LOL... Summer isn't over, of course... it's just begun! But well, America can start out this topic by telling us what they did to celebrate the 4th of July.

My plans:
My best friend just closed on a new house, so we're taking an hour drive down to Northport to check it out and then we're meeting the rest of her family at Siesta Key Beach (one of the nicest beaches in America, I'd say!) where her family has rented a few condos for the week.

What are YOOOOOuuuu doing?
:)

Well I don't celebrate July 4, but I did have a long weekend for Canada Day. My girlfriend and I drove out to Fort Frances, Ontario to visit her family. Barbeques in the backyard of her parents' place were nice (even though we got a little sunburned). Her aunt has a house right on Rainy Lake so we did some swimming as well.

Edit: After a quick Google search, here's a photo of Rainy Lake:
http://img351.imageshack.us/img351/3575/voya04352fv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I had to go to work in the sweltering heatwave, I blame the government!:mad: :D

To celebrate I went to the pub and had several pints of bitter washed down with a few vodka and cokes and talked rubbish.


After a quick google seach - (English Pub from google images - its the first one that come up!) here is a picture of a traditional english pub.
http://www.ivritype.com/eeuro96/london/cambridge.pub.jpeg


Very apt on the 4th of July - no doubt this is the kind of traditional English pub that Rich and Col frequent.

We drove to Atlanta. Our son lives there. On July 2nd, he took us to Stone Mountain National Park. They have a laser show every night night and also fireworks during the July 4th weekend. The next day we went to downtown Atlanta, where we walked thru Underground Atlanta, visited Cocal Cola museum and the Olympic centennial Park.
I hear many retirees are moving to Atlanta. Mild winter and lower cost of living are the main attractions. Atlanta has a lot of greenery which is very beautiful.

Now I have "Georgia on my mind."

Very apt on the 4th of July - no doubt this is the kind of traditional English pub that Rich and Col frequent.

Well actually I think you'll find it's illegal to hang the American flag in that manner :eek: :p

The wife and I went to Las Vegas. I lost some money but she was up more. Took in a few shows and took a day trip to the Grand Canyon (awesome).
The big news in Vegas is that when Celine Dion stops performing next year at C. Palace, the new headliner will be...ready for this...Cher.
It seems that the farewell tour will never end.
Mind you, most of my gay friends have already got their reservations.

Dude... lol... I LOVE Cher!
Anyone who feels confident enough to wear the slutty outfits she does at her age.... totally rocks in my book! LOL

Dude... lol... I LOVE Cher!
Anyone who feels confident enough to wear the slutty outfits she does at her age.... totally rocks in my book! LOL

But she's all plastic and tucks thus can get away with it ;)

But she's all plastic and tucks thus can get away with it ;)
Yes, well, so is Barbie!
And we all grew up thinking Barbie rocked.... so therefore...
Now you all know damn well if she didn't have surgery and hung out in all the places a normal 50 year old woman does, you'd be making fun of her even more.

So, tell me... honestly... what is the message you guys send to us females? Are we only sexy in our 20's?

Just out of curiosity what are the annual leave entitlements in the various countries represented on this forum?

Here in Australia it’s generally four weeks, along with ten public holidays (give or take) depending on which state you live in. However I’m sure that if the current government's current industrial relations policy ambitions are left to run wild that could well be cut :(

I reckon most people in decent jobs have somewhere between 23 and 28 days holiday.

In addition there are 8 public holidays I think.

Many many are not subject to this - ie the UK government has no plan to reduce "illegal" immigrants or workers - because obviuosly they can be subjected to horrific work requirements and terrible pay.

Even legal workers with major companies can have it tough

My mate has 11 (i thinks its 11 very low anyhow) days holiday a year. Plus bank holidays which he doesn't get paid for. And no days off sick - unless they go unpaid.

Apparently this is legal, and the company concerned has no problem filling these positions, with fairly talented people who need a job.

Does Oz has something called long service leave - how does that work?


Of course if you work for the government, you leave is usually longer, you pension better and in lots of cases you pay better then private business - all for twiddling your thumbs all day - this should not stop you complaining and striking however, to demand those less well off in private business should be sunsidising the gravy train even further.

I think I take the cake on the 4th of July vacations subject. Forty one members of my family and I all went down to Barbados for my cousin's wedding. It was fun in the sun and five star eating during the day and then getting totally wasted every night and laughing ourselves to sleep. Plus, my sister tells me that according to Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, the beach we were on was the third best in the world. I just got back Saturday...and I'm tired of work again already :)

The only way we could afford this was because my cousin and her husband payed for the rooms of everyone at the wedding. That means that their wedding bill is going to approach around 70k.:eek: :eek:

I
Of course if you work for the government, you leave is usually longer, you pension better and in lots of cases you pay better then private business - all for twiddling your thumbs all day - this should not stop you complaining and striking however, to demand those less well off in private business should be sunsidising the gravy train even further.

Hmmm from the tone I'm assuming you'd include local government workers here too.

I've worked in sales, run my own businesses and now work in LG. My workload is every bit as high as it was in commerce. If you think it's such a gravy train how come you're not riding on it? Principles or is it just easy to slag off other people's occupations and dedication, especially when you probably haven't experienced them from the inside?

People who talk bollocks generally do so from a position of ignorance.

