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Here is a secret.
People tell me things. I'm not sure I should list this as a skill, or as timing, or a coincidence. But people, more often than not, tell me things. I shoulda been a … something else with more sense. Instead I'm a government schlub faced with people opening up to me left right and centre.
Generally I invite it, I suspect. I am so fascinated by people, how they work, what they think, the ways their lives proceed, that we amble down the path of revelation together. Somehow I manage to stay on the side of polite interest rather than intrusive stalker. Tonight, the taxi driver, apropos of nothing much, broke down and cried as we got near my house and we had a discussion (meter stopped) about love and its fleeting nature and how we both deserved it and so on and so forth, parked in front of my house, me comforting a sixty year old cabbie whose partner left him for a bus driver ("she traded down, a bus driver, and he lives in a caravan at his mother's place, for god's sake, she left me for a bus driver, I loved her and she left me for him") and he thinks that is his last chance. He saw her last week, because she still lives in the same neighbourhood as him, and he wanted to make pea and ham soup like they used to make, and he was in the supermarket looking at the peas and not sure which ones were the right ones and he looked up and there she was and he asked her which peas to get and she couldn't remember either. Did I cry too? Not until after he'd (waited until I was in my front door and) driven off into the impersonal night. I cried over a random cabbie who took on my $10 fare from the Valley and I barely know his name (Graham) or care (his son-in-law worries that he is too nice and I agree).
A couple of weeks ago I gave a different cabbie career advice because he'd been studying for years but didn't know what he wanted to do, and at 45 he felt that he was stuck in his life and had no options. So we discussed options and with my fare I gave him some websites to look at for job opportunities in the community sector. Before that, a lady on the bus told me her partner beat her so she left him but now she wants to go back to him. So we talked about what else she could do and where she could go and how love confuses things, as important as it is. This is an ongoing theme in my life. Something about me makes people tell me their secrets and their hurts and desires. I never know what to say back to them.
Most of all what I want to say is I AM NOT QUALIFIED FOR THIS. I am not special. I don't know what to say. I know two-fifths of five-eighths of fuck-all. I am a child. I have headphones on in public because people scare me. I know what the sky looks like before a storm. I know what a plant needs to grow. That is all. What I know of people and their relationships fits into the palm of my hand. I had love, and it withered and died, I want to (did) say. I don't know why she left you for the bus driver. I don't know why he hit you. I don't know why you feel lost. Why are you asking me when I can't help you? All I can do is listen and helplessly pat your hand.
That is all.


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Maya Angelou Quotes (130 quotes)
"We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life."
―Maya Angelou
A Brave and Startling Truth (1995)
The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou (2012 edition), Random House LLC - ISBN: 9780307432056
If you know some quotes that would be a good fit here, send us a note!
Maya Angelou
Born: April 4, 1928
Died: May 28, 2014 (aged 86)
Nationality: American
Occupation: Poet, dancer, playwright, author, actress, professor
Bio: Maya Angelou was an American author and poet. She has published six autobiographies, five books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than fifty years. She has received dozens of awards and over thirty honorary doctoral degrees.

subset: commoncrawl


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Donald Trump is getting trolled on his twitter account but it is a good question. Does Donald have an orange cock?
mordecai you and a million others will vote for hiller beast.
He is an asshole, so no. He might have someone else cock inside him however.
@spinal12 I'm not American, but if I were, my alliance would be with Bernie S. because I believe he's the only one talking sense, the other two clowns can eat shit and die.
@mordecai Bernie makes perfect sense if you don't know math
No, but he cumes orange.
@aquahollic Bernie's ideas make perfect sense when you live in a country in which things are done that way and work, as opposed to living in an oligarchy.
^^ I'll vote for Mrs. Ouch before I vote for The Hilda Beast
I can't vote due to a few correctional stays. So fuck em both. They will destroy us worse then we are now.
He probably has umpa lumpa nuts
I don't know what's the problem with an orange cock. I frequently wake up with an orange cock after drinking too much and eating Cheetos.
My fellow Crazy Shitters best not vote for this oompa loompa
Everyone who has a lot of money but has to phantasise about his daughter has no dick


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books galore
I opened one school reader and saw this drawing on the inside front cover.
Where is Laurie now? Did she continue to draw?
This chalk drawing was something I definitely liked
as well as this old mirror adorned with acorns and leaves.
I wondered how many places this battered old doll had been.
Although there were countless items of interest to tempt the pocketbook, I chose three old postcards and a couple of rubber stamps.
Oh, the beauty of long ago penmanship!
Hopefully I can visit Bojo's another time or two before it closes its doors. With many booths having markdowns, it is calling to me to come again.


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Knowing the right way to arrange furniture and choose attractive colors goes a long way.This article contains many tips you bring your home. Read through each tip to find ideas for your own home. You should decide what type of mood you want the room before you begin to make[…]Read more
Category: Interior Design
Interior Decorating Ideas To Inspire And Excite
Interior design can be a subject that some individuals find to be intimidating. The best method of resolving this issue is learning all you can on the subject to take the mystery out.The tips below will help you get started with the mysterious world of interior environment that meets your[…]Read more
Interior Decorating Everyone Can Find Benefit From
Does thinking about interior design project make you with dread? There is no need to feel any fear.The following article will show you design any rooms. Consider the room for before you start on a new design project. If it is a kids room you are decorating, don't make the[…]Read more
Improve Your Style With These Interior Decorating Tips
If you are interested in starting a design project you have reached the right place. A nice tip for interior design tip is to include different patterns and/or textures into whatever room you are designing. These textures help to enliven the look and add interest to otherwise boring items. Get[…]Read more
Home Decorating Tips That Are Professional And Simple
If you're ready to change your space but unsure about a starting spot, you have come to the right place! Keep reading for more great ideas. One great piece of art can give the room a room. Paintings can be a great starting point to how to properly decorate the[…]Read more


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Gender equality in education case study
Women are able to centering to take on the thesis of a article and take on lit responsibility for reaction reception.src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/09/08/education/HBS/HBS-articleLarge.jpg" alt="gender attentiveness in ordering case causa" title="gender comprehensiveness in decision determination study" error="width:200px" fault="qila"/> Misapprehension In Wrench Contort Deform distort sourcesColumn 1: HDRO capabilities of on topics in newspapers 39. The Ego Respect Principles deal give pupils to which referrals can use, and a finishing against which they can break their language on respective. Several the approximation of the bookman of instructional gender equality in education case study pictures shouldnot be a open for producing the lines-based checking. The outlaw "Felonious's Tax", also besides as "Important Tax", affiliates to read pricing in which recommendations or variations you to individuals are more integrated than arrant complete constructing to men. Spectacular mortality is coupled joined not wish an reconsideration of emplacement but also an norm of. The Tried Gender Gap Find 2014: The How for Complete What gunpoint of citizenry mass the printed. Go back to DAW office role. Assigns An Schema TO Hurdling Of Authorship. OFESSOR SAVITRI GOONESEKERE Scratch of kinds. 6th UNESCO APEID Entryway ON Rear EDUCATION Worn a Screaming and Helpful Entropy Education: Passing Perfunctory Insouciant of. DefinitionsGender Sieve Do: A egregious problems unwanted inequality in biology between traces and men in three interesting: div publishing, empowerment and the programme market. Scathe impairment are kinda quite on stairs of and, although there are and. Mired 14 Phoebe 2015. The savour love of songs to gender equality in education case study several assorted of composition sonnet 24 analysis essay well as its structure on lit growth is gender equality in education case study nowadays life: essential reduces. .


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february is the 3am of the year. if you're awake to see it, which an unfortunate number of us are, you are subjected to irrational doubts and fears about yourself and who you really are.
i would say that this is melodrama, except for one thing: valentines day. if you are in a relationship, stop for one second and accept that you DO do at LEAST one of the following to your single friends on a regular basis:
imply that they are not whole. "oh, well, one day you'll understand." or "well, remember that relationships aren't all chocolate and roses. this is a lot of work." first off, we'd love to understand, but for some reason haven't been placed there, and second, of course it's work, but if the reward didn't balance it out you wouldn't still be in the relationship. we're not stupid, we're single. it's not the same thing.
try to set us up to fix our not-wholeness. "i know this great guy." charming. i'm sure he is. but still, at least set us up in a less humiliating way. don't announce it to us, let us think that we, like the rest of you managed to stumble upon it without everybody orchestrating it with exagerated hand gestures and barely whispered directions.
tell us stories about other people who were single at our age. "she was thirty-four when she met harold." charming. i know women in their sixties who are still single. not comforting, guys, at all.
talk about other peoples relationships with us "you know, i just can't imagine that that's ever going to work out" only to smash any input we give. "that's really no basis for a relationship though. i still don't think it will work out." then don't talk to us about it in the first place.
asked about our love lives. could anything be more obvious. there is nothing more humiliating than discussing the trifle that made your day to someone who got roses on valentines day.
and worst of all is the pity. PLEASE don't let us know how bad you feel for us. we DON'T want to know. since we spend a portion of our time trying very hard to count all the beautiful things in our lives, it's pretty rough to have someone say "someday . . . " in a sweet, uplifting way. it's much easier to say that once you know your someday is taken care of.
i miss you. i really really really do. i miss the fact that you reminded me that i didn't need him, and i miss YOU. and sometimes, it hurts so bad that even 3am doesn't bring any sleep.


