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icedpea
BucketHead
PeaNut 562,203
July 2012
Posts: 807
Layouts: 0
|  Posted: 2/6/2013 2:25:16 PM
I have made many self improvements (though I am still working on it) and paid off many bills in the last year. How are you happier or better off than you were last year? | |
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Runner5
Pea All You Can Pea!
PeaNut 36,843
April 2002
Posts: 16,617
Layouts: 25
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 2:26:39 PM
We'll be financially better off in the fall once this mortgage is paid off.
The screws are on pretty tight right now though.
We continue to eat healthy and that definitely has its payoffs. |
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bizzymumma
I sense impending mayhem.
PeaNut 51,520
October 2002
Posts: 19,283
Layouts: 47
Loc: Beautiful BC
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 2:26:42 PM
no. But ask me again next year as there's light at the end of the tunnel. |
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Laurie
"Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow."
Doug Firebaugh
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IleneTell
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 434,842
August 2009
Posts: 2,427
Layouts: 635
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 2:28:08 PM
No, pretty much status quo. I was in a relatively good place a year ago, and I'm relatively good now. Things could always be better, of course. We'll see what happens a year from now  |
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*SeikasHaven*
AncestralPea
PeaNut 354,541
January 2008
Posts: 4,254
Layouts: 24
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 2:31:24 PM
So much. I have my son in my arms as I type this. I've never been happier.  
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Oliquig
PeaFixture
PeaNut 210,654
June 2005
Posts: 3,653
Layouts: 198
Loc: Connecticut
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 2:32:35 PM
Well, I'm a year more into being cancer-free, plus I have a full head of hair again! Money wise, In July I will get the (three year) postponed raise, oh the life of a state employee.
Exactly a year ago I was in Disneyworld, so not precisely happier j/k! In truth, I'd say I'm on par happiness wise. |
-Rachel
I just don't see why people think I'm too patronizing (that means I treat them as if they were stupid.)
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Casii
CasiioPEA
PeaNut 128,923
February 2004
Posts: 8,430
Layouts: 112
Loc: Maryland
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 2:41:20 PM
Financially no. In so many other ways, yes. You wouldn't think it since I lost a position working with so many people dear to me, but the lack of stress has made me feel much lighter emotionally and that has spilled into many other areas of my life. |
Ciao,
Casii
Granny Panty Chic
Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it. ~Mark Twain
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maryannscraps
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 75,215
March 2003
Posts: 6,373
Layouts: 2
Loc: massachusetts
| Posted: 2/6/2013 2:42:22 PM
Yes, both. I'm happy that the whole college question for DD was settled and she's really happy with her choice. That entire process was really stressful.
I'm working a lot more hours -- I have less kid duties with one out of the house.
DH was declared in remission last month, so that's a good thing too. | |
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Steph (D)Rebel
I'm what the *buzz* is all about!
PeaNut 69,964
February 2003
Posts: 20,673
Layouts: 213
Loc: South Centralish Ohio
| Posted: 2/6/2013 2:48:00 PM
In every way I can think of, yes. |
Achieving one of my biggest goals...Life is good! August 2012
Visit my facebook page
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye.
I wish you enough. | |
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Luvnlifelady
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 289,166
December 2006
Posts: 17,326
Layouts: 7
Loc: Southern California
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 2:49:00 PM
No, not at all. DH had just started working temp in that fall for a place and in February last year got hired on. However, it was a 50% paycut plus insurance that we hadn't been paying (he worked for family prior to that).
I had recently found work but it was only temporary and ended yesterday. I'm now looking again. Things are very tight for us.
As for contentment, not there either. DH is unhappy in his job and while I liked working again, it really made it stressful on the home front. It seems you either have time or money when it would be ideal to have both.
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frostybuns
PeaFixture
PeaNut 13,660
April 2001
Posts: 3,155
Layouts: 5
Loc: PNW
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 2:53:10 PM
Nope. My hubby took a new job last spring that took us from a place we loved. They made him a gazillion promises and not one of them has come true. Every day I am so angry about it (not at him). Luckily he is in the process of getting a new/better job so I'm hoping things start to look up by this spring/early summer. |
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*theCakeGirl*
PeaFixture
PeaNut 220
April 1999
Posts: 3,504
Layouts: 148
Loc: Upstate NY
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 3:23:28 PM
No, not really.
