UrbanBaby

Some women are really into clothes. Entire 300 page magazines full of ads exist to sell junk to them. There are more women like this than there are female engineers. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:00 PM Flag

It's a free country. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:02 PM Flag

[ - ] Thoughts on Choate Rosemary Hall boarding school? 0 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:58 PM Flag

[ - ] DD is four and we currently have playing soccer, which she loves! Would love to put her in another sport since summer is coming up, but I'v found that there aren't a lot of sports offered for four y/o at places, usually age for starting is around 7 y/o. Any suggestions? We did gymnastics and she did not like it. TIA! 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:56 PM Flag

T-ball maybe? I'm not sure how young that starts, but my brothers and I loved that when we were kids. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:55 PM Flag

Tennis [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:05 PM Flag

Swimming. Uws? Try discovery programs - They have dance, martial arts, etc [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:07 PM Flag

[ - ] For the most part, my friends that went to public high schools are more successful and well-rounded than my friends that went to prep/boarding schools. Has anyone else had the same experience? 8 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:49 PM Flag

I have no idea where a lot of my friends went to high school. This is something that is never discussed. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:46 PM Flag

+1 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:47 PM Flag

I have one acquaintance in a low level job who rarely has a conversation without mentioning she went to one of the Hill schools. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:55 PM Flag

I really don't keep track of my friends like this. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:53 PM Flag

The most successful person I know went to prep school, Yale undergrad, and Harvard grad. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:54 PM Flag

No I have not. I have seen both do well. I've seen college make a big difference but not high school [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:48 PM Flag

+1 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:01 PM Flag

IMO this really doesn't make a huge difference. I've worked with extremely intelligent, successful people who went to public high schools in Middle America. I currently work w/2 people who went to "TT" NYC privates and they're not identifiably different than anyone else in terms of success or intelligence. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:02 PM Flag

[ - ] #3 is due soon, dc's are 10 and 7. would you "hide" the breastfeeding ( really cover up with one of those veils) or leave the room, or try to be discreet, but know that they could see exactly whats going on, including some nipple exposure? 13 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:49 PM Flag

No. Stop the cycle of shame!!!! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:51 PM Flag

Sure, I'd cover up. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:47 PM Flag

NP: why? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:56 PM Flag

So you're kids don't see your boobs hanging out? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:57 PM Flag

Sorry, I guess my boobs didn't "hang out" very much when I was bfing. I say cover up much as you have to to feel comfortable, but don't worry, you won't scar your 10YO DS if he sees a baby breastfeeding. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:56 PM Flag

So as not to trigger confusing thoughts and images in the minds of the pre-sexual preteen members of the household. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:53 PM Flag

This is backward. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:05 PM Flag

Depends on their genders. If both girls, I wouldn't cover up. A 10-year-old boy might be uncomfortable with it. A 7-year-old boy probably won't care. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:57 PM Flag

Who cares if he's uncomfortable. Give him favor warning you're going to feed his Sib and then do it. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:03 PM Flag

*fair [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:03 PM Flag

It would never occur to me to hide in my own home in front of my own kids. I just wear a nursing tank underneath and a shirt on top that can be pulled up, so I'm not ever showing that much in public or home anyway. But I would be much happier to normalize breastfeeding for them so they don't grow up thinking breasts are for men and bottles are for babies. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:53 PM Flag

THIS [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:05 PM Flag

I am modest so I would put a blanket over. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:07 PM Flag

[ - ] Considering K-8 for DS. After K-8 DS would go to private high school (obviously a K-12). When DS applies to college is there a possibility the high school is more likely to recommend those DCs they have known longer (ie started at K) for choice colleges? I ask because exBF had this happen to him. He transferred into K-12 in 10th grade and the school backed his 2 best friends to go to a particular college (a HYP) he wanted to attend and basically told him that and he was completely on par academically (and better SATs) than his friends. Just wondering if this is something to consider when choosing K-8s and K-12s. I do know that this does happen - not sure if knowing DCs for longer makes a big difference for administration. TIA. 0 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:47 PM Flag

