rodent

Quote: Originally Posted by MikkiStreak We also use rewards cards/memberships to get the lowest gas prices as possible. We also tighten the reins on entertainment: instead of going to the movies, we do the blockbuster monthly rental thing; instead of going out to eat at more expensive places like we used to, we go to lower-end restaurants like Fridays, Applebee's, etc... when we do go for dinner. And, instead of heading to the bar to drink- we've become closet drinkers at home. We do all this, too. But, I really prefer it. I'd rather be on my comfy couch eating my own popcorn than at a theatre. I also prefer hanging out at a friends having a few drinks than going to a smokey, loud bar. I get my fill of expensive dinners out when they are paid for by my program. I'm going to my favorite restaurant in town with a nobel prize winner in a couple of weeks! I just found out today. When I'm paying, we go to cheap local mexican restaurants most the time & split chicken fajitas. Yummm. Or we use restaurant.com (google for a 60%-70% off coupon).

Quote: Originally Posted by Saraha There ya go! Gotta get the mood right! Our mood music is anything by ATB (techno). We listened to that CD a lot on a hot vacation. I'm working on composing a new CD for the honeymoon. I really have to work at it to keep things out of a rut too. I'm a rut maker by nature. I don't think it's really easy for anyone to keep things spicy over the years. But, it helps to commit to trying.

I also had an idea yesterday. There are certain songs that remind of of special times that get me in the mood. I plan on making a CD for the honeymoon. I can bust out the honeymoon cd whenever we get back for something to set the mood.

Quote: Originally Posted by LALA I think it helps when you can embrace and laugh at the parts of sex as a grownup that aren't super cool. For example, when DH and I were in college we could lock ourselves in his room for an entire weekend and never leave. You order food, stay naked the whole time, etc. As grownups that doesn't happen. We have to put up a baby gate to keep the dogs out of our room because our master suite is the 3rd floor and there is no door. And then we have to get up and go to the grocery or we'll have no food for the week. And then there is the laundry. How hot is it to say "should we feed the dogs first?" then put up a gate so you can have sex? It's not - but we've learned to laugh about it. I have the same issues as most women. Going off BC has helped for me, even if it's only a placebo. I hated being on the pill so much that I will find any reason to stay off. I have noticed a change though. Also, sometimes you just have to jump him (even if you don't feel like it.) Once you get started and the...ahem...ball is in your court it all falls into place. If you tell youself you are a super hot badass and keep that in your head when to go at it, you will start to believe it. It may be acting at first, but go with it. You are too funny. I agree, fake being a super hot badass & you will start to feel like one. Martha, I think your text idea is great. Mike doesnt have text messaging though. maybe I should get it for him.

I would be mad. I don't get mad about a lot of things people sometimes mind. I could care less that my brother scheduled his wedding 2 months after mine. I am completely happy about it. I don't care when really close friend can't attend my wedding. none of that would piss me off, but your story does. I think what really gets to me is that she doesn't even bother to talk to you about it. Any reason she is so set on an october wedding? Do you think it is just to upstage you?

Do you podcast? I am addicted to them. My absolute favorite is "This American Life". Today, I listened to "All songs considered" & really enjoyed it. I also listen to car talk & simply money. I run through my podcasts so fast. I need some other good suggestions. I listen to them when I'm driving, walking to work & doing repetitive work (which is a huge part of lab work).

neither of those websites worked for finding your font

WhatTheFont : MyFonts

trajan pro?

Identifont - Identify fonts by appearance, find fonts by name I just found this one

I saw a website where you can upload a picture of a font to identify it. Unfortunately I didn't save it. Anyone familiar? Maybe it was on fonts.101??

Quote: Originally Posted by starchild LMAO!! Totally. There are no uncharted hills or rocky river beds to cross over here, this is Los Angeles - things are paved and relatively flat. Feel inadequate much? Lame-asses! Morgan I particularly hate the yellow ones...where we just moved from 2 people in my building had them, complete with the requisite blaring "look at me - that sound is coming from this Hummer" music. Bleh! I hate the yellow ones the most too. There should be a song called "look at me, I drive a hummer" that they can blast as they drive around.

Quote: Originally Posted by starchild I agree Morgan (and you crack me up by the way!). I think nice cars/stuff are fine if it's for you and within your means, like you said, but so many people here do it for the status and that's icky I plan on having a nicer car one day. But not to look cooler. I'd like more comfy seats & a little more size. But, I want to get as much time out of this one as I can. I think it's pretty obvious when people are driving something for status & they just look lame. maybe to some people they look cool & those are the types of people they are trying to attract. Quote: Originally Posted by AnnR whenever i see a guy (well, it's usually a guy) driving around in a Hummer, especially in the burbs or something, i want to ask him if he has a small penis! i mean, really, WHY? There is a yelow hummer in my parking lot (next to all the small, economical cars.) I can't help, but I judge it everytime I walk by.

