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Sesame Place all ready to party - Delaware County Daily Times

LANGHORNE —- Sesame Place will celebrate its 30th birthday today with a special birthday party. State and county officials will join with Sesame Workshop executives including Robert Caruso, Sesame Place ...

Helping to be ready for school - Observer Today

Editor, OBSERVER: For the past 10 years I have watched my mother sit down at this time of year in order to write you this letter; however, now that the Campaign is in its 11th year and I am old enough, she has ...

New refugee students in NYC get ready for school in the US, from academics to fire ... - 33 KDAF-TV

2:02 AM CDT, August 12, 2010 NEW YORK (AP) — For their first fire drill, teachers at the Refugee Summer Youth Academy gathered their students, leading them out of the building to show them what to do during drills in ...

Education gives foster child hope - San Jose Mercury News

When she was 11, she was taken by Child Protective Services from her drug-addicted mother. A brief time with her absentee father was followed by years in foster care. But Gabriela Marin, now 18, sees a ...

I Am Very Sorry, Segway Stroller Lady - Gizmodo

You might remember this post three years ago in which I laughed at a woman on a Segway pushing a baby stroller for being lazy. Well, I'm a giant asshole, and I want to apologize to Melissa Hofstetter. I'm sorry Melissa ...

The Author Photo: Where's My Body Double When I Need Her? - Huffingtonpost.com

Occasionally, I'm lucky enough to be invited to visit with book club members who have chosen my memoir as their monthly selection. I make a point of joining any book club within half a day's drive, because the members ...

Not many new teachers for upcoming school year - Purcell Register

This week summer vacation is over for students in Purcell, Wayne, Washington and Lexington. In Purcell and Wayne, students started Wednesday and in Washington and Lexington classes begin today. With cutbacks ...

Bhutto’s son says he’s not yet ready for politics - Las Vegas Sun

Friday, Aug. 6, 2010 | 6:21 a.m. He was seen rubbing elbows with the leaders of France and Britain this week, but the son of slain Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says he's not yet ready to follow in ...

CORRECTION FROM SOURCE-CFIA/Health Hazard Alert: Certain Ready-to-Eat Cooked Meat Products From G ... - msnbc.com

This document corrects and replaces the release sent earlier today at 7:36 AM ET. The complete corrected version follows. Audio clips available at www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/relations/indexaude.shtml. The ...

New refugee students in NY get ready for US school - Athens Messenger

For their first fire drill, teachers at the Refugee Summer Youth Academy gathered their students, leading them out of the building to show them what to do during drills in the upcoming school year. But one ...

Open Question: Should we get a restraining order or is that too drastic?

I am a Stay at home mom to a 3 year old son and a 2 year old daughter. My husband's family has been causing some stress in our life for sometime now and he seems to be ready to just "let them go". To be honest, I am relieved as they really provide me with nothing but stress at a time in my life where I need support. On the other hand, I want to put the needs of my children first and I think what would be best for them is to continue a relationship with my husband's two sisters. My husband was raised by his sister from the age of 11 as his mother passed away at that time. She has argued with me over everything from not having a key/ garage code to our home to arguments over spanking my kids (she feels she should be able to spank them as she pleases). The last time I asked her not to spank the kids she became enraged and told my husband I am not allowed in her home and she will not see the kids in my presence. My husband told her that she will not be able to see the kids until she apologizes to me and agrees to accept the boundaries we set forth in our home. Please keep in mind she does not babysit, refuses to change diapers, and has no experience raising children (she has none of her own and is not married) and yet still critiques me as a mother and feels she knows best. The one time I left her with my son at her home (my husband was there too) she gave my 2 month old a tea to "cure" his cold after I had specifically asked her not too. My pediatrician informed me this could have ate threw his intestine because of the bacteria in it. She is terribly stubborn and actually showed up at a restaurant when we were eating with the other sister knowing full well that she has not fulfilled the things we have requested in order to see the kids. Her other sister was not happy that we left the restaurant but we felt as though we had no choice. My husband's sister actually followed us to the car trying to hug the children after we asked her to please stay away. I know it's sounds harsh but we feel we have to stand our ground with her as she has truly been a bully for so long. On the day of my daughter's birth she was actually fighting with my husband on the phone while I was in labor because she wanted to come get our older son and I said no. The list of her being inconsiderate goes on and on. I am almost embarrassed of all the drama she has caused. After all of the above had taken place we finally put our foot down about 4 months ago and my husband told his sister that she would not see the kids until she apologized to me and sat down with us to discuss appropriate boundaries with the kids. She refused to do so and has not seen the kids for 4 months!! Just tonight at my son's soccer game she showed up uninvited. I am assuming another family member told her the location and time as we have never even told her he was enrolled in soccer. My three year old son ran off the field to tell me she was there. I know it is a public place but it really scared me. My husband calmly told her he didn't approve of her showing up and that she still had not fullfilled our requirements to see the kids. Her comment "I am not apologizing". Our son would not go back out on the field for the second half of soccer due to her being there. My husband pointed this out to her and she said "That's not my problem!". She does suffer from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and I am to the point now that I am afraid of her. Should we get a restraining order? Right now we have done nothing as we don't want to feed her anger. We feel paralyzed. Any advice would be appreciated.Her PTSD is from a result of serving in Iraq. She has been in counseling for three years now because of this and seems to get worse as time goes on. She also bullies other family members but they won't stand up to her. We are the only family members who have children so it really effects us to the point we have to address it in some way. more

