# Families -- a New Year's MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [January 1, 2007, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276 "2007-01-01T06:26:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2007, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/281 "2007-01-05T20:16:03Z")
Well…this is exciting…just got a call telling me I need to put my resume together and re-apply for my job by the end of next week. Ah the joys of new governors. At least I have lots and lots of experience in the obscure stuff that my job involves. It’ll be fun to find a way to succinctly put together the reasons stuff will fall apart if they don’t keep me on. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Sorry about the S.O.'s puppy, **Alistair**. I think the being there part is most important. And knowing that he can’t be replaced. There might be a successor at some point, but not a replacement. I haven’t had to deal with this personally, but I know several people here have and will be along with advice momentarily. It’s raining here too and weirdly warm, although not stormy or tornadoey, I don’t think. Our friends at [weather.com](http://weather.com) say it’s 60 degrees Amerrkin. Looks like it’s going to be in the fifties for the forseeable future except for three days next week when it’ll be in the high 30s. Almost didn’t need a jacket when I went out to run errands. Very disconcerting weather. Back later. GT ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2007, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/282 "2007-01-05T20:43:58Z")
Oh yeah - my dishes - Corelle, white with a black pattern. No fancy china - never wanted any. Throw-away plates for pizza. Life is good. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Tupug\_Anachi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@Tupug\_Anachi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tupug_Anachi)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2007, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/283 "2007-01-05T21:09:18Z")
**ali** , good on you being sensitive to the **gf’s** feelings about her beloved pet. My only advice to you is be aware that she is going to grieve…just as she would for any family member. You don’t think you’re going to, but, oh, you do. BarbeeDoll[sup]TM[/sup] finally made contact with someone willing to give her the information we need. The bad news is that we will have to hire an attorney afterall to sort out the financial situation so he will qualify. All of you folks looking for your winter? I have a feeling that it’s sneakin round back and is about to know you on your asses…er…so to speak. Imma thinking eye-talian dellivery for dinner tonight. ---
**Author:** ![scareyfaerie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scareyfaerie/32/3135_2.png) [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2007, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/284 "2007-01-05T21:11:27Z")
I waded through the heaps of junk in the spare room to the cabinet where the big bits of china are stored…mine is Royal Doulton’s “Reflection” pattern. See, the things I do for you… **Mr McStrings** - your SO will have to make that decision for her pet but it will be easier for her if she knows you will be there to support her. It’s a very tough decision but there comes a point when you know you don’t want your pet to suffer and you know that medication will give them a while longer with you (and with a good quality of life) but it won’t be forever. We had to make that choice with our cat, Claymore. He was very elderly, was arthritic, deaf and was losing his sight. So we chose a date with the vet when they could come and see him at home. The couple of days beforehand, we spoilt him absolutely rotten - he got cuddles and fuss all the time, we gave him all his favourite treats, fed him all the things we knew he loved, we played with him when he was able to join in, and we gave him as much of our time as we could. When the vet came, Claymore was curled up in his favourite spot on our bed and that’s where he stayed, laying on his fleecy blanket. The vet gave him a final injection and he slipped away, half asleep, purring, and with us still stroking his head. I think he must have known what was happening, and we did everything we could to make his passing peaceful. We still miss him but we know we did all we could for him and we prevented him from a final painful end. Your SO will perhaps be grateful to think that she has the choice for her dog, that she can make the right decision at the right time and that she can make sure she takes the time to say goodbye properly. ---
**Author:** ![taxi78cab](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47c2d/32.png) [@taxi78cab](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/taxi78cab)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2007, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/285 "2007-01-05T21:18:36Z")
[QUOTE=Jahdra] [This](http://www.corelle.com/index.asp?pageId=52&pid=44) is my regular dinnerware \ [/QUOTE] :eek: Those are my regular everyday plates! And in even more of a coincidence, I had a set of 8 of those and KeithT had a set of 4 when we met. What good taste you and he and I all have! 😛 I’m sorry that someone took one of them though. I’d be pretty :mad: and would refuse to bring goodies after that too. ---
