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The Officer Breaks the Rules
NOOK Book(eBook)
Available on Compatible NOOK Devices and the free NOOK Apps.
Some Rules Are Meant To Be Broken
He's Ruled by Loyalty...
Every man knows that you don't date your best friend's little sister, but Captain Jeremy Phillips can't seem to be convince Madison O'Shay to stay away. And he can't convince himself to stop thinking about her, either.
She's Ruled by Love...
Madison knows exactly what she wants...and whom. But she won't give up her career in the Navy for any man, not even Jeremy.
They're both about to learn that in the game of love, it's all about breaking the rules.
Praise for The Officer Says "I Do":
"Rich in detail about life on a military base...warm, sweet, and just spicy enough."—Mary Margret Daughtridge, bestselling author of SEALed Forever
"Issues of patriotism, commitment...and conformity entwine with eroticism and romance for an exciting read."—Publishers Weekly
"Fun to read...entertaining, thanks to Murray's insights into the attraction of opposites."—Booklist
Product Details
|Publication date:
|Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful. , #2
|Sold by:
|Barnes & Noble
|NOOK Book
|Sales rank:
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Read an Excerpt
Chapter 1
Jeremy Phillips settled the protectors over his ears, adjusted his glasses more comfortably on the bridge of his nose, and took a relaxed stance. Then, at the signal, he picked up his Beretta, clicked off the safety, and fired fifteen rounds. As the smell of black powder and CPL agent filled his nostrils, he checked his gun, set the safety, then slapped a hand over the switch to draw the paper target forward.
His best friend, and today's shooting partner, Timothy O'Shay ducked his head around the divider and mouthed something.
"What?" Jeremy yelled back.
Tim cocked one eyebrow and tapped a finger to his ear, pointing out the obvious.
Oh. Shit. Right. Jeremy took the protectors off and set them on the ledge in front of him, next to his Beretta. "What?"
"I asked how long you were going to waste bullets when your head's not in the game."
Jeremy gave him a withering look. "I'm not wasting bullets."
Tim's answer was a glance between the two targets-his and Jeremy's-now only a few feet away. Jeremy took a look also.
Tim's dummy showed two tight clusters of bullet holes, so close together they'd ripped large chunks from the paper. Several in the head, the other in the chest. Not a stray hole at all.
His dummy, by comparison, looked like a constellation of wrongness. Half the bullets sprayed over the outline's shoulders, the other half catching the figure in the arm or some other undesirable area.
"You'll have to remind me how you shot expert at the last firearms qual," Tim said casually as he stripped the target down and replaced it with a fresh one.
"Just having an off day." When Tim said nothing, Jeremy glanced over his shoulder. His friend smirked and shook his head. "Bite me, O'Shay."
"You know what Dwayne would say to that." Tim straightened his shoulders in an effort to look taller. "If you were a female, I just might take you up on that one," he said with an exaggerated drawl.
Though he tried to fight it, Jeremy cracked a smile. Their deployed friend, Dwayne Robertson, always did let his natural drawl thicken up to an almost obscene level when he was telling a joke. Tim nailed it perfectly. Jeremy clipped on his own fresh target and sent it back. "Yeah, yeah. When's that big lug coming home, anyway?"
"He just left not that long ago. For all we know, he might get delayed past the original seven. Stuff's shifting over there. Makes for interesting deployments." As he thumbed the last few bullets into his clip, he pushed it in and locked it. "Seriously, what's going on? You've shot for shit all day, and I know you could do better than this blindfolded. What's up?"
Because Tim was holding a loaded weapon, now was absolutely not the time for the truth. So instead he lifted a shoulder and dismissed his friend's concern. "If marriage is gonna turn you into some walking therapy session, I'm not so sure we can be friends anymore."
Tim just laughed and flipped the switch to send his target flying back. "It's not the prison sentence you make it out to be."
"No, really. I guess it could be if you were unhappy. But when you've got the right partner, it works out. Pretty damn well, I think." A self-satisfied smile crossed Tim's face as he watched his target settle into place. But the preoccupied look in his eye behind his protective glasses said he wasn't actually seeing the target at all. He was thinking about Skye, his wife.
Jeremy gave a grunt and rolled his shoulders. Tim might be blissful in love and all that, but it wasn't for everyone. At least, not for him. Not right now. He had shit to do before he thought about settling down. And his mind wasn't in the dating game. Not when he was too hung up on one irritating, annoying, always-in-the-way female who made his teeth grind and his blood boil.
In all the right ways... and wrong ones.
He waited for his own target to settle before readjusting the mufflers over his ears and reloading his weapon. Deep breath in, then back out. This time he wasn't going to rush it. Wasn't going to just punch holes through the paper for the satisfaction of the hit. Conciseness, precision, accuracy.
He sighted the target, then took a calm breath in. Waited until his heartbeats slowed enough to time the trigger squeeze between them. And on a slow breath out, he fired one shot.
And his brain exploded in color and sound, light and movement. Voices. Action. Motivation and intrigue.
Before he even glanced at the target to check his shot, Jeremy clicked on the safety, set the gun down, and started patting his pockets for a pen. Where the hell did he put it? Aggravated, he turned in a tight circle around his cubicle before spotting his pen on the ground by the bag he used for his ammo. He sifted through the bag but came up with no paper. Terrified he was about to lose the scene playing out in his mind, he pushed up the sleeve of his Henley and started to write across the underside of his arm, from biceps to elbow to wrist. Black ink smudged, but he kept going, knowing he'd have an interesting time deciphering it later but not caring in the moment. He had to get the idea down or he'd lose it.
Writer's block was a bitch in heat. And he wasn't about to let the perfect solution to the corner he'd written himself into last week slip through his fingers because of a lack of paper.
Distantly, he realized he no longer heard the muffled pops of Tim's gun. Quickly, before his friend could realize what he was doing, he jotted the last few words down across the inside of his wrist and pulled his shirt down.
"Hey, what stopped you?" When Tim glanced around the divide and saw Jeremy squatting on the floor, his brows rose in question. "You okay?"
"Yeah." Standing, stuffing the pen back in his pocket, he shrugged. "Decided you were right. My head's not in the game. No point in wasting bullets."
"I was planning to go a few more, if you don't mind waiting."
Jeremy smiled, feeling more relaxed now than he had in a week. "Sure, maybe I'll go one more round." He waited until Tim was settled, then lined up his own fourteen remaining shots. With a more relaxed breathing rhythm, and a looser stance, he fired until he came up empty. And when he recalled his paper target this time, he couldn't hold back the satisfied smirk.
Fourteen head shots, one through the chest-the chest shot being his first before he'd started jotting notes. Not a single stray in the bunch. "Not bad," he mumbled to himself.
Then everything in his brain stalled as he caught a whiff of something feminine, something that climbed over the scent of black powder and CLR and made its presence known. A scent he knew too damn well.
"Not bad at all."
And with that light, airy voice from over his shoulder, his mood dipped dangerously low once more.
"Mad, hey." Tim leaned over to give her a hug. Madison hugged back tightly.
"Thanks for letting me know you were out here." She hefted her bag from over her shoulder, taking the stall on the other side of Jeremy. "Empty for a Saturday."
"It's early yet. Lazy people are still in bed." Tim peeked around her arm. "What'd you bring?"
She held up her .22, brand new and ready to be tested.
"Ah. See you broke out the Desert Eagle for this one," he said solemnly, then laughed when she punched him in the arm. Her brother's face twisted in comedic dismay. "Well, hell, Mad. That's a girl gun."
"I am a girl, you ass." She kicked at his feet and he shuffled back, laughing all the way to his stall. "And this little sucker fits in almost any purse," she added, then felt stupid for justifying the completely frivolous purchase of the small handgun. It really was a girly gun. But it was so cute...
Not able to avoid it any longer, she glanced at Jeremy's face for the first time since she got to the range.
Thunderclouds would have been a friendlier welcome. His face was a mask of annoyance and frustration. Well, that made two of them. Though God only knew what he was so frustrated about. If he thought she was stalking him, he had a more self-inflated ego than she thought.
But either way, she'd play it cool. "Morning Jeremy," she said, keeping her voice light and casual.
"Morning." His own voice was tense. With stiff motions, he turned back to his target to set up a fresh paper outline.
She watched him for just a moment, taking in the rigid line of his spine, the hard set of his shoulders. The way his head looked so tightly screwed to his neck he might as well have been in a brace.
She'd been the one to initiate their kiss months ago. She'd been the one to keep trying, keep showing him there was nothing wrong with them trying each other out for size. And he was the one who'd retreated. And she knew it was her fault he'd lost that loose gait, that easy stance, that distant, dreamy set to his eyes he'd had when she walked up.
Well, not her fault. Not quite. It wasn't like she walked up and punched him or something.
Now that she thought about it, the idea had merit...
No. Madison snapped her ear protectors on and slipped on the glasses before loading up. She wasn't going to do anything to tick him off or give him ammo-pun intended-to ignore her further. He was doing a damn fine job of it all on his own.
Lining up her shot, she took the breath she knew she needed to calm her down, then fired until she ran empty.
Not her best, but she'd never been the marksman her brother was. Every Marine was a rifleman first. She was more of a healer, really. Though it didn't hurt to kick a little ass on occasion. Which made her job as a Navy nurse a near perfect fit for her.
She ejected the clip and peeked around the corner of the partition to see Jeremy packing up his things.
"Leaving already?"
He didn't glance up. "Yeah. I have stuff to get done today."
It was a lie, she knew that much. He probably would have stayed another hour or two if she'd not shown up. But she refused to feel any guilt about it. That was his choice. All of it-the entire situation-was his choice. There was one very simple solution, and he refused to take it.
"Have a good day, then. Make sure to tell Tim bye before you leave." From the sounds of it, Tim had just started a new round and would be a minute.
"Right. Got it." Hefting his bag over one shoulder, he straightened and finally looked her in the eye.
Jeremy sucked at hiding anything from her. He might just seem sullen or closed off to her brother and Dwayne, his two best friends. But men weren't the most perceptive, and Madison could always see the little wounds he hid with his quiet nature. They called to the healer in her, even as she wanted to strangle him for being so damn stubborn about letting her inside his emotional walls.
"Jeremy," she started, not sure where to take it. Not that she had the chance.
He shook his head once. "Not now, Mad." And he turned on his heel and pushed through the door leading to the lobby.
Not now. That was a first. Normally he said No. Never. Was it a slip of the tongue? Or a hint there was hope?
"Where'd Jeremy go?"
Madison snapped from her zoned-out stare at the door and looked at her brother. He wore the confused puppy face she always teased him about when they were kids.
"Said he had things to do. Guess he forgot to say good-bye," she said lightly.
"Oh. Huh." Tim shrugged then flipped the switch, waiting for his target to zoom in.
Men, she thought with affectionate irritation. Undercurrents were lost on them. To fill the silence, she asked, "How's Veronica settling in?" Veronica Gibson, Skye's cousin, had moved into the area a month ago from... well, she wasn't entirely sure where she originated. She was currently taking up residence in her brother's extra bedroom.
"Good. Great, actually." Tim rubbed the back of his neck. "She and Skye are constantly talking or hanging out. She's coming out of her shell more now, thank God. You should come by later, have lunch. They both have the afternoon off."
"You just want me to drag Veronica away so you have your wife and your house to yourself," she joked. And when a flush crept up his neck, she laughed.
It did funny things to her heart to see her brother find the woman he loved more than anything. And what an unlikely combination. But love didn't always ask for opinions, as Madison clearly learned the hard way. Otherwise she wouldn't have fallen for the one guy determined never to be with her.
Dammit, Jeremy. Why are you so stubborn?
"Dammit, son. Why are you so stubborn?"
Jeremy sighed and let his head hit the back of the couch. "Sir, I-"
"No. You listen to me, Marine."
Jeremy rolled his eyes, though it was only for his own benefit, given his father was across the country at the moment and his phone didn't have a "smartass" alert system.
"You've put ten good years into the Corps. And you want to piss it away now?"
"No, sir. I don't think anything about my time in the Corps is wasted if I put it to good use in the civilian sector. From my understanding, a military background on a resume can-"
His father huffed out a breath. "Don't give me any of that wishy-washy civilian crap."
Right. Anything not Marine-related was absolute crap. How could Jeremy possibly have forgotten?
"You've got ten more years, then you can retire. Pick up pension, become a contractor. Do consulting work. Damn good living."
Your living, Dad. Your choice.
Jeremy made a noncommittal noise.
"I know I'm repeating myself." His father sighed. "And I'd prefer not to have this conversation over again myself. But I'm saying this because I believe it's the best for you. Stay the course. Stick to the plan. I didn't raise you to be a quitter."
Why, oh God, why had Jeremy even thought that hinting about wanting to get out when his contract was up was a good idea? It always led to this. An old-fashioned standoff at the OK Corral.
Because you needed a distraction, and even a lecture from Dad is better than sitting around thinking about... her.
If he hadn't known that his father's pushing came from a place of caring, if he didn't respect his father, it would have been so much easier to simply hang up and not deal with it. But Jeremy waited until his father's bluster wore down, then he told his dad he'd call again next weekend. Reluctantly, his father hung up, apparently satisfied that at least Jeremy wasn't going to run out and sign his separation papers first thing Monday morning.