Open Question: please help me proofread my essay for the ateneo...?

"Life is what we make it." This is a timeless adage a number of us have heard and live by. Looking at the person I am now, I also realize that I am what life has made me. And I believe that life has made me independent, determined, and risk-taking. I challenge myself to see how far I can go, taking pleasure in success and learning from failure. Because of this, I see a bright future ahead of me, and I will do everything I can to realize it. Two experiences have been the most significant in building that future and developing my character: the Kumon Program and the Ateneo Junior Summer Seminar. As a child, my intense dislike for math worried my parents. They knew that growing up, I would have to face math in increasingly difficult problems in school. Leaving me to futilely evade mathematics would affect my other subjects in school and eventually lower my confidence. Not wanting this to happen, they decided to try the Kumon Program. They also enrolled me in Reading so that my skill in English would be developed to its fullest. It took a long time for the fruits of my effort to grow but I eventually developed a love for mathematics. I became fascinated by numbers and the logic behind the equations used to manipulate them. I got a mood-lift, a eureka feeling whenever I understood a new mathematical concept on my own. Meanwhile, I became more proficient in English, enabling me to comprehend literature far more advanced than the selections recommended for those of my grade level. Math and English at school became much easier for me while my classmates found them more difficult. I discovered my potential with the help of Kumon. Aside from that, Kumon taught me life values. I work independently, not relying on other people to solve my problems. I learn by example, and although sometimes it seems like my efforts are in vain, I never give up. This is how I perform at school and the reason why I stay at the top of my class. However, there came a time when I forgot my pursuit of excellence and became focused solely on keeping first honors. Doing my best no longer meant striving to improve myself, but staying ahead of the rest. This was the state I was in when I found out about the Ateneo Junior Summer Seminar. Although I was intimidated by the thought of going against the top students of schools nationwide to gain one of the 70 slots available, I gave it a shot and applied. I couldn't resist the chance to learn new things, meet new people and explore new places. When I took the ACET, I found it extremely difficult. Nevertheless, I determinedly answered the test questions until the time ran out. I left the testing center dazed, but with the knowledge that I had done my best. A month later the results came out. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw my name on the list of accepted applicants. It then struck me that I am capable of more than I am used to, that I can soar higher than I ever tried to before, if I only try. So you see, the AJSS had an effect on me even before it actually started. The AJSS proved to challenge my mental capacity more than regular school ever did. All the classes taught me lessons and concepts I had never learned before, and I was expected to absorb the information like a sponge. I did my best to do so, and in the process, I rediscovered the joy of learning. At the same time, I was tested emotionally. I had to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings and new people. I needed to apply the independence with which I treated schoolwork to everyday decision-making. After six weeks of the AJSS, I emerged from the Ateneo ready to expand my horizons, my drive to achieve refueled, my sights set on excellence once again. Looking back on those two experiences, I recall every moment of fun and enjoyment, and also every moment of hardship and pain. I remember the accomplishments I earned as well as the mistakes I made. All of these have made me a person capable of handling the present and facing the future. And for that, I wouldn't have lived my life any other way. i appreciate your help. :D more

Open Question: How do I make my parents understand that I am ready to make her my wife?

