Hey Kim, Glad to hear that you are on your way back. We've missed you too! There's a great book called "The Unofficial Guide to Beating Stress" that I've been reading, and it's given me a number of strategies to deal with my anxiety issues...you might want to check it out! Becky

Thanks Sandy.....I really have almost SNAPPED the last few times that they've come over, now that I think about it. It's like Daphne 'forgets' that she is a mom and I have to pick up the slack and take care of the baby. If we are outside or by the pool, I don't mind playing with the baby and giving her a break......but don't stand under me in the kitchen!!!Pam has talked to her about it.....a while back. But I guess she will have to say something to her again. I don't feel like it is my place to say anything......because I am the stepmother and so far, she likes me and there have been minimal problems due to jealousy, etc.....so, I'd like to keep that on track but I must admit, I bite my tongue A LOT. Daph is Pam's only child and is VERY spoiled.....but I try to look past that and Pam has gotten a lot better about giving her 'stuff' (money, etc) so that's all I can ask....she is trying to cut the cord, so to speak. For so long, I was such a recluse due to my weight and now that I am a little more sociable......I guess enough is still enough! And me being exhausted certainly doesn't help anything either. I guess I was just raised different than some people, but my Mother would have beat me silly if I had gone to spend the night at someone's house and acted the way they did......and that has carried over into my adult life.....I hate to inconvenience anyone.....but if I'd had no choice but to come to say, your house due to the weather, I would have gone out of my way to be no trouble at all!! Love ya Girlie and hope you are having a great day! kim

who is this? 39 Hillis, Sandy IF it is an error in spelling and meant to be Ellis, then that is me and yes please do take my name off the list. Otherwise I do not see my name or nic anywhere on the list. If it is a Sandy Hillis, then leave it be.. Sandy

You sound normal to me. It seems like your generosity and kind nature were taken advantage of. It would have pushed my buttons!!! I think Pam needs to have a long talk with her daughter and let her know when they visit it is her responsibility to clean up after and watch her own child. That is just down right RUDE! Id make getting the basement done a priority so the next time they have to come over because of weather they will already have a nice bed waiting for them down there, a small loveseat and TV and maybe a mini kitchen so they can cook for themselves. Make it a point to hang around down in the basement and bug em so they will not be going upstairs, place a toy box down there with toys, and snacks for the little one and make them an inviting spot in the basement. May sound mean, but it will keep em out of the main house (hopefully) and they can do as they please, down there. Let it be known the main house is shut down, after all who knows where flying glass and debris may go if it gets that rough outside, your safer in the basement anyway. Call your doctor and let them know you are feeling increased anxiety bordering on panic attacks. I have had panic attacks, they are not fun at all. Call your doctor! I was this way on my grandson's birthday. My house FULL of people I dont know, little kids running wild, adults no****ching em. Id had enough! I went out there and told em all they were getting on my nerves, to watch the kids and clean up the mess and go home as soon as they could. I thought I had lost it for a minute...LOL... At least it was DEAD SILENCE while I was speaking...LOL, but OMG they had been there ALL DAY and it was now going on 9pm at night!...They all left, and left the house in a mess. My daughter moved out the next day. Which is fine. I still get my grandsons when I want them but I can not contend with having her friends, who I do not know and do not like, hanging around my house. Im more of a private person and I prefer to spend time ALONE. I do not go out with friends, I have no friends except one that I would go out with but she is tied up taking care of her elderly mother and granddaughter. My obesity has made me want to stay locked up inside my home and I find it HARD to go out in a crowd of people I dont know. I find it HARD to be around people period. I think Im more of a nut case...LOL... but I do not care how others percieve me. If I do not feel comfortable around others. I simply stay home, locked inside my own little world and I am completely happy and satisfied locked away from the real world. In my experience you can only trust yourself anyway. Friends will betray you, so why even bother. Ive almost lost 50 pounds and it hasn't changed that aspect of me just yet. Not sure it ever will. Sandy

Hey Joni! I hope you are feeling better by now.....sorry to be so late responding. I've been not feeling great myself. I totally understand not wanting to tell your family. NONE of my family knows about my surgery and I haven't seen them since my mom's funeral ..... long story, but anyway I'm glad they didn't figure it out and when your time comes, I will help take care of you.....not to worry .....but I have to ask, what are you going to tell them when they start noticing the weight loss? Love you Kim