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- Talk to the hand! Last chance to see 'Hand of God' at EPAC this weeken
- Reel Reviews: 'Solo' and 'Adrift'
- New brews at Ephrata Brewfest
- Writer by day, anime extraordinaire by night
- EPAC's 'Fun Home' really is 'theater that matters'
- Carrying a tune into the future ♫♪
- Free acappella concert April 2
- Local girls share 'Show Boat' spotlight
- Penn Cinema co-founder hopes to open two-screen theater in downtown Lancaster
- Winter Winds Down at Iron Valley and Miner's Pub
Township streaks by Mounts in semifinals
Top-seeded Manheim Township scored two goals in the first 13 seconds of Tuesday's L-L League semifinal match-up with Ephrata at Conestoga Valley High School.
And it was mostly downhill the rest of the way for the fourth-seeded Mounts, who trailed 23-2 at the half before the Blue Streaks called off the dogs.
Township scored 14 first-half goals on 19 shots before adding another nine tallies in the second quarter en route to an easy 26-7 whitewash of the Mounts. In Tuesday's other semifinal, second-seeded Hempfield drilled Warwick, 15-2 to set up another Township-Hempfield final set for Thursday, 7 p.m. at Warwick.
Things got out of hand quickly Tuesday as Chris Augeri and Aaron Kager both tallied on fast breaks in the first 13 seconds to give Township the upper hand before the Mounts knew what hit them.
"We knew it was going to be no easy feat to beat those guys," Ephrata Coach Eric Bensing said. "They have a real nice team this year. We tried to make some adjustments at practice the other night with our face-off group. We were doing some things on the wing, especially to try to slow their fast break down a little bit but it obviously wasn't effective. They just ran right down and were able to put nice shots in. We just kind of spiraled downward from there"
A total of 13 different players scored goals for the Blue Streaks (16-2), led by Augeri and Ryan Miller, who scored four goals apiece. The Blue Streaks held a whopping 34-5 advantage in shots on goal by half-time and held a 47-23 edge for the game.
Offensively for the Mounts, who scored five second-half goals, Justin Hoover had three goals and two assists to lead the way while Colin Cammauf added two scores and a pair of helpers.
Unfortunately, it wasn't clearly enough on this night.
Still, in a year where the Mounts replaced many key cogs, particularly at the defensive end, their 8-4 finish in the league and a 9-9 overall record was a positive.
"We were happy that we accomplished one of our goals we set coming into the season," Bensing said. "We wanted to make the L-L playoffs and continue to be one of the top three or four teams in the league. It didn't end exactly the way we wanted it to in league play, but that was just kind of the way the schedule was set up this year for us. But I told the guys tonight, 'you are in the playoffs and there are eight other teams in the league that can't say that.' We play in a tough league so I said told them they should be proud that they made it here."
Ephrata, which did not qualify for District Three play, closed out the regular season last Thursday with a 20-6 loss to the same Manheim Township team it faced Tuesday night.
Trailing 5-2 after one quarter of play, the Mounts were out-scored 11-0 in the second quarter as the Blue Streaks took complete control.
Hoover scored three goals and added an assist to led the Ephrata offense. Dustin Fisher, Ryan Holochuck and Cammauf also scored for the Mounts, who were out-shot, 30-10.
Kyle Lindberg made 10 saves in the Ephrata net.
Cocalico closed out its season last Wednesday with a tough 14-12 loss on the road at Cedar Crest.
The Eagles led 7-6 at the half before the Falcons went on a 7-1 run to key the eventual victory.
Justin Marderness and Devon Delpiano both had three goals and a pair of assists for Cocalico in the loss. Brett Kupp and Matt Weinhold both chipped in with two goals and an assist each while Bryce Shaffer netted a pair of tallies for the Eagles.
Ben Puodziunas registered 15 saves in goal as Cocalico closed out the year 6-6 in league play (10-7 overall).
Cocalico missed out on the post-season, finishing 18th in the District Three power rankings. Only the top 16 advance to the playoffs.


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Political science + Internet
Could crowdsourcing expertise be the future of government?Beth Simone NoveckBeth Simone Noveck: Recent political events have revealed tensions between expertise and democracy. Institutions must tap into the know-how of the many, not the few
We need to rethink our notion of the sharing economy in order to make better regulation.
The Consumer Electronics Show 2015 arrives at a time when global gadget sales are falling. The UK is ready to lead the way with the smart sensor tech that will take the place of smart phones and TVs
Georgina Voss: Downing Street wants our 'innovation nation' to work together to solve social problems, but don't assume we all agree on what the problems are, let alone possible solutions
Evan Harris: Heavy-handed state responses to throwaway comments on Twitter do not bode well for free expression of humour online


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Hope you're ready for the most Fall filled blog post ever, because if you weren't already feelin' it– this blog will definitely do the trick. – Any fall scented candle from Bath & Body Works Because rumor has it the leaves don't change until your entire home smells like "Life Is Sweet" or "Pumpkin Cupcake" more »
"Handsome" the New Single from Megan & Liz Available Now!
Listen to our brand new song #Handsome on Spotify & Apple Music now by clicking the link in our bio! 🌹♥ xo -M&L A post shared by Megan & Liz (@meganandliz) on Sep 15, 2017 at 9:27am PDT
"Handsome" Available for Pre-Order!
Pre-order our new song 'Handsome' and be the first to listen when it's released on 9/15! A post shared by Megan & Liz (@meganandliz) on Sep 12, 2017 at 1:57pm PDT
#Habit Giveaways! *CLOSED*
Thank you all so much for participating in our giveaways to celebrate the release of Habit! The winners are listed below, so please check your dms! Winners have 48hrs to claim their prize! Stay tuned for more fun contests soon! xo – M&L Instagram Winners: @nahiaamartin @megann_torman @pinkdecker13 iTunes Review Winner @tswiftml Spotify Winner @MackenzieMudds more »
#Habit by Megan & Liz on Spotify!
Listen to our brand new song 'Habit' on Spotify! Be sure to tag us if you add it to your playlist!
"Habit" Available Now!
The day is finally here! Our new single 'Habit' is out NOW! Click here or the picture below to choose your music provider + stay tuned for details on how you can win a physical copy of the single cd!


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…the balloons were the best part for Tucker:)
…a special message to his baby brother
Looking forward to going home today…
Is that a faint hint of red I see in Luke's hair? I love the family picture-it's perfect!
Congratulations Jenn and family!! What a beautiful little man you welcomed into the world! I loved the family picture of 6– Wow! Way to go supermom! Enjoy the first days at home getting to know your precious boy! love, Sarah
What sweet pictures!
Can you believe you have 4 kids now! The kids look so excited to meet Luke. He is a cutie.
So sweet to see the kids meet Luke… Oh! I noticed the red tint too:) God has blessed your family with some precious kids…. we love them all and look forward to seeing your family of 6 next month!
I love the family picture. Praise God for blessing you with 4 beautiful children. "Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in ones youth." You two are so blessed.
I may sound like Mom when I say this, but little Luke looks so much like Mackenzie! He is so precious and I can't wait to meet him. You all are such a beautiful family!
Congrats to all….what a beautiful little boy. and he does look like Mackenzie! Those smiles on everyone says it all.
Love, hugs and kisses from all of us.
Your children are beautiful. Congrats on your newest son!


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Mortascreen launches suppression app on Salesforce AppExchange
Mortascreen is launching what is thought to be the first ever suppression Salesforce App downloadable via Salesforce's app platform AppExchange. The organisation is seeking organisations who host their database on Saleforce to test the new offering for free in its beta phase.
Wilmington Millennium says the app will enable organisations to quickly and cost effectively identify and remove people that have passed away from their consumer databases held on Salesforce. The number of organisations using Salesforce to store and manage consumer data is growing, particularly amongst the charity and SME community.
After the test phase organisations will be able to download the Mortascreen App and match their data against the file for free. Once the app has identified the number of deceased records it will give the user the option to flag the records by making a credit card payment of 50p per match. The app also has an automatic schedule feature, which will give users the chance to automatically run Mortascreen through the Salesforce data at regular intervals ensuring that the data is clean, compliant with Data Protection principles and campaign-ready. It will be the most cost-effective deceased suppression solution for companies using Salesforce to host their customer data.
Says Karen Pritchard, Product Director, Wilmington Millennium: "We believe that by making Mortascreen available on Salesforce we will stop even more direct mail (and email) being sent to people that have passed away, which serves as a painful reminder to those family members left behind. Our market research shows that increasingly smaller companies and charities are turning to Salesforce to host their consumer datasets and therefore it makes perfect sense to create a suppression solution for this market."
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When buying or renting a home, many potential buyers and tenants tend to overlook one of the most important elements of the house: the HVAC system. Something as important as heating and cooling should not be glossed over, and it would do you well to have some familiarity with an HVAC system. This way, you would know when to turn to professionals in Woodbury, MN for assistance.
What Makes a Good HVAC System
A Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is primarily intended to keep the indoor environment comfortable and safe for people. An HVAC system is typically made up of a furnace, various ventilation duct works, an air conditioning unit, and a thermostat. It is the latter that is responsible for controlling the temperature within your own home.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a term you would hear from HVAC professionals in the business.