I particularly meant local government workers.

Of whom I am one and I love it. The gravy train here is definately better than private enterprise - I am sure you agree - because you have joined us.

Doesn't stop many complaining about it - when they have no experience of real work ie

"People who talk bollocks generally do so from a position of ignorance."

I couldn't agree more.

I particularly meant local government workers.

Of whom I am one and I love it. The gravy train here is definately better than private enterprise - I am sure you agree - because you have joined us.

Doesn't stop many complaining about it - when they have no experience of real work ie

"People who talk bollocks generally do so from a position of ignorance."

I couldn't agree more.

I refer to my previous point about principles.

Don't attribute your paltry motives to others. You're just the kind of person who gets the rest of us a bad name. With colleagues like you it's no wonder people working outside of government have such a low opinion of us.

With colleagues like you it's no wonder people working outside of government have such a low opinion of us.

At least I admit I have it not too bad!

I have chosen to stay working here precisely because I have it not too bad, that is my paltry motive. How should I pick a job?

What are your superior motives for working in Local Government? What should my principles be telling me?

At least I admit I have it not too bad!
I'm so glad you're happy in public service.

I have chosen to stay working here precisely because I have it not too bad, that is my paltry motive. How should I pick a job?

If that's the only criterion you apply when job hunting, I'm sure your employers are congratulating themselves on employing you.

What are your superior motives for working in Local Government?
The same ones I've always applied, a fair day's effort for a fair day's pay.

What should my principles be telling me?

I can't speculate on something I can't detect any trace of.

What are YOOOOOuuuu doing?


The wife and I just returned from our little French resort where we stayed for some 3 weeks.
Good food and excellent wines. Guess that's what holidays is all about :)

That clears that up then Barry.


Because I do my job because I think its pay and conditions are fair - the same as you - I am paltry but you are superior?

Because I dare suggest it is possible and common to do very little and to complain whilst still picking up the pay -
I have no principles?

LOL... Summer isn't over, of course... it's just begun! But well, America can start out this topic by telling us what they did to celebrate the 4th of July.

.....

What are YOOOOOuuuu doing?
:)

http://hfeimages.aristotle.net/SDC/sdc_bbqribs_md.jpg

:) :) :)

That clears that up then Barry.


Because I do my job because I think its pay and conditions are fair - the same as you - I am paltry but you are superior?

Because I dare suggest it is possible and common to do very little and to complain whilst still picking up the pay -
I have no principles?

So where in this fair minded and principled stance does the following fit? "all for twiddling your thumbs all day"

You can't have it both ways.

Anyhow time to unhijack this thread - I don't like your original post and you don't care - so be it.
If you want the last word, feel free to take it.

You want to hear about my summer vacation? I used to know what a vacation was, then I had a baby.

First of all, as an employee in a US non-profit (ha!) organization, I get 3 weeks paid vacation, a couple of personal days, and I think 12 paid holidays. July 3rd and 4th were 2 of those paid holidays, and I took the rest of the week off. A likely story!! Since I can't really go anywhere with a 10-month old, I thought I would get some things done at home while she languished in day care. A likely story!!! She went to day care on Monday, which was great, and I went to my girlfriend's house and hung out, thinking I would have 3 additional days to accomplish my list of accomplishments. A likely story!! Wednesday morning, I drop her off at day care at 6:30 AM, and they call me to pick her up at 8:00 AM. I had an hour and a half vacation. The room she is in had been exposed to hand foot and mouth disease (not to be confused with hoof and mouth disease common in livestock), which produced little pimple-like pustules on her hands and feet, and they sent her home. Needless to say, it took me 2 days of misinformation and finally a dr's note to get her back into day care. So I had Friday without her (finally), got almost none of my list of accomplishments accomplished, and started my own sore throat around 10 AM Friday. But I got to see the new Pirates of the Carribean movie on Friday afternoon!!!! Then the weekend I spent sick, but still having to care for the baby, because my lazy ass BF was sick too, and of course his illnesses always trump mine.

Lisa

After a quick Google search, here's a photo of Johnny Depp:

...my lazy ass BF...

Oh dear...:(

Barry,

when I told you that I am a government worker you assumed I MUST be a thumb twiddling idler with no principles.

Which is exactly the "assumption" you seem to not care for.

I only said "lots" which I still hold to be true.

I MUST be a thumb twiddling idler with no principles.

Wait...what's wrong with that? As long as you get paid, you are happy, and no one seems to care/notice that you get away with it then there should be no problem. Notice, I am not saying that you are one...just that I AM one and I love every minute :p

Wait...what's wrong with that? As long as you get paid, you are happy, and no one seems to care/notice that you get away with it then there should be no problem.

What's wrong with it is that we are the mugs (ie the general public) who are paying for it! :mad: ;)

What's wrong with it is that we are the mugs (ie the general public) who are paying for it! :mad: ;)
Translated, that roughly equals:
"Like, Oh my God, I broke a nail!"

I really don't think we should be all worked up about this paltry little issue. The wound hurts worst when it is picked at.

Oh dear...:(


Yeah, Ken, I think I have completely given up on the little terms of endearment I always seem to hear around here - like "Cupcake" or whatever those UK sayings are that I don't understand....perhaps I will just use "LABF", and you will all know who I am talking about.

