That is sad, Krikit. I'm sorry to hear it.

Sorry to hear that krikit, that's tough and so sad.

You know, I like to leave tv on in the background and granted, in Canada we get a lot of U.S. commercials, but as everyone knows a lot of the time they blurb in Canadian stuff.

Well, U.S. tv, between the drugs and the life insurance and the hospital commercials and then the drugs again - I mean really, are these people serious - I'm already fed up with it.

Dear Krikit, yes, this seems to happen from time to time.
It doesn't make it right.
What I'm trying to say is that too many people live too much alone.
Welcome to what is known as progress, aka city living.
When living in smaller communities, people always know what is going on with you..not that that is always a good thing, ha, and still, better than being lost in a sea of too much.

I hope she didn't suffer for too long.
RIP neighbour.

That happened to my beloved "nana" who lived across the street from where I grew up. By chance my parents had to go over there for something, and my dad found her in her basement at the base of the stairs, still alive but barely, she passed away soon after that. I think that is why I get anxious when I can't get ahold of my family after repeated attempts. Hugs to you, Krikit (don't beat yourself up too much) and my condolences to your neighbour's family.

Okay here's another vent:

And I'm sure it happens all the time...sigh.

Someone I know, a Canadian acquaintance, got engaged to a U.S.ian in Canada late last year and then moved here and got married early this year.
They have the green card interview on Monday.



Oh well...I wish them success, regardless.

Yeah. I was totally oblivious to all the options until I found this site.

Just a for Delicia, hope her husband kicks himself in the butt and does something

and a for Krikit's neighbour

Cheer up folks. :[
Don't let the bad 1 day ruin the other good 30!

Bradcanuck - of the Canada forum 'The Vent' fame!! How the heck are you?

So sorry to everyone

My rant. Our K1 package is ready to be sent but my bf is all out of checks, so he ordered some and now we wait for them. I'm kind of annoyed that he didn't realize it, but he thought he had a couple left. We are SO close to our journey... yet still so far.

The good news is that they are SUPER fast here with check orders. He could always go to his bank and request a counter check, though. I was going to mention a money order but then I realized that won't help you, much, when it comes to tracking.

Congratulations on starting your journey!

Warning: Another breastfeeding post. Skip this if talking about boobies in a purely nonsexual way offends you

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!! WHY can't the kid nurse effectively everytime? Occasionally, he will latch on with minimal difficulty, but more often, he is screaming and absolutely frustrated and I am crying. I want to do this sooo badly. I've consulted with the lactation consultants many times. I've gone back to the maternity ward 3 different times to have this amazing nurse try to help Declan latch. I'm taking fenugreek and blessed thistle to increase milk supply. I'm pumping after he nurses to increase supply as well as pumping throughout the day. I'm trying different positions and locations to nurse. I'm using a shield to help him latch better. I'm using a feeding tube/syringe to drip milk into his mouth as a trick to get him to latch. I'm having hubby hold the kid and position him correctly.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WHAT WILL IT TAKE??????

What about giving him a bottle until he satisfies his initial hunger pangs, then letting him nurse for the remaining time when he won't be so frantic. With kids, it's all about the "NOW".

I tried to get him to go get a counter check done, but he didn't get what I meant and then sometimes when he doesn't get me, I think it might just be a Canadian thing so I lay off, hahaha.

I hear ya. A lot of things get lost in the translation.

Okay... I just called my husband. He was pretty hesitant but said he believes that the same term is used here, but it's not very well known. He says to have the bank draw up a certified check.

Try asking for a Cashier's Cheque - we have done that a few times for sending money to Joe's daughter. They print it up in the correct amount and list the person it is going to and take the money out of your account. It is a cheque using your money but issued by the bank.

Sorry it is not going well. Is he throwing up after he eats? Gaining weight? Do you see the same lactation consultant? Maybe one could see a different consultant? And yes, from my readings, some kids just are not breastfeeders. Maybe it is something you are eating that doesn't sit well with him--not trying to put the blame on you, not at all, but I may be wrong ( im many times,lol) but some of the taste of what you eats gets passed onto your milk, so it can change the flavor?? Something to ask the consultant Ya, I'm just throwing stuff out there,lol

So when you pump your milk, do you give it him in a bottle later? I have read, that if you bottle feed as well,some babies find it very difficult then to breastfeed, as they prefer the bottle. But the important thing he is getting enough nutrition, breast or bottle.

