I can't believe you didn't say something right away.

Well, I can understand why you are upset. I would absolutely say something. That was absolutely uncalled for. Some people have no common sense. I would ask that person tomorrow if you can have a word with him after the bus picks up the kids. I would not bring it up in front of the kids. Tell him that you found his "hat" comment very offensive and extremely inappropriate to say to or in front of an 8 year old. See where it goes from there. If he apologizes, then leave it at that, I mean you have to see him everyday. If he brushes it off and doesn't say anything, then I would let it go too for the same reason. If he says something retorical, or ignorant back to you, then I would let your school principal know and if that goes no where, file a complaint with the police.

FYI Pam, I thinkg smacking him would be on his level.

Hi CMJ,
Sure, Heat the wax on a low setting with your blow dryer until it getts soft, not completely melted. Then use a credit card to scrape the wax off. It could come off in one big piece or this could take several attempts. When all the wax is removed, you should clean the area with a furniture polish, Murphy's Oil works really well.

Well hello Grad,
First off, Congratulations! Graduation is a hugh deal. I don't know much about the graduation "crisis" so here is my opinion. I have seen the auditorium at the new high school and although it is really big, I don't know if it is capable to handle all of the crowd of families and guests for a big graduation. I certainly know the parking lot is small and well the handicap issue is a whole different ball game. Doucette field is a great place and certainly big enough, but again parking is an issue. Actually parking has always been an issue even when the graduations were at Lowell Memorial Auditorium and every one always made it work. Rain or shine people are going to show up. I think that the senior class is on the right track with their petition to change the venue and you definately have my vote. But you need to convince the school committee. Good Luck.

I don't know where the Doucette is, but my comment: graduating in the rain might not be an issue for you, but it could be for many other people. Also, bands can't generally play in the rain as many instruments are wooden and can get ruined (and they can't read the music). So while you think there might not be issues, there might be for others.

I agree, no matter what anyone says, someone else is going to have a comment. I don't think one venue will satisfy everyones taste.

Hi Geri,
First off you have to get your mother to realize that 63 is not old! That is such a bad frame of mind. I am assuming she has to take alot of medicine because she is out of shape. I might seek the help of her doctor. Maybe get her involved in a nutritionist. There are some really great ones around now and lots of them can be covered by insurance. Ask her to go for walks with you, even trips to the mall can count. Do you cook for her? You could prepare some meals ahead of time for her that are healthy and easy to heat up. Exercise can come in all forms, if she doesn't like to do it the "traditional" way, like going to the gym, then its time to go untraditional. Go on a picnic with her at say a lake, then walk around the lake. Go bowling, or to the Y and go swimming. Make it fun. If there are kids and grandkids, get them involved too. Good Luck.

Well, I can certainly understand your embarrassment. Thank you for asking your question. I am not so sure how to answer this, but the first thing that comes to mind is get rid of the computer! Your husband sounds like an alcoholic in denial. Not sure if there is such a thing as a pornoholic, but it certainly seems like that term may fit here, especially if your marriage is suffering. What worries me is that you say he is using the terminology in conversation. That sounds very serious. I would have a serious talk with him. Sit him down and have it out. Tell him how you feel. I hate to say it, but maybe he is bisexual? It happens you know. You have the right to know. On the other hand, maybe he is curious? Wanting to learn new things? I really don't know what else to tell you here, but I would not want this to ruin your marriage so I would address this right away, maybe even seek a professional such as a therapist, counselor, or doctor.

Hello guy,
Did you ever ask her why she is in such a bad mood? I mean if it is an all the time thing, maybe there is an under lying problem. I know people who are like that and it is just their personality and nothing can be done about it, you have to love them or unfortunately leave them. I would ask her to sit down and have a real heart to heart with her, tell her how you feel, what you see and ask her what you can do to help. 4 years is a long time and I would say it is worth at least trying.

If I may, I had similar issues with family. The first question is who kept her away? Her parents or her? If she is 30 and has not reached out that is one thing. If she is 22 that is completely different in my opinion. So what to do?
If she is young (just out of college and parents control) send a regret with a note saying you had a scheduled event that day and thank her for thinking of you. Also ask her if you can get together after the wedding for a visit.
If she is 30 (long out of parent control) simply send a regret and let it stop there.

Good luck what ever you choose!

I'm not sure I understand. Have you not seen your niece because of distance? Family rift? Sickness? There was a serious rift in my own family that lasted for decades... something that happened well before I was even born. It had brothers and sisters choosing sides, and those sides didn't speak to each other. Over the years the situation changed. Time and death softened some of the hard feelings. When I got married, I made it a point to invite those long-long relatives (and I was over 30 when I got married), not in the hope of getting more gifts, but to help heal all those wounded feelings. There was an entire side of my family I never got the opportunity to know. Some did not attend, but at least I tried. If this sounds similar to the situation you are facing, I guess you have to ask yourself if someone who was only five when you last saw her should be shunned in this way. Perhaps she, too, is extending an olive branch by inviting you to become part of her family and her life once again.

Hi Auntie,
I have to say I agree with both Bob and Jozkid below. Why haven't you seen your neice in so long? How old is she now? What makes you think she is inviting you for a gift if you haven't seen her in so long? Maybe she is truly trying to get the family together. There are alot of factors in play here. I believe this is not an easy decision, and I can understand your aggravation and you are certainly not obligated by any means to go. If you choose to go, good for you and maybe you can get to know your neice and her "new" family. You can make new bonds and have new memories. If you choose not to go, then you should absolutely send a response saying so. She made the effort to invite you, then you can make the effort to politely decline. You know, families are funny. You have them to surround you, love you, raise you, comfort you, fight with you, hate you, cry with you, and carry you, but most of all, they are supposed to be there for you through thick and thin and forgiveness is a big part of it. You said you haven't seen her since she was 5. I am betting it was not her doing. Maybe it is time to be there.