This time last year we were struggling through reintegration and now we are preparing for another 12 month deployment. My mom is quickly slipping away because of dementia a thousand miles away. My support system is broken and untrustworthy. I have never felt more alone, but what can one do? Just keep moving forward. It'll get better one day.
Financially? I guess we are okay. The cars are all paid off we finally have a some savings built up. |
http://www.nomadescollection.com/denisem
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moveablefeast
do justice, love mercy
PeaNut 265,707
June 2006
Posts: 11,126
Layouts: 0
Loc: Northern Virginia
| Posted: 2/6/2013 3:24:59 PM
I've been working again for a full year now and I feel really good about the impact that has had on our family finances.
I have a lot less time and energy to devote to myself, and I don't feel as good about the impact that has had on my sense of satisfaction and overall well-being.
It's a bit of a wash, but I feel that I am doing what I should be doing right now, even though it is hard. | |
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ilovebuble
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 539,539
January 2012
Posts: 2,467
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 3:33:32 PM
Financially, we are doing about the same as we were last year and that is just fine.
Emotionally, I am growing and trying to stay as independent as possible even though I am married. I regularly to out for girls nights and I've even taken a couple of weekends for myself. My husband and I are in a great place and we have not allowed ourselves to get into a slump, we are always trying something new and it keeps us feeling fresh. | |
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finally~a~mama
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 438,682
September 2009
Posts: 2,594
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/6/2013 3:37:23 PM
Happier? Yes. Better off? Not financially. Last March life kind of went to crap. Super stressed, poo hitting the fan at work for both of us and we suffered a miscarriage. Now I'm pregnant again, but had to quit my job as it relocated too far away. I've also ran into some difficulties with the pregnancy & am still sending our DD to daycare. So lost my income, but still spending a big chunk of childcare. Oh well, it will be worth it when this little one arrives safely. |
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peapermint
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 9,321
January 2001
Posts: 8,594
Layouts: 0
Loc: all up in your business
| Posted: 2/6/2013 3:40:23 PM
Much, much better, I'm so happy to say. Financially way better and marriage much better as well.
This is after 7+ years of layoffs, medical crises, tensions, etc.
I wish the same for everyone here. So much is random, in my opinion. I've worked much harder at life for no reward. |
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sunny 5
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 472,024
June 2010
Posts: 2,071
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 3:51:33 PM
my dh got a great job...though some days drive him nuts and he threatens to retire....
my kids are is statis...and I wish they would move faster towards independence.
but otherwise...ok | |
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WorkingClassDog
Rick Springfield Junkie
PeaNut 78,429
March 2003
Posts: 13,984
Layouts: 5
Loc: Mountain High Pea
| Posted: 2/6/2013 3:53:45 PM
Financially, same.
Health wise, 1000% better. Lost a lot of weight and ran/walked two 5K's this year and signed up for a 1/2 marathon in August and thinking about doing a half in May.
Relationship wise, pretty much the same, married forever, same fights, different day, but mostly we get along. Just the day to day stuff. |
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amom23
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 108,542
September 2003
Posts: 6,364
Layouts: 0
Loc: ND
| Posted: 2/6/2013 4:02:21 PM
Yes, we are and life is pretty darn good. |
_________________________________________________
"When was the last time you did something for the 1st time?" | |
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BarreP
PeaFixture
PeaNut 46,619
August 2002
Posts: 3,844
Layouts: 42
Loc: Stepford
| Posted: 2/6/2013 4:05:54 PM
Shockingly, yes. Not financially (worse off at the moment) but we are grateful for what we do have. Emotionally, a million times better. At this time last year I was living a miserable life filled with lies and anger -- I didn't even understand how bad it was. In the past year I have found a spiritual path that brings me great comfort and I've made enormous strides in improving my marriage, which had been circling the drain for years, as well as other relationships. It took a huge crisis to get me to this point -- I don't recommend it! However, out of bad has come a lot of good. My life, although still filled with uncertainty and my share of problems, is better than I ever could have imagined it would be. | |
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Simply_Lovely
PeaFixture
PeaNut 463,295
April 2010
Posts: 3,284
Layouts: 3
Loc: New York City
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Deena714
Half of NSBR's favorite power couple
PeaNut 64,257
January 2003
Posts: 18,889
Layouts: 88
Loc: Your Mom's house
| Posted: 2/6/2013 4:28:50 PM
I am mentally in a much better place. I have worked really hard on improving myself and my self confidence. Some hard decisions have been made.
