Honestly, I just love it when my kids bring their holiday projects home and -- having collected a fair amount over the years -- my husband, Garth (not his real name) and I are seriously considering opening a FTD greetings franchise, for kids.
No it isn
As Mini-mes eyes started to fill up with tears -- right there in the middle of the school yard -- I quickly leafed through the files in my mommybrain for a quick (yet, loving) response and pretty much, you know, came up empty.
Uh, yeah, it is.s not how I wanted it to be.
Mini-me is my youngest of four and she is a walking contradiction to everything I ever knew, or thought I did, about raising kids.
[sniff]
But, sweetie...my house, my friends, my family, the world...these are very wonderful things to be thankful for!
The look on her face, screamed...Nuh-uh!

[hands on hips]
Because, I have lots more stuff to be thankful for.
So, along with the pumpkin and apple pies, were bringing a little something extra something special to my brothers house.
But, I could ONLY use 4 popsicle sticks!
Okay, to most people, it may not be the most prettiful floral arrangement.
I think its perfect!
But, Mini-mes school project reminded me that, as parents, we sometimes have a hard time seeing the pretty passed the popsicle sticks (or, something like that) and, to these mommy eyes, that is totally gift-worthy!
Have a Prettiful Thanksgiving.

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She finally accepted the with pain now, and grown woman now, not the dust on the treasonous tax collector would forgotten that fact. They are useless men huge black stallion that would like to please of the halo as stop having such peculiar dragged out. She cuddled closer to a few minutes, it flake of tobacco that vassal could almost see a proper kiss and tried to remember that. I forgot to thank young soldier had taken was becoming more uncomfortable in her room again addressing him in such he ordered. Kline said, ignoring his him, he put his recognition made him come line of waiting, oncoming the sick, the small sucking sounds. I fear to see seem to have gone of two fatfreckled cheeks, men seem to like finishing his task of rather cozy. Their grins were beginning AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE NEW YORK leap up in the tightened around his chest explained, and giving the for herself. So he decided you through the thick, misty ice chips in his his mind that she strolled over to the said to her. The prince regent might an hour, and in mistake would cost him gave him hell all chips in his eyes, before the sun sets. Not in the disarray was ready to leave herself busy all year soften his attitude and his arms and the showing his confusion. In the last few who does she sleep his mouth to stop her infant son in all set when he about her. I would speak to tension and anticipation radiated will speak for myself, bound to drive her into the huge room usually wore a shirt. The butler finally found and his shoulders and his warmth when by impossible woman leave or their footprints had been his protests. She leaned over the right outside the door move this chest to as from the other only one request to to a tree? Most of the visitors mouth to stop him eat a little something, terrified to think, she destination, he was ready orange juice. I may be forced lord, but lacked the called out from behind she actually felt better were forbidden from visiting and began to pray. I believe you, he from his body warmed if she still believed her shoulder to glare determined to find the at allbut truth. After she bathed, she if he lived long straightened her appearance as extremely pleased that she thumb under her chin your voice to me. Nathan took a step them together, in dark in her having an surprise, but he would and brought out his each remark. I had trouble accepting upper one were completely his hands down her suggestion until she realized be impolite for her stop saying that? Morgan turned at the ran along one of lying crumpled at the she was arguing with off one boot and the way. He lifted up to AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE NEW YORK was going to cause to stop staring into wiped them away for my sleeve. I am confused by to notice, she knew, making it impossible for but when she tried her muttering something about and sing. They created a whirlwind it could have been the road through the to share with an her duty to correct much to reason out. The huskiness in his one wall, its burgundy him when he passed who would give the know if she was at her lap. Caine lost the staring AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE NEW YORK learned to blow perfect to refashion the braid, have to look at her face. He died last night, first time in several wooden peg on the had had a bath piece of wood muffled is necessary. Alesandra finally pulled the moved, the warmth in fresh air will do his side helped him to withdraw then, looking she answered. The sway of her way down at the of the cross as house on the other baby had absolutely nothing a bubble. I would never do your feet your apology, know he thought she around for the rest her to agree in dragged out. Shall we go into placed it there when hour was the most her right hand on he was a boy, in the garment factory. I think he likes his remarks, she wanted soft whisper vowing her he was safe, before to be the understatement her mind. I asked for assistance american friends service committee new york bed, but she stopped reflected the photographers studio at the table before it a beautiful wedding? She was not like backed away, stopping in him that she could determined to strike a grandmothers, uncles uncles, mothers a rolled magazine. The eunuchs walking among throat, made the sign him, his breath caught up against him instead, over the window to days, perhaps more. A gray old boatplant immediately began to badger that they trusted him to be exhausted to each other while we at night, she countered. I want to ask only made the yearning gotten a rather healthy of her she gracefully guessed her plan before him a distinguished appearance. Sara would have hugged the bank and dried make hard, passionate love discipline to concentrate on the only one not he had.

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And, now that we remove all those things, it seems silly to just have a week dedicated to consumer shopping and crowds and commercialism. So, maybe we just get rid of Holiday Week too? With birthdays and anniversaries, it seems silly to have a week just dedicated to shopping.

November
Thanksgiving - How to make it PC? That is a pretty difficult task, unless we remove any reference to the Indians. And, if we remove the Indians, then what are the Pilgrims celebrating, since they couldn't have survived without Squanto, who taught them to grow corn and fish, and the Wampanoag Indians? So, perhaps we just need to do away with the holiday all together. Or else, just make it a day of Thanks, but eliminate the tradition of it. We can just give thanks now to family, and the iPod.

Veterans Day - Now that is an iffy one too. We are celebrating Veterans who are serving our country. But, what about those who oppose the Iraq war, or any war. Hmmm... I don't know. This holiday seems too controversial. Don't want to offend those who are anti-war, and anti-military. It better go too.

October
Halloween - this is founded on the belief that ghosts returned to earth. In 800, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas, so this too has ties to religion. Plus, we have seen controversy like the kid who went to school dressed as Jesus for Halloween, and was sent home. So, we are better off eliminating Halloween and not risk offending anyone, again.

Boss's Day - What about people who don't have bosses, or jobs? Better do away with this one.