Quote: Originally Posted by starchild I didn't see it but they need to make that mandatory viewing for people in L.A.! There are a lot of wealthy people here, but also so many that aren't but are defined by material things. To see them driving down the street in their Hummers, Mercedes, etc. you would think they are doing well but follow them home and you'd be surprised...lol Bless her heart, I have a friend who put $20k down on a $85k Mercedes because she is one of those people...the car is sick but she is constantly falling behind on bills because she doesn't feel right without the pricey shoes, purses, etc. To see her on the street you would think she was quite well-off. I call it caviar taste with peanut butter money....lol I love where I live. I toyota prius is a status symbol. I'm proud of my 1999 honda civic with broken windows. I have to open my door each morning to get into my parking garage. But, my technique is so good. I put the card in the swipy thing & slowly let off the gas Oprah said something about a car not being an extension of you, it's just transportation. I totally agree. Nothing wrong with a nice car if you can afford it & want something comfortable to drive. I feel like if someone is buying it for themselves thats fine. But, buying it to impress others just leads to trouble.

Quote: Originally Posted by nueland don't know how the weird face got in there....... I think its from 3 ?s in a row. testing... It's not weird to prefer working with a female. For a BD shot, I know I'd prefer a female.

I have seen some similar clipart. I'll look for it.

me too! We have become a really impatient bunch. Carly started Heidi's farewell thread for her. Now we have rachel's coming back thread going already.

I saw an oprah episode where the couple was having the same problem. So she decided they would have sex every day for a month. It sounded like it jump started her desire & feeling good about herself. Her husband just stood next to her with a stupid grin. Most of the women I know who I'm close enough to disscuss this with have the exact same issue. It's great that you brought it up sarah. Just a warning though- when you give him that book you better be prepared

Quote: Originally Posted by AnnR I know, I feel a tad stupid ... but I'm also not a very observant person in general. Like I have no idea what a gallon of milk costs, or a loaf of bread, for example. I don't pay attention to the cost of gas, because I agree I can't do anything about it. Well, I pay attention that is high now & I do try to limit my driving or carpool more. But, I don't watch it on a regular basis. I just pump & go. I have a honda civic so the gas prices don't have a big effect on me. I tend to notice more with the cost of flying. Actually, airfair rose so fast before most of my guests booked their trips to mexico, so we will have a lot less guests at our wedding. It's fine with me though. I didn't want much over 20 people. I watched the oprah episode that started this topic. I am so glad she is collaborating with Suze & I thought the advice was great. I love what she said to the lady about the possessions not defining you & cars not being an extension of who you are. I think tough times are a good time to evaluate what matters & see the importance of building up an emergency fund.

Quote: Originally Posted by Just Martha Immaculate conception! I am saving myself for my (second) marriage!

Quote: Originally Posted by lambert13 Honestly, if nobody told me we were in a recession, I would never know it. I work for a civil engineering company and for whatever reason we are still as busy as ever with new construction projects. I have as much overtime available as I want and my pay level is pretty good. The housing market scares me a little seeing that Karen and I want to buy a home at some point. Hopefully we can do it when things are a little better. I am really sick and tired of gas prices, food prices and everything else prices going through the roof. I was pumping my $3.50/gal gas the other day remembering how just a few years ago it was around $1.50/gal. Nobody's salary is increasing at that kind of pace. As prices go up our salaries are not catching up. We are effectively losing money because of rampant inflation right now. I can't complain though. We are still on the 'at least two vacations a year' plan and life is good. Isn't this a good time for buyers? Home prices are declining & interest rates keep getting cut.

My mom was going to retire at the end of this school year, but now she is going to wait another year. She is worried about the cost of gas/ groceries getting too high for her fixed retirement income. It really hasn't affected me at all. I've lost some in the stock market, but I am thinking long term so I'm not worried about it. I'm also a renter, so home values aren't really effecting me.

congrats! You didn't wait on getting that ticker!!

where are you finding it $500 cheaper? have you checked if that is pretaxes/ fees?

Quote: Originally Posted by jmill130 Our guests are paying 362.00 per night.... some have booked, some have not... I can't get anyone to answer my calls.... I am so angry! I know the value of a TA, but mine has been in meetings... I call and someone says call back in 30 minutes, I do and she's still in a meeting! There is a $500.00 differnece! I don't know how to explain this to my guests! If she would answer the phone they would have booked by now and not be looking on line... HELP! is it too late to switch TAs?