Welcome to Summer vacations

The Ideas For Kids Summer Vacations Page

Latest Ideas For Kids Summer Vacations News

Oblivious out there - The Chronicle Herald

LAST WEEK I stopped at a crosswalk and let a young mother push her daughter across the street in a stroller. The toddler, about two years old, had her eyes glued to a small portable video player. Who cares how crosswalks work, what a traffic light ...

Modern Family 's Ty Burrell Has a Dirty, Hairy Secret! - Entertainment Online

Just one more reason to love Modern Family, which (hooray!) returns tonight on ABC: Some of the stuff that happens on the show is real. First, we learned that Eric Stonestreet (Cam) actually was Fizbo the Clown as a kid. And now, you'll never guess ...

Bulletin board - March 4 - Abington Mariner

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School’s Practical Nurse Program will administer the required entrance exam on the following dates: Saturday, March 6 - registration deadline is March 1. The entrance examination will be administered at Upper Cape ...

Keeping Up With Old Friends - Wall Street Journal

NJ Mom: 2 weeks ago my cousin told me he found pictures of his old girlfriend (who was a friend of mine in high school more than 20 years ago) by searching a friends’ wall comments. He clicked on a comment and found the pictures of her with her 3 ...

Emotional rescue - Asbury Park Press

WEST LONG BRANCH — Chanel Gomez doesn't do pity. Having emerged from an environment designed to tear her down, she speaks in confident, almost defiant tones. And in spite of all her dark brown eyes have witnessed, her vision for a brighter future ...

The Delectably 'True Confections' Of A Chocoholic - NPR News

Alice Tatnall Ziplinsky, the antiheroine and narrator of Katharine Weber's wickedly funny new novel, True Confections, has a voice so incisive and tart that as soon as I finished reading the book I started at the beginning and read the entire thing ...

New Times / - New Times

Only recruit the county’s most talented artists—those bored by landscapes, uninspired by the mundane, eager to liberate art from the customary shackles of stage and gallery. I began by sending a barrage of e-mails to anyone I thought might fit ...

Embark on a holiday adventure with kids - Vancouver Sun

Family vacations have become much more sophisticated than simply packing up the station wagon for a trip to cottage country. Today, the only limitations to travelling with children are your budget and imagination, as more destinations incorporate ...

Books and Movies - Seattle Post Intelligencer

Since I have already outed myself as someone who plays silly games with their horse, this post will come as no surprise. If you have tried to find toys for animals (or humans), you know that most of them are only really interesting for a short while ...

Families bring their cultures to Northern Michigan - Petoskey News-Review

Starting a new business in Northern Michigan can be challenging even for natives of the state. Add to this equation language barriers, relocating your family to an unknown area and starting a business offering new concepts to this community and the ...

Open Question: Does my civilian spouse have a chance at keeping the ex from moving to another duty station with the kids?

My spouse's ex-spouse just married an active duty soldier. We just discovered that they may be re-locating to another duty station in approx 6 months. My spouse and the ex have 2 teenage children together and they have joint custody, but the ex-spouse has physical custody. Their visitation agreement provides that the kids spend time with us during their extended school vacations (Winter, Spring, and Summer). Occasionally they spend 3-day weekends with us as well. The kids have expressed their desire to spend more time with us, but the ex-spouse is often disagreeable to that idea. We live approx 1.5 hours away from the kids and in a different state. Currently, my spouse is primarily responsible for all transportation of the children during visitation and that would be difficult to accomplish if they moved away. We are able to provide a loving and stable environment. The ex-spouse has moved every other year for the past 8 years. The kids are currently 15 and 13 and they can't even remember their own address. The ex-spouse also has another 7 year old child with another civilian. The ex previously told us that they (ex and current spouse) would try and stay at their current duty station, but we don't feel there was any good faith behind that statement. Overall, the ex is a decent parent, but there have been many times where my spouse has been called to smooth things over with the kids. Both of the kids have expressed their desire to live with us, but they change their tune when they speak with the ex. I believe they are afraid to upset either of their parents and don't want to have to choose between them. They'd rather the adults fight everything out and just be told what to do that way they know they didn't hurt anyone's feelings. According to state law, the ex is required to petition the court for a modification. Does my spouse have a fighting chance at opposing the petition for modification, if one is even filed, and winning? Or is this a losing battle from the getgo? Bottom line...My spouse wants to be able to tell the children that we fought for them. I agree, but at the same time I have my doubts as I don't want to subject the children to a huge custody battle. Personally, I think I'd want to know that my father or mother at least tried to keep me in his/her life. But then again, I've never been put in this type of situation so I'm not sure either way. Any advise would be very helpful.I'm here on behalf of my spouse as he does not know what to do and he does not use the internet. I'm being supportive of my spouse and his current situation. He's been in court before regarding a similar situation with his ex and he was able to stop her from leaving once, but the difference now is that she's married. I never showed up to the court house or even talked to the kids about this stuff. I leave it to the two of them to work things out. However, if my spouse asks me for advice, I do my best to help him. In this instance, I didn't know what to do. I was clearly conflicted and that's why I came here to seek out some advice, not to be attacked. However, I can respect that this is a public board and everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. Am I supposed to just tell my spouse that he needs to work it out on his own and to leave me out of it? If so, I can do that, but only if I think it'll be truly beneficial to him to do so. more

Open Question: Am I wrong or is my mother wrong?

I'm 16 years old and live in Ohio, along with my five best friends. We've all been friends forever and all of our parents know each other and all of us. We're all really good kids: we get great grades, we don't drink, smoke, or do anything bad. We were all talking and we said we want to go on a vacation together, just us six. We decided we want to go to Fort Lauderdale, Florida this summer. We want to earn the money to go ourselves, so our parents don't have to pay for any part of it. We'd fly there, get a taxi to our hotel, get a nice suite that we could all stay in (or two separate rooms if needed) stay for 5-7 days, get a taxi to the airport, and fly back home. My mom said absolutely not and if we want to go then we can wait until it's the summer after our senior year and a parent would have to go with us. She said that we aren't old enough to travel by ourselves. And maybe when we're seniors all the parents can go along too, but for now, no. She also said that most parents wouldn't let their kids do this. I say that who knows if I will still have the same friends? or, what if nobody wants to do it by then? and plus we'll probably be saving up more for college then, so we won't want to spend our money on that. and that would defeat the purpose of us going on our own and earning it all ourselves. Plus, once one parent wants to go, the whole family wants to go. when one family goes, all want to go and then its just to much and the whole idea is shot. Give your honest opinion. Thanks. more

Resolved Question: Which plot idea should I begin writing?

I have three different ideas and I'm not sure which one I want to write. Sometimes in these situations, you have an urge to write one more than the other but I have a lot of ideas for all of them and would be happy writing any of them: 1) Fantasy: Twin girls find out that they are from a family of witches. One twin is perfect and the other is always in trouble. Their grandmother (a witch) tells them that there will always be a good witch and a bad witch when it comes to a set of twins. The story is from the twin who is always in trouble and the story makes it seem like she is the bad witch, but it turns out that she is the good one and has to stop her sister from practically destroying the earth. 2) Fantasy/Adventure: A boy has always grown up with his mother and they've never had much. He doesn't know anything about his father. The boy is a bit of an outsider and always has his head in the clouds. One day, a new kid starts at school and starts acting as if he knows him. After some strange events, his mother explains that when she was in her twenties, she was travelling when she accidentally fell through a portal, taking her to a completely new world and she ended up falling in love with a guy. They became a couple but she got pregnant. They stayed together and planned to marry but the guy was also a prince and when a huge war started, he sent her home so that the baby would be safe. With the help of the new kid from school, who is a witch from the other world, he travels there and they go an adventure to find his father. They encounter vampires (ones who don't sparkle and who do actually kill in cold-blood), werewolves, witches, dragon riders, rebellion groups, etc, etc. 3) Romance: A boy goes on vacation/holiday to a campsite but meets a traveller girl who is camping nearby. They end up having a huge summer romance when she tells him that the group are moving on and they probably won't see each other again. Not wanting this, the boy sneaks along with them, running away from his parents. It is mainly how they fall deeper in love but also try to keep it a secret that his parents don't know he is there and all the hardships, etc. Obviously, these are only brief summary plots, so there is more than is told there but from what I've given you, what do you think I should write?To the first person who commented, I agree with number three but I have never seen/read number 1 and 2, so that's just bad luck. more

Voting Question: Ideas for a family vacation?

We are planning to go on a vacation this summer, but we have no idea where to go. There will be 2 adults and 4 kids. The kids are 1, 4, 8, and 10. We are from Nebraska, and we are having a hard time trying to figure out where to take the kids for a fun vacation. We have thought about going camping, or going to a theme park and just spending time together. If you have any ideas on where to go or any recommendations, that would be great! We really don't get out much, and I know there is soo much to do! We are very adventurous when we are giving the opportunity. It's just something we haven't really had a chance to do. Any cabin ideas or get aways?! more

Resolved Question: Where should my family and I go for a vacation?

Okay, so, sometime this summer, my husband and I want to bring our kids on a family vacation. We want to go somewhere fun, warm, and beachy. We live in California, and were thinking San Diego, North Carolina, or Florida. Not Hawaii, we have decided to go there next year, when the quads are 6. Don't worry about money saving, we are fine. Please suggest some great places, and give some house ideas that we could rent at. Just leave the site and I will look. Thanks! P.S: We have quads that will be 5, and twins that will be 9. more

Resolved Question: what should a 13 year old do this summer?

i am 13 and usually i would want to make money but i want to go to camp, so what should i do this summer? I want to go on vacation with family and go to my aunts in PA for a few weeks and sleepaway camp and maybe an acting camp for beginners, but my mom said the budget for camps and stuff this summer is $2,000 for each kid, so what should i do? If you have a camp send me the link please! and if you have a cheap vacation for like costa rica or something send me the link i just need ideas and stuff because the past two summers were horrible, so please help! thanks xo more

Voting Question: where can we go on vacation this summer within 150 miles of NY?

