Peapod Mom

Free Movies, Free Books, and Free CD's

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:54:00 +0000

For many years, I loved going out to the movies. I still do. It is nice to put on something other than sweats and jeans and get out of the house on occasion without the kids. But the expense of it all—the babysitter, the tickets, dinner, the goodies—has long surpassed insanity.

My husband and I are homebodies at heart. Whether that has come out of willingness or necessity is unimportant. Even so, it is still fun to put the kids to bed early and only have to worry about which pajamas are more comfy. I love to snuggle on the sofa, polish off a large bowl of caramel popcorn and watch a movie. I am okay with that. And, I don’t get upset with myself if I fall asleep because I didn’t just put up $9 for a movie that I snoozed all the way through.

Well my friends, there is a new service out there that I have happened upon that ices that cake of low cost and comfort. It's called SwapaDVD.

How It Works

You join (membership is FREE!) and post your movies that you own but no longer watch. You receive 1 credit (more for some titles) for those DVD’s. Vice versa, it is 1 credit per DVD that you request. (At the time of this post, there were 55,900+ titles available.) You can either keep those DVD’s, or watch them and then repost them. The only cost ever incurred of you is shipment of your posted DVD’s. When someone requests one of your DVD’s, you pay shipping (via Media Mail). When the requestor receives that, you then earn 1 credit. If a certain movie that you want is not listed, you can place it on your 'Wish List' and be notified by email when it is available.

Around our house, we have several DVD’s that we just don’t watch anymore. Instead of just letting them lie there or giving them away (and there’s nothing wrong with that), now we post them on the website. If you are like me then you are always looking to save a buck or two. FREE is even better! This service comes pretty close.

Also check out their sister services, PaperBackSwap and SwapaCD:

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Enjoy Moments With Your Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:58:00 +0000

Lately I have forced myself to stop. I need to relax. I definitely need to be more aware. I don't know why or how we become so hurried and busy. It would be easy to claim that life forces us to become that way but that would be untrue. Allowing ourselves to become caught up in mostly unimportant things is our own fault.

I have literally looked at myself in the mirror and told myself, "Don't screw this up. These are your children. And if you screw this up, nothing else matters." While I have become almost obsessed with ensuring that all of the laundry gets washed and folded and the dishes get cleaned and the floor gets vacuumed and the bills get paid and the dog gets walked and the yard gets cleaned up and dinner gets made on time and on and on and on . . . I have most certainly missed out on some pretty cool stuff with my children. I have missed moments that could have been if only I were present.

And its one of those things when at the end of the day, all of the housework might be done and everything is neat and tidy and in order, but the world would have been just fine if not everything were in proper order. As mother's, we desperately need to set aside those unessential activities that seem to consume our day and focus on the reasons why we became mother’s in the first place. In today’s world, we must do this now more than ever.

Each day, it has become my earnest endeavor to do just that. While it is almost impossible to let things slide all day, I wake up early before the kids and ready myself for the day. It is the morning time that I get as much done as possible. The kids run around and play together while I focus on getting as much done as possible in those morning hours.

The afternoon is then devoted to my children. For a few hours, we play outside, read books, cook together, go to the park, or even watch a movie. Whatever the activity, we are together. And the kids don’t care what we do. But they do care that I am there laughing, and singing, and just being silly.

That is my challenge to you.

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Things To Do for Free, Summertime and Beyond

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

As of the time of this entry, gas where I live is $4.09 a gallon. It’s ridiculous and depressing all at once. Living on one income, it's difficult to afford groceries, let alone the expense of gasoline to drive anywhere.

On a day like today—blue skies, slight breeze, and 72° temps—I am depressed 10 times over. We sat around this morning, scheming and trying to come up with ideas of what we could do as a family to get out and enjoy the beautiful day. We soon realized that we had exhausted nearly all of our ideas of inexpensive or free things to do. I’m quickly beginning to acquire the Eeyore sentiment. My last hope of satisfaction today is to pass on some ideas that might suffice with your brood.

