Couple of things - but a long read... Getting a dog can be a big responsibility, but I recently got a dog and I can't tell you the number of people I have met. It was early Fall so it was daylight later at night - more people were out, and everyone spoke. I missed my regular time for a few weeks because of work schedule, but one day as I was walking, one of the guys with a BIG dog that my tiny one loved to play with, actually called out to speak to me! I was so surprised. The other thing about that - I began to shed a few pounds with the walking. I actually enjoy it too. The other thing - I was married for 26 years to an overweight guy. The divorce had nothing to do with his weight. Actually we are still great friends now. It was trying because he, like you, was concerned about his weight. That always seemed to drive his emotions (although he never said anything about it, until now). All things considered, he is the most solid person in my life, and everyone loves him. He has those days when his emotions get in the way, but the one thing he does have, that everyone loves, is his smile. He laughs A LOT, which has been contagious. I say this to emphasize the fact that if you laugh, the whole world laughs with you. If you frown, you do that alone. It will happen for you. Keep an open mind. It isn't always the weight problem. I haven't really found anyone - I have "friends", but I'm not really dating. I'm a few pounds over the limit myself, and that is probably the reason. But, the other thing, life these days is just so fast paced and no one seems to take the time to court and spend time to cultivate that special relationship. One thing - don't over accentuate that you are looking (desparate to meet someone); don't try too hard. Also, as they have told women so often over the years, don't look for Ms. Right. Don't talk about yourself a lot - at least at first. A woman will eventually ask what she wants to know if you just give her some hints to help beg the questions. One thing - women will go after something that she can't have (like that pair of shoes instead of paying that bill). Be helpful, but don't be needy. And, one thing, DON'T be a great listener, like a shoulder to cry on, because that's what you'll end up being to her; much like a big brother. If a woman talks about her problems a lot, be polite, but don't sit on the phone for hours listening to that stuff. That sounds harsh, especially coming from a women. But you need to be tough sometimes too - that "bad boy" image does help sometimes. It goes back to that, "wanting something you shouldn't have" theory. If you are good at something, find places to do that, especially if women are around. Then, do it, and leave. If you do it enough times, you'll be noticed, and that can sometimes spark a conversation. Make a few changes to boost your image, as someone here has said. Whether you need to or not, just the change may apark a change in your stride - like when a woman buys a new pair of shoes. Try wearing a different style shirt or jacket, or shoes. Take a different route to work. Things like that may boost your spirits. Have you ever thought about moving back? If you say nothing has happened, maybe it wasn't that great an idea to move. That being said, don't move back just to find someone, either. I'm just throwing out ideas. BUT, if you do move or get another job, or take a new way to work/church, etc., do it for yourself. Confidence brings security to someone else. If you can exhibit a comfortable confidence, you will be attractive to someone else. My best to you. The new year is coming and who knows... BUT, don't expect that on Jan 1, you will start a new life, with a goal to meet someone. Your goal should be to enjoy life, and enjoy yourself. When you are happy, she will notice!! If you can, try having a small get-together at your place, with some close friends that you trust. New Year's Eve might be a good time. An impromptu small party may breed another small party. Who knows, someone you know might tell someone that is also looking, and bring her. Fun is the word!! Just make sure your place looks like you are in control - clean, neat, and a few selective conversation pieces. They don't have to be expensive. Check out "Queer Guy" on TV (they have some great ideas sometimes), or those other "home" shows, for a few ideas if you can't think of any. You don't need to go too far outside your comfort zone - just fake it till you make it. Be honest though. If you find someone, you don't want her to find out that you are a fake when you can't always live up to that fake image. You want to have just a little bit of an edge to get you noticed. Happy Holidays and good luck!! gneegirl

"Someone please tell me why a grown woman would tell her grandchild that her grandfather has a rock on his bones and he is gonna die???????' oh my. Some people just do not think. I can relate, on a much smaller scale. My DD had a hernia repair right before she turned 5 years old. It was an epigastric hernia and required a small incision to be made. She had to be fully under, the whole deal. Well, I really wanted to make sure she was not anxious before the procedure so for a few days before, I explained to her how the doctor was going to give her some medicine to make her sleep, and while she was asleep and dreaming, he was going to fix the lump on her tummy. BM took it upon herself to tell her son (my SS) that they needed to pray for my DD (I do appreciate the sentiment) because "the doctors were going to cut her tummy open with a knife." ACCCKKKKK. So of course DH and I found out about this because SS came over and told my DD that the doctors were going to cut her tummy open with a knife. I was rip roarin' p*ssed!!!!! I'm sorry for what was said to your SD. That is just not right at all. :(

sorry you didn't get the rug gracie...it's frustrating to have your heart set on something and have it go right before your eyes. I've gone to many estate sales, and have had something be 'tagged' sold while I was looking at it! Dealers would come in w/their own sold tags, and tag everything they're interested in..to stop another potential buyer...Then they go back and decide what they really want to purchase. That made me very sick, and caused me to have quite a few verbal confrontations...but it was not worth the stress. So, like the others said..you will find something BETTER and you will be happy..Hey look at it this way..maybe that rug had 'pet pee' and it smelled!! LOL...Also, you might want to try looking into The Rugman online... I purchased a rug from them w/free shipping and it's absolutely beautiful. Came with warrantys and guarantees and 'papers' of authenticity too.

Thanks for all of the responses--It sure does make the situation better to have you all out there to help. Hopefully I can help someone else prevent this from happening to them. The sink is made to just fit a 33" cabinet. Most sinks fit for a 33" cabinet are smaller. We thought about sending it back at first but shipping would have been outrageous because it is HEAVY and I really like it. We bought an extra sink from the local store (just a regular ss)in case the granite measure people thought it was too big but they didn't see a problem with it. Looking under the cabinet there is about an inch or so that it could have been forward and I am sure they could have given me the option to shorten the lip in this case but I didn't think about. But because it is an unusual distance you would have thought that the granite fabricators would have addressed it. It should have been obvious to them. The guys who came to measure were well aware that the sink needed to be as far forward as possible. I would have went with the alternate sink if they mentioned anything about a 6.25" sink edge. If only we could go back in time. They already have all of our money. Is there any way they could shave off some of the lip w/o destroying the cabinet and polish it somewhat? I do not have a tip out drawer. I guess I could call and ask but am assuming it is impossible. Here is a link to the sink--which is awesome! http://blancocanada.com/frames/BlancoStart.htm?/pages/Catalog.htm Melanie1121: My favorite color is purple so I like Johnny the dot. Also the plumber may come this evening to address the disposal problem if he has time. The dishwasher does not leak--we just ran it b/c the electrician is here---yay!!! Thanks again everyone! HAPPY HOLIDAYS...