Lisa

Yeah, Ken, I think I have completely given up on the little terms of endearment I always seem to hear around here - like "Cupcake" or whatever those UK sayings are that I don't understand....perhaps I will just use "LABF", and you will all know who I am talking about.

Lisa

Hum... I'm guessing you saw something good in him at some point in time... Have you presented him with a list? I like lists.... :) :)

I like lists.... :) :)

That's because you're a data guy, Ken, and all us data people love out lists...:D :D

Are you talking about a list of his misdeeds? Unfortunately, that list would not be a very positive read for him, and although I would simply be stating the truth, I think he may take offense. So we keep away from the lists.....

Lisa

That's because you're a data guy, Ken, and all us data people love out lists...:D :D

Are you talking about a list of his misdeeds? Unfortunately, that list would not be a very positive read for him, and although I would simply be stating the truth, I think he may take offense. So we keep away from the lists.....

Lisa

No - I mean a list of stuff you need him to do / take care of... :) :)

No - I mean a list of stuff you need him to do / take care of... :) :)

Oh, I don't bother with that crap anymore. We have been down that road. I think just leaving the broken/need-to-be-fixed stuff out in plain view, with him knowing that he is responsible for fixing it, is a good enough reminder. And when the end of the summer comes, and he goes back to school, I will fix what is left of the maybe 10 or so things I actually wanted him to do over the whole 3 months. What, me bitter?:rolleyes:

Lisa

Oh, I don't bother with that crap anymore. We have been down that road. I think just leaving the broken/need-to-be-fixed stuff out in plain view, with him knowing that he is responsible for fixing it, is a good enough reminder. And when the end of the summer comes, and he goes back to school, I will fix what is left of the maybe 10 or so things I actually wanted him to do over the whole 3 months. What, me bitter?:rolleyes:

Lisa

:mad: I can do that good - Send me the list :D

:mad: I can do that good -

Have you finished your own chores yet? :eek:

- like "Cupcake" or whatever those UK sayings are that I don't understand....Lisa

Cupake is how Kenny refers to her indoors, it's an American expression:eek: ;) :D

Cupake is how Kenny refers to her indoors, it's an American expression:eek: ;) :D

It's a mutual deal; 'cupcake' and 'hey you' :eek: :p

Have you finished your own chores yet? :eek:

Huh? I didn't think chores were a requirement in NY...?:p

Edit: At least not for LABF... :)

..............

Does Oz has something called long service leave - how does that work?

..................

Yes, it's 60 days after 15 years of continuos services. In some industries (not many) the service is transferable between employers. Given that the longest period I've ever been employed by a single employer is eight years, I'm in very little danger of every qualifying :(

Yes, it's 60 days after 15 years of continuos services.

Is that given every year after the 15th year?

Holy Crap :eek:

How did a question about holidays devolve into a $h!t fight over the relative merits of public and private employment :confused:

Holy Crap :eek:

How did a question about holidays devolve into a $h!t fight over the relative merits of public and private employment :confused:

Welcome to the forums. Hijacking is an artform among us. :D ;)

Is that given every year after the 15th year?
No it acrues at the end of each 15 year period.

Yes, it's 60 days after 15 years of continuos services.

Well, now... THAT would be GREAT!!!! Because, on your 16th year, years 2-16 could count as another set of consecutive 15 years, and the 17th year, years 3-17 could garner you another 60 days.... and so on and so on.... lol
:p

Welcome to the forums. Hijacking is an artform among us. :D ;)
I'm reasonably acquainted with the art of the thread hijack, I just didn't expect the question to raise the level of controversy it did :rolleyes:

her indoors

That's the one I don't understand. Is it called such because she is always indoors? How sad. ;)

Lisa

... How sad. ;) Lisa

That's kind of what I was thinking... A bit condescending in a way...:(

That's kind of what I was thinking... A bit condescending in a way...:(

Yeah - at least "cupcake" connotes something sweet and delicious, not unlike "honey", "sweetheart", etc. What I get from "her indoors" is "she who is to remain inside, and tend to her duties". I would think you wouldn't want to call her that to her face. :p

Lisa

....I would think you wouldn't want to call her that to her face. :p

Lisa

:eek:


How did those two words get together in the first place - They kinda don't fit do they?

That's kind of what I was thinking... A bit condescending in a way...:(
No more so than Redskins, it's origins can be traced back to the Cockanee tribe of Old England, just a term of endearment :p
Now of course had I said battleaxe.................

:eek:


How did those two words get together in the first place - They kinda don't fit do they?

Grammatically, no, but then again, we will probably get pounded about how our American English is a bastardized version of UK English, and therefore, our grammatical rules do not apply. But if you think about it in a UK fashion, saying "her indoors" is akin to saying "her Majesty", in form only (not meaning).

Lisa

But if you think about it in a UK fashion, saying "her indoors" is akin to saying "her Majesty", in form only (not meaning).

Lisa
Actually, that's the way I've always taken the term.
"Her indoors" is something I would love to be. To me, it refers to someone who is "up in the house" tapping her nails and relying upon her waitstaff to bring her lemonade and sweeties, not "out in the yard" working the garden and roughing up her soft, delicate hands.

meh, back to the original question I'm working all summer until the last week in August. I'm seeing My Chemical Romance and Muse the next day after my last day of work. I'm also going to try and sneak in an Amsterdam trip in before I start work again in the Inland Revenue & Customs department. :rolleyes:

oh no, I'm going to be corrupted by working for the govenment :)

Holidays :confused: :rolleyes:

I'm seeing My Chemical Romance and Muse the next day after my last day of work.