LIBRARY. Check out your local library. This is an invaluable resource, especially if you have small children at home. The older kids can find enjoyment as well, though. Throughout the year, our local library has story time. It is an occasion that my little ones look forward to each week. The times for specific ages vary. Many libraries also put on summer reading fairs and/or programs. Kids can sign up to do a specified amount of reading over the summer (typically only 20 minutes a day), and upon completion, have a grab at different rewards and prizes ranging from movie tickets, bowling passes, DVD’s, books, and restaurant vouchers. In addition to checking out books, you can also check out movies for free. Our library carries the latest new releases. Of course, you often have to get on a waiting list for them, but a little patience never hurt anyone. Because of the length of time to check movies out is about 5 days or so, the waiting list usually goes pretty fast. We, as a family, used to rent from the video stores. It’s cost $5+ for each rental! And the cost of renting even a few movies each month was adding up. Now we get all of our movies from the library. Even if there is an old favorite that comes to mind and your local library doesn’t carry it, you can request that they get it (the same goes with books). Pretty cool if you ask me.

MOVIE THEATRE. Hit up the theatre. There is always the $1 theatre to take full advantage of. The bigger chain in our town has free movies for kids in the summertime. Movie times are typically in the morning. Everyone knows (and if you don’t, you will now) that movie theatres don’t make their money from selling tickets. They make thier money at the concession stand. Why anyone would want to pay $5 for popcorn, $4 for a drink, and $4 for some candy is beyond me, but people do. And the movie theatres know this. Your in extra trouble with kids in tow. Kids seem to have radar for anything unhealthy. If they were to sell broccoli and peas, the theatre would be bankrupt in a week. So they know that the parents will come to the free movie with their kids and buy $50 worth of junk that would normally cost $5 elsewhere. Hitting the movie theatre helps the day go by when you have nothing else to do, and is a way to get out of the house. Just don’t be tempted to buy concessions no matter the amount of begging and pleading from your children.

BOWLING ALLEY. Perhaps it’s not free but it certainly can be cheap. Usually, when school is in session, the prices for a game of bowling and shoe rental are low because these are the bowling alley’s slow times. And in the summer, there are decent rates as well. Our local bowling alley has $1 days every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the summer. That means $1 shoe rental and $1 per game. And with the new laws passed recently, bowling establishments are now smoke free.

PARK. Why not head to the park. My kids would spend all day there if I let them. Make it a picnic while your at it. After lunch, send the kids off to play and catch up on your reading. Take along a bag of bread while you’re at it if there’s a pond nearby. If the ducks are in town, the kids will love feeding them. And the ducks will love them for it.

COUNTY FAIR. Again, not free but cheap, in comparison to the State Fairs. County fairs typically charge low admission and offer cheap ride bands. And entertainment is usually free with the purchase admission. This includes concerts, magic shows, and animal exhibits. At our local county fair, if you buy a ride band, all rides are unlimited. Be sure to keep an eye on your local newspaper or city publications. You can find valuable coupons and also find out which days are discounted. Its great to see the looks on your children’s faces as their whirled around and shouting with excitement. And it doesn’t have to cost a ton.

YOUR OWN YARD. If its a hot day outside and the kids need an outlet, set up the kiddie pool in the front yard. When I don't feel like being bothered from the neighborhood kids, we pull it around into the backyard. Otherwise, break out the sunblock and umbrella. The other kids on the street will see this and be over in no time. You'll have an instant block party, and the kids will have fun for hours. Be certain that they receive their parent's permission. And of course, keep a watchful eye.

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Children Are Amazing, Especially Yours

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Before having children and becoming a stay-at-home mom, I worked for several years. At those jobs there were always doting mothers who proudly exclaimed all of the accomplishments, great and small, of their growing children. Their cubicles donned their child’s artwork and toys left behind when they were visited by their children at work. Pictures upon pictures of a giggling youngster, a high school graduation, major milestones, and of course, those almost ghastly AND annoying family pictures with everyone fully clad in corresponding or identical outfits. And this was all fine. After all, family is important. My life as a mother is THE most significant and imperative role that I will ever assume. I cannot say that enough.

I can recall one particular job that I had. I worked there for a couple of years. I remember one co-worker in particular. Let’s call her “Susan.” I’ll admit that I was not Susan’s biggest fan. But I did my job and kept my distance as much as possible. Susan had been married for a couple of years at the time and was mother to a 1-year-old daughter. I must admit that her little girl was darling. And smart. Because each time that she would come in to see her mother at work, everyone had to stop to watch the new, learned skill on display. This was humorous at times and cute at others.

