I seem to be right in there with people who realize the Japanese have a good thing in this practice of removing one’s shoes upon entering a home. Since living there, I religiously remove my shoes upon entering almost anywhere. Friends appreciate the gesture, too, as it makes for cleaner floors and carpets!

Heidi, My husband and I paid stupid phone bills for my daughters, too, UNTIl we went with Cricket. Now we pay no more than $52.60 per month and wonder why we did not make the switch sooner. Consider it!

Fine, but—-to who?

Yes, but I’ve always had trouble with “Just how does one go about MAKING friends?” I have not had an office type of job, where friends or potential friends, are “built in.” How does one go about making friends? Since I am alone at work (Solitary job), there is no one here to make friends with, and the husband is definitely NOT a friend—more like adversary! Should I talk to just anyone about?

Mugsy, When I wrote earlier today, I had no idea today’s topic would be on friends! I wish we could be friends! Do live anywhere near Denver? Amen for friends of Bill!

Mugsy, You are amazing! I really like your thinking. Yesterday’s posts on how we can live in the present financial situation were so similar to mine, i.e., go back to the simple. You seem to really have your head and heart in the right places. If we were on the playground in third grade, I would ask you to be my friend.

I have really enjoyed reading this series of responses to what really amounts to an age-old question. Wow, Mugsy Peabody, you are so right! We, as American women, do have insight, brilliance, wisdom, and creativity. What we need to add to this wonderful mix of characteristics are our honor, respect for ourselves and each other, encouragement, and support of one another. When we show our support for one another, the lows do not seem so bad and the next day can be better. No, I am NOT being a Pollyanna. I grew up in much rougher times, and these qualities are what saw us through as a family, community, and nation. If we believe in ourselves and one another, there wouldn’t be so much pressure to buy something to look a certain way, people (women) would be respected for thought-out opinions, and value of possessions would diminish. Instead we would value others for their inherent value as contributing members of society. Please, sisters, don’t despair. Perhaps we can rediscover the pleasure of walking to visit someone in one’s neighborhood (thus establishing communication and communicating attention and human concern) and taking time for others, instead of taking time for “reality shows” which truly denigrate our culture and society, cheapen our morals, and teach selfish negativity to our younger ones growing up. Remember “Little House on the Prairie”? Those were hard and yet strengthening times, when each person had value and worth. I am not suggesting we “go back to the soil” so to speak. I am advocating a return to simpler times which include valuing what we already have, showing appreciation for one another’s efforts, and showing respect for oneself and one’s family and community. Remember to say thank you!

Boy, those are nice words, but I don’t think so! My daughters are now 19 and 20, are 5”7” and 120, and 5’8” and about 130. They look wonderful, are able to fit into all the nicest clothes, etc., but I realize that is the glow of youth. Somehow I don’t think I will ever look as I want to, or wish I looked as I did when I was thirty, but at least today I can fit into size 10 or 12s. From the sound of some of these posts, it seems no one is too happy with how they look! Cest la guerre!

Yes, while I was still single I starved away about thirty pounds in three months. I loved it, but everyone at my work was horribly worried for me. I did go into an eating disorders unit, but I was the only anorexic there! Since that time I have had two daughters (and it WAS very hard to eat and gain weight while pregnant!), but am not “over” the food obsession. I still hate how heavy I am (150 pounds at 5’6”) and would starve it off again if I could.

Yes, but it seemed, and seems, an activity which is inflated in importance and significance. Why spend your money on that?

No, I do not believe global warming is true. Look back only about twenty years, and you will see that other so called scientists were warning of “global cooling,” too. Don’t get me started on “Carbon footprints”, either! So many people who espouse these ideas are not themselves practicing environmentally caring practices! The earth shifting climate nuances periodically is nothing to deeply concern ourselves with, please!

Mary, I don’t want to be a millionaire! I do have my own company, a tutoring company, so the idea of product is not really applicable. My product is not tangible; it is mostly how much the students learn and succeed in school once they have been with me for a period of time. How would you suggest I market? That truly is my greatest nightmare. I worry constantly about what I should do better. Very unfortunately, the schools around my center are not at all welcoming to an outside service coming in to help. Many of them discourage my presence, as if I am an affront to their teachers and their efforts. Any suggestions? Newpaper advertising has not worked—it is a money drop, and I won’t do it again! I am considering a local television station, but that too could be risky, another mondy drain. Please let me know what you would suggest. I would love to hear from you. Thanks for any ideas. Joan

You sound fabulous, with a strong and wonderful spirit. Whatever it was that separated you from your family, it is probably their loss! You sound wonderful. I would love to know you in person; you must be a tremendous boon to all your friends! Thanks for such an uplifting post.

Kattin and Jacque, you are right about asking these women to comment on what more of us can relate to. I hope you will read the story about how everyone is hurting in this present economy..sounds like it is indeed hurting everyone to some or lesser degree. I know I will never worry about $100.00 shoes or some of the other outrageous items New Yorkers are complaining about. It is enough to see the prices of things in the supermarkets. Thanks for your honesty. It may be a curiosity to wonder about knowing famous people, but come on! Let’s talk of things that most of us relate to.

Can’t stand hearing about these situations! I wonder why the parents don’t simply insist on police protection for these children. Surely the school could be sued for harrassment and then let’s see the parents of the bullies complain. The parents have to get involved somehow, and for some reason money speaks in powerful ways. Does this bullied child have an at-home mother? Why did she not take decisive action sooner, I can’t help but ask.