I thought they cancelled the Chemical Romance concert at Lowlands :cool:

I thought they cancelled the Chemical Romance concert at Lowlands :cool:

well I ain't heard anything about that. MCR is the covering band for the Muse concert in Edinborugh on 24th August which is where I'll be. :)

Yeah - at least "cupcake" connotes something sweet and delicious, not unlike "honey", "sweetheart", etc. What I get from "her indoors" is "she who is to remain inside, and tend to her duties". I would think you wouldn't want to call her that to her face. :p

Lisa
The phrase "'er indoors" stems from a UK TV show called "Minder". The star character (Arthur Daley) always referred to his wife as 'er indoors'. The term has now become very popular in the UK over the years.

I refer to my wife as 'er indoors and she even refers to herself as 'er indoors.

The women in the UK are not as supersensitive as they are in the USA so it is an accepted, perfectly normal phrase. Certainly not as sickly as "Cupcake" or "Honeybunch", "sweetheart". . . . yuk;) :rolleyes: :p

Col

I refer to my wife as 'er indoors and she even refers to herself as 'er indoors.


So in the Uk , you refer to yourself as 'his outdoors' ? :confused:

I must say that when Ken used Cupcake the first time, it took me a while to understand who/what he was refering to. Once the nickle fall, I must say that I find the expression quite amusing ;)

Certainly not as sickly as "Cupcake" or "Honeybunch", "sweetheart". . . . yuk;) :rolleyes: :p

Col

:( :( :(


I must say that when Ken used Cupcake the first time, it took me a while to understand who/what he was refering to. Once the nickle fall, I must say that I find the expression quite amusing

Because my darling wife is small and sweet - Like a cupcake :) :) :)

So in the Uk , you refer to yourself as 'his outdoors' ? :confused:

My wife refers to me as 'im indoors

I must say that when Ken used Cupcake the first time, it took me a while to understand who/what he was refering to. Once the nickle fall, I must say that I find the expression quite amusing ;)

Its ok really, I was winding up Kenneth;) :D I wouldn't use it though, its not my style all this darling stuff. :rolleyes:

Col

My wife refers to me as 'im indoors

I must say that for lot that claims to take pride in your command of your language you sure bastardize it with a lot of goofy slang :D

Because my darling wife is small and sweet - Like a cupcake

So what does she name you ?


I wouldn't use it though, its not my style all this darling stuff.


Sure, you'ld like to refer to poor old George, cranks and the like :rolleyes:

I must say that for lot that claims to take pride in your command of your language you sure bastardize it with a lot of goofy slang :D
yes, thats the Cockney influence;) you know, "apples and pears" = stairs. "dog and bone" = phone etc etc

here's a phrase

"The trouble and strife is on the dog for you. Been to the quack with her plates of meat, now she's in the rub-a-dub, then off to a friends gaff for some rosie so get a ruby on the way home"

Col

Sure, you'ld like to refer to poor old George, cranks and the like :rolleyes:
George isn't a crank - he's a religious crank;)

Col

So what does she name you ?

It depends on what she wants. Some times it's come here big boy. Some times it 'hey you'. Most of the time it's just 'hey you'....:( :( :(

"The trouble and strife is on the dog for you. Been to the quack with her plates of meat, now she's in the rub-a-dub, then off to a friends gaff for some rosie so get a ruby on the way home"


Ok, let me try to translate that :

"I walked out of the home after a terrible fight with 'er indoors and decided
to have a few drinks at the local pub. On the way back home, I fell asleep and dreamed of some gorgeouss girls with wax in their hair" ? :rolleyes:

"The trouble and strife is on the dog for you. Been to the quack with her plates of meat, now she's in the rub-a-dub, then off to a friends gaff for some rosie so get a ruby on the way home"

Col

Let me give this a go; The wife is on the phone. She's been to the doctor with...(Hum that ones got me). Anyway, now she's in the bath tub then she's going to her friends for some red wine so get something to eat for yourself on the way home. ?

It depends on what she wants. Some times it's come here big boy. Some times it 'hey you'. Most of the time it's just 'hey you'....:( :( :(

Sounds to me that it depends on what she's looking at ? :cool:

Ok, let me try to translate that :

"I walked out of the home after a terrible fight with 'er indoors and decided
to have a few drinks at the local pub. On the way back home, I fell asleep and dreamed of some gorgeouss girls with wax in their hair" ? :rolleyes:

Let me give this a go; The wife is on the phone. She's been to the doctor with...(Hum that ones got me). Anyway, now she's in the bath tub then she's going to her friends for some red wine so get something to eat for yourself on the way home. ?

I think Ken wins by a short margin.

"The wife [trouble and strife] is on the phone [dog and bone] for you. Been to the quack [doctor] with her feet [plates of meat], now she's in the pub [rub-a-dub], then off to a friends gaff [house] for some rosie [rosie Lee = tea], so get a ruby [Ruby Murray = curry] on the way home"

Col

I think Ken wins by a short margin.