But Susan had more than one trick up her sleeve. As though it were some form of a tradition, each month (from her daughter’s birth), Susan would go out and purchase a pretty and new outfit for her daughter. She’d dress her up and style her hair just so, and they’d go off to the picture studio to get this little girl’s picture taken. Every month. And every month, we, fellow employees, most of whom were childless, would have to gather around and share in the delight of how adorable Susan’s daughter looked with her silly expressions and in creative poses. I never realized how much someone else’s child DOESN’T change in a month’s time.

So, on to my point.

Parents, especially new parents, your child is adorable and cute. Yes, your child will grow and change faster than you can keep up. And yes, your child is the funniest, smartest, and most clever child ever. But know this: no one else cares! You are the parent. And with that comes the unconditional love for your child. Your family also feels this for your child.

But it ends there. I am sorry to report that every other parent out there, past and present, has had or does have the same emotions and feelings that you have. There is no other child or children out there who are finer than their own.

And, no one else wants to hear about them.

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Baby Advice

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:38:00 +0000

Something about looking like you’re hauling around a watermelon, waddling everywhere you go, and looking awkwardly miserable, garners undoubted and unsolicited advice and attention. Unless I am mistaken, I can’t recall where exactly it is written that a pregnant woman is continuously seeking advice from anyone, especially strangers. Is pregnancy some kind of universal sign? Because these folks are like a moth to a flame.

It reminds me of a certain television commercial about a pregnant woman in a supermarket. Some complete stranger walks up, places his hand on her belly without asking, and proceeds to ask inane questions about her weight and impending arrival! As he’s walking away the camera pans to her with a look of bewilderment and annoyance.

I chuckle each time I see this. Mostly because I’ve experienced the same sentiment. I have been there, and I can say with certainty that most other women have as well. Don’t get me started on the post-pregnancy weight comments.

I suppose that I could fully expect it when I was pregnant with my first child. Admittedly, there were times when the advice wasn’t so ridiculous. Then along came my second pregnancy. Even in the midst of it I had to put up with strange questions and pretty dim advice. I always politely smiled of course, nodded, and then waddled away in the opposite direction as fast as I could.

When I speak to my friends who are planning to or are now expectant, I refrain from the advice unless I’m asked. This has proven to work just fine for both parties involved. I am beyond familiar with the awkwardness of voluntary opinions. And I roll my eyes right along with my pregnant friends when someone divulges a bizarre comment.

I suppose that these occurrences, like swollen ankles and nausea-laden days, are all part the 9 months of discomfort. Aside from that discomfort and the pains that you feel and the unwanted advice that you receive, this is an experience that is unique all on its own. You will soon be free from it all in due time (no pun intended). The sound of your child’s first cry and the comfort he will get from only you will make it all worth it. And then . . . the parenting advice begins!

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The Perfect New Mother

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:12:00 +0000

I recall the weeks prior to the delivery dates of my children. They were filled with happiness and joy, anxiety and concern, and impatience and anticipation. I wondered if everything was in order, hoping that everything was just right for this new arrival.

Looking back, it wasn’t.

There always seemed to be something that I had forgotten or some way that I could have been better prepared. The laundry seemed endless, as it always does. All of those freezer meals that I had planned to pack away so that my husband wouldn’t come to me after having just gone through the most intense experience of my life and ask, “Hey Honey. What’s for dinner?,” weren’t quite complete ( I have concluded now that I am just not very good at the whole “nesting” concept.).

But when it came down to it, it didn’t matter. I thought, “Oh well. No big deal.” Because nothing, no matter the circumstance or situation, will ever be in perfect order or proper place. That, is just the way it is. It’s not a rule I made up, but rather a plain and simple fact of life that cannot be altered. In the past, I focused so much on making things just so, that most everything decided to contradict my carefully plotted strategies.

And that is alright.

