I got the crazy idea that I should avoid xanthan gum at one point. That stuff is in everything! Fortunately, further research dispelled my nascent worries or I'd never be able to enjoy nonfat salad dressing again. It's apparently quite magical: thickening without adding starch, improving mouthfeel and spreading flavor without adding fat, I think some other wondrous effect that I can't quite recall.

Showered and off to get the money. Too bad the shower doesn't dispense money. However, I'd cause a drought and nobody would like that.

P-C, lots of good advice here, so I'll just add a "good luck" to the pot.

I got the crazy idea that I should avoid xanthan gum at one point.

Yeah, me too. Thank dog for the internet.

I'm still suspicious of guar gum, though.

Just general suspicion or is there something I could be worrying about?

Way to go on the showering and getting money, Sail!

Just general suspicion or is there something I could be worrying about?

Guar gum is shifty.

Looks like it's not too freaky, though.

Probably a stupid question, but why does a diaper service create more of an environmental impact?

Already answered upthread, but the study I read on this A) stated that the detergents used in the washing process were hell on the environment and B) was funded by Proctor & Gamble, makers of Pampers.

So, grain of salt. My personal opinion is that humans have an impact on the environment no matter what, with our craxy desires for cleanliness, and that if at all possible I would not use disposables to do what I can to minimize that impact.

Thankfully, we are in Stage 3 of potty training, Mallory being interested in using the toilet and why he would.

We've decided to rent rather than buy at this time. Now I have to contact the realtor I was using to find properties and tell her we are not buying. I don't relish this; like any salesperson she wants to close a deal.

Yuck.

Does anyone know anyone who has had one of those implanted pain blocker devices, that uses electrical impulses to interfere with pain impulses in the nerves? Hubby's pain specialist has mentioned them, and I'm a little twitchy.

Connie, I'm not really here (running between meetings, iieeee!), but wanted to let you know that one of my best friends works for a company that makes those devices. Feel free to email me if you want info.

I don't relish this; like any salesperson she wants to close a deal.

I think you'll probably have to make sure she gets the "don't call us, we'll call you" message via threats to use another realtor in the future if she makes ya mad now with the pushy.

Yeah. I had a realtor who totally fell down on the job. I had mentioned a particular development that I was interested in. After that, all she did was have her assistant send me emails about properties in that development. No other locations, no calls, no offers to take me to that property or any other. I finally called and fired her (getting her voicemail AGAIN) and left a message. she called back saying that she didn't realize blah blah blah. WHATEVER.

There are hundreds of LA grandparents wandering through the school.

I see Botoxed people.