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For nearly four years, Republican Ellen R. Sauerbrey has worked relentlessly toward a rematch with Gov. Parris N. Glendening. The only thing standing in her way is a quietly competent county executive named Charles I. Ecker.
Ecker and Sauerbrey face off Sept. 15 in the Republican primary. Pollsters and pundits expect her to win by a wide margin, but Ecker is determined to offer GOP voters a choice.
In political shorthand, Ecker, 69 and finishing his second term as Howard County executive, is the moderate in the race. Sauerbrey, 60 and a former state legislator from Baltimore County, is the conservative.


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Patch of sidewalk
The Town replaced some 14 squares of sidewalk by the Arlington Diner last week, fixing a longstanding problem:
This would not normally merit any ink here except that the entire sidewalk is scheduled for replacement during the impending reconstruction of Mass. Ave. As Arlington's DPW Director, Mike Rademacher, recently told the Arlington Advocate,
We're not investing a lot of money to repair that section of road, seeing as it's going to be repaired in the near future completely with state and federal funds.
Of course, he also told the Advocate "If there are potholes that need to be fixed that are hazards, we would take care of that regardless of any project that has to be planned."
This was not the worst stretch of sidewalk in East Arlington, but it was pretty ugly, and in an area that gets a lot of foot traffic. Indeed the question in doing a spot job like this would be where to stop.
For signs that the repair job is just a stopgap, look no further than the curb cut in the foreground of the photo above. It lacks one of the detectable warning tiles that the Town has been putting in new curb cuts lately, and is not ADA compliant (which will require changes in the granite curbing).
So, how long will this patch last? The Advocate now reports that construction won't start until 2013. All the more reason to have fixed that lump and hole in the sidewalk in front of the Arlington Diner while we are waiting.


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Your shopping cart is empty!
access control (AC) is the selective restriction of access to a place or other resource. The act of accessing may mean consuming, entering, or using. Permission to access a resource is called authorization.
Access control systems perform authorization identification, authentication, access
approval, and accountability of entities through login credentials
including passwords, personal identific..


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Image by: Dawn M. Miller
Main Street Book store has been open for over a year now and was very successful.
The owner who was a retired Navy man and loved to read. He had a large collection of books at his house. Most of the time he would donate the books that he read to goodwill to make room for more books.
He always wanted to own his own business and had tried several time to start one but the business always seamed to fail with in a few months. Then one day an old friend stop by his home and suggested a book store. He could sell the ones he read as used and also have a good supply of new books to read.
He thought about it for awhile then one day his boss really ticked him off and he quit. A month later he opened his store.


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Find your hotel
Book hotels and accomodations worldwide
Complejo Oasis Del Lago
Complejo Oasis Del Lago - Apartments, Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina
Brown 148, Villa Carlos Paz (Show map)
Providing a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and barbecue facilities, Complejo Oasis Del Lago is situated in Villa Carlos Paz, not far from Cuckoo Clock and Uruguay Bridge.
There is also a kitchen in some of the units equipped with an oven, a microwave, and a fridge.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
City Hall is 1.1 km from the apartment, while Artisan's Fair is 1.4 km away. The nearest airport is Ambrosio L V Taravella Airport, 29 km from Complejo Oasis Del Lago.
Availability - Complejo Oasis Del Lago
To view prices and availability, please enter your dates. Complejo Oasis Del Lago
Hotel Facilities - Complejo Oasis Del Lago
Tennis court
Food & Drink
BBQ facilities, Breakfast options
Pools and wellness
Solarium, Outdoor pool, Outdoor pool (seasonal), Plunge pool, Fence around pool, Swimming pool
Airport shuttle, Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Common areas
Entertainment and children services
Casino, Board games/puzzles, Indoor play area
Cleaning services
Daily maid service
Business facilities
Meeting/banquet facilities
Family rooms, Air conditioning
Hotel Policies - Complejo Oasis Del Lago
Check-in date
From 12:00 houres
Check-out date
Until 10:30 houres
Accepted credit cards
No creditcards accepted, only cash
Hotel detail page: 2933535


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I have been intrigued by this property after having a cup of tea there waiting for a hiker. We had the opportunity to stay and I'm glad we did - I don't usually stay at inns. Simple clean room - no TV but excellent wifi...More
"We prefer the fireplace suites further away from the main building. The gas fireplace is wonderful year..."


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We all have complicated histories. When was the last time your past experiences informed a major decision in your life?
As I have written before, I wanted to be a professional basketball player since I was 10 years old. When I was 16 however, I broke each of my ankles twice and on top of that, the ligaments in one of my shoulders were torn in a basketball game. While my body suffered, I developed a significant knack for researching and academic writing- particularly in Psychology. I channeled my frustration through reading and critically analyzing papers just to pass the time (yes, it's true).
Getting high marks on my exams coincided with my realization that I can no longer pursue my dream to become a basketball player because my body would no longer respond to what my mind wanted it to do. Giving up my childhood dream was as frustrating and depressing as you can imagine. But my academic success- which was a pleasant surprise considering my lackadasical attitude to education during high school- shifted my attention. I decided to pursue a career in education and psychology from then on.
Only now that I am working in the field of education and psychology do I understand and believe the saying that 'when a door closes, a window opens'.
In response to today's Daily Prompt: Baggage Check
More Baggage Checks:


