tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18369832461528770532024-03-12T19:02:44.000-07:00Single Mama TimesLucky in Love to Parent My 2 GirlsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836983246152877053.post-39533084665457237302009-07-30T13:02:00.000-07:002009-07-30T13:03:51.325-07:00Love One Another<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(81, 85, 92); font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; "><center><div class="wordtube" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" id="WT1" name="WT1" data="http://www.jesusrockz.net/wp-content/plugins/wordtube/player.swf" width="360" height="260" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "></object></div></center><p style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "></p><p style="text-align: center; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(92, 92, 92); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: bold; ">Looked down from a broken sky<br />Traced out by the city lights<br />My world from a mile high<br />Best seat in the house tonight<br />Touched down on the cold black tar<br />Hold on for the sudden stop<br />Breathe in the familiar shock<br />Of confusion<br />And chaos</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align: center; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(92, 92, 92); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: bold; ">All those people goin’ somewhere<br />Why have I never cared?</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align: center; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(92, 92, 92); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: bold; ">Give me Your eyes for just one second<br />Give me Your eyes so I can see<br />Everything that I keep missing<br />Give me Your love for humanity<br />Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted<br />The ones that are far beyond my reach<br />Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten<br />Give me Your eyes so I can see<br />Yeah<br />Yeah<br />Yeah<br />Yeah</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align: center; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(92, 92, 92); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: bold; ">Step out on a busy street<br />See a girl and our eyes meet<br />Does her best to smile at me<br />To hide what’s underneath<br />There’s a man just to her right<br />Black suit and a bright red tie<br />Too ashamed to tell his wife<br />He’s out of work, he’s buyin’ time</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align: center; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(92, 92, 92); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: bold; ">All those people goin’ somewhere<br />Why have I never cared?</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align: center; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(92, 92, 92); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: bold; ">Give me Your eyes for just one second<br />Give me Your eyes so I can see<br />Everything that I keep missing<br />Give me Your love for humanity<br />Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted<br />The ones that are far beyond my reach<br />Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten<br />Give me Your eyes so I can see<br />Yeah<br />Yeah<br />Yeah<br />Yeah</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align: center; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(92, 92, 92); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: bold; ">I’ve been there a million times<br />A couple of million eyes<br />Just move and pass me by<br />I swear I never thought that I was wrong<br />Well I want a second glance<br />So give me a second chance<br />To see the way You’ve seen the people all along</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align: center; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(92, 92, 92); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: bold; ">Give me Your eyes for just one second<br />Give me Your eyes so I can see<br />Everything that I keep missing<br />Give me Your love for humanity<br />Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted<br />The ones that are far beyond my reach<br />Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten<br />Give me Your eyes so I can see</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align: center; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: bold; "><span style="color: rgb(92, 92, 92); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">Give me Your Eyes (Give me Your eyes for just one second)<br />Lord, give me Your eyes (Give me Your eyes so I can see)<br />Everything (Everything that I keep missing)<br />That I keep missing<br />Give me Your heart (Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted)<br />For the broken hearted (The ones that are far beyond my reach)<br />Give me Your heart (Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten)<br />Lord, give me Your eyes (Give me Your eyes so I can see)<br />Yeah<br />Yeah<br />Yeah<br />Yeah</span></strong></em></p></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836983246152877053.post-64999252101739478382009-07-18T10:55:00.001-07:002009-07-18T10:55:53.929-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><iframe src="http://docs.google.com/present/embed?id=dd2f5ttt_63dzrg8fcp&size=l" frameborder="0" width="700" height="559"></iframe></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836983246152877053.post-57475806447641912992009-07-14T21:39:00.000-07:002009-07-14T21:42:15.883-07:00Single Mama Budgeting Tips<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; "><div class="items_header" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(179, 112, 184); text-align: center; "><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; "><a href="http://www.singlemom.com/Finance/kk_Being_A_Single_Mother_on_a_Budget.aspx">Being A Single Mother on a Budget</a></h1></div><div class="items" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; "><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "> </p><p class="aln_dr txAutor" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: right; ">by Kelly Kennedy from <a href="http://www.singlemotherresources.com/" style="color: rgb(15, 99, 164); text-decoration: none; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; ">www.singlemotherresources.com</a></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="TUnderNoW" summary="" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">As a parent you are bound to face a few challenges but as single mother you are bound to face challenges everyday. Raising a child is not meant to be done alone however today it is occurring more often then traditional value holders would like to see.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "> </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">If you are a single mother trying to successfully raise your family you are among the many. There are a vast number of women that successfully raise their family. However there is also a great number of single mother’s that must bear the burden of covering their own costs as well as their child’s, all on one income. Whether you are working full time or going to school to better your education you have to make sure your child has proper care after school lets out or during the day while you are away. Whether this proper care is day care or a babysitter, they all come with costs. Many households today are faced with debt so it’s not a surprise to see single parents in debt. With the stress of everyday life, it’s important to not let your debt be ignored. Managing your debt right away is the first step which is followed by finding out ways to reduce your expenses and paying the rest off.