No. He wouldn't do that. Though the thought occurred to him more and more every week that he was done, through, completely finished with the Corps. But the actual act of leaving? Jeremy wasn't an idiot. That would never happen. Not to mention, he had no clue what the hell he would do after ten years in the Marines. Maybe that was crazy, even contemplating leaving the Corps without a settled plan. But he couldn't help the direction of his thoughts.
As if on cue, his mind drifted back to Madison. Watching her-though she wouldn't have realized he was-at the gun range today had sparked a heavy, undeniable pressure in his chest. There was something ridiculously sexual about watching slim, delicate fingers that he knew were soft and smooth load a gun without hesitation, take aim, and fire like it was all business.
And didn't that say something about how far gone he was, if watching her shoot turned him on? The way he'd acted around her the last time they'd been alone, he was shocked she didn't use him for target practice.
He forced his mind back to the current clusterfuck of problems... life after the Marines. If there was such a thing. His father would disagree. And at the core of it, Jeremy knew defying his father's life plan for him just wasn't going to happen.
Jeremy pushed off the couch and wandered to his computer desk a mere fifteen feet away. That was the beauty of a small apartment... nothing was far out of reach. He sucked in a breath and prayed as he lifted the sleeve of his left arm, then breathed out with relief when he found none of the ink on his arm had smeared beyond recognition. Opening up a new Word document, he typed furiously, doing his best to make out the notes he had scribbled on his arm so quickly at the firing range.
A brand-new villain to add to the mix. A new set of problems for his characters. Challenges to overcome. The core of his book started to reformulate and reassemble in his mind, like gears locking into place and cranking the machine to life.
Finally spent, he sat back and stared at the cursor blinking on the screen. Why the hell couldn't he do this after he got out? Write. At least part-time.
It's a pansy-ass excuse for a career.
Jeremy blew out a breath and rolled his chair over to the miniature kitchen area-which the landlord had sworn was a "kitchenette," though Jeremy was sure that was just to make it sound less like a hole in the wall. He grabbed a bottle of water and shut the fridge door again before he could be reminded there was likely something-or several somethings-in there that should have been tossed out who knows how long ago. Maybe if he gave it another week they'd grow legs and walk themselves out.
If he could just finish the damn manuscript, maybe send it out to a few places, that would give him an idea about whether his efforts were even worth it. Nobody had to know, he rationalized, taking a drink to wash away the dry mouth that took over every time he thought about letting someone read his work.
His eyes swung back to his cell phone, his father's words still echoing in his ears. Could he actually walk away? Sad that a man in his thirties just couldn't answer that question for himself. But his father's respect meant more to him than he could explain.
He had a while yet. If nothing looked promising, he could sign for another three years. It wouldn't kill him.
What might kill him, though, was keeping his hands off his best friend's little sister for as long as they were both stationed together.
Madison knocked once then pushed the front door open. The knock was just a polite show of respect, now that Tim wasn't alone in the home. His wife, Skye, didn't care if she came and went as she pleased. But Veronica was still a little skittish, and Madison tried her best not to scare the poor girl.
"Skye? Veronica?" Madison dropped her bag on the entry table and kicked off her shoes, letting them land next to the pile of Skye's sandals by the door. "Anyone here?"
Skye's voice drifted from the living room. "In here!"
Madison turned the corner to see Skye and Veronica with their heads bent over what looked like an old issue of some women's magazine. "What's up? Taking one of those 'Is he hot for you?' quizzes?"
Skye laughed, and to Madison's surprise, Veronica smiled as well. The girl was quiet, reserved in a way Madison could never identify with. But slowly, as the second month closed on her visit with her cousin Skye, the girl came out of her shell a little more. Encouraged, Madison sat on the other side of Veronica and peered over her shoulder.
But before she could see what they were looking at, Skye smoothly closed the magazine and slid it to the coffee table. "Just passing time. Tim went into the office for a while after the range, and we both have the day off so we're doing the girl-time thing."
Curious, but not willing to pry, Madison let the idea of asking about the magazine go. She shifted back until she was propped against the arm of the couch. "Cool. What's on the agenda?"
"You have a full day off?" Veronica asked.
"Today and tomorrow. I actually have a weekend off, on a weekend."
Skye gave a shocked face. "Imagine that!"
Her work hours were the definition of awkward, being a nurse at the naval hospital on base. But she loved the job too much to ever care. Midnight, four in the morning, high noon... if she was at work, it was a good day-most of the time. But still, everyone needed a break.
"How's the restaurant thing coming along, Veronica?"
The woman ducked her head but forced it back up and gave her a smile. "It's good. I'm lucky Skye gave me the serving job."
"No luck at all. You're a natural. Very detail-oriented, quick, responsible." Skye smiled reassuringly. "I didn't give it to you; you earned it."
There was a story there, Madison mused. She'd known it since the day Veronica was introduced to the group. But as Skye told them all, it wasn't their place to pry into people's lives.
She heard the faint rumble of her brother's engine, the whine of the garage door being lifted, and she smiled.
"I actually came over to see if Veronica wanted to get some lunch with me," she said, and watched the other woman's eyes light up. Veronica was good for the ego, that much was for sure. She relished any chance to hang out or be invited somewhere.
"Yes!" She jumped up, then sat back down quickly. "Wait. I mean, Skye and I were going to hang out this afternoon. So maybe-"
She stopped as the door opened and Tim walked in, surveying the trio of females.
"It's like an Oprah book club in here."
Madison flipped him the bird. "Oprah this. I was just asking Veronica to lunch with me," Madison said, then gave her brother an evil glance. "But I could always invite Skye as well..."
"No, no." Tim dropped his bag and headed to the kitchen. "Thanks a lot anyway, squirt. But you two have fun. I'll keep Skye company."
"I'll just bet you will," Madison murmured with a smile.
Veronica looked less convinced, glancing between her and Skye. "Are you sure?"
Skye smiled and gave her cousin a friendly shove. "Yes, absolutely. Go! Have fun. Get something sinfully delicious for dessert. Enjoy the day off."
"Yes, ma'am," Madison quipped, then bent down to give her sister-in-law a kiss on the cheek before grabbing Veronica's hand and dragging her toward the front door.
As Veronica climbed in the passenger seat of Madison's car, she bit her lip. "I hate the thought of leaving Skye behind."
"Left behind, but not left alone," Madison said as she backed out of the driveway. "Trust me, Tim will keep her busy."
"Oh." Veronica's eyes widened almost comically. "Oh."
"Uh-huh." Enjoying the woman's naïveté, Madison winked. "We should all be so lucky to score a nooner."
Madison laughed. "We have so much to talk about, you and I."
What People are Saying About This
"Her characters and their challenges are relatable, and will inspire readers to fight for what they want in their own lives." - RT Book Reviews
"Not only were the main characters in this story intriguing, but it featured some interesting supporting characters as well." - Long and Short Reviews
"I just loved The Officer Breaks the Rules. I fell in love with the characters from the first book in the series and continued to fall in love with them in this book. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. TOP PICK" - Night Owl Reviews
"This is such a fun romance and a story I'd definitely recommend." - Happily Ever After-Reads
"Her heroines are so confident and self-assured, I find myself enjoyin' the kick butt feel of it all. Can't wait for the next one! " - The Brunette Librarian
"All in all, it was a fun, satisfying read between two characters that are scorching hot when Jeremy gives in to Mad's maddening schemes. Recommend to those who love Contemporary military romance." - Delighted Reader
"This book lived up to my expectations. It was really good and entertaining." - Smitten with Reading
"The Officer Breaks the Rules is a lovely romance that is quite engaging. Love does not come easy or lightly to this wonderful couple, but in the end, they do eventually find their happily ever after." - Book Reviews & More by Kathy
"If you are looking for sexy, edgy, gripping series that will keep you invested and turning pages, look no further. You will absolutely love this one." - Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
"Another good addition to the series, that has me looking forward to Veronica and Dwayne's story." - Book Obsessed
Customer Reviews
Average Review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Reviewed by: Angie Book provided by: NetGalley Review originally posted at Romancing the Book When I chose to read The Officer Breaks the Rules, I made my decision based off of the hot cover and of course the blurb; seriously, who can resist military men?! Or a headstrong woman who knows what she wants and is willing to go after him. I just really wish I'd realized that this was second in a series when I chose it as I was completely lost. So a word to the wise, make sure you read The Officer Says "I Do" first! Madison is a very headstrong nurse who genuinely loves being in the Navy and being a nurse. I love how she isn't afraid to go after what she wants and always has a plan off attack; especially where Jeremy is concerned. Jeremy is one of those men that you can't help but love and want to whack up side the head at the same time. He struggles so much throughout the book with what he wants and what he feels is expected of him. It doesn't help that his dad puts undue pressure on him to continue the legacy of being a Marine until it's time to retire {twenty years later}. And there's the "friend code" that he feels he can't break. He's a good main character and it's easy to see why Madison has spent the majority of her life in love with him. The secondary characters are just as important as Madison and Jeremy are. Veronica lends a sweet quality, a break from the steamy friction between the two. Again I'd like to say that if you really want to understand the characters, it's probably best to read The Officer Says "I Do" to get to know Skye and Tim better. Matthew…oh how I adored Matthew, Madison's best friend, and can't wait to get to know Dwayne better in the next book in this series. Overall I really liked this book, though I felt it dragged in some places. It's obvious that Ms. Murray knows a lot about military life and is able to incorporate that knowledge into this book in a way that even this civilian understood. I look forward to reading more from this great author.
THE OFFICER BREAKS THE RULES by Jeanette Murray is an exciting Contemporary Romance.Book 2 in the "Semper Fi" series,but can be read as a stand alone. See,"The Officer Says I Do". Meet Madison O'Shay,a Navy Nurse and Captain Jeremy Phillips,a Marine. Follow them on a sea of emotional drama with Captain Jeremy not sure he wants to stay in the Marines and Madison not leaving the Navy for man or beast. While, Jeremy has "Daddy" issues, Madison knows what she wants and goes after it. This is a sweet love story, with strong supporting characters. A bit of spice is included for your pleasure. When it comes to love you have to break the rules sometimes. Oh yeah, Jeremy wants to become an author. Ms. Murray has written a story that will steal your heart,as two people navigate the Military way of life,and their own issues,plus their desire and passion for each other. Fast paced with an interesting plot. As I have already said the characters are strong and realistic. If you enjoy Military,romance,emotional baggage and love than "The Officer Breaks the Rules" is a story for you. Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details may be found at the author's website,Sourcebooks Casablanca and My Book Addiction and More. RATING: 4 HEAT RATING: MILD REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews.
Ienjoyed this book very much. Easy and fu reading.
Makes me want a military relationship.
I read this book in one day. It was cute and fun. Good recipe for romance.
Very good story
I really loved this story! Jeremy and Madison were great together. I loved Matthew and think he would be a great best friend to have! I like that people in the first book were in the second book. I am looking forward to Dwayne's story! I couldn't put this book down! Thanks Jeanette!!
This review was first posted at Reading Between the Wines! Captain Jeremy Phillips has a couple of problems. His first problem is that he lives his life to impress his father instead of living it for himself to be happy. Making his father happy requires him staying in the Marine Corp and signing his commitment papers for the next three years. Jeremy has dreams of his own though. He's been writing this book in his spare time. It started out as his hobby, but with every page he writes he wonders if he should dare to dream that it could be more than a hobby. Jeremy's second problem is Madison O'Shay. She's a Navy nurse stationed at the same base he's currently stationed at, and she's also his best friend's little sister. So in other words, she's HANDS OFF. However, being hands off with Madison goes against every instinct his body harbors. It certainly doesn't help that Madison seems to be actively trying to seduce him. What's a man to do when his walking wet dream is the one thing he can't touch because of guy code? Madison O'Shay has been in love with Jeremy since she was sixteen years old and she's tired of waiting for him to come around. She'll do what she's go to do to get the man she loves to admit he has feelings for her, even if it causes problems between herself and her brother to do it. This was a cute story. Classic best friend's little sister scenario with some different military career twists I enjoyed. I didn't get the chance to read the first book in this series, but I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the Semper Fi series featuring the third best friend in the group. A solid four wine glass toast and I hope you lovely ladies enjoy this humorous little tale of love, lust, and a stubborn man who's trying to avoid an even more stubborn woman, or risk being shot by his best friend as consequence of giving in to temptation in scrubs!
Recommend, enjoyed story. JR
I im a boss because i read so suck it up