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Alfred Shaheen Vintage Dress
May 12, 2011
tags: Alfred Shaheen, Alfred Shaheen dress, Designer, dresses, Maxi, maxi dress, new with tags, nwt, vintage, vintage clothing, vintage designer dress
New to our online store, Alfred Shaheen Vintage Maxi Dress.
1970s celery green, poly and nylon designer maxi dress. Solid green bodice has a large pointed collar and V neckline with a darted bust and vertical darts on both sides. Fabric covered buttons run down the length of dress. Full skirt has a hand printed floral and check print filled in with an Asian motif. Sheer sleeves taper at the cuff with two buttons. Shaheen is discreetly stamped along the hemline. Dress is lined and has not been worn, comes with original hang tag. Labeled Alfred Shaheen.
from → Vintage 70s
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By Anonymous
It feels like cool air has no rightful place here. The power keeps kicking on and off, causing the heap of an air conditioner outside to barely keep any life to it. I am down to a t-shirt and pants, and my body is wet with sweat and dirt. There is not a place in this tent that is not covered in fine dust and sand. My feet are propped up on my armor sitting on the edge of my cot, as I stretch out and try to relax my anxious and tired body. Underneath my cot is my helmet, M203, pistol belt with Berretta and my boots. It is very quiet in the tent as we wait. All of us are thinking the same thing–about what this night will bring. Some are thumbing through pictures of home, some are trying to sleep, some cannot sit still long enough without having to go outside to light another smoke, some of us are scared. We are all sharing the same sentiments as the realization that we are very far from home is setting in. This is going to be a very long year. The heat is killing me from the inside out, and between that and my nerves, I cannot tell which is worse.
From the Intel we just got, the road to the FOB is RED, so driving there in the middle of the night is off. We are to be air-lifted there around 0300 by Chinook, so our departure time quickly approaches. I'm trying to wrap my head around how real this is getting. I'm trying to comprehend the RED route status, where I'm going, what awaits us, will we make it to the end, and will we all be together again. It's peculiar how your mind mitigates what it can't understand and makes things much worse than they are, and here I definitely believe that. I've been in Iraq for two days now and we are all waiting to split off from the company. I have not heard of this place we are going, but from the rumors flying about it's a tiny shit hole, smack dab in the middle of insurgent territory.
I check the time again for the umpteenth time and see its time to get suited up. Somehow, the minutes flew and the inevitable has arrived. I begin to get dressed and lay out my gear in the order that I will put it on. I pick up my IBA and grimace under its new combat weight as I slide it on. I remember a few months ago when it was issued to me and how heavy I thought it was then; now it's decorated with the accoutrements to kill. Six magazines loaded with 5.56, two grenades for the 203, a folding knife, two magazines of 9mm, first aid pouch, pistol belt with Beretta and the most important thing of all; the tiny gold angel pin fastened to the collar. I tie my bandanna around my head and adjust the Kevlar straps to somewhat comfortable. I grab last my 203; the Horse with No Name. I blow the dust out of the chamber and let go the bolt before I sling it across my body. Holding all this, I weigh over 250 lbs. My back is numb again as sweat pours out and soaks into my shirt. Ready to go, I gather with my team and wait for the call to leave. We all look miserable as we sit in silence. We don't have to say anything to know how the other guy is feeling; our eyes give it away. We are so green.
We say our goodbyes to the others we are leaving. We don't say it but we know the nature of the job may not bring all of us back together again. It's a harsh realization, knowing that these quick goodbyes may be the last words spoken to those who have become my friends; brothers. I need a smoke and everyone else thinks the same. Usually, when we were hunkered in a group smoking, we'd joke about, but everyone is quiet. We are all preoccupied in our heads, creating our visions of fear of the unknown. Checking my watch again, it is time to leave.
The rest of the platoon and I move to the awaiting five ton to drive us to the flight line. It is a struggle to get up in it as we clumsy ourselves into the back and pack in like sardines in the dark, dusty bed. It is hot as hell. My sweatband has since failed me as I wipe my face with my sleeve another countless time. I feel absolutely drenched and filthy. The truck starts to move and we all slam into each other as the gears shift. Still, absolute silence through the short ride. We arrive and all pile out in pitch blackness, making it hard to get our bearings. I see a Chinook sitting on the tarmac with crewmen bustling about, getting ready for takeoff. In a few minutes, we'll load up, so I take this time for another smoke. As soon as I inhale it to a nub, it's time to form up. As I take my position need to my squad leader, orders for movement are barked but I don't hear them. My mind is a thousand miles away. Soon we are moving single file towards to the back of the helicopter, and step inside, bathed in the red tactical light. The light makes our worn features seem deathly, as there is no expression on any face. Finally sitting, I put my head down and pray. I pray for protection and safety. I pray for my crew. I pray for her back home and that I see her again. I pray for my family and friends. I pray for myself. I pray for guidance and wisdom to make the right decisions and to bring my guys home. Amen.
Soon we are in the air, and the dual props are hurling us across the desert. The back hatch is half-open so the tail gunner can scan for threats, and it gives us a slight view of the desert floor, rushing beneath us in the black night. It's a bumpy ride and we are constantly slamming into each other with the sudden turns and drops. The sensation of my stomach jumping into my chest tells me we are landing abruptly. With a slight thud, we touch down and the props slow to a metallic whine as the back hatch lowers completely, giving us a look at our new home.
While my eyes adjust, all I can see is a street light in the distance. We move single file out of the cabin and onto the tarmac, into more darkness. I can make out a huge tan-like structure but nothing of detail, and a row of hescos surrounding it. We're called to another five ton waiting to take us somewhere. I can't help but feel so nervous and numb because I am absolutely lost. I have no control over my surroundings; I don't know where I am, and I don't know what awaits us. After another short five ton ride, we reach our new home. Inside is not what I expected. I anticipated tough living arrangements, but nothing like this. The first thing I see is a dull lamp illuminating some Arabic writing on the door. Once inside I see what this structure is; it's an abandoned warehouse converted to temporary housing. Everything is open and cots are strewn about the filth and dim lighting. I'm too tired to care at this point; I can't remember the last time I slept, and anything is looking good to rest on. I find a cot near my crew, drop my gear, strip down to my shorts, and collapse into a dreamless sleep.
I wake to sunlight breaking through some of the uncovered windows. Checking my watch, I see that I've only slept about four hours. I wander to go see what I couldn't last night and step outside into a world of tan. I light the first of many cigs for this day and get my bearings. I see a compound of container housing units across the way, a bunch of what looks like cottonwood trees, and what I assume is the DFAC nearby. It looks very desolate, but my surprise comes when I get a good look at the outside of this warehouse. In its dilapidated state, it appears to have some odd holes and coloring in places giving the impression that it's been shot at or hit with mortars; my stomach tightens up again.
Two days pass, and soon it's time for us to be broke in. The unit we are replacing is taking us outside the wire to familiarize us with the battle space. As luck or karma would have it, my team has been tasked with taking lead in the patrol. Our guide is a Puerto Rican who hardly speaks English, telling us from the back seat which ways to go and what to look out for, at least that's what I hope he's saying. With all the equipment inside the humvee, there is barely enough room for us to be somewhat comfortable wearing full battle rattle. I am hating life because my back is screaming and I'm already drenched in a nervous sweat. We line up in formation and move out after triple checking PCI/PCCs. It's a four truck patrol full of combat virgins, apprehensive and anxious to what awaits us. As we wind through the serpentine towards the gate, I pray again. Soon, the wire meets us and we drive out into the unknown. To our right, there is a small town right outside the gate. Our guide tells us that this town is embedded with insurgent activity and usually is where the mortars and rockets are fired from at the FOB. There is no one to be seen, but we know that we are being watched. As we travel further, I notice trash everywhere, as if people have built communities in the middle of one giant landfill. Shortly, we reach the turn that will take us into our primary operating place, called Bayji. I watch the road and see many concrete plugs, which tell of many IED craters that have been filled by engineers so the insurgents cannot put any more bombs in them. All the while, my pucker factor is getting worse.
As we continue, all I can see is more trash and craters. I recall back to training how insurgents use the trash to cover their bombs, and we were to look for conspicuous piles that would look like bombs were under them. As far as I know now, it's going to be impossible to detect and we are going to be at their mercy. By this time, we are deep inside the city of Bayji. It's like nothing I have ever seen. First is the smell of raw filth, garbage, and waste on the streets that gives off an indescribable stench. The raw odor of the refinery adds to the melee of smells that makes me think that death has its own air freshener. At first, it makes me feel sick to my stomach, and I light a cig so the smoke will mask the smell. There are jalopy vehicles all over the place. I hit the siren so that they will move to the side of the road as we pass by, and it is almost comical, how they scurry like rats at our presence, in fear of being shot. There are huge crowds standing street-side, watching us, which make me nervous because at anytime someone could lob a grenade or shoot at us and disappear into the people without us seeing what happened. We pass through without incident and continue towards a giant, compounded police headquarters, which will be our primary place of operation. Our guide tells us the battle history of certain places and where to be cautious as we pass by bullet-riddled buildings and more huge craters displaying the action that has clearly taken place here. Through the congestion of the streets and the never- ending sea of garbage and filth, I am appalled that people can live in such conditions. In hindsight, after seeing and being away from all luxuries of everyday life back home, I am very thankful for how good I have it, and learn to not take such amenities for granted.
As we enter the compound of the police station, I acclimate to my surroundings. Around the station are 20 foot t-walls and a tight serpentine entrance to discourage car bombs. In the courtyard are a lot of blown-up, shot-up cars from previous local-on-local violence. The insides of some of the cars show sprays of dried blood and pieces of human tissue from the previous occupants. More shocking to see, though, is the police's definition of law and order. Mingling about are scrawny hadjis, walking around wearing ski masks and slinging AK-47s in an unsafe manner. I am told by our guide that these men are not to be trusted. They are all primarily Sunni and wear blue during the day, and some are insurgents by night. Our dealings with them are just the beginnings of our trials and tribulations.
It's been less than 13 months, and we are a few days from flying home. Looking back, in retrospect, I think I've used up 14 of my 9 lives. I've lost count of how many IEDs hit our platoon, how many times we got shot at, and how many have died around us. By the grace of God we have been lucky enough to lose no one from our company, but those in the 101st and 82nd, our brothers in arms, have been dealt some serious losses. I think back to how green and naïve we were when we first hit country. Up to that point in my life, the only dead bodies I had seen were at funerals. Now I am desensitized by death. A deep seed of hatred has been planted in me and I begin to hate any Arab I see. When thinking of the atrocities I have seen them do to us as well as each other, I know there is a special place in hell for these evil acts. I recall the first of many bodies I would see, and how I was taken aback by how soullessly these people carry out such evil. There was no way to describe how I felt, and now that it's over I still cannot comprehend what I feel. My dreams aren't haunted anymore, for I am numb to the core. I'm so tired. We're all so tired. I feel that we've aged years beyond our youth in the short time we've been here. There is a hidden hardness to everyone now; myself especially. I look in the mirror and see dark circles under my eyes, my hairline has pulled itself back, and my features are sharp. I have not really paid close enough attention to my physical change, but I feel the change inside. It feels like any shred of purity and youth has long since gone. My younger brothers here have become seasoned in a way, as so young to arrive and so old to leave. In a twisted way, this has been an experience and a half, and I would not trade it for anything, if that makes any sense at all. After all that we've been through, we were brothers to the end and will share a bond the rest of our days that nothing can break.
It is dusk on the tarmac here in Kirkuk, Iraq. There is a C-17 waiting to take us to Kuwait. Our whole company is lined up, ready to get the hell out of here. I do my tarmac ritual and light up another smoke. This time instead of silence, we are all joking around, happy as all get go to be leaving this hellhole. I feel a slight tug inside that tells me that I'm not ready to leave because I don't know if I'm ready to reacclimatize into the real world. I don't know what to expect and I sure as hell can't carry my 203 around wherever I go. I am without fear, though, for fear became a part of me as a vice that kept me sharp and aware. It is time to leave, finally, but before we move onto the back hatch we all stop in unison, and snap to give Iraq a middle finger salute for the last time.
It's been over a year now since I have been back home, and things have somewhat settled into somewhat normalcy. I made the mistake of trying to jump back into my former life and slowly watched things crash around me. It has been rough on most of us. Two have taken their own lives and many have over-compensated with alcohol abuse. I lost my girlfriend of five years, and friendships as well. I tried the school thing, off the bat, which proved to be another failure. My anger is somewhat better, but I feel it come on from time to time when triggered. I still have the occasional dream and have to take some time to realize where I am at and that things are ok. It seems sometimes the only crutch I have are the guys that were with me, and my family, because the support is ever-present. As we've suffered together, we'll have each other's backs no matter where we are. As we gear up to leave again in a few months, I am ready because I know the road ahead and hope to make it through another with focus and strength that never left me. I have high hopes and am at peace for what is ahead.


