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Don't go to church? - WTVD

The pastoral staff at Raleigh’s Hope Community Church has an unusual directive for those planning to attend this weekend: don’t come. It has nothing to do with inclement weather. The Hope folks have something else in mind. “We think it’s just ...

The Delectably 'True Confections' Of A Chocoholic - NPR News

Alice Tatnall Ziplinsky, the antiheroine and narrator of Katharine Weber's wickedly funny new novel, True Confections, has a voice so incisive and tart that as soon as I finished reading the book I started at the beginning and read the entire thing ...

Managing the MBA Busy-ness - Yahoo Finance

I returned from my trip to Portugal -- a much needed three-day vacation from school -- on Nov. 11 in such good spirits that the Paris train strike that doubled my travel time home ... including developing and finalizing my summer plans.

A happy marriage starts with simple gestures - StarPhoenix

Terri Orbuch, a Michigan-based research professor and marriage- and-family therapist, spent more than 22 years charting the love lives of 373 married couples in the U.S. government-funded Early Years of Marriage Project, the longest-running study of ...

Craig's Blog - WNEM

You can bet that Bunning wouldn’t have groused if he was voting on some type of benefit for himself and his Senate ... Barbecues and family gatherings are a good thing. But we shouldn’t forget those who died for liberty. I had a chance to talk ...

Bulletin board - March 4 - Abington Mariner

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School’s Practical Nurse Program will administer the required entrance exam on the following dates: Saturday, March 6 - registration deadline is March 1. The entrance examination will be administered at Upper Cape ...

Archive for December 2009 - The Spokesman-Review

Gonzaga’s Bol Kong (34) gets out of the way after a dunk by Oklahoma’s Tiny Gallon (24) shattered the backboard during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Spokane tonight. (AP Photo/Rajah Bose) Husband has courtside seats right ...

Every School Every Thursday - Des Moines East/North - Des Moines Register

Nothing submitted. The Wildcat Games are under way. Classrooms that don't have any students with office referrals earn a gold medal at the end of the day, one referral will earn them a silver medal, and two or three referrals will result in the ...

Embark on a holiday adventure with kids - Vancouver Sun

Family vacations have become much more sophisticated than simply packing up the station wagon for a trip to cottage country. Today, the only limitations to travelling with children are your budget and imagination, as more destinations incorporate ...

Mike's Blog - WNEM

By Saturday, we'll have highs in the mid-40s with sunny skies. As you may have noticed, the ice on the Saginaw river and Saginaw Bay is breaking up and melting away. I think it is fair to write that the ice fishing season is over in most places now ...

Resolved Question: Is this a good college essay and can someone proofread it?