Hi, my family and I really need to get away on a relaxing trip this summer. My husband has been battling cancer over the past year and is currently in remission. Needless to say, we've been under a lot of stress. We live on long island, NY and would like to plan a simple getaway as soon as school is out for our 9 yr old daughter. We can't spend a fortune but we're looking to drive somewhere...I'd say 2 hours or so. We just want a nice hotel, a beach would be great, a pool and a kid friendly environment...maybe an area where there are fun things for kids but nothing too exhausting like a theme park...We just need a quiet place to relax that would be fun for our daughter (she's 9) Any ideas? We were thinking Connecticut but not too familiar with what's there. I'd love some input on what we can do that isn't too much of a drive. Thanks so much...looking forward to your advice. more

Voting Question: Where should we go on vacation this year?

We are a family of 5. Three kids 11, 7, and 3. We are looking for ideas on where to travel to this summer. We live in NY but are willing to travel *probably up to about 8 hours or so* We've been to disney world, hershey park, RI beach, SC beach and attractions, lake george, NY, Virginia (bush gardens)... We like to camp, we like the beach, love aquariums and zoos, and like amusement parks. So, where should we go? more

Resolved Question: Other then making school longer how could we make kids in the US smarter?

in class we need to write about what we think of Obama's thought of making school longer by more days and/or time per days. (you can read about it here http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/27/obama-proposes-longer-school-day-shorter-summer-vacation/ ) i am against it! i need to think of three things and have a good resource to back it up. i already know what to do for the first one (that its not right because all those other smarter countries like china, japan, ect have less overall school hours then we do "Kids in the U.S. spend more hours in school (1,146 instructional hours per year) than do kids in the Asian countries that persistently outscore the U.S. on math and science tests -- Singapore (903), Taiwan (1,050), Japan (1,005) and Hong Kong (1,013). That is despite the fact that Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong have longer school years (190 to 201 days) than does the U.S. (180 days).") so please help me think of any other idea that i could find a good link to on the internet (no blogs or opinion must be fact) thank you :) more

Voting Question: Should I risk loosing a decent marriage for the LOVE of my life?!? (A lot to read but I need the advice)?

My husband and I married 3 months after I found out I was pregnant. We had been dating just over a year when we found out and although my gut told me not to take that step (marriage) he was in the States on a student visa and suggested that it would be a good idea that way he could become a resident and we could be a family. As sweet as he was about the whole thing, I knew even then, as much as I did love him, I wasn't IN LOVE with him. The truth was, and still is...I'm in love with my "first love." We grew up together, both our mothers were single parents putting their kids through private school and who happened to live blocks away and so our families often did things together and go places during summer vacation or just to get out of town on the weekends. Even now, almost 20 yrs later, I can remember being 7 yrs old and just praying that someday I would marry him. As we all got older, our families slowly grew a part. I would occassionally run into him in the halls of our high school or random places in our town. We would say hi, have a small chat, and that would be it, but to me, it meant so much more. He knew our chats meant more to me, but he was too nice to say anything about that. He knew I had a thing for him, but never made a move. About 5 yrs later during my sophomore yr of college, out of the blue, he contacted me. He was going to be in town (he had served about 3 yrs in Iraq at the time) and he wanted to "hang out." I had a boyfriend of 4 weeks at the time (who ended up being my husband) but I met with him anyway. I wasn't the only person invited, but that didn't bother me. After taking a few shots of whatever the bartender gave me, I got the nerve to call him over. It was like a scene out of a movie, we looked into each others eyes, and knew what we wanted. I grabbed for him and he pulled me in. We didn't care that we're in middle of bathroom of a resturant. We didn't care that people were walking past us. When we finally pulled away, we both realized and admitted that we were involved with other people. I could of told him that long before I kissed him (and I did) by the quarter sized hicky he had on his neck. He said he cared about me but that since he was still on active duty, he would be in town for long and that he didn't want to be in a serious relationship. I didn't care what he had to say. I had finally kissed him. Later that night I spent the night at my boyfriends, and while in his arms, HE called me, more drunk then when I left him, wanting to know if I made it home ok. I whispered not to wake my guy up, worried that he would hear or catch on to what happened. I couldn't stop smiling though. A week later, while at a Fraternity party, I received a text from HIM, all it said was "I love you." I called him right away, he was drunk and I could hear a girls laugh and voices in the background. He was at a bar, possibly with the girl who gave him that hickey, but I didn't care, he told me he loved me, even if he "drunk texted." He told me he loved me, that he cared for me for as long as I cared for him but that he was afraid. He said that while in Iraq he carried a photo of us his mother took on the day of his "Bon Voyage" party before he was deployed. I told him exactly how I felt, and for how long I felt the way I did. He said if I were to break up with my boyfriend, he would leave his girlfriend, and we could be together. That converastion was everything I ever wanted to hear him say, and the one thing he asked me to do, I didn't do it. I don't know why, I still don't know why. Weeks later we talked and agreed that it WOULD be best that for the time being, we didn't take a chance on our love. That the timing of things wasn't right since he would be leaving again soon. The next time I would talk to him would be almost 14 months later at my wedding. Ironically we arrived at the church at the same time. He came up to me and we hugged. He dressed in a suit that almost made him look like the groom, and for the rest of that day until now, I wish he had been. While getting ready in the bridal room, I looked on to see him and I so badly wanted to slip him a note reading "I still love you. Runaway with me." Had he slipped me a note like that, I would have. I can honestly say I would have. When I said my vows, I thought of him. When we kissed as husband and wife, I thought of him. And when we shared our first dance, I though of him. The song was acutally meant for him, "A Love That Will Last." I cried while dancing to it-I was so angry that I had let it gone this far. I hadn't seen HIM since my wedding day. And actually about 8 months after my wedding I was told he was engaged. And recently, after finding him on Facebook, I've noticed he's still engaged, over a year later. I requested his friendship and within 24 hours he accepted it. It's been weeks since, and neither of us have contacted the other, no comments on each others page, no messages, no more

Resolved Question: Love Story, what does it seem like? maybe it can be inspirational?

I met this girl, freshman year of high school. She was in my biology class and she had said hi from a few seats away. I said "hi" back but as i remember it now, it was in a rude-ish way. I was busy and i wasnt in the talking mood. She was the most beautiful girl i have ever seen. What i found out now today is that she said hi because a friend of hers said she couldnt make a new friend, since it was the starting days of freshman year, new kids. It happened to be me. i remember after that, we had talked so much, at least 5 thousand texts a month, both of us doing sports. Shes an amazing student and im just a good one. We had started dating on 9/26/08. I remember it took us a while for our first kiss. She had one boyfriend before this and they had a cheek kiss. Nothing big. On 10/13/08 i had kissed her. The night before she told me that she had a surprise for me. and sent me a text that was " :* " obviosly, thats a kiss in text language. the next day, we were walking in the hallway alone and she said that she had forgotten her surprise at home. i was so worried that she didnt want to kiss me. I told her that i left mine outside. We walked outside and i asked her if i could kiss her, when she said yes, i gave her a little peck on the lips. At least 3 months, maybe 4 after that, we had talked about being together forever. I was 15, she was 14. Everything was perfect. Until i found out she was not allowed to date. We had hung out once in 5 months, outside of school. i had no idea at all. well i guess one of her family friends was mad that my girlfriend, wasnt hanging out with her. her friend claims that my girlfriend had ditched her, for me. well her "friend" told my girlfriends parents about me. My world came crashing down. The one girl that i care about couldnt be with me. At the beginning of summer, my girlfriend had her texting taken away. Which was the main way of communication between us. We could only call when she wasnt near anyone else, so she wouldnt get in trouble. we would go on the computer occaisionally and we would also call each other. We had some difficult times, because we never saw each other, and we barely would talk. That was over the 3 month period of summer vacation. So we came back to school, and everything was perfect again. Its just we couldnt be caught walking or talking together, by her family friends or her brother. so we found different class periods that we could walk together, and talk. its been almost a year, and the most we have done is kiss. I'm not the type of guy who pressures. I just want to be with my best friend. I just need to have my best friend with me to talk to and to support me. I do the same for her. We talked as much as we could on the computer. We even set up times so we could talk. Well, for christmas of '09, i bought her a phone. Just a go-phone, and i bought unlimited texting for it. I work a lot so its nothing that i cant handle. By this point, I am 16, and she turned 15 over the summer vacation. still today, we are talking about forever. Even after her parents and kid family friends trying to keep us away from each other. I love her with all of my heart and i couldnt imagine what life would be like without her. We talk as much as we can and we enjoy every moment we have with each other. we have a college plan, and we have a fall back plan. We have 2 years until we sign a letter of intent for our college of choice. i know everything will work out, and that everything will be perfect. Its been over 15 months since we have started dating. I love her with all of my heart, and always will. we have been through so much together. i know that nothing will break us a part. My mom is helping us out as much as she can, but nothing for us will happen until we go away to college together. Thats when we can truly start our lives together. Thats when everything that we are going through now will be worth it. We are truly in love. Right now we are past our halway point in our sophomore year in high school. Every day with her i cherish, every day with her, i feel like i am whole please tell me your thoughts* i put the next day we kissed, we actually kissed a few weeks after we started dating more

Resolved Question: MY perfect job as a 14-year-old?

I am fourteen years of age and am interested in gaining work experience and a little extra cash. Basically, I am having trouble finding jobs NOT in food-service. Honestly, yes, I could very well apply to McDonalds with all the other kids from my school, but that is not the kind of work atmosphere I am comfortable in, with minimum wage and too many people behind the counter. I don't want to tutor, babysit, or teach piano lessons because those jobs are commission-based and I would prefer a fixed salary. It would be hard to gather clients. Also, I am beginning my job hunt now but will most likely wait until summer to take up a job, during which time my "students" would be on vacation or enjoying their break. Retail might be okay, but I am not very persuasive and I hate the idea of standing on my feet all day and maintaining a sales quota. Okay, so at this point I sound a little conceited and lazy, I know. In my defense, all I could ask for in a first job is one that will utilize what I have worked my whole life (hah!) to achieve: straight A's, 4.4 GPA, a 29 Composite ACT Score, a spotless permanent record, two partial scholarships to my private high school, proficiency in Spanish, expertise in piano performance, decent typing skills and more. Catch my drift? I haven't ever met a McDonlad's employee with these credentials, much less one in ninth grade. In addition, a job that would give me experience or even learning opportunities in my fields of interest would be a plus. I am knowledgeable in biology, chemistry, medicine, and algebra, as I hope to be a pediatric anesthesiologist someday. English and reading comprehension are my best subjects, which is useful as well. Some jobs I am researching/considering include the following: ---medical technician (CPhT must graduate high school, Alabama law prohibits technicians under 17) ---research assistant---i have close friends who have done so, living at the University and assisting in their laboratories ---medical secretary ---sales associate So, community, what do you think? Have I raised my expectations too high for a first job? Could you suggest other jobs for me or elaborate on the ones I provided? Am I cut out for the working world? Thanks in advance for your honest opinion. =)very funny, NotShy X) okay...so after rereading my question, i fully grasped my total snobbishness in posting this and making the harsh points that i did. i can't believe i wrote this, especially since i was frustrated after my four-hour job-hunt and my lack of sleep. sorry! more

Resolved Question: Best place to stay with a family near Tampa?