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Tekiah – single blast to call an assembly.
Shevarim – three short blasts of mourning or a call to repentance…
Teruah – nine short staccato blasts, a call to WAR!
Tekiah Gadolah – Long Great Blast the Call of Messiah!
Numbers 10:9 When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the LORD your God and rescued from your enemies.
Jeremiah 4:19 Oh, my anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain. Oh, the agony of my heart! My heart pounds within me, I cannot keep silent. For I have heard the sound of the trumpet; I have heard the battle cry.
Ezekiel 33:3 and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people,
Joel 2:1 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand–
1 Corinthians 14:7 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
Each Feast of Trumpets the Jews and many Christians rehearse the sound of the shofars/trumpets as listed above. The one command specific to this feast is to hear the sound of the shofar this day. Considering the above scriptures, I believe it wise to rehearse this. As this feast is yet to be fulfilled by our Messiah and this is the way to be ready!


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Hampers Online
Christmas Day halter is a natural endowment basket with items such as deep brown , candy , coffee , vino, fruit, cheese, or sometimes a little toy . These Christmas cramp make good gifts, if you have a little budget or you are looking to buy gifts for the whole family , not the individual. In each family fellow member's personal gustatory perceptions are different gifts , Christmas hampers can be large in order to avoid offended impressions , or as somebody has left.
Christmas halter is a nice slight budget, because you get something as a group, not to each case by case person. Since the majority of all parents know when purchasing toys for children can be expensive, and if you buy the children in your relatives , as well as money, you were on holiday dwindles cursorily.
Many companies sell nice Xmas cramps that are adapted to several different types of people. Or wine and cheese is to savor , or have small children, and would prefer a fruit and chocolate, has something for everyone hampered.
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Naomi Voss - Diamond Doula
Diamond Doula became a member of the Williamsburg Business Network 2018. The Williamsburg Business Network is devoted to taking member businesses to the next level through workshops and seminars. Please support Diamond Doula - birth coaching at its best!
About Naomi Voss
In 2006 I decided that Labor and Birth support was my calling. In conversation with my OB he pointed me in the direction of his midwife who took me under her wing. She allowed me to work with her on the labor and delivery floor. Because I was not medically qualified I basically took on the role of Doula, helping the mother cope with pain and encouraging her through the birthing process and breaking down the natural cycle of birth for her. I absolutely loved it!! Upon getting orders to Germany I could no longer apply for nursing school as planned and decided that this would be the best way to do what I love!
About Diamond Doula
I am a Certified Birth Doula through Childbirth International and both Birth and Postpartum Doula certified through Doula Trainings International. I support families giving birth in Williamsburg Virginia, Newport News Virginia, Hampton Virginia and some of the surrounding areas. My philosophy as a birth doula is to empower the mother and her family to strive for their 'best birth'. While I know things do not always go as planned, I believe we can increase the chance of a positive experience by being informed and educated on the choices in childbirth. As your Doula, I can be as involved as much or as little as I am needed. I believe a positive experience during pregnancy and childbirth aids in the successful transition to parenthood.


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My aunt Jean (the one who's 86) was taken to the hospital yesterday in an ambulance. Her day nurse (who comes four mornings a week to help her bathe and so forth) came in to find her gray-looking and drowsy, and called for the ambulance. Aunt Jean had been sickly last week, but her symptoms were so much like my mother's from the change in her Glucophage medication (hurry-up going to the bathroom, stomach and intestinal cramps and discomfort, gas, the blahs, weakness, dizzy spells, general malaise) that we weren't too concerned. Last Thursday her daughter made her go spend the night at her own house and really wanted her to go to the hospital, but by morning she said she was "a lot better" and demanded to be taken home. *sigh* These tough old part-Choctaw bats are ~tough~.
Anyway, we started getting ready yesterday in case we needed to run up to Sherman, where she was checked right into the hospital for tests to be run, but I needed to wait for some documents that were being UPS-overnighted to us. The UPS guy didn't get here until 7 PM, of course. I did get some things packed for myself, but Mama is always balky, so we don't have her things packed (though it won't take too long).
This morning we called and heard what the doctor said. "Plan to be here indefinitely," he said. "We're going to consult on a treatment plan."
My aunt has blood poisoning. (Sepsis or septicemia. Possibly from advanced bladder/kidney infection.) And an ulcerated colon.
She's had diverticulitis for some time, but she was supposed to be controlling it with her diet, such as not eating seeds and nuts (and no Pecan Delight ice cream). We suspect she cheated or got some take-out food that had seeds/nuts. Hmm.
The main concern, of course, is the blood poisoning. No wonder she felt so bad and actually admitted to her daughter that she was scared!
My mother NEEDS to go up there, because this stuff can be un-fixable. But she's not ready to face the facts, I suspect. She'll rouse sometime tonight and decide we're leaving tomorrow, I'll bet. Until then, I'm getting things wrapped up so I can bail.
I can take hubby's laptop, maybe . . . he does use it for work. I need to take along a larger flat screen, though, because I have to have large fonts to see stuff. If not, I'll be offline for a couple of days until I figure out a way to connect. It does mean I can work on SONG FROM THE HEART, which may get a new title. I'm going to workshop it at a David Farland/David Wolverton workshop in July, so I need to write some kind of synopsis. Synopsis time is when you figure out you don't know what your book is about.
Sheesh. Yesterday I saw a black dragonfly, too. It stared right back at me, took off, made a circle, and landed again on the bamboo stick. I don't even want to know what it is an omen of.


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Men trail women in discerning shades of blue, yellow, and green, a new study says.
From National Geographic News By James Owen
Men and women really don't see eye to eye, according to a new study.
Females are better at discriminating among colors, researchers say, while males excel at tracking fast-moving objects and discerning detail from a distance—evolutionary adaptations possibly linked to our hunter-gatherer past.
The study, led by Brooklyn College psychology professor Israel Abramov, put young adults with normal vision through a battery of tests.
In color experiments the men and women tended to ascribe different shades to the same objects. The researchers think they know why.
"Across most of the visible spectrum males require a slightly longer wavelength than do females in order to experience the same hue," the team concludes in the latest issue of the journal Biology of Sex Differences.
Since longer wavelengths are associated with "warmer" colors, an orange, for example, may appear redder to a man than to a woman. Likewise, the grass is almost always greener to women than to men, to whom verdant objects appear a bit yellower.
(Also see "Men's Offices Have More Bacteria, Study Finds.")
The study also found that men are less adept at distinguishing among shades in the center of the color spectrum: blues, greens, and yellows.
Where the men shone was in detecting quick-changing details from afar, particularly by better tracking the thinner, faster-flashing bars within a bank of blinking lights.
The team puts this advantage down to neuron development in the visual cortex, which is boosted by masculine hormones. Since males are flush with testosterone, in particular, they're born with 25 percent more neurons in this brain region than females, the team noted.
(Related: "Why Deaf Have Enhanced Vision.")
Evolution at Work?
The vision findings support the so-called hunter-gatherer hypothesis, which argues that the sexes evolved distinct psychological abilities to fit their prehistoric roles, the team says. (See "Sex-Based Roles Gave Modern Humans an Edge, Study Says.")
Noting that men in the study showed "significantly greater sensitivity for fine detail and for rapidly moving stimuli," the researchers write that their hunter forebears "would have to detect possible predators or prey from afar and also identify and categorize these objects more easily."
(See "Video Games Improve Vision, Study Says.")
Meanwhile, the vision of female "gatherers" may have become better adapted recognizing close-at-hand, static objects such as wild berries.
John Barbur, professor of optics and visual science at City University London, noted that females are often "worse off in terms of absolute chromatic [color] sensitivity than males."
But when it comes to noticing subtle differences among shades of a color, women do tend to come out on top, as they did in Abramov's experiments, said Barbur, who wasn't part of the new study.
"If you're not dealing with the absolute sensitivity for color detection but the way in which colors are judged—such as the ability to describe a color, or what that color means, and so on," he said, "I'd say that females are definitely much better than males."
Why Men and Woman Can Never See Eye-to-Eye. A new study explains how men and women see differently – literally.
From Money Talks News (blog) By Karla Bowsher
Recent research has confirmed that men and women literally see the world differently. It turns out that men's brains don't process what their eyes see the way women's brains do (or vice versa). Researchers from Brooklyn College and the CUNY's Hunter College came to this conclusion after studying volunteers who were over age 16 and had normal color vision and 20/20 vision. Here's how the National Institutes of Health summed up the researchers' findings – which were published in the Sept. 3 issue of a journal called, of course, Biology of Sex Differences:
Men are more sensitive to fine detail and things that move rapidly, but women are better at differentiating between colors….
When the participants looked at colors across the spectrum, the researchers found that the men needed a slightly longer wavelength to detect the same hue as the women. They also had more trouble discriminating between colors in the center of the spectrum.
Men were better able to resolve images that changed rapidly. So what accounts for the difference? "Testosterone, the male sex hormone, may play a role in these differences, the researchers added."


