Amelia

A package came today and the mailman required additional postage. I didn't think about it at the time, I simply figured the person who mailed it didn't pay enough postage. So, I gave the mailman the additional $8.37. However, after he left I realized it didn't make sense. The person who sent it took it to the post office where it was weighed and measured. She paid the rate they told her. So, why would they suddenly ask for more money?

My 16 month old was on my lap while I was checking email. He hit something on the keyboard. Now I have no browser bar. Well, I do--but it is hidden. I have to put my mouse at the top of the screen to show the browser. How do I get it back so it is there all the time? Thanks.

We rent our home. Recently a guy from the water company came to inform us that our irrigation system had a leak. The irrigation system is basically underground sprinklers, on a timer and we do not have to do anything with it. As soon as we were notified of the leak we contacted our property manager who then arranged for someone to fix it. They did. Then we got our water bill. It was outrageous. We had to pay for one month what one would normally expect to pay in a full year. My question is--do we eat this cost or should the property mangaer be responsible? We pay the water bill but this was not water we used. It was water that came from a faulty irrigation system that we are not responsible for. I want to bring this up with the property manager but I want to make sure I'm not being unreasonable. Thoughts? Serious answers only please.

Thanks

About 15 years ago I was a nanny for a little boy. I have not seen him since he was around 4 but I've kept in touch with his mom over the years. I just received a graduation announcement. I cannot believe he is graduating from high school. I feel really old! Anyway, I want to send him some money but I have no idea what would be appropriate. What is the going rate these days? My husband said $20 should do it since we have not seen this family in person in so many years and they are not family. Is $20 okay or does that seem cheap? Any ideas?

I'm looking for really well made, comfortable nursing bras. I've been wearing these cheap, crappy ones for a year now. They're falling apart and offer little support and I still have another year of nursing to go. I want something that looks like a normal bra but is convenient for nursing. I've seen a few places online with some nice looking bras but I'd like input from actual consumers before I purchase anything. Any suggestions?

The price of groceries has become ridiculous! I'm looking for some useful tips on keeping my grocery bill low but I want ideas other than coupons. What do you do?

My husband, being the wonderful man he is, has requested shepherd's pie for Valentine's Day. He loves it and we haven't had it in awhile. However, this isn't really what I consider a romantic meal. I'd like to dress it up by serving an appetizer, salad and dessert. The dessert is easy. I'm making cheesecake because that his hubby's favorite. But I have no clue what kind of appetizer or salad would go with shepherd's pie.

Any ideas? Anyone?

I'm actually looking for two meal ideas. I am looking for a yummy, make ahead breakfast for Christmas morning. That way I can get up, put it in the oven and it will ready when we're done with presents. Also, what are some alternative ideas for Christmas dinner. We don't want turkey or ham. We considered a roast chicken but decided against that as well. What else is there? I'm open to all suggestions. Thanks!

I'm looking for window treatments for my living room. My couches are somewhere between an olive green or a moss color. I don't think it is wise to try and match curtains to that color. So, what color should I go with? An earthy color...some kind of beige or brown?

After reading responses in regard to the woman who was kicked off a plane for breastfeeding I just have to ask this question. Many of you said that public nudity is illegal. Or you said you don't want to see a nipple.

When a woman breastfeeds her child you cannot see a nipple!! Why? Because it is in the baby's mouth. The most you see of a woman's breast when she is nursing is part of the top or maybe part of the bottom, depending on what type of top she is wearing. I've seen less skin on a breastfeeding mom than I've seen on women wearing low cut tops with push-up bras. Should we kick any woman wearing a low cut top off a plane because it is considered public nudity to reveal the top portion of her breasts?

Can anyone give me pointers on my 20 week ultrasound? This is my third pregnancy. I remember the agony of having to drink 40 oz of fluid for the first two ultrasounds. I had to pee so bad that I was in tears the first time. The second time they made me pee because my bladder was too full. I only drank the 40 oz they told me to. I'm excited for the ultrasound but dreading the full bladder. Anyone got any tips to make the process bearable?

I'm looking to buy a starbucks card as a gift and I'd like an idea of how much to put on the card. We live in Japan and we have a Seattle's Best instead of Starbucks.

I'm torn between two middle names. I will not share the first name. Sorry. But it is under wraps until the baby is actually born. I realize it is difficult to answer this without knowing the first name but please do your best. Which name is better--Katherine or Sophia?

My 6 yr. old is reading fluently. Right now he reads the books that are part of his reading curriculum or Garfield comic books. I'd like to find him some books with substance. I have heard about great classics that are condensed for young readers. Does anyone know where I can find these books?

I've read about how dehydration and a whole host of other issues can result in low blood volume but nothing showing that low iron is a factor. I ask because I suspect that my OB was using scare tactics to get me to take my vitamins.