Financially we are a little better. Physically I'm probably slightly worse. But one thing at a time. |
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recap.pea
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 288,074
December 2006
Posts: 2,978
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/6/2013 4:33:07 PM
Financially I am worse - my pay is the same but my insurance and other fringe benefits out of my check has increased - my check is $400 less a month than it was year ago
As far as happiness - I'm not any better but I'm not any worse - I'd say I'm about even with that. I'm generally a happy person. | |
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ostrich girl
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 288,003
December 2006
Posts: 5,414
Layouts: 4
Loc: Enjoying the spring in Ohio
| Posted: 2/6/2013 4:39:23 PM
Yes- happier that I have made some better health choices and exercise regulaly. I ran 2 half marathons and several 5K's. It is true about the runner's high. I feel so accomplished afterword and it has spread into other areas of my life.
DH and I are in a really good place. I also heard lots of horror stories about women in thier 40's, it sucks getting older, etc. But at 43 I am the happiest I have ever been. |
-mich
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theshyone
I'm Alive!
PeaNut 266,636
June 2006
Posts: 10,133
Layouts: 37
Loc: Alberta
| Posted: 2/6/2013 4:48:12 PM
Relieved yes
Financially, health wise, happy, absolutely not |
Canon XTI
EFS 18-55 mm
EF 50 mm 1.8
EF 75-300 mm 1:4-5.6
My Blog
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. Jack Layton
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amblet
Jeepers PEApers
PeaNut 82,460
April 2003
Posts: 2,219
Layouts: 295
Loc: Utah
| Posted: 2/6/2013 4:49:47 PM
I am happier without the stress of having to work nights and leave the kids home alone while I was doing so. That was a lot of stress on me. Not having an income is stressful but at least we have a roof over our head and are all together. My dd's seem to be doing better in school and my son is happier than I have seen him in years. |
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icedpea
BucketHead
PeaNut 562,203
July 2012
Posts: 807
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/6/2013 7:10:57 PM
Overall it sounds like there are more happy/better off peas than not. To the ones that are not, hang in there. 2013 could still be a better year. | |
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Maddybray
BucketHead
PeaNut 121,622
January 2004
Posts: 711
Layouts: 78
Loc: New England
| Posted: 2/6/2013 7:11:47 PM
Good question. yes and no. 2/12/12 I became a Momma to a beautiful baby girl...she turns 1 on tuesday. So in that way definately yes. We also bought a condo in my hometown something I never dreamed we could do.
But in some ways no because I received recent news that my dad's cancer is back (I should say it spread) and I'm being laid off from one of my 2 jobs in a few weeks. |
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AKathy
Peaing From Podunk
PeaNut 45,443
August 2002
Posts: 14,561
Layouts: 93
Loc: North Dakota
| Posted: 2/6/2013 7:33:26 PM
Same/same but I'm good with that  |
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*KelleeM*
Eye pea ;)
PeaNut 29,130
February 2002
Posts: 5,448
Layouts: 67
Loc: 01826
| Posted: 2/6/2013 7:45:57 PM
I got married on January 1 to an amazing man who retired a few days before the wedding and does all of the cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. Financially things are fine. I'm very happy and count my blessings. |
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lblair
PeaNut
PeaNut 555,199
May 2012
Posts: 84
Layouts: 0
Loc: Michigan
| Posted: 2/6/2013 7:49:48 PM
Compared to February of 2012, I would take those issues and life challenges over February 2013. If go back to mid 2012, I still don't like how 2013 started out but at least we, as a family have answers to DH health issues and are dealing with them and I can provide for my family. As odd as it is I think this the calmest and coziest the house has been is been in a while. | |
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NativeNewYorker
black eyed pea with soul!