Only recently, have I Iearned to “go with the flow.” And when I find that I am overly planning, I step back and make efforts to simplify. That way there’s not much room for disappointment. Which is the exact emotion that a pregnant woman and new mother doesn’t need. Perhaps it has come out of necessity. Perhaps disinterest. Perhaps from pure laziness. But I do know that my life as it stands now is a lot less stressful. There is something liberating about letting things just be. Not to say that I don’t experience stress on a daily basis. But what of it I do feel, it is on a much lesser degree.

You must tell yourself that you are a soon to be new mother and will be great at it. Or, that you are already a great mother, and that you are doing something that no one else can do. With that comes untouched joy. As you get through each day thereafter, you will realize that you have this new love and this untouchable power that only a mother can have. As out of order and dismayed that you may feel (and probably be), you will realize that nothing else matters.

Some of the best advice that I received was that my new child and I were both new to everything. We were both learning in every moment. We would both be imperfect limited in what we knew. But we were learning and growing together. And that is enough.

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What You Should Know About Survey Sites

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:00:00 +0000

In my previous post, I recommended 3 survey sites that I have participated in. I listed these sites because I have found them to be legitimate, which is more than others out there can say.

This post continues on with the subject of survey sites, only it offers up some advice that anyone who is involved with or thinking of joining a survey site should no doubt read. Good luck!

Tip #1:
Even though it may be time consuming and dreadful, read the terms of service. There is typically a condensed version in the FAQ’s sections but even so, it is not conclusive. If you have any reservations or further questions, either email the Customer Service department and ask questions until you are satisfied or just don’t sign up.

Tip #2:
Make certain that you make note when this trial period ends. Note: There are free reminder services that you can sign up with that will send you a reminder notice via email. Keep any confirmation emails that you receive so that you have proof, just in case, of when you started and ended your contract/service.

Tip #3:
While trial periods can be great, meaning that you can try it out and cancel without being out any money, many times after you have tried a particular offer, you can’t try it again with other survey sites (unless it is specifically stated in their terms and conditions). Thus, you eventually run out of available offers to try.

Tip #4:
Some sites have a time limit as to when you must cash out. For example, if you have earned the $25 minimum to cash out, you may have 90 days to do so. If not, it will expire and you won’t get paid.

Tip#5:
To keep things a little more organized, set up an alternate email account specifically for the taking of surveys. This will make it easier to keep track of which survey sites you have signed up with and will also enable you to better manage any offers that you have signed up for (such as free trial periods).

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Making Money At Home Taking Surveys

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:02:00 +0000

Times are tough and a few extra dollars in the bank account wouldn't hurt one bit. But as a stay-at-home mother who wants to keep it that way (that is, continue to be a stay-at-home-mom), there just doesn't appear to be much to suffice. Like others before me, I too have begun looking into these too-good-to-be-true claims to see just what is out there in the way of working from home. I am being extra cautious. I don't want all of my personal information to be out there and I don't want to spend a ton of money, if any at all, only to realize that I've been had (been there, done that). The Internet is littered with a seemingly endless amount of offers to make money from home. It's mind numbing and painful at the same time to have to comb through site after site to find the few that are actually legitimate.

And while I am just getting started, I have found a few things out there that may work out. More posts will follow as I continue to research and collect information. For now though, I've started with taking online surveys.

I have signed up with several survey sites. Disappointed by some but somewhat pleased by a few. Keep in mind that taking surveys online won't have you "rolling it in." And it will never be enough to live on! With that in mind, by signing up with a few good, quality, paying sites, it starts to add up. Before too long you can have enough for that birthday present or date night with your spouse (which we all need).

Site: Vindale Research
Link: http://tryvindale.com/Vv5JNPXBZ

About:
Sends notifications via email of products to test (i.e., Stamps.com printable stamps software, Gamefly.com video game rental's). Some require that you sign up with a credit card, but occasionally, you don't even need one.

Why I Like This Site:
You receive email notifications frequently and the amount of cash received upon completion and validation are higher than any others that I have tried. You are made fully aware of what the offer you are signing up for or the product evaluation you are making, entails. This includes any restrictions (i.e., age), approximate time required, how much you will earn, whether or not a credit card is required, any upfront fees (termed 'acquisition fees'), and the amount of compensation if any upfront fees are required. Complete instructions follow so you know what to expect. A product description and the purposes of the survey/evaluation are also given. You then complete a "Product Evaluation" followed by a "Follow-up Survey" about the product or offer.