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "> </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">There are many things you can do to make sure you stay out of debt or get out of debt fast. According to many sources along with <a href="http://www.singlemotherresources.com/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(15, 99, 164); text-decoration: none; ">singlemotherresources.com</a> budgeting is a key factor in helping so many people get out of debt and stay out of debt. The core of budgeting is for you as a single mother to see your monthly spending needs and habits. The purpose of a budget allows you to track your personal cash flow. Your personal cash flow is how much money comes in and how much goes out. Once you make a list you are going to realize that you have a lot more money going out then coming in especially on unnecessary goods such as impulse buys at the grocery store checkout, or items that your children want. Instead of giving in and giving your child what he or she is asking for, it’s best to tell them the truth that you can’t afford it right now. Suggest that your child starts or continues doing weekly chores and in return you will give them a small allowance where they can save up for something they want. This way it will take the burden off of you each time they ask for something. Once they save up enough money they can buy it themselves and then feel as if they earned it.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "> </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">As for yourself and your expenses you need to make a monthly budget and follow it. You need to have the will power to control yourself from buying unnecessary items at the grocery store or taking your children to the latest movie. Go see a matinee film instead where prices are lowered, and eat before going to the grocery store so you won’t want to buy everything in site. Set financial goals for yourself and keep track of what you are spending. This way if you know Girl Scout dues are coming up, you can set a goal to put that money aside where you might have spent it on something else otherwise. Also by keeping track of what you are spending you might come to some realizations such as what you buy at the grocery store. Name brand products are just as good as generic minus the name so it’s worth buying generic products; you’ll be surprised in how much you save. Let your children be involved with budgeting as well. Have them make a list of chores they do and how much money they receive in return. They will see how hard work pays off. Keep in mind that owning something that you worked hard for creates something that no one can take away from you which is pride.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "> </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Before you know it, you will be on your way to being a debt free mom and able to treat your children to something special. But remember, it’s going to be difficult at first and you’ll want to give in or give up, but in it’s all worth it in the end. You will be a debt free mom as well as a successful mom in teaching your kids a valuable lesson in life; hard work pays off.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "> </p><p class="gros" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: bold; ">About Author:</p><div class="dvd-pic-r fr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; float: right; "><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><img id="Contribuitor1_Image1" src="http://www.singlemom.com/Pictures/autors100/kelly_kennedy_100.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; " /></p></div><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><strong>Kelly Kennedy</strong> from singlemotherresources.com is the Communications Specialist for MindComet Corporation, a full service marketing agency for Fortune 500 companies and international conglomerates. Kelly specializes in public relations strategies focused on single mother's financial guidance. Kelly has been author to hundreds of articles focusing on single mother financial concerns. She also acts as a contributing author for a wide variety of websites and newsletters. Kelly holds a Bachelors degree in Marketing from the University of Central Florida.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836983246152877053.post-16577768598757701982009-07-14T20:28:00.000-07:002009-07-14T20:36:18.078-07:00This 10-ingredient shopping list will give you five days of meals<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;"><div style="background-color: white; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; padding-right: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 0.7em; padding-left: 1.5em; font: normal normal normal 83.5%/normal Georgia, serif; "><div id="header" style="margin-bottom: 19px; padding-bottom: 6px; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: left; "><h1 style="color: black; font-size: 180%; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 500px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; text-transform: none; "><a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/the-10-ingredient-shopping-trip/">The 10-Ingredient Shopping Trip</a></span></span></span></h1></div><div id="well"><div align="left"><address class="byline author vcard" style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 12px; display: block; font-size: 0.829em; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; ">By <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/author/tara-parker-pope/" class="url fn" title="See all posts by Tara Parker-Pope" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 102); text-transform: uppercase; ">TARA PARKER-POPE</a> AND <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/author/mark-bittman/" class="url fn" title="See all posts by Mark Bittman" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 102); text-transform: uppercase; ">MARK BITTMAN</a></address><div class="entry-content"><div class="standard190 left">Evan SungMark Bittman.</div><div class="standard190 left"><br /></div><div class="standard190 left"><br /></div><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; ">Many people turn to unhealthy restaurant meals and takeout because they don’t have time to shop. In his latest “How to Cook Everything” segment on the Today Show, <a href="http://www.markbittman.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 102); ">New York Times food writer Mark Bittman</a> makes it surprisingly easy to cook a week’s worth of dinners with just a 10-ingredient shopping trip.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; ">Mark assumes you’ve stocked your pantry with easy basics like spices, good cooking oils and vinegars, long-keeping carbs like pasta, rice and udon noodles, as well as soy sauce, garlic, lemon, butter and Parmesan cheese. With these staples, you can just pick up a few fresh ingredients every now and then, and “cook for days at a time,” Mark says.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; ">Here’s a 10-ingredient shopping list that will give you five days of meals.