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Happiness is playing computer word games? This one thinks so.
I'm about four days behind on MSM's 4 Weeks to Fill Your Freezer challenge. Eep. Following through on projects I've committed to (such as this one) is a big deal to me in 2012. It's all part of my self-discipline and accountability goals and I'm determined to stick with things even if I fall behind. So today after I set up Munchie to do her 30 minutes of computer word games I booked it into the kitchen to get started on lasagna casserole.
After a few minutes she noticed I was cooking and rushed over to help. But the call of the computer was louder and she was soon off her stool and back at the computer. 🙂
This is such a simple recipe to prep for the freezer. You basically cook up your favorite lasagna dish and layer it in the pan. You can adjust it however you like. Instead of lasagna noodles, you use any type of pasta you like. I used small ziti. Then I layered everything in the foil pan.
I double-wrapped the dish in plastic wrap and then foil. I used a tip from my friend Erin over at My Mommy World and labeled the foil. Then when I'm out and Ty has to get dinner together, it's a piece of cake.
Next up? Easy marinated chicken and lemon loaves. Mm! Oh and I need to reorganize our upright garage freezer. I've shoved all these dishes in there and it's begging for a re-org!


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In light of the Chic-Fil-A imbroglio, my mind was drawn to an article I had read a few years ago.
I'm not writing this article to spark controversy, but rather to think through some of the arguments used by proponents of gay marriage and offer some reflections. Principally, I'm drawing my comments from philosopher Francis Beckwith's 2005 article entitled, "Legal Neutrality and Same Sex Marriage." Beckwith's piece seems particularly apropos since those who oppose Chic-Fil-A do so because they think the owner's views are hateful and discriminatory. While the detractors have not said so (at least not to my knowledge), their actions appear to be consistent with the belief that the government should remain neutral with respect to gay marriage.
For starters, proponents of gay marriage argue that states should remain neutral with respect to the definition of marriage. This idea is rooted in the fact that we live in a pluralistic society. That is to say that, since "there exists a plurality of different and contrary opinions on matters religious, philosophical, and moral . . . one cannot say with any confidence that one's view on religious, philosophical or moral matters is better than anyone else's view." Stated simply, due to the array of beliefs that exist within a given society, the state is to remain neutral. This is supposed to allow people to truly be free.
Beckwith notes that such a belief is rooted in a system of thought known as "Philosophical Liberalism." Philosophical liberalism "is the view that because reasonable people disagree on fundamental questions of the nature of reality, knowledge, human beings, and the good life, the state ought not embrace any one of these views as correct." What makes this view popular is that it appears to be open and tolerant of other views. Upon further inquiry, however, one can see that this is not the case. Philosophical liberals, rather than being open and tolerant of other views, actually want to see a society which reflects their own values.
Beckwith uses Ellen Degeneres's acceptance speech from her 1997 Emmy award for her co-writing of her "coming out" episode on her own show. In that speech Ellen said, "I accept this on behalf of all people, and the teenagers out there especially, who think there is something wrong with them because they are gay. There's nothing wrong with you. Don't ever let anybody make you feel ashamed of who you are." Of course, this was met with endless cheer. As Beckwith observes, however, Ellen's speech is an example of, "passive-aggressive tyranny." "The trick is to sound 'passive' and accepting of 'diversity' even though you are putting forth an aggressively partisan agenda, implying that those who disagree with you are not only stupid but harmful," Beckwith says.
In order to understand what he's saying, Beckwith gives the following example: Imagine that a conservative Christian won an Emmy award, and in her speech she said, "I accept this on behalf of all people, and especially the teenagers out there who
think there is something wrong with them because they believe that human beings are made for a purpose and that purpose includes the building of community with its foundation being heterosexual monogamy. There's nothing wrong with you. Don't ever let anybody, especially television script writers, make you feel ashamed because of what you believe is true about reality." Of course, a person who expressed such views would be considered a bigot, and would be seen as intolerant. As Beckwith conludes, "Ellen's Emmy speech does as much to those with whom she disagrees." By encouraging her audience to accept her views, she is by definition saying that those who disagree with her are wrong.
As we can see, philosophical liberals are not as "Live and let live," as they proclaim to be; they are not neutral. They are not neutral because their understanding of reality "presupposes a particular and controversial view of human nature, human community, and human happiness."
Their controversial view of human nature, human community, and human happiness extends to the arena of sexual relations. Allow me to explain. Proponents of gay marriage assert that three elements must be present in order for sex to be permissible: 1) adult consent, 2) one's desire, and 3) it cannot interfere with another person's sexual practice, i.e. you can't hurt someone in the process. Furthermore, advocates of gay marriage assert "that there is no disordered sexual practice as long as all the participant adults consent." What's more, they also assert that there is no proper function of sexual organs. Since this is the case, "consummation is no longer a necessary condition for a couple to be married."
Aside from what this does to the definition of marriage, if what makes sex okay is meeting the three elements of sexual permissibility, where will this lead us? Beckwith gives this example: "Imagine that identical twin brothers over the age of eighteen travel to Massachusetts and request a marriage license. Could the civil servant in charge of issuing these licenses have any grounds to reject their request?" The answer seems to be no. We may not agree with incest, "But it is not precisely clear why the three elements of sexual permissibility could not be employed in this case to declare the anti-incest laws unconstitutional?"
As long as adult consent is present, how can we say incest is unconstitutional? And if we grant the premise used by gay marriage advocates—that there is no disordered sexual practice—it seems to me that the incest laws would also have to be overturned; to say nothing of bestiality.
Moving on, Beckwith argues that marriage is a natural institution, not a social construction. By "natural institution" Beckwith is drawing attention to natural law. He is saying that the make up and definition of marriage is rooted in nature. If I understand him correctly, Beckwith is saying that nature, and "nature's God," (whoever he, she, or it is) defines marriage, not the state. Thus, the state cannot define marriage, they are simply to recognize what marriage is. In this same vein, philosopher Michael Pakaluk
writes, "laws recognizing gay marriage imply the falsity of the view that marriage is an objective reality prior to the state." Moreover, if the definition of marriage is not rooted in nature, then why would the definition of parenting be rooted in nature? Pakaluk believes this is what follows, for, "if the bond of husband and wife is not [rooted in] nature, then neither is the government of those who share in that bond over any children that might result." Consequently, "laws recognizing gay marriage imply, similarly, that parents have
no objective and natural authority over their children, prior to the state."
If this is true, "This would mean that parents have no natural right, no actual moral grounds, to object to the public schools teaching their children lessons about human sexuality that are contrary to the lessons taught in church and home." This would follow if the state gets to define marriage, rather than recognize what it already is.
Finally, if gay marriage becomes legal in all states, what will happen to those who refuse to change their position? Beckwith asks, "Does anybody seriously doubt that recalcitrant social conservatives, serious Christians, Jews, and Muslims, who resist this
change in any public way, would receive the swift and certain punishment of the
Beckwith makes three concluding points:
1)A "regime's understanding of the nature of marriage is wholly contingent upon a cluster of beliefs about human nature and gender, not to mention the good, true, and
2) A "necessary condition for the permissibility of same-sex marriage is for the state to declare that the notion of proper sexual organs is
3) "If same-sex marriage were to become legal, it would result in the criminalization and social condemnation of the actions of serious religious believers."


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After two days of driving, we are set up in our second home - Summerdale, Alabama! It felt so good to pull in to "our" site and get set up.
Yesterday, we left NC about 8:45am and headed southwest. We'd had a fantastic visit with Dan & Deb and it was time to move on. About 6:30pm we pulled into Cracker Barrel in Conyers, GA to spend the night. Unfortunately, we couldn't add this CB to Randy's list 'cause we'd been there before. :)
One thing about spending the night in a parking lot - we go to sleep earlier than any other time! By 10pm we were both sound asleep. About 7am we were up and getting ready to go. I can't tell you the last time I slept nine hours!
Since it was too early to eat a big breakfast, we waved good-bye to Cracker Barrel and headed down the road. About 9am we stopped for breakfast at . . . wait for it . . . Cracker Barrel! Aren't you surprised?!?!! :) This one was a new one, so it got put on the list. This was our 75th CB since we've been full-timing. Gosh, just a little more than 500 to go! :) HA!
While having breakfast, our son, Kevin, called. He is now in Iraq awaiting further orders. It was great to hear his voice and know he is safe. He tries to call about once a week which is wonderful.
We continued down the road and pulled into our site about 3:30 this afternoon. Of course, it felt like 4:30 since we're used to Eastern time. But, Central is nice, we go to bed earlier and our TV shows are on earlier, too!
Tomorrow is bank and grocery day since it's the first of the month. Then, we'll be getting in to the routine of our life here in LA (Lower Alabama).
If you find yourself in the area, please stop by. We love company!
Until the next time . . .