[ - ] The desire of parents below the middle-class having children is so selfish: they want to eliminate their boredom or put some meaning in their petty lives. If you consider the direction that the world is going in, you can see how having children is a bad idea. 53 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:17 PM Flag

You sound like a joyless grouch. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:25 PM Flag

Time to go back to your bunker and sort your canned goods. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:51 PM Flag

WTF? Because I am not an elitist asshole I must be a prepper? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:02 PM Flag

Reproduction is a basic instinct. It's pretty simple. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:20 PM Flag

I agree it's selfish but not for the same reason. I think LMC/LC couples want children for pretty much all the same reasons MC/UMC/UC couples do. The reason I think it's selfish is because the quality of life for children is a lot harder (they may feel loved, but certainly having a positive quality of life overall is more difficult). I can understand having one child, even in hard financial situations, but after that, you are really not being fair to your children if you cannot at least consistently provide clothing, three meals a day, & (safe) shelter for your children. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:31 PM Flag

Like it or not, 1/3 of the kids are being born under poverty in USA. Without them, given that fertility rates are below replacement levels, Social Security and Medicare will have to be dismantled along with every other pay-as-you-go pensions system. Maybe it'd be better for Uncle Sam to do more to provide a decent standard of living to that 1/3 of the babies in USA instead of telling their parents "don't have them"? Just a thought. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:35 PM Flag

OR - I totally agree with you. I never said it was fair. This country's support system for the less fortunate is seriously f*ed up. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:39 PM Flag

So having more children born into poverty will save Social Security and Medicare? Am I reading this correctly? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:56 PM Flag

Obviously people shouldn't have children if they can't provide for their basic needs, but this attitude is different. The importance that Americans place on material wealth is completely out of whack. I feel like OP would prefer that no one have children if they can't afford to send them to summer camp and buy them an iPad. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:42 PM Flag

Uh your privilege is showing. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:32 PM Flag

I was going to use a less friendly word than "privilege". [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:47 PM Flag

Seriously? You sounds like an idiot. I grew up in a below middle class family. It taught me hard work and to strive to make something of myself. Unlike many spoiled kids who are handed over trust funds who do not know what its like to earn a dollar. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:33 PM Flag

+1 Well said [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:35 PM Flag

Move to China, OP. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:55 PM Flag

What an idiot. What makes you think that poor people have pettier lives than rich? I think I've seen more actual evidence to the contrary. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:27 PM Flag

THIS [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:35 PM Flag

+1 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:31 PM Flag

+2 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:01 PM Flag

On this board, tons of evidence to the contrary. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:48 PM Flag

I know. I'm rich and only have two. When my lazy sister tried to find out how much my kids camps were, I said she shouldn't have had so many fricking kids. She had a boy and girl and kept going. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:30 PM Flag

You sound like a bitch. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:31 PM Flag

She lives off her dh's disability and my mother. I'm a bitch but she's a skank. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:33 PM Flag

Every cleaning woman has three kids. Greedy bitches. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:30 PM Flag

I would rather have a happy, loved LMC child than a spoiled UMC child any old day. Parenting is about love, not about how much crap you can give them. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:38 PM Flag

Well said [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:53 PM Flag

yep yep yep [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:56 PM Flag

And to add-- I'd rather my kids be friends with LMC from my small town I grew up in than some of the nasty spoiled kids here. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:57 PM Flag

Poor people tend to have more DCs than wealthy people. Makes sense because wealthy people make more responsible decisions in life so that's how they got wealthy. I agree its frustrating that so many people are so irresponsible [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:35 PM Flag

I agree but I also think poor people look at children as a way to enrich their life whereas rich people look at material possessions and standard of living as their own way of enrichment. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:43 PM Flag

+1 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:38 PM Flag

Oprah was born poor. She is good for the world. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:42 PM Flag

She's an exception [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:44 PM Flag

Dr. Ben Carson. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:44 PM Flag

Stephen King. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:47 PM Flag

Steve Jobs. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:51 PM Flag

What good thing are you doing for the world OP, besides complaining? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:04 PM Flag

True. There should be a net disposable income test in the high six figures that must be met before a woman can become impregnated. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:42 PM Flag