</p><ol style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken breasts (4 boneless)</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Bacon (1/2 pound)</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Shrimp (1 pound)</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Spinach (1 pound)</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Tomatoes (6)</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Ginger</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Onions</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Asparagus (2 pounds)</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Button mushrooms (1 pound)</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Loaf of good country bread</span></span></span></li></ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-size:16px;"><br /></span></div><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; ">Sound impossible? The ingredients can be easily combined, using oils, herbs and spices, to create the following five meals:</p><ol style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Stir-Fried Chicken With Asparagus</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">B.S.T. (Bacon, Spinach, Tomato) Sandwiches</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Grilled Chicken and Shrimp Kebabs With Vegetables</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Shrimp With Asparagus and Udon Noodles</span></span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Pasta With Bacon, Spinach and Breadcrumbs</span></span></span></li></ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:16px;"><br /></span></div><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; ">You can also see all the meals by checking out <a href="http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/5-meals-10-ingredients/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 102); ">Mark’s Today Show appearance on the Bitten blog.</a> And pasted below are the full recipes for each dish. And if you have a problem with bacon or any of the ingredients, feel free to substitute. (Mark notes that the amount of bacon used in these dishes is so small that he doesn’t fret about the fat content.)</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><br /><strong><br />Meal 1: Stir-Fried Chicken With Asparagus</strong><br />Makes: 4 servings<br />Time: 30 minutes</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; ">Rice from the pantry for steaming or boiling<br />2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil<br />2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1/2 pound), cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch chunks or thin slices and blotted dry<br />1 onion, halved and sliced<br />2 tablespoons minced garlic<br />1 tablespoon grated or minced fresh ginger<br />1 pound asparagus, sliced into 1-inch pieces<br />1 teaspoon sugar (optional)<br />2 tablespoons soy sauce<br />Salt and freshly ground black pepper</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>1. </strong>Cook the rice while you prepare the chicken and vegetables.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>2. </strong>Put a large, deep skillet over high heat. Add half the oil, swirl it around, and when it’s hot, add the chicken. Stir once, then let it sit for 1 minute to sear. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken has lost its pink color, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and lower the heat to medium-high.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>3.</strong> Put the remaining oil in the pan (it should heat immediately) and add the onions, garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, then add the asparagus. Raise the heat to high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus scorches a little in places and just starts to become tender, but not soft, about 2 minutes.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>4.</strong> Turn the heat down to medium and return the chicken to the pan, and toss once or twice. Add the sugar if you’re using it, along with the soy sauce, and toss again. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and add 1/2 cup water. Raise the heat to high and cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, until the liquid is reduced slightly and you’ve scraped up all the crisp bits of chicken and vegetables. Serve over the rice.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><br /></p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>Meal 2: The B.S.T. (Bacon, Spinach and Tomato) Sandwich</strong><br />Makes: 4 sandwiches<br />Time: 30 minutes</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; ">1/4 pound bacon (about 8 slices)<br />4 tablespoons mayonnaise<br />8 slices good quality rustic bread, toasted<br />2 medium tomatoes, sliced<br />1 to 2 cups spinach, washed and trimmed<br />Salt and freshly ground black pepper</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>1.</strong> Put the bacon in a skillet over medium heat and cook, turning frequently, until desired crispness, about 6 to 8 minutes.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>2.</strong> Spread the mayonnaise on the bread and layer the bacon, tomatoes and spinach on top. Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and pepper and top with another piece of bread to serve.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><br /></p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>Meal 3: Chicken and Shrimp Kebabs With Vegetables</strong><br />Make: 4 servings<br />Time: About 30 minutes</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; ">2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil<br />2 lemons: one juiced; one cut in wedges<br />1 tablespoon minced garlic<br />Salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />1 tablespoon fresh marjoram or oregano leaves or 1 teaspoon dried oregano<br />2 boneless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks<br />1/2 pound shrimp, peeled<br />1 pound button mushrooms, trimmed but left whole<br />4 tomatoes, cored and quartered<br />2 onions, quartered</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>1.</strong> If you’re using wooden skewers (you’ll need at least eight), soak them in warm water while you prepare the ingredients. Heat a charcoal or gas grill or the broiler to moderate heat and put the rack about four inches from the heat source.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>2.</strong> Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herb and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a small bowl; taste and adjust the seasoning. Marinate the chicken for a few minutes, an hour or even overnight. Thread the ingredients on skewers, alternating as you like.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>3.</strong> Broil or grill, turning once or twice, until the chicken and shrimp are cooked through and the vegetables begin to soften, 5 to 8 minutes total (to check for doneness, cut into a piece with a thin-bladed knife; the center should be opaque or still slightly pink). Serve with the lemon wedges.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><br /></p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>Meal 4: Shrimp With Asparagus and Udon Noodles</strong><br />Makes: 4 servings<br />Time: 20 minutes</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; ">1 pound asparagus, trimmed and peeled<br />12 ounces udon noodles<br />2 to 3 tablespoons peanut or neutral oil, like corn, canola or grapeseed<br />1/2 pound peeled and chopped shrimp<br />1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic<br />Soy sauce, to taste<br />Sesame oil, to taste (optional)</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>1. </strong>Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Cook the asparagus until the thick parts of the stalk can just be pierced with a knife, just a couple minutes. Remove with tongs and shock them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Cut into 2-inch lengths, and set aside.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>2.</strong> In the same pot of water, cook the noodles until just tender but not at all mushy; drain, rinse and set aside.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>3.</strong> Put the oil in a large skillet or wok, and turn the heat to medium-high. A minute later, add the garlic and cook until just fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring, until they turn pink, 3 or 4 minutes. Raise the heat to high, add the asparagus and noodles to the shrimp and toss a few times to blend. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil if using, taste and the adjust seasonings and serve hot or at room temperature.