Yeah, I agree , my command of some French patois is much better than
any cockney you produce. :D

Sounds to me that it depends on what she's looking at ? :cool:

Looking for - not 'at'...:rolleyes:

Looking for - not 'at'...:rolleyes:

I stand corrected :rolleyes:

Ok, since I think I might have hijacked this thread into "Terms of Endearment", let me see if I can get it back on track.

Since I am probably not going to have a vacation this summer, here is where I will be spending my leisure time in my mind:

You'll see me in lying on a chaise lounge, on a beach with white sand and crystal-clear blue water, in a white cabana, and you can hear the wind blowing and the waves crashing, and there is a little kid-size chaise lounge next to me, and my baby and I are wearing identical bathing suits, hats, and sunglasses. (and because she is only 10 months old, this vision lasts approximately 5 seconds, and she is up and outta there) And in the dream, someone else is watching her, while a lovely cabana boy stops by to see if I need anything, like a drink, or a massage, or something like that................

And I know that Tasslehoff really went there, but I have to dream it right now.

Lisa

Ok, since I think I might have hijacked this thread into "Terms of Endearment", let me see if I can get it back on track.

Since I am probably not going to have a vacation this summer, here is where I will be spending my leisure time in my mind:

You'll see me in lying on a chaise lounge, on a beach with white sand and crystal-clear blue water, in a white cabana, and you can hear the wind blowing and the waves crashing, and there is a little kid-size chaise lounge next to me, and my baby and I are wearing identical bathing suits, hats, and sunglasses. (and because she is only 10 months old, this vision lasts approximately 5 seconds, and she is up and outta there) And in the dream, someone else is watching her, while a lovely cabana boy stops by to see if I need anything, like a drink, or a massage, or something like that................

And I know that Tasslehoff really went there, but I have to dream it right now.

Lisa

As long as you're dreaming , why not have labf gutting grass, washing & waxing the car, walking the dog, etc...:p

And I know that Tasslehoff really went there, but I have to dream it right now.

Lisa

I know you have a young child, so I guess you can't go anytime soon...but as soon as she get's old enough to be reasonably self-sufficient (around 11) I seriously recommend going. Start saving now, around $300 dollars a year, and you can easily go for a week or two. Personally, I recommend a little island called Guana in Abaco, which is in the Bahamas. Deserted beaches and no one and nothing around, except for a locally famous bar, a nice restaurant, and a dive shop. You can learn to dive while you are there (3rd best reefs in the world, really spectacular) and have a little fun at the bar. When I was last there, the developement was on the up and up...but I think it will always remain pretty laid-back and quiet.

My family goes about once every three years to the islands and it is not too hard to save up for the trips, considering the memories you get. It's about $1000 per person per week.

Oh yeah, and Conch Fritters are delicious!

labf gutting grass,

You've lost me now Kenneth:confused:

Col

Since I am probably not going to have a vacation this summer,
why not?

Col

I know you have a young child, so I guess you can't go anytime soon...but as soon as she get's old enough to be reasonably self-sufficient (around 11) I seriously recommend going. Start saving now, around $300 dollars a year, and you can easily go for a week or two. Personally, I recommend a little island called Guana in Abaco, which is in the Bahamas. Deserted beaches and no one and nothing around, except for a locally famous bar, a nice restaurant, and a dive shop. You can learn to dive while you are there (3rd best reefs in the world, really spectacular) and have a little fun at the bar. When I was last there, the developement was on the up and up...but I think it will always remain pretty laid-back and quiet.

My family goes about once every three years to the islands and it is not too hard to save up for the trips, considering the memories you get. It's about $1000 per person per week.

Oh yeah, and Conch Fritters are delicious!

Dude, I am so THERE!!! I have pictures I got online of Bora Bora, with the little huts out in the sea that you can stay in, with the glass floors so you can watch the sea creatures from inside. Oh so cool... And I expect ot pay that much for an island vacation, so you can bet I am already looking for a higher paying job so I can save the money and take those vacations. I would love the deserted beaches....just kick me and wake me up....

Lisa

As long as you're dreaming , why not have labf gutting grass, washing & waxing the car, walking the dog, etc...:p

Nah, that dream will occur after I have lost the labf....:)

Lisa

You've lost me now Kenneth:confused:

Col

LABF= lazy ass boyfriend, and he meant cutting grass. Gutting grass would be time consuming and inefficient. :D

Lisa

why not?

Col

Small child = can't go far without tears or aggravation
Small child = no money either. :p

Lisa

LABF= lazy ass boyfriend, and he meant cutting grass. Gutting grass would be time consuming and inefficient. :D

Lisa

Gutting grass :eek:

Musta' had my mind on hunting....;)

Because my darling wife is small and sweet - Like a cupcake :) :) :)
Either a creep or newly weds or under the thumb:confused:

Either a creep or newly weds or under the thumb:confused:

creep ( P ) Pronunciation Key (krp)
intr.v. crept, (krpt) creep·ing, creeps
.
.
.
Slang. An annoyingly unpleasant or repulsive person.

Sounds more like you :eek: ;)

Maybe I'm simply happy to have her in my life. :) :)

Maybe I'm simply happy to have her in my life. :) :)

Christ you only have to feed her and buy her the odd new pair of shoes now and then ;) :D

Small child = can't go far without tears or aggravation
Just ignore them - they'll get used to it when they realise they get no attention

Small child = no money either.

