I'm sorry, Laura. I wish you could send B off to Habitat for Humanity in the Dominican or somewhere for three or four months and have him learn a thing or two about the world.

AZO Standard pills work great. Ice packs are really helpful. Avoid acidic foods - this includes cranberry juice. I know it can be beneficial but the acidity can cause more irritation. also spicy foods can cause irritation.

Askye, I think you are completely right about the acidity thing. Somehow, my chemistry has changed and the high doses of cranberry et. al. are just making me feel worse.

Thanks for the thoughts.

Andi, I love that the visualization is working for you. I'm so glad for you.

I can't allow the disharmony in my home any more.

I think my sister's slowly coming to this conclusion, as well. Good luck, Laura.

Thanks for the thoughts, everyone.

I can't allow the disharmony in my home any more.

This is such a powerful stance. AND, as my specialty is 'what we say is what we see', I'd love to hear what you would prefer to invite and entertain in your home.

Me? I welcome warmth and ease of communication in my home. The result is, sometimes, people don't leave when I want them to!

{{{Laura}}}

And in a separate post: jacket of coveting is up to 82 Pounds Sterling, grrr. I haven't bid yet; I am waiting until the last day.

{{{{{Laura}}}}}} Stay strong. I know it hurts. But you are right to defend your home and protect your own property.

{{Laura}}

I just thought of something: Has your car insurance gone up as a result of your son's accidents? If so, you could see if your insurance company would lower your rates if you sign a form saying your son will not be allowed to drive your vehicles. That way you can save money and have a good excuse for not letting him borrow your van.

I didn't file any claims with insurance on the vehicles, and the cops didn't charge him with anything. Basically my position on the driving is that he has proven 3 times that he is a reckless driver by wrecking vehicles I purchased. Perhaps he will be more cautious with a vehicle he purchases. As a loving and responsible parent I can not justify giving the keys to a kid that has this driving record when I have every reason to believe he is going out partying with his friends. I honestly believe lives may be at stake and I won't change my mind no matter how pissed he gets.

We will probably meet with him this weekend and see if we can come up with a plan. Maybe living with one of his aunts or uncles. Near a bus route. I told him I would call him later after I talk to his father and brother.

I really do appreciate the support and positive vibes.

Thoughts and ~ma for the situation with B, Laura.

The filming went great! We loved the couple doing the road trip and interviewing, and the project is fantastic. They told us about the people they met in Northern Ireland from across religious communities, and the couple who live in the remote lighthouse in the north of Scotland, and the people from Liverpool who had an arranged marriage. Very cool. Plus, they liked us (even my story about how we met through a mutual interest in Buffy and then The Girl spurned me for eight months). If they make a webisode of us, or we end up in the final documentary, I'll link to it.