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><br /></p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>Meal 5: Pasta With Bacon, Spinach and Breadcrumbs</strong><br />Makes: 4 to 6 servings<br />Time: 30 minutes</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; ">1/4 pound bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces<br />3 or 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and slivered<br />1 cup of homemade breadcrumbs (from the leftover country loaf)<br />1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional<br />Salt<br />Remaining spinach (about 3/4 pound), washed and trimmed<br />1 pound spaghetti or other pasta<br />2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, or more as needed<br />Freshly ground black pepper<br />Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>1.</strong> Put the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium heat until it begins to brown and renders fat. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>2.</strong> Add the garlic to the bacon fat, and cook, stirring occasionally until just fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the breadcrumbs and red pepper flakes, if using, and continue cooking and stirring until the garlic is lightly crisp and the breadcrumbs are just golden. Remove the garlic and breadcrumbs from the pan and set aside.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>3.</strong> Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Cook the spinach until it’s soft, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the spinach from the pan with a slotted spoon or small strainer, drain well, chop and set aside. Using the same pot of boiling water, cook the pasta.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>4.</strong> While the pasta cooks, add the oil to the skillet and warm over medium-low heat. Add the drained spinach and toss well with the oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. When the spinach is warm add the bacon, garlic and breadcrumbs back to the pan and mix well.</p><p style="font-size: medium; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.375em; "><strong>5.</strong> When the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the skillet with the spinach, bacon, garlic and breadcrumbs; toss until well combined. If the mixture is dry, drizzle with a bit of olive oil; adjust the seasonings, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you like.</p></div></div></div><div id="footer" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'sans serif'; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-bottom-style: initial !important; border-bottom-color: initial !important; border-top-width: 1px !important; border-top-style: solid !important; border-top-color: rgb(226, 226, 226) !important; min-width: 0px; margin-top: 4.9em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 75%; width: 100%; background-position: initial initial; "><ul style="list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; white-space: nowrap; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 6px; margin-right: 6px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; "><a target="_parent" href="http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/copyright.html" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 102); ">Copyright 2009</a> <a href="http://www.nytco.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 102); ">The New York Times Company</a></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 6px; margin-right: 6px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; "><a target="_parent" href="http://www.nytimes.com/privacy" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 102); ">Privacy Policy</a></li><li class="last" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-right-style: initial !important; border-right-color: initial !important; padding-right: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; "><a target="_parent" href="http://www.nytimes.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 102); ">NYTimes.com 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018</a></li></ul></div></div></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836983246152877053.post-46875636195402427782009-06-29T01:34:00.000-07:002009-06-29T01:36:13.031-07:00You said that I will be OK<p><span style="text-align: center; display: block;"><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QB2JAgpfg2Y&rel=1&fs=1&showsearch=0&hd=0"> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QB2JAgpfg2Y&rel=1&fs=1&showsearch=0&hd=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed> </object></span></p> <p>Lifehouse – Broken</p> <p>The broken clock is a comfort, it helps me sleep tonight<br />Maybe it can stop tomorrow from stealing all my time<br />I am here still waiting though i still have my doubts<br />I am damaged at best, like you’ve already figured out</p> <p>I’m falling apart, I’m barely breathing<br />With a broken heart that’s still beating<br />In the pain, there is healing<br />In your name I find meaning<br />So I’m holdin’ on, I’m holdin’ on, I’m holdin’ on<br />I’m barely holdin’ on to you</p> <p>The broken locks were a warning you got inside my head<br />I tried my best to be guarded, I’m an open book instead<br />I still see your reflection inside of my eyes<br />That are looking for a purpose, they’re still looking for life</p> <p>I’m falling apart, I’m barely breathing<br />with a broken heart that’s still beating<br />In the pain (in the pain), is there healing<br />In your name (in your name) I find meaning<br />So I’m holdin’ on (I’m still holdin’), I’m holdin’ on (I’m still holdin’), I’m holdin’ on (I’m still holdin’)<br />I’m barely holdin’ on to you</p> <p>I’m hangin’ on another day<br />Just to see what you throw my way<br />And I’m hanging on to the words you say<br />You said that I will be OK</p> <p>The broken lights on the freeway left me here alone<br />I may have lost my way now, haven’t forgotten my way home</p> <p>I’m falling apart, I’m barely breathing<br />with a broken heart that’s still beating<br />In the pain(In the pain) there is healing<br />In your name I find meaning<br />So I’m holdin’ on (I’m still holdin’), I’m holdin’ on (I’m still holdin’), I’m holdin’ on (I’m still holdin’),<br />I’m barely holdin’ on to you</p> <p>I’m holdin’ on (I’m still holdin’), I’m holdin’ on (I’m still holdin’), I’m holdin’ on (I’m still holdin’),<br />I’m barely holdin’ on to you</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836983246152877053.post-82519306398835780972009-06-28T23:49:00.000-07:002009-06-28T23:55:09.333-07:00God's Not Finished With Me Yet<span style="font-weight:bold;">Greater thing have yet to come and greater things are still to be done...<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><span style="text-align: center; display: block;"><object height="350" width="425"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/et9I11JCqgE&rel=1&fs=1&showsearch=0&hd=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed> </object></span> <p>You’re the God of this City<br />You’re the King of these people<br />You’re the Lord of this nation<br />You are </p> <p>You’re the Light in this darkness<br />You’re the Hope to the hopeless<br />You’re the Peace to the restless<br />You are </p> <p>There is no one like our God<br />There is no one like our God </p> <p>For greater things have yet to come<br />And greater things are still to be done in this City<br />Greater thing have yet to come<br />And greater things are still to be done in this City </p> <p>There is no one like our God<br />There is no one like our God </p> <p>For greater things have yet to come<br />And greater things are still to be done in this City<br />Greater things have yet to come<br />And greater things are still to be done here </p> <p>There is no one like our god<br />There is no one like our God </p> <p>Greater things have yet to come<br />And greater things are still to be done in this City<br />Greater things have yet to come<br />And greater things are still to be done here</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836983246152877053.post-12470100382127245822009-06-17T23:19:00.000-07:002009-06-17T23:25:02.887-07:00Just Read This = Never Am I Going To Date Anyone...EverTry to get a first and last name of your potential date as soon as possible — Google his name, run it through the <a href="http://www.womansavers.com/"><u>womansavers.com</u></a> database, and check your local felon registry. If you think that this person is someone you may be interested in long term, do a background check on them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">If you have children, you must screen your dates even more because many times pedophiles will target single mothers for access to her children.