I commend you on your efforts, wow, your doing an EXCELLENT job, years from now when he is much older you can hang this over his head,lol

Or, at a very minimum, you can tell his wife and she'll be able to use it in oh-so-many ways.

I'm not an expert on lactation, but I did nurse my son and thought of a posssible idea. You might already know and be trying to do this, but here goes anyway...
When he attempts to latch on is his lower lip going in or out? I know that I would have to gently pull down on my son's chin to get his lower lip to come out more which helped him latch on. Otherwise he'd be losing grip all the time and "slurping" loudly and also that hurts!
If you're doing that already, maybe if you describe in what way he's not latching on I could see if I have any other ideas. Also, you mention bottle feeding...does he latch onto a bottle effectively? Stroking the side of their cheek also activates a reflex only newborns have...to turn toward that side and search for a nipple or bottle. It kinda gets them going in that sucking mode too.

Keep us posted here. I have an incredibly busy week and then I leave Saturday for our interview in MTL, but I'll try to check back to see what you say about this. Might have another idea up my sleeve, but need to know more about the exact problem.

Hang in there! It can be frustrating, but you're getting an A for effort and deserving a mother of the year award!!

arrrgghh,, this stupid smilie thing is annoying me it is way overused...

Ok here is my vent, why am not rich instead of good looking ha ha ha. I wish I could fly to San Diego this weekend as my oldest son is going to be there for the US Open (he is working it). Damn it all I can't afford to go there oh well another time perhaps GRRRRRR.

I have a vent!

We moved into a new apartment end of April and the complex messed up all our paperwork. So 10 days ago they tell us we owe them $500 more for deposits/cleaning etc etc bla bla. So I write them a check. Time goes by and I get an angry follow up call. Apparently they lost the check and demanded payment THAT DAY. Why do I get penalized for other people's idiocy and then I feel guilty?

I am beyond the red line tired of human beings being unreliable, unfriendly and ... well so shitty.

Steal a car and drive there, baby.

Or bid cheaply on priceline.
Worked for me....



Welcome to the monkey house. Sigh...


All I know for sure is:

what you resist, persists.

Just as long as you can fling your feces at the super...

BTW, Spirit what kind of car were you thinking of taking for a midnight ride? Officer I was just doing my best imitation of Paul Revere, honest...

I was feeling more like an Anne Bonny...except on dry land for this particular trek.
Arrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What type? Hmmmmm...how about this: clicky!

Good choice. There's a dealership that sells Aston-Martins, Ferraris and Maseratis off Highway 41 (North Skokie Highway) just outside of Lake Forest. The Police will figure the Bears are having training camp at Lake Forest College and one of the players is out having fun. It's only 5-10 minutes to the Wisconsin state line, even less if you drive at 180 mph.

Damn u storm!!! Power is out at my place, and I'm suppose to sign up for Fall Nursing classes at 10 am!! I'm typing away from a Starbucks!! I think I saw Len walk in a few minutes ago,lol

I am suprised we didn't lose power with that storm, I am guessing it got worse (bad enough here) as it went north.

More storms forecasted for this afternoon!! My beer is gettign warmer by the minute! SAVE MY BEER!!! damn u dominion electric!!

Spirit if only it were that easy. I already have a car but gas from one coast to the other no thanks, priceline would be better I am sure lol. Unfortunately it is not to be right now, but I will call him and see how he is liking it there, and who knows if I win the lottery on Friday night I will definately fly over there for a few days.



Yes I see that. Hubby was supposed to work his 2nd job outside working on a fence tonight and I was going to help him, but I am really hoping it does rain before 3:30 because it is too damn hot to be working outside.

I am sorry you can't see your son. But look at it this way.... he'd be working, anyway, so you wouldn't get to spend much time with him. Therefore you can save your money for spending quality time.



Seriously. The power goes out WAY too often in the US.