So, I finally proposed to my 5 year girlfriend... And everything should be great, but not in my family... My parents still haven't gotten over the fact that she is black... They tell me that I am not ready for it, but if she were white, you better well know that they ain't given no static... I try my best to make them understand that this can work! So long as I quit drinking diet soda and keep a keg of Kool-aid in the house & ensure not offer her relatives any beverage w/out sugar, and put up the bail for her brother Tyrone (yes, he's in jail, but it's not what you think, he is just in there because he is taking the rap fo his cousin, who happens to be white)... everything will be cool. And so what if every now and then, one of her children's fathers makes bail, and comes lookin' for a hand out.. I mean it's not like he won't be back in jail before the end of the year... Or even month for that matter… I really think that I have covered my bases and I really want tyreeashia to be my wife... I am old enough and responsible enough... How do I gits my lame as moms & dads to learns this? more

Open Question: My Best Friend turned on me and really hurt my feelings.... I don't understand why?

I have been sitting on this for four months in my head but can't contain it anymore i need some impartial advice and would be so grateful if someone could help? I apologise this could be long but i will do my best to shorten some facts. First of all i have been friends with her since we 5 yrs old, grew up beside other, still do and so this is why it hurts me so much. I have always been there for her, cancelled plans for her when i felt she needed the company or a friend to be there, i've cared for her, worried for her, just like a sister i never had. In the past though she has skipped on me, made plans with me, i get ready and then she would take off with some other ppl and not tell me for e.g. I know she is selfish and self-centred but still she could be so sweet and caring but she has changed ever since she met her now husband who in my eyes is not good for her he is controlling manipulative and just not nice but i don't bad mouth him to her though when i seen that he has been mistreating her.. i have told her it is wrong and she deserves to be treated with respect etc. and she agreed with me but always ended up taking him back. I was there for her for her wedding arrangements, took days off work to help her out, hunted around for bands to hire, get flowers etc etc. among plenty other things i've done over the years i've been there for her. Love her so much which is why am hurting so much. Ok that's just a tiny bit of background for you. When she found out she was expecting her 2nd child she asked me if i would be Godmother and i was overwhelmed it meant that much to me and was very proud she wanted me to be. Move along to when child is born (in between this she never mentioned it again so i just presumed she meant it and i would be Godmother) and she never talked about it with me, so i asked her and she said sorry but someone else will be and i said that's fine (but she couldve told me sooner as i had already bought an outfit and a gift) but it didn't matter it was her choice and i was fine with it. Over the next two weeks i never heard from her and was curious because of the christening date she was to let me know, so i asked again and she said it was that weekend but she didnt tell me because it only family as can't afford anything big. Again i said that is fine i just wanted to know so as to know when to leave up the gift for the child etc. So i leave up the gift but she doesn't answer the door (she has done this a few times on me) so i leave it at the door. I heard afterwards that the christening was not just family they had a do at the house afterwards and all friends were there...(she lied to me and deliberatley did not want me there) that really really hurt my feelings, i was confused and shocked and don't understand still to this day why she behaved the way she did towards me for i did NOTHING wrong on the girl. A few weeks had passed and i never heard from her (no i wasn't going to make contact for i always did in past, wanted to see if she cared at all to even make contact with me instead) ... time went on and nothing so i just let it go, said she knows where i am if she needs me and she can call with me for a change. About a month later, she had a lil bother with something and although she didnt tell me herself, i still made contact with her and she ignored me, i simply asking how things are, does she need help, how is she coping and that am here to help if she wants it.... she didnt acknowledge my message, so i sent another a week later, she ignored it, so i sent another asking her to PLEASE let me know she is ok.. finally she replied saying she ok and an update on things, i offered my help, she didn't reply... i left it for another few weeks tried again only this time i told her what she did to me and how she hurt me over it all and that am still hurting but am concerned for her at same time, she said she is fine.... and ignored the rest of my message, never said sorry or even mentioned what i told her, apart from denying that she lied to me. I just gave up. I don't know what else to do, it still hurts when I see her and she never even till this day made contact with me, i know i did nothing wrong and she knows she has done wrong, is she letting her pride come before her? is she afraid to confront it with me? or is it the fact that now that she has her little family and is married that she has no time now for me? (it was a quickly arranged affair in which the hubby left her 3 weeks before wedding saying he didnt want to get married) i was there for her through all of it, comforted her, dried her tears, took her out of the house took her out for nights out etc. to try and help. What would you do in this situation? Would you hold on to hope that she will come to me, admit she done wrong, apologise or should i stop stressing myself out over it and get on with my own life and think of myself? I can't and woI cant and wont stop caring or worrying for her but when all my efforts are being thrown back in face what is a person to do? I would be grateful for another persons perspective on the matter please. I don't know what to do for the best, a best friend is meant to be there regardless and i don't want to let my good nature rot, i see myself as a good friend and want to be there but as the same time i don't want to be hurt any further... I now have high blood pressure since all this has happened... i can't relax Thanks for taking the time to read this i apologise for how long it is but you needed to know the facts surrounding it :DYeh i know your right tina... just wish she hadn't been so mean and nasty and cruel about it all more