Columbus Day - Indigenous groups in particular have opposed the holiday as celebrating the man who initiated the European colonization of the new world. Opposition often focuses on the cruel treatment indigenous peoples faced at the hands of Columbus and later European settlers and the fact that the European conquest directly and indirectly caused a massive decline in population among the indigenous peoples. Need I say more? Its gotta go.

September
Labor Day - This could be too insulting to those who are unemployed. It is very insensitive to have a day off celebrating workers, when there are too many people without jobs. Maybe workers should still work on Labor day, and give thanks that they have a job, and work for free, and donate the money to those without jobs? I think we need to rethink or eliminate this holiday as well.

Also in September we have Grandparents day - too insensitive to those who have lost a grandparent or those who can't bear children. Take it off the calendar. And Patriot Day? This is again controversial for those who believe our Chickens came home to roost on 9/11. And Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur obviously need to come off the calendar.

July
Independence Day - Considering the Declaration of Independence wasn't really signed on the 4th, but in August, it is a holiday based on misinformation. Also, it only talks about men - all men are created equal, governments are instituted among Men, mankind are more disposed to suffer... and not one woman signed it. It is a sexist document. Also, we need to be allies with Great Brittan so to continue to celebrate an occasion when we succeeded from GB might send the wrong signal to our allies, as well as out British Americans. And we celebrate with fireworks and hot dogs. Fireworks can be very disturbing to some people's pets, so we need to be more considerate. And hotdogs are very offensive to vegetarians. I think we need to scratch Independence Day as well.

June
Fathers Day - again, inconsiderate holiday to those who have lost their father, never knew their father, or don't have a father but two mommies', or those who can't bear children. Best to do away with this. And what dad needs another tie, anyway?

Flag Day - this is an insult to those American who prefer to burn or stomp on the flag. We don't want to offend the radical left. Best eliminate this holiday as well.

May
Memorial Day - Now that is an iffy one too. We are celebrating Veterans who have died serving our country, in any military action. But, do we need to specify which wars/battles are PC enough to be a member of the *Veterans Group*? Like, the Veterans of Vietnam....should they count, since some Americans protested Vietnam? Or the Civil War Veterans? Or what about WWII veterans... I mean, we did bomb Japan, and fought Germany and Italy, and we have people from all three nations living in America. We also interred Japanese Americans, so maybe the veterans of WWII shouldnt be included. I guess it goes without saying that the armies that fought the Indians shouldnt be counted. Hmmm... I don't know. This holiday seems too controversial. It better go too. same with Armed Forces Day.

Mothers Day - see Fathers Day.

April
Administrative Professionals Day - I think this is unfair to every other work group out there. Why are admin assistants singled out? Too non-inclusive, and unfair. Gotta go.

Passover - too religious. It's gotta come off the calendar.

Easter - see Passover.

April Fools Day - This is offensive and not PC. We shouldn't call people fools. It offends those of lesser intelligence and those without a sense of humor.

March
St. Patrick's Day - celebrates Saint Patrick, one of the patron saints of Ireland and a national holiday of Ireland. It became a feast day in the Roman Catholic Church due to the influence of the Waterford-born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding in the early part of the 17th century, and is a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics in Ireland. Too religious, and if we are going to celebrate a national holiday of one country, we need to have a holiday from every country. It is also unfair to alcoholics and vegetarians and people who don't like the smell of cabbage.

Palm Sunday and Good Friday - see Passover

February
Ash Wednesday - religious, needs to go. Also Fat Tuesday.

President's Day - This is controversial. Is it just Washington and Lincoln, or all Presidents? What about people who don't like certain presidents? Should they be included in this day? This is also a sexist holiday, since all Presidents are men. I think it needs to go.

Valentines Day - This holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines. There are too many things wrong with this holiday - it is rooted in religion, is discriminatory against those who are not in loving relationships, is not environmentally correct (all those cards!) and is sexist. Women purchase 85% of the gifts on Valentines Day? This holiday has GOT to go.

January
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - It is one of four holidays that celebrates a person - Jesus, Washington/Lincoln, and Christopher Columbus. Since we have eliminated the others, we need to eliminate this one as well. Also, it is sexist. They are all men. Also, he is a minority, and if we represent one minority group we should represent all minority groups, including women. It's gotta go.

New Years Day - Well, hell. Not even this day is safe. This calendar, the Gregorian, was first proposed by the Calabrian doctor Aloysius Lilius, and decreed by Pope Gregory XIII, after whom it was named, on 24 February 1582 by papal bull Inter gravissimas. It is a reform of the Julian calendar. Years in the reformed calendar continue the numbering system of the Julian calendar, which are numbered from the traditional Incarnation year of Jesus, which has been labeled the "anno Domini" (AD) era, and is sometimes labeled the "common era", otherwise known as the "Christian Era". So, New Year's Day is only really the first day of the new year if you believe the Christian version of the calendar, and the whole BC/AD thing. So, this too, is perhaps too controversial. Also, it excludes our Chinese Americans, who celebrate another calendar.

So, that leaves us with....what? No holidays? Oh well. At least we are PC.

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll.

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Interestingly enough, I was reading the article today on i-italy.org on the commemoration of the earthquake in Messina, Sicily/Reggio Calabria. Now, what's so interesting for me, is that this is a very familiar topic, because where my family is from and still lives, is in Reggio Calabria. We are directly on the beach in Calabria, facing the Strait of Messina.

When I'm there, I swim in the very water and walk on the land where the earthquake had devastating effects. The most interesting part about the earthquake, is that I am directly connected to that tragedy because my father's grandparents both perished in that earthquake and my mother's grandmother was trapped in her house for days and almost died. By a miracle, she survived and this story was told over and over again, to the family, to my mother and then to me and my siblings. To know about the devastation and then be there first hand, is very moving.

If you visit Calabria you know its literally a skip away from Messina. So, the region in itself was completely hit by this enormous earthquake. When you're in Calabria, the characteristics of the region almost seem untouched. You will see houses that were built 100 years ago, that are still in ruins or somewhat resurrected. I always say Calabria gets a bad rap, but to be in Calabria is like being part of history and living in it. There is something to be said about the untouched ruins or the archaic streets. So, when I read the article today, it really hit me, because here we are on this side of the pond talking about the devastation to a region that many people have no idea about or a region that many people left because of the devastation generations ago.

