the lowest person on earth for bowing out, but it's just too soon. My best friend is gone. Nobody could cook as beautifully as she did, or deftly kick people in line, all with a smile.

I promise I'll have it together for Christmas, but for now, go fight and criticize someone else on November 25th. I'm taking my family and the old guy for buffet.

(((((((((Gudrun))))))))))) ~nt

[Peggyann]

Dear Mike

Unless something in the fridge is green, growing legs, or attacking you, please don't throw it away.

That chicken gravy and rice you threw away today, just because "It was only rice and gravy, there was no more chicken in it" was my lunch. :nono:

~PA~

[libbylibbylibby]

((((Gudrun)))) I'm so sorry.

[Sensitive Topic]

I'm the ST with the friend in love with a married man

She sent me a letter saying "I know you are dissapointed and don't approve, but I need you"

and I wrote back:

I love you, but I cannot support this in anyway. I feel that cheating (when one is supposed to be in a mutally mongamous relationship) is a severe character flaw. I feel so badly for the poor pregnant woman that is caught in all of this.

**sigh** I might end up losing a friend, but I cannot cannot compromise my feelings on this. This is a black and white issue to me.

[Pensive]

This is kind of silly of me, but I'm worried about the Christmas present I bought you this weekend. I was excited when I spotted it; it would be your very first Gamecocks shirt. It's my alma-mater and while I don't like football at all, I know that you have become obsessed with it and that you fervently support my alma-mater. I mean, when you start watching a team's *enemy* play to see if they lose, then you are a fervent fan. :spinning:

Anyway, I hid the present, feeling happy. A day later, you mentioned that you had a $100 NFL coupon from the purchase of our TV months ago and that you wondered if I minded you using it now? I didn't think anything of it. And I certainly didn't think they sold college football shirts. So what did you buy? TWO Gamecocks shirts, something which you're very excited about. I'm happy for you but now it makes me feel like my present isn't special anymore. I really hope you still like it. I'm kind of down about it, tbh.

[MorgnsGrl]

Dear DH,

YOU ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY THIS MORNING.

How about, instead of futzing around playing video games and "fixing" the jack o lantern that DS carved yesterday (which was perfectly fine! It looked like an 8 year old carved and hey, guess what, an 8 year old DID!), you do one of the many things that you're SUPPOSED to have done this weekend, none of which you've actually done?

Work on DS helping him learn to tie his shoes. (Remember the part where DS and I wanted to buy another velcro pair, but YOU insisted that it's time he learn to tie? And now it's been 5 weeks since we bought the tie pair, and you've only worked with him about fifteen minutes total? And his old sneakers are really too small, but he's wearing them anyway? Yeah. Get to it, bub.)

Paint and install the crown molding in the kitchen I've now finished painting.

Cut your damned hair and take a shower, so we don't have to spend all day in the house waiting for you to do so and can instead leave and do the errands we NEED to do today.

I love you, but geez, you can be such a massive procrastinator sometimes, and I am getting really tired of picking up your slack.

[MorgnsGrl]

I'm the ST with the friend in love with a married man

She sent me a letter saying "I know you are dissapointed and don't approve, but I need you"

and I wrote back:

I love you, but I cannot support this in anyway. I feel that cheating (when one is supposed to be in a mutally mongamous relationship) is a severe character flaw. I feel so badly for the poor pregnant woman that is caught in all of this.

**sigh** I might end up losing a friend, but I cannot cannot compromise my feelings on this. This is a black and white issue to me.

{{{ST}}} I don't blame you for feeling the way you do, not at all. Hopefully your friend will wise up.

[MorgnsGrl]

This is kind of silly of me, but I'm worried about the Christmas present I bought you this weekend. I was excited when I spotted it; it would be your very first Gamecocks shirt. It's my alma-mater and while I don't like football at all, I know that you have become obsessed with it and that you fervently support my alma-mater. I mean, when you start watching a team's *enemy* play to see if they lose, then you are a fervent fan. :spinning:

Anyway, I hid the present, feeling happy. A day later, you mentioned that you had a $100 NFL coupon from the purchase of our TV months ago and that you wondered if I minded you using it now? I didn't think anything of it. And I certainly didn't think they sold college football shirts. So what did you buy? TWO Gamecocks shirts, something which you're very excited about. I'm happy for you but now it makes me feel like my present isn't special anymore. I really hope you still like it. I'm kind of down about it, tbh.

Aww, I'd be disappointed, too! You went to all that effort to choose the perfect gift, and then he went and bought himself TWO of the same thing! What a drag. {{{Hugs}}}

[JaamE]

but i will be supportive if that's what you choose, even though i don't think you can do it, or should do it. I think you need to lower what you think you're worth and find a different job but i do not think a degree will help, nor do i think you'd be happy with a job that requires one. You need to work with your hands, you'll never like a desk job.