But it's the working class slut that's the better lay. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:44 PM Flag

The world doesn't need more vapid Paris Hilton or Kim Ks !! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:44 PM Flag

The world doesn't need more vapid Paris Hilton or Kim Ks !! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:38 PM Flag

I think there should be a law that elitist bitches should not procreate. Sorry OP! I think that means you! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:59 PM Flag

I'd like to see an iq test. I bet plenty on here wouldn't make the cut. And let's face it, ladies...you aren't having a bunch of children because A) by the time you take a break from getting your junk waxed and teeth bleached long enough to remember you haven't had kids yet, you're so old that a box of cereal has more chance of getting pg than you do, & B) if you have too many kids your tummies won't be right and dh will dump you for the 25 yo associate across the hall. Lets be a tiny bit honest. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:54 PM Flag

And your life, including spewing your vile perspective on UB is oh-so-meaningful. Guess what? There are loving parents across all income levels. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:50 PM Flag

ITA [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:49 PM Flag

Love doesn't put food on the table or pay the doctor. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:50 PM Flag

Actually, it does [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:02 PM Flag

Love doesn't put food on the table or pay the doctor. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:50 PM Flag

If the nation had to count on the pussified offspring like I read about on here to run things, we'd be ripe for takeover by a bunch of Boy Scouts with cap guns in another generation. We need kids in this country who can wipe their own asses by the age of 15, and the mumsies on here aren't generating that sort of end product. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:51 PM Flag

+1 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:53 PM Flag

+ 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000!!!! For all that I hear wealthy people bitch and moan about the reproductive habits of the poor, they never seem to have a problem with sending the "ill gotten" sons and daughters of those same poor to fight their wars while their own children stay safely ensconced within the affluent life that was built for them. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:04 PM Flag

What an awful post [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:03 PM Flag

ITA 100 per cent [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:59 PM Flag

And one could say it's selfish to have a child if you are going to have nannies around the clock and other people driving your kids to school while you go get your hair and nails done. Rich parents in NYC are some of the worst parents I've ever met. I've rarely met a LMC mother who ignores her kids the way some NYC parents do. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:59 PM Flag

[ - ] What neighborhoods in the US are the most expensive? 12 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:13 PM Flag

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-most-expensive-neighborhoods-in-the-us-2012-11-06 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:14 PM Flag

I was thinking more like in terms of price per square footage. Most of these neighborhoods are justifiably expensive because they have mansions. I know that homes in Palo Alto, for example, go for millions even though they are shacks. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:13 PM Flag

I'm sure you could answer your own question with a simple google of "most expensive neighborhood US by square footage" [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:15 PM Flag

I'm surprised so many are in California..and the only NYC area profiled is zip code 10013. I don't think that's the most expensive area of NYC by far. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:22 PM Flag

That study had to do with listing prices of places for sale in September 2012. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:20 PM Flag

I think because it is by zip code and not neighborhoods [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:40 PM Flag

who cares? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:35 PM Flag

I love you [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:36 PM Flag

the ones with the least Hispanics and jigs. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:44 PM Flag

Lol [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:46 PM Flag

Uhm what?? Hispanics?? Don't you mean blacks?? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:51 PM Flag

Jigs are Blacks. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:54 PM Flag

[ - ] I believe the creators of Candy Crush Saga must be scientists or astro physicists. I swear..that game,mat the higher levels especially,is just a simple IQ test. The smart people "get" it right away and advance levels quickly while the idiots who don't get it, quickly become frustrated and give up. Thoughts? 20 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:08 PM Flag

I refuse to think about that shit. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:10 PM Flag

I believe the creators of Candy Crush Saga delight in bestowing frustration amongst the masses. There was one level that was literally unbeatable, but that was due to a programming error in the IOS version (which they fixed eventually, THANK GOD). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:08 PM Flag

I think I am at that level!! Which one is it? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:15 PM Flag

Level 285 - the fish are supposed to attack anywhere there is jelly, but in the IOS version they weren't attacking jelly, which made the level impossible (if you look at it, you'll see what I mean). I believe it's been fixed though, since after an update I noticed they were finally consistently only attacking jelly. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:18 PM Flag

