Wow Barbara, fashion advice? I was just going to suggest you take a break/vacation on the other thread where you have way too much going on at once. (Been there, done that now I take time to regroup even if it's just a day or even a few hours it's the only way to hold on to a little bit of sanity!) I think you are getting some good advice over on the KT (I lurk there sometimes!) Do you have any resale stores in your area? I would check them for a new to you outfit for the black tie dinner. I like the jewelry you have chosen. I can't give you any more advice than that. I spend lots of time gardening and digging in the dirt at home and at work I only wear jeans. Charlotte P.S. Practice your presentation a few times on your friends and family then it will go much smoother in front of the lawyers. Don't stress you are going to have a new adventure and have fun!

Tinamntu, do you know how many days it would take to get a second or third estimate? It has just now hit 100, and everyones A/C is not working just right, I know you do! I had an old retired guy from the A/c business to service and repair for me years ago. He replaced the motor, at the amount you quoted from the supply company and did not charge me retail. Sigh, he is gone. I know I could have gone to the supply store and got it myself, but time from work and the repair person is going to look and me say? So I paid $225, plus one service call, even though they came out twice. So now a little poorer, but AHHHHHHHH, I will pick your brain later when I start getting estimates on a new system, if I may? I have been reading the h&A forum for a year, so I am overloaded with info. Do I want a Carrier, well, I dont know until I know I can afford it, and then I need three bids. So on. And I ask people, well most just bought the house with an existing system. So it seems only those with new builds would know. It is tough to get info. These systems last 20-30 years, but the contractor then is not usuallly here now putting them in. Sorry all, I am way off topic. AHHHHHH, it is cooling down!!!!!

My mom tries that "You're such a meanie/horrible person" on me too. Of course if I truly was then I would dish it right back to her. The best policy is to just see it for what it is and ignore it. I know the phrase "You're sellin' but I aint buyin" does not win you brownie points. :-) As for your daughter, well I have a slightly different perspective, being a XX with a father myself. Brain Surgeon is doing what all young girls her age do, just doing it with perhaps more panache than you'd like. Some people can only learn by experiencing things first hand. So she's screwed up, and she may screw up a whole lot more. And sometimes daddy just can't fix it, no matter how much he wants to, or no matter how much better he knows than her. Sometimes he just has to listen, even though it bugs the heck out of him. I'm not saying you should let her take advantage of you, I'm just saying she may take a little longer than you'd like to get her act together and her road may be rougher, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. Your believing that she can suceed and seeing her as lovable and capable can become a self fulfilling prophecy just as the opposite belief can. Also, be careful what you wish for. If she does get her act together and is living her own life the way she wants to, albeit different from what you want or expected, are you ready to accept that? Now this is just food for thought, a conversation point, because I really have no idea about your particular situation or family and no expertise in this area, I'm just sharing some of my perspective from the daughter end, that's all. My comments could be totally irrelevant to your situation. But you sounded really low and my chronic fault is that I am a terminal advice monger. It's my helping style, which is NOT always helpful, but what can I say, I take after my dad. :-)

WooHoo!!!! CONGRATULATIONS to the both of you - I am so happy for you!!!! I am sorry to hear of your mother's health - they have Alzheimer's units, with specially trained RN's, who know just how to work with Dementia - you can place her there, with a doctor's order, and be totally confident that she will be well cared for. We want to see a picture of the wedding!!! You or Diane can email me any time with questions on Dementia - nursed on the unit as a sub for awhile. Hugs to both of you!!!!