PeaNut 15,878
May 2001
Posts: 24,962
Layouts: 70
Loc: LI, NY
| Posted: 2/6/2013 8:01:44 PM
no |
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azredhead34
peaintheheat
PeaNut 2,698
February 2000
Posts: 27,089
Layouts: 272
Loc: Mesa, Arizona
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 8:12:53 PM
Oh yes by a long shot, for lots of reason. I was in bad shape physically and had three surgeries this time last year. The pain started in late Feb last year and I had my gal bladder, appendix and a biopsy on my liver, two stomach scopes and three stones removed. It was so much fun! 
Dh had ACL done early last year,We also lost our little dog at the end of last year.
We're a little better off financially and everything else this year too, I am feeling really optimistic and feeling pretty good overall. |
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molove
Gabby Pea
PeaNut 82,634
April 2003
Posts: 16,564
Layouts: 2
Loc: Seattle, WA
| Posted: 2/6/2013 8:16:27 PM
Absolutely. Enthusiastically, YES! Giddy even.
On all fronts.
Don't get me wrong, all the normal stuff in life, but overall yes. | |
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mom-2-2beagles
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 131,676
February 2004
Posts: 2,790
Layouts: 10
Loc: Nor Cal
| Posted: 2/6/2013 8:18:31 PM
Yes. I'm staying home with our new little one (2 weeks old) and dd1 (22 months old) is home with me two days a week as well.
Dh loves his job, sometimes has to work longer hours than we would like, but overall a great situation. We took 7 or 8 weeks of vacation last year, we won't be taking that much this year. But we still have some fun stuff planned...that much traveling with two little ones would just be too much.
Our marriage is awesome, our kids are healthy and a joy, life is good. |
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pennyring
Thrift Ninja
PeaNut 226,011
October 2005
Posts: 22,412
Layouts: 40
Loc: Rite Aid
| Posted: 2/6/2013 8:32:44 PM
Yes, and last year was a pretty good year too. I haven't really had a "bad" year since oh... maybe 2004 or 2005.
But this year is already better. For some reason (not really sure why), but my state of mind is very happy/light/uplifted/forward thinking. Generally, I'm not "that way".
Honestly, I wake up every day thinking of all the things I have to look forward to. My mind is full every day of the things I want to do. The days, weeks, lifetime are too short to fit all the exciting things I want to do.
Financially, we are bringing home less money due to the tax changes. However, we've gotten super frugal and we're paying off all our debt. So even though we're bringing home less money, and we're spending no money at all... I really don't want for anything. In fact, I can't think of a single thing I want for Valentine's Day. Which is crazy. I always want a dozen different things. But nothing seems more important than paying down our debt.
January was harder, tapering off of my constant shopping trips, Starbucks trips, etc. But now I'm to the point where nothing seems worth the money or space it takes up in my house. I want just the bare essentials. And I want to keep traveling. A lot. And I want to spoil my nieces.
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beanbuddymom
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 370,521
April 2008
Posts: 2,701
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/6/2013 9:00:10 PM
Happier, yes.
Better off financially? Oh H E L L no!
Happier with my kids and life. Sad about not having my dad. Making ends meet. Appreciating my family each day and just going with the flow. |
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PhotoHorse
PeaFixture
PeaNut 66,309
February 2003
Posts: 3,092
Layouts: 13
Loc: Central Iowa
| Posted: 2/6/2013 9:05:09 PM
Busier, but things are going well, so I'd say we're in a holding pattern of goodness.
On specifics, my barn is finished, and we just bought a used car for me and ds to share. DS's basketball season is almost over (and no activities for him until April soccer games), and DD's basketball season finished up last week. Pretty soon we'll just be in the gym for volleyball, so that is a bright spot.
I have two horses I really look forward to riding this spring, and I'm well under way on the graduation blankets I'm making. The house is more organized, and I've been doing a great job keeping up on the general housekeeping despite the ball schedule.
Everyone's healthy and happy, so that's a bonus, too. | |
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*Delphinium Twinkle*
I'm just a pea:)
PeaNut 163,613
August 2004
Posts: 68,230
Layouts: 236
Loc: *Sunny Southern California*
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 9:06:39 PM
No |
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WinoGirl
PeaAddict
PeaNut 511,446
June 2011
Posts: 1,172
Layouts: 0
Loc: Saint Louis
| Posted: 2/6/2013 9:16:21 PM
Yes, better.
