Flea

I hate disappointing my kids but many times, I just can't give them what their friends have. For instance, my teen daughter whines about how ALL of her friends are in Florida for spring break. I know her friends' families and many of them have their families IN Florida, so that makes sense. We don't. And I don't have spare money to go there. Then she complains when her friends get an X-Box when they get good grades. I do get her something, but it's not that big. I can't compete with that. I told her she has to want good grades for herself, not for some gift. There won't always be gifts when she accomplishes things. Plus, I don't want to set a bad example for her younger sister to start with! Anyway, that kind of stuff. If you have this situation as well, how do you deal with it? Thanks for your help!

I am overweight and my fat spreads out everywhere--my arms, hips, legs. So, when I wear short sleeves or shorts, I just look really lumpy. I don't like the way I look in these fashions. I look big(ger).

My question isn't about weight loss, so please--no answers saying I should work out more, go on a diet, etc. I know all that.

I'm talking about what it is that makes other women, who are even heavier than me, have the confidence to wear fashions that I am too embarrassed to wear?

I admire them because they have the boldness to do that, while I wear long sleeves and long pants in the summer.

I'd love to hear from the courageous ladies who don't mind flaunting what they've got. I want some of your courage!!

Thanks!

Right now, it's shoulder-length and I wear it in a ponytail every day.

I have alopecia, that hair condition, and when I pull my hair back in a ponytail, I look like I have static, a lot of hairs just stick up and I have to slick it back.

My face is full, esp when I smile. It's kind of football shaped.

Also, I work full time and have 2 kids, so I have no time for blow drying.

Any suggestions for a VERY low maintenance hairstyle that would look good with my face shape?

Perms are out of the question; my hair's already too wiry.

It's fine, dry hair, but I have a good amount to work with.

Thanks!

My father died of lung cancer in March of this year. He had been coughing nonstop since 2005 and was diagnosed in April of 2006.

In January of 2005, his doctor took Xrays and told him he had asthma. Between that time and 4/06, if his dr had had the forethought to consider lung cancer, my father might have had surgery and might be alive today. When he was diagnosed, it was too late. The cancer was inoperable and in both lungs. He suffered for a year and pretty much died slowly.

My question is: How do I know if it's worth it to sue the dr who misdiagnosed him? Do I have another dr look at his xrays and files?

I'm not even sure it's worth it, but am anguished that his death could have been prevented and wonder how many others die because a dr doesn't consider lung cancer in patients with chronic coughs.

Thanks for your advice.

I want to lose weight but have tried so many times and failed. I want to commit myself to it when I know I'm ready, so...how do you know when you're ready?

My nine year old was nominated to attend this program in Wash., DC, this summer and the letter that came with it sniffs of an expensive summer camp with language like, "space is limited," etc. I wouldn't want to deprive her of an amazing opportunity, but I don't want to be duped into something out of parental guilt!

Has anyone heard of this program and/or attended it? I'd like to hear more about it and thanks.

Right now, she has Blue Cross/Blue Shield and pays $93 a month.

She got an offer in the mail for another company, I think it was Oxford, that says she would have to pay nothing per month.

But there's so much stuff to read through and I have another 2 weeks before the end of open enrollment.

Her main needs right now are blood pressure meds and visits to her general dr, but I'd like to help her pick out a plan that will benefit her if she needs to stay in a hospital or if she develops other medical needs.

Does anyone out there love their Medicare plan and tell me what it is?

Thanks!

I've been thinking of getting a body wave or perm for my long, thin hair. But I don't have $100 to spend on it.

Any cheaper way to add some curls/waves/body to my hair?

I have plantar fasciitis, that really painful foot condition. I'm trying to find a good pair of shoes that will make my feet comfortable and stable but don't know which ones to pick. I have a low arch (flat feet), fyi.

I'm willing to spend about $100.

Thanks for your suggestions.

I work in my town's public library and had been earning 5 dollars and change per hour until I brought to my supervisor's attention a while back that the new minimum wage - at that time - was $6.15. Fine. They gave me the raise.

Now the NEW minimum wage is $7.15, effective October 1, 2006, I mentioned it to my supervisor yesterday and now, all of a sudden, she says, "these laws don't apply to public libraries."

Is this true? I think she's coming up with excuses because then she said the library just didn't have the budget to pay everyone minimum wage, so I think she's just reaching for straws.

I'd love to hear from those familiar with labor laws, esp in NJ. Thanks!

I'm trying to find a Samantha doll for my daughter, not an expensive one; I want one of the little, Barbie-sized ones. I really don't want to go into NYC to the AG store and I don't want to buy it online or on eBay. Does anyone know if WalMart, Target, or JCPenney carries this line of dolls? Thanks!

I've heard great things about eating intuitively, that is, eating only when you're hungry and stopping when you feel full.

Has anyone lost a good amount of weight eating this way?

Hi,

I'm interested in trying the Core plan on Weight Watchers. First, though, I'd like to know what the list of foods is on the Core plan and how it differs from the Flex plan.

Thanks.

My brother keeps telling me to wait until they go on sale...but when is that?? Do all the stores put them on sale at a certain time of year?

Thanks!

I'm buying a digital camera for the first time and would like one w/the printer dock that's:

* about $250 total

* doesn't eat up batteries so quickly

* easy to use

* lasts a long time; I've heard about these cameras dying after only a year or so.

*takes decent pictures; nothing advanced or perfect, just decent.

Thanks!

I'm not sure where to take her to have this done with sanitary equipment, etc.

Thanks for your suggestions.

My father was diagnosed in April. I'm curious to know how long others out there with this disease survived and how their quality of life is.

Thanks.

My father worked full time until April, when he became ill. He is also retired and receives SS retirement benefits. He applied for and received short term disability from his company in April and has been receiving payments every month.

The problem is that, now that he's approaching time to go into long term disability, his company is NOW telling him that because he's receiving retirement benefits, they'll have to reduce his disability checks.

I am wondering why his company did not bring this up while he was receiving short term disability. His retirement and receiving of SS benefits are not a secret, all the info's right there if they access his SS# AND it's not illegal, it's ok to work and receive SS benefits.

Is he not entitled to both LTD and SS benefits? It's upsetting him a great deal; on top of fighting for his life (he has stage IV lung cancer), he has to worry about this stuff, too.

Thanks!

Besides a perm or body wave, what could i have done in a salon that will make my hair just more full and with more body?

I have fine hair and my friend recommended I have this done. Won't Dominican relaxing make my hair even more fine and floppy? Help!