**Author:** ![SnakesCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@SnakesCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakesCatLady)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2007, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/286 "2007-01-05T21:24:49Z")
**A McC** , as the others have said - just be there for her. It is a difficult decision to make, even when you know it is the right one. She may want to talk about him, and tell stories about the silly things he did (and they did) when they were growing up. Or she may not want to talk about it at all for a while. Just knowing you are there for her will make it a bit easier on her. After a while (not at first!) you might want to bring up getting a shelter dog in his honor. Some people are ready for a new pet sooner than others. But when it does come up make sure she knows you don’t consider it a replacement - loved ones cannot be replaced. I need to go get dressed for hockey. I’m kinda nervous about this on-ice deal beforehand. I’m wearing one of my oldest jerseys - from back in Frankie’s time with us - in his honor. There is sunshine outside. I hope it lasts for a while. I’m tired of rain! ---
**Author:** ![Tupug\_Anachi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@Tupug\_Anachi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tupug_Anachi)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2007, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/287 "2007-01-05T21:25:33Z")
[QUOTE=Tupug Anachi] All of you folks looking for your winter? I have a feeling that it’s sneakin round back and is about to **knock** you on your asses…er…so to speak. [/QUOTE] :smack: ---
**Author:** ![taxi78cab](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47c2d/32.png) [@taxi78cab](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/taxi78cab)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2007, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/288 "2007-01-05T21:38:24Z")
**CelloGuy** , we’re in almost the same place with one of our cats. This one was KeithT’s, but I had to do the same thing with one of mine last summer. It’s a tough decision to make, but it helps to know that you’re relieving their suffering. I think there’s a lot of good advice above. I’m the type that wants a new pet pretty quickly, but there are plenty of people who want to wait a while after losing a pet. I’d wait for her to suggest a new pet before you say anything. She’ll know when it’s time. People without pets just don’t understand, but they are part of the family (the non-judgemental part!) and we miss them a lot when they’re gone. ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2007, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/289 "2007-01-05T22:04:04Z")
**CelloDude** let me join in the chorus of just being there for her. Let her grieve. Let her cry on your shoulder. Love her. Listen if she talks about him. Let her know how sorry you are for his passing. Give her lots of hugs. Trust me, you’ll be a big hero in her eyes. You already are for being so concerned. I had to go drain the pool of excess water. It was waaaaay over the intake. For now the sun’s trying to come out but that won’t last long. More rain is on the way overnight. Looks like my Saturday morning chore will be draining water off the pool again. It’s worth it though. I likes me pool. Four more months and I’ll be floatin’ around in it once again sipping on a cold refreshing nerve tonic. 😃 I don’t cover it up for winter. I clean and take care of it year round. Sometimes I like just goin’ out and sitting in the swing and reading or watching the water. It’s relaxing. I have a pan of mini cornbread muffins in the oven. I’ve got beef stew all warmed up. 'Twill be a good supper. Have I mentioned I make a dang good beef stew? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2007, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/290 "2007-01-05T23:58:27Z")
So where is everybody??? Dang, almost two hours since the last post and that was mine. Supper is et. MMMMMMMMMMMM goooooooooood! The rain has stopped for now. It’s cooled down some. Maybe even enough for a soak in the hot tub accompanied by a couple ice cold nerve tonics. Course that might make ol’ y’all know who kinda frisky. Do I dare risk that? Eh, I’ll take my chances. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/291 "2007-01-06T00:56:16Z")
I’m here - just finished playing in my studio. I trimmed 6 pieces and glazed them - without firing!! We shall see how this works out. We get up at 8 tomorrow and head out on several errands, plus we’re taking my mom out for a b-day lunch. She turns 73 on Sunday but we’ll celebrate a day earlier with lunch and a good old fashioned sink-caulking! 😃 Oh yeah, we know how to party!! No plans for Sunday yet - we’re wild and free that way! ---