We haven't been able to afford to travel for a few years now, but finally, we can afford to take a little vacation this year.
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fwscrapper
PeaAddict
PeaNut 348,818
November 2007
Posts: 1,492
Layouts: 0
Loc: Cowtown
| Posted: 2/6/2013 11:26:59 PM
Happy? Yes, this time last year I had just lost my mom to ovarian cancer after a 10 month battle.
Financially? Worse...no raise in over 2 years even though everything is going up...especially our insurance.
The state of public education in this country is in a mess and raises may not come this year either, but I sure bet premiums will rise once again. |
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leslie132
BucketHead
PeaNut 399,083
November 2008
Posts: 541
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/6/2013 11:45:31 PM
It is almost 1 in the morning. I am rocking my one newborn son while his twin brother is fussing in the crib! 8 year old big brother is across the hall sleeping blissfully unaware! I have never been happier or felt more blessed!
Life is good!!!!
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*~*amanda*~*
...
PeaNut 393,905
October 2008
Posts: 6,624
Layouts: 0
Loc: Illinois
| Posted: 2/6/2013 11:46:22 PM
Yes, both emotionally/mentally and financially. |
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Mary Kay Lady
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 367,913
March 2008
Posts: 2,241
Layouts: 0
Loc: The state of Confusion!
| Posted: 2/7/2013 1:32:27 AM
Last year I'd just asked my alcoholic husband of 24 years to move out of our family home. It's been 13 months of adjustment, but YES!!!! I'm happier. I'm in a better place emotionally. I'm getting my life back together.
This time next year I expect my life to even better! And believe me when I say that it's been a l-o-n-g time since I've felt this good.
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klnor
PeaNut
PeaNut 528,538
November 2011
Posts: 182
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/7/2013 2:35:52 AM
Yes! New house, triple the money, new car, and finally doing fertility treatments. Hoping next year will bring even more happiness! | |
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jgpea
PeaAddict
PeaNut 378,405
June 2008
Posts: 1,717
Layouts: 9
| Posted: 2/7/2013 6:25:03 AM
Enthusiastically, yes!!!! In November my husband switched to days after 19 years of nights, and this week he's training for another new job (same company) where he will have weekends off.
I started a new job January 2nd that is three miles from home (vs 30) and I just love it.
My daughter is happily finishing her senior year, has scholarships to several schools to choose from! My son is working at a job he enjoys, but still has time to pursue his outdoor passions. So yes, life is really really good. | |
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myboysnme
one of those "entitled" peas
PeaNut 69,081
February 2003
Posts: 6,737
Layouts: 1
| Posted: 2/7/2013 7:02:12 AM
I am about the same. But the same is pretty good. |
My choice is to not take it personally - people have opinions. Particularly people here.-Peabay 12/29/11
I know this is assuming, but I'm really starting to think you are one of those "entitled" peas - Dalayney 4/2/12
profile pic courtesy of GreenEyedLady Designs at Scrap ARt Studio.
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TREZmom
Lost and Found in Pea-land
PeaNut 138,098
March 2004
Posts: 5,809
Layouts: 2
Loc: NC but wishing I was somewhere else
| Posted: 2/7/2013 7:29:44 AM
I would say, yes I am. But that probably has to do with finding a solution to chronic pain. Hopefully, it's not temporary. | |
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Georgiapea
Mom to the Wild Things.
PeaNut 96,783
July 2003
Posts: 26,421
Layouts: 0
Loc: Poss-a-Dillo Hill, Ozark, AL
| Posted: 2/7/2013 7:38:55 AM
I am/we are, but it sometimes doesn't seem that way. We are currently paying mtg. and operating expenses on 2 properties and it's often a financial crises.
We are rehabbing a building, doing a commercial to residential conversion and are nearing our goal time frame but the building isn't move in ready yet. | |
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seasonscraps
PeaAddict
PeaNut 113,955
October 2003
Posts: 1,444
Layouts: 17
| Posted: 2/7/2013 8:28:22 AM
Not everything is better but I am happier then I was a year ago. | |
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