Walking through the front door of my house, I enter absolute pandemonium. My nine year old brother running around in a towel, my father yelling on the phone, my mom grinding geometry into my younger brother Jose’s head, and my two older brothers getting tutored in the corner of the living room. Alongside all this is the continuous chirping of our birds and the barking of our dogs. All just a typical day in the life of the Alencars! Having lived in several places during my lifetime, it is clear that my parents find it important to educate me about different cultures and places. My parents have always stressed the importance of education to their sons and that is one of the reasons why we have traveled so extensively during summer and Christmas vacations. And, yes, we always take the entire family, including the birds and dogs. As I reflect upon my life, my changing surroundings and the constant chaos that my family creates has helped shape my understanding of more than just the world around me—it has also shaped my appreciation for my family itself. I can distinctly recall sitting in a crowded beach, under the warm sun, when a soothing breeze hit me as I overlooked the ocean. My hometown of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is known for its soccer, carnival atmosphere, amazing landscapes, and beautiful beaches. Sadly, it is also known for drug trafficking, shootings, and other illegal activities. I was born and spent my early youth in Brazil, where I was constantly surrounded by my large family. It was, therefore, a major struggle for my father when he decided to move my family to the United States. As I grew older, I learned that my family history is quite an interesting one. For example, my grandfather, Marcello Alencar, is a well-known politician in Brazil. His most memorable positions were being twice mayor of the city of Rio de Janeiro and governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro. As a result of his position and the many dangers found in Rio, my boyhood memories there always include the presence of a bodyguard by my side. I liked him a lot, but my parents had strict rules about respecting his privacy and not going into his possessions. One day, however, I was playing soccer in the house and miss-kicked a ball that rolled into his room. Once inside, my curiosity overcame me and I opened a closet door, only to find a gleaming silver pistol. Being impetuous, I quickly grabbed it, but then immediately put it back. This memory still haunts me to this day, for it reminds me of the dangers of living in Rio. By 2000, Brazil had become very dangerous, and my family thought it was time for a change. In contrast, Connecticut had always stood out in my parents mind as a safe place, with great educational opportunities and a perfect place to raise kids. After a trip there in 2000, they decided we should settle in the town of Westport. Although it was a far cry from the natural beauty of Rio, my brothers and I were excited about trying something new. Once there, I quickly developed my love for tennis and made it a goal of mine to become a professional tennis player. To accommodate my new aspiration, my father looked into tennis academies, mainly in the southern states, where the competition is greatest. He discovered IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida, where Nick Bollettieri coaches. My family then moved to Bradenton, and I began my training at IMG. After five years, however, I decided to shift my focus from sports to academics, and chose to enroll at the best college prep school in the area, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, for my last two years of high school. My story, alas, is not the typical one, for I did not go out and achieve my goal of becoming a professional tennis player. Instead, I have taken a more balanced and pragmatic approach, where I decided to become more focused on my schoolwork and less on sports. My past includes many fluctuating variables such as my environment and goal, but the one that has always kept constant was my family. That said, what I continue to value most of all is that I have two parents who have loved and supported me in every way possible, not to mention four brothers who always challenge me to do better at everything I do. more

Resolved Question: fiance wants to go to dubai when married.. /:?