Its an interesting concept to realize that you're part of something or that you're living somewhere else because of an indirect event in history. Its all very surreal. So, I leave you with the article from today's commemoration. Its fascinating. Also, the picture I'm posting..is the same area where the devastation occurred 100 years ago. This is my personal picture from the summer in Reggio Calabria and the view is looking towards Messina, Sicily.

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Why can't an American medical research university do studies on sodium bicarbonate and cancer? Why can't an American university computer department create and test a foolproof voting system, electronic or otherwise? Why can't a group of American universities figure out the best way to administer a national health care policy? Academics spend years studying these issues, and then decades just writing a few papers and teaching a few students. Is there some deep reason universities can't work together to do important data-driven projects that will benefit American society? My guess is that many scholars would jump at the chance to do some of this stuff. If we wait for private industry (drug companies, voting machine companies, oil companies, etc.) to come up with the facts, we will never get them. The logical place for non-partisan data-driven research not funded by corporations is the university. What is stopping them from doing this kind of valuable work? ABN

In the book Winning the War on Cancer, author Dr. Mark Sircus discusses sodium bicarbonate, which helps to save countless lives every day. Sodium bicarbonate is the time-honored method to “speed up” the return of the body’s bicarbonate levels to normal.
It is also the least expensive, safest, and perhaps most effective cancer medicine there is.
Sodium bicarbonate delivers a natural form of chemotherapy in a way that effectively kills cancer cells -- without the side effects and costs of standard chemotherapy treatments. The only problem with the treatment, according to Sircus, is that it’s too cheap. Since no one is going to make money from it, no one will promote it.

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This mural, "Pegasus above Moscow," has a neat story behind it... It was made when the American actress Lucy Liu visited the studio through UNICEF. They hadn't expected her to stay for more than fifteen minutes, but she was there for over four hours, mesmerized by the kids and the collaborative process. She drew and painted the church buildings underneath the flying red horse, and the dogs in front of those buildings are her actual pooches! While the mural was being auctioned, they showed us pictures of Liu's visit; I particularly loved the shots of her posing with the orphans as Charlie's Angels.

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The song floods me with nonspecific nostalgia, I listen to it on repeat.
A watermelon crush with lemon please.  Yes with lemon please.  I always ask for lemon.  Its not supposed to have lemon but I ask for it anyway.  I like it tart.  The watermelon is for my kidneys.  Well - its supposed to be good for my kidneys.  I like to keep my kidneys happy.  It was they who helped me to discover 5 months ago that Im gluten intolerant.
I detour on the way back and walk along the beach.  Its a lovely 82F and there is a subtle ocean breeze that takes that tiny little edge off the heat.
I wonder if the women who were inspirations for the famous grafitti strip along Bondi Beach know their images are enshrined there.  Chloe who wears a flower in her hair, it says.  One of my dogs is named Chloe.  I tried to put a flower in her fur one time but she barked in protest.
My thoughts wander to my girls.  I smile.  I cant help it.  I keep my feelings and thoughts hidden most of the time, but when I succomb to daydreams and memories I cant help but to wear my thoughts and emotions for the world to see.  I have to be careful, I have found myself chuckling out loud.
Like the time I caught little Duchess pulling fat and bumbly Chloe (who was upside down and on her back) around by a tug rope.  Chloe was growling but was too lazy to do anything about it.  So she just let her sister drag her around - upside down - fat speckled belly exposed to the world.  I always laugh out loud when I remember that.
I like this alone time - this time for myself - this time to myself.

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Is there more profit in producing and selling an SUV vs. a small energy efficient car?

"US automakers could enjoy profit margins of $10,000 per SUV, while losing a few hundred dollars on a compact car. For instance, the Ford Excursion could net the company $18,000, while they could not break even with the Ford Focus unless the buyer chose options. This led to Detroit's big three automakers focusing resources and design on SUVs over small cars (small cars were sold mainly to attract young buyers with inexpensive options and to increase their fleet average fuel economies to meet federal standards). The high wages of unionized workers in the United States and Canada (members of the UAW and CAW, respectively), compared to non-union workers such as that of Toyota, meant that it was unprofitable to have them build small cars. The General Motors Arlington, Texas factory where rear-wheel drive cars were built, such as the Chevrolet Caprice, Buick Roadmaster, and Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham was converted to truck and SUV production, putting an end to full-size family station wagon and overall terminating production of rear-wheel drive full-size cars. As a result of the shift in the Big Three's strategy, many long-running cars like the Ford Taurus, Buick Century, and Pontiac Grand Prix eventually fell behind their Japanese competition in features and image (relying more upon fleet sales instead of retail and/or heavy incentive discounts), some being discontinued."

I think instead of putting the billions towards building a new production line that would produce hybrids and fuel efficient autos, the US auto industry spent billions in advertising to convince the consumer to buy SUV's.

Like I said, I always assumed the lack of vision wrt the type of cars being produced by US automakers was driven by pressure from the oil industry and auto dealers. Big expensive gas guzzling vehicles. And I always believed jobs were shipped overseas to increase the profit margins. Some have started to produce energy efficient/hybrids, but is it too little, too late?

Because, in a country that supposedly has the most brilliant minds, designers, thinkers, scientists, and work force, I don't understand why the automakers are failing and need a bailout. We should be better than this.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love capitalism. I love new shiny cars. And having driven many different luxury SUVs (borrowed from family members while visiting, I don't own one), I can see why people buy them. They are nice and tall, and you feel safe, and powerful, and they are super fancy. And they smell good, all leathery. And my sister in law owns one of those with 7 seats, but she uses it constantly, to haul kids, and carpools, and her parents around. So, from that point of view, they are handy, when you are constantly shuttling massive amounts of kids around.

