mmg19

Only math 6-8 and it is based on test scores, IQ, and teacher recommendations. I'm on a learning curve in teaching middle school students. Too inexperienced to offer much reliable input but my mentor teacher gave me great advice that has proven helpful. Plan for 60 minutes of class work for the 45 minute period. Set expectations at the highest level and make modifications as needed.

Thank you klim, Trying, and Virgo for the responses. I think I'm going to like moving from friend zone to the courting zone. Flowers were delivered when I got in from school last night. My boys were excited about the flowers and said " I think he likes you more than a friend".

Frequently I hear this comment ? He is so sexy? and then proceed with an explanation. Most of which are reminiscent of high school, college, before marriage remarks. My NG is the epitome of sexy to me and just wanted to share what appeals to me. 1.He can stand at sink washing the pots and pans and be comfortable discussing a business transaction that was particularly challenging that week. 2.He knows how to set a table and prepare a seafood dinner from scratch. 3.He respects, appreciates, and compliments my parenting and work ethic. 4.He genuinely enjoys his parents, my parents, and yet is extremely his own person. 5.His integrity, honesty, and values match what I want my boys to see in a male role model. Since we both loss our spouses within months of each other and started out as friends with a common bond, we have moved slowly without expectations of intimacy or commitment. We were introduced by mutual friends(widow 12 months at that time) and neither of us were ready to date or be in a relationship. It's been 9 months since we have become exclusive friends and we are talking about more than the friend zone. It will be 2 years for both of us soon. Don't know where this will lead but I do know that this man has sex appeal. This probably will not make sense to those of you much younger but I am 46 and NG is 55.

My internal clock doesn't reset very easily. So I'll be up early for the next few days. Family will appreciate the extras for breakfast Sunday morning. Sorry I sound so boring. Started to say I would just dance an extra hour tonight but who would believe it!!!!!

Maureen you are such an asset to this board. Your motivation, compassion, inspiration, and honesty have touched me and others in so many ways. As different as our circumstances, the thread of grief is common to each of us. ((Hugs))

Thanks to all who shared. One shoe certainly doesn't fit all and each of you find successes in different ways. Being around this age group all day and seeing the influence of today's culture overwhelms me and erodes my confidence to do this alone. 2nd mantra same as the 1st?I can do this?. I admit most of my fears are unfounded. Their academics are solid and the boys are responsible at home and at school. The window I have to be influential in their ability to make good life choices and decisions is only 6 more years and maybe my greatest fear is ?me?. I need to be more grateful for the backup support I have with two sets of grandparents who have been there for us. Thinking that maybe it's my hormones at 46 that are in need of tweeking and they are right on schedule.

You are doing the right thing but that doesn't mean it makes you feel good. Keep a line of communication open so she knows she can count on you when she gets her stuff together. I can only imagine how difficult this must be while waiting on the maturity to show up. Let her work the pizza shop a little longer. So called friends have a way of disappearing when they have to carry her. Hopefully she'll get the "light bulb turned on" before the next semester. Good Luck and ((Hugs)) to you for standing firm.

I must say I was not prepared or expecting this change in family dynamics. My 12 and 14 year old boys have become the most interesting conversationalists. I've consumed myself with worry about their not having a father to confide in, ask questions, discuss concerns, etc. I'm not so naive to think this can not change on a moment's notice; but our talks, working together around the house, discussing their latest social questions has been new to parenting and I'm enjoying it. Yes, I need and miss their father's wisdom and support as I navigate the teen years. He didn't read the child rearing books but his method was based on respect and common sense. For those of you raising boys how are they doing? So far they like their friends meeting me and coming to the house. Just Sunday afternoon thoughts and my trusted friends all have girls and are dealing with issues I've never faced. My Mom says my brothers were much lower maintenance than me.

I'd vote to get rid of Like button. Impersonal, shades of facebook, and stops any thought of a comment. Although sometimes it does serve the purpose of showing a presence, I think just a short comment is preferable. A pet peeve of mine is receiving Happy Birthday wishes on facebook and not a comment, short message, card in mail, phone call, etc. If they passed me on the street probably wouldn't say Happy Birthday and most likely wouldn't recognize me.

((Hugs)) I want so much to have an answer that would produce a solution and make everything good. Of course, I don't. As a Mom you will always love and hurt for your child. Sadly, the addict is not capable of feeling your pain and thinking rationally. Counseling may or may not help you but it will give you another ear and hopefully some good advice. Bluebrid has had experience and good advice. We all know addiction has no boundaraies and unfortunately only the addict can be the one to help himself. Your compassion, parenting, and work ethic as you've shared with the board far exceeds the norm. I believe the God's promises to never leave us and will be praying for comfort, strength, and needed help to be with you.

Wow. Does this resonate with me. I couldn't put it into words but when I saw this it was exactly what I've been feeling. The best of times with LH were being together doing nothing. That is what is missing in my life and I didn't pick up on it. Friends, NG, and coworkers always have an agenda. Things to see, places to go, lots of socializing. Nothing wrong with that but now I am seeing the peace and contentment that came from a week-end with no plans, just both of us working on home projects and getting caught up on the mundane work necessary around the house. Neither of us had to be entertained to enjoy our time together. Didn't need a party with friends, dinner out, a trip so we could have something to talk about, etc. to feel the love and comfort of doing what would appear to be ?nothing?. I'm going to call my closest friend to come over next Saturday so we can do nothing. She gets it and I miss a nothing day.

