Jewels

Absolutely precious! You can never have too many cute puppy pictures. TPM Sister #102

I don't really think it's sustainable over the long-term to try to pretend you like something that you don't. I agree--go to a sushi place if your SO likes sushi, and then find something you can eat on the menu. I just don't see the point in pretending you like something you really don't like. Even if you pretend that it's something in common, it isn't really something in common. Eventually, pretending to be someone that you're not catches up with you. I think it's a lot easier if everyone just acts like themselves from the beginning. TPM Sister #102

I really respect this. Being old enough to jump without their permission doesn't necessarily mean it's the right thing to do when you know it's something they would object to. Educating yourself and your parents about the sport is a good beginning, as is a field trip to the dz for observation. As you get more independence, this will be less of an issue. For now, I think it's to your credit that you're trying to work with them instead of around them. I think that actually shows a lot more maturity than some of the people who come online and are just determined to jump at all costs, parental approval and everything else aside. TPM Sister #102

Very cool! I'm impressed.

Congrats! Little scary, but still . . . . TPM Sister #102

You have a much higher tolerance for risk than I would have. You'd make a great developer! Even acknowledging that I'm more risk averse than you are, you're taking a big gamble on something that you have a strong passion for after just a few dates. It's fine to be excited about what you're doing, but keep in mind that you can end up with consequences you have to live with over the long-term. Not paying the mortgage for the sake of getting through AFF is a pretty big step. If you want to get a roommate to help pay the bills, great! I'd just suggest getting the roommate first. I don't know how you plan to use your real estate finance degree, but if you're working on the LENDER'S side of a transaction, they're going to want to know the source of funds for repayment before they ever make a loan. You're making the loan to yourself before getting a payment plan in place. Figure out how to make it work first, then take the gamble. My guess is that you'll get more out of it in the end if you slow down and don't risk everything to get there. TPM Sister #102

Nahhh, saying thanks is always good, even if it's quiet on the other end! What matters is that you and your son had a good time. And I think the beer rules are flexible enough that you can impose them at the tunnel as well! TPM Sister #102

First Billy's ants, now THIS! TPM Sister #102

You can play with these: http://www.switched.com/2008/09/17/top-25-optical-illusions-on-the-web/?icid=100214839x1209299280x1200572835 True, it won't last all day, but it's something to do!

Awww, that's pretty precious! Well, unless you ever want to go outside again, that is! TPM Sister #102

Poor baby! I'm glad it's in your hands. Must be relieved to be safe, wiith someone who is taking good care of it. TPM Sister #102

GOOD LUCK! I wish you all the best! That's an honor to be broken . . . right? TPM Sister #102

You're SO helpful! TPM Sister #102

That's the one I was going to suggest! Weird, most definitely. You need an off-kilter sense of humor and a stomach for some violence, but it's good . . . in a bizarre sort of way! TPM Sister #102

Ditto! I'll bet some family is heartsick that their new kitten has gone missing. That's great to hear that you have a vet visit on the agenda, though! Good care from start to finish! TPM Sister #102

Doesn't have to be a farm! Just so they have room to move, and it sounds like you have plenty. Give them lots of tummy rubs and treats.

That's terrific! What IS the Expert Field Medical Championship? TPM Sister #102

They sound adorable! It would be nice to have two, but how much room do you have? TPM Sister #102

Very true, but it's even harder to collect if you don't get the judgment first! Gotta start somewhere. . . . TPM Sister #102

NICE LITIGATING! Way to go! TPM Sister #102

I loved the penguin! GO MARIO!

Good luck to ALL y'all down the there! Hang tight! TPM Sister #102

I agree, on both counts! I very much appreciate the rescuers who go out to help others in need, but I also understand the frustration. It's one thing to rescue people who get caught in a bad situation through no making of their own; it's another to have to go rescue someone because they had the chance to leave and turned it down. Taking a gamble when something happens suddenly and you don't know what may happen next is one thing, but this situation has been forming for several days and all indicators have been pointing towards landfall along the TX coast for quite a while. TPM Sister #102

I'm not there, but Weather Underground doesn't make it sound like it's too bad yet. www.wunderground.com There's also this: http://houstonhidefromthewind.org/ TPM Sister #102

I have relatives in Missouri City, who said today that the worst of it so far is that they have some very unhappy hummingbirds. They had to take the feeder down so it doesn't become a flying projectile. Otherwise, they are boarded up, have supplies on hand, and went to the library so they'd have some books to read when they get bored. Edited to add: John, I understand that drinking water actually CAN go bad--be careful! TPM Sister #102