Thanks Krikit, just sucks it is that old adage so close yet so far away lol. But your right he is working most of the time he is there and if he isn't during the tournament he will be watching

Come on lottery for Leafgal!!!!!
She really needs it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG! I totally forgot I bought a lottery ticket the other day when the really bi+chy and hypocritical customer service rep told me to have a blessed day. *runs to check ticket*

FRICK!!!! Punished for being a Canadian,lol!! So today at 10 am was registration for my Fall Nursing classes/clinics!! And as soon as they open the links online at 10 am, its a mad dash for everyone to pick what they want!! I was al raring to go, classes/clinicals were in my "shopping basket" just had to keep clicking away once the secretary unlocked it!! NOT, i see others are getting the OK message, but not me--keeps stating their is a hold on my acct!! So I rush to the secretary, and she checks my acct, and yeppers there it is: out of immigration status!!" I had not given them my new Greencard info!! OUCH!! so by the time i rushed down to student services and back tothe computer to sign up, my desired class times were GONE!! RRRRRRRRRR I stil managed an ok schedule, but not the 1 I wanted. And I guess it is partially my fault, that I didnt pass on my new greencard info, BUT we are forced each semester to see our advisor , who is suppose to catch these problems, and my greencard would have expired back in 2007. Oh well, whats done is done. Hopefully people wil switch to other clinicals/labs, so i can do a swap!!

and at 1300, still had no power, so bck here with Len at Starbucks!! She sure is 1 starbucks fanatic!!

Dammit! Good thing you're close to naturalization.

paper work for that was sent last week, could have sent it way back in Sept,lol

I absolutely hated the mad rush to get in the section/class you wanted only to find out that it filled up in the first five seconds. Lectures were never a problem but labs and tutorials, stupid buggers! Try posting on the bulletin board or talking to the course professors and explain your situation, sometimes they'll allow you to transfer to their section. Good luck.
One more thing Flames, I hope you signed up for a course in self-preservation because if my dear Sister Len shows up, you're going to need it.

"We are here to mourn our poor friend Scott,
who saw humour in associating Len with Starbucks.
Unfortunately, she did not."

I'll make sure you get a 21-cup salute.

lol

The head secretary was attempted to try and hold a spot for me, but by the time she logged in, they were full, oh well. i stil ended up with not a bad schedule, just not with the people I wanted. But I have had success in the past in gettign other people their required classes! 1 gal even gave me her log in info, including passwords, to get the required classes for her,lol I must be a trusting guy, or at least I give out that persona,lol

That was one of the AWFUL things about uni. The first year of university it was still TELEPHONE registration AND it was long distance for me to call Ottawa from Kitchener. I was on the phone long distance for days..(luckily I worked for the government and they got all the charges and nothing was ever said! haha) When we got the online system though it was still the same. Too many people at once overloading the system, it system crashing, or classes being full. It was always a struggle.

Can you go on a waiting list? A lot of students will withdraw from classes or be a no-show.

Human Resources called and left a message on my voicemail wanting to talk about my "return to work".

Hah. Haha. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. (sorry, Marilyn)

So it's the moment of truth now... I'm either going to get my accommodations, or I'm probably going to end up getting fired.

...and only a couple of minutes after this was posted, she called me back.

She's going to "check with management" and "see what they can do".

Yeah... uh-huh. WHY was this not done when I requested accommodations over 5 months ago?!

back story necrotica, please!!

No, people wont be a no-show, its the last yr of the program. And they dont do wait lists! One just has to keep checking, and if it opens up, then swap. Some will forget to pay, thus dropping them, but one has to pay by Aug 01. im not that concerned right now, i ended up lucking out and getting something that appears will work out OK

Oh boy... it's going to be a long story... luckily I can cut and paste part of it from a former vent, hehe.

I have a lot of disabilities. I'm autistic (high-functioning), I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, severe depression (which was in remission before all this crap started happening), other mental issues (condensed for the sake of brevity), a back deformity that has the capability of causing me so much pain that I can't even walk, and some mystery joint pain in my fingers which makes using my right hand very painful (a couple of doctors are giving me conflicting diagnoses regarding that). Despite all of this, I had worked in my current job doing Medicare customer service for almost a year... until this past March.

I was doing ok at work for the most part until they started training me to do other things. The stress of this combined with my disabilities and the fact that they would make no accommodations whatsoever for me even though they could have led to me having a series of breakdowns until I finally had a massive one that has rendered me completely unable to work as of March 18th. My leave has been completely unpaid, and my short-term disability was denied because my idiot doctor apparently told them something to the effect of my job causing my disability, so now they said I should file a worker's compensation claim. This is NOT a worker's comp issue; I was diagnosed with CFS and Fibromyalgia in March of 2007 before I even started working there! It's just that I had a huge flareup that resulted in burnout because they would not offer me any accommodations.

Here's a brief timeline:

Mid-September 2007 - Took my diagnosis letters to Human Resources, saying I wanted them on file in case I ever need to have accommodations. HR lady (different one than who I talked to today) tells me that I "can't have any excused time off just because I don't 'feel well'". This very highly upset me, since it's not just a case of not "feeling well"; it's a case of not even being able to FUNCTION.