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/avoid-dating-scammer">http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/avoid-dating-scammer</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836983246152877053.post-57266732548699715182009-06-17T18:11:00.001-07:002009-06-17T18:12:28.861-07:00No Longer Married, Still with Children<h2><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resource_directory/kids-family-and-divorce">Kids, Family, and Divorce</a></span></h2> <h3>Preparing Children For Divorce</h3> <ul><li><a title="Q & A on Preparing Your Kids For Divorce" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/q-preparing-your-kids-divorce">Q & A on Preparing Your Kids For Divorce</a></li><li><a title="Gentle Ways To Drop The Divorce Bomb On Your Child" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/gentle-ways-drop-divorce-bomb-your-child">Gentle Ways to Drop the Divorce Bomb on Your Child</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/your-child-not-statistic-truth-about-divorce-studies">Your Child is Not a Statistic: The Truth About Divorce Studies</a></li><li><a title="How to Explain Divorce to Your Nine- Twelve-Year-Old" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-explain-divorce-your-nine-12-year-old">How to Explain Divorce to Your Nine - Twelve-Year-Old</a></li><li><a title="How to Explain the Divorce to Your Six- Eight-Year-Old" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-explain-divorce-your-six-eight-year-old">How to Explain Divorce to Your Six - Eight-Year-Old</a></li><li><a title="How to Explain the Divorce to Your Preschooler" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-explain-divorce-your-preschooler">How to Explain Divorce to Your Preschooler</a></li><li><a title="Explaining the Divorce to Your Teen" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/explaining-divorce-your-teen">How to Explain Divorce to Your Teen</a></li><li><a title=" A Storybook Divorce for Your Child" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/picture-storybook-divorce-your-child">Picture This: A Storybook Divorce for Your Child</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/day-daddy-moves-out-post-divorce">The Day Daddy Moves Out (video)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/3-signs-your-child-knows-youre-getting-divorce">3 Signs Your Child Knows You're Getting A Divorce (video)</a></li></ul> <h3>Discussing Divorce with Your Family</h3> <ul><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-answer-pesky-divorce-questions">How to Answer Pesky Divorce Questions</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-navigate-nosy-divorce-questions-thanksgiving">How to Navigate Nosy Divorce Questions on Thanskgiving</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/dealing-your-ex-laws">Dealing With Your Ex In-Laws (video)</a></li></ul> <h3>The Emotional Effects of Divorce on Children</h3> <ul><li><a title="Stepping Up for Your Child" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/stepping-your-child">Stepping Up for Your Child</a></li><li><a title="The Role Of Children In Divorce" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/role-children-divorce">The Role of Children in Divorce</a><a title="Divorce Through a Child's Eyes" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/divorce-through-childs-eyes"><br /> </a></li><li><a title="Divorce Through a Child's Eyes" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/divorce-through-childs-eyes">Divorce Through a Child's Eyes</a></li><li><a title="Should You Stay Together For The Kids?" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/should-you-stay-together-kids">Should You Stay Together for the Kids?</a><a title="What To Do When Your Teen Hates You For Divorcing" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/what-do-when-your-teen-hates-you-divorcing"><br /> </a></li><li><a title=" How Teens handle Divorce" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/dark-side-how-teens-handle-divorce">The Dark Side: How Teens Handle Divorce</a></li><li><a title="Real-Life, Must-Do Tips to Help Your Kid Cope" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/real-life-must-do-tips-help-your-kid-cope">Real-Life, Must-Do Tips to Help Your Kid Cope</a></li><li><a title="Maybe Your Child Needs Counseling" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/maybe-your-child-needs-counseling">Maybe Your Child Needs Counseling</a></li><li><a title="Kids Behaving Badly & Other Signs They're Hurting" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/kids-behaving-badly-other-signs-theyre-hurting">Kids Behaving Badly & Other Signs They're Hurting</a></li><li><a title="Minimize the Fear and Anxiety Your Kids Experience During Divorce" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/minimize-fear-and-anxiety-your-kids-experience-during-divorce">Minimize the Fear and Anxiety Your Kids Experience During Divorce</a></li><li><a title="Help! My Kids Are Driving Me Crazy" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/help-my-kids-are-driving-me-crazy">Help! My Kids Are Driving Me Crazy</a></li><li><a title="5 Signs Your Ex Is Turning Your Child Against You" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/5-signs-your-ex-turning-your-child-against-you">5 Signs Your Ex is Turning Your Child Against You</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/7-steps-combat-parental-alienation">7 Steps to Combat Parental Alienation</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/dont-diss-dad">Don't Dis the Dad After Divorce (video)</a><a title="Divorce Through a Child's Eyes" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/divorce-through-childs-eyes"><br /> </a></li></ul> <h3>Providing for Children Post-Divorce (Financial, Emotional, Health)</h3> <ul><li><a title="8 Back-To-School Budget Tips for Divorced Moms" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/8-back-school-budget-tips-divorced-moms">8 Back-To-School Budget Tips for Divorced Moms</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/talking-sex-your-kids">Talking Sex With Your Kids (video)</a></li><li><a title="Finding Good Childcare And Peace Of Mind" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/finding-good-childcare-and-peace-mind">Finding Good Childcare... and Peace of Mind</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/making-ends-meet-when-child-support-payments-fall-short">Making Ends Meet When Child Support Falls Short</a></li><li><a title="Ensuring Your Child's Financial Independence" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/ensuring-your-childs-financial-independence">Ensuring Your Child's Financial Independence</a></li><li><a title="Q & A On The Emotions Of Money" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/q-emotions-money">Q & A on the Emotions of Money</a></li><li><a title="Teaching Kids About Money" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/teaching-kids-about-money">Teaching Kids About Money</a></li><li><a title="How