Recent content by Jack

  1. J

    The Pope is retiring?

    From what I understand, if the Pope is ill and feels he cannot properly execute the duties of his office, he can retire. I saw a few months back that he was dealing with some sort of illness. Considering how John Paul II dealt with his illness, I am surprised that this pope is handling it...
  2. J

    The biggest purchases

    Our mortgage is our biggest expense. We are still making improvements to our place, and will be for some time, as the lot we built on was an undeveloped, wooded lot.
  3. J

    My youngest brought home a dog.

    I don't know if it will teach him responsibilitiy or not. I'm kind of wondering if it will teach you how to say "No" in the future or if you will be heading to the pound to get this pup a pal!
  4. J

    Too old at 40!

    Older people command a higher wager because of their experience. They also have more health issues. In terms of profit, younger workers cost less. That's the reality.
  5. J

    Moving

    Moving creates a lot of chaos and disruption. It can also create an opportunity to update things and to get better organized than before the move. Trying to look at it as an opportunity might help you.
  6. J

    The Low Bar of Being a Dad

    The roles in our family situation don't follow the traditional pattern. In fact, our roles are reversed as far a traditional roles go. It's pretty liberating, really.
  7. J

    Guns and Kids

    I think it's important that you not glamorize guns. Children are very impressionable, so it is important that you role model proper respect for gun safety at all times.
  8. J

    Alabama hostage situation

    I heard that his sixth birthday is right around the corner. The experts say that putting lots of focus on celebrating his birthday and making it a special and happy time is one of the best ways to help him deal with his recent traumatic experience.
  9. J

    Eating supper together.

    For some reason, sharing a meal and communicating seem to just naturally go together. Going out to dinner is always about more than the meal, so sitting down together for supper is also.
  10. J

    Career changes

    Standard of living and quality of life are definitely two different things. I think that the key to however a person defines "success" is finding the right balance between the two.
  11. J

    When teens rebel

    They are not children anymore, but they are not adults yet, either. Their brains and bodies are going through the maturation process, and the hormonal changes create all kinds of intense emotions in them. Start expecting her to act like an adult, and eventually she will.
  12. J

    Trying to get a car loan

    There are ways you can communicate with the credit report companies that can get your credit report cleaned up. Do a web search on the subject and I'll think you'll be amazed at the kinds of action you can take on this.
  13. J

    Rearing stepchildren isn't as easy!

    Blended families do not always turn out all lollipops and rainbows like on the Brady Bunch. Just because blended families present challenges doesn't mean they are totally bad experiences either.
  14. J

    When The Ex Is Mad

    Sounds like a pretty toxic situation. Usually the advice is to stay away from toxic people and relationships. In your case, developing strategies to minimize the amount of contact required is probably your best bet.
  15. J

    Career changes

    Have you ever felt the need to make a career change? If so, what were the reasons prompting this? Did you follow through with it? Was it a good choice?
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