In the UK, the mother gets a benefit called child allowance (for each child), which they happily spend on ciggies / booze / holidays / cars etc etc (anything but the child really)

The mother also gets loads of time off work on (so called) maternity leave (on full pay for months then part pay) - whilst the rest of us cover their work for months whilst they slob around watching daytime TV, or they dump the kid off at a childminder so they can carry on shopping and the like, as normal, without the hastle of the kid.

Some parents even dump the kid off on relatives for a fortnight whilst they go on holiday - tried that one yet? Then you get a nice holiday without it being spoilt by the kid.

Small children usually don't know who their parents are anyway because they get looked after by so many people. Thats one of the reasons why kids these days are so screwed up. They spend more time with childminders and relatives than their 'real' parents, and when at (their real) home, they are usually asleep.

Do you not get any allowances in the USA? I would have though there would be loads of benefits available.

Col

Maybe I'm simply happy to have her in my life. :) :)
Thats usually what newlyweds say. It wears off after a year or two.:rolleyes:

Col

Thats usually what newlyweds say. It wears off after a year or two.:rolleyes:

Col

Maybe in your bitter little world it has...;)

Maybe in your bitter little world it has...;)Agreed, Ken. I'm now beginning my 8th year with my "cupcake" and couldn't imagine it any other way.

Perhaps their misery extends beyond politics? No Wait! I've got it! Their political misery is actually misplaced anger and depression, as a result of their failed love-lives!:eek:

:D :D

Agreed, Ken. I'm now beginning my 8th year with my "cupcake" and couldn't imagine it any other way.

Perhaps their misery extends beyond politics? No Wait! I've got it! Their political misery is actually misplaced anger and depression, as a result of their failed love-lives!:eek:

:D :D

If they are 1/10 as rude to their wifes as they are to us, it's no wonder their marriages are on the rocks...:o

In the UK, the mother gets a benefit called child allowance (for each child), which they happily spend on ciggies / booze / holidays / cars etc etc (anything but the child really)

Ok, back the truck up - what do you mean allowance? Every time they have a kid, they get paid? From who? The government? OMG!!! How much do they get?

The mother also gets loads of time off work on (so called) maternity leave (on full pay for months then part pay)

Full pay for months??? How many months? SInce I hadn't been working here a full year, I got about 3 weeks full pay, and the rest of the 8 weeks were paid at about 10% of what I really make. I had to save up for the full 9 months of pregnancy to make sure I would have enough money to pay the bills!!

Some parents even dump the kid off on relatives for a fortnight whilst they go on holiday - tried that one yet? Then you get a nice holiday without it being spoilt by the kid.

I would NEVER take a vacation without her. My parents never left us home, and I wouldn't think of doing that to her. Plus with my dad ill, they can't watch her even overnight.

Small children usually don't know who their parents are anyway because they get looked after by so many people. Thats one of the reasons why kids these days are so screwed up. They spend more time with childminders and relatives than their 'real' parents, and when at (their real) home, they are usually asleep.

Oh, I disagree with that one wholeheartedly. She knows exactly who I am, and where I fit in her little world. And I don't think kids are screwed up because of being with other people all day, I think it's their parents who screw them up pretty good. I'm thinking they may need to be with the day care people full time sometimes.

Lisa

Oh, I disagree with that one wholeheartedly. She knows exactly who I am, and where I fit in her little world. And I don't think kids are screwed up because of being with other people all day, I think it's their parents who screw them up pretty good. I'm thinking they may need to be with the day care people full time sometimes.

Lisa

OMG, I think you might be one of the few good parents left. So rare to see one...Do you read to your kid? I know life has to be hectic and busy enough, but I think it would be good. My mom and dad always used to read to me (Dr.Suess and all those books made out of thick cardboard...and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie...) and I loved it. Hence, I learned to read at an early age and was soon reading constantly on my own. I even skipped a grade (5th, which everyone tells me was the best grade :( ).

Man, am I rambling? Sorry about that. Besides, I don't have a kid so I certainly shouldn't be giving advice ;)

Anyways, back on topic, does anyone know if Coca Mo (...that island from the Beach Boys song) really exists and if so, is it a good island to vaccation to?

Coca Mo Kokomo is an offshore island exclusive to Sandals located Montego Bay, Jamaica

Kokomo is an offshore island exclusive to Sandals located Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay is nice...:) Jamaica as a whole has a lot to be desired. But then again, that's true with about any place...:o

OMG, I think you might be one of the few good parents left. So rare to see one...Do you read to your kid? I know life has to be hectic and busy enough, but I think it would be good. My mom and dad always used to read to me (Dr.Suess and all those books made out of thick cardboard...and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie...) and I loved it. Hence, I learned to read at an early age and was soon reading constantly on my own. I even skipped a grade (5th, which everyone tells me was the best grade :( ).


Well, thanks, Tasselhoff. I haven't been a parent for long, so I am not sure how good of one I am yet. We'll have to see how much of a miscreant she turns out to be. :)

Yes, I read to her. We read the Sandra Boynton books a lot - specifically "The Going To Bed Book", "Barnyard Dance", "Pajama Time" - those are great books, and lots of animals to identify. She also likes a Baby Einstein book we have "Mirror Me" - she kisses all the animals, and the "baby in the mirror". And we have some Elmo books, because she loves him too.