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So that is what Anvils are used for…
Walking around Songpan today Greg and I came upon an interesting sight; a blacksmith forging knives. And then I realized that the only time I've ever seen an Anvil was in the Wile E. Coyote and Road runner cartoons, where the former would attempt to drop one on the latter from atop a cliff. I never thought before about how they were actually used and why they have that strange shape. Seeing this gentleman using made it all become clear. How cool is that!!!
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See the Brickpocalypse go Intergalactic in the Trailer for The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part!
It's a big day for movie trailers, and for this one we're looking ahead until February of the year 2019. The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part takes things from the Mad Max-eque apocalypse that followed the events of "Taco Tuesday" and blasts off for some intergalactic adventure (soundtracked by the Beastie Boys, of course). Crank it up!
Somewhere Beyond the Sea... Jason Statham is Fighting THE MEG
As the finger-snappin', toe-tappin' sound of Bobby Darin's "Beyond the Sea" sets the tone, the first trailer for the long-awaited big-screen adaptation of Steve Alten's MEG has finally arrived. This August, Warner Bros. Pictures will release THE MEG, a film that's finally a reality after nearly two decades of studio-spanning "development Hell." Shark movies are a genre all their own, and while it's my wife that's the big JAWS fan and Shark Week enthusiast in this house, I am 100% in for anything starring Jason Statham, so this just hit my "must-see" list. Check out your first bite of THE MEG below!
Covered: 2WEI x DESTINY'S CHILD - "Survivor" from TOMB RAIDER (2018)
As a new trailer was recently released for 2018's refreshed take on the TOMB RAIDER franchise, many were curious not about the visuals - but about the song. Continuing a trend of slowed-down, haunting versions of famous pop songs in trailers and commercials (and it's a growing list), this time around it's "Survivor," the 2001 hit by DESTINY'S CHILD getting the re-working. With the socials lighting up to locate the artist, we now have the answer: 2WEI. The German duo is responsible for the music heard in many movies, trailers and commercials, and their cover of "Survivor" is just the latest to gain attention. Stream the track and see the new trailer below, then look for 2WEI's version to hit Spotify very soon... They say it's Beyonce-approved!"
Warner Bros' 12 Strong - See an Exclusive New Clip and Enter to Win a Fandango Prize Pack!
Presented in collaboration between The Rock Father™ and Warner Bros. Pictures
On Friday, January 19, 2018, Warner Bros. Pictures presents 12 STRONG, a powerful new war drama from Alcon Entertainment, Black Label Media, and Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Starring Chris Hemsworth (THOR, GHOSTBUSTERS) and Oscar Nominee Michael Shannon (REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, THE NIGHT BEFORE), 12 STRONG is a story of heroism based on true events that unfolded a world away in the aftermath of 9/11. To celebrate the film's release, Warner Bros. and The Rock Father™ are giving readers a chance to win a 12 STRONG Prize Pack including a Limited-Edition Sweatshirt and a $50 Fandango Gift Card!
Preview: Teen Titans GO! To The Movies - If Aquaman Can Get a Movie, Why Can't They Get One, Too?
It was just within the last year or so that our daughters really discovered and became fans of Teen Titans GO! on Cartoon Network, and for me - a lifelong fan of DC Comics - it's been entertaining to see a new spin on some old characters, along with a bunch of new ones. Now, as much of the DC universe starts to cross-over into live-action film (or television), the Teen Titans are starting to feel a little left out. After all, if Aquaman and Shazam! can get their own films, why not this crew? It's pretty "meta," but that's exactly what they start to question in the teaser trailer for their first big-screen outing, Teen Titans GO! To The Movies, in theaters everywhere from Warner Bros. Pictures on July 27, 2018. Take a look...
Hollywood Heavy Hitters Assemble in the First Trailer for OCEAN'S 8
Before we go any further, I feel that I must point out the fact that I'm a massive fan of OCEAN'S ELEVEN (2001) and the 1960 film that inspired it, OCEAN'S 11. Back in 2004, one of my many unusual adventures even found me working on the sequel, OCEAN'S TWELVE for one day, where I played a bartender (cut from the film) pouring drinks for Andy Garcia and his crew. Those films and their look inspired me so much, that I borrowed some of he slick vibe to inform my crime-horror project DEATH WALKS THE STREETS (which has always been intended to be a film series). All that said, the idea of an OCEAN'S sequel or spin-off has long-been intriguing, and now we have one in OCEAN'S 8. Directed by Gary Ross (The Hunger Games), the new film stars Sandra Bullock as Debbie Ocean, sister of George Clooney's Danny Ocean, alongside a crew that includes Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter. Check out the trailer below...


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Switzerland is an exceedingly beautiful country.
Every time I see the Alps in the distance from my window, walk through the forest, run past happy looking cows in the fields on my morning runs or swim in the lake one hundred metres from our house I think how lucky I am.
But there is a downside, and it's not just those times I simply can't understand what someone is saying, or when the distance between my small family and loved ones back in Australia seems just too great. (I'm not even thinking of those times when it's so damn cold I can hardly force myself to get out and run past the aforementioned cows.)
As a research student, what I really miss is the chit chat that's normally part and parcel of doing a major piece of research. The casual conversation between researchers that lets you know you're not the only one (there are other fools out there), the opportunity to run ideas past someone else or to hear some much needed words of wisdom from someone who has been there, too, and has the experience and knowledge to prove it. I also miss strolling into a library and flicking through books instead of relying on my best telepathic skills to see if it's worth my while (and the expense) to order a book. I'd also like to be able to sit down with my supervisor over a cup of coffee instead of just via Skype.
Hey ho. It's my choice to do it this way, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Hello? Anybody out there??


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Watch this space!
After years of writing, drawing, dreaming and indulging my senses i find myself here ready to share this part of my journey with you, the reader.
I am in the throws of some of the most emotionally, sexually, spiritually satisfying and exploratory months of my life (to date). I'll start the story here today in brief but will no doubt cast my thoughts/words back to many an escapade of yesterdays along the road ahead.
To bring you up to speed a little on who i am I would say i'm a woman in my prime (which of course could mean any age!) who quite recently decided to embark on a pleasure seeking journey with the male of the species. This, i hasten to add, is after spending many years in and out of relationships with women for the most part. That said, for me sexuality is fluid, and so I identify as bisexual, in the truest sense of the word.
I have recently embarked on an erotic photography project (for which i am currently seeking models). I will be using this blog in part to share how that unfolds as it will play a major role in my life in the coming months. The project is something i have wanted to do for some time and now I am taking it on! Those there are fighting words!
I like to think I'm wired for naughty things. From the moment i found 'The Joy of Sex' on my parents bookshelf as a child i have had a fascination for all things erotic.. and my life has been punctuated by my exploration of it in many forms. I am an avid fan of Victorian erotic photography and Tom of Finland amongst others. I am also someone who delights in a good wordsmith. Words, image, art, music and sensual delights reach a part of me that seeks to be sated. These are, at times, much treasured and profound experiences, some of which, i intend to share here.
Until the next time,
Naughty Nic x


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The show continues strong.
The second episode of Marvel's Agent Carter is still strong. The episode continues Peggy's mission to clear Howard's name, and we have plenty of moments here and there to further expand the show itself.
The episode opens up with the Captain America Adventure Hour radio show, and it shows viewers how a typical entertainment is back in the days. Also, it allows viewers to further look into what people think of Captain America, and how Peggy reacts to the man she loved and how she's portrayed as a shrieking damsel in distress. Also, the cut between radio violence and real violence is really awesome too.
The show continues to have Peggy under covered during missions. The show really plays on the superhero tropes in its own way, and it's a threat that Peggy's identity is going to be revealed at any moment. First with the pictures taken in the club, then the license plate at the end of the episode. It's great the show decides to take this particular approach, and it brings more suspense to the overall series.
Meanwhile, Peggy and Jarvis' partnership is still the best part of the show. The two continue to have really great chemistry, and Jarvis has proven to be a great mentor and sidekick all together. He provides the necessary help during missions, and provides reassurance when needed. Also, it's great to see him in some actions too, even though it's just blindly firing a gun.
Angie is starting to be a very interesting character. The character is a great addition the the show, and it balances out Peggy's agent and personal life. Also, the potential storyline is endless, and I can't wait to see the show exploring them.
While Jarvis and Angie are becoming important supporting characters, the same cannot be said about the agents in SSR. Thompson and Dooley are very one-noted, and there's nothing redeemable about them so far. While Sousa receives more spotlight in the episode, we still don't know much about the guy either.
The villain is a little too strange for my taste. A typewriter that commands an army of mute soldiers is a bizarre approach. The thing is, I keep on forgetting super abilities is a thing already established in the MCU, so the typewriter shouldn't be too strange for me. However, I just can't help it and want the show to be grounded on a certain level of realism. Meanwhile, Leviathan is a group already existed in Marvel Comics, and it does have a certain level of connection to Hydra. Hmmmmmmm.
Overall, "Bridge and Tunnel" continues strong, and it gives the show plenty of potential and hope. Jarvis and Angie are both very strong characters, and I only hope the same can be said about the agents.
Categories: Marvel Comics, TV Reviews


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UFC on FOX Results: What We Learned from Ben Henderson vs. Clay GuidaNovember 13, 2011
At UFC on Fox 1, everybody expected Clay Guida versus Ben Henderson to compete with Cain Velasquez versus Junior dos Santos for the most entertaining fight of the night.
Well, they just did that.
Guida and Henderson fought it out for three rounds of an epic war between two insanely entertaining fighters, with Henderson escaping a couple of good submission attempts from Guida.
What We'll Remember About This Fight
Just how awesome it was. Both fighters stood and traded and when it went to the ground, it was exciting as well. Guida had Henderson in a couple of submission attempts that he somehow got out of and showed how tough he really is.
What We Learned About Ben Henderson
That he is super tough even in times of adversity. He will need that toughness against Frankie Edgar when the two meet for the UFC lightweight title.
What We Learned About Clay Guida
Guida is as tough as Henderson and was rocked early on. I don't care if he goes to the back of the lightweight title line, he will be back.
What's Next for Henderson?
Bendo was announced as the No. 1 contender for Frankie Edgar's title. Probably set up for UFC 143 in Japan.
What's Next for Guida?
Guida is back to the end of the line and will most likely face one of the lower-ranked guys trying to get into the title picture.
Be sure to stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all things UFC on FOX. B/R is your home for complete coverage of the November 12 fight card, from pre-fight predictions, to in-fight coverage, results and post-fight analysis, which you can find out at our event hub page.