When I went from working part time to working full time after becoming a widow, the house and cleaning started causing me stress. Best thing for me was to become a minimalist. Less is better with clothes, toys, gadgets, etc. We all have some area that creates anxiety and for me it is closets and cabinets. I have found myself getting up to clean kitchen sink because seeing it in the morning is harder to cope. I tell myself the house is clean with a bit of organized clutter. Works for me.

Congratulations to your son and you. My LH always said golf is the sport that teaches life lessons.

The caring heart and survivor strength of an amazing woman brought on the tears. You have accomplished so much and have remained honest, humble, and true to yourself. No nastiness or meanness in your soul. Sending you cyber hugs and please know you are inspirational, character inspiring, and an amazing mother and woman.

This is a difficult situation for you. Reading your post brought thoughts to my mind. Just as recovery is a process so is forgiveness. Perhaps her admitting and facing her actions, behaviors, and addiction as well as wanting your forgiveness is part of her recovery. Your emotions speak from your heart and are part of your recovery in forgiving. Building back the trust will take time and precautions on your part if you want to resume the relationship on any level. How far you want to go with the relationship is entirely up to you. I believe in forgiveness and the peace that comes with it. Recognize also that she is harboring a lot of guilt and consequences of her bad choices and maybe trying to make positive changes in her recovery. Your relationship with her has a long history and maybe it can be salvaged and maybe not. Either way forgiveness on your part will be good for your healing and moving forward. ((Hugs))

I love good news and this is the best of the best.

Thank you Mike for your response. Nuff said.

Glad you like teaching SB. So relate to the tired exhausted feeling. Friday's are always a welcome bringing on some time to re-energize. I can't imagine walking in cold following another sub and keeping your head above water.

Weekend Goals Get boys winter clothes out of bins and check to see what is usable this year Sort and bag to discard, give away, and still fits Summer clothes sorted, cleaned, and same process as winter clothes.

Great news!! Best decision I ever made was to begin my new career path in teaching this year at 45. Congrats.

Good topic for many of us facing debt, budgeting, and a change in lifestyle. Have you set a goal or timeframe to pay off your home equity loan? It sounds as if you are not facing the same scenario I was when the debt incurred while DH was ill and I was left to pay it. Sticking to a budget can be challenging unless you have tracked all your expenses and spending for at least a month. If you are trying to pay off debt it is imperative that you hold yourself accountable to every expenditure. Dave Ramsey's website and tools helped me immensely. Accepting that expenses must be less than income forced me to slash expenses and held me accountable. Some things that have worked for me were drastic in eliminating credit card debt but also enabled me to fund an emergency fund and fund a ROTH IRA. 1.One credit card used for gas only and paid in full each month. 2.No coffee, tea, water, or fast food purchased on the run. 3.Keep small cooler in car and use it. Buy a thermos for coffee. 4.Pack lunch. 5.Plan weekly menus and stick to grocery list. 6.Use cash envelope for groceries. If I run short on cash, it's time for creative meals of leftovers. 7.Emergency Fund is a line item along with ROTH IRA. Start small and adjust after debt is paid. 8.Wants are not part of budget. If important save for said want. 9.Cable, utilities, and entertainment can be reduced with no effect on health and happiness. 10.Check bank statement, credit card statement, and utility usage monthly. Waste, negligence, and errors are found immediately. 11.No impulse purchases. Nothing is a good deal if you don't have the money. 12.Don't wait to see if you have extra to pay on debt. Put it in budget and commit to the goal. The eye opener in making a budget work is tracking what and where you are spending for one month. I was shocked to find I had nothing to show for all the times I broke a $20 and 2 days later cashed another for coffee. It took 14 months to pay off $11,000 credit card debt. But when I see how much was saved on what I was paying in interest it made be a believer of specific budgeting. Our family dynamics are all different and for my family I have 2 boys who have learned the basics of money and hopefully financially responsibility.

I've paid to get things done that I would have never paid for. I've cut the budget to bare bones and it was the best thing I ever did to use the money to pay someone and it is done right.

Glad Rick is looking out for you. Also happy you had a plumber check things out. Nothing worse than water damage that is behind walls or not visible. At least the powder room leak is visible and just annoying. When I put my house on the market last spring, the inspectors were very thorough about water leaks. DH was a stickler for keeping plumbing and roof in good condition. Never allowed carpet in bathrooms. I'm impressed with how you've stayed on top of the house and yard maintenance. DH left me a folder with plumber, electrician, handyman phone numbers and fortunately in the 1.5 years I lived in the house they were not needed.

Congrats to you and your daughter on making it to this milestone in her goals. I don't have words of wisdom but I feel the pain you are feeling. You will rationalize all the reasons she does not call or e-mail and probably a little truth in each rationalization BUT I still remember my Mom saying "I expect a call" "I expect calls to be returned" "I expect you to help me adjust to your leaving home for college" and if you're not mature enough to do this, I'm immature enough to show up at the dorm knocking. We laugh about it 25 years later but the closer my kids come to leaving for college the more I understand exactly what she was going through. It is hard to not share in this day of instant communication. When she needs something you will hear immediately. ((Hugs))

Sex is just one of the pieces in a committed relationship. In my marriage it was not the frequency, duration, or sex toys but the intimacy and making love which involved a lot more than a physical romp in the hay. For me sex doesn't lead to happiness in a relationship but trust, honesty, shared values, and love sure can lead to sex and happiness.