I'm planning a summer family vacation to Florida (from the UK) and we're thinking of spending some time in the Tampa area. There are literally thousands of vacation rentals in the region - ranging from condos in gated developments to large villas - and I haven't the first clue as to what area(s) are going to be best for us. We have a young family (kids of seven and ten) so the beaches around Clearwater are tempting - but is that the best area in which to stay? We'll have a car so it's not going to be particularly important for the big attractions to be right on the doorstep - but we would probably want to have basic amenities (shops, restaurants etc) nearby, so we're not looking for somewhere that's tucked away in a backwater. Any ideas as to some reasonably high-quality neighborhoods that we should be focusing our research on? I've heard of places like Indian Shores, Indian Rocks, St Petersburg, Madeira Beach - but I have no idea which ones are nice and which are not so good! Thanks! Tim PS - next I will be asking about Orlando area, as we will be wanting to spend some time there, too!By the way, we'll be staying in some sort of self-catering unit - a house, apartment or condo. Oh, and some of the places we've looked at so far are Palm Harbor (on the lakeshore) and Oldsmar. Thanks for the tips so far! more

Resolved Question: Wanting to Move to Tennessee, need some input on the idea?

I'm thinking of moving to Tennessee, not sure why or where but I'm a kid so why not!? Anyone ever been there? Where would be a fun place to go? I love to be out doors and off roading in my Truck, so those two things are a must! I can transfer with work almost anywhere so that part is covered. Also got a friend willing to conquer my adventures with me along with my dog, so I'm not going alone. (I've always wanted to go, never been there, but would like to move there to experience it not just go for some dumb vacation bull crap, let alone I'm a 20yr kid not much more life to do random crap like this) - Other than that got any idea's for me? or hesitations coming to mind that I haven't thought of? - It wouldn't happen till summer but I'd like to have a plan by then so in search of input, thoughts, and concerns for now... more

Resolved Question: Michael Jackson Is Watching Me ?

okay, now i know this sounds crazy but, hear me out. i am very open minded of spirits not really of ghosts. but, i think spirits can excist . So. before his death i never EVER was a fan of his. I had no idea of who he was i had no idea he made music i didnt even know he sung thriller my impression of him was that he got famous for throwing kids off baconys. So , after he died i started having dreams about him & i wanted to know more about him.. which was kinda impossible unless i watched tv for my computer broke the day he died. well, i went on vacation this summer in july & i was watching the news about him & they said they were going to show his final rehersals well, i was excited i never saw him perform before so it was kinda amazing . well, i watched it three different times that night because it kept coming on & i started crying . well bawling you could say i ran up to tell my friend i couldnt stop crying & she was pissed i woke her up but, we decided to make a bet to see if he was watching. although at the time we werent serious.. well, i kept crying for a good hour still not knowing why & i got to the point where i couldnt breathe i got on my knees and prayed to God, that didnt stop my crying so i went outside for fresh air & after an hour long of crying for no reason i finally stopped. well, the next day me & my friend went to an amusement park & while riding a ride i heard some idiot scream & i turned around & looked & the mexican looked exactly like michael jackson i told my friend & she freaked . i won the bet, but then we made a second one to see if we could find someone else that looked like him & we did. we say another mexican that night. so, by then were freaked we go to a parade & thriller was playing non stop [ the video ] & so we made a final bet to see if he was watching we said we wanted billie jean to come on well we left the parade & as soon as we got in the car this radio station clashed together & all we heard was billie jean is not my lover & it shut off. well, thats one of my stories, the first of MANY! what do you think? sorry if it was so long i suck at shortening things,okayyy, you say im crazy i'm sick & shitt. but, actually i'm not im not asking anyone to believe me but, i can ask stuff from him & i get it. i ask for all my red lights to be green bahmm, i get somewhere fast. it really hurts that people would say that about me. thats why i havent come out about this before. more

Voting Question: I want to start getting ideas for a summer vacation with my husband and kids?

I line in Buffalo New York and want to plan a trip out of state since never have been out of state before.Sot his summer want to go some where with the he family.I have a 8 year old and a 3 year old.I want something where we can go and just tour and shop things like that maybe a beach or something along them lines.I would be driving so nothing to far out.And something not to high in price.Anyone have any ideas? more

Voting Question: Help have run out of ideas to fix what I said?

We have been married for 5 years. I have 2 kids from before we married (10, 7). My husband is the greatest man in the world and love him with all my heart. He treats my kids like they are his kids and has done so since the beginning. The kids real father was a abusive and gladly have not heard of seen him since before the youngest was born. Ok this happened almost 10 months ago. While at a cook out I was talking with some friends and made a few comments that probably shouldn't have. I could blame it on being a bit drunk but still in hind sight was not something should have ever said. The worst part was that my husband overheard my comments and thats what has really made our life a mess. The comment was about my husbands size and how I missed that part of some exboyfriends I had before particularly the father of my children. The fact that I had even sometimes fantasized about them while having sex with my husband. Now have to say, in his behave, that mentioned his great oral skills but that didn't seem to make things any better either. I know should have never made the comments in the first place but someone brought up conversation about size and fantasies and I just let my mouth get ahead of my brain. When my husband heard it he left the party immediately I ended up having to find a ride home that night. He also moved into the guest room for a couple weeks. One night, a couple weeks later,I came home to find our bed was gone and 2 singles were in our bedroom. Which is where we have been sleeping since. He in his bed and me in mine. I have tried everything can think of to make things better. When ever try to talk to him about it just ends in a big yelling match. He is still great to the kids and we talk about everything else as before but no intimacy. We still went on vacation to Disney this summer all of us and had a great time but nothing intimate even though we had seperate connecting room from kids. Also we still have date night twice a week and have good times out but no touching intimtacy of anykind. I have dressed sexy, tried clmibing in bed with him, etc and nothing seems to fix the problem. Have even asked him to go with me to counciling and he refuses. I love him the kids love him can not see myself without him but living with no intimacy or sex is driving me nuts. He has told me since I dont seem to do it for me then why bother. Also that if am that unhappy that I can just move out, he had the house before we married. What really hurts even more is that prior to that party we were talking about having a baby together and as can tell thats not going to happen. I love him so much and can tell he loves me and the kids but I have destroyed his ego and can not seem to fix it. more

Resolved Question: questions about a toddler on a road trip? sorry so long?

a couple friends of mine and i will be taking a road trip next summer about 6 hours away to visit our other friend who is in college in the city we will be visiting. My son who will be around 22 months old at the time is going too. If you have any advice at all, general or specific i will be glad to hear it. I also have some specific questions. We will be going for a week, driving out and back and staying in a hotel, 2 beds all 4 of us in 1 room. We will be driving a toyota rav 4, which is like a sporty suv. please answer thoroughly and be as detailed as possible and I will be choosing best answer. 1. I am not sure what to do about sippy cups. I thought about taking juice boxes, but I don't want my son sucking down sugary juice that i can't dilute the whole week, plus i imagine he would get tired of that and that would mean no milk or water, just whatever flavor of juice box i brought. Not to mention that i absolutly cannot turn my son loose with a juice box and ESPECIALLY not in the car.He squirts and squeezes them everyplace.What can I do about the accumulation of dirty sippy cups? 2.What are some good travel friendly snacks to take along? either commercial brands or homemade or generic. 3.I have already thought to take some huggies or similar disposable washcloths and a bottle of kids shampoo. any other ideas on how to make bathing time easier while on vacation? i am assuming worst case scenerio is that he will have to shower with and their will be no tub. 4. What can I transport toys in and what can I store them in once were at the hotel? I know we will not be spending tons of time at the hotel but he will need something to play with in the car and before bed or when we are getting ready to go places. I know i will not need a ton of toys but i don't want him to get bored with his selection either. 5.Any other suggestions about traveling with a toddler? Anything I should not forget to take? also i have never done this sort of thing before so i have no idea how much emergency $ is a good idea to take or anything like that. I have no clue where to even begin on finding a cheap hotel, planning stops along the way or any of that. Are there any websites that let you plan that way? Any tips on traveling period and traveling with a toddler will be greatly appreciated. please star! thank u!i asked this yesterday but only got a couple answers, while good insights i am looking for some more ideas to toss aroundalso, what do other parents think of huggies overnights and pampers extra protection diapers? do they hold alot more or what? I think that would be a good idea for the car ride in the least. also this may sound like i'm an idiot but i truly do not know-what is the deal with hauling luggage on the luggage rack ?do you bungee cord it down or what? are their any legal laws or anything about doing that? what do you do if it rains ?how long should we stop for? i am hoping to stop at 2 or 3 rest areas and have a ball in the car or something so he can play and run around not just wait in the car or run into a gas station real quick. are there any websites i can look at that i can pick where we stop based on what is right off the interstate and where the rest stops are located? more

Voting Question: several questions for traveling long distances with a toddler sorry so long?

Resolved Question: Should I come out to the extended family?

I see my mother's side of the extended family about once a year on vacation to the beach. I don't want to call them hostile, but they have a repuation for extreme stubbornness. They are not necessarily religious, but they are very traditional...coffee every morning, wine every night, children are to be seen and not heard, etc. Im debating on whether I should tell them Im bi on vacation next year. I dont know how they will hande it...they usually try not to talk about that kind of thing. Sociologically, the beach town that we stay in NC is very conservative...but since were God-knows-how-many-miles away from my home in PA, I really couldn't care less. Should I drop some hints to them? Im also wondering what to do concering my boyfriend. I promised I would take him on a trip this summer (we're both 18 now, finally), and I don't want to leave him out. However it probably wouldnt be a good idea for my family to know that their straight-A student nephew might have a boyfriend and might bring him to the beach house. Granted, the house is VEEEEERY large and VERRRRY nice, large enough that the two of us could have privacy (being that I'm an older teenager and it would be awkward to sleep with the adults or the kids, I usaully get one of the master suites to myself and I could share that with him so no other family members would have to). Still, do you think it wise to bring him? more

Resolved Question: for all you pink Floyd fans out their did you hear they have a wine called pink Floyd?