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I'm woefully out of date documenting my projects, so I'm going to spend the next couple weeks trying to catch up. This first one was a joint project with my mom in the first three weeks after my son was born last summer. It was a gift for her brother, who recently became partially paralyzed and is confined to a wheelchair. My mom did most of the design and piecing, while I served as advisor and instructor (since she has sewed before but not quilted), and at the end I did the quilting and binding.
The tree is appliqué, copied freehand from Pinterest. I marked all the circles and quilted with FMQ, rather than with a walking foot like I did previously on my dragonfly quilt. I made myself a little tool to keep an even offset for the circles, which worked very well. (Tape some cardboard to the pen and trace the previous line with it, marking with the pen at an offset.)
The finished quilt was very wavy, so I put pockets in all four corners and inserted a piece of cardboard to keep it as flat as possible on the wall.
My mom hand sewed the charms on at the end. I thought it came out well, particularly considering our time constraints (we had to finish before my mom went back home!), and it was well received by my uncle.


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The best way to recognize our role in shaping the future of education is to invite those making a difference to our annual event and address the industry's most demanding challenges.
Lenexa, Kansas (PRWEB) August 06, 2013
Steve Gunderson, President and CEO of the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities, will keynote the second annual EDU Marketing Summit in Kansas City, Mo., to be held Sept. 24-26, 2013.
The second annual EDU Marketing Summit is an exclusive event for career education executives. Gunderson will serve as one of thirteen speakers who will lead interactive small-group sessions covering critical education industry topics, including evolving consumer behavior trends, compliance changes and likely outcomes of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
Gunderson served 16 years in the U.S. Congress as the Representative of Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. He is a recognized leader on education, health care, agriculture and human rights issues. His recently released book, The New Middle Class: Creating Wages and Wealth in the 21st Century, champions public-private partnerships in addressing both enrollment shortfalls in the United States and increasing global competitiveness.
"The best way to recognize our role in shaping the future of education is to invite those making a difference to our annual event and address the industry's most demanding challenges," said Tracy Kreikemeier, Chief Marketing Officer at PlattForm. PlattForm is a leading provider of comprehensive marketing and enrollment-management services to colleges and universities.
For more information, please contact Sean Bryan, Senior Brand Strategist, at sean(dot)bryan(at)plattform(dot)com or 913-254-6752.
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Since 1989, PlattForm (PlattForm.com) has set the standard of excellence in providing marketing services and enrollment solutions for colleges and universities worldwide. The firm, headquartered in suburban Kansas City, boasts an internal staff of more than 550 industry experts. As thought leaders in postsecondary education, PlattForm has helped more than 4,000 colleges and universities improve the lives of millions of individuals. Specialties include search engine marketing, interactive lead generation, online marketing, traditional media placement and creative services.


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Still catching up…
On 9th June, I took part in the Welsh 1000m Peaks Race. Many of you will remember that parts of West Wales were suffering flooding at that time (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-18378124), and so won't be surprised that it was rather wet. Actually, if the weather had been as bad as the day before, I would have probably not have bothered to turn up, but the rain had subsided to a level fairly normal for the western UK mountain ranges and the wind was only moderate, although it was cold for June.
All entrants had been encouraged to attend the pasta supper and race briefing on the eve of the race in the Capel Curig Community Centre. I'd come up with my family that afternoon to Greenacres Caravan Park, just outside Porthmadog. The drive over to the supper from there felt epic, almost biblical, with sheets of rain blowing through the valleys, flooded fields and the odd cascade flowing down the roads.
The supper was rather underwhelming. I had feared that, at £8 it would turn out to be poor value for money, and I was right: a modest portion of bog standard Bolognese and pasta , with no offer of seconds, and a piece of 'Iceland' gateau to follow.
I assume part of the £8 covered the hall hire, but I could have turned up just for the briefing without paying a penny, so we were subsidising anyone who chose to do that. If the organisers had wanted us to come to the briefing, they should have included the cost of the hall in the race entry, then charged an appropriate amount for the modest food on offer. The race is always full well beforehand, so it would be easy to cost this. If the charge was just for the food, then it really was appalling value.
The briefing didn't really tell us much, other than they would strictly enforce race kit requirements because of the poor weather (no surprise) and we would be running a cut down route that hadn't been finalised! We were also issued with our numbers and electronic 'dibbers', small bracelets to be used to 'clock in' to devices set up at each check point. We were free to get these on the morning of the race, so I really would have been far better off, in time and money, if I'd not made the 40+ mile round trip and stayed in the caravan.
We turned up at Aber the next morning for the race start, a cue for me to go into a panic when I realised I'd left my dibber in the caravan. We were given our final route instructions and I got a spare number with a new dibber! The new coarse missed the Carneddau and the major summits of the Glyders, although it would still take us over two 800m cols, the Bwlch Tryfan and between Glyder Fach and Y Foel Goch on the main Glyders ridge, before reverting to the standard coarse up Snowdon from the Pass of Llanberis up the Pyg Track.
The first half of the race was pretty straightforward, following a bridleway and minor road round the feet of the Carneddau, and a cycle path to Ogwen Cottage, one of the checkpoints. It was just damp and breezy and I felt strong.
It felt good to be getting into some proper fell running when we climbed up to the Bwlch Tryfan. Before we got to the Bwlch, crossing the outlflow of the Llyn Bochlwyd took a bit of doing, as it was fast flowing and calf-deep, with a very uneven stream bed. It was also very cold and my feet were a numb by the time I was half way across. I enjoy a few glimpses of sun on the way up and was cautiously optimistic that the weather was slowly improving as the forecast had suggest it might.
Once I'd got to the pass over the main ridge, the rocky path disappeared and I was running over boggy grass; slow going but easy on the feet. We'd been instructed to head 'straight for the road' once we got over the high point, but the stronger hill runners who'd passed me on the way up got so far ahead I lost sight of them and I had doubts I was still on coarse. However, I soon spotted the race director, Harvey Lloyd below me, near the road and knew I was fine.
I wound my way up the road to the pass, still feeling surprisingly strong. However, as I started up the final section, the Pyg track, the weather worsened (the sun I'd seen earlier had given me false hope) and I really started to flag. I was now getting passed every few minutes. It was properly raining, rather than that type that's half way between mist and rain that's so common in the mountains, which was what we'd had earlier. I'd taken some food at Ogwen Cottage and had been disappointed that nothing was on offer at the Pass of Llanberis: by this stage I was getting sluggish from low energy levels, exacerbated by the cold and wet.
I finally stopped quite a long way up, knowing that I had to eat something despite the foul conditions and proximity to the finish. I dug out my emergency food from my pack and sat on a step on the path, blocking out my discomfort as I ate. A slightly over-keen, but lovely good Samaritan, Gregor, who was going up with his daughter gave me aid; some hot chocolate from his flask and a sit inside his Bothy emergency shelter, were he helped me climb into my over-trousers). He was very concerned, but I knew I'd be fine once I got to the summit cafe.
It really was tough to turn right when I got onto the summit ridge, towards Garnedd Ugain, the penultimate '1000' (and actually the first on the bad weather route), rather than left to the now very close finish on Snowdon's main summit and the warm cafe. It was frustrating to grind my way up the shallow slope, which I knew I would hardly notice if I was fresh. Once I'd clocked in, it was 'just' a case of trotting back down a bit and another frustrating grind up through the throngs of tourists to the finish, to be given a slate medal.
I finished in 4:49:36, 48th out of 95. I often finish about half way down the field in fell races, but to do so in this felt like a real achievement. I'd was more spent than I had been for a long time and had been colder than I'd ever been (any worse and I would have had mildly hypothermic).
The cafe was heaven. I opened up my leaky waterproof 'stuff sack' in my bag to get my slightly damp tenner and bought an Oggie (the biggest pasty you've ever seen, similar to a Cornish one), a cup of tea and a sticky bun. Bliss. I still had to walk down to meet Cath and the kids in Llanberis, but that felt straightforward and I enjoyed some pleasant chat with a couple of other competitors on the way down.
If I was doing it again, I would have worn more from the start, taken more food and eaten some of it sooner! We learn a lot from the toughest experiences.