I'm hoping she can read before she goes to school - my sister's daughter was tested in kindergarten and they tested her at a 7th grade level, because that was as high as they had tests. My sister also taught me to read when she was 6 and I was 5, so that I could read when I went to kindergarten. If my girl has as many brains as run in my family and my boyfriend's, she should be doing Calculus by the 3rd grade. :p But no pushing.

So I digressed again. Sorry!

Lisa

Well, thanks, Tasselhoff. I haven't been a parent for long, so I am not sure how good of one I am yet. We'll have to see how much of a miscreant she turns out to be. :)

Yes, I read to her. We read the Sandra Boynton books a lot - specifically "The Going To Bed Book", "Barnyard Dance", "Pajama Time" - those are great books, and lots of animals to identify. She also likes a Baby Einstein book we have "Mirror Me" - she kisses all the animals, and the "baby in the mirror". And we have some Elmo books, because she loves him too.

I'm hoping she can read before she goes to school - my sister's daughter was tested in kindergarten and they tested her at a 7th grade level, because that was as high as they had tests. My sister also taught me to read when she was 6 and I was 5, so that I could read when I went to kindergarten. If my girl has as many brains as run in my family and my boyfriend's, she should be doing Calculus by the 3rd grade. :p But no pushing.

So I digressed again. Sorry!

Lisa

In my humble opinion, little miss Haley is a very fortunate young girl! :) :) :)

In my humble opinion, little miss Haley is a very fortunate young girl! :) :) :)

Thank you, Ken. I'm just doing the best I can. :o

Lisa

Ok, back the truck up - what do you mean allowance? Every time they have a kid, they get paid? From who? The government? OMG!!! How much do they get?
The child benefit is currently £18 per week until the child is (I think) 18 years old.



Full pay for months??? How many months? SInce I hadn't been working here a full year, I got about 3 weeks full pay, and the rest of the 8 weeks were paid at about 10% of what I really make. I had to save up for the full 9 months of pregnancy to make sure I would have enough money to pay the bills!!

Maternity benefit is paid if you have been employed by the same employer for 26 weeks (6 months). You get 90% of your weekly earnings for a period of 26 weeks, then it reduces after the 6 months. It can be paid as soon as week 15 of the pregnancy. Its paid by the employer.

If you are less then 26 weeks employed by the same employer, you get Maternity allowance - which is paid by the government.

Paternity leave (for fathers) pays a little less.



I would NEVER take a vacation without her. My parents never left us home, and I wouldn't think of doing that to her.
I only asked because my sisters and I were left when my parents went on holiday. Obviously, we were a little older though.


Oh, I disagree with that one wholeheartedly. She knows exactly who I am, and where I fit in her little world. And I don't think kids are screwed up because of being with other people all day, I think it's their parents who screw them up pretty good.

Fair enough, but there was a programme on the telly a while back which compared child care in the 50's and 60's with todays shambles.

They realised that in the 50's and 60's, mothers usually stayed home to raise the family. This led to a continuity of care and education.
These days kids get pushed from playschool to childminder / school / relatives / the father (who is separated) and the kids are more screwed up.

How about this for an idea - Mothers should stay at home and look after the kids - thats their job isn't it? its only this equality rubbish that gives them the delusion that they can do it all. A mothers job is to raise children isn't it?

Col

The child benefit is currently £18 per week until the child is (I think) 18 years old.
Col

So thats about $140 a month?

So thats about $140 a month?
I haven't checked but thats about $30,000 over the period (per child)

Col

I haven't checked but thats about $30,000 over the period (per child)

Col

So I'm assuming you think this outrageous... In which case I'm curious what you would do to deal with children that might go hungry if the money was taken away?

So I'm assuming you think this outrageous... In which case I'm curious what you would do to deal with children that might go hungry if the money was taken away?
Not at all - Lisa asked how much was it - so I looked it up for her.

Col

Not at all - Lisa asked how much was it - so I looked it up for her.

Col

Hum...

So based on this:

In the UK, the mother gets a benefit called child allowance (for each child), which they happily spend on ciggies / booze / holidays / cars etc etc (anything but the child really)

You don't mind the money, you just want to dictate how they spend it?

The child benefit is currently £18 per week until the child is (I think) 18 years old.

Based on Ken's calculations, it isn't all that much, but hey - anything extra is good. It wouldn't keep me from working, but boy, that would be lovely. And to answer your question, no, the US government doesn't give that kind of an allowance.

Maternity benefit is paid if you have been employed by the same employer for 26 weeks (6 months). You get 90% of your weekly earnings for a period of 26 weeks, then it reduces after the 6 months. It can be paid as soon as week 15 of the pregnancy. Its paid by the employer.

If you are less then 26 weeks employed by the same employer, you get Maternity allowance - which is paid by the government.

Holy crap!!! No wonder woman stay out so long!! Although it varies from employer to employer, the standard is 6-8 weeks full pay for maternity benefits. However, at my last employer, which was a University, since I had worked there for 7 years, if I had had the baby while I was still employed with them, I would have been eligible for 26 weeks full pay. I would never have taken that much though. Over here, no one else does your work for you while you are out - it just piles up...