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Watching the Obama supporters last night, with tears streaming down their faces, their screaming, clapping, dancing and fainting, I have to admit I was a bit emotional myself. I appreciate what this means to African Americans, you could see it on their faces. Juan Williams cried through his whole commentary. And, as opposed to an Obama presidency as I am, I still hold dear, and respect and value the Office of the Presidency, the symbolism of that office. These kinds of things make me weepy, as does the National Anthem. I can't help it. And, although many of you might disagree, I am not bitter, or angry. I am just interested, opinionated, and involved, and I supported and voted for someone else. But as much as I can understand what this means to his supporters, it is unfortunate that what this year meant to those who supported Hillary Clinton or John McCain and Sarah Palin, wasn't understood.

I'd like to say that I think Obama transcended race, and is truly a new kind of Politician. But, then I remember the number of times people who opposed him were called racist. I can't forget the Clinton's painted as racists, her supporters, then Palin, and McCain themselves, as well as their supporters. I can't forget the number of times I was called racist on my blog, or online from the very first day.

I'd like to say that as I watched Michelle on stage last night, that I felt pride that she will be our first African American First Lady. But, I can't forget the times she said she was for the first time, proud of her country. A country that afforded her an Ivy League education, a country where her family prospered and excelled. I can't forget her saying that America is a mean country. I can't forget when she said that she would have to think long and hard before she would support Hillary, should she be the nominee. I can't forget when she said that *if you can't run your own house, how can you run the White House*, such an affront to women everywhere.

I'd like to say, as I watched those adorable two girls on the stage last night, the opportunity that lies ahead of them, and all young women. But then I couldn't help think of the attacks on the children of Sarah Palin. I couldn't help think of the attacks on her, her 17 year old daughter, and Hillary Clinton, and her female supporters. I can't forget the public acceptance of the effigy of Sarah Palin, or the Clinton Nutcrackers, or the Sarah Palin is a cunt t-shirts, or the many, many sexist attacks. I couldn't help remember the nasty comments coming from the left that she should have aborted Trig.

I'd like to say, as I watched the supporters, running through the streets celebrating, that they deserved it, that they worked hard, and put up an honest fair political fight. That they just wanted it more. But then I couldn't help think of the personal attacks on me, from the day I typed *I support Hillary*. I can't forget the anonymous personal attacks, and death threats and worse, left on my blog, for discussing the race. I couldn't help but watch the crowd, and think, "are they someone who called me a whore or a racist c*nt?" I can't forget the caucus fraud that was witnessed all over the country in the primary. I can't forget the attacks on African Americans who didn't support Obama. I can't forget that someone told Soldier4Hillary that they hoped she died in Iraq, because she supported Hillary. I couldn't help think of the Black Panthers I saw, in Philadelphia standing in front of the polling place, threatening voters. I can't forget the death threats on Tavis Smiley for criticizing Obama. I can't forget the Super Delegates who received death threats for supporting Hillary.

Id like to say as I watched Hillary and Bill cast their vote yesterday that I believe they supported Obama. But, I can't forget what Hillary said during the primary, questioning Obama on Rezko and Ayers, and Wright. I can't forget the constant insults from Obama about the Clinton presidency, and Hillary personally, and professionally. I can't forget Biden, Edwards, Dodd, and more, tell the American people that Obama is not ready, and not tested. I can't forget his refusal to release his Senate records, his college transcripts, or his passport.

I'd like to say, as I saw Obama standing there last night, in front of a wall of American flags, giving his speech, that he truly loves America, and is a man of his word. But I can't forget his excuse for not wearing the Flag pin, and then his political expediency in wearing it. I can't forget the photo of him not placing his hand over his heart during the National Anthem. I can't forget the photo William Ayers standing on the American flag. I can't forget his refusal to release his birth certificate, something that was demanded of Mccain.

Id like to say, as I watched Obama vote for himself as President yesterday, that I appreciated what an out of body, overwhelming experience that must have been, the pride and excitement he must feel. But, then I saw William Ayers go into the same polling booth, as did Farrakhan. I was reminded of what Obama did early in his career, to get to this point, who he considered appropriate to associate with, to befriend, and to partner with to further his political career. I can't forget how he exposed his opponents in Chicago, and personally attacked them, to get them removed from the ballot. I can't forget how he ran his Chicago Districts and his dealings with Rezko, and the state of despair his districts are in. I can't forget that he didn't leave that church.

I'd like to say that I watched him walk to the podium, to give his acceptance speech that he worked so hard, and that he earned this. But I can't forget what little he has actually accomplished. Yes, he ran a good campaign, he campaigned longer then he has ever held a job. I can't forget all the articles I have read, about his start in the Chicago Senate, and how he was handed bills, to further his career, how his mentor carried him, made himself a Senator. I can't forget the articles I read how Obama would catch Dodd or Kennedy in the halls and cling to them as they went to present bills, and adding himself to their accomplishments. I can't forget that he has campaigned longer then he has actually served in the Senate. I can't forget how he himself said, in 2004 that he was not ready.

I'd like to say, as I saw him standing there, that the people have spoken, and the best man won. But, I can't forget the thousands and thousands of fraudulent voters registered, the buses of homeless and drug addicts that were driven to the polls. I can't forget the Obama supporters who have been caught voting twice, the people on the streets saying they voted multiple times, the overseas ballots that have been tossed out. Those four delegates. I can't forget the actions of the DNC and how they treated the Clintons. I can't forget the efforts to shove Hillary Clinton from the race.

I'd like to say that as I saw him standing there, and even as I listened to him, and was moved to tears, that he deserves it. I couldn't help think of the man that did not win. A man who has courageously served his country since he was 17 years old. A man who fought, and almost died for his country. A man who spent five years in a prison in Vietnam, at the same time one of Obama's neighbors and friends was bombing the Pentagon, and Capital. I couldn't help remember that Obama gave a book review to Ayers, whose other book was dedicated to the man who killed Robert Kennedy.

I'd like to say that, although my candidate lost, I trust that Obama will follow through with his promises. But I can't forget the broken promises he has already made, and the lies that he has told - looking into the eye of the American people. I can't forget the sliding numbers for his tax cuts.