if i were him and planning that... i would have at least asked. I have been to dubai before and it is a very boring luxury holiday, i quite dislike what is available for shopping is well, i don't like the style of shopping/shops. it isn't a very exciting place for me to be in at all, and the food is unhealthy enough.... i guess he picked something for himself, i prefer more exciting and interesting holidays, which are also relaxing and luxurious but with a good combination of natural fun; and i like it to be interesting, where i also gain from the holiday and learn... i like good experiences, an different but a certain type/way... ie; i would have preferred Egypt over dubai at any time! dubai is rich in culture and modern but its not my type of place.... im not very keen on their barbeque or the food as much either.... I wouldn't mind the maldives; or malaysia because malaysia has very beautiful natural environments compared to dubai; and it has a very varied mix of things to do..... you also have the influence of thai, chinese, indian, and other cultures is well..... with sooo many places to visit and go to. ie; island hopping; cable carts to a lot of places; temples; the most amazing water falls, and the shopping is far more interesting..... its affordable and very different, the activities on offer for holiday in malaysia are much more fun and more interactive and interesting... i hate dubai culture...... its not the most affordable place i think, shopping is the most boring but mostly uninteresting.... they have a lot beaches, some activities, artificial islands, etc..... they have fat rich pompous, may be drunk men don't they?? i don't really like the food, even when sooo expensive, its usual well themed; or stylish and mix of contemporary/ modern with something else... the have a variety from around the world but i could spit it out if i had to live there. i certainly wouldn't retire there ever.. any way, im happy to know at least may be he is thinking about me/ us; but im quite more than happy to skip holidaying for now as we have enough to do, need to get to know each other more which is enough for me to begin with, id rather be on holiday with some one i know better..... he doesn't know i have a tendency to phase out often unless i know the person and am comfortable enough other wise smaller periods of time hep me with better a focus and giving more positive attention... i don't mind having family to help us settle because their company is funner and its more so we get less bored and having family over or planning things will help.... We even have to travel in the summer for more after wedding stuff... And there is a lot to do here! I haven't even bee t the place he lives in! and im not good with too many new things all te time with people im not very comfortable with; i stride by doing things on my own other wise i prefer spending 'large' amounts of time which can be stressful with people i do know or am comfortable with... its just a bit more stressful if you don't know or aren't comfortable with the person enough, so i would have waited 3-5 or 6 months.... because of that you might not even make the most out of your holiday, and it can just be a bit forceful or quite an effort to get along/ enjoy holiday events.... /; im also quite lazy if not in the right mood, which can be for what ever reason but im good when its people i know! any who, im guessing i would wait 3-6 months easily.... just not to ruin vacation, that can be quite a terrible thing to do and it won't work in my favour at all..... im fine/ happy with not bothering for a year any way!, and seeing how things are after that is good...i would rather go to china! ^-^ im not too much in to spain, i mean im not fussed about spain, meh...i really like Rome,.. and Paris actually! (:*i really 'liked' Rome and Paris...i know nothings going to change my mind about dubai!.. its for fat rich pigs.... okay, i know they have a lot of fun stuff to get up to... but you have to buy it! ahaha! not my thing after living in englang, pakistan for too long and buying stuff in dubai, etc.... bleh, its boring and i prefer wearing sandals on a holiday like some other hot country, asian or even eygpt; its naturally funner.... or the maldives and other islands are better!i think dubai is the country he understands more/ knows a lot more about... he hasn't traveled a lot, so..i wouldn't complain because its not that bad! and mostly it is very considerate of him! i wouldn't even mind being here at home at all because there will be a lot to do....im just venting/ complaing to you yet; but yet i wouldn't complain to him about that... i wouldn't. its not a bad thing! and i already know i need to give some things a chance yet... ow boy /; any way, i know later i can do what i want...fuck all the crazy women here bloody hell!another thing i know is im always going to be able to travel and go to where ever i want... so im not Very fussed, but i don't always get too excited about things/ every thing.. ha! i also know where i do go, i will have enjoyable experiences, a nice time and a lavish time. so ha! to all the crazy women here.my guy never said i should obey him, he said he likes opinionated women because it shows they're smart! and he said he wil support me with all my decisions and not intervene with them.. ha! u sad cows.. ( :but im happy with it if he picked it even for himself... as i said i really wouldn't mind if i didn't go any where yet..im happy saving the money...we would have a lot to plan as a new couple.. and a lot of new things to do, so im not fussed about holiday as of yet, i just want t enjoy the time with him... and it all easier for me at home where im used to it more and with more supportive friendly company....we Have to travel after 3 month any way, for the after wedding ceremony... and when i get back i have more future agendas to get started on, and their will still be a lot to do with our selves too...dubai is for people with a lacking of imagination.... more

Resolved Question: Translate into Spanish?

K, so I have a spanish essay due in two days. I have 211 words, and I need 400. The 211 words I have right now have been checked by my teacher, but I need more apparently. Can you please translate the words underneath this into Spanish? "When I was two years old I moved to Canada, but moved back to the United States when I was three. I played football when I was there, was on the ski team, and swam in competitions. Right now, I do horse-backriding, I run and I still play football. Right now I am learning to speak Spanish and Dutch, but I’m not that good at speaking either of them. I recently went on vacation to the Canary Islands, and I spoke some of my Spanish there and it was nice to practice it. I have visited a lot of countries before, because my family and I like to travel a lot. I really want to go to Australia, but it seems like it would be very expensive to go there. One day when I’m older I’d like to go there with a friend of mine, and tour all the main cities. My brothers live in Canada right now, and one day I would like to visit them for a summer. We could go sky-diving, and visit some other relatives." Please don't translate this on an online-translator, because those aren't exact, and they don't translate well. I'd like somebody who speaks good Spanish and English to translate this. Thanks! xoxo more

Resolved Question: Help please! essay question?

Here is a descriptive essay I wrote. If you could Just scan over it and tell me what you think, that would be great! Questions: Does this essay use enough scenery words to make it come alive? Is it all in first person? Thank you to all in advance! The benefits of flying to ones destination can be convent in many ways. For one, to fly on an airplane is quicker than driving, and can save on those long stressful hours of family feuds. Though flying is a joy in itself, one should not fly in the summer. The airport Terminals are crowed with various beings who cannot wait to get to their vacation spot. Secondly, with all the weather activity in the summer, flights get canceled left and right, making it nearly impossible for weary clans to escape to another world. To fly in the summer is both stressful and inconvent. As multitudes of inhabitants and their luggage gather in a small area, the atmosphere at the airport can be very chaotic. Due to the minimum space, carless people often put their bulky luggage in the tiny aisles that are between the chairs, making it almost impossible to move. Candy-filled kids often run around restlessly with their travel-size toys, smashing in to the miss-placed luggage. Distracted parents try to get unfinished business done; blind as to what their offspring is doing. As it comes time to board the plane, everyone attempts to gather their relatives, re-organize their stuff, and rush to the gateway, as if the jet will leave without them. When all this anxiety adds up, one may need more than just a retreat to relieve it all. Secondly, summertime seems to be the time of year when viscous storms pop up at any time, destroying whatever stands in their path. Anxious families wait impatiently for the speaker to announce when they can board the aircraft. Just as the man comes on the loudspeaker, their hearts leap for joy, until they hear the word “canceled.” People start to mutter with disappointment. Groups of individuals swarm the front desk and demand that they fix the problem. Mothers try to comfort their children after a clap of thunder fills the air. Random siblings find that their authorities are occupied and run off to entertain their selves. All the puzzlement forms into one confusing sound. Angry persons slowly realize that they need to postpone their plans. Eventually, worn out kin start to gather up their belongings, and trudge their way to the car, with the hope that tomorrow they will be on their way to leisure. In the end, it is better to be stuck in a car for hours than to take to the sky in order to flee from reality in the sunny season. In addition, the time that everyone is together in the car does not have to be so bad. Instead, use the time to learn to get along with each other, instead of useless hours of arguments. One can also use the time to get a head start on their trip! more

Resolved Question: How can I get to Africa?

I'm fourteen (I'll be fifteen by summer.), a freshman in high school in Virginia, and want to go to Africa this summer. I want to, but I obviously don't have the funding. I suggested to my dad that our family vacation should totally be spent hiking through the Congo this summer, and he said no. "It will cost too much," says he. Well, is there any kind of program that lets high school students travel to lands afar for little or no money? Perhaps the program will be for the students to do volunteer work or to learn some esoteric scientific field or something... It doesn't matter if I go alone or with my family, just as long as I go. It would be plausible for me to accumulate a decently sized number of eager individuals. Although Sub-Saharan Africa sounds alluring, any absolutely enchanting place will do. Surely there's some volunteer, educational, or other group that would welcome ill-funded participants!Keelia F My computer tells me you're trying to download spywear to my computer. more

Resolved Question: Can you please translate the following to french????? Best answer will be chosen as soon as possible!!!?

After I finish my exams I will take a 3 months break and travel to my home country Lebanon for a vacation. I will also take up a summer job in Lebanon so that I get used to working for later on in my life. I am looking forward to attend Sixth Form College where I will be able to concentrate on courses that I like and which will form the bases of my professional career. Yes, I will pursue higher education so that I can achieve my maximum potential. University will give me the opportunity to achieve my aspirations and become a doctor. People usually take sabbatical years to free them selves and to concentrate on projects they have always wanted to complete but could not do so because of their work and educational commitment. I would like to visit China as I have always wanted to see the wall of China to actually walk on it as I have heard allot of stories and legends about it. I would like to become a doctor because it is a noble profession where I am able to positively impact the lives of people. It is also a challenging career but the interaction with people makes it worthwhile. I would like to have both a successful career and a stable family life because each one of them depends on the other. I am only able to provide a descent living for my family by having a successful career. Working abroad means that I will be far away from my family, friend, and country. On the other hand it will give me the exposure of working with different people and different cultures. It could also be a good career move with potential increase in earning. I have had work experience in a supermarket as a costumer service assistant. It was a very enjoyable experience and very useful one where I learnt the skills of dealing with costumer complaints and concerns. It was also the first job experience where I earned a salary at the end of the week. I felt like a grown up. In twenty years I see my self practicing my profession as a doctor. I will have a large number of patients. I will also be working in hospitals performing important operations and gaining a lot of money. more

Resolved Question: During this recession, what do you think of these ideas for saving and making money?

1. Set up an apple cider stand on a crisp fall day. 2. Start a gift-wrapping service at the holidays. 3. Sell items from the attic using an on-line auction service. 4. Wear your winter coat one more season 5. Set up an automatic paycheck withdrawal for $2 per week. 6. Hold a garage sale. 7. Barter with neighbors or friends for needed household services. 8. Babysit for neighbors. 9. Mow lawns. 10. Post a flyer at the grocery store offering to help people move. 11. Start a spring cleaning service. 12.Walk dogs. 13. Offer seamstress and tailoring services. 14. Sew instead of buying clothes or home accessories. 15. Provide a taxi service for elderly neighbors. 16. Bike to work. 17. Car pool. 18. Use public transportation. 19. Park in the less expensive lots and enjoy the exercise you get from walking! 20. Conserve electricity at home and estimate monthly savings. 21. Find a student (kindergarten through college) who needs a tutor. 22. Cut out candy and snacks; donate what you save on these purchases and dental bills! 23. Take outgrown kids' clothes to a consignment shop. 24. Take your duds from the '70s or '80s to a vintage shop-everything old is new again! 25. Camp instead of staying in hotels on vacation. 26. Give up cable television for a few months--or forever! 27. Pet sit for neighbors who are traveling. 28. Make Saturday "Homemade Pasta Night" instead of dining out. 29. Borrow the latest best-sellers from the library instead of buying them. 30. Give up soft drinks for a whole summer. 31. Take a Thermos of fresh-brewed coffee to work instead of stopping for gourmet brew. 32. For your birthday, ask friends and family to make a gift to Mennonite Board of Missions, Commission on Overseas Mission, Commision on Home Ministries or Ministries Commission, Mennonite Church Canada in your name. 33. Give up your gym membership for the summer and exercise in the fresh air and sunshine. 34. Use coupons when shopping, and donate the savings. 35. Shop at yard sales and thrift stores--you never know when you'll find a hidden treasure. 36. For large household purchases, look for bargains on-line. 37. Pay off credit card debt so no interest collects. 38. Don't let water run while brushing teeth and turn out lights when you leave a room. 39. Offer your services as an office temp or substitute teacher. 40. Design Web sites for local families and businesses. 41. Buy cost-cutter brands for staples and household supplies. 42. Email friends and family instead of calling. 43. Make your own gift cards for holidays and birthdays. 44. Wear more "hand-me-downs" instead of buying new clothes. 45. Buy clothes that mix-and-match for each season. 46. Start flowers from seeds instead of buying seedlings. 47. Put on a family or neighborhood talent show and charge admission. 48. Use vinegar and water for a general household cleaning solution and save on expensive products. 49. Collect cans. 50. Study your health insurance policy and discover ways to avoid health care costs. 51. Plant a larger garden and sell vegetables at a roadside stand. 52. Instead of taking friends or clients out to dinner, send a donation in their name. 53. Donate your holiday club account and give homemade gifts this year. 54. Instead of buying a new CD every week, trade with your friends. 55. Scale back your vacation this year, or choose a service project instead. 56. Wait another six months for any major household purchase. 57. Postpone an upgrade to a software application you use. 58. Make a choice: Chocolate or coffee. Movies or eating out. Experience the one you choose more fully and donate your savings. 59. Buy a live plant instead of fresh flowers to decorate your table. 60. Love your looks--give up hair color, permanents, and other things that detract from your natural beauty. 61. Learn calligraphy and make money addressing invitations and lettering announcements. 62. For special family nights, plan on a video and pizza at home instead of dinner and a movie out. 63. Take the kids to the grocery store with you instead of hiring a babysitter. 64. Restrict your use of the cellular phone to emergencies only. 65. Choose eyeglasses with a sun clip instead of buying prescription sunglasses. 66. Wait for summer clothes to go on sale. 67. Be creative with leftovers--use them for work lunches. 68. Find loose change and save it in a coffee can for a year. 69. Bathe the dog yourself and save the groomer's costs. 70. Do your own house painting this spring instead of hiring a professional. 71. Play tennis on the public courts and save fees. 72. Give up golf for a few weekends and hike in a state park instead. 73. Rake lawns in your neighborhood in the fall. 74. Donate your expense checks from work-related travel. 75. Hold a bake sale. 76. Have friends over for parlor games instead of going out to the theater or a concert. 77. Shovel snow for money. 78. Organize a neighborhood car wash. 79. Sell lem more

Resolved Question: Choosing where to travel to.?

Ok, so in my family we alternatve between who picks our vacation spots (it goes my sister, my mom, me), and now it's my turn (as in,picking for next summer, this summer was supposed to be my turn but I was away at camp for about a month and a half, before I went I'd thought it would be longer, so I never planned anything). I'd like to point out, I'm not picking my travel destination based on what you say, but I am expecting helpful advice and such. Anyway, I wanna go somewhere out of the continent, and I've narrowed it down to a few choices. Also, I want the weather to be fairly comfortable (nothing higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit as the high), so if you have anything to say about the weather please do (of these places or others). I do realize weather may deviate, but the highest high here for summer is costa rica at 79, and I know it could go into the 80s, but as long as the average day isn't 80+, that's fine. Germany, Ireland, England, Scotland, Costa Rica, Peru, Australia, and Amsterdamn/Brussels/luxembourg (I know the former 2 are cities, but this is the trip's city itinerary). Most of the places on this list speak a language that isn't english as the primary language. So, we'd be traveling with a group (however, I'd probably travel with a group to these places anyway, because the group I'm looking at offers trips to all these places, and it'd be easier because they cover all the hard stuff, and they're very good deals. So, when I go on vacation, I like to Learn about history of alot of stuff, the buildings architecture, general history/folklore/mythology, important events, etc. And/or do things which I can't normally do at home, or just fun stuff which I have little oppurtunity to do, swimming in warm weather, windsurfer, snorkeling, etc. Feel free to offer criticism/positive comments about these places, and also feel free to suggest other place (and why). Also, feel free to share travel-groups, which take care of everything. IDK if you can though, because that could fall under advertising..so yeah. more

Resolved Question: Don't have time to lose weight...?

i seriously need to lose weight. i used to run a mile or two every other day (sometimes more on weekends). now that exams are coming up i have no time to exercise. i have no time watch what i eat either. when i get home from school i eat and then im usually working to about 11 at night. any free time i get i need to use to study for APs. after APs i have final exams and then summer vacation. ill be travelling then and ill prly lose weight but i wanna get a head start and stuff (and who knos, i might not lose any weight). i need to lose anywhere from 10-20 pounds. help? oh and, im 16 (a girl) and i weigh 168 lb. im pretty tall (like 5'9, 5'10). i know my weight is ok, but im rly not happy with it. most ppl tell me my weight is ok but 1) my height hides it, 2) ive learned to hide my fat rly well, and 3) my parents and my family all tell me i rly need to lose weight. oh and most of it's in my tummy (thats the worst, i rly need help with that) but i have in most other parts too. thanks. more

Resolved Question: Help with English to Spanish translation?

Here's my paragraph: I am currently a student in high school attempting to learn Spanish. Right now I am in Spanish 2. I'm enjoying my life so far. My life has had its share of ups and downs, but I have strived to cope with each tumultuous twist of fate with good judgment and have succeeded thus far. My hobbies include traveling, reading, watching TV, playing on the computer, listening to the radio, dining on delicious food, and having fun with friends or family. Some of my dislikes are studying, doing strenuous work, and standing in the hot sun. A usual day in the life of Irene includes doing homework, watching TV, reading, playing on the computer, and chatting with my friends. On the holidays, my schedule normally has more excitement. Over the summer, I fly to Thailand to visit my relatives and to have a blissful summer vacation. At the end of this year in high school, I hope to achieve my goal of straight As for my classes and to enjoy every minute of this period in my life. more

Resolved Question: Is anyone interested in100 Ways to Save or Make $100 Bucks?Then read on!?

1. Set up an apple cider stand on a crisp fall day. 2. Start a gift-wrapping service at the holidays. 3. Sell items from the attic using an on-line auction service. 4. Wear your winter coat one more season--you've always loved it, anyway! 5. Set up an automatic paycheck withdrawal for $2 per week. 6. Hold a garage sale. 7. Barter with neighbors or friends for needed household services. 8. Babysit for neighbors. 9. Mow lawns. 10. Post a flyer at the grocery store offering to help people move. 11. Start a spring cleaning service. 12.Walk dogs. 13. Offer seamstress and tailoring services. 14. Sew instead of buying clothes or home accessories. 15. Provide a taxi service for elderly neighbors. 16. Bike to work. 17. Car pool. 18. Use public transportation. 19. Park in the less expensive lots and enjoy the exercise you get from walking! 20. Conserve electricity at home and estimate monthly savings. 21. Find a student (kindergarten through college) who needs a tutor. 22. Cut out candy and snacks; donate what you save on these purchases and dental bills! 23. Take outgrown kids' clothes to a consignment shop. 24. Take your duds from the '70s or '80s to a vintage shop-everything old is new again! 25. Camp instead of staying in hotels on vacation. 26. Give up cable television for a few months--or forever! 27. Pet sit for neighbors who are traveling. 28. Make Saturday "Homemade Pasta Night" instead of dining out. 29. Borrow the latest best-sellers from the library instead of buying them. 30. Give up soft drinks for a whole summer. 31. Take a Thermos of fresh-brewed coffee to work instead of stopping for gourmet brew. 32. For your birthday, ask friends and family to make a gift to Mennonite Board of Missions, Commission on Overseas Mission, Commision on Home Ministries or Ministries Commission, Mennonite Church Canada in your name. 33. Give up your gym membership for the summer and exercise in the fresh air and sunshine. 34. Use coupons when shopping, and donate the savings. 35. Shop at yard sales and thrift stores--you never know when you'll find a hidden treasure. 36. For large household purchases, look for bargains on-line. 37. Pay off credit card debt so no interest collects. 38. Don't let water run while brushing teeth and turn out lights when you leave a room. 39. Offer your services as an office temp or substitute teacher. 40. Design Web sites for local families and businesses. 41. Buy cost-cutter brands for staples and household supplies. 42. Email friends and family instead of calling. 43. Make your own gift cards for holidays and birthdays. 44. Wear more "hand-me-downs" instead of buying new clothes. 45. Buy clothes that mix-and-match for each season. 46. Start flowers from seeds instead of buying seedlings. 47. Put on a family or neighborhood talent show and charge admission. 48. Use vinegar and water for a general household cleaning solution and save on expensive products. 49. Collect cans. 50. Study your health insurance policy and discover ways to avoid health care costs. 51. Plant a larger garden and sell vegetables at a roadside stand. 52. Instead of taking friends or clients out to dinner, send a donation in their name. 53. Donate your holiday club account and give homemade gifts this year. 54. Instead of buying a new CD every week, trade with your friends. 55. Scale back your vacation this year, or choose a service project instead. 56. Wait another six months for any major household purchase. 57. Postpone an upgrade to a software application you use. 58. Make a choice: Chocolate or coffee. Movies or eating out. Experience the one you choose more fully and donate your savings. 59. Buy a live plant instead of fresh flowers to decorate your table. 60. Love your looks--give up hair color, permanents, and other things that detract from your natural beauty. 61. Learn calligraphy and make money addressing invitations and lettering announcements. 62. For special family nights, plan on a video and pizza at home instead of dinner and a movie out. 63. Take the kids to the grocery store with you instead of hiring a babysitter. 64. Restrict your use of the cellular phone to emergencies only. 65. Choose eyeglasses with a sun clip instead of buying prescription sunglasses. 66. Wait for summer clothes to go on sale. 67. Be creative with leftovers--use them for work lunches. 68. Find loose change and save it in a coffee can for a year. 69. Bathe the dog yourself and save the groomer's costs. 70. Do your own house painting this spring instead of hiring a professional. 71. Play tennis on the public courts and save fees. 72. Give up golf for a few weekends and hike in a state park instead. 73. Rake lawns in your neighborhood in the fall. 74. Donate your expense checks from work-related travel. 75. Hold a bake sale. 76. Have friends over for parlor games instead of going out to the theater or a concert. 77. Shovel snow for money. 78. Organize a neighborhood car wash. 79. Sell lemonade on a hot summer day. 80. Take used sporting equipment to resale shops. 81. Buy a frozen pizza and cook it instead of ordering one from a pizza place. 82. Assign a dollar amount to each book or page a family member reads, then donate family earnings. 83. When you order fast food, don't supersize it! Ask for water instead of a soft drink. 84. Get rid of your lawn service and donate savings. 85. Start a babysitting coop with people from your church or neighborhood, and donate the money you save on sitters. 86. Dust off that bread machine and treat yourself to homebaked bread for pennies. 87. Offer a matching gift to family members who contribute to Mennonite Board of Missions, Commission on Overseas Missions, Commission on Home Ministries or Ministries Commission, Mennonite Church Canada. 88. Check to see if your public health department offers low-cost vaccines. 89. Plan several vegetarian meals each week. 90. Sell your famous preserves or fruitcake to friends looking for holiday gifts. 91. Buy next year's holiday supplies at day-after sales. 92. Learn how to change the oil in your car. 93. Skip purchasing season football tickets and have friends over to watch the game on TV. 94. Get rid of phone service add-ons--call waiting can wait! 95. Set the thermostat at 65 and snuggle under a blanket. 96. Only go to matinee showings of movies. 97. Choose the cheap seats for concerts and sporting events. 98. Start a resume or word-processing service. 99. Find a housemate. 100. Organize a cycling or running event with people donating a specific amount per mile covered. more

Resolved Question: What to do with my life?

I would just like some general input on this one. I'm not too happy with my job, I work too much(60-80+ hrs. in summer 40 in winter) get no benefits, only 5 paid vacation days per year. The good part about this job is that I get to network with the presidents of companies and other important people. I am truly a large part of the community. I am also working on my masters degree. I am hoping to be teaching at the local college someday. I feel being a professor will allow me to help others while continuing to learn myself. Not to mention having time off to spend with family and friends. I live in a small town, don't want to move from here. But it just feels like I'm not going anywhere. So many of my friends get to travel or have a massive amount of time off. I'm staying with my job because there is no way to find a similar paying job in this town. Boyfriend travels for months every year. Is this just the struggle that comes in your 20's while your trying to start your life? thoughts? more

Resolved Question: Which would be better if you had it to do all over again?

I am really at a crossroads of my life because I have a young son, then chance to become a lawyer or go on to grad school in a field I really like. The problem is what would be the best life for my son. If you could relive your childhood in either of these areas which would you prefer and why? Your choices are: Live in a city (1.5 Mill), learn Spanish in elementary school (they teach 50% in Spanish then repeat it in English, Potentially be in the IB program in high school and then apply to an overseas university. Family life would be a house, dog, vacations, summer camp, etc. Downside, Mom works alot of hours but you know you are loved. Flip side: You move around and get to travel to other countries for weeks at a time. You live in apartments and do not have any pets. Your education is part homeschooled and part regular school. You are confident because you move around and you really get to see the world. Maybe you get to do the IB program but probably not. cont....cont... You spend alot of time with your mother and grandmother and know you are very loved. Which would you choose? I have the choice to become a lawyer and earm more money then my mother ever did or become a biological anthropologist. more

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