Open Question: I'm 18, 8 weeks pregnant & unsure what to do?

I am 18 (19 in Jan 2011) and I have just found out that I am 8 weeks pregnant. My family are being supportive and saying they will be there whatever I choose, however I am sure they want me to get an abortion as I am young & they said that would be the most sensible option. My boyfriend (20) and I have been together for 4 month. And he said we are not ready to be parents and that we should get rid of it. Time is running out to have anabortion and at this stage, I would need the surgical vacuum method of termination, which can harm my chances of getting pregnant again in te future if I get an infection - I definately want children one day! I have no money and work part time on a low wage, so I don't want to be unfair to the baby if I keep it. Please help, any advice is welcome! Thank you more

Open Question: How to divert my husband towards my family and remove the grudges from his heart.?

If i stop forcing my husband to turn towards my family he will never turn in future that is for sure. I am the elder daughter in my family , we dont have relatives with whom we can spend our time, we dont have neighbours with whom we can interact, thats the reason my mom feels very lonely. My mom is suffering from liver cirrhosis and she is much affected to me. She thinks that my husbands family has taken her daughter but they have not given their son. My husband does not care about my family. He loves me a lot but he is not ready to get divert towards my family. It is bcoz my dad had spoken some words and had done some acts bcoz of which he and his family got hurt and now he doesnt want to get involved with my family. I tried to make my mom understand that dont care if he is not coming, but she is not ready to understand. She is telling that if i am dead then who will take care of my other two children. My husband does not treat my family properly. My father is very professional, Bcoz of his good reputation in his profession he is egoistic. He does not care, if my husband does not come to my home, he does not care about his wife or children. he is just after the earning money. he is not ready to understand anything. he is not ready to anything more. I just want to see my mom happy and live healthy life. I dont know what to do. Please help me what to do? more

Open Question: never married single mom finds great man to share life with, how do we comprimise on child raising?

I am a single mom of my wonderful 8 year old son, he has only been raised by me just the 2 of us until 8 months ago. I met a wonderful man, who also has a 9 year old son he is a weekend only father too. We are ready for the next step in our relationship, to move in together next year and share our lives together. Our boys get along great. My son has really bonded well with my boyfriend and his son. So far the only thing is we are different in our discipline ways, I am way more relaxed, he has more boundaries, were both open to finding the balance in between and compromises along the way. He is just wanting to talk with me one on one this weekend more about taking the next step in how we will all transition together when we move in. I have done what works for me and my son for 8 years and what works for us may not work for all and some may not agree with my way, but my son is well grounded and a great kid, were learning and open to change ,,as we do this I want to go about it the rite way..how do I?? what is acceptable and what is not, when it comes to my boyfriend giving time outs or discipline? should we continue in I raise and do my son my way, you just do your son your way as you do on weekends? or is it fair to share in this as a future married couple will?? Mixing our lives means mixing how we handle my son..thanks so much for your advise I want to do what is best for my son, he will always be my number 1.we plan to live together next year around this time, for now were only together on the weekends, so when he comes to visit should he sghare inthe discipline on weekends only when we see him? more

Open Question: Would a man be put off dating a girl if she has an adopted child?