June 6 (Bloomberg) -- Who knew I would ever have anything in common with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie? It turns out we're *like*this* when it comes to wine, because we're all fans of Chateau Miraval. That's the extraordinarily beautiful and secluded wine estate in Provence that they have just rented for three years. Lucky them -- and I can vouch for it. I spent a couple of nights there nine years ago while tasting my way through the region and can report that the world's most famous couple will have more than decent wines to sip when in residence. Miraval now produces three fish-friendly dry whites, two savory reds, a delicious dry rose and a luscious sweet wine, L'Or de Miraval. Tile roofs, sky-blue shutters, warm creamy stone, plashing fountains, 13 varieties of olive trees on a steep terraced hillside, 75 acres of vineyards -- Miraval is everyone's secret dream of a home in the south of France. From my room in the 14th- century part of the chateau, the view stretched over a wide green lawn to rows of vines. A deep, claw-footed tub by one window offered the same vista while I was lolling in the bath, a glass of refreshing rose in hand. (I take my research seriously.) After breakfast, on a terrace under a pergola, I sampled the estate's wines in a light-filled room off the country kitchen and later dined with neighboring producers in the long medieval hall with immense fireplace. I also took a peek at the recording studio on the property (Sting once used it; the Stones left after one night -- not enough local action). The estate even has a tiny private chapel, whose dark blue painted ceiling is dotted with white stars. `Out of the Sky' For the past two months, the French press reported Brad and Angelina crisscrossing France in a helicopter, hunting for a private spot to escape hordes of paparazzi. Tom Bove, whose family owns the property, told me last week ``they dropped out of the sky.'' ``They're personally very nice,'' he said in the telephone interview. ``Brad is from the Midwest, as I am.'' (Hey, me too!) Bove, 65, is an Indiana-born businessman (Rochem Group) who fell in love with Miraval in 1992 when he and his first wife, Jane, were looking for a vacation home. He persuaded his family to purchase the 1,000-acre estate, where wine had been made for centuries. His wife took charge of the vineyards, and they set about vastly improving the wines' quality. Tragically, she died in a 1998 plane crash. Miraval Team The winery and vineyard will continue to be run by the Miraval team, Bove assures me. The Pitt-Jolie household, including four kids plus expected twins (who may or may not already have arrived when you read this), won't have to worry about toxic chemical sprays on the grapes since the vineyards are certified organic. And the nearby hamlet of Correns is the first ``bio'' (organic) village in France, meaning veggies, honey and chickens all carry the label. Besides celebs and St.-Tropez, Provence is, of course, noted for its gulpable rose wines. When Brad and Angelina first visited, they tried the savory, salmon-colored 2007 Chateau Miraval Cotes de Provence Rose ($16) with lunch. ``It's the first vintage to be labeled ``Pink Floyd,'' Bove says. (English rock band Pink Floyd recorded part of their iconic album ``The Wall'' at Studio Miraval.) Made from cinsault and grenache grapes, it's my idea of summer in a glass. ``And they took away a bottle of our top red, Cuvee Natouchka,'' Rove adds. The 100 percent syrah ($35) is made only in the best years. Their more widely available Cotes de Provence Rouge ($22) is a spicy, earthy-fruity syrah-cabernet blend. Zingy Whites Miraval's three whites are all made from the local rolle grape. The 2005 Coteaux Varois en Provence Blanc ($16) is zingy and assertive, with a hint of almond, perfect with grilled fish. Two more expensive barrel-aged cuvees, made in tiny quantities, are harder to come by. Naturally, the Brangelina buzz has already spurred sales. ``We've been inundated with calls from retailers,'' says Andrew Hirko, chief financial officer at the chateau's East Coast importer, Monarchia Matt International. ``We're sold out of the rose, and the red and white are nearly gone.'' The 2007 Pink Floyd will be on retail shelves soon. One of their biggest markets? Another celebrity haven, the Hamptons. ``I don't know how much time Brad and Angelina will be able to spend here,'' Bove says. ``But they liked Miraval's wines. I hope they'll drink them and serve them to their friends. Hey -- they can have as much as they want.'' (Elin McCoy writes on wine and spirits for Bloomberg News. The opinions expressed are her own.) To contact the writer of this story: Elin McCoy at emcwine@aol.com. Last Updated: June 6, 2008 00:01 EDT i want to buy it just so i can put it right next to my pink Floyd collection. more

Resolved Question: I have a question about Provincetown Cape Cod?

I'm thinking of booking a week long vacation this summer to Provincetown, Cape Cod. I have been looking on Home away.com And have found a few however, one of the rentals described provincetown as this: "Provincetown is a particular draw for gay and lesbians" from around the world but everyone can enjoy this small town that features shopping, dining, theatre and nightlife in a beautiful physical setting. The summers are mild because of the cool Atlantic Ocean. Herring Cove Beach is consistently ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the US. This vacation is geared towards kids... Im not sure how I feel about this statement? is it true that provincetown a particular draw for gay and lesbians? Cause if so then I will have to pick a different place to go. Idea's? more

Resolved Question: What city or state should I live in?

So I live in Colorado now and I do like it, but I don't want to stay here forever. So here's what I want in a place to live: Hot summers, snowy winters (not blizzards constantly though), nice falls, and nice springs. I want 4 distinct seasons. I also want to have a beach. I would like to live in a suburb of a relatively large city (similar to Denver or bigger is fine, just not much smaller). I'd love to live like 15 minutes from the downtown of the city. I don't want to live in a bad or rundown area what-so-ever. I want it to be a nice area, good for kids, etc. Within 4-5 hours of some great vacation spots would also be nice. Anyone have any ideas? more

Voting Question: I like the guy I hooked up with...?

This is such a long story, but I will try to shorten it as much as possible. I've liked this guy pretty much since the beginning of 2009. There has been, though, times I've been with other guys from then til now. First, I met him in school and he was just one of those people with an amazing personality that it really caught my attention. I thought immediately, "I want to be friends with that kid." I didn't really talk to him for about the first month of knowing him but by the second month I realized every time we talked in school/on aim/facebook I would leave the conversation wanting to talk more. I realized after a while I liked him. Finally we hung outside of school and it was a little weird. It made me realize I only liked him as a friend. A couple months later I noticed talking to him again led to me wanting more with him. Finally it was summer vacation and he left for Europe where he stays every summer in apartment with his ex-girl friend. When we went back to school in September we didn't talk the first couple of days but then sometime during the second week of school we finally talked and we started talking on aim again. I loved it. For the first time since we first spoke I felt like we were friends friends not something in the way of our friendship (us liking each other, being afraid it would get weird, etc etc). Then I realized I liked him again. We were supposed to hang one weekend but neither one of us brought it up after he first mentioned it and needless to say it never happened. Then I had a party this past weekend and I invited him. To my surprise he came and we actually had a really great time together. For the first time I felt like I could show my true feelings around him and by the end of the night we ended up kissing. It was the perfect end. A little while after he left I got a text from him saying he really enjoyed the night, that was should hang out again, etc. He suggested hanging out the next night and I said I'd text him later to hang out. I did text him the next day and we talked a bit but he asked if anyone was home in my house again and I told him not to get any ideas, I sort of made it into a joke by adding a winking face, but actually do want more than just a hook up now. He responded by saying "you caught me =P" I thought he was joking, but then he didn't call that night to hang out. We haven't talked since. He is a really great guy. I would never have guess him to be the hook up type that will basically just use a girl and then not talk once he's gotten what he wanted. My question is, do you think he only wanted to hook up with me friday night or does he want more? I've always gotten the impression he wanted more back when I originally liked him but I don't think either one of us were in the right place at the right time. Did he only suggest hanging out the following night because he just wanted to get with me or could he just really have not been able to hang? Are there any tell tale signs of guys who just want to hook up and that's it? Any advice/insight is appreciated. Thanks in advance. more

Resolved Question: Do you think that Obama's plan to destroy summer vacation for school children will be carried out?

I don't even know what to say about all of this. Personally, I think it's one of the ridiculous things I've ever heard. Making children work practically as much (if not more than) their parents do... What a sad thought. Kids are stressed out enough as it is, now you're going to put this on them too? Does anyone actually agree with this idea? more

Resolved Question: How do you think kids will take the fact that 0bama's taken away their summer vacation? How about their paren?

LIBBY QUAID - More School: Obama Would Curtail Summer Vacation AP Seventh grade students at Edwards Middle School work on guinea-pig heart during their science class Thursday By LIBBY QUAID, AP Education Writer Libby Quaid, Ap Education Writer – Sun Sep 27, 8:55 am ET WASHINGTON – Students beware: The summer vacation you just enjoyed could be sharply curtailed if President Barack Obama gets his way. Obama says American kids spend too little time in school, putting them at a disadvantage with other students around the globe. "Now, I know longer school days and school years are not wildly popular ideas," the president said earlier this year. "Not with Malia and Sasha, not in my family, and probably not in yours. But the challenges of a new century demand more time in the classroom." The president, who has a sixth-grader and a third-grader, wants schools to add time to classes, to stay open late and to let kids in on weekends so they have a safe place to go. "Our school calendar is based upon the agrarian economy and not too many of our kids are working the fields today," Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. Fifth-grader Nakany Camara is of two minds. She likes the four-week summer program at her school, Brookhaven Elementary School in Rockville, Md. Nakany enjoys seeing her friends there and thinks summer school helped boost her grades from two Cs to the honor roll. But she doesn't want a longer school day. "I would walk straight out the door," she said. Domonique Toombs felt the same way when she learned she would stay for an extra three hours each day in sixth grade at Boston's Clarence R. Edwards Middle School. "I was like, `Wow, are you serious?'" she said. "That's three more hours I won't be able to chill with my friends after school." Her school is part of a 3-year-old state initiative to add 300 hours of school time in nearly two dozen schools. Early results are positive. Even reluctant Domonique, who just started ninth grade, feels differently now. "I've learned a lot," she said. Does Obama want every kid to do these things? School until dinnertime? Summer school? And what about the idea that kids today are overscheduled and need more time to play? Obama and Duncan say kids in the United States need more school because kids in other nations have more school. "Young people in other countries are going to school 25, 30 percent longer than our students here," Duncan told the AP. "I want to just level the playing field." While it is true that kids in many other countries have more school days, it's not true they all spend more time in school. Kids in the U.S. spend more hours in school (1,146 instructional hours per year) than do kids in the Asian countries that persistently outscore the U.S. on math and science tests — Singapore (903), Taiwan (1,050), Japan (1,005) and Hong Kong (1,013). That is despite the fact that Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong have longer school years (190 to 201 days) than does the U.S. (180 days). Regardless, there is a strong case for adding time to the school day. Researcher Tom Loveless of the Brookings Institution looked at math scores in countries that added math instruction time. Scores rose significantly, especially in countries that added minutes to the day, rather than days to the year. "Ten minutes sounds trivial to a school day, but don't forget, these math periods in the U.S. average 45 minutes," Loveless said. "Percentage-wise, that's a pretty healthy increase." In the U.S., there are many examples of gains when time is added to the school day. Charter schools are known for having longer school days or weeks or years. For example, kids in the KIPP network of 82 charter schools across the country go to school from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than three hours longer than the typical day. They go to school every other Saturday and for three weeks in the summer. KIPP eighth-grade classes exceed their school district averages on state tests. In Massachusetts' expanded learning time initiative, early results indicate that kids in some schools do better on state tests than do kids at regular public schools. The extra time, which schools can add as hours or days, is for three things: core academics — kids struggling in English, for example, get an extra English class; more time for teachers; and enrichment time for kids. Regular public schools are adding time, too, though it is optional and not usually part of the regular school day. Their calendar is pretty much set in stone. Most states set the minimum number of school days at 180 days, though a few require 175 to 179 days. Several schools are going year-round by shortening summer vacation and lengthening other breaks. Many schools are going beyond the traditional summer school model, in which schools give remedial help to kids more