Late November/early December 2007 - Tried to talk to my supervisor about getting accommodations. He refers me back to HR. I told him about what happened in HR and that my mental health can NOT handle another snide comment because I was in a very dangerous mental state of mind, and he says I have to go back there anyway, even though the employee handbook says that asking my supervisor for accommodations is acceptable and that it would be his responsibility to go to HR with my request. Obviously, that never happened.

Mid-December 2007 - Got a verbal warning for attendance. The stress on me was too much for me to handle, which was why I kept missing work. The verbal warning made my stress level go even higher, which meant more flareups and more absences (see the pattern here?).

Late January 2008 - Finally e-mail HR requesting accommodations.

Late February 2008 - Meeting with HR reharding accommodations. They tell me that working from home is not an option because the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services don't want me to for some reason (even though there are others in my department who can work from home), and that they'll see what they can do about getting me into a different department with a lower stress level.

Late February/early March 2008 - I get put into training for not only Durable Medical Equipment Claims Level 1, but also Level 2 right after training for Level 1. These representatives take calls regarding Medicare fraud in relation to medical equipment. VERY HIGH-STRESS. The funny part is that there was Written Correspondence training going on at the same time, which is what I had originally requested transferring over to, and getting into that department would have meant MUCH less stress and it more than likely would have kept me from having my final meltdown. Many people were being transferred from my department over there anyway, so transferring me over there as well wouldn't have made them do ANY extra work whatsoever.

Mid-March 2008 - Was put on a written warning for attendance, meaning if I miss 3 more days of work, I'm fired. This piled on even more stress on me, and this combined with the DME training caused me to crash so hard that I could not continue coming in to work.

This is all just so ridiculous. If they could have made some adjustments and NOT give me DME duties on top of what I already had, this never would have happened. This is EXACTLY what I tried so hard to avoid all the way back in September.

Normally I don't post in the vent thread - why? Well because when I do come in here to vent I read other vents and then my vent seems pretty small (which is a good thing).

Someone I know is mad at me (no not my Husband ).

The thing is, this person is mad at me for a kinda good reason - but not all that good (ie there are two sides and two perceptions on every point).

Ok, so I say to the person, look, you are mad, you should just say so, let's get this out in the open, hash it out and be done with it! They keep saying they aren't mad but they keep taking little pot shots.

There isn't really a way to make it right - now, they keep saying it's water under the bridge. They are under a lot of stress right now, not related, but somewhat related to this (but not to me thankfully!).

I have tried to just talk it out, but the anger is there so it doesn't really resolve anything. The thing is every time I speak to this person - well not EVERY time - but most of the time, something mean is said.

What to do what to do.

Not much one can do if you try and talk about the situation, and the other person doesn't want to actively listen, nor discuss it. Maybe this person is having other issues which you are not aware of, which is causing the issues between you and him/her!

First off.... (((((BIG HUGS)))))

Second.... I am going to generalize to make this simple. If this person is a child/offspring/relative/close friend, there is really not much you can do but keep on keeping on. This is their way of working through their emotions. "Children" of every age tend to say hurtful things without being cognizant of the impact of their words. It hurts, and it's painful to deal with.... especially when they keep shooting little daggers at your heart. But don't allow yourself to take responsibility for someone else's pain. It is theirs to deal with, just as you must deal with yours. The good thing is that they/you are maintaining contact. Good for you for keeping the lines of communication open. Pat yourself on the back. It is a difficult difficult thing to do when you are just as hurt as they are. But someone has to observe the proprieties in order to keep things civil. Your efforts are not in vain.... they will lay the foundation for a rebuild of the relationship. Time is a great healer. Ultimately, both sides will have learned something and a better person will evolve. Whoever you are dealing is on his/her own path of life, just as you are on yours. We must all muddle through what comes our way. Trials are not sent to test us. Trials are sent to better us. Trust that your words of concern are being heard, and things are working their way toward a positive outcome. Think of how you are struggling with this, and know that they are struggling too. There is ALWAYS a light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep moving towards it.

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Thanks for your replies flames and krikit.

Flames you are absolutely right and they are going through their own thing.

krikit, you are also right, of course and what you have said is basically what my Husband has been saying to me. It's reassuring to hear both your replies, it did make me feel better.

you are both very kind people