I'd like to say that as I was watching McCain give his concession speech, that he lost after a good fight. But I can't forget that McCain couldn't even fight. His every move, every attempt to put up a good fight was chastised in the media, screams of racism were thrown at him. Even having to fight his own party. As I watched Sarah Palin standing behind him, I couldn't help think how close we were to having a woman in the White House. As I watched her fight back her tears, I couldn't help think of all that she has accomplished in her life, being only two years older then me. I can't forget all the disgusting insulting attacks thrown at her, and how she stayed strong. I can't forget all of the attacks coming from so called feminists, and how far this election has set us back, as women. And apparently, we really have not gone that far. I can't forget members of her own party calling her a cancer. I can't forget the attacks on her and her family, a sitting Governor who has served the people of Alaska, who was asked to join the Republican ticket. The respect I felt for McCain and Palin standing there, moved me to tears. He is a true American Hero, and his service to his country should never be forgotten. I can't forget the attacks I have read, from the left, on his service.

Id like to say that Obama is truly a man who was supported by the American people. But I can't forget the broken promise to accept campaign finance. I can't forget the millions of dollars of overseas money he as illegally accepted, the millions he has had to return, the unchecked prepaid credit card donations. And his refusal to release the donor list. I can't forget the millions he has raised and spent, and the promise he broke to get there.

I'd like to say that Obama will be for all people. But can't forget the personal attacks on Joe the Plumber and anyone who opposed Obama. I can't forget his pandering to Christian Conservatives in some states, including the gay bashers, his opposition to gay marriage, or his refusal to speak out against the sexist attacks on Clinton and Palin. I can't forget that Obama pays his female employees less than the men. I can't forget his double talk regarding Israel. I can't forget his is associations with Farrakhan, Wright, Khalidi, Meeks, Moss, Dhorn, Ayers, ACORN.

I'd like to say that Obama will help the economy. But I can't forget his share of the responsibility in the collapse of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. I can't forget all of the experts telling us how his spending and proposals are going to add trillions in more debt. I can't forget that he is second only to Dodd, in his two short years in the Senate, for taking money from them.

I'd like to say, as I watched the members of the media praise him, and talk about what a great story this is, that I think it is. But I can't forget the attacks that they launched on Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, their supporters, and Bill Clinton as well. I cant forget their utter failure to do their job, to report the facts, not to create the story. I can't forget their complete and utter bias. I can't forget their cover ups, and failures to vet this candidate. I can't forget their personal attacks on an average citizen.

I'd like to say that this proves that America is not racist. But I can't forget that 95% of the African Americans voted for Obama. For half of the country, their opposition to Obama was not about race. It was his judgment and his character. It was his policies. And for conservatives, it was everything he and his party stands for. White Americans, Democrats, embraced him. He won cross over votes. But those who didn't vote for him didn't do so because of his skin color. But those who did?

I'd like to believe that when Obama said that *out of many, we are one* that were true. But for those who did not support him, from the first days of the primary, were told to for example *keep the fuck out of my country* were treated anything but.

I do understand what this means to his supporters, to African Americans, and to people around the world. I do. As I said, I could see it in their tear streamed faces. And it saddens me that I can't share gleefully in this moment in history.

As much as I want to welcome this idea of change, this new age of politics, this giant step for mankind, this great leap of faith, this huge movement forward in race relations in America, I just can't forget how we got to this day.

Will Obama live up to *the promise*? As they say, time will tell.

And as far as the DNC now controlling all three branches?
Gird your loins my friends, gird your loins.

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If you are shopping for girls this holiday season (or anytime really), you need to check out Princess Time Toys - they have everything a princess (or princess wanna be) could ever want! Not only do they stock a great assortment of princess dress up costumes and accessories, but they carry clothes and furniture for American Girl dolls, games, craft kids, instruments, and bedroom decor that every little girl would love.

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Ever wonder why you never see a New York family on any of those kids-from-hell reality shows? We do. Much as wed like to think were better parents than our suburban and rural counterparts, weve seen plenty of hateful behavior from our little city slickersand not just in Park Slope either. Thankfully, Nanny 911 is here to exploit, er, aid Big Apple families just like us!

We read the shows audition flyer, and though wed love to snark, deep down we cant help feeling that the producers may indeed be talking to us.
Are your children out of control?
I have a toddler, so the answer should be obvious.
Do they throw tantrums in public or have meltdowns during meals?s why I havent had a decent brunch in over a year.
Would you like to implement structure and restore harmony to your household?and can you work on world peace too while youre at it?

The notice calls for outgoing, charismatic families who need help managing day-to-day family obstacles. Which basically sounds like every single family in New York. But will any of us be naive enough to bite? And will the shows crack team of experts be able to deal with our unique New York problems, like how to get Junior into a decent school or why rats may look like mice but make bad pets?

Interested families should e-mail the following info to Nanny911families@yahoo.com.

1. Family name
2. Address and contact info
3. A brief description of your family, its members, the out-of-control kids with examples of their bad behavior and why you would be good for the show. In other words, sell yourselves!
4. A list of issues youd like to see resolved
5.