to Stay Insured, Post-Divorce" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-stay-insured-post-divorce">How to Stay Insured, Post-Divorce</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/try-friends-family-plan-help-kids-adjust">Try Friends & Family Plan to Help Kids Adjust</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/challenge-finding-good-childcare">The Challenge of Finding Good Childcare (video)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/raising-your-kids-after-divorce">Raising Your Kids After Divorce</a></li><li><a title=" Part 2" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/over-scheduled-child-raising-kids-after-divorce-3">The Over-Scheduled Child: Raising Kids After Divorce: Part 2</a></li><li><a title=" Part 3" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/over-scheduled-child-raising-kids-after-divorce-2">The Over-Scheduled Child: Raising Kids After Divorce: Part 3</a></li><li><a title=" Part 4" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/over-scheduled-child-raising-kids-after-divorce-1">The Over-Scheduled Child: Raising Kids After Divorce: Part 4</a></li><li><a title=" Part 5" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resource_directory/kids-family-and-divorce#">The Over-Scheduled Child: Raising Kids After Divorce: Part 5</a></li><li><a title=" Part 6" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/over-scheduled-child-raising-kids-after-divorce">The Over-Scheduled Child: Raising Kids After Divorce: Part 6</a></li></ul> <h3>Parenting in Two Households</h3> <ul><li><a title="When Kids of Divorce Fly Solo - 10 Important Tips" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/when-kids-divorce-fly-solo-10-important-tips">When Kids of Divorce Fly Solo - 10 Important Tips</a></li><li><a title=" 7 Tips from a Child of Divorce" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/managing-education-two-homes-7-tips-child-divorce">Managing Education from Two Homes: 7 Tips from a Child of Divorce</a></li><li><a title=" Tips for Post-Divorce Parenting and Schooling" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/negotiating-school-nights-tips-post-divorce-parenting-and-schooling">Negotiating School Nights: Tips for Post-Divorce Parenting and Schooling</a></li><li><a title="Got Pain? 6 Keys to Partnership Parenting" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/got-pain-6-keys-partnership-parenting">Got Pain? 6 Keys to Partnership Parenting</a></li><li><a title=" When Your Kid Doesn't Want To Go To Daddy's" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/child-divorce-when-your-kid-doesnt-want-go-daddys">From a Child Of Divorce: When Your Kid Doesn't Want to Go to Daddy's</a></li><li><a title="School Plays and Other Disasters with the Ex" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/school-plays-and-other-disasters-ex">School Plays and Other Disasters with the Ex</a></li><li><a title=" Should My Ex Be at the Games?" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resource_directory/kids-family-and-divorce#">Q: Should My Ex Be at the Games?</a></li><li><a title="Q & A on Parenting In Two Households" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/q-parenting-two-households">Q & A on Parenting in Two Households</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/co-parenting-teen-crisis">Co-Parenting a Teen in Crisis</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/keeping-faith-how-raise-child-two-post-divorce-religions">Keeping the Faith: How to Raise a Child With Two Post-Divorce Religions</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-get-over-drama-ex-laws">How to Get Over the Drama With the Ex-Laws </a></li><li><a title="Etiquette Tips For Parent Visitation" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/etiquette-tips-parent-visitation">Etiquette Tips for Parent Visitation</a></li><li><a title="How to Talk to Your Kids When Your Ex Won't Pay" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-talk-your-kids-when-your-ex-will-not-pay">How to Talk to Your Kids When Your Ex Will Not Pay</a></li></ul> <h3>Child Support</h3> <ul><li><a title="Q & A On Child Support" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/q-child-support">Q & A on Child Support</a></li><li><a title="Getting More Child Support for Your Children" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/getting-more-child-support-your-children">Getting More Child Support for Your Children</a></li><li><a title="How The Court Determines Your Child Support" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-court-determines-your-child-support">How the Court Determines Your Child Support</a></li><li><a title=" In-Laws, Divorce & Custody" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/granny-middle-laws-divorce-custody">Granny in the Middle: In-Laws, Divorce & Custody</a></li><li><a title="How To Ask Your Ex For More Money" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-ask-your-ex-more-money">How to Ask Your Ex for More Money</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/getting-support-you-need">Getting the Support You Need (video)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/real-life-child-support-stories">Real Life Child Support Stories (video)</a></li></ul> <h3>Child Custody</h3> <ul><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/dont-let-custody-be-tug-war">Don't Let Custody Be a Tug Of War (video)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/who-gets-kids">Who Gets Custody of the Kids? (video)</a></li><li><a title="Custody During Legal Separation" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/custody-during-legal-separation">Child Custody During Legal Separation</a></li><li><a title="Q & A on Making Child Custody Work" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/q-making-child-custody-work">Q & A on Making Child Custody Work</a></li><li><a title="Q & A on Child Custody" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/q-child-custody">Q & A on Child Custody</a></li><li><a title="Custody Arrangements That Work For The Children" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/custody-arrangements-work-children">Custody Arrangements That Work for the Children</a><a title="Q & A on Child Custody" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/q-child-custody"><br /> </a></li><li><a title=" What You Need To Know" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/legal-physical-custody-what-you-need-know">Legal & Physical Custody: What You Need to Know</a></li><li><a title="Key Custody Issues" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/key-custody-issues">Key Custody Issues</a></li></ul> <h3>Preparing for Custody Evaluations</h3> <ul><li><a title="Preparing Your Home to Make the Best Impression with the Child Custody Evaluator" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/preparing-your-home-make-best-impression-child-custody-evaluator">Preparing Your Home to Make the Best Impression with the Child Custody Evaluator</a></li><li><a title="Red Flags to Avoid During Custody Evaluations" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/red-flags-avoid-during-custody-evaluations">Red Flags to Avoid During Custody Evaluations</a></li></ul> <h3>Blended Families<a title="A Blended Family Wedding" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-navigate-blended-family-wedding"><br /></a></h3> <ul><li><a title="A Blended Family Graduation" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/blended-family-graduation">A Blended Family Graduation</a></li><li><a title="Having A Full Relationship With The Steps And Halves" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/having-full-relationship-steps-and-halves">Having a Full Relationship with the Steps and Halves</a></li><li><a title="What To Do When Your Kids Hate The Step-Mom" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/what-do-when-your-kids-hate-step-mom">What to Do When Your Kids Hate the Step-Mom</a></li><li><a title="Managing Your Emotions In Your New Blended Family" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/managing-your-emotions-your-new-blended-family">Managing Your Emotions in Your New Blended Family</a></li><li><a title="Creating Blended Family Memories" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/creating-blended-family-memories">Creating Blended Family Memories</a></li><li><a title="How You Feel About Your Kid's New Siblings" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-you-feel-about-your-kids-new-siblings">How You Feel About Your Kid's New Siblings</a></li><li><a title="Can You Be Friends With Your Ex's New Wife?" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/can-you-be-friends-your-exs-new-wife">Can You Be Friends With Your Ex's New Wife?</a></li><li><a title="Blending Family Values" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/blending-family-values">Blending Family Values</a></li><li><a title="Resenting His New Family" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/kathy-kaehler/resenting-his-new-family">Resenting His New Family</a></li><li><a title=" How Step-Moms Can Get Some Love" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/step-lightly-how-step-moms-can-get-some-love">Step Lightly: How Step-Moms Can Get Some Love</a></li><li><a title="Creating Two Post-Divorce Homes" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/creating-two-post-divorce-homes">Creating Two Post-Divorce Homes</a></li><li><a title="How to Navigate a Blended Family Wedding" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/how-navigate-blended-family-wedding">How to Navigate a Blended Family Wedding</a></li><li><a title="Six Ways to Help Kids Adjust to a Step-Parent" href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/six-ways-help-kids-adjust-step-parent">Six Ways to Help Kids Adjust to a Step-Parent</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/legal-rights-step-parents">The Legal Rights of Step-Parents (video)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/debbie-does-divorce-blended-family-holiday-3-pitfalls-avo">A Blended Family Holiday: 3 Pitfalls to Avoid (video)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/debbie-does-divorce-3-tips-help-your-kids-deal-new-siblin">3 Tips to Help Your Kid(s) Deal with a New Sibling (video)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/debbie-does-divorce-first-conversation-step-mom-3-topics-">The First Conversation with the Step Mom: 3 Topics You Must Cover (video)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/debbie-does-divorce-new-blended-family-3-ways-manage-your">The New Blended Family: 3 Ways to Manage Your Emotions (video)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/three-moves-make-blending-families">3 Moves to Make in Blending Families (video)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/5-tips-making-unified-family-rules">5 Tips for Making Unified Family Rules (video)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/drop-dos-donts-leaving-kids-your-ex">The Drop-Off: Do's & Don'ts of Leaving the Kids with your Ex (video)</a></li></ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836983246152877053.post-6896262172863249922009-06-17T16:18:00.000-07:002009-06-17T16:20:38.608-07:00Commonly made mistakes when negotiating a divorce settlement<h2><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/6-mistakes-avoid-divorce-settlement-process">6 Mistakes to Avoid in the Divorce Settlement Process</a></h2> <span class="meta"> </span><!-- /meta --> <!-- /unpublished --> <span class="bodyimage"><img src="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/Contentfull/uploads/video_pictures/iStock_000000498169XSmall.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-Contentfull imagecache-default imagecache-Contentfull_default" height="400" width="300" /></span> <!-- /image --> <p>Maintaining your financial security is one of your most important considerations when faced with divorce. Your main concern should be negotiating the best possible settlement agreement — one you know you can live with after the ink dries on your divorce decree.</p> <p>There are many steps you can take to ensure you will come through the process financially secure. Below is a list of some commonly made mistakes when negotiating a divorce settlement — make sure you don't fall victim to them!</p> <p><strong>1. Never agree to a termination date for spousal support or alimony if the law does not require it.</strong> Make sure the wording in your divorce decree states that this issue has to be revisited in court before payments can stop. You may continue to need financial assistance from your ex-spouse past a date in your decree. You want to have the option of arguing against modification of support in court.</p> <p><strong>2. Never use the same attorney that your husband is using.</strong> So many women fall prey to this and end up regretting it later. Your husband's attorney is being paid to protect your husband's interests. You need an attorney who will protect your interests. Using one attorney will save money in the short-term but you will likely pay for it in the long-term.</p> <p><strong>3. If your husband assumes any debt that is jointly held, make sure your name is removed from the accounts</strong>. Do this before your divorce is final. If he refuses to pay after the divorce, you don't want your credit score negatively affected by his defiance.</p> <p><strong>4. Don't fight for assets you can't afford to maintain.</strong> Houses, boats, vacation homes, and automobiles all come with their own expenses. If your post-divorce budget is not going to allow you to keep up with those expenses then let those assets go. So many women fight to keep the family home — they feel it is important for their children to remain in the home they grew up in. In the end, these women suffer financially and live daily with the stress of having a home they can't afford.</p> <p><strong>5. If you have children who will one day go to college, make sure those expenses are negotiated now.</strong> Most states do not require a non-custodial parent to help with college expenses. Addressing this issue at the time of divorce will hopefully keep you from having to pay for college alone.</p> <p><strong>6. Finally, NEVER sign your final divorce decree without fully reading and comprehending every word.</strong> If you have doubts about what you read, don't allow anyone to make you feel guilty about not wanting to sign it. Don't sign your name to it until you are 100% satisfied with your settlement and the wording in the decree.</p> <p><em>Cathy Meyer is the head of <a href="http://divorcesupport.about.com/">About.com's Divorce Support channel</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Related Articles:<br /></em></p> <p><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/resource-articles/10-tips-managing-your-settlement"><em><strong>10 Tips for Managing Your Settlement</strong></em></a><em>, by Kate Vunic<br /></em></p> <p><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resources/debbie-nigro/debbie-does-divorce/how-renegotiate-divorce-settlement"><em><strong>How to Renegotiate a Divorce Settlement</strong></em></a><em>, with Laurie Puhn (video)<br /></em></p> <p><em>Click the following for more articles and resource videos on </em><a href="http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resource_directory/getting-divorce"><em><strong>Getting A Divorce</strong></em></a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836983246152877053.post-9630975808927441072009-06-17T16:02:00.001-07:002009-06-17T16:02:17.927-07:00I Missed Being Me: When Your Life Depends on it...<blockquote cite="http://imissedbeingme.blogspot.com/2009/04/when-your-life-depends-on-it.