Yeah, Jan, makes me wish I knew how to rollerblade (better) too! I'm really kind of rusty (and very wary after that serious accident ten years ago), hence, all the protective gear. I might replace my (circa 1992) blades if I can find some with better braking technology. Surely they've improved by now? In the meantime, I just slow down by going in the grass. I haven't allowed the kids to do it because it does take a good deal of attention to detail to ensure that there's no slack in the rope so Izzy doesn't get tangled in it and get hurt, and to deal with her occasional tendency to run next to and behind me. Also, I have to be 100% certain they'd choose to crash before they bladed into my dog. None of my young playmates are coordinated enough to accept this amount of responsibility... yet. Andie, nah. Though I've seen him do it, I was really just looking for another way to harness Izzy's desire to pull. My summertime choices were bike and blade. (Pulling small kids in a wagon leaves too much opportunity for the wagon to crash into her unless I owned a different harness set up, and I don't think she's big enough for this.) I've done both with my whippet in the 90's, but one time I had my whippet run next to me while I rode my bike on a blacktopped trail and he tore up his foot pads pretty badly in the process... so I nixed that idea pretty quick. I'll never allow a dog to hurt themselves like that ever again... The nice thing about the tow rope is... if she goes in a really stupid direction, I can always let go and she comes back to me... also, it's long enough that I can accommodate for a direction change, but still keep her close enough to ensure her safety... It's a learning process for both of us, but we're learning to work as a team.

Red, I am a 'newbie' on this thread. But not to reclaiming my mojo! I hope you feel welcomed and reclaim RED! ((((((GO! GO! RED MOJO!!!!!!))))) How do YOU feel about the weight you have gained? IS it compromising your health? Attempting to reclaim that healthy gal inside is only something you can do for YOU, and only when you are really ready. If this is a path you want to explore, then #1 is see your GP first, they will be a great guide as to how and what changes will reignite your RED MOJO! With pain problems walking can seem like a real chore- have you ever tried water based workouts- aerobics/ swimming? They may help as there is not the pressure and impact. Oh... and on the arm flab thing... don't talk to me about that!! Whaaaaaaaa! : ( Mine are like empty PJ bags, or wings or some such. NO amount of muscle will fix them (well maybe Arnold Swarz size arms... but not sure if that's a good look on a short lady! hee hee hee) As an ex nail biter and picker, I think it is definately a habit. Each time you catch yourself at your nails choose to stop, do something else to occupy your hands- I made a habit of painting nail strengthener each day. While I can grow may nails long (eg if I have an upcoming event) I choose to keep them a practical length-just past the tip of my finger. They annoy me less that length too. I think a great MOJO activation method is a new hairstyle and a set of clothes- you can get off that plane and see your mum feeling good about yourself. There is more to being a great person than what you weigh and how long your nails are. Oh and to your mum- if she comments on your weight, say 'It's amazing how genetics play such a part in your chance for weight gain' and smile sweetly :) Em

Hey Bumble, just wanted to tell you that you were right about the pricing on the sweaters above. Quality wise I would say the regular price should have been between $60 and $85 (about what I paid). The sale price should have been less. No way are the sweaters in a quality range of $164 regular retail as stated. Saying that though they fit short wasted me perfectly and have a casual sliming elegance about them. They also flow nicely and are made well. The fabric is very light though, really too light to call it a sweater. If I did not live in Florida I would be disappointed but would say they are perfect for mildly cool evening here. In short, I do not feel I got ripped off but I did not score the deal of the century. I would give the sweaters 4 1/2 stars out of five because they fit my needs. The gray FDJ jeans were a big hit and are the most comfortable best fitting jeans I have every owned in my life. The "find your fit" check list on the FDJ sites was perfect for picking the right jeans for body shape. My husband was oozing with complements over the gray jean gray sweater getup. I'm seriously thinking of springing for the FDJ dark wash jeans at the high regular price...even though I have never been much of a jean person I love the comfort and fit of these. At 52 I think the splurge is worth feeling sexy in jeans.

If it is just 1-2 times a day, everyday, Or 1-2 times a week? If it is a power war DON'T PLAY. Tell her before you do what ever it is you decide to do, but when you decide be consistant! If she is just not going to the bathroom and wets during play then no choice! She gets up NOW and changes and may lose time, not forever just for now or today, with what ever she is doing. After all it made it so she did not make it to the bathroom. Be carefull not to be confrontational, just very matter of fact type voice, about it. Unless there is some physical thing going on she will quickly figure out staying dry means more time with what ever it is she is doing. Tell her when she is dry and really working hard at something that as long as she is dry you don't have to interupt her to change. Praise a lot! Set a timer when you know it is a time that she usually has her accidents. Maybe work out a regular schdule. Like before going outside and before she plays with (what ever) she is to try. Tell her when the timer goes off she is to go to the bathroom and try, until then she is done with her game work or? when she comes back she can return to her game work or? Give her a goal to reach so that you don't have to do these new rules forever, like 2 weeks dry or something along those lines. I would never say these hard rules to a 3 yr old, but she is almost 5 and is able to use the bathroom other times and if it is a power struggle these put the control squarly on her shoulders. Because You won't argue or change these rules until she does. It sounds harsh, and thats not the tone I am saying for you to take. That is why I said to have a plan and let her know that this is what is going to happen. Don't argue or anything like that just do the plan and move on. JUST MATTER OF FACT NO SILLIES TYPE VOICE. Just like 'ya have to wear a coat outside when it is freezing' type thing. Or 'no it is 95 outside you can not wear your snow suit to the swimming pool.'