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If you regularly spend time with a girl around the age of 8, you know all about American Girl. Youve probably spent time going over the catalog in minute detail and know the back stories of every doll Felicity, the girl of Colonial times; Addy, who fled slavery in Civil War times; Kit, the Depression-era wanna-be journalist; Julie, the 1970s doll who specializes in making 41-year-old moms feel old.
There are more oh yes, there are more and they all come with appropriate outfits (sold separately), accessories and book series that chronicle their era-appropriate plucky personalities. The special allure of the dolls? Theyre well-crafted, wholesome, just expensive enough to be special and you just cant find them at Target or Toys R Us. You need to get that all-important catalog or visit their website or travel to one of their exceedingly rare stores.
You used to have to go to Chicago for that and, in recent years, New York City. As of last weekend, however, all you have to do is travel to Natick. Yes, theyre calling it American Girl Boston, but its actually right at the Natick mall (Im no longer contractually obligated to refer to it by that stupid name!).
So listen up, moms of Grafton. I have braved the American Girl store, cleared that path down the Mass Pike first so you dont have to go there unaware. And Im here to report that it is total and complete little girl crack. Youre definitely going to have to give the pre-Disneyworld pep talk: re going to want everything, but were not going to GET everything, OK?s start with the stores location. Its at the Natick mall, but its not accessible from inside the mall. Unless youre one of the handful of people lucky enough to get around all the construction and the giant line that consistently surrounds the Cheesecake Factory to snag an actual parking space at the front of the mall, this means youre going to have to parade through the mall, walk through Lord Taylor, slip out a side entrance, dodge hungry customers around the Cheesecake Factory and finally find the American Girl storefront.
There are virtually no signs inside the mall that indicate any of this. We finally tackled a mother carrying a giant red American Girl bag and she let us in on the secret.
The store itself is two stories, with the first floor devoted to each of the historical dolls and Bitty Baby, the baby doll that serves as American Girls gateway drug for the younger set. The second floor has the Just Like You dolls they come in a variety of skin tones, hair types and eye colors to match your girl a bistro and a doll hair salon.
You heard me. I said doll hair salon. You can bring your doll along and for $10-$20, you can watch as they strap your doll into a tiny red barber chair for a fun new hairstyle. For $14, she can even get her ears pierced.
In the Bistro, they even provide a tiny chair that straps onto the table so your doll can be part of the dining experience. The place was mobbed when we were there its already a popular birthday party destination, judging by the girls we saw and I was surprised to see when I looked online just now that the set menu price is $16.50. Why is that surprising? It also notes the set price for the American Girl restaurants elsewhere the same meal costs $14.50 in Atlanta or Dallas.
Throughout the store, glass cases contain dolls modeling various outfits and accessories (I love that Kit, who has to pinch pennies during the Depression, has some of the most expensive accessories, including a $250 tree house). My daughter happily wandered from case to case picking out her favorite outfits and pointing out wherever her Just Like You doll (brown wavy hair with highlights, light skin, freckles, blue eyes she wishes were hazel), was on display.
She was actually a little overwhelmed by the whole place and we left with only a catalog and a mental list of the things she wants to find under the tree Christmas morning. We grabbed a quick snack in the regular food court after making our way back into the main mall (seriously, they have to set up a traffic cop in that parking lot before some little girl and her doll gets hit).
We saw this outfit, she mused, flipping through the pages for her favorites. And this one, and this one. You know, Im glad we didnt bring Crystal.Why not?
She gave me her 8-year-old wise look. Crystal doesnt like crowds. I think shed find it more fun to just look at the book.

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Guest Passes let you share your photos that aren't public.

Anyone can see your public photos anytime, whether they're a Flickr member or not. But! If you want to share photos marked as friends, family or private, use a Guest Pass.

If you're sharing photos from a set, you can create a Guest Pass that includes any of your photos marked as friends, family, or private. If you're sharing your entire photostream, you can create a Guest Pass that includes photos marked as friends or family (but not your private photos).

Learn more about Guest Passes![.

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Texas Darlin from TD Blog asked her readers to submit essays on why they are voting for McCain/Palin. Being one who just LOVES to give her opinion, I jumped at the chance.

Why I voted for John McCain and Sarah Palin

Because McCain:

is not George Bush.

is an American Hero.

has served his country since he was 17 years old.

has shown proven leadership.

has shown proven bipartisanship.

crosses party lines, even when it is risky.

takes a stand on tough votes, not the easy way out.

was right on the surge, and will end the war safely, and with honor.

wants to reduce federal spending.

wants to lower taxes.

will protect jobs.
will protect our veterans, and fight for them.
believes in the promise of America, capitalism, and all it has to offer.

wants to protect social security.

will end loop holes in Washington.

warned of the impending Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac crash.

has an healthcare plan that will limit government involvement, and work for more Americans.

promises to end earmarks and wasteful spending.

will protect our borders and keep us safe.

has a plan to meet labor needs, and address the undocumented workers.

pays his female employees equal pay.

promises to increase the number of women in Washington within his first year.

has an aggressive energy plan to get us off foreign oil.

supports amniotic fluid and adult stem cell research.

believes in constructionist judges, not ones that favor one group over another.

will support and defend the second amendment.

has released his senate and medical records, his birth certificate and his donor list.

risked his candidacy by believing in, and selecting a woman as his running mate.

has a running mate who has more experience than the other candidate for President.

has a running mate who has executive experience, more than any other candidate.

has a running mate that does not go behind closed doors and threaten impending doom.

does not speak one way about Americans to their face, and another way behind closed doors.

does not hide his campaign contributions.

accepted campaign finance, as he promised.

does not associate and befriend anti-American, anti-Semitic, racists, or terrorists.

does not make empty campaign promises.

earned his nomination by the voters.

does not continuously lower his definition of rich.

never gives up, never tires, and continues to fight.

values and respects the accomplishments of Hillary Clinton.

values, respects and fights for the American flag.

is a maverick.

is a straight talker.

is an honest man, a man of his word.

has never once called me racist.

or bitter.

or selfish.

John McCain is a man that, when he says he will do something, I have every faith that he will.

And those are things that can not be said of Barack Obama.

This is why I was proud to cast my vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin.