I'm only on level 135 now...wow I'm impressed. I think it will take me another 2 months until I get up to level 285. I was stuck on level 65 for 8 days ! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:30 PM Flag

Between me and DH we've beat every level they've made so far (up to 335). You could say we're addicted.. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:27 PM Flag

This post is proof that smart is not always wise. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:08 PM Flag

Huh? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:15 PM Flag

This. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:10 PM Flag

Just got this game. Already addicted. On my iphone ipad and ipad mini. I dont think about it like that, its just something fun to play when dc goes to bed. Its defiantly a distraction and i usually dont play games on my phone at all. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:16 PM Flag

why would smart people play this game at all? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:16 PM Flag

Why not? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:18 PM Flag

OK, I'll "bite"...what's to "get". I consider myself a smart person...is there a pattern? Do tell. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:14 PM Flag

Ok. I am the OP and by "get" I mean going from one level to the next and immediately identifying what you must do to clear the level. example: level 76. The first time you play level 76, it doesn't become obvious that the ingredients must be dropped through the top LEFT side of the boxes instead of the right side... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:24 PM Flag

^^ to add to my post..you get only 5 lives so if you don't realize what you must do until you are on your 3rd life, you have less chances of clearing the level..and if you burn through all 5 lives, you have to wait 30 minutes for the next one...(now I know there are cheats for the game online, but I am talking about people who don't use the cheats at all). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:26 PM Flag

Ok, but I'm stuck at level 27 so I'll take your word for it...(any hints for level 27 most appreciated). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:27 PM Flag

If you google "you tube candy crush saga level 27", there are Youtube screen schots of how to clear the levels... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:32 PM Flag

I totally agree. I got DH hooked on this game a month ago. We play about the same frequency (actually I play more as I have it on my iPhone). DH went from level 1 to level 30 in only 2 days..while it took me a good 2 weeks to get past some levels!! DH is def smarter than me. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:28 PM Flag

Just started playing and I consider myself fairly smart, but I don't totally get the game. It is fun, though. I'm very visual and I wonder if that's hurting me, instead of helping me. I am amazing at Dots, which I find super addicting. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:30 PM Flag

If you are really smart, you have something else to do. I have all games and apps blocked. Thank God. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:55 PM Flag

[ - ] Had a bad dream about a dear friend who was really mean to me. Now I am irrationally mad at her and just avoided her text. 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:05 PM Flag

Lighten up, laugh at yourself and respond to her text. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:12 PM Flag

Admitting you have a problem is the first step. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:09 PM Flag

lol! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:15 PM Flag

Tell her about the dream to break the ice and get back to normal [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:21 PM Flag

right, just joke about it. People have bad dreams about you too. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:22 PM Flag

Dreams are not literal. And every person in a dream represents some part of you. Your friend was not mean to you. You are being mean to yourself. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:28 PM Flag

[ - ] 14 wks pregnant and still have terrible morning sickness. In fact the vomiting has been worse the past 2 wks than in the 1st trimester. Could this be an indicator that I will be sick my entire pregnancy or is this just my peak? Hoping for the later. 13 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:03 PM Flag

The typical case of morning sickness peaks around 10 weeks and is well into tapering by 14 weeks but you might have the kind that tapers at 16 or 18 weeks. I hope you feel better soon! There is a correlation between bad morning sickness and IQ so maybe you have an ultra smart baby in there. : ) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:07 PM Flag

I have never heard of morning sickness and IQ! Viable pregnancy, yes, but not IQ. Although it is nice to try and make OP feel better. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:05 PM Flag

So the only things that exist are the things you have heard of? http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/07/31/us-morning-sickness-idUSTRE56U6LR20090731 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:13 PM Flag

Maybe nausea keeps more toxins from the fetus, hence the higher IQ?? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:22 PM Flag

This is the theory - "It's possible, the researchers write, that the same pregnancy hormones related to morning sickness have positive effects on fetal brain development." [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:29 PM Flag

similar here. how are you functioning? nausea comes on so fast, I am afraid to leave the house. any tips? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:02 PM Flag