**Author:** ![The\_Blue-Sighted\_Shadow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecae2f/32.png) [@The\_Blue-Sighted\_Shadow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Blue-Sighted_Shadow)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/292 "2007-01-06T01:02:52Z")
I’ve been busy cleaning up my desk. I did a complete purge back in July, so what’s left is supposed to be the essentials. And a lot of office crap. How did I acquire so much stuff? Calendars, awards (what in the world am I supposed to do with those, anyway, put them on my mantel?), a drawer full of tea and soup, a singing teddy bear holding a rose, five, count 'em, five coffee mugs, 2 cookie jars (Tazmanian Devil on a motorcycle and Pinky & the Brain), my & and a lowercase m, assorted paperwork collected over the past 7 years, some business cards that might be usual later, and miscellaneous office supplies that belong to _me_. I also have pictures from our 2001 summer outing. It shows people in various stages of drunken debauchery, from woohoo, we’re having a drink to help me, I can’t stand up to oops I peed on the bathroom floor, sorry (that would be my boss that did that - she’s the grand poobah now, but I still remember her falling drown drunk and pissing herself in the bathroom because she was too drunk to make it into the stall) including the live cricket-eating contest, the drag show, and a (male) partner’s striptease. Good times, good times. Maybe I’ll keep them, in case I ever think, for whatever bizarre reason, that I might like to come back here. The streaker was a couple of years later. I’m proud to say that she was a co-worker and a friend. Let’s see, have I mentioned the mobile vomitoriums AKA buses? Yeah, see, drinking a few pitchers of margaritas, and then climbing onto a bus for a long and winding ride home means vomiting. And one person starts, they all go. If you want to ride that last bus, you’d better have a strong stomach and wear a raincoat. On one memorable occasion, way back when my boss wasn’t yet, and we were still actually friends, we both got puked on on the bus ride home. We were still happily loopy when we made it back to the office, so we decided to go out for Mexican food. I think we still had vomit in our hair. It was about 6. PM. Yes, that was another day that the booze started flowing at 8 am. It’s five o’clock somewhere! The bartender knew he was in trouble when they staggered off the bus and handed him a mostly empty _gallon_ of Stoli and a half empty champagne bottle, and a bunch of empties. These little adventures took place during business hours, so technically, we were getting paid to get drunk, and the booze was free, too. If you’ve ever seen Boiler Room, and the bus scene? That was us, only we were drunker, louder, and more obnoxious. You know, seeing this all down in black and white, I’m appalled. These used to be told as _funny_ stories, even the one from yesterday about the partner. Good Og. What a bunch of savages. I’ve still got more, if you want to hear them. ---
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/293 "2007-01-06T01:04:15Z")
I’m here too. Doing jigsaws, watching season one of _Remington Steele_, eating chocolate, and starting to update my resume. Exciting Friday evening chez **GT**. Woo hoo… GT ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/294 "2007-01-06T01:32:10Z")
Yes, it’s Friday. I’m home, and have had a lllooonnnggg nap. When I came home today. it was warmer outside than inside. Usually in January that would be a :eek: , but it was 72 outside. I’m working Saturday, but am off Sunday. It is supposed to rain, so I may curl up in front of a playoff game with a good beerverage. There is a tornado watch in effect untill 0100 today. Looks like it covers the Vunderranch, too. I need to eat. I am going to have fish and rice, just to be different. **bobbio** , was it USAir? The plane _always_ breaks down in Charlotte. Glad you got a raise. **Taters** , the student was smoking weed. I don’t think that ever increases your IQ. Maybe your boss is giving this project to you because you forgot the coversheet on the TPS reports? **Al** (don’t call me Betty), just be there for her. Losing a pet is never easy, they do sort of become your fuzzy retarded children. **FCM** , my Corelle is white with the green flowers. **Jahdra** , that is worse debauchery than when I was a young lad. :eek: Good times, good times. 🙂 **SCL** , that really sucks for the players. If the Canes keep getting injured, thye might find some job opening s in Raleigh. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/295 "2007-01-06T01:42:00Z")
Apparently, my Corelle was retired: [Lyrics](http://www.corelle.com/index.asp?pageId=78) (You need to scroll thru to see it.) Our set included drinking glasses, and I got several serving pieces, too. Recently a coworker was selling a 4-place setting of that pattern, so we’ve now got 16 plates and bowls. I got rid of the coffee cups and saucers - we never use them. When I was younger, I used to look at china patterns, but I got over it. I have no compelling urge to have fancy parties with fancy dishes and glassware. It’s too much like work. ---