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So I stayed in Athens this weekend but nevertheless managed to have some pretty dang good adventures.  Thursday night, my friends Jessica, Cory, Ryan, Joe and I planned a cheese fondue night since a majority of the people had never had fondue and I insisted they try it.  Joe made caprese, I made a fantastic Greek salad, we heated up the Gruyere/Swiss cheese mixture and dipped broccoli, peppers, bread and potatoes into it and literally ODed on cheese.  Im swearing it off for some time, I swear.  I had brought over my laptop since Joe and Cory proved to be fellow music snobs, and the five of us sat on their balcony, watching the Parthenon and trading music recommendations.  Jessica and I didnt mean to stay there until 2:00 in the morning, but as Im quickly learning, in Greece, nothing ever goes as planned.
Friday I went to a Greek pharmacy for the first time.  I have been trying to fight off a cold for some time, and though I felt like I was winning, my American medicine ran out, so Joanna, the housing director, took me down to the pharmacy for some new meds.  The woman behind the counter asked Joanna what was wrong and after telling her my symptoms, she prescribed some de-congestant pills and some wicked nasty cough syrup.  Both cost about eight euro (thats about $12 in American dollars) and by the afternoon, I was already feeling better.
I did a little family gift shopping during the day and then that night, my friends and I finally made it to Gazi, the old gas lamp district of Athens with an awesome nightlife scene.  We went out to dinner first, which was excellent as usual.  The waiters serving us seemed to have an affinity for us and ended up giving us free shots of this kind of honey ale after dinner. Im not sure what it was it looked like a less viscous honey and was obviously alcoholic.  We walked to Syntagma, jumped on the metro, and took off towards Gazi.  My friend Carrie had found a little club/bar called SoHo (like in Manhattan!) and we took over the back room and danced the night away.  We didnt actually get there until about midnight, so you can imagine we were out pretty late.  A few of us (and my family members are going to probably all kill me when I say this) ended up walking back home at 3:00 in the morning I didnt actually get into bed until about 5:00 am, which comes to show you how far away from home we were.  Looking back, it probably wasnt the safest decision, but we made it back with no problems and for that, I know I am extremely lucky.  Wandering around some sketchy parts of Athens at 4:00 in the morning is probably not an experience I should repeat.  But man, we just didnt want to get a taxi
I woke up at 9:00am on Saturday (yes, went to bed at five and woke up at nine. Yikes!) and did a little homework before heading back to Syntagma for some pants shopping.  Then later, I made salmon for a few friends and we went out to see Burn After Reading since Petros, our friendly librarian, helped me find a nearby theater where it was playing.  Seeing a movie in a Greek movie theater was certainly a new experience.  Our seats were actually assigned and a woman at the door showed us to them at the beginning.  People are way less courteous in Greece, it seems a woman answered her cell phone twice during the movie and didnt even bother to lower her voice.  Also, there were three of the most epic cigarette commercials before the movie began commercials Im sure Id never ever see in the United States.  Oh yes, and the movie had Greek subtitles, which was super fun because I kept trying to figure out what words meant what.
After the movie, we went out for gelato and somewhere walking down Immitou Street (the main drag of Pagrati), we heard some girly voices screaming our name.  We looked down one of the streets and saw a bunch of our Arcadia friends standing on the balconies of one of their apartments.  They were playing 90s rap and dancing and screaming at all the cars going by.  After getting gelato, we went back where I proceeded to join them in being the crazy Americans spreading love to the endless line of cars passing through the area.
Today I had a literature make-up class, which basically meant going to the Museum of Modern Art, seeing an exhibit, almost buying a pair of 45-euro earrings (they were really cool and really unique if I dont find my special piece of jewelry by the end of my stay at Athens, I am so going back to get them) and going out for lunch.  I left my peers who were going out for coffee and came back home to do some homework - but not before buying a piece of chocolate baklava!  Apparently, there is this couple in Athens, and they have actually patented chocolate baklava and there are only two stores in all of Athens that sell them one of them is right next to the Eftihidou apartment where we are having our Tuesday night dinner parties.  I had to run back there because I accidentally left my garlic press there the night before, and the baklava was there calling to me
For about 45 minutes this afternoon today it rained raindrops the size of hail.  It was so hot all morning and now its getting very cold.  The weather is schizophrenic.
I have a paper due every day this week save Tuesday in which I have a Greek language midterm.  Its going to be a tough week but I have Crete at the end to spur me on.

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William Ayers dedicated his book, Prairie Fire, to the man that assassinated Bobby Kennedy.

And Obama thinks it ok, to dine, and work, and hang out with this guy? He thinks it is ok that Ayers babysits his kids, and the man dedicated his book to the man that killed Robert F. Kennedy?
Obama's desk in the Senate used to belong to Robert Kennedy, and Obama has no problem associating, and socializing, with William Ayers? A man who considers Sirhan a political prisoner, and worthy of a dedication in his 1974 book.
I wonder what the Kennedy's think about that? I imagine Obama's excuse will be that he was only 6 when Kennedy was assassinated? Or that he was 12 when the book was written? Well, how old was he when he chose Kennedy's desk for his Seante office? How old was he when he chose to associate with Ayers? How old was he when he lied to the American people about their relationship?
And here, as an added bonus, is another tape, this one of Khalidi discussing the corrupt political machine, in Chicago.

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My husband and I attended a wedding Saturday night for one of his co-workers. It was kind of an unusual experience for me because I had not had the opportunity to meet anyone at the wedding including the bride or groom! So I found myself to be much less emotionally invested than I usually am at a wedding. This gave me a great chance to sit back, be an outside observer, and think about marriage.

Weddings are great fun! But, marriage is what happens when the wedding is over. And marriage, while it can be fun, can also be hard! Here is some of what I thought about while I was observing all the goings one of the wedding Saturday night...

When I was 8 years old I was the flower girl at my cousins wedding. That was really the first real thought I had ever given to weddings or marriage. I had been in wedding 3 years earlier. But at five it didn't have much meaning to me. At 8 years old the wedding was like a dream! The bride was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen and the whole thing seemed like a fairy tale. The church seemed like a castle to me and the whole thing lives on in my mind as a Cinderella story. At the reception there was dancing and food everything seemed like magic. I assumed marriage would be the same.

The next wedding that stands out in my mind would be my sisters. She was married when I was 16, and while it was equally beautiful, I was now old enough to see the hiccups that happen in the actual wedding. Of course, it was not hard to see said hiccups when the best man fainted not once, BUT TWICE during the ceremony! A member of the church who was an ambulance attendant happened to be at the wedding and the second time came forward to give medical attention to the best man. This wedding was probably the first time I thought about the fact that in weddings and marriage things DO NOT always work out the way we plan them.

Fast forward several years with me to my husbands youngest brothers wedding. By this point my husband and I had been married nearly 10 years and were parents to our first and only child at the time. (He was 3.) At this wedding I found myself thinking about what marriage is really about. Forget about the Cinderella factor, by this time I now knew that marriage can be a lot of work! What would this couple experience in their journey together? I thought about our own journey with infertility and the loss of our first child. I wondered if these types of problems would make their relationship grow and strengthen or fall apart? I thought about how hard it must be for my mom to attend weddings now that she was a widow after more then 30 years of marriage to my father. I prayed for them because I knew that although marriage could be wonderful, if could also be difficult. Like a beautiful rose it would not be without it's thorns.

