There's a seductiveness in the idea that you can engage in more harmonious business arrangements with family.

And, sometimes it works brilliantly. But, anecdotally, when it goes south it's like napalm-laced quicksand.

I'm so sorry to hear that you're bearing the brunt of the storm, Spidra. Is there any way to sell your share of the home and not get disowned?

Spidra, I'm so sorry. It's hard when home isn't.

Yeah, wrod. Oh, and Cindy? Totally related to your lj posting about the critic, although sadly House and UPN having basketball have sort of frelled me in re Veronica lately. But I have a similar bond with ex-salon critic Joyce Millman. Joyce Millman loved Buffy and Homicide before me, and wrote about it such that I feel like I owe her one. Maybe I've never forgiven Heather H. for not being Joyce M.(Even though I wish she were half as funny and cool as she thinks she is...that'd be the Bomb.) But it felt a little silly when some House fans were crabbing about what she'd said in NYT and I wanted to defend her not just the review.

That's it on the nose, erika. Oh, and I loved Joyce's Buffy love!

Spidra, how about hiring a handyman of your own on a weekend and installing chains/security screen doors/deadbolts of your own so that they have no choice but to clear entrance to your home with you? Also, contractors (well, good ones) should be bonded - have you talked to them about your missing stuff?

Also, hi everyone!

eta Sympathy, which I realize my original version seemed to lack. It sounds stressful and horrible. {{Spidra}}

From the article:

and later in a 1.5 Tesla magnet system from Siemens Vision.

I am 12.

{{Spidra}} I am so sorry that you have to live this way. Is the construction anywhere near complete? Is the end in sight? Also, I like Epic's idea of installing another deadbolt. Eeek. Not knowing when they are going to be there is not right.

I need to shop for a dress to wear in Puerto Rico next month. Christopher's got a reception and I just realized all the dresses (all four of them, anyway) in my closet are at least 9 years old.

I like this one but I'm not sure I'm down to a 12 (at least in the boob area).

on edit--12 were still available last night but the sale is obviously too good to be true because they sold out. Maybe they'll have one at my local store.

There's also this one.

Ima have to order a swimsuit, too. ::shudder::

Spidra, at this point it sounds like you need to start treating this as a business proposition. Talk to a Lawyer. It could be worth the investment, and possibly some people on this list could steer you to someone decent in your area (or at least give you some tips for how to find someone decent). Just because you are co-owner does not automatically mean you have zero legal rights; maybe it does, but talk to a lawyer. Find out what your rights are. If they exist and there is a way to enforce them do so.

Meantime, if you have any enforceable rights I know one thing a lawyer will tell you do is create a paper trail. Write your mother, explaining how her habit of contracting without regard for your comfort, safety or convenience has made your life a living hell. Ask her to try and mitigate the problem. Don't even hint at legal action otherwise but use the word mitigate, Keep a dated copy of the letter. Make phone calls on this, and note the phone calls follow up with a second letter. If you turn out to have no legal rights none of this will hurt. If you have some, the lawyer will appreciate the beginning of the paper trail.

I like the first one better although I think both would work for you. Order a swimsuit, eeek, I'd have to try on a swimsuit.

uh, to Cashmere of course

I like the first one better although I think both would work for you. Order a swimsuit, eeek, I'd have to try on a swimsuit.

Considering I'm 9 weeks post-baby, I should DEFINITELY try one on. I usually order two (one in each size I think I can wear) and send the one that doesn't fit back. Finding time to actually shop without lugging a kid is difficult.