Always carry a plastic bag and wipes with you. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:11 PM Flag

Got myself out of bed and showered this morning to try to get out and take a walk with DH. Vomited into trash can a block from my buliding. Back on the sofa for the day. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:16 PM Flag

Are you getting enough sleep or has there been an increase in stress in your life in the last 2 weeks for other reasons? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:11 PM Flag

I have been taking unisom and getting at leat 8 hrs, but wake up every morning around 3-4. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:23 PM Flag

Did you just start the unisom or have you been doing it the whole time? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:21 PM Flag

Just started the unisom bc nausea has made sleeping more difficult. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:33 PM Flag

Mine ended around 20 weeks. Fruit pops, crackers, & nuts helped me. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:35 PM Flag

[ - ] Nope. I can afford help, and it makes life nicer for the family. No judgment for those who don't use help. 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:58 PM Flag

Oops meant for the sahm with no help post [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:00 PM Flag

Mighty white of you not to judge women who clean their own homes. We thank you. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:19 PM Flag

Haha I was thinking the same thing. Very noble - cheers to the OP. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:44 PM Flag

[ - ] DC Ladies, DH has potential job opportunity in DC. We have friends in the area, but most are in suburbs. If we lived in the District what would be the better private schools to consider and what neighborhoods would make sense? 12 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:55 PM Flag

I used to live in DC. Most families live in the suburbs. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:04 PM Flag

But there are plenty of families in the city aren't there? Do you know what the top three private schools would be, Sidwell and what else? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:06 PM Flag

Well, what ages? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:14 PM Flag

Uh, Sidwell [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:05 PM Flag

Oh and for living NW or NE. Stay far far from South (well, Eastern Market seemed to be up and coming about 4 years ago, but it was still ghetto when I lived there). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:06 PM Flag

More would be the Field School, Edmund Burke, National Cathedral, plus outside of city but extremely high ranking: Fairfax and Walt Whitman (Bethesda). I think McKinley is also pretty well-respected. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:16 PM Flag

Thank you so much. That's really helpful [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:45 PM Flag

Lived there 10 years. Georgetown, anywhere almost in Upper northwest are the nice neighborhoods where you can have a single family -detached -home. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:19 PM Flag

Schools: Maret, Sidwell, Sheridan, Lowell, Georgetown Day School, Beauvoir (through 3rd), National Cathedral School, St. Alban's, Washington International School, Capital Hill Day School. Lots and lots of families in the city. Places to Live: Spring Valley, Chevy Chase DC, Tenleytown, Cleveland Park, Georgetown, Forest Hills. Yhere are places on the hill -- I just don't know that area as well. Ages of your kids and what type of school are you looking for? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:15 PM Flag

Two kids, boys 5 and 8. Would prefer traditional to progressive. Single sex is ok as well. But a smaller environment that isn't to aggressive at least in the lower grades. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:47 PM Flag

I don't think any of the DC privates are too aggressive in the early years. there is a site somewhat like this (www.dcurbanmom.com) with a private schools forum -- you should check there, but slightly change your facts just so no one can identify you when you start at school. It may be that you are looking for someplace like National Presbyterian School or Washington Episcopal. Big 3 are traditionally thought of as Sidwell, GDS, and then the Beauvoir (thru 3rd)/NCS (girls after 3)/St. A's (boys after 3rd) combo -- much debate over that though. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:56 PM Flag

That's all great thanks. Do you have any idea how difficult off yr entry would be? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:01 PM Flag

[ - ] Is there any way I can get out of my GGMG contract? I paid $75/year but this group is beyond horrible. They allow political petitions to stay up as long as moderators agree with the petition (even though politics are forbidden). They also have me on moderation; people on the board do not like me and say some really mean things which are left up on the board; however, they never post my responses. So I just basically get reamed out by multiple mothers and get no say. Even if I am just offering advice, sometimes the moderators never put up my post. When I ask them why not, I never get a response. Last night, there was a post that was put up under anonymity (which are all moderated). It was about a mother who had seen a nanny recommendation from a GGMG mom and had had a bad experience with the nanny. She was debating whether or not to take the post down. The post has now been taken down by moderators so there is a bad nanny being recommended but no one can contact the person who had the bad experience. I am just so sick of being treated like shit, ignored, and having the moderators so clearly not even following their own guidelines. I at least want 6-months' prorated (which is how much time I have left with this horrible group. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:52 PM Flag