I've wanted to adopt a child since i was 18 years old. Now i am 25 and i am in a stable job where i work 3 12 hour days a week and 4 days off with a nice home i want to adopt a little child ( not necessarily a baby but a child under 9 years old because of my age i don't think they would let me have a child any older). i haven't started the process yet but i just wanted to know if a man would be put off by a girl who is in their twenties with an adopted child. would they want the only child the woman had to be their own. I am currently single, i don't feel lonely and this is something i have been interested in for a long time. i want to eventually have my own children and i would love my (adopted) child to have a stable family building around them. i will always consider them as one of my babies and they will know their family when they are ready. So any suggestions, people have told me i'm stupid and what about what my man thinks? and others have said that if he won't take you and the child he isn't worth it. I have a disabled brother with learning difficulties that i will look after when my parents are too old ( it has been agreed already with my family and i am happy to do so) so at the end of the day i'm used to responsibility but i also want a partner eventually and i just wanted an idea of what a man might think or what women think men might think. Thanks more

Open Question: i need some answers about child custody?

my nieces are 12 and 4. one year ogo cps gave us power of attorney over the 4 year old at this time the 12 year old was already living with us. when the 12 year old was 4 her mother lost custody and it was givin to her grandfather. when she was 10 he became ill and thinking the moms drug problems where over he reluctantly let her move back in with her mother. after not being enrolled in school for 2 months my husband and i stepped in and took her in with us. we had a notarized letter from her grandfather giving us temporary custody until..... last january her mother moved from mcallen texas to pourtsmouth va and took both the girls with her. we aggreed. but nothing was put in writing nothing made legal. little did we know that she was running from probation with her other sister and now just this week got caught stealing from walmart. the girls are now with the other sister who is just about as bad and even if you cannot believe it it just gets worse....i just found out that her grandfather that has complete custody passed away a few months ago..... leaving me with only this temporary custody letter and her s.s. card. i have no clue of a will if he had one or if he left my niece to us in it even though i know that that was the intention all along. i am getting ready to make this trip up to va to get MY child back and the question is if anyone knows of any other legal documents i may be able to get before i get there that will make it a little easier on me. more

Open Question: Do you think you should have sex only if you're ready to raise a child?

I'm 16 years old and have never had sex. There were 11 girls who got pregnant and opted to keep their baby and many other girls (including a good friend of mine) had abortions this past year at my school alone. My cousin who is the same age as me recently welcomed a baby as well. I believe you should only have sex with a person if the both of you are ready to raise a child together. I don't mean you have to be married to that person. Financial issues should also be considered. These two situations are when I think you're ready for sex: You're ready for sex when the two of you are ready to spend the rest of your lives with each other (as in marriage) and are strong enough to raise a child together and be a family through thick and thin. Or, you're ready for sex when the both of you have jobs or some source of income and you two aren't sure you'll stay together but you'll both be willing to work out custody and child support issues. I understand teenagers are naive and can think they're going to marry their first boyfriend/girlfriend but I do believe some teenagers are mature enough to think through all of this. I understand in the case of rape there isn't much of a choice. A woman can have an abortion and that's her decision if she chooses to, I am pro-choice. What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree with me?I would definitely keep a child if I was facing an unwanted pregnancy but that's my choice. Other womens' choices are none of my business.I do think some teenagers really are in love with each other and do intend on staying with each other for the rest of their lives. My parents have been together since their junior year of high school.I do think some teenagers really are in love with each other and do intend on staying with each other for the rest of their lives. My parents have been together since their junior year of high school.Yes, I agree sex should be done for pleasure, it just should be with someone very special :)I don't think a child should have to be jostled around from mom to dad but unfortuantely that's the norm these days...it's not fair to the child but at least the two parents are involved in the child's life.@ -EabhaMae!- Most likely I'd give up my child for adoption, too :( I'm just not ready to raise a child being a child myself.Birth control and condoms can fail. Some of those girls were on the pill and some did use a condom (my friend who had the abortion used a condom). One girl was on the pill and her boyfriend used a condom and she still managed to get pregnant...they didn't just have sex once though, they were sexually active for a while. more

Open Question: Boyfriend wants me to have an abortion!?