Voting Question: Are they really thinking about more school?

I, for one, think that it is... stupid, repulsive, time consuming, and very inefficient. Teachers have a hard enough job. Only so much can be taught. If they do start to make it longer, I will skip. I will make myself sick. I will be determined not to go. But its not about me. Or you. The other people. HOW are we supposed to get enough sleep, do our homework,. AND relax with three extra hours of school AND a longer year? True, Americans don't go to school very long. But its also true that Americans are pretty high up there with the most stressed nations. Plus, with more school, they'll be eliminating family time and time to eat dinner and to just relax. Just today, I was thinking about how glad I was for summer vacation. The time where I could be free, without worry, without doubt. No school. None of the annoying kids and teens at school. No work. Adults get vacation days. That doesn't mean kids should get the same treatment. It takes A LOT for a teen, a kid, or anybody who is not an adult, to be well balanced psychologically. I personally need to just sit down and relax for at least two hours after school. I think kids COULD put up with doing some work over the summer. But I WOULD NOT, for one, commute over the summer. If they gave us, lets say... a little quiz or review that we should/had to go over for every week or two in summer vacation, I think some kids could put up with it. Then, we could drop it off a week before school, and it could count against and for our grades. I'm not asking for no work whatsoever. That idea would probably be gone and overwith quickly. But one thing I will never tolerate-- me or my friends or classmates-- is more school. Anyone agree?I know. Lots of people are/were having second thoughts about him.Hmm. You make a point. :D more

Resolved Question: What do you all think about obama wanting to keep kids in school longer and cut summer vacation short?

I personally think its a very good idea. Ive been thinking that way for years and im only 24 ive found myself that going to summer helps me and has helped me through school a great deal. For the parents that are going to whine and moan about the idea i think they should think seriously about the future of this country our kids (public school ones especially) really need to catch up in to education department. Do you guys agree or disagree with obama? more

Resolved Question: Does He Love Me? Or Commitment Issue?

My ex boyfriend and I were together for a year and a half. We are both 20. He stayed with my family over the summer because he needed a place. (His family isn't very stable and he has almost no money. He was taking online classes and interning, so my place worked well). We had lots of fun on vacation and everything was fine. He always said we were perfect for each other and he had hinted at marrying me down the road. He's always been excited about the idea of kids. And he has always been so caring, nice, and dedicated. Near the end of the summer, though, (it seems after my older brother's wedding) he was getting a little more easily annoyed with me. Then, he had to leave 2 weeks before I did to go back to school (for job training). About a week into school he broke up with me because he felt tied down. He was saying things like he doesn't make new friends and our next step was marriage, etc. I couldn't understand why if you love someone (which he said he still loved me and kept hinting at getting back together in the future) why you couldn't work through it together. He also didn't want to do things with me (not even on my birthday) and felt guilty for it. 2 days later he wanted me back. The next day he said he made a mistake in wanting me back. A week later I find out that he and another girl had a crush on each other and he was hiding it for days, even though I asked him several times if there was another girl. (they met in the 2 weeks he was at school for job training) He claims his crush happened after we broke up and didn't tell me because he didn't want me to think it was the reason for the break up. (I later found out that he wanted me back because he thought being with her was a mistake and he missed me). Also, now he says that, because he likes her, he can't say that he loves me anymore. Here's the thing: they aren't allowed to date because of work. So, they are just hanging out a lot. Watching a walk to remember, snuggled underneath a blanket, you know, normal stuff. ;) But, there has been nothing physical between them... that anyone has seen anyway. He told me he still likes her, but it doesn't feel the same as when he and I started dating. And he said he doesn't want to be with anybody right now, even though he likes her (and I assume still has some feelings for me). He also has posted twitters/facebook statuses that are lyrics to love songs and sat with me and 2 other people (1 of them was his friend) at dinner instead of waiting to sit at a different table with his new crush. (most awkward dinner ever!) Also, if he really wanted a relationship with her, they could work it out with their boss and relocate one of them. So, is he scared of commitment? Did he get bored with me, like at the end of the summer before he even met the other girl? Is she just rebound? Or did he leave me for her? I have gotten a billion mixed signals and am beyond confused. I don't talk to him anymore, though. I am trying to move on. But we live in the same building so he sees me like everyday. more

Resolved Question: Anyone own a daycare? Everyone's opinions welcome either way.?

I'm moving soon and the house we're moving to is set up for a home bases business, complete with a building which is connected via a breezeway but otherwise separate from the house. It has a huge play area which is fenced in with a practically brand new chain link fence. I already have a playground back there for my kids so I wouldn't have to buy any new playground equipment. The building is one beautiful large room and then a back room with running water hot/cold and then a drain to a separate septic system. Installing a toilet and basin would be really simple. It would take a small investment in finished flooring but I could really set something up that's beautiful and nice in there!!!!! I also have daycare experience so I have a good idea about what is involved. Of course, I see a lot of drawbacks. Long hours and not a ton of money in return. The going rate around here is only about 85 dollars for a child over 2 and 1/2. I don't want to take any kids younger than that... which is another drawback in itself. I just feel like babies need a lot of attention and frankly, they need their moms but that's another question. I respect working moms and you have to do what you have to do to survive. I worked for the first 10 months when my twins were born but I brought them with me. If I couldn't have then I wouldn't have worked because it wouldn't have been worth it. I'd want to hire someone to work there and that brings into this a whole other set of headaches. Maybe I just want to set up a sewing business or something? Meh... I dunno. Do you own a daycare? What do you think? I would set it up more like a pre-school. Which is another question, should I just do a pre-school instead?! I could have kids come for just a few hours a day and follow the school schedule so I could have summers and vacations off. I don't know how much more/less I would make doing that either. I wonder about the impact on my kids. Is it going to be a benefit to them to have me running a daycare/preschool or not? My own kids don't count in the ratio so I would be taking 6 pre-schoolers and I can also have school age children. Legally I can have 12 school age kids or 8 preschoolers and 2 school age kids. There are other regulations for kids younger than 2 and 1/2 but like I said, I don't want any more babies. I already have 3 kids under 2 and 1/2 right now. LMAO. I only want 6 kids though, since I have 3 of my own. Maybe a couple school age kids... I also want to know, do I have a right to refuse people? I don't want to be a snot but I really don't want my kids being influenced by the riff raff. That's partly why I stay home. Can I screen out people or is that discriminatory? Someone fill me in!!!!! Sorry for all the questions but this is a big decision.Renting it is a very good point! I actually suggested that to my husband... renting it to someone who wants a dance studio because there is a huge wall length mirror on there. It would make a perfect dance studio but alas, I can't dance. lol I could possibly get people to pay me to stop dancing...DYOT-You have a good point in after school care!!!! There is a market for that and I used to work for an after-school program. I hold certifications in early childhood education but it's like 11 years old. I got great training. I wouldn't imagine starting a business now either but in a year from now I think I am going to be managing a lot better because my kids will all be older. It gets rough being up all night long nursing a baby and taking care of twins who are 2 years old. I am anticipating being more "together" in a year from now. :-p I like the after-school care idea a lot. more

Resolved Question: QUESTION: WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF A GUY HAD FORGOTTEN YOU? READ ON.. & DON'T FORGET TO ANSWER?

So i blew him kisses in class,Sat with him on the bus & sometimes we would play fight i guess? IDK he would always find some reason to steal somethin from me, mostly to get my attention so i'd try to steal it back from him LOL. He wasn't doing it to be mean though obviously, he's just kiddin.. he'd give me long hugs, we'd say flirty things to one another..(mostly he did, cuz he's a bigger flirt then i am] he'd tickle me, make me laugh till i frickin CRIED my eyes out from laughin so hard! He'd lean his head on my shoulder & call me all theese cute little nicknames.. & i remember once he told people we were going out.. even though we weren't, lmao. But anyways monday was the first day of school, he's not in any of my classes although *his sisters in one of my classes though*, i do see him in the hallways (sometimes). & we passed each other, but one time he was runnin to get somewhere i guess? so he might not of noticed me because he was busy..& then he's in my lunch room but theres a TON of people in the lunch room, maybe he didn't see me? People have been saying that i look different, though.. maybe he doesn't recognize me?, i mean like.. some other kid today didn't recognize me either. But wouldn't that sound crazy though? Although, we went two months with out seeing each other (summer vacation) maybe tthat's what's making it ackward for him to talk to me? IDK but like, give me some ideas, if i see him passing in the hallways i should do ( fill in the blank ) thank you (= other helpful comments are welcome too.actually, the day after writing this question he ran up to me & gave me like.. the biggest hug ever ! then this mornning i caught him staring at me.. & even when i looked away he was still staring. Although theres this other guy i like though, & i'm kind of interested in starting a realationship with him instead of the other one i was just previously talking about. & i also went to his foot ball game today (= more

Resolved Question: Would you like to participate in a game of life--Sassa style?