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35_-ezZc1zeLVA99CAriUGLxQ1KOZ7z3bP0y5PH1S7NHfyqdLjoYsmyQNzJPr7ve6TY2wRHovFxNF39nKlxC_xvzVSo7SmAiaMdMXKglZDfbRtW8qnuT9QYIbDNE0irggWM9qsUu7rBJ_/s400/MOMOfinalPC.jpg" /></blockquote><cite cite="http://imissedbeingme.blogspot.com/2009/04/when-your-life-depends-on-it.html"><a href="http://imissedbeingme.blogspot.com/2009/04/when-your-life-depends-on-it.html">I Missed Being Me: When Your Life Depends on it...</a></cite>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836983246152877053.post-84330972550840639312009-05-06T21:34:00.000-07:002009-05-06T21:37:02.842-07:00My futile yet determined effort to "google the answer" towards a healthy divorce<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40); font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; "><h1 class="caption-blue" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 18px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 12px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; line-height: 31px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-color: rgb(81, 165, 209); "><a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Pre_Divorce_Agreements_Post_Divorce_Financial_Security.html">Other Articles On</a><br /></h1><div id="articles_list" style="padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; "><strong style="margin-bottom: 10px; ">Divorce</strong><ul style="list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; "><a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Divorce_Acceptance_of_Your_New_Reality.html" style="font-family: Tahoma; color: rgb(42, 107, 147); text-decoration: underline; font-size: 11px; ">Divorce: Acceptance of Your New Reality</a></li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; "><a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Managing_Your_Finances_During_Divorce.html" style="font-family: Tahoma; color: rgb(42, 107, 147); text-decoration: underline; font-size: 11px; ">Managing Your Finances During Divorce</a></li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; "><a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Divorce_Stress_Navigating_New_Household_Routines.html" style="font-family: Tahoma; color: rgb(42, 107, 147); text-decoration: underline; font-size: 11px; ">Divorce Stress? Navigating New Household Routines</a></li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; "><a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Divorce_Stress_Asking_for_Help_During_Following_Separation.html" style="font-family: Tahoma; color: rgb(42, 107, 147); text-decoration: underline; font-size: 11px; ">Divorce Stress? Asking for Help During/Following Separation</a></li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; "><a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Divorce_Stress_Coping_with_Loneliness_on_the_Roller-Coaster.html" style="font-family: Tahoma; color: rgb(42, 107, 147); text-decoration: underline; font-size: 11px; ">Divorce Stress? Coping with Loneliness on the Roller-Coaster</a></li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; "><a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Marriage_Divorce_and_the_Economy_No_Excuse_for_Irresponsible_Parenting.html" style="font-family: Tahoma; color: rgb(42, 107, 147); text-decoration: underline; font-size: 11px; ">Marriage, Divorce, and the Economy: No Excuse for Irresponsible Parenting</a></li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; "><a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Growing_Through_Divorce.html" style="font-family: Tahoma; color: rgb(42, 107, 147); text-decoration: underline; font-size: 11px; ">Growing Through Divorce</a></li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; "><a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/The_Five_Obstacles_to_Agreement.html" style="font-family: Tahoma; color: rgb(42, 107, 147); text-decoration: underline; font-size: 11px; ">The Five Obstacles to Agreement</a></li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; "><a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/5_Things_You_Must_Know_Before_Saying_I_Want_a_Divorce.html" style="font-family: Tahoma; color: rgb(42, 107, 147); text-decoration: underline; font-size: 11px; ">5 Things You Must Know Before Saying 'I Want a Divorce'</a></li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; "><a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/The_Good_Divorce_A_Model_to_Follow.html" style="font-family: Tahoma; color: rgb(42, 107, 147); text-decoration: underline; font-size: 11px; ">The Good Divorce: A Model to Follow</a></li></ul><hr style="height: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(82, 163, 206); border-right-color: rgb(82, 163, 206); border-bottom-color: rgb(82, 163, 206); border-left-color: rgb(82, 163, 206); "><a href="http://www.selfgrowth.com/divorce_articles.html" style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Tahoma; color: rgb(42, 107, 147); text-decoration: underline; font-size: 11px; ">See All Articles on Divorce</a></div></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836983246152877053.post-35036485766775904012009-05-05T22:56:00.000-07:002009-05-06T22:03:29.727-07:00Stop Hurting Papa's Little Girls<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><div>Papa, I can't help but feel that people are taking advantage of the fact that our protector, you, is gone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our hearts ache for you, my girls (and myself) need you here, so very much. </div><div><br /></div><div>And the "self-victimized" (soon to be ex-family) ones continue to torment us...and it's Grandparents this Friday at Anna's school and you won't be here...and you know who decided to attend this year smugly will be...and, now God is taking our beloved Grandma Great as well, it's too much, Papa...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSBwWJsOtFslTEbXkupOwwbQ-lUItJP3QP7CEMer2x9e4nhEGVhLLklhba2dUvldwA2_hjd1leV7FO1Bmq41-tlaJVgTtT_Lq3W0HJ6ORh-ZJO84guu7pHD1VGDs0cTU32FmGJLAf4M9l/s1600-h/song.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSBwWJsOtFslTEbXkupOwwbQ-lUItJP3QP7CEMer2x9e4nhEGVhLLklhba2dUvldwA2_hjd1leV7FO1Bmq41-tlaJVgTtT_Lq3W0HJ6ORh-ZJO84guu7pHD1VGDs0cTU32FmGJLAf4M9l/s400/song.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332592023972101442" /></a>What is with the world today?<div> </div><div>When did it become okay to not care? </div><div> </div><div>When did parents stop teaching their children compassion? </div><div> </div><div>Why isn't my child receiving the support and tender care that her broken little heart so desperately needs?</div><div> </div><div>Is it okay now to not be nice? </div><div> </div><div>Are people really this self-saturated, cruel and/or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">apathetic</span> to not factor in and/or give any weight or sensitivity to the past year of literal living hell that my eldest daughter has been forced to endure?</div><div> </div><div>I feel like I recently woke up only to live in a nightmare...and I am devastated and horrified by what I see. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe I've been so damn busy trying to teach my own children compassion, empathy and understanding that I have completely ignored the vile and cruel behavior of some neighbor friends, teachers and even some relatives towards my little girl.</div><div> </div><div>I am sickened by what I see. </div><div> </div><div>Sometimes I wish I could scream at the entire universe to "stop hurting my little girls!</div><div> </div><div>I'm so sorry, sweet ones...I'm so sorry that I didn't protect you enough sooner, Mama will take care of you and we will be okay, I promise.</div><div> </div><div>He holds us in the palm of His hand...never forget...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">xoxoxo</span></span></div><div> </div></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12315837579262893019noreply@blogger.com0