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Boned and stuffed long-cooked Balinese duck
This is my experimental method of cooking this classic Balinese duck. The whole duck is boned (use the bones to make stock). It is then stuffed with 4 duck breasts (without their skins) and its skin is sewn up, ready for cooking.
The Balinese do not have the custom of boning ducks, chickens or any other birds. The traditional bebek betutu is stuffed with cassava leaves and spiced with the full Balinese spice mixture. When the duck is fully cooked, the wrapping, which consists of layers of banana leaves inside a seludang mayang (the hard outer sheath of the coconut flower), is opened to reveal a mass of black and tender meat. The stuffing itself has also become black. Not very appetising to look at, maybe, but the flavour is exquisite.
Here is a recipe for preparing and cooking the duck in the oven, for 2 hours on medium heat (160ºC) and then for a further 3 - 4 hours at 120ºC.
The boned duck with four more duck breasts inside it can serve 18 - 20 people.
1 duck, 2 kg / 4 lbs, boned except for the legs, and cleaned
4 duck breasts with the skins discarded
for the spice mixture or paste:
10 shallots or 2 large onions, chopped
8 cloves garlic, chopped
5 red chillies, seeds removed, chopped; or 2 tsp chilli powder
6 candlenuts or macadamia nuts, or 3 Tbsp ground almond
4 tsp coriander seeds
2 tsp cumin seeds
2 cloves
2 green cardamoms
2.5-cm / 1-inch stick of cinnamon
½ tsp ground or grated nutmeg
1 tsp ground turmeric
2 tsp chopped galingale
1 tsp ground white pepper
5-cm / 2-inch stem of lemon grass, outer leaf discarded, chopped
3 kaffir lime leaves, shredded
1 tsp shrimp paste
3 Tbsp tamarind water or lime juice
2 Tbsp peanut oil
2 Tbsp water
1 tsp salt
to add to the sauce:
500 g / 1 lb spinach, washed and shredded
Blend all the ingredients for the paste together until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring often. Then remove it to a bowl and leave it to get cold. Adjust the seasoning.
When the paste is cold, rub it all over the duck and the duck breasts. Put the duck breasts inside the boned duck by arranging them in such a way that when you close the duck it will look like a whole duck again.
To sew the duck: spread the boned duck on a board, skin side down. Arrange the already-marinated duck breasts inside. Bring the duck skin up over the duck breasts to enclose them completely. Sew the cut edges of the skin with a trussing needle and white string. Make 3 or 4 ties around the circumference of the duck to give it a cylinder shape. Wrap the duck with 2 or 3 layers of aluminium foil, quite loosely, but sealing the top well.
Everything up to this point can be done the day before, and the parcel can be left in the fridge overnight so that the duck marinates thoroughly.
To cook, pre-heat the oven to 160ºC / 320ºF / Gas Mark 3, and put the parcel on a baking tray in the middle of the oven. Cook for 2 hours, then reduce the heat to 120ºC / 250ºF / Gas Mark ½ and continue cooking for a further 3-4 hours.
Leave the parcel to cool a little, then unwrap and transfer the duck to a large heat-proof dish. Take away all the string. Separate and discard the oil from the cooking juices. Put the cooking juices in a small saucepan, add to this the washed and shredded spinach leaves. Heat, and serve as a thick sauce.
Before serving, put the duck into the oven again, on a high heat, and heat till the skin is quite crisp. Or put the duck under the grill in the oven for about 6 - 8 minutes to crisp the skin. To serve, cut the duck down the middle lengthwise, then slice each half separately into slices about 1 cm thick.

subset: commoncrawl


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Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson may be excited about his new covered bonds initiative, but Cramer isn't.
According to this Reuters story, covered bonds are issued against pools of assets, such as home loans. Unlike mortgage securitization, which passes all the risk to investors, covered bonds stay on a financial institutions books. The goal, Paulson said, is to restore faith in the American mortgage finance system. Bank of America, Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase are all expected to take part in the program.
But aren't there more immediate problems to solve first? That was Cramer's contention.


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Hurricane Harvey Relief
Your Insurance Claims and Storm Damage
Hurricane – Tropical Storm Harvey Information
Eco1 Construction honors all Insurance claims with an Insurance Adjuster's report and a signed Contingency Contract from Eco1 Construction naming us as your Contractor.
Where do I begin with Eco1 Construction and my Insurance Claims?
Eco1 Construction offers services for storm damage and general contracting. Since dealing with insurance companies can be quite hectic, we provide our clients with a service writer who will help you understand your claim process. Your service writer will also coordinates meetings with the insurance adjusters and will represent you as your contractor. This will ensure that all damaged items are included in the damage report.
How to start the insurance claim process.
Immediately you need to call your insurance company to report on all damages. The insurance carrier will inquire about the date and type of damage. You will then be issued with a claim number that will be used throughout your claim's process.
When meeting with your Insurance adjuster.
After you begin the process the insurance company adjuster will contact you to schedule a meeting. Inform your adjuster to then contact Eco1 Construction, as your service writer and we will represent you as both your advocate and general contractor. All issues associated with the mechanics of your repair, local building codes, and all materials will be our job.
Getting funding.
Within around ten days from meeting with the adjusters, you will receive a check from your insurance company. This amount will represents the actual cost to repair or replace your damaged property. This will not include your deductible and depreciation. When your project is complete, we will bill your insurance company for the depreciation, also known as hold-back.
What does my Insurance company pay to replace?
Your insurance will repay you for replacement costs only. If you desire any upgrades, you will be expected to pay the difference plus any overhead and margins to the contractor.
What is my deductible and who pays for it?
The deductible is a dollar amount which a policyholder agrees to pay, per claim or per incident, toward the total amount of their insured loss. So. if you incur a loss and your insurance company determines that repairs for the damages are going to cost, $10,000.00 and your policy has a $1,000.00 deductible, your insurance company will pay $9000.00. It will be your responsibility to pay the remaining $1000.00 balance to the contractor.
What does ACV and Depreciation mean?
AVC or Actual Cash value is the cost of replacing or restoring your property at prices prevailing at the time and place of the loss, less your depreciation.
So, if an item is worth $100 new, is expected to last for 10 years and you have owned the item for 5 years, then the ACV of that item would be 50% of its original value. The amount deducted from the replacement cost value based upon the percentage of the ACV is typically referred to as Depreciation.
Depreciation is a decrease in the value of your property over a period of time due to wear and tear or obsolescence. Depreciation is used to determine the Actual Cash Value of property at the time of your loss. Under most cases the ACV is refunded after the job is finished and an invoice will be presented to the insurance company from your contractor. Depreciation is how the insurance companies protects themselves from Homeowners who do not complete all the repairs or replace the items but instead opt for the cash.
When the project is finished, we will invoice your Insurance company for the remaining balance or depreciation.
What if my Insurance company does not paid out enough to have my home repaired?
Insurance companies always expect supplements to be added from the contractor. If is very common for an Insurance Adjuster to miss items while their doing the estimate. Every Insurance company has a Supplement Team to investigate additional costs. Your only out of pocket expense should be your deductible.


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Jules Durand/
Where did you grow up and when did you say to yourself: ''I want to be an Artist''?
I was born in Vietnam and moved to France in 1995. I lived in the south of France. I don't really remember exactly when I decided to become an artist. As a child I wanted to become a scientist, but after I finished high school I wasn't confident enough with it so I decided to take a break for one year to think about what I really wanted to do. I started to think about art because since my childhood I draw a lot and everybody always told me: "you draw very well, you should do something artistic!", so I went to a fine art school to learn drawing and painting. Within 2 years I became what I wanted to be, an artist. After this school I passed the exam for the Gobelins school, an animation school in France.
Have you always been supported in your artistic path or has it been challenging to let your family and friends understand your choice?
I was always supported in so many ways in my past few years. My parents wanted me to be happy with what I wanted to do and so when I told them I wanted to do art studies they were happier than me! I'm so proud to have such great parents. My friends from high school did understand because they always told me to do art. Haha
What was the strongest influence you had when you were growing up ( artists, movies, cartoons, comics etc.. ) ?
As an artist I always looked for inspiration because I think it's always good to be aware of what the world and people can offer you in many fields, even personally. But for my art, I love to watch animated movies and I'm a huge fan of Ghibli and Disney/Pixar. Living in France also made me a big fan of impressionist artists like Monet or Renoir.
Did you go to an art school or are you self taught? What helped you prepare to become the artist we know today?
As I said I went to a fine art school (Ecole Emile Cohl) and then I passed the exam for Gobelins in Paris, where I am currently studying to become an artist for the animation industry. I always respect people who teach themselves but to a young wannabe artist, I think I will always recommend to go to art school. You know, nowadays, art schools don`t seem to be the only way to become an artist because with the Internet you can learn much more by yourself than before but with an art school, the big point is to be with people who are like you. Sometimes you learn more by speaking with people than to practice your drawing. I definitely think that becoming an artist is a subtle mix of learning from your practice and from the culture around you. Something I learnt in my fine art school was to be aware of other things than art.
Did you have a favourite subject to draw when you were a child and do you still have one today? If you do, what makes it so special?
When I was a child I was obsessed with Mangas, so I copied every one I owned. Haha most of the characters were from Dragon Ball Z, such a cliche. And now my obsession is to draw people I see and how expressive they can be with their body language. You know, it is important to know your subject very well, to draw and understand what you really want to draw.
What is your process in coloring your art and what type of tools or media do you use?
I'm always trying different ways of expressing myself with my art and since I have got an iPad I enjoy drawing with it. It definitely makes me want to draw everywhere and all the time since I'm not being observed by people, they think I'm just playing with my iPad haha ! But I love the feeling of drawing with pencil on paper and I have a sketchbook in my little pocket!
What are some of the things you have learned from other artists who you have worked with or whose work you have seen?
I did have the opportunity to do an internship at Sony pictures animation and I was in such a great team and learnt so much I couldn't imagine before. My mentor, Marcelo Vignali, a great artist was so inspiring. His way of designing things is what everybody should learn. As I said, the most important thing is to take time to understand what you want to draw. For that you have to think about what you want to convey with your design and what you think your design is for. Sometimes it is ok to draw in your own way but if you want to be understood and to share your art with people you also have to think about what others think.
Is there something that you have designed that you are most proud of?
I always think, things could be better.. To be honest, there is nothing I could be proud of because, I think, I would be happy enough if people I love could be proud of what I do.
What is your longterm career goal and what would your dream project be?
I would love to have an opportunity to be part of great projects which I could support in my own way. I think I would be happy to work in an animation company where I could evolve my art with other great artists.
What advise would you give to an artist who is dealing with an art-block? How do you boost your imagination and keep yourself creative?
That's a good question. Every artist has has an art- block at some point. Sometimes an art block is just something that you end up with when you think of new possibilities about your art. My advise for dealing with it, is not to give up and just relax yourself, take time to look around you. I mean you can take a break. It doesn't mean you have to put down your pencil, it's the moment for you to think about your art and think about new art. Sometimes I enjoy to just look at artists I like and take time to discover new artists. It's in that moment I boost my imagination and creativity the most. Then inspiration can come easily. I think it's like your whole life, you will always deal with ups and downs.
Concept art, animation, illustration, comics, there's so many options to choose and when you're young, sometimes the only thing you know is just that you love to draw: what should a young artist take into consideration to make the right decision when choosing an artistic path?
Oh another good question! I have been asking myself what I should do. I think it's something you discover with experience. I know some people think it's important to know what you want as soon as possible because you will have goals and you will tend to these goals, but to choose between a lot of stuff you would like is almost impossible and you know why it is impossible? Because these different fields are connected. Concept art is connected to animation and etc... That's why I will always suggest to a young artist to develop himself before thinking what career he wants. I know there are young prodigies like Olivia and Elena Ceballos. And it amazes me how confident they are with their art. There will always be people who will be sure about what they want. Marcelo Vignali told me to be honest with yourself and to look at your art and think what your art is about. At some point you will understand where you art will fit in the art industry. Sometimes, by speaking with friends you will learn more about yourself and your art.
What's your point of view about the industry today: what are the expectation for someone who wants to make a living with an artistic career?
My point of view about it is positive. I think everybody can find their place in the industry. I am repeating myself but you have to be honest. I think it's important to want to find your own place. People in the industry mostly tell me: if you don't want to be rich, it's for you, because maybe you can have a living with an artistic career but you do art because it's your passion. But in my opinion the industry can evolve so fast that you have to be ready to expect anything. Sometimes there are good surprises and sometimes bad ones so I`m sure you can have a living but be ready for any expectations.
Who are the artists who inspire you the most today and what are some of your favorite designs?
The people who inspire me the most are certainly my family and my friends. My true love is for sure who is inspiring me to become a better person and a better artist. Some artists who inspire me the most are impressionist painters and artist from the animation industry such as Marcelo Vignali, Peter Chan, Oga Kazuo, Cyril Pedrosa, Juliaon Roels, Nicolas Marlet, Aurelien Predal, Enrique Fernandez.. and a lot of people I could name if I had time! Haha
We have a soft spot for hand drawn animation, what is your opinion about the future of this art form?
Nowadays big companies tend to use 3D animation in their feature films and the only 2D animation I saw came from student films or from independent studios for ads. That's what I have observed, but everybody loves 2D animation and I think it s because it reminds them of their childhood. Everybody watched old Disney movies like Dumbo or Robin Hood and all were 2D animation, they were so beautiful and I think 2D animation/hand drawn animation will come back. I also like that 2D animation gives you a lot of artistic possibilities, like mixing mediums.
Finally, Where can we see your art online and get in touch with you? How can we buy your creations and support your work?
My email address is: firstname.lastname@example.com and you can check my work on my tumblr site at aikikou.tumblr.com and I have a portfolio on portfoliojulesduchoad.blogspot.com
I would be happy if people support me on tumblr and see my art. I don't have an online shop because I didn't think about it before. If someone is interested in my art, feel free to ask me and send me an email.
Thank you Jules :)


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And you will be able to:
- find new friends who would share your interests;
- write reviews and comments to the games;
- be the first to know about news and updates;
- to participate in contests and win prizes;
- and much more!
Registered users: 1078322
What could be better than being on a tropical paradise island in the sun? Imagine... a glass of your favorite refreshing beverage to your left, the waves crashing to your right, a comfy lounge chair underneath you, and a beach umbrella and palm trees up above. Heavenly, right? Well as the director of the world's leading beach resorts you know that you need to give each guest a lounge chair, his or her favorite drink, and a wonderful view of the ocean.
In Paradise Beach you are given the chance to build and management the world's best beach resorts. At first you will take care of and manage a small strip of coast, but soon you'll advance to more interesting and challenging areas. There are six real islands for you to dream and build on. You are absolutely free to build whatever you choose where ever you want. Construct buildings where you think it's necessary and connect them with paths. Please your guests by decorating your beach with a wide range of plants.
But managing your beach isn't really just about laying out paths and wonderful avenues or building amusements and the strategic arrangement of lounge chairs. Here the customer comes first, so the most important thing is to make your guest happy. In order to achieve this noblest of causes you can hire workers who will help you: Janitors to help keep the beach clean, engineers to repair and maintain buildings and facilities, lifeguards to keep a watchful eye along the shore. These employees are priceless in the beach business. New elements are introduced throughout the game to keep things interesting. There is also the "sandbox", a second game play mode, where you start with an empty island, limited resources, and through skillful management make your guests happy.
Paradise Beach's bright graphics, total freedom of action, two modes of game play make it possible for your to let your imagination go completely wild as your design the most improbable and grandiose beach resorts.
- Farmington Tales
Welcome to Farmington! Hope you're ready to get your hands dirty.
- Farm Craft 2: Global Vegetable Crisis
Ginger must stop people making suspicious experimental fruits and vegetables, solve international intrigue and stop the global vegetable crisis.
- Gardens Inc. From Rakes to Riches
Create beautiful gardens


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Product Description
Mocha Bedside Cabinet/Table
– part of the mocha range
– wooden texture
– flat pack
– contemporary design
w – 47cm
h- 46cm
d – 42cm
Returns and Exchanges
There are a few important things to keep in mind when returning a product you purchased. You can return unwanted items by post within 14 working days of receipt of your goods.
- You have 14 calendar days to return an item from the date you received it.
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- Please ensure that the item you are returning is in the original packaging.
Ship your item back to Us
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Sony Rumored To Ship 10 Million PlayStation 4 Units, Topping Xbox One
If PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have equal demand this fall, Sony's (NYSE: SNE) console could still lead the market.
According to DigiTimes, unnamed sources estimate that Sony will ship 10 million PlayStation 4 units in 2013. This estimate is based on mass component orders that are currently being shipped.
In comparison, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is expected to ship seven to nine million Xbox One units.
Consequently, if both consoles sell out during the holiday shopping season, Sony will lead by default because it shipped more units.
This may be music to the ears of PlayStation fans and Sony investors alike. But make no mistake: these figures are far from final -- and they may be far from accurate.
After all, this is the third shipment-related story that DigiTimes has published for PlayStation 4. The first was spawned by sources who had told the publication that Sony could ship 16 million units this year.
DigiTimes' second report claimed that Sony had fallen behind schedule and may no longer ship 16 million units.
Now the publication has stated that the number has dropped to 10 million units. Even in the best-case scenario, Sony could have a hard time shipping that many units to retail.
Before PlayStation 3 arrived in 2006, Sony planned to ship two million units. By the time the system arrived in the United States and Japan, only 500,000 units were available.
Granted, that was just the first shipment. But it shows how difficult it can be to live up to admitted expectations. Sony has not publicly stated how many PlayStation 4 units it hopes to ship this year.
If there is a silver lining here, it's that component makers believe that PlayStation 4 and Xbox One demand will remain strong in 2014 as the consoles are released in new territories. This should ensure that these machines will continue to perform well globally even after the holiday shopping season is over.
Disclosure: At the time of this writing, Louis Bedigian had no position in the equities mentioned in this report.
Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at 248-636-1322 or louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ
Posted-In: Digitimes Microsoft PlayStation 3 PlayStation 4 SonyNews Rumors Tech Best of Benzinga
© 2019 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


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My heart is already racing and I'm feeling that heavy sensation in my chest...you know, the feeling that happens as you're on the climb up of a roller coaster, with each click of the track reminding you that the biggest drop is waiting for you at the top...and it's just getting closer and closer.
...anxiety, as I write this. I've fought and wrestled for the last few days about whether or not I should take part in this movement. And then I realized if I didn't, I become part of the problem....the issue in our society, the lie, that tells people who've been taken advantage of sexually that they should stay quiet...continue to think that it was probably their fault it ever happened in the first place. Remind themselves that if they say anything, people probably wouldn't even believe them anyways. I've had every single one of these thoughts run through my mind. I faced rigorous counseling for the abuse I experienced from a man who said he loved me. Who even asked me to marry him (and I said yes)...but behind closed doors, made me do things I never wanted to do. Inflicted physical pain on me that no woman should ever have to endure. We make excuses for our perpetrators. "He didn't mean to push me that far. He didn't technically rape me. Maybe I didn't say no strongly enough. I'm sure if I had tried harder, I could've stopped it..." THIS IS THE PROBLEM. The fact that women (and men too) everywhere feel they can't come forward...sometimes until YEARS after the fact, and tell their truths about what happened to them for fear that they will be shamed, or that our society won't validate them or attempt to bring justice to their situation. So today, after nearly 5 years of not sharing my story, I'm sharing my story. My hope is that it helps shed light on the fact that sexual abuse happens every single day, all around us. And it's time to BREAK THE CYCLE.
I was in a relationship with a man who claimed to love Jesus. Who also claimed to love me. But rarely told me I was beautiful. Rarely affirmed my strengths or gifts. And hardly ever showed me any love or attention in the presence of other people. I always felt somehow that he was ashamed to be with me. I just couldn't understand why I never felt like I was enough for him. I developed what I can only describe as the closest thing to an eating disorder after several months of dating him. I ran 4-5 miles every single day and counted my carbs incessantly. I dropped down to my lowest weight and yet, it still consumed my thoughts. "Maybe if I can just reach THIS weight, or fit into this size...or look THIS way in my clothes, he'll look at me differently. He'll tell me how beautiful he thinks I am. I can be what he wants, I know I can, if I work hard enough."
I never was. Enough, that is. It was always about his ambitions. His dreams. His goals. His future plans. If my dreams and aspirations happened to fit nicely into his box of plans, then, "Great babe! Yeah you should do it!" But if not, "You need to trust me babe, I know what is best for us. You need to trust my lead and follow me {blindly)..." his manipulation was always wrapped in a spiritual twist that never allowed me to really question his judgment. I thought, "Well he's prayed about it and told me this is right for us, for me, and I guess I just need to be okay with his decisions for us. I'll let go of my gut feelings because I'm not the head of this relationship. It's not my place."
So I put his family first. Pushed mine away slowly over the years of dating him. Put his dreams before my own. His desires. His goals. His friends. And I became only a shell of who I once was. I forgot what I was good at. That I had dreams and aspirations of my own. That I had my own friends, and my own community at one time that he didn't control. And I slowly became a fragile, hollow, submissive, fearful person, who followed him asking no questions...that is, until I started to ask questions. And stand up for myself every once in awhile. And push back on things I felt in my heart weren't right for us. For me.
This didn't go over well. But I was neck deep in a relationship with a man who controlled me. Who manipulated me. Who took advantage of me in the bedroom and then sent me texts the next morning with scripture verses that talked about forgiveness. His way of "apologizing" for the night before I guess? I would wake up sore. I would ask myself if I wasn't clear enough when I told him he was hurting me. Maybe he couldn't see the look on my face or when my eyes would water as he pushed me to do things that hurt me...maybe he couldn't tell I was pushing him away, hoping he would "catch on" that I didn't want what he was doing. Maybe he would notice that he was hurting me when I was saying "ow babe" in a soft, cracking voice, after he'd say "if you relax it won't hurt as much". I was silently crying out for help. I laid awake in bed wondering how or if I could ever escape this relationship I was so deep in. I would beg God to help me know what to do, because I certainly couldn't get out now. People were watching. He was on staff at a church. I was leading worship there. Where could I go? I didn't have much a relationship with my parents at this point because I pushed them out of my life when they started to express concern for me and my relationship with him. I protected him. I defended him. And I wasted away to nothing each time I did. Why couldn't I just leave? Why couldn't I just save myself?
One day, I found a courage deep down that I didn't know existed anymore. We'd gotten in a fight the weekend before. He stood in front of a locked bedroom door and we yelled. He wouldn't let me out. I think I even pushed him. When we met up and talked a couple days later, I looked him in the eyes. I didn't recognize him anymore. As he talked and talked (as he always did) and justified what he did and said, I began to feel like I was watching myself have this conversation with him from afar. In that moment, as I watched his lips move, I didn't hear his voice anymore. An overwhelming voice in my heart drowned out his voice and I heard the words, "The door is open to you. You CAN walk through it and leave. You don't have to do this anymore." It was clear as crystal. I had a sense of calm rush over me. He finished his piece and without missing a beat, the words just came out of my mouth. I wasn't even sure if they were coming from me. They just came. "I don't have to do this anymore. And actually, I don't WANT this anymore. I'm done."
And that was it. I gave back the ring. I picked up the broken pieces that were left of myself and all of a sudden, all the plans we'd made were no more. I still had secrets. No one really knew why I did what I did. Why I left. People thought we were so perfect together. So, what now?
About a year later, I hit rock bottom. The pain and agony I felt from it all manifested itself in very unhealthy ways. I blazed a path of destruction for myself, because I had no self dignity left. I wasn't worth anything anymore. It didn't matter what I did because no one valued me anyways. These are the lies I told myself. I made awful decisions. I medicated and tried to numb myself with all kinds of things that only made it worse. And then one day, I was confronted by a thought I never imagined I would feel. "I can't do this anymore. There's nothing left to live for. No one knows the kind of pain I'm walking around with everyday. I don't want to live anymore." And then my phone rang. It was my dad. He spoke firmly with me and made me take a step in the right direction for the first time in almost 2 years. I needed help. I found myself in extensive counseling. Finally uttering the words out loud to someone for the first time, what had happened to me. What he'd done to me. How out of control everything was because I had never dealt with it all. I remember telling my counselor, "but it was my fault, I could've stopped it...I should've been more clear when I said he was hurting me. I could've said no louder. I could've walked away...couldn't I?"
It wasn't my fault. I didn't ask for it. I couldn't have stopped it. I was controlled. Manipulated. A hollowed-out version of myself that couldn't stand up and fight for herself anymore. But I got help. I learned the truth about what happened to me. I was taken advantage of. My innocence was stolen from me. By a man who I thought loved me. It took me a long time to ever believe in healing again. To believe I could love and BE loved again.
I'm here to tell you that God redeems all things that are broken. I'm a walking testimony of that. I have freedom from the thing that once took every ounce of joy in my life. I was given a second chance. I believe God gifted me my precious husband Caleb, who loves me more than anything in the world. He puts me first. He sacrifices for me and our little family. He takes care of me. Physically and emotionally. I am so blessed and undeserving of him. And by the way, my family has known for quite some time now about everything and they walked through some very dark days with me. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for them. My mom and dad are my heroes and I am so grateful for their love and support in my life. But I couldn't go another day without sharing the journey it took for me to get where I am today. I'm here to tell you if you resonate with anything I've said today or if you've had any of these things happen to you,
It wasn't your fault.
You can't do this alone.
There are people who can help.
You're not being dramatic or seeking attention if you tell the truth.
And you must not be silent anymore.
Edited to add: I have forgiven this person. I am whole. I believe that people change for the better. And I believe that this man has changed as well.
All my love and light to you beautiful people,


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Jason Inman hails from a farm in Kansas and has written several comic book stories including pieces in DC Comics Love is Love and Alterna Comics IF Anthology. His newest series, JUPITER JET, co-written with Ashley Victoria Robinson was praised by IGN as "charming and a great story for anyone who needs more superhero action in their life. Prior to becoming a writer, Jason served in the US Army deploying for a year in Iraq
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SOUTH PORTLAND—As if McAuley, Deering and Portland weren't enough already, the South Portland Red girls' basketball team now has to deal with another upstart across the bridge that makes its home within city limits.
The young, fast and athletic Stags pressured the Red Riots into 25 turnovers with a near-frantic, wide open fullcourt press, watched four freshmen provide more than half their offensive output and pulled away late for a 46-42 victory in a wild one Friday night at Beal Gymnasium.
Freshmen forward Brooke Flaherty scored 10 of her team-high 12 points in the second half, and freshmen guard Mikayla Mayberry saved the day with a clutch steal and coast-to-coast layup with just 29 seconds left in the game to stretch what was a two-point lead into the final four-point advantage.
The Stags feature the league's second-leading scorer in sophomore Alexandra Palazzi-Leahy, not exactly an ancient relic herself, and do start a trio of senior captains with Anna Snook, Hanna Lyons and the dangerous Theresa Hendrix. But after that, Cheverus relies heavily on four sensational freshmen in Flaherty, Mayberry, Casey Honan and Victoria Nappi, all providing athleticism, energy and one bright-looking future.
On a night Palazzi-Leahy (six points) struggled to find her range from the field, the Stags needed every last contribution they could get from their young stars in waiting. With Flaherty and Mayberry (six points) leading the way, the four freshmen combined to score 25 points and help the Stags improve to 10-3 with a hard-fought win over an experienced South Portland team.
Lacking greatly in size, both in width and length, Cheverus does everything in its power to avoid knock down, drag-out games decided in the halfcourt. This is accomplished mainly by putting the ball in the hoop, which in turn allows the Stags to set up their ferocious fullcourt defensive pressure and speed the pace up to where they like it.
This philosophy was in action on Friday against the Red Riots (7-7), when after missing wildly on several possessions the Stags fell behind 7-0 to start the game. But when Honan dropped in the Stags' first hoop over four minutes in, what followed was a frenetic 10-0 run that ended with a 3-pointer from Lyons and a sudden 12-9 lead with 38 seconds left in the first period.
South Portland senior Danielle McCusker, the game's top scorer with 14 points, answered right back with a 3-pointer to tie the game 12-12 after the opening quarter, setting up a most-unusual first half scoring pattern.
Including her 3 that closed the first, McCusker scored five-straight to start the second quarter and junior Stephanie McDonough swished a long jumper to close out a 10-0 run for South Portland to take a 19-12 lead.
Cheverus didn't score for a full six minutes, then suddenly came to life and ran off nine straight to close out the quarter and went to half leading 21-19. Flaherty started things off with a short jumper in the lane with 2:04 left in first half, allowing the Stags to press on the make and Mayberry to pick off an errant pass and drive the length of the floor for two more. Honan hit her second field goal and Palazzi-Leahy banked home a wild 3 high off the glass with eight-seconds left for the Stags first lead of the night at intermission.
"We want to play an up-tempo style," said Cheverus coach Richie Ashley. "We're not as big as most teams, and against a well-coached, veteran team like South Portland we have to play that way. We didn't want them to be able to get settled and pound it down low. When we play fast, it makes it easier for us to do that. If we play together and put the ball in the basket, that allows us to set up our press. I think we're a pretty good team when we do that."
As it turns out, the back-and-forth excitement of the first half was just the beginning of a highly entertaining contest that would not be decided until Mayberry's heroics with half a minute left in the game.
Each team played with great energy in a third quarter that ended with Cheverus still on top by only two points. The difference was both teams scored 17 points in the third, an up and down quarter that squeezed six of the game's eight ties into eight minutes of fast-paced action that finally came to a tongue-dragging end with Cheverus clinging to a 38-36 advantage.
"We like to get up and down the floor," said Flaherty. "That's definitely our game. We've been working hard in practice and tonight we made some big shots when we needed them. We're starting to play much better together as a team."
Palazzi-Leahy scored the first and last basket of the third, slashing down the lane for her first bucket to put the Stags up 23-19 30 seconds in. South Portland junior Danielle DiBiase started to get things going, sinking a pair of jumpers to tie the score 23-23, pausing for Flaherty to add a hoop for Cheverus, then catching a deep ball over the top of the press and making good on a tough layup to tie the score once again, 25-25, just three minutes into the third.
But once again Flaherty came through for Cheverus, hitting another short jumper in the paint. McCusker answered with two free throws for the Red Riots to tie the score, but the Stags answered when senior Keturah Smith hit a long jump shot for her only points of the game, before McCusker iced another pair from the line to make it 29-29 with 3:30 left in the third quarter.
Hendrix (10 points) scored the next five points for Cheverus, netting a long jumper to go with a three-point play when she pulled down an offensive rebound and put it back up and in while being fouled.
In between, McCusker scored her final field goal, and South Portland freshmen Danica Gleason (five points) followed Hendrix's three-point play with a driving layup to pull back within one at 34-33 with two minutes left in the third.
Mayberry swished a jumper from the left-elbow extended to give the Stags a three-point lead, but Gleason knifed down the lane for a tough two and added one foul shot after the Red Riots got a stop to tie the game for the last time at 36-36.
But the lightning quick Palazzi-Leahy gave the Stags the lead for good when she scored to make it 38-36 as both teams took a well-deserved break in between quarters.
Flaherty connected again to start the fourth and on the make Palazzi-Leahy stole the inbound pass and slashed across the lane for a pretty two as the Stags opened their biggest lead of the game at 42-36.
South Portland struggled mightily to execute on offense throughout the entire fourth quarter, particularly down the stretch, and would not score another field goal the rest of the way. The Red Riots scored six points in the fourth on 6-for-10 shooting from the line, with sophomore Libby Grant (five points) hitting one of her two tries from the stripe to pull within a score at 44-42 with two minutes still left to play.
After a series of unsuccessful possessions for both teams, the clever Mayberry put the Stags' program-best 10th win of the season on ice when she picked her South Portland counterpart just over halfcourt and raced the length of the floor for an easy two with just 29 seconds left to end all scoring and give Cheverus the 46-42 win.
"We didn't execute at the end of the game," said South Portland coach Mike Giordano. "We just couldn't find a way to score late when we needed to. Cheverus is a good, athletic team. They come right after you and force you to be a player. Tonight we didn't do a good job handling that. They are a tough matchup for us on defense. But at the same time, we're a tough matchup for them on offense, we just didn't take advantage of that. We need to execute on offense, rebound and take care of the basketball to win games. If we don't do one or two of those things we're sitting here with a four-point loss against a good team."
With four games left, South Portland (ninth in the latest Western Class A Heal Points standings, which would give them the last postseason spot) will look to salvage the season and earn another playoff berth in Giordano's 14th season. This week the Red Riots travel to Bonny Eagle on Tuesday and host Westbrook on Friday, before closing out the season at home against Portland and on the road for a rematch with Cheverus.
Don't look now, but with five games left in the regular season the Stags are fifth in the region. Cheverus will host Gorham and Marshwood this week on Tuesday and Thursday nights, a pair of teams still fighting for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Stags close out the season with three tough games, on the road in Sanford and at home against McAuley, before hosting South Portland in the regular season finale.
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The only pasta salad recipe you'll ever need


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The GROW Model/
The GROW Model is deservedly one of the best known and widely used coaching models. It provides a simple yet powerful framework for navigating a route through a coaching session, as well as providing a means of finding your way when lost.
It is described in a number of coaching books, including John Whitmore's excellent book Coaching For Performance: Growing People, Performance and Purpose. GROW is an acronym for Goal, current Reality, Options and Will and/or Wrap-up which are seen as the four key elements of a coaching session.
The GROW Model is described here as it applies to an individual session but part of its strength is that it can equally well be applied to a part of a session, or to series of sessions. In each case, the principle is the same.
Firstly, a session must have a Goal or outcome to be achieved. The goal should be as specific as possible and it must be possible to measure whether it has been achieved. So, having identified the goal, questions like "How will you know that you have achieved that goal?" are useful here.
As well as knowing where you are trying to get to, you need to know where you are starting from - the Current Reality. It is surprising how often this is the key part of a coaching session and that by just seeing clearly the situation (rather than what was thought or imagined to be the situation), the resolution becomes obvious and straightforward.
Once you know where you are and where you want to go, the next step is to explore what Options you have for getting there. A useful metaphor for GROW is a map: once you know where you are going (the goal) and where you are (current reality), you can explore possible ways of making the journey (options) and choose the best.
But this in itself is not enough - you must also have the motivation or Will to make the journey. The "W" is often taken to stand for a number of other elements of a session, all of which are important. Myles Downey in his book Effective Modern Coaching suggests it stands for "Wrap-up"; others have it standing for What, Where, Why, When and How. But whatever is emphasised, the desired outcome from this stage is a commitment to action.
The GROW process has been presented sequentially here. In practice, it is a much less linear process which may start anywhere and revisit each of the stages several times. Often when I have lost my way in a session or got stuck, I turn to The GROW Model to check out where I need to put my attention.


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Favorite Chocolate Chip CookiesFrom deedeec 11 years ago
- 1 cup butter, softened shopping list
- 1 cup brown sugar shopping list
- 1 cup sugar shopping list
- 2 eggs shopping list
- 1 tsp vanilla extract shopping list
- 2 ½ cup plain oatmeal* shopping list
- 2 cup all-purpose flour shopping list
- 1 tsp baking powder shopping list
- 1 tsp baking soda shopping list
- ½ tsp salt shopping list
- 20 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, or whatever chips you like. shopping list
- 1 cup pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts, chopped (optional) shopping list
How to make it
- *Note: pour small amounts of oats into blender and grind until it turns to powder. Do this with all 2 ½ cups of oats to make oat flour.
- In a very large bowl: Cream together first 3 ingredients. Then add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another large bowl sift together flour, oat flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
- Now gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Dough will become very thick. Then mix in chocolate chips and nuts if you like. You may have to do this by hand if it's too thick for your mixer.
- Roll dough into golf ball sized balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake at 375 °F for 7-10 minutes. Total cooking time is actually longer then 10 minutes, unless you can bake 6 dozen cookies at once.
- Cool on racks or wax paper. Store in airtight container.
- Makes 6 dozen.
Get a big glass of cold milk... Close
Dunk the cookie... Close
Enjoy! Close


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Training Sessions
All swimmers swim on Club Night from our youngest swimmers in Learn to Swim through to our oldest adult members. Swimmers are then able to add further sessions at the invitation of the Head Coach.
Learn to Swim Age 5 to 7
Halesowen Swimming Club has run a Learn to Swim scheme since the Learner Pool facility was first opened in 1974 and has taught thousands of local children to swim.
Improving Swimmers Age 6 to 9
Improving swimmers age 6 to 9 will continue to develop their skills through the higher levels of the Waterskills programme in widths sessions in the main pool. Swimmers will either join this programme by progressing from our Learn to Swim scheme or, if entering directly, by being assessed by one of our qualified coaches. The foundation of swimming skills will continue to be developed and swimmers will be given opportunities to take part at competitions within the club. Towards the end of the Waterskills programme swimmers may be asked to increase the number of their swimming sessions to speed improvements as part of pre-competitive training.
Competitive Swimming Age 8 to 10
Swimmers from age 8 and above will have completed the Waterskills programme and their skills will be sufficiently developed to begin training for competitive swimming. Swimmers at this level may also enter the programme directly after being assessed by one of our qualified coaches. At this time swimmers will be training twice a week or more and aiming to represent the club at competition or to achieve County standards.
Competitive Swimming Age 11+
At around the age of 11 or 12 swimmers will increase their training levels further and have begun a land-based programme to complement their swimming. Swimmers can still enter the programme directly after an assessment by one of our qualified coaches but will be expected to commit to the competitive programme. Competitive swimmers within the club should be aiming to represent the Club at competition and be aiming for County standards or higher.
Competitive Swimming Age 13+
Swimmers from age 13 and above will be swimming at least three times or more each week and be attending our land-based training programme. Swimmers may still join the programme but it is likely that these will be from a competitive swimming background. Senior competitive swimmers should be aiming to represent the club at competition and be at least at County standard or higher.
Adults & Masters Swimming
Adult swimmers age 18+ can join the club at any time and can swim in recreational graded lane sessions on Mondays and Fridays from 9.15pm to 10.15pm at Halesowen Leisure Centre.
Adult swimmers age 18+ no longer in competitive training sessions can join our Masters sessions. In addition to sessions on Monday and Friday, Masters can also swim on Thursdays at Halesowen Leisure Centre from 9pm to 10pm. These may be swimmers already within the club or those joining directly. Masters swimmers can continue to train up to and well beyond retirement age.
For anybody interested in adult and masters swimming we recommend coming to the pool to view these sessions to see if these meet your needs. There will be club representatives at the pool to answer any questions you may have about joining.


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The Eave Truss is our premier portable building for the customer with a big appetite for storage and
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The Eave Truss comes standard with all these features, plus it has the ability in its regular configuration
to accommodate a garage door or oversize doors without any modifications. The Eave Truss is available
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Functional, strong, durable, and cost effective are just a few words we hear when customers describe
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If you want a portable building that will satisfy the most demanding customer and exceed your
expectations, make the wise choice. Purchase the Lark Eave Truss.


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Hey friends,
Today I want to share some interesting definitions or I would rather say the difference between certain generally confusing terms which I am sure even you might also have a doubt about.
How did all of it start – I was looking for some kurtas online, for a small function and there I saw some pretty bottoms as well but eventually, I realized that I am getting confused with 1 or 2 terms. I decided to finish my doubts then and there and now I will share my knowledge that I recently gained.
1. Sharara
Sharara is the bifurcated version that falls straight and looks like a skirt. It is usually long and reaches the floor. It also has a flare and plaits. It is mostly paired with a long or short kurti.
2. Gharara
Gharara is fitted till somewhere above the knee (or has a band sort of thing) and then flared. It is mostly paired with a short kurti and looks extremely gorgeous. It is also known as Farshi Pajama.
3. Lehenga
A lehenga is paired with a choli which is supposed to be a small blouse like thing which reveals the stomach & the back.
4. Lacha
A lacha has a relatively longer blouse which not only covers the entire stomach & back but is also sometimes a little below the hips.
All of the above-mentioned styles are available online. You can go, check the trend and the latest collection on Myntra and its app I really hassle-free and enjoyable and the best part is you can get some awesome deals as well.
Top 10 perks of shopping online:
- Save Time
- Save Fuel
- Comparison of Prices
- 24/7 availability
- No crowds hence no waiting lines
- Easy to search merchandise
- Online Deals and Promotions
- Doorstep Exchange Policy
- Can send gifts easily
- Discrete purchases are easier
The only disadvantage what I can think of is we don't get to try the merchandise before shopping but that is also not a big issue these days as all online websites offer proper measurement chats and have easy exchange policies.
If you are looking for some pure, light fabric and elegant looking kurtas to pair up with the above-mentioned bottoms to beat this heat then you must try cotton kurtas as it is the king fabric for summer. If you need 100% pure cotton kurtas then you should definitely head to FabIndia.
I am also checking out the same, to pair up with my palazzo and sharara, I have to wear it in a small function and I really want this kurta to reach me on time. The express delivery online is surely a savior as it not only save money but time as well. I feel so happy now.


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Chances are if you're reading this you're either 1. a Nashville fan or 2. hoping that I found out the secret behind Connie Britton's amazing hair. I'm excited to say, you'll both be happy so keep reading. Back in November the actress and I co-hosted a Twitter chat for Ponds and she was just as gorgeous in person as she is on TV. And yes, her hair is real! Here, she spills exactly what she does to her hair and her beauty must haves.
What drew you to partnering with Ponds Luminous Finish BB+?
I love the duality of it – short and long-term benefits in one product is a huge draw.
You mentioned using Wen Leave in Conditioner, but what's the real secret behind your famous hair?
The truth is, I don't do much to it at all – I wash it pretty infrequently, and I'm pretty low maintenance with it. I find over washing my hair tends to dry it out too much. I also air dry it.
What's the number one hair or makeup tip you've learned on set?
Less is more! We pile on so many products when we're in front of the camera, I've learned what not to do off camera. I'm a big believer in keeping it basic in my own time, and using only a couple of products that really do all the work for me.
What are your five beauty must haves?
Leave in conditioner, a dry shampoo, volumizing mascara, Ponds Luminous Finish BB+ and I know this isn't a beauty product, but hydrating is a huge step in my beauty regimen.
What would your character, Rayna Jaymes's, five beauty must haves be?
Rayna keeps it pretty simple as well, which I love. But since she performs on stage, she definitely ups the makeup a bit. A nude lip gloss, darker eyeliner, mascara, and sometimes even some gold eye shadow to spice things up!


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Trust Administration
This page will provide an overview of the following: (1) the powers and duties of the trustee of a typical trust; (2) tasks requiring immediate attention upon the death of a settlor (i.e., the creator of a trust), and (3) typical ongoing tasks required of a trustee throughout the period that a trust is in existence.
1. Powers and Duties of a Trustee
A trust is a legal relationship in which one or more persons (the trustee(s)) holds legal title to property and manages it for the benefit of one or more persons (the beneficiaries). The basic duties of a trustee involve the collection, management and investment of trust assets and the accumulation and distribution of income and principal pursuant to the trust. A trustee is obligated to follow the instructions of the trust; use ordinary care and diligence when performing his or her duties as trustee; invest the funds of the trust in a reasonably prudent manner; avoid commingling the trust funds with the trustee's own personal funds; and avoid conflicts of interest between the trustee and the trust beneficiaries. A trustee can be held personally liable to the beneficiaries for his or her failure to comply with these duties.
2. Tasks Requiring Immediate Attention upon the Death of a Settlor
a. Notification to Beneficiaries: The trustee is first required to notify all heirs and trust beneficiaries of the settlor's death and the existence of the trust. If the beneficiaries request it, the trustee must send them a copy of the trust.
b. Inventory and Appraisal: The trustee must prepare an inventory of all of the decedent's assets and determine their fair market value as of the date of the decedent's death. The value of cash-type investments and marketable securities can be easily determined. However, with certain types of property (jewelry, artwork, real estate) it is often advisable to hire a professional appraiser. An appraisal of the trust assets is often necessary for the following reasons: (1) to assist in determining the amount of any estate tax owing upon the decedent's estate; (2) to assist in determining the cost basis in the trust assets, in the event that the assets are later sold for a capital gain; and (3) to assist in determining how to allocate the decedent's assets among the various trusts and/or beneficiaries that may have arisen as a result of the decedent's death.
c. Set Up Trust Checking Account and Record-Keeping System: In addition to preparing an inventory of all assets owned by the decedent, a trustee should immediately set up a trust checking account and begin properly accounting for all trust receipts and disbursements. This will assist the trustee in preparing periodic accountings of the trust.
d. Payment of Claims and Administration Expenses: Trustees are empowered to pay routine administration expenses out of the trust estate, including taxes, accountant and attorney fees, and expenses related to the maintenance of trust property. However, there may be debts or liabilities incurred during the decedent's lifetime for which the trust property may also be liable. In some cases, a trustee may wish to utilize an elective procedure to shorten the period in which the decedent's creditors may bring claims against the trust property. This procedure requires publication of a notice of the decedent's death, as well as notifying all known creditors by mail. This is similar to the manner in which creditor claims are handled in a probate proceeding.
e. Tax Matters: Various tax matters must be dealt with at an early stage. Estate tax returns must generally be filed within nine months after the decedent's death, if the decedent's taxable estate exceeds the federal estate tax exemption amount. The decedent's final income tax return must also be prepared. A taxpayer identification number and related forms must be filed with the IRS and Franchise Tax Board on behalf of the trust. Finally, if the decedent owned an interest in any real estate, it is necessary to notify the county assessor within six months of the date of death.
f. Allocation of Trust Assets to Beneficiaries or Sub-Trusts: Trust assets must frequently be allocated among various sub-trusts of the decedent's living trust. Also, the trust instrument may call for certain assets to be immediately transferred to the beneficiaries of the trust. The above may involve changing title to the trust assets by executing instruments of conveyance, such as deeds or bills of sale.
g. Transfer of Non-Trust Assets: If the decedent owned any assets such as jointly-held property, retirement plans or Totten trust accounts, title to the above assets may need to be changed. If the decedent owned an IRA, it may be advisable to look into the possibility of rolling over the IRA or otherwise distributing the IRA funds. Also, it is necessary to apply for any life insurance benefits owned by the decedent.
3. Ongoing Tasks Required of a Trustee
a. Annual Accounting to Beneficiaries: A trustee is generally required to prepare an annual accounting for the trust and distribute it to the trust beneficiaries. The accountings must contain information about the income, expenses, gains and losses generated by the trust. They must contain an inventory of all assets of the trust, including their fair market value and tax basis. The accountings should also contain various schedules pertaining to sales of trust property, liabilities of the trust, distributions to the trust beneficiaries, and so on.
b. Income Tax Returns of Trust: In general, any irrevocable trust earning at least $600 in gross income in any taxable year must file a fiduciary income tax return (IRS Form 1041) for that year. State fiduciary income tax returns must also be filed annually in most cases. Such returns are due on April 15 of the following year, similar to personal income tax returns. A trustee's failure to ensure that the required returns are filed could cause him or her to be personally liable for penalties and interest.
c. Managing Trust Investments: A trustee is given broad discretion over the choice of investments of trust assets. At the same time, he or she is expected to manage the trust assets in a reasonably prudent manner, to appropriately diversify the trust investments, and to manage the trust so as not to unduly favor either the income or principal beneficiaries of the trust.
d. Disbursements to Beneficiaries: A trustee is required to make distributions of income and/or principal to the trust beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the trust instrument.
e. Professional Consultants and Fees: A trustee entitled to hire outside consultants (attorneys, accountants, bookkeepers, investment consultants) as is reasonably necessary to assist him or her in administering the trust. The fees for these consultants are generally paid out of the trust assets as administration expenses. A trustee is also entitled to receive from the trust reasonable compensation for his or her duties as trustee. This compensation may be in the form of an hourly fee, or it may be a percentage of the principal balance of the trust.
4. Conclusion
An irrevocable trust is often a useful device for managing property and, in many instances, saving taxes. However, it must have adequate management and record-keeping procedures. Once these procedures are properly established, most trusts can be managed by individual trustees with minimal assistance from accountants and attorneys. Nevertheless, being a trustee is a substantial responsibility, and a trustee should not hesitate to seek professional investment, accounting or legal assistance whenever questions arise.
Estate Planning Forms
Client Distinction Award 2015 - draft1.pdf
Estate Planning Questionnaire for a Single Person
Estate Planning Questionnaire for Married Couple
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See: [Garmin MapSource Map]
What was seen was sad...but what is even more sad: That there are thousands across the US that are in this condition ..or are already lost. This one will be saved..and that is a good thing...saving gravestones one at a time.
Contributed on 12/5/07 by tootied
Email This Contributor
Record #: 3454
Thank you for visiting the Arkansas Gravestones. On this site you can upload gravestone photos, locate ancestors and perform genealogy research. If you have a relative buried in Arkansas, we encourage you to upload a digital image using our Submit a Photo page. Contributing to this genealogy archive helps family historians and genealogy researchers locate their relatives and complete their family tree.
Submitted: 12/5/07 • Approved: 10/28/11 • Last Updated: 7/19/14 • R3454-G0-S3


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Ink Bandit is launching the new spring and summer collection of cushions, totes and greetings cards for the young and trendy home at this weekend's three day Makegood Festival, next door to Selfridges, in Central London.
Specialising in distinctive, quirky character designs and imaginative illustrations with playful undertones, Ink Bandit's range of offbeat products add both colour and fun to the home. All fabrics products have been made in the UK and digitally printed with high quality inks on 100 per cent cotton to ensure a lasting, vibrant colour.
Ink Bandit's range of greeting cards add a touch of cheek and personality to gift giving and are both eye-catching and daring. This spring/summer collection also features a premium collection of cards printed on luxuriously tactile stock.
Ink Bandit will be exhibiting at the Makegood Festival from Friday 30 May to 1 June. Tickets start at £8. Available from www.makegoodfestival.com. Come check it out!


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i've wanted to make a string quilt since i saw the tutorial at filminthefridge. i like using scraps and i wanted to start with a mini-quilt on the new machine.
this is how i learned that the quarter-inch foot is a bit off. when i sewed the longest seams in the center, the top fabric would veer to the left. fortunately with this particular block style, it doesn't matter too much. i used scraps from 1-2.5 inches wide, and my blocks were 6.5 inches. the quilt is 24" square. i used white cotton for the centers but varied the widths, which i think saved me from going nuts trying to match up the corners perfectly. the blocks are also not quite aligned as i originally intended. i have since learned to number the blocks so i can remember to sew them in the right order--a no-brainer, perhaps, but we can't all be S-M-R-T the first time.
it's not perfect by any means. i still have a lot to learn. i should really be better about squaring up the blocks before sewing them together.
this was my first time trying stippling, and it actually wasn't that bad. my stitches are far from perfectly even but it's much better than previous attempts on the old machine.
i'm still proud of the machine binding. i should have gotten a close-up of the lovely mitered corners.
once i figure out how to hang it, this one is going on our living room wall. i would love to make a larger version of this one someday. i adore the scrappiness and the bright colors.