Thanks, Georgie Ann for the idea! By the way, for anyone who's wondering, Sassa is my name...I know, it's different. Okay so you're 15 years old, and you find out you are pregnant. You finally gather the courage to tell your boyfriend of two years, Christopher Gordon, and although he's apparently scared he says he will stay with you and help you take care of the baby. However, your parents do not react the same way. In a fit of rage and disbelief, they kick you out. So you and Christopher move in with his older sister, Jade, who feels badly for your situation. She helps you out and even helps you to do what you need to do so you and Christopher can get married. Your pregnancy goes smoothly at first, but then you go into labor and give birth to twins (a boy and a girl) two months early. You know they'll survive, and you vow to stay by their side while they continue to develop those terrifying two months in the hospital. You immediately think of the perfect names for them. Their first names are whatever you want, but the middle names are sentimental. The little boy's middle name is his dad's first name, and the little girl's middle name is the name of her aunt who took you in and helped you so much. So, what are their names? Your spunky little twins are now 5 years old. It's about two weeks before school starts, so you decide to take a family road trip across the country to spend valuable time together before the big day. However, as you head into your third day on vacation, you start to get strange pains that gradually get worse. You head to the hospital to see what's wrong, and your family trip turns into something else to celebrate when you get the news that you're in labor...and you didn't even know you were pregnant. After 12 long hours, you finally give birth to a bouncing baby boy. You decide to give him an appropriate name...something meaning either surprise, miracle, blessing, or gift. What's this little bundle of joy's name? Well, your twins are now 10 years old, and your baby boy is 5. It seems like time has flown since you were just getting your older kids ready for kindergarten. Now you're doing it all over again. Your twins have been doing so well, staying on the honor roll throughout school. You've just dropped your little boy off for his first day of school. Suddenly, you get the perfect idea. You will buy each of your kids pets because you know that they will take care of them, and you don't mind helping with the responsibility. After all, your days are suddenly free. You decide to get a different pet for each child, something that you know they'll love because it fits so well with their personality. What types of pets do you get your little ones, and what do your kids name them? Boy, has the time flown? Your twins, 20, have just finished their freshman year of college, and your younger son, 15, is looking forward to starting high school in the fall. What is the name of the college where your twins are enrolled, and what are their majors? You decide this summer is the perfect time to take a family trip. You all set sail on a cruise across the world. While on this cruise, you take advantage of the opportunity to hone your creative skills. You meet someone who notices your talent and wants to show your work to the world. Was your masterpiece a painting, novel, or screenplay? What is the title? After the cruise, you all head to the jungles of Africa. While exploring, you happen to hear a distant sound. You follow the sound, only to find identicle baby girls lying in a handmade hammock between two trees! There's no sign of life anywhere nearby. You adopt the little jungle babies, thankful you got there in time. You decide their first names should be exotic, while their middle names are symbolic of your religion (or if you're not religious, then you can opt for the middle name to represent your favorite celestial body...star, planet, whatever). What are their names? Explain your reason for picking them. You decide to cut the trip short so that you can take the babies to the hospital back home, just to be sure that they are all right. After all, who knows how long they've been there by themselves? What country do you live in? While waiting for the doctor to return with test results, you sit right next to your new little babies, holding their tiny fingers. Meanwhile, your daughter meets a handsome young doctor, and they immediately fall in love. What's his name...first, middle, and last? It can be anything you want. It's been three years since you found your jungle babies. Your oldest twins have recently graduated from college, and they are both getting married...the weddings are two weeks apart. Your middle child is the best man for both weddings, and your youngest are the flower girls. What is the name of your oldest son's new wife...first and middle? Give her a name after your favorite character(s)...whether it's from aWhat is the name of your oldest son's new wife...first and middle? Give her a name after your favorite character(s)...whether it's from a book, movie, tv, game, etc.Your oldest twins are now 25 years old. Your middle son is 20, and your youngest twins are 5. As if getting married almost at the same time wasn't ironic enough, both of your older twins are having their first children. And as fate would have it, your daughter and your son's wife go into labor at the same time! Luckily, their rooms are right across the hall from one another. You continue dashing back and forth, making sure they are all right and that they have everything they need. Finally, just as you feel you're about to pass out from exhaustion, your grandbabies are brought into the world. Your daughter had a baby boy, her Mama's boy. What is his name? His is named after your husband (but doesn't have to be the same name), and for his middle name he's named after his dad. Your son and his wife are welcoming their beautiful baby girl into the world...your son's Daddy's Girl. What's her name. She is named after you, and for her middle name she's named after her mom.Hey, everyone! Sorry, I didn't realize it had gotten cut off like that. So I added the rest of it, so now it's finished.LOL! Y'all are awesome! Everyone's coming up with such great names and pets. I'm giving you all thumbs up for your efforts and creativity. It's going to be tough choosing a best answer. I'd put it up to vote, but I don't want anyone to not get chosen because they didn't get all the answers because my question got cut off...so keep answering, everyone, and I'll be sure to pick someone...hmmm.Here are my answers: My first twins would be named Elijah Christopher and Christina Jade. My surprise baby boy would be named Jonathan Andrew. Jonathan means "gift from God". Jonathan would get a ferret named Monkey because he's creative and funny like that. Christina would get a kitten because it's so fluffy and the perfect companion for her. She would name it Garfield because that's one of her favorite cartoons and even has the comic from the day she was born on her wall. Elijah would have a little terrier dog because it's the perfect pet for him. It's playful and hyper just like him, but it likes to cuddle with him and be petted too. Elijah names his new dog Yoda. Elijah and Christina are attending Ole Miss University. Elijah is studying physics and majoring in Quantum Mechanics, and Christina is studying to get her teaching degree. Her major is primary education because she wants to teach kindergarten. I wrote a screenplay titled "In the Line of Fire".My jungle babies are Constance Marie and Penelope Star. I wanted to name one after Mary, Jesus's mother. I like Marie better, so I chose that. I chose star because I love stars...especially shooting stars, which is what my children will be. :) I live in the United States of America. The handsome young doctor's name is Tristan Michael Taylor. My son's new wife's name is Renesmee Juliet. Renesmee is from Twilight, and Juliet, of course, is from Romeo and Juliet. Christina's little boy's name is Christian Michael. I used Tristan's middle name because it sounded better than Christian Tristan. LOL! Elijah's little girl is named Sasha Renee. I changed the spelling for the first name. Renee is one of the names that Renesme is from (Renee + Esme). more

Resolved Question: Husbands and boyfriends: How do you deal with your jealousy with wives and girlfriends?

I was a jealous boyfriend. Now, I am a jealous husband. My wife had breast cancer, with both breasts removed. This happened several years ago and after the mastectomies, she refused for years to have breast implants. There is a new man working in her department that is divorced. His ex-wife had breast implants done by this cosmetic surgeon. Now my wife has made an appointment with this same doctor. She says she wants to make herself more attractive for me, but my jealous suspicions seem to be that she wants to impress her coworker. They started eating lunch together as part of a group from the office. With summer vacations and people out of the office, I have found out through my wife that these two are having lunch exclusively every day, either in the office cafe or other lunch places outside the office. A college buddy of mine, who's wife did leave him for another man, told me that once his wife started going to lunch outside the office with guys, guys would take her to other places in their cars besides restaurants during lunchtime. I was told it was a bad sign and to watch out. In the past, I have broken up with girlfriends that I suspected were interested in other men and I felt they were cheating on me although I had no concrete proof. Other women have broken up with me saying that I was too controlling. My wife only has a half hour for her lunch and her co worker has an hour. She has told me that other people were fired because they were repeatedly late coming back from lunch. I told her I don't think it's a good idea for her to go off with this guy for lunch because if she's late too often she could get fired. At the place where my wife works they have a strict policy on alcohol use and being under the influence of alcohol in the work place. Two co workers at her office were fired when a manager noticed they were acting strangely after lunch, had two police man called to the work place, administered a breathalyzer and they were both fired. Last week, my wife does not drink, and when we were at a restaurant for dinner, she noticed a wine on the list and said that she tried some of that at lunch earlier that day. Her friend was having a glass of wine and recommended that she try it because it tasted like fruity grape juice. "So, you had a glass of wine during your lunch break from work?" Yeah, it was just one glass. "Do you remember what happened to Susie and Jim when the drank at lunchtime?" Sure. But they were really being stupid about it. I only had one glass. Can't get drunk from just one old little glass of wine. "Do you really want to take that chance? You shouldn't be drinking during the day. I thought you didn't drink." "I don't. But that wine Kenny had me try didn't taste like wine at all." It wouldn't surprise me if Kenny didn't slip a roofie in my wife's drink from the way she was acting that night. To make things more complex, I was laid off from my employer two years ago and I am working my own business in addition to working a second job in sales, so I am covered under my wife's health insurance policy. When I question my wife about this co worker, my wife gets angry and threatens to leave me saying "good luck paying for your own health insurance. Individual plans cost a fortune." I have been uneasy with any man that my wife enjoys his company. When I was a kid, most wives stayed at home with children and the men worked. Today, many wives are working, and with the recession on, many husbands are not working or are working their own businesses because most companies are simply not hiring anymore. Does your wife have lunch and socialize with other men at work? Does your wife have other male friends? How do you deal with this as a husband? (The same questions also apply to boyfriends with girlfriends). My wife says that she and her co worker friend are just "Platonic" and there is nothing sexual or romantic in their friendship. Personally, I think the whole notion of a Platonic relationship between a man and a woman is a load of bull. Women can answer also although I am primarily looking for men's opinions on this matter. more

Voting Question: I have re-fallen in love with my best friend from high school who I haven't seen in three years. What do I do?