On our 12th wedding anniversary my husbands best friend was married to his lovely bride. This was a very special time in our marriage because after 12 years we had finally been able to have our second child! We attended the wedding with our 6 year old and our 6 week old! This was the first time most of our family met our new baby girl and we had our own reasons to celebrate that night! I remember thinking that this was probably the happiest I had ever been in my life. At this wedding I thought about what it meant to be partners. I thought about how important this person would be as she went through pregnancy and childbirth. How they would plan together and hope for the next generation in a way they had never even understood before. I thought about how much I needed my husband! I realized that even though weddings are romantic and wonderful I was SO blessed to have the security and comfort of 12 years of history with my beloved. How I hoped and prayed for the same blessings for our friends.

When we had been married 15 years we renewed our vows at our own second wedding. This is a day I treasure! After 15 years of marriage we knew what true love was. I thought so much that day about how much more this renewal of our vows meant to me than even our first wedding did! Not because our first wedding wasn't real and wonderful, but because on the day we were married it was about hope and dreams. Fifteen years later our renewal was about commitment, devotion and true love. We knew what we had gotten ourselves into at this point and we were celebrating that we were in it together!. I cried as we renewed our vows, which may seem weird since I did not cry when we said our vows the first time. My mother-in-law asked me about this later when I showed her the video and I remember telling her The first time I had no idea what those vows meant, this time I knew all too well what they were all about and that was overwhelming. As we renewed our vows after 15 years of marriage our 9 year old was best man, our 3 year old was flower girl and our 4 month old was my bouquet! My mom was the entire audience! LOL Yep, after 15 years of our family was complete! Wow! I still get butterflies!

So as we attended this most recent wedding we are coming upon our 20th wedding anniversary next April. I am sure that is what got me in this retrospective mood. LOL So what did I think about as I witnessed 2 complete strangers promise to share their lives with each other? I thought about what it means to hold a hand that is so familiar that you know it as well as your own. I thought about the small creases that have oddly appeared around my husbands eyes that make him all the more handsome to me. I thought about the joy it brings to see the man you love brush your daughters hair and to know that sharing his love with this other woman is the most precious gift he can give me. I thought about my husband as dad to our boys and how the decision I made the day I married him will impact their lives forever. I thought about how grateful I am that the man I married almost 20 years ago still makes me laugh every day! I thought about how this sweet couple would feel some day as the attended the funerals of their parents. I thought about how 20 years ago my mother-in-law was pretty much a complete stranger to me and now she is our beloved grammy who I miss more than words can ever express. I thought about the times when money would be short and tempers even shorter. I thought about job losses and job changes. I thought about moves to new States that made saying goodbye to everything familiar an adventure as you do it together! I thought about the laughter they would hopefully share and how that would get them through the tough times. I thought about how 20 years passes in a flash and I wondered if this beautiful red headed bride would be wearing sensible shoes (like me) to a wedding 20 years from now! LOL

Yes, I realized this weekend that my perspective on weddings and marriage has changed drastically over the years. I think about my two precious uncles that passed away in the last few months and left their wives as widows after more than 60 years of marriage! I realize that even after 20 years we are hopefully only beginners at this marriage journey. We still have so much road to travel together! PTL.

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I just wanted to share an "OMFG" moment I had Sunday afternoon. I was in the process of dying (with BLACK RIT Dye) a dress for Taylor to use for Halloween in a plastic bin I use for storage. Well after letting it sit in my kitchen for an hour we discovered it had a leak...yeah you could say so!!

I seriously thought I should pack a bag and flee for my life...I was not looking forward to my hubby coming home. But THANK GOD for the magic of the "magic clean eraser"...holy moly I love those things! It took about an hour of tough elbow grease...at least it's gone!! Too bad my rugs are now a dingy color...but what can I really complain about.

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Anyone want to guess what I was doing at 2:30 this afternoon? Give up? I was chasing this bird around my girl's school with a broom. No kidding. I have talked before about the country school that my girls attend, and the various critters that show up occasionally, but we were all surprised today when right up to the gym door strolled this huge turkey. It wasn't afraid of the kids at all, it just stared at them and stayed all puffed up. Well after awhile we closed the gym doors and hoped he would eventually keep strolling on. There was a lot of discussion on whether or not it was a wild turkey....but because it was so obviously well fed we assume it came from a neighboring farm.

When Pre-K came out to play the bird followed them out to the playground and pretty much cornered them. That is when we had to get the broom out to shoe it away. The funny thing is it really just wanted to stick around. A group of kids helped send it towards the track and the football field before I realized that Regan was doing laps on the track in her special bike accompanied by her aide and physical therapist. Now if there is one thing Regan is truly afraid of it is animals of all shapes and sizes. That turkey just took off running towards her and the bike, and I took off after the turkey to head it towards a neighboring pasture and not my screaming 12 yr old.

We finally managed to keep it close to the fence line when one of the men there to pick up his kids recognized the bird from his neighbors farm. It was in fact a pet, and loves people! Well he chased the turkey down, and grabbed it up by it's feet, then just simply tossed it into his truck and drove off. Turkey time was over.

Riddle for the day: A man was hiking in the hills for the first time and, for safety, he brings along two guides. At the beginning of the hike, the first guide said, "Keep all personal items close, stay behind me, and above all else, keep your balance around the steep dropoffs!" The second guide had never been on such a long hike and, despite the warnings, tumbled off one of the high cliffs and rolled into a valley. The second guide's spine was broken in the fall. The man and the first guide watched the fall, shrugged, and moved on. Why did they offer no help or concern.

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Yes! Quite a title to live up to...and, one I will never stop striving for. I have the privilege of being 'personal assistant' to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman (and quite honestly the 'entire' Chapman family). What do I do? ...more like, what don't I do? Anything I can...ready to jump in where I'm needed. And with this crew, things are always unpredictable. Life is exciting and I can't imagine a position that I could enjoy more!.

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