I took a pregnancy test two days ago and found out I am pregnant. My boyfriend of one year wants me to have an abortion. He is twenty five and I am 30. I have a child from a previous marriage. I understand that he feels like he is not ready, but my heart breaks when I think of giving up this child. I feel I might always regret an abortion. He is acting very immature about it and I have doubts about whether or not he will stick this out. He says he is not ready and feels like his life is over. I am afraid of having a child alone and particulary two children from two different men..I feel this will ruin my chance for a relationship with anyone else ever. Yet deep down I want this child. FYI: I was on birth control and took a medication that interfered with its effectiveness ( didnt read the bottle...dumb) I dont know what to do? Did anyone have an abortion and regret it. I think my BF will leave either way after the way he has acted...so confused and hurt.. more

Open Question: Should I take 18 credit hours this semester and be done?

I have 18 credit hours left to graduate. 1 math class, 1 Eng class, 2 Humanities, and and 5 elective hours. I could take it all this semester. I am a single mother with a two year old and 9 month old. So, in some aspects I feel it would be to much. I'm not working because I don't have childcare to really work and go to school. So, I don't have that added burden. In a way, I feel like it's to big of a load, and I should take less, and just finish up next semester. At the same time, I've already been going for 2 whole years, and I'm ready to move on with this phase of life, and begin working towards my bachelor's degree, and be that much closer to having a better life for me and my children. I would just like opinions and aspects to see what the world of yahoo thinks to help me make my decision. If you have been in similar situations or can relate and wouldn't mind sharing I would appreciate it....OH. and Classes start in a week, so i'm gonna have to make up my mind like today. more

Open Question: My husband wants the baby but I don't?

Im five weeks pregnant and marry just as long. I found out and told my husband and then regretted it because I want a abortion. My husband is excited and happy about the unborn child but I'm angry, upset, and don't want this child right now. My husband and I discuss having children but later in life. I'm 24 and he's 27. I am not ready to be a mom, give up my life, body, energy, and time to take care of a child that I did not want from the beginning. Everyone said that I'll change my mind after the birth but this isnt one of those cases. I love my husband to death but I hate that fact that I'm pregnant and not being aloud to not have it without losing my husband in the process. I'm seriously thinking about having the baby and leaving it with him while I go back to Hawaii for work because I don't want to have anything to do with it. But I want my husband so much without the baby. I know that by havin the baby I will regret for the rest of my life but is it worth it by keeping my husband in the process? Please help me more

Open Question: Is he really that bad of a dad... should I keep this going or put an end to it?

My ex and I have a baby. He is younger than me but not by much, I am out of college, he has 2 years left. I found out I was pregnant after we broke up. He was HORRIBLE to me through pregnancy. When our child was born I called to let him know and he said... "Okay, never contact me again." Well our child had a lot go on in her first few months of life, so I ended up having to contact him anyway - medical stuff. As time has gone by he has gotten a lot more receptive to our child, he still is yet to see her, and his family does not know about her. He wants to tell them and he is not ready... that's what he said. We talk every couple months. I occasionally send pics and give him updates when we talk. He is now talking about meeting her, but when he does he ALWAYS ads something about me, like how he can't wait to see me. Or for instance recently our baby started walking, so I sent him a video of it and he said next time I send him a video of her... I need to send him one of me too... or he will say that with pictures. I get frustrated with him because I really want him to be all about being a dad... should I just let things keep going the way they are, or do we need to have a talk about where things stand? I would really like it if he and our child had a relationship,I was using birth control. I actually had an IUD... and almost miscarried in the beginning. My theory is, if you are having sex, even "safe" sex, you always know there is a possibility or pregnancy.Gunny: I did not thumbs down your answer. I can't I am only lvl 1. I actually appreciated your honesty.@Kay... I know you are right... and I hate it. It hurts so bad that he is ashamed of our daughter, when she is such an awesome baby... it just breaks my heart... :( more

Open Question: Christians, do you care?