What You Can Make:
They advertise $5-$75 per survey/product evaluation. The most that I have been offered is $20. Not bad for 30 minutes of your time. You can request payment via your Paypal account or by paper check when your account balance reaches $50, which can take a while sometimes. You can also get a $2 sign up bonus (at the time of this post).

Important to Know:
When you have signed up for an offer and then evaluated it and taken the follow-up survey through Vindale, you can either choose to continue your membership with that participating sponsor or cancel shortly thereafter. Be certain to read everything (terms, conditions, etc. before you agree to sign up).

Site: Inbox Dollars
Link: http://www.inboxdollars.com/?r=nyoung2

About:
Sends notifications via email to read other email (about 2-3 each day), and take qualifying surveys. You can get money by trying out products/services from companies, taking surveys, and playing games online.

Why I Like This Site:
Steady flow of email notifications, pretty much daily, for every way to earn money on their site (i.e., reading emails, surveys, playing games, etc.).

What You Can Make:
The drawback is that you only earn a few cents at a time, however, for the emails that you read. And the surveys are for $1 or so. While it takes a while to see much of anything, it does slowly add up. Of course, any offers or products/surveys that you review and complete earn you the most money. A lot of them, though, you have to pay or divulge your personal information. Sometimes, that is alright. But again, I am extra cautious when it comes to that. Once you earn $30, you can request a check.

Important to Know:
As far as Customer Service, I have had good luck with them. They are pretty quick to respond and there's not a lot of fuss involved if an issue arises.

Site: My View
Link: http://www.myview.com

About:
Take surveys via their website. Sends notifications via email. I have had pretty good luck with this site. Surveys cover a broad range. Most pay $1 per survey. Also offer Personality Surveys which help you to receive more invitations to complete surveys. When you do complete these, you earn one MyView dollar. One MyView dollar=$1 USD. Earn $25, and cash out using a Paypal account.

Why I Like This Site:
Lots of surveys. I have gone a couple of days at most thus far without receiving an invitation. And when I haven't received an invitation, I log onto the site and take one of the Personality Surveys. These surveys are pretty quick and easy (If it will take longer, the survey descriptions will specify).

What You Can Make:
Most pay 1-2 MyView dollars per survey. They also offer Personality Surveys, which help you to receive more invitations to complete surveys. Upon completion of these, and there are 10 or more, you earn on MyView dollar. One MyView dollar=$1 USD. Earn 25 MyView dollars and you can cash out using your Paypal account.

Anything Else . . .
* You can unsubscribe from any of these at any time. Just follow the instructions, usually listed under the site's 'Help' or 'FAQ' sections.

*When you do sign up for an offer, usually there is a free trial period involved. Make certain that you note when this offer ends if you don't want your credit card charged.

And Finally . . .
I like these sites because you earn actual money, not points or credits (If I wanted a camera, I'll go and buy the one that I want with the money that I make. While it may take a while, it's something that you can do for a few minutes a day, and make a few bucks.

Be sure to check out my "What You Should Know About Survey Sites' post to follow, for tips on taking surveys.

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Parenting is Expensive

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 May 2008 23:22:00 +0000

Being a parent is expensive. Especially in today's world. I believe that it is more expensive than ever before. I think that my own parents would vouch for that. There's formula, diapers, baby food, baby wipes, diaper creams and potions to buy, medical checkups and activities on top of that.

It has come to the point that our bills have grown so much that I am taking the initiative to cut down where possible. I have also made an earnest effort to stay away from the store. Any store. After all, we always seem to buy more than we ever need. And its been proven that the longer a person spends in a store, the more they buy.

Aside from that though, I have stepped up the homemade meals and have even started to make my own supplies. The Internet is full of sites that offer easy-to-follow instructions. And in the parenting and baby department, I have run across and tried homemade baby food, baby wipes, and diaper rash cream. It has proven to be a huge money saver, requiring little effort and time. Its actually kind of fun. And you can be proud of yourself that your doing it for your child.