[skyra]

I would never say this to Leif because the poor kid already has to deal with them...but please tics...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SHUT UP!! Maybe even for 10 minutes? The constant machine gun fire beside me is making me feel psychotic, and the horrible sound you make when he eats (like this throat clearing gasping snorting sound) is making my blood pressure rise.

Yes, I know that I tolerate it well most of the month, but for the next week, as it has been since these showed up, will be hellish for me, as the constant noise is crazymaking.

[Mumbly]

Dear dogs-Angel in particular,

New or used, diapers, pads and tampons are NOT doggie delicacies. I would appreciate it if you'd stop digging them out of closets, cabinets, purses and trash cans and eating bits and pieces for your afternoon snack. Cleaning your leftovers can be rather disgusting especially if your snack falls under the "used" category. Although it is better than finding that you've munched on a $200 pair of shoes. You're welcome to chew on any of the half dozen bones and rawhides I step on every time I walk through the living room.

You're all very good doggies and I really appreciate your cooperation in this regard.
Thank you-
Your person

[Storymama]

Dear dogs-Angel in particular,

New or used, diapers, pads and tampons are NOT doggie delicacies. {{snipped}}

*Snicker*

Sorry if that makes me a bad person :-P. It's just that we've been down the same road!!

When Amelia first started her period, I was very proud of myself for having covered everything comprehensively, and how prepared she was.

Turns out, I forgot ONE small detail: don't leave the disposable pads face up, open for snacking, in the trash :gross:. In our case, it was the CAT that thought that was an invite. I'm not sure how I overlooked that instruction area, LOL!! (Mostly she was using cloth pads, maybe that's why!) Her bathroom at the time was an upstairs, out of the way site too - so I just didn't see it for myself right away.

You can believe it was among the first things I coached Tori on, for a couple years later!! (I have a girlfriend who thought she'd done a similarly good job, only to have her daughter SHOCKED on Day 2, that she was still bleeding. Somehow, her DD thought that it all only lasted one day, and was over. Not that this is a story about ucky dog habits LOL!!)

[webbeccjo]

dear mom,
I'm so sick of your passive aggressive games! You are angry and giving me the cold shoulder, and I don't feel like playing the game to figure out why you are pissed at me.


You said you needed a ride to the grocery store this week. We made tentitive plans to go on either wed or thurs.
I called you wed morning to see if you wanted to go and you didn't pick up. I called for 3 hours. I emailed you. You finally called me back saying very tersely and coldly that you had already made other arrangements, then you hung up on me.
Then I got an email from you saying simply "I will make other arrangements." that's it, just the one line - very different from your typically long ,effusive emails.

wtf!?

I'm so f*&^%ing sick of this whole If you-really-loved-me-you'd-*know*-what-was-wrong shit. If you've got something to say, then say it.

You are a mean crusty old bitch and I'm very angry with you.
I hate dealing with your unmedicated bipolar or whatever the hell it is that you have.
You are sapping the energy from me.
:sob::banghead::rant::sob:

[Peggyann]

(((((Jennifer))))) :heart:

BTDT, it SUCKS ASS!

~PA~

[Peggyann]

Dear Mike,

I am so sorry you had to spend the day alone with your children. Had I known the guilt trip I was going to come home to, I would have never taken your suggestion for a "day off" and gone off with my parents for a day of carpet shopping. It won't happen again, it's not worth it.

~PA~

[webbeccjo]

(((PA)))



Dear Mike,

I am so sorry you had to spend the day alone with your children. Had I known the guilt trip I was going to come home to, I would have never taken your suggestion for a "day off" and gone off with my parents for a day of carpet shopping. It won't happen again, it's not worth it.

~PA~

[JaamE]

....

[nahkoe]

D ex husband (we'll let y'all fill in that D however you'd like tyvm),

Please get a clue. Seriously, go crawl back under that stupid-rock you seem to have crawled out from under. Your recent efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Unfortunately, I don't think you really wanted the notice you've managed to get.

You're not actually making my life miserable. I do have to thank you for the notice you've also managed to turn my way. I do so much appreciate the resources that are opening up to me as people notice you and your past actions more and more.

Please get a clue before you actually drag this into court *again* and suffer further humiliation.

Signed,

The mother of your former family...you know, the ones you don't have to take care of because you have to take care of your current family first?

[lizinpa]

OK listen. I have REALLY about had with you two. I know you don't give a fuck that I'm a renter and you're a homeowner, but the fact is that since we each have a half of this twin home we BOTH have equal rights. I don't give a flying fuck that "oh it's 6pm and you're waking up my baby". Hey, you make that complaint at 11pm I do care and will comply. But in the meantime, me and my kids over here living our lives. It is of no concern of yours the neatness of my house either. I see that today, because your unfounded complaints to my landlady, and your cop buddy haven't worked so now you call social services.

You have a LOT OF FUCKING NERVES. You KNOW that all this shit you trumped up is made up and unreasonable. I can't wait to move the hell away from you people, and I hope karma bites you in the ass and leaves a blister.:headonfire: