The house they picked had two women, and part of their "security" was keeping knives under their mattress....which the guys on the show told them was dangerous and not very effective

I think anything you need to lift a mattress to get to before it can protect you is not very effective security.

I need carpet in the kitchen. We have tile in the whole house with rugs here and there, but alas none in the kitchen. I have broken 3 bowls in the last 2 days. Nothing survives a drop to tile. Also, standing on tile for long periods of time while cooking bothers my body.

Laura, if you can afford it, have cork installed. It's gorgeous, about the same cost as lino, and wonderful underfoot. It's also perfect for things like kitchens and basements.

Err. Hi.

I may have a flooring "thing".

Oh! Cork is a dandy idea. I'll have to check and see how it works in my environment. My feet just moaned with pleasure at the thought.

I'd call back now, AmyLiz

Really? God, I hate going to the doctor. Which makes no sense because I'd hate having something serious more...

I'm usually around 24-25 days, too, which sucks. And you're right -- this has never ever happened before, and I'm pretty predictable, too. Damn it.

Laura, if you can afford it, have cork installed.

Cork sounds so nice. Good flooring is so worth it. It makes or breaks a room, imo. We have awful fake red brick vinyl in our tiny kitchen now, and it screams 1974.

AmyLiz, about a year ago I was cycling every two and a half weeks. I figured if I went to the doctor they'd just say, "Well, you're in your mid-40s, things happen. Call us if it doesn't stop."

re: home security

Unless a burglar knows our house very well, the crap all over the floor will alert us and the entire building when he trips over a piece of armor, a pile of books, or a cat.

I'm presuming the problem with the knives under the mattress is that they can be taken away and used against you. Few home invaders--except ones I might know personally--would know how to use a sword against me.

We occasionally hear people behind the house. I don't know if it's new neighbors casing the opportunities or what, but if the sound of a cat growling at them doesn't make them leave, Hubby and his "Where is he, Shadow? Show me where to aim" routine or the reports of all the other neighbors about those sword-wieldin' freaks in Apt. 2 will generally do the trick.

I did go to the doctor about the increasingly short/unpredictable periods and that is exactly what they said.

Really? God, I hate going to the doctor. Which makes no sense because I'd having something serious more...

I didn't mean that in an "I think something is terribly wrong" sort of way, more that it'd be driving me crazy, and I'd be all, "Body broken! Fix it now! This sucks!"

You know, I've tried that so many times. No wonder therapists hate me.

We have cork at work in our freight elevator lobby and our kitchens. It is awesome. I am totally getting it done when we buy/build our house.

I didn't mean that in an "I think something is terribly wrong" sort of way

Oh, I know! My mind goes there all by itself...and then avoids the idea by not calling until something really bad is happening.

I'm going to give it another day, I think. Although now I don't know when the hell to expect another period. Hmmm.