Correction: The mother who saw the positive review was debating informing the members of the group that this may not be a good choice. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:53 PM Flag

[ - ] I live in a nabe with lots of people in our age group - it's very social - tons of bbqs parties etc - despite this I have had a very hard time making friends - have made a few but feels pathetic - I rarely go out and am in such a funk bc of it - not sure how to change this dynamic. Have already been through pre school with both kids and barely made friends through that, and now in elementary, and whole friend,h with most, it never gets to next level.... Thoughts? 19 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:47 PM Flag

Why can I not stand "nabe"? Ugh - it's like nails on a chalkboard to me! Is it because it's kind of "pube" like? What is it?!?! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:51 PM Flag

Spell it neighb. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:55 PM Flag

Lol [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:54 PM Flag

+1! Couldn't read rest of post after "nabe"! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:03 PM Flag

'hood would be much bettah. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:03 PM Flag

NABE - yuck!!! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:06 PM Flag

Are you shy? Do you send off a standoffish vibe? I know I do - I have had several friends tell me that they thought I was stuckup b*tch and did not seem approachable because I was reserved and, sadly, my natural expression on my face when I am not smiling looks kind of bitchy (if that makes sense). But once they get to know me, they love me. Maybe you need to make more of an effort to engage in conversation at these events, even if it is uncomfortable - "fake it till you make it" - and extend invitations to people you think you might click with, rather than wait for them to reach out to you. I guarantee there are others in your same position, who want to make friends but have a hard time reaching out, who love the invite. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:59 PM Flag

^^ would love [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:00 PM Flag

Thanks I'm very self aware and not good at faking small talk - feels so feigned, and insincere. I do try, the friends I have are solid, but they are few and far between, and I'm just so bored and self analytical now about it, and how I must suck..bc otherwise I wouldn't be alone. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:12 PM Flag

OR: Don't be so hard on yourself. You say you have solid friends, so it is not like you are inherently unlikeable or that you "suck". And it is really hard to make friends the older you get. Are you feeling down because you truly are missing that social connection (I am guessing you don't see your good friends much?) or because you think you "should" have more friends? (Even as adults I think it can be hard to get out the wanting to part of the "popular crowd" mentality!) As for the small talk - I totally agree it can be awkward and feel forced. But you have to start somewhere. What about inviting a few people who you think you will click with out for drinks, or over for a dinner party? Sometimes it is easier in smaller settings. Or join a committee at school - you'll be spending time with people on a regular basis, and will have something in common to talk about when you are working together, that may then expand into more (like becoming friends with work colleagues outside of work - that is usually not instant but grows over time because you work together) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:11 PM Flag

Are you socially awkward? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:08 PM Flag

Stop focusing on friends generally and work on making one friend first. Then maybe one more next year. That's about all you need. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:02 PM Flag

This. And often other friends will come from that friend - it is like a chain reaction. My group of best friends has grown that way. I became good friends with someone at work, she introduced me to someone else, through that person we became friends with someone else, and so on. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:13 PM Flag

Why do people put so much importance on making friends? I guess im like you but i really dont let it bother me. Im friendly with some moms in my dc's class/activites but i dont find myself wanting/needing to hang out with them more than i have to...and those are the moms i like. i find more satisfaction from hanging out with dh (even though he works long hours) and family (eventhough they live 3 hours away). I know i dont know your whole situation but it sounds really desperate. You'll click with someone eventually, stop worrying about it. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:05 PM Flag

I'm you, but I've always been a loner. FWIW, I find happiness in shopping thrift stores (where I see plenty of fellow loners on a regular basis), attending interesting public events, family life, and shopping discount stores every now and then. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:17 PM Flag

I'm you. I find myself able to do small talk, am interested in what others say, but it never gets beyond that. I guess I'm not the type to be outgoing and call someone up--is that how this is done? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:16 PM Flag

What about trying to make friends outside of your kids' school? It may be that you just don;t have a lot in common with them. Do you have any interest? Play tennis, or run? If so join a tennis league or running group. Or find a volunteer opportunity where you will be working with the same people consistently. Do any of your friends or acquaintances belong to a book club you could join? I joined a friend's book club not knowing anyone else, and now I am good friends with several people from the group who I see outside of book club fairly regularly, and consider to be good friends now. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:16 PM Flag

You suffer from Bitchy Resting Face. You're not alone. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:17 PM Flag

Lol...that must be me. One kid once said I always looked mad...now I smile and think I must look like a maniac. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:28 PM Flag

[ - ] You are who you marry - discuss 14 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:45 PM Flag

This would be great, if true. DH and I are so opposite, but complementary, I guess. I admire him more than anyone! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:49 PM Flag

Same here. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:45 PM Flag

Not at all. DH and I are similar in basic ways but couldn't be more different in other ways. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:58 PM Flag

I don't think so but I do think you are attracted to people you admire and who have attributes you may desire for yourself. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:03 PM Flag

I've never heard of this saying..please explain [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:10 PM Flag

I've never heard of this saying..please explain [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:10 PM Flag

If you marry a mover and shaker your life might be filled with more interesting experiences, if you marry an intro err maybe less experience wise, but more intimacy etc just an example [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:13 PM Flag

Interesting but not surprising..most people marry a partner very much like themselves...I married an engineer and we are both very analytical and intellectually curious so I agree that's common. I think those make the best marriages because of common values, perspectives and backgrounds. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:20 PM Flag

Nope. Opposites attract. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:05 PM Flag

Opposites may attract but in the long term, it may cause more conflict within a marriage than harmony. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:21 PM Flag

My DH is better than me in many respects, so it'd be nice if this was true. But we are fundamentally the same, as are my parents, as are his parents, as are my siblings & their spouses and his siblings & their spouses. I only know one married couple where the personalities & interests are complete opposites, though they do share common goals. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:10 PM Flag

I just read this to my DH...He said "Dear Jesus!" LOL. We are opposites. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:30 PM Flag

My first reaction was that this was an "I'm important because of my DH" bait. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:57 PM Flag

No, please no. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:06 PM Flag

[ - ] Any advice on how to handle this situation? I am a freelancer, and have not been paid by one of my clients to whom I sent an invoice over a month ago. We never had any agreement, nor did I write on my invoice "due in 30 days" or whatever, as to when payment is due as in the past they have always paid me within a week or two of receiving my invoice. I don't want to be a pain as I hope to work with them again, but I REALLY need the $$ as things have been really slow lately and cash flow is an issue (in addition to my project fee, I have outstanding expenses on my credit card for things I paid for myself upfront for the project). I sent an email with the invoice again last week as a reminder, and no response whatsoever. In the future I will ask for half the fee upfront, but I would love some advice on what to say to them now as I am terrible in these situations. Anyone BTDT? Thanks! 17 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:44 PM Flag

Call and asked if they have not received them. duh. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:52 PM Flag

This. Call. On a phone. You provided a service and they should pay you. This is not an awkward call. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:56 PM Flag

OP: I already did last week. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:53 PM Flag

Call again. Speak to the boss if need be. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:02 PM Flag

And they said.....???? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:04 PM Flag

And you failed to mention this because....???? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:05 PM Flag

OK depends on the client. If you don't care about working for them again, call every day until they pay you. Offer to drop by at inconvenient times to collect your money. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:05 PM Flag

Sorry, I sent an email did not call. Honestly impossible to get her on the phone anyway, and she sucks at returning emails so I assume calls would be worse. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:04 PM Flag

Why assume this? I have a horrible habit of checking email on the train and not responding right away. I could use the reminder by phone. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:20 PM Flag

You sound scattered. For goodness sakes, CALL. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:07 PM Flag

and they said?!? or did they ignore the call? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:21 PM Flag

For now - when you call again, let them know that you need to pay your project vendors. I know it sucks and you feel like you are begging for money, but to bug the again is probably the only way you will get paid. For some companies it is normal to pay in 90 days! For future - put "Due Upon Receipt" on your invoice, which is completely fair since they have already received the deliverable from you. Also, spell it out on your quote - even if it is a half page quote, it is a good idea to always have a client sign one ahead of start date. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:00 PM Flag

^^ ps - I pay freelancers, so I am not experienced on your side of it, but am familiar with it. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:03 PM Flag

This is good advice. I will definitely add that to future invoices. I have worked for them multiple times and it has never been a problem getting paid, but I guess I shouldn't assume it will always be the case. It is a pretty small agency, so it is not like a big company that has specific policies like 90 days (my old job we had clients like this). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:06 PM Flag

I have a small agency, so I know what it is like to borrow from Peter to pay Paul. I try to pay my freelancers right away, but if I am going to be late, I always tell them ahead of time an expected payment date so they aren't squirming. Sounds like maybe they have cash flow issues this month, but it would be nice if they pinged you to let you know what to expect. Good luck, sounds like they aren't going to stiff you since you have a history together so I wouldn't worry too much. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:29 PM Flag

PPS- the quote also protects you from "out of scope" requests that stray from the original project specifications [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:40 PM Flag

np: Build your quote on 1/2 up front 1/2 upon delivery (or whatever is standard in your industry.) Then quote 1/2 up front 1/2+10% of balance if over 30 days post delivery. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:05 PM Flag

[ - ] He came into office pledging to wind down America’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but within a year had ordered 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan and oversaw a significant expansion of the Bush administration’s use of clandestine drone strikes. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/05/25/us/politics/for-obamas-global-vision-daunting-problems.html 16 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:41 PM Flag

It's not the stupidity of Obama it's the stupidity of the public. Obama admin, once they understood the problems, chose to continue to extant policies, just as they did on the economy. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:42 PM Flag

Obama could stand to learn that what is right isn't always popular, and what's popular isn't always right. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:38 PM Flag

Do you know anything, anything at all about running the most powerful countries in the world? Do you know any of the shit that top level government officials have to deal with everyday? Do you know all the happenings in Afghanistan as to whether pulling troops would be wise or not? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:49 PM Flag

No I don't, but he claimed to know when he was campaigning! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:52 PM Flag

Right, but how the hell would he have had access to the classified information that would have been necessary to make the most informed decisions? That was his belief before he saw the massive fuck-up he had to fix. If you want to blame anyone, blame fucking Bush. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:01 PM Flag

If Obama had gotten all the troops out, then I could blame Bush. But he made Bush look right by sending more in. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:04 PM Flag

So, then if both presidents sent in more troops, it seems that maybe that was the right call. Why do you think that your uninformed view (by your own admission) should alter our country? If you do not know how to successfully pull troops out and end a war as least dramatic as possible, then shut up. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:04 PM Flag

Pulling out is sending in 30,000? He did the same as Bush while lying for votes, is all I'm saying. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:17 PM Flag

But my point is, why was it lying? He had no access to the state of affairs before he went into office. He may have fully planned on pulling out troops but once he saw the classified info. realized that Bush was possibly correct. You want a president who is able to make necessary changes not just plug forward to please voters. If he gained info. making it clear that pulling out was a bad idea, who are you, with NO INFORMATION, to say it was the wrong thing to do? If you want to hate Obama, go for it. But this is a bullshit reason. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:23 PM Flag

+1 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:37 PM Flag

Get off the Bush train and move on [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:43 PM Flag

What's with this desperate anti-Obama stuff. I love him but I wouldn't march into rooms full of strangers looking to convert them. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 03:58 PM Flag

He wants to end the war on terror a day after the London attack. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:14 PM Flag

Nope! Still no. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:38 PM Flag

He is smug and thinks he knows everything. The media certainly doesn't report on the fact that he said one thing to get into office and another after - whether he knows more now or not. The media never said Bush must know more than us so we should send troops. That is OP's point. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:37 PM Flag

Obama is a total failure. An effete intellectual with no balls. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:46 PM Flag