When we were in high school, he went to visit his mom across the country for summer vacation and never came back. We weren't dating, but we were really close best friends and I had planned on telling him how I felt about him after finals so neither of us got distracted. He told me about his vacation plans before I had a chance to tell him and I chickened out. I told myself I would tell him sometime that summer and everything would be fine. That way if he didn't feel the same, at least there were a few hundred miles between us for a few months and we could get over the awkwardness. I never dreamed that after the first week he'd stop responding to me at all and then never come home. Needless to say I never told him how I felt. How could I? He left everything behind without a glance back. I figured that was my answer on how he felt. A few months later he finally emailed me and said that he wanted to apologize for leaving so quickly but that while on vacation he made some weak mistakes and couldn't come home. He was having a kid soon and was trying to get his life back together. He told me that he lost trust in most people but that he never ever lost trust in me or stopped thinking about me. That gave me hope. Then we lost contact for the most part, an email here or there mostly. About two months ago we got back in contact and have been talking almost everyday since. I had thought I was over him, then he told me he was in the Army and was being deployed to Afghanistan and my stomach plummeted. I was sick for a week just thinking about him in danger and never coming back, I get nervous anytime I'm not talking to him. I've been with a great guy for about a year and a half. He's wonderful, and I do love him. But I never lost the love I had for Johnathon. A few days ago Johnathon said he'd always been attracted to me but never said anything because he was a "closed book" at the time. That completely screwed me up because I have been trying to remind myself that we are just friends and that's all we'll ever be. We've talked back and forth about what could have been, but he's engaged and says he's mostly happy. I jokingly asked him what we're supposed to do about this situation. His response was "We dream. And hope in the corners of our hearts that something gives." What does that even mean??? I have no idea what's going on anymore! He said that we could have been the stuff of legend and that not a day goes by when he doesn't think about "us". I love him, I always have and always will. I fell in love with him a long time ago and thought I had moved past it. I haven't. He seems like he hasn't either. We're both happy with other people, but I can't stop wondering if we'll be happier together. Did I forget to mention he is coming home to visit in November and bringing his girlfriend/fiancee with him? It will be the first time I have seen him in person in three years! *head in hands* I just feel completely desperate for advice and normally the best unbiased advice comes from strangers. Anyone have any ideas? Anything at all? Please help... K more

Resolved Question: Has anyone been to Boyne Mountain in Michigan?? Is it a good place to vacation in summer?

Please give me all of your opinions, suggestions, ideas, and experiences. I just want to hear what it is like, if it is fun (for kids & adults). Kids ages are 9, 12, 13, and 14. Thanks in advance!If you have any suggestions of a better place to go in Michigan or somewhere in the surrounding area, please let me know!I'm open to any suggestions u may have! I'm just not sure where to go...I'm open to any suggestions u may have! I'm just not sure where to go... more

Resolved Question: Summer activities for little kids?

I'm home watching my little brother and sister (we just got back from vacation) and they are really bored and are trying to find something to do. My brother is 8 turning 9 in September and my sister is 7 any ideas or suggestions would be great, and not the basic things like ride bikes, play with chalk, etc. Thanks more

Resolved Question: Would you hire me as a babysitter, and how much would you pay me?!?

So i am 15, turn 16 in a month. I am the youngest of 9 kids, 5 of which are out of the house, married, and have 2-5 kids each. I grew up seeing my sisters all the time, babysitting their kids while they were there when i was younger, and watching the kids with them gone when i was about 12 or older. My older brother lives a block away form me and i watch his kids all of the time. They have 4 kids. A 6 year old and 4 year old boy. A 1 and a half year old girl. And a newborn girl ( i watch the newborn too, if my sister in law is only going to be gone for an hour or two... because the baby needs to eat). I have babysat for many different families over the years also. I have babysat for people outside my family since i was 12. I was known for being able to get these boys, who were notorious for not listening, to sleep. I have done every job from making dinner, to bathing, to putting to sleep. I always tidy up the house a bit when i am babysitting. Only sitting down to watch tv when the kids are fast asleep. Other wise i am down playing with them. I dont drive yet. But i can get a ride to the house, if needed (alot of times one of the parents will come pick me up). I am very responsible. I get straight A's at school, and dont get into trouble. So, sorry it is so long. But i was trying to be thorough. Would you consider me a qualified babysitter and if so, how much per hour would you pay me? Because i just told my sister in law to get the word out that i am going to babysit again ( i havent recently because i have been busy with sports and school, and sports and vacation during the summer) and people have asked her how much i charge, an hourly rate. I have no idea because i have never actually told people what to charge me before. I was thinking between 5-7 dollars an hour. Depending on the number of kids. But i live in a really small town, so it cant be very expensive. So. What do you think?I have taken a Red Cross babysitting class. But i havent taken CPR. Although i do plan on it this coming year, seeing as how i will be a lift guard probably next summer. more

Resolved Question: How much would you pay for me to Babysit?!?

So i am 15, turn 16 in a month. I am the youngest of 9 kids, 5 of which are out of the house, married, and have 2-5 kids each. I grew up seeing my sisters all the time, babysitting their kids while they were there when i was younger, and watching the kids with them gone when i was about 12 or older. My older brother lives a block away form me and i watch his kids all of the time. They have 4 kids. A 6 year old and 4 year old boy. A 1 and a half year old girl. And a newborn girl ( i watch the newborn too, if my sister in law is only going to be gone for an hour or two... because the baby needs to eat). I have babysat for many different families over the years also. I have babysat for people outside my family since i was 12. I was known for being able to get these boys, who were notorious for not listening, to sleep. I have done every job from making dinner, to bathing, to putting to sleep. I always tidy up the house a bit when i am babysitting. Only sitting down to watch tv when the kids are fast asleep. Other wise i am down playing with them. I dont drive yet. But i can get a ride to the house, if needed (alot of times one of the parents will come pick me up). I am very responsible. I get straight A's at school, and dont get into trouble. So, sorry it is so long. But i was trying to be thorough. How much would you pay for me to babysit your kids? Seriously. Because i just told my sister in law to get the word out that i am going to babysit again ( i havent recently because i have been busy with sports and school, and sports and vacation during the summer) and people have asked her how much i charge, an hourly rate. I have no idea because i have never actually told people what to charge me before. I was thinking between 5-7 dollars an hour. Depending on the number of kids. But i live in a really small town, so it cant be very expensive. So. What do you think?Oh, and i rarely babysit for just one kid. It is almost always 2 or more. So charging 5 an hour isnt bad. That is just a dollar more than 2 per kid. more

Resolved Question: iTunes shuffle survey for the bored?

here are my answers!: Opening Credits: We Like To Party! Your mom finds out she's pregnant with you: All Around The World Slideshow of her pregnancy: Cavanaugh Park While she's delivering you: BaSel Your first birthday: Don't Stop You growing up: Ghosts N Stuff Your first day of school: Trance Up Meeting your first friend: Snowbound Your first day of middle school: I Hope You're Alone Meeting your first crush: Tenement Yard Your first kiss: Say What You Want Fighting with your parents: One Week Fighting with your friends: London's Calling Breaking up: Maps Your first day of high school: Come On Eileen Your sweet sixteen: Ageless Your first time having sex: Comeback Kid Your 18th birthday: I Like It Rough Your graduation ceremony: Jesus Christ Pose Your first day of college: Escape From IP1 Your first college party: Natural Anthem Meeting your true love: Goodnight Goodnight Getting married: Just Because You Can't See The Sun Doesn't Mean It's Not Shining Finding out you/your spouse is pregnant: Typo Spies Having your first child: Push Getting old: Who's Your Daddy Your spouse gets sick: Living In Jungles They die: Hoe Down At their funeral: Versions Of Me You end up in the hospital: Love Almost Everyone Your death: Skyfire Ace Your funeral: Mansard Roof People's Themes Yours: Lashes Your best friend: Happy Up Here Your first crush: Oldflame Your mom: I'm A Lady Your dad: Will I Ever Your sibling(s): She's So High Above Me Your worst enemy: Pulp Fiction Theme Your signifigant other: One Shot, Two Shots Your first child: Supermart Your first grandchild: Black Girls What You Listen To When... You're happy: Snakes And Martyrs You're upset: Another Girl Another Planet You're angry: Only One You're depressed: Don't Stay Home You're cleaning: Ensename You're working out: Vertigo You're bored: Prelude You're doing homework: Hanasakajijii (four: a great wind, more ash) You're eating: Hello Alone You're thinking: Inspiration You're going to sleep: Hands Down You're feeling sick: Lives You're going shopping: Woe You're hanging out with your friends: Dancing On The Blacktop You're on a date: Innocence You're having sex: Loose Ends You're at a party: Interloper You're driving: Blood To Bleed You're on a plane: Love Is Noise You're relaxing: Stop & Stare You're on vacation: Crosstown Traffic Random Your friends think your theme is: Coin Return Your family thinks your theme is: Fucking In The Bushes Your signifigant other thinks your theme is: Blind What reminds your enemy of you: Namida Vacuum Sound What song makes you sad: Better Man Makes you happy: Feels So Good Makes you mad: Summer Hit Gives you energy: Care A Little For Caroline Makes you tired: Wet Sand You love to hate: Narc You hate to love: Missed Me Makes you think: Speculation Makes you wonder: I'm Lonely What song inspires you: Whatsername Motivates you: I Wish You Were Here Makes you feel invincible: Swing Even More Random When you trip: Techno Rave House When you fall: Schizophrenia When you're trying to look cool: Chemistry Of A Car Crash When you have no idea what's going on: If You Hate Your Friends, You're Not Alone When you can't figure something out: The Strength To Go On When you're dancing around the house cuz you're home alone: Obstructed View What you sing in the shower: Machines When you're getting dressed: Everywhere When you're talking on the phone: Fresh Tendrils When you're sneaking out: Messy When you get caught sneaking back in: Mr Maker When you think about life: Track Playgirl What actually sums up your life: Same Outfit How people will remember you: Higher Ground How you want people to remember you: Baby, You Win The best song out there: The View The worst song out there: Rakim Worst song by the best artist: Wild Wild Life Best song by the worst artist: Nothing Compares 2 U Ending Credits: Little Rhymes Fill in yours! more

Resolved Question: Fun things for kids to do?

I am a mother of a 10 and 7 year old, who will be going back to school in the fall so I am on a limited income. Summer vacation has just begun for the kids and already I feel like I have exhausted all of our low income options for fun this summer. (ie Parks, zoos, beach). Is there some place or thing I am missing that I can do/go with the kids? This is the fist time I have been able to spend a whole summer with them and would like to make the most of it before fall comes and we all head back to school. Thanks in advance for any and all ideas. more

Voting Question: Babysitting Flyer ideas?