Homemade Baby Wipes
1 roll of thick paper towels (Bounty works best)
2 cups of boiled water, cooled
1 tablespoon baby OR olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons baby wash
Round plastic container (such as Rubbermaid #6 or #9)

Cut paper towels in half with an electric knife. Pull out cardboard center and discard. Put one cut half of towels, cut side down, into Tupperware dish. Pour solution over towels, secure lid tightly and allow to soak. Turn container over and let sit for approximately 10 minutes. Pull first wipe from center of roll. Now wasn't that easy?!!

Homemade Diaper Rash Cream
1 teaspoon Mineral Oil (usually found in the health section at the supermarket)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons zinc oxide
2 teaspoons antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin)
2 teaspoons yeast infection cream (optional)

Mix mineral oil and cornstarch until paste forms. Add ointments and optional yeast infection cream. Store in airtight container. Apply as needed.

Homemade Rice Cereal (from http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/)
1/4 c. rice powder (whole grain brown rice-plain, jasmine, basmati)
1 cup water

Grind rice in food processor or blender. Boil water in saucepan. Stir in powder. Simmer 10 minutes. Whisk constantly. Serve warm.

Homemade Oatmeal Cereal (from wholesomebabyfood.com)
1/4 cup of ground oats (not Quick or instant)
3/4 cup - 1 cup water
Grind oats in food processor or blender. Boil water in saucepan. Stir in powder. Simmer 10 minutes. Whisk constantly. Serve warm.

Good luck!

From Nursing to the Bottle and Not Feeling Guilty About It

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:30:00 +0000

Though its been a good 2 months now, I still feel guilty for having to give up nursing my son. I nursed my daughter for a year or more. And because of difficulties that I began having this time around, I had to succumb to bottle feeding. Not that feeding a baby formula is bad. Its not even horrible. It just wasn't what I planned.

I thought that the second time around would be the same, even easier. Because for all those who are nursing or have nursed (for those who are planning to nurse, skip aead a few lines), we know how painful it is. But aside from that, I had done this before so I knew what to expect and I certainly knew that I would be doing it for the same amount of time.

When you nurse your child there is so much that is gained from it. For one thing, breastmilk is the best. That's just how it is. And B, to know that you as the mother can give your child this amazing gift (and it is truly amazing that your body can do this) is almost unfathomable. So when that choice is taken off of the table, it is really difficult to grasp and to come to terms with. I thought, "I am his mother. I am supposed to be able to do this."

After 6 months of nursing I suddenly began having problems. I tried for weeks to just push through. I did not want to feel as though I had simply given up when it became hard. After all, I went through this at the beginning and made it. Of course, everyone said that it was alright to give my son a bottle. That wasn't enough though.

And then, on a day thatI was emotionally spent, my sister looked at me and said, "You're not a bad mom." And I'm not. I know this. Because a bad mom is not one who wants the best for her children. A bad mom is not one who struggles with a decision such as this.

The guilt has lessened now but it is still there. It is there during the night when I now nudge my husband to get out of bed and feed the baby while I roll over and continue on with me sweet dreams. I can still have that same closeness with my son as when I was nursing. I make ceratin that I look at him and smile and that talk to him. And my son is doing just fine. He is still the same sweet, happy and beautiful baby that he always was.

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That Fun Age of 2

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:11:00 +0000

I lost my sweet, mild, loving daughter a few days ago. I am not certain as to when she may have left. During the night perhaps. She must have been pretty quiet though because I still have to get up to feed her brother and I didn't see or hear anything. She couldn't have gone out the front door because the dog would have had something to say about that. She must have packed pretty light too. Maybe a few fruit snacks, a bottle of juice she managed to hide in her room, and the pajamas on her back. No note (of course she can't really write yet). No "goodbye" (she tends to wave instead of actually say it). And her beloved stuffed animals, all 10,008 of them, are still strewn throughout the house. And now there's this highly emotional and tempermental little girl who spouts off the words "No" and "Go Away" at the drop of a hat that's living here. She looks identical to her. Sounds like her. The same height no that I think of it. But she doesn't act like her. She's refusing to eat much of anything placed in front of her. Nothing makes her happy. And time out appears not to bother her much or change her ways. It has been a sad and hard few days. For her parents that is. We're not certain when she'll return, although we've read that its not for a long while. We just know that we desperately want her back.

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