Joanie given your original suggested phrasing: "Im sure it was an oversight, but I was not included in the group gift for Hank and it was embarrassing for me and others who also were not included when the gift was presented in public. In the future, please make sure you include everyone but with the understanding that not everyone is financially capable of contributing every time. In this regard, I also think a card from the whole group is more appropriate than individual signatures so no one is singled out for not contributing." I do think that sending a note with what you wrote above to a higher level employee is courting some very bad reactions. Telling someone who is above you on the org chart to "In the future please make sure....etc" is not only harsh but strikes a tone of directing a subordinate who has done something wrong. I can't honestly think what positive result will come out of that and it does come across like a complainer to me. Especially coming from someone who doesn't always contribute anyway; if the OP had diligently chipped in every time and been excluded, that's one thing. But such is admittedly not the case here. Maybe this is acceptable in your work environment Joanie . But to reprimand a superior after not being a 'team player' (and I'll bet that is what some people, fairly or not, already think of the OP) is just not a good idea in my opinion. I still say let it go. Ann

"Most homes on MLS websites are overpriced. FSBO even more so." That is HILARIOUS!! And I'm glad I'm not the only one who's noticed!! You get these goofy people in a BUYER'S market who seem to think they can sell their house themselves at the same price as the neighbor's (who hired a realtor). They're crazy. And I can't believe how many of them I've been calling on!! I got one guy who WOULDN'T EVEN TELL ME THE PRICE OF HIS HOUSE!!! He wanted me to "come over and we'll talk." So I asked him to send me some photos of the inside to see if it's worth my time. "Come over and see for yourself. No photos, we have moving boxes everywhere." Yeah, good luck with that!! Maybe an investor who does this for a living has time to take a chance on a good deal. But I'm a SAHM of a busy toddler in a heavy buyer's market. I've got a list of THIRTY other houses in my price range I want to tour, just based on features and the MLS photos. Has this guy lost his mind?! In these markets, you've gotta have some advantage over the competition to get them in the door, either desirable features, nice remodels, or an awesome price! He's got zero.

I tried to do some changing, got message error, so will wait now, I see nothing except to allow members to contact me, and even checking that, nothing happens, at least it didn't at this time. Will try and check in later. thanks folks, maybe cuz I am tired been gone all day, can't sleep, too darn tired, but I did message emma back, cuz her site showed I could. Still don't see where she clicked to arrange that.

You know, mtn, this is what happens when you raise children to be strong and independent. They go ahead and leave you. ;) Naturally it's emotionally tough at first, even though we recognize on an intellectual level the value of the opportunity. My advice would be to keep a copy of her schedule and make yourself available when she is. I tried not to schedule anything during times I knew my kids were walking to class or to an activity, or had free time. I agree that it's better to speak with them when they have some privacy. There was typically a time a few days per week when their schedules diverged from their classmates' and I got to "walk" with them. That time changed every semester, and I was always happy to accommodate their schedules. So I guess in that regard, yes, I did "schedule" a time, but it was very organic and driven by their calendars. Her class/roommates will be receiving care packages, so even though you are nearby, it's always fun to get mail.