Okay so I have been babysitting for a while now and I want to start a business. All the adults with kids know me but they go to other people, now that its summer everyones vacationing and they need someone to take care of there kids, Im 14 and I have CPR training What other things should i put on it? more

Resolved Question: Parents of children with PDD-NOS or AUTISM: What kinds of things should I be doing for my 5 year old son?

My son was receiving support through ECI for speech and cognitive delays until he was three, then we switched over to the school district where he now attends a special ed. program with support in speech, OT, and other areas. We haven't gotten a difinitive diagnosis. Out of four specialists, two think it is PDD-NOS; the others don't know. My son is five, but can't talk, is social, but has cognitive delays. He just doesn't fit neatly into one category for a diagnosis, but I feel pretty confident that his developmental issues are here to stay, so I want to make sure I am preparing him for the future. In addition to private ABA-based speech therapy, we also take him to special needs gymnastics and swim lessons. In the fall, he will attend kindergarten, with most of his day in the special ed classroom in a program for mostly autistic kids. What do parents do for after school care for their special needs kids? Also, looking forward, I am hopeful that my son can attend some sort of college or skills training program. Are there waiting lists for this type of thing? What do most kids with autism do after they graduate from high school? Do they have programs beyond the high school level where autistic kids can socialize with other special needs kids or volunteer in the community? How long do they generally continue with speech therapy? (Again, this is forward-looking since my son is only five.) What about summer camps or vacation programs for families with special needs kids? I heard about one program in Aspen where the kids go during the day with a helper, and the parents come back and sleep with them in the cabins at night. Does anyone know about this camp? Lots of questions here, I know. Just looking for some direction. Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated!! :) more

Resolved Question: looking for a kid friendly beach?

We are looking for a kid friendly beach plus some really great area attractions for the whole family. This place will be our summer vacation for 2010, we will have a 7 year old, 3 year old, and a newborn. We live in Kentucky and we will be driving to the destination, so it can't be out west anywhere (too long of a drive), probably 15 - 16 hour drive would be the high limit on driving. Any and all ideas would be appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!! :) more

Resolved Question: What is a good, fairly cheap vacation?

I live in Vancouver and have two kids, 14 and 10. I would like to go somewhere this Summer for 1, 2 or 3 nights with my kids thats not too expensive, I was thinking below a few grand. Maybe Las Vegas? Just post a couple ideas. more

Resolved Question: Unedited story for Fictionpress. Read/Edit/Comment, please?

WARNING: I AM NOT DONE WITH CHAPTER 1 YET! DO YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE SO FAR? AND WOULD YOU OFFER SOME HELP TO HELP ME IMPROVE, PLEASE? Summary: Sophia Rizzuto is not the brightest tool in the shed because she is just too curious for her own good. This, of course, lands her in jail at a faerie king's court with no idea how to bust herself out. Told with wit, humor and a dash of romance. Genre: Fantasy Rating: T Prologue: Sophia would like to pretend that she's a talented human being, although in all honesty, she's probably got as much talent as a plastic figurine, or rather, an exceptionally beautiful Styrofoam box that people get when they order take-out from Master Wok. Sophia knows that if she had an ounce of intelligence, she wouldn't be chained to a concrete wall, with an arm decorated with scratches and a bladder full of pee. Her nails wouldn't be nearly broken off from all of that clawing against the walls, and her palms wouldn't be raw and bleeding either. She mutters words, cursing the Christian God first, then the Muslim one, and then all four-billion of the Greek gods/goddesses, especially the bitch in charge of Pandora's box. And even though this makes her feel better for a mere five seconds, Sophia is still chained to the wall, and she still has to pee. Chapter 1: Sophia begrudgingly chowed down on her banana in the car, her dad beside her in the driver's seat, the car heading westward towards the school. This was her last week of school, and nothing should thrill her more, however the fact that she still had to attend the damn place killed the thrilling moment. Plus, it was 6:50 in the morning, and no one wants to battle the world at 6:50 AM. Most normal freshman in her grade were skipping the entire last week. She, however, had run up all of her absences from faking sick and had to attend if she ever wanted to advance to the 10th grade. "It's the last week of school, kid," her dad said to her, "At least smile." "I have summer projects to do. I'd rather not." She never understood why the school board issued out summer projects. This was supposed to be a vacation. Vacation, meaning no work. She sighed heavily. Hopefully she'd find something interesting to do during the summer. Unfortunately for her, she was subject to two overly protective parents, meaning she could barely walk out of her front door without her father or mother watching behind a window. She would watch the kids who could go to and fro as they pleased with envy. It just wasn't fair. They would get to experience the world first hand, while she had to search books for just a taste of it. As she stared out of the side window, Sophia watched the trees pass by and made a promise to herself that she'd find adventure. Some how, she'd do what she had to so she could experience that freedom she longed for as a child, and as a teenager. As the car pulled up to the high school, her father said goodbye, her banana peel went flying into the garbage can in front of the doors, and her mouth formed a little scowl. The school was tepid with hormonal teenagers kissing, hugging and practically groping each other through their clothes, save for the few people who remembered that homeroom was in the next ten minutes. With her bag slung over her shoulder and her body tipping from the weight of it, she managed to maneuver through the active bodies, up the staircase, and to her class. When she sat down, she sighed again. Today was going to be just another day. --- She didn't mind her history class that much. She liked the fact that almost every person contributed to something, whether they were famous or infamous. Everyone was involved in the plot, everyone was included. She hated her teacher though. He was boring, and usually assigned worksheets or in-class essays while he read books on mythological creatures. He would sometimes, out of no where, announce to the class what he'd read. One time he literally stopped the class to announce that Nemesis, the Greek god of revenge, would punish all of Athena's enemies. She didn't find that little bit of information quite appealing, but nevertheless, the class entertained his enthusiastic lectures so that they could put off working. On his desk, he kept little green jars of herbs, each labeled "Jasmine," "Thyme," and "Hawthorne," which he would sporadically open during class periods. No one ever asked him about it --- it was creepy after all --- but Sophia often wondered why he did. But Sophia figured that this all fell under the Mr. Smith Was Just Weird Umbrella, and left it at that.I'm 15, and yes, I'm just a tad bit sensitive, so mind your manners please.Oh don't you worry about old KK over here. She's mourning the death of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett, is all. I'm sure she'll be in even BETTER spirits tomorrow!How was I supposed to know that you were 28? lol, I wish I were THAT talented to guess people's ages through the internet. But thanks anyways KK for your answer. Care to stop by another time if you see one of my questions? more

Resolved Question: What should I do about this kids that likes me? Please Advise?

I'm 16 he is 17 we are in the drama class and he is trying out for Romeo and me for Juliet people talked so much about him mostly good some bad. He plays every sport in the world he is really athletic but what I like is that he has such a sense of humor is great he makes me laugh and he isn't even talking to me he is talking to his friends. One problem he is SUPER SHY around like the other day I said hi and he got red smiling and couldn't look at me in the eyes. Summer vacation I see him in the park everyday playing either Football or Baseball or Basketball and he looks sexy that athletic body of his with that humor I want to get to know him. All my friends say that he was talking about me all year and he wanted to meet me but he is shy my idea walk up behind him in a surprise and turn him around and tongue kiss him and see what he does. What do you think he would do? And should I do it or what should I do? more

Resolved Question: we are taking a family vacation to TN,mainly the gatlinburg/ pigeon forge area any suggestions?

I have 3 children 11,6 and 4 I want this to be a great experience for them and a start of a summer tradition.But I need some ideas on things to do there I have only been once in the winter.I would love to take a short hike to see a waterfall and maybe have a picnic there but I want to make sure it is safe for the kids.I have been looking at one called Grotto Falls in the smokey mountains but I haven't made up my mind.Any suggestions would be helpful.Resturants,attractions,outdoor stuff we want to do it all!!!! we are already going to dolly wood and ripleys:) more

Resolved Question: who knows something for kids to do in/ around Landshut (Bavaria, Germany) this summer?

hey all, I just moved with my 2 boys (5,7) from the States back to Bavaria (outside of Landshut) and am now trying to find some kind of 'summer camp' for them that covers at least a few days of their 6 week summer vacation (I guess American summer camps plain old spoiled me :P). Is anyone from around here and has an idea/ seen pamphlets/ can tell me stuff their kids have participated in over the years and enjoyed? Thanks for the help! more

Resolved Question: i really really really wanna go but i dont know how to ask.?

ok well my greant aunt (my moms aunt) is up to where i live (pennsylvania) and she lives in tenessee shes just visiting, and i really really wanna go down back to tennessee with her for a vacation over the whole summer. her daughter (my real aunt) has two kids and their really fun and have an ENORMOUS house but the last time i saw them was when i was littler (10) and i was really weird and wore the strangest clothes because i didnt know any better, so im sure they still think im weird like that which is why they havent invited me down (lol). so my great aunt is leaving this week and i have no idea how to ask her if i can go down to tennessee with her for the summer. thats wat i did 3 summers ago except that time they invited me i didnt have to ask. im 13 now. please please please help im not close to my great aunt and i cant even tell you how much i want to go down there for the summer but i dont know how to ask with out seeming like im desperate and inviting myself. i know its sort of confusing but please try your best to answer, because i will pick a best answer more

Resolved Question: Running away and need advice.?

Okay. So my life at home is pretty ****ed up. My mom lives off the check i get monthly from my dad dieing which is about 700-800$ and she also gets food stamps off the government. She complains she cant work because of her back but on weekend she goes out and dances. We share a house with my grandma. Its me , my mom , my aunt . grandma , little brother , big brother , and is friend; In a 3 bedroom 2 bath doublewide. I get no privacy , my mom and i fight constantly. My grandma bitches at my mom all the time. And i hate it all. Im ready to leave. I plan on running away. The only problem is , is my boyfriend. Im scared i'll go to jevey. My mom is emotionally depressed and cannot raise me and my little brother financially. How should i run away. I dont want to be found. School is about to end and thats the only thing keeping me from this hell hole. Then the summer , i get no vacation. I just sit at home yelling at my mom who is waiting for a miracle happen while she sits on her ass and does nothing but yell at me and my younger brother and sit her ass on the computer. I go to school and see kids with such a happy life , nice familys , everything they want.. then i think about my ****ed up house where i can't even get my own room. Help please , i just need ideas on where to go. And if i get caught.. what to say. I just want things to change. I've put up for this way to long. Its starting to get outta hand where i can't control my anger. && if you need my age , i am 15 turning 16 soon. more