Nicole Humphrey's comments

The Idea Book Dilemma - Blog Entry

06 Aug 2008 08:37 AM

I almost always look at the library first. Our library doesn't always get all of the books in, but they are happy to order something for you. I'm the kind of girl who usually uses up all of her renewals on certain books. Those are the ones I wind up buying and by the time I get to buying them I can find them for relatively cheap at amazon.

(oh and be sure to check out garage sales too - I got a rather new book I'd been wanting from my amazon wish list by stumbling upon it at a garage sale!) I only paid .50 for it too!

Teens who Choose Adoption More Likely to Succeed--So Why Don't More Teens Choose It? - Blog Entry

01 Aug 2008 04:59 AM

An adoptee stepping in for a second to say hi and give my thoughts. This was an interesting read, about 15 years ago I was actively involved in many support groups for the entire triad (for anyone unfamiliar - that would be adoptive parents, birth parents and adoptees). I was also a search coordinator as well as volunteering in several search and reunion projects. I am absolutely NO expert but I feel totally qualified to at least share my experience and also to let you know that you might be surprised at what we saw and what was common during those times.

I chose to search and find my biological mother when I turned 21 years old - I am reunited with her now going on 13 years and could not be happier. Not because I didn't love my adoptive parents, but because for whatever strange thing inside me needed to connect with someone "like me", which is a common feeling for an adoptee during a search. Notice I did not say ALL adoptees. My brother is adopted and has no need or desire to search. My birth mother was 15 when she had me and gave me up. Yes mine was a "from birth" adoption.

With all that being said, this "most" or even "many" stuff has GOT to stop no matter which angle it is coming from. I have a wonderful, beautiful, treasured relationship with my birth mother. And in the same breath I can say that I have that same relationship with my adoptive mother. While I don't agree with many aspects of how the adoption was handled, if I had been left in the care of my biological family - it is entirely possible I would be pretty messed up today. My own birth mother knows this and while apologizing for having to give me up, is also saying - it was the best thing for you.

I agree whole heartedly with her. I cringe when I read that adoption should be taken away. No. I wouldn't be here today. She had three choices - keep me and raise me, give me up for adoption or something else that I am so thankful didn't happen because well, I wouldn't be here today.

I honestly believe everything in life is situational. No two are alike, so shouldn't be compared that way. And let me just tell you - statistics are nothing more than a bunch of numbers in my opinion. The problem with statistics, is that while designed to help us see a larger picture - there is typically not a huge diversity involved in the groups selected for the studies and in that same breath, I'd like to mention that it would be interesting to take a look and do a statistical study on those that do statistics analysis. Hmmm... some how I am sure I would find whatever was discovered quite interesting. I just think people shouldn't rely so much on a bunch of numbers or studies to form opinions, because things are so different depending on so many factors: age, location in the world, background, personality, situations, etc.

Just something to think about. I'm stepping back off my soap box.

Shopping at Goodwill Saves Loads of Money - Blog Entry

24 Jun 2008 08:06 AM

george2 - I was amazed at the book selection when we went. There were so many and there were some classics and older books that not only looked great to read, but would be so pretty on a coffee table or something. We were excited to think of Goodwill as another used bookstore. With five avid reader children and two avid reader adults, we tend to look for books everywhere and this was the perfect opportunity.

The Princess of Frugal Has Returned - Blog Entry

24 Jun 2008 08:04 AM

Thanks MA! :) Happy to be back!

What You Can Find At Goodwill Series - Clothing and Furniture - Blog Entry

24 Jun 2008 08:04 AM

I'm sorry you two have had experiences like that. I am wondering if the fact that I am in the midwest has anything to do with it. I bought two T-shirts that were $2 a piece. I bought three pairs of jeans that were $4 a piece and two of them were brand new with tags still in place.

The kids stuff was ALL $2 that they rung up except one really pretty dress my oldest chose - which was $3. I have the receipt and there wasn't one item over $4 on the whole sheet (EXCEPT one shirt we agreed to pay $8 for because my son really wanted it and it was the only thing he wanted).

I'm actually really surprised about the price difference. I have shopped other thrift stores in our area and honestly goodwill is comparible completely. Depending on the stuff of course.

And no, our store does not have price tags, I would imagine that would make the cost of items go up, since it would be more work for them. There is a sign that says $4 on up and everyone I asked, was really generous with information about the items. As I said, nothing was rung up over $4 except the one shirt and I got loads of great items for fall and they are all "work wear" type clothes. Beautiful and in great shape and honestly I cannot find Liz Claiborne things at any of our other thrift stores for $4. (there was a sweater they wanted $6 for, but we didn't get it - not due to the price, but due to the fact that I wouldn't wear it until fall/winter around here.)

I guess its in what you are looking for. Garage sale clothing is usually less expensive than Goodwill but you have to spend time finding a sale that has your size and then styles that you like or fit. Goodwill it was all in one place and it worked well for our family.

Shopping at Goodwill Saves Loads of Money - Blog Entry

24 Jun 2008 07:57 AM

Tashi thanks for the tip about the online site. I had visited once but couldn't find anything that captured my attention. I will go back and check it out again. :)

My Personal Scrap Space - Analyzing the Problem - Blog Entry

21 Jun 2008 08:30 AM

Yvie, I know what you mean. I look around at my mess, and I am constantly looking for a better way to organize it. I have unfortunately fallen prey to many of the great 'organizing tools' offered, that usually don't wind up working for me or my needs. *sigh* I am plowing through however.

Tips for Scrapbooking Summer Camp Experiences - Blog Entry

21 Jun 2008 08:29 AM

Thank you. The kids are back home and we have three camera's to get developed. Should be a lot of pictures that I am really hoping turned out. Thankfully my son left me one picture at the end (as I forgot my camera) and when they arrived back at the church we got them all together for a group shot. I am hoping it turned out good. It was the only one. :)

The Princess of Frugal Has Returned - Blog Entry

12 Jun 2008 08:00 PM

LOL Thank you Aimee. I'm happy to be back!

Never Fess Up to an Affair? - Blog Entry

10 Jun 2008 10:05 AM

LOL ljb. I see a whole new book coming out "How to Hide Your Book About Having an Affair, from Your Spouse." LOL this is all crazy. I cannot even believe that anyone thinks an affair is okay. The way I see it, there are already problems there and this would only make them worse.

Thanks for a thought provoking article Lyn :)