Fair enough, but there was a programme on the telly a while back which compared child care in the 50's and 60's with todays shambles.

They realised that in the 50's and 60's, mothers usually stayed home to raise the family. This led to a continuity of care and education.
These days kids get pushed from playschool to childminder / school / relatives / the father (who is separated) and the kids are more screwed up.

How about this for an idea - Mothers should stay at home and look after the kids - thats their job isn't it? its only this equality rubbish that gives them the delusion that they can do it all. A mothers job is to raise children isn't it?

Ok, here's my dispute on that program - there are only a million reasons why kids are screwed up. In the 50s and 60s, the evidence of divorce was much lower as well, and I believe that to be a much higher contributing factor than daycare. As such, moms can't very well stay home with the kids if they have to support the family.

Personally, I would LOVE to be able to stay home and watch the baby all day. We would have so much FUN!!! But since I am the primary breadwinner in the family, and will probably continue to be, there isn't a chance of that happening.

I also truly think she enjoys being around all of the other people and kids, and if she was home with me alone, I think she would be bored. Plus she wouldn't be getting only limited socialization until she went to school, and then how screwed up would she be? Like I said, I'm doing the best I can, and I think most mothers do that every day. And worry that they don't do enough.

Lisa

You don't mind the money, you just want to dictate how they spend it?
I said thats what they spend it on - and many do that.
I'm not dictating anything.

If I was getting that money I'd probobly spend it on booze too, kids drive you to drink anyway, horrid brats that they are, I know I went to school with some! - so you could look on it as consolation from the government for going through the "having kids nightmare"

Col

These days kids get pushed from playschool to childminder / school / relatives / the father (who is separated) and the kids are more screwed up.

Both of my parents worked full-time and look at the state of me :p

I said thats what they spend it on - and many do that.
I'm not dictating anything.


Crash course in semantics: Sounded like you were a little more displeased with situation :rolleyes:

If I was getting that money I'd probobly spend it on booze too, kids drive you to drink anyway, horrid brats that they are, I know I went to school with some! - so you could look on it as consolation from the government for going through the "having kids nightmare"

Col

I would imagine they could be a 'nightmare' if they had a bitter old fart like you for a father...:p :p :p

Based on Ken's calculations, it isn't all that much, but hey - anything extra is good. It wouldn't keep me from working, but boy, that would be lovely. And to answer your question, no, the US government doesn't give that kind of an allowance.


Actually, for hardworking, responsible parents we do have a similar program in the US - Tax deductions.

:) :) :)

Actually, for hardworking, responsible parents we do have a similar program in the US - Tax deductions.

:) :) :)

Oh yeah - that. I must say, she was a nice little chunk of cash this year. Of course, she is much more than that....:o

Lisa

a nice little chunk of cash this year.

Did it offset the cost of the pampers? :D :D

Did it offset the cost of the pampers? :D :D

Replenish the partner's ciggy supply perhaps :confused:

Did it offset the cost of the pampers? :D :D

Way.

Replenish the partner's ciggy supply perhaps

Don't smoke - thank God.

Lisa

Actually, for hardworking, responsible parents we do have a similar program in the US - Tax deductions.

:) :) :)
I guess you don't qualify then :cool: :p

Holy crap!!! No wonder woman stay out so long!! Although it varies from employer to employer, the standard is 6-8 weeks full pay for maternity benefits. However, at my last employer, which was a University, since I had worked there for 7 years, if I had had the baby while I was still employed with them, I would have been eligible for 26 weeks full pay.

My maternity leave at my last job was unpaid. :( Then when I came back they laid me off which, technically, is against the law but I didn't complain because that is what I wanted. I didn't want to go back to work for them and I wasn't going to, so even if they hadn't laid me off I would have quit. But it was better that they did it for me so I could draw unemployment for a little while and stay home with Emily. The way it worked out with that I was able to stay home with her until she was 5 months old. Now, the way hubby and I have our work schedules staggered we don't have to do daycare either, thank goodness. If we have a day where both of us have to work then my m-i-l can usually watch her. We're very fortunate, but we do make some sacrifices to have our schedules like that to avoid daycare. We do, however, take her to a little "pre-school" twice a week for about 5 hours so she can be away from us and socialize with other kids her age.

Now that I am working for local government, if we have another child I will have 12 weeks paid leave. I also get 14 days paid each year in vacation and roughly 11 paid holidays.

Back to the subject, I suppose our summer vacation was to Vegas, even though we didn't get to do anything really vacation-like while we were there save for a couple of hours of sightseeing the last day we were there. :(

Hopefully by next year we'll be able to take Emily somewhere a little more fun. My husband's aunt and uncle that live in the Largo, FL area have told us to come visit them and spend some time taking her to Disneyworld.

My husband's aunt and uncle that live in the Largo, FL area have told us to come visit them and spend some time taking her to Disneyworld.
Oh goodie... another opportunity to meet Cindy! :)
You know Largo isn't far from my place..... just across the bay...

Oh goodie... another opportunity to meet Cindy! :)
You know Largo isn't far from my place..... just across the bay...

That would be fun, since our Vegas meeting got loused up. :)

But it won't be until next summer (probably). :(