My baby brother and sister-in-law are about to "inherit" a bunch of stuff! I spoke with Steph about some of the extras I have around here and what she needs -- so needless to say, some of it is "spoken" for. I've been collecting Christmas ornaments for the past 7 years (which is really funny since I haven't put up a tree since 1990) and have convinced her to let me pawn that stuff off on her since she does go all out during the holidays. I do have a collection of Swarovski crystal ornaments (2 of each year from 1995 til the present) which is worth over $3K. She's excited about getting her hands on those and the Lenox ornaments that will decorate an expensively pretty tree! I didn't make it to the Montgomery dinner last night -- even if I had wanted to, my boss kept me at wor****il 9:40 last night finishing up some loan closing documents for some clients that are flying back out to Phoenix this morning. I would have really been kicking and screaming had you been able to make it down! Raising a toast to you at clearing out "junk" -- wishing you the best of luck on that endeavor since you can quit anytime you get sick of weeding! Love ya woman -- and thanks for the IM yesterday. I really need to get "in touch" with my roots here! I posted on Sunday (my 2 year anniversary) on the new WLS Grads board - but with the "Nil Carborundum" name change -- no one knows me! Let me know when you're going to a function -- I would love to meet you! T.

Hey Traci, Love, that's what we've been trying to do! LOL...but it does require you checking the board occasionally... I'm just teasing you hon! We do love you! Talking about too much stuff...right after school got out this year, I decided that it was time to start weeding out some of the stuff here. When Mike and I moved in together 4 1/2 years ago, we both had places of our own so we put two households worth of "stuff" together. A LOT of my stuff I let go when I sold my trailer...I sold it partially furnished...and then threw a lot of stuff away before moving. You never realize really just how much stuff you have until you move. Because of the work that we're getting ready to have done here at the house, there's too much stuff and part of it needs to go. So I've been working on trying to simplify our lives. It started in the kitchen where I took out every plastic bowl and lid that I have...matched them up...and threw out all the extras, plus all the little decorator tins that I was keeping for "just in case" things at Christmas. I had used most of them last year when I baked goodies for family. THe process has moved through the kitchen cabinets, junk drawers, and as I've mentioned before now its in the computer room...I think I'm about to start in my closet too...it is out of control and I probably wear about 20 things in it regularly. Anyway...in a rambling mood...hope everyone has a great day! I'm going to paint some samples on my walls where I can make a decision about color...I'm leaning toward Urban Putty from Sherwin Williams with an extra white trim. Love, Becky

I think it all depends on the person. I have continued sex with men I was having problems with...if I wanted to. I have also stopped having sex if I felt the situation merited it. I stopped having sex with my second husband for several months before I left him because he was so repulsive and he didn't give a flip about my needs in the bedroom anyway, so I couldn't stand for him to touch me. I have used sex in situations where we were having troubles and I thought it would help. Sometimes sex can help a situation. I have a friend who was in a very bad marriage, but their sex life was great, so it helped for them to have sex. It didn't save the marriage though, but it helped it while it was on. When I sold sex toys, I was called a "personal sex consultant" so have counselled a lot of people in the area, but it all boils down to what you want to do. If you don't want to have sex...don't. If you do want to have sex...go for it. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. And don't have sex because you feel obligated to. On the other hand, if you don't want to have sex, and you start having it, you sometimes decide you really want to and then you're glad you did. The only advice I would truly stress is...if someone is treating you with disrespect, they don't deserve your lovin'. If someone is going to treat me with disrespect, they can danged well leave a $100 bill by the door when they go. Disrespect is okay if you are completely in tune with the person and you want to role-play and be disrespectful, but if they are treating you badly out of the bedroom, they don't deserve you in the bedroom. That's just my own personal opinion, which may or may not be worth much. All I know is if Pam ever treats you badly, we are all coming to your house and kicking her a$$. Love you, Joni

I've seen those pods. They do seem like a dream come true! I think we are all dealing with the "too much stuff syndrome." I am trying to clear out stuff all the time, and I don't often get any new stuff, but it still seems to accumulate. I am so excited about getting approved for WLS. I am hoping it will improve my health enough where I can really and truly get busy with this clearing out of stuff. I love to study feng shui and one of the main things is GET RID OF CLUTTER. I'm trying. It's always nice to add good clutter though. Beth G sent me some awesome shells and beautiful polished stones this week and it just thrilled me to no end. (Thanks Beth!) I always think shells and stones contribute to good chi. I think a whole new wardrobe in size 12 would contribute to good chi around here too. It won't be long now. Every time I move, I say I'm going to throw everything away and buy new stuff when I get there, but I always seem to schlep everything around with me. Although I did leave a lot of stuff in my house in Florida. Since most of my stuff comes from yard sales and thrift stores, if I sold all my stuff for $100 and then took $100 and bought new stuff, I might actually come out ahead. Enjoy your clearing out of stuff. There is such a RELEASE in giving things away. By the way, we don't think you suck. We think you're awesome! Love you, Joni

Man, what a mess! Dealing with elderly parents is so stressful, especially when they won't do what you suggest. I am sending all good thoughts your way. It's gonna be a rough road for all involved. I am so sorry this happened and even sorrier that he didn't go to the ER immediately when you told him to. I love you, Joni