**Author:** ![Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Man_With_a_Cat)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/296 "2007-01-06T01:59:20Z")
**Celloman** , like the other folks say, just be there. If she wants to talk, if not, she wants you around for it. My afternoon sucked, but I made up for it with a yummy dinner. I’m having major Comcast issues with the converter box in the Kid’s bedroom. I’m getting a head cold, but the blessed relief of Cold-Eze is staving it off so far. I’m trying to talk the Wife into a movie tomorrow afternoon, but having no luck so far. I’m gonna have me a beer or nine. ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/297 "2007-01-06T02:13:28Z")
**MBG** , whatever happened with the lost history book girl? ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/298 "2007-01-06T02:30:53Z")
[QUOTE=FairyChatMom] Apparently, my Corelle was retired: [Lyrics](http://www.corelle.com/index.asp?pageId=78) (You need to scroll thru to see it.) Our set included drinking glasses, and I got several serving pieces, too. Recently a coworker was selling a 4-place setting of that pattern, so we’ve now got 16 plates and bowls. I got rid of the coffee cups and saucers - we never use them. When I was younger, I used to look at china patterns, but I got over it. I have no compelling urge to have fancy parties with fancy dishes and glassware. It’s too much like work. [/QUOTE] My Corelle pattern is so old it’s not listed. ---
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/299 "2007-01-06T02:42:21Z")
**Heinz! or time to play catch-up** **rigs** - I’m sorry you’re gong thru such dreck in your relationship. I also echo the recommendation of finding a therapist you can trust enough to vent to. Here’s hoping that 2007 brings you better things. **kai** and **db** - thems be some cute puppikins **Belated Happy Birthday** to **TaterGal** **Tigs** - if the cortisone makes it easier for you to get around, there’s nothing fake about it. But steroids can do nasty things to your bone density, so take your calcium. And the best kind are the ones with vitamin D, which helps the body absorb the calcium better. **Jahdra** (and everyone else) - once upon a time, we had monthly productivity meetings in which 20 minutes worth of material took over an hour to cover because our then manager treated us all like we were illiterate and _read_ the memos to us in the meetings. There was also a period of time when we had to account for every minute of every day, and Og forbid a bathroom break took more than three minutes. I used to include the time I spent writing out the log, which pissed off my manager. My response was always “but I couldn’t finish that project on time because I had to fill out my log”. That manager was not well liked or respected by anyone. But we inherited her in a take over and part of the deal was she had to stay in that position when she came over to us. She was encouraged to leave 10 years later (now 10 years ago) and things have gotten much better > [@VunderBob](#): > > Happy news to report: Bobbio gets a raise, far above the COLA adjustment… 🆒🆒🆒🆒🆒🆒 YAY! but, why would Pepsi and Coke have anything to do with your salary? 😉 My company does not give individual COLAs, but every 3 years or so, they do an across the board adjustment - It’s overdue by my calculations. as for dish patterns - I am partial to [this one](http://www.replacements.com/webquote/ANHNAR.htm). A prize\* for the first person to figure out exactly why. 🙂 and from Corelle, I have 6 place settings of Country Violets, another [Retired Pattern](http://www.corelle.com/index.asp?pageId=78) (you have to go thru the pages yourself - there’s no direct link - it’s on “page 7”) I like oatmeal as a breakfast food, but only if it’s flavored and sweetened. When it comes to hot whole grain (or closest faacsimile) cereals, I like Grape Nuts (pour on some milk and sugar and nuke til mushy - yum!) or Wheatena (cook according to box, then add butter and fresh ground pepper) Brings back good childhood memories. Cream of Wheat is too white, but i reminds me of my step-grampa - that3’s all he’d eat, with milk and honey - and he’d drizzle the honey over the cereal and I’d watch it make patterns then disappear into the mush. **BooFae** - after reading about your Claymore, I had to give Smokey a long hug. She didn’t know why and complained at first, but allowed me to cuddle her for a few moments, then very definitely let me know enough was enough and is sitting on her pillow cleaning herself. Every few licks, she looks at me as if to say “:dubious: you’re not gong to pick me up again, are you?” and goes back to primping. She’s 7 and a half - I guess that’s middle aged for a cat? I cannot imagine life without her. I hope she lives a good looooooooooong time. I started NutriSystem on Monday (I may or may not have mentioned - I’ve forgotten) and have lost 6 lbs in 4 days! YAY! My friend saw the new oncologist today but I haven’t spoken to her yet. I have a date with The Guy on Wednesday. And that’s all the news from my neck of the woods. \*value of prize not established. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276/300 "2007-01-06T03:12:58Z")
I am back from a shocking day at work. The bad part about work is that I can never talk about it outside of it. I will say as a general principle, though, that RNS who think that they can steal narcotics and not get caught are just plain stupid. :eek: :eek: again. AND two other people got fired today-not related to the above, but still! :eek: I am headed for bed soon-me tired. Groceries in am and cleaning bathrooms-yippee. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/families-a-new-years-mmp/386276.md?page=16)