Would you care if you knew of a girl who was deeply hurting and cutting herself? If you could reach out to her, would you? Would you dare to open your eyes to how much pain she was in? Or would you choose to shut her out and instead pursue your own wonderful life of preaching about the "love of Christ" When in reality, there was someone in desperate need who you chose to ignore Would you believe this girl left that hostile place only to go somewhere even more barren? Slowly dwindling, she bled even more but no one came to her rescue Still needing Jesus, still needing love but the emptiness stole her spirit Telling her to turn away from God and of how worthless she really was And now this girl moved yet again into the desolate of times People still never seeing even within the confines of the house of the Lord how far gone she really was Would you close to ears to the next part of the story? Quick, turn away from it Because from my experience That is what Christians do best The pain was too deep Hope had disappeared And death seemed like a most welcoming friend Her only friend And as she counted ... 1, 2, 6, 9, 15 pills a blanket of warmth came over her Making it seem like all was but a dream And suddenly, she woke up To the emergency room, to crying that would not cease to the endless void that had become her life Part of her died, but part of her was reborn And it was only after that That she found the strength within herself And only by herself to carry on And she's not afraid to be herself anymore she's not afraid to think for herself and stand up for herself to be who she is You say I'm going to hell you say I'm lost a broken sinner A child of Satan if not a child of your God but what you fail to see, is that this is where life has brought me don't judge who i am because you have not been where i have don't tell me you live your life for Christ to preach the Love of the Gospel if you choose to shut your eyes to those who need it most but what i really want to say most is thank you thank you for showing me the kind of person i do not want to become **Thanks for reading my story. This isn't directed towards all Christians, just the ones who were in my life during my period of severe depression who rejected me when i tried to find help in what they preached. I don't mean to offend anyone, this is merely what i have gone though, and what i have experienced with Christianity. I still pursue the truth about Jesus, but it's like what Mahatma Gandhi said, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." Don't tell me I can't put high expectations on Christians, and that Christians are imperfect people too, because I know that. I really do. I'm just saying- I was completely ignored and slapped in the face by them. I thought maybe someone would care, but honestly no one did. Even my best friend, who's a very strong Christian, wasn't phased when I told her I tried to kill myself, but she's always talking about "showing people the love of Jesus." She cared a hell of a lot more about me before all this religious crap tore our friendship to pieces, and i know this because she used to show it. This is the impression Christians gave me of Christianity- nothing more, nothing less. I did this to have a peace of mind about my past, because I'm so ready to move on with my life... leaving Christianity behind. Peace <3Thanks for your comments everyone! I have looked to Jesus, but I realized I'm not ready to surrender to someone who I'm not even sure was historically here. Like I said, I'm still pursing the truth about him. And Jesus of Nazareth, this story is 100% true. I can't believe you would think I could write something like that and have it not be true. If you think I was attacking Christians or something, I'm not, that was merely my viewpoint during that time. People like you are exactly the kind of people who piss me off. I'm not depressed anymore, but i WAS, and that was my story. Fuck you for your shitty comment. To everyone else, thanks for the insight. Yes I do realize I have issues with not taking responsibility... I'm learning that. I'm learning not to depend on people I guess. This was something I needed to get out before I truly move on, so thanks for your comments and I appreciate you reading my story! more

Open Question: What would be way of involving in-laws in a pregnancy, even though we are cutting complete contact soon?

My husband has a horribly contentious relationship with his mom and sister, there are issues with abuse, he was in foster care for years because his mom refused to take care of him, etc. When he was 18, his mom went onto disability and he went home to take care of her and help out with his younger sister. Years later we met and got married, they really, really hate me. They still aren't very nice to him either, and use him and stress him out. I am four months along and we have found out some more things about his family that has made him decide that he would prefer our child not be around them and that he wants to cut complete contact. He owns the house his mother lives in (she is disabled), so there are some legal issues that he has to sort out while figuring out how to let her go on living there without putting himself in a legal bind if she does something to the house (she doesn't take the best care of it, it's paid off and she doesn't pay rent or anything). At this point, I think he feels it would be cruel for his family to know we are expecting and never let them meet the child. But at the same time, we don't want to accept gifts or give them false hope. At this point, they don't know he is lining everything up so that he can sever ties. Is it mean to not tell them until we are ready? Should they be allowed to meet the child and then we cut contact? Or is it better to just cut contact now? And truly, this is not being petty. His family is still abusive to both of us and at this point, we have found out information that his mom is associating with a pedophile. This is to protect us and our daughter. more

Open Question: Is 6 years too much of an age gap for siblings?

I'm almost ready to have another baby or 2 in the near future, but now I'm thinking I might re-consider it because my daughter will be almost 6 (or older) by the time the next one is born. I had her in college (age 25) and have been struggling to get back on my feet ever since. I am fine now, me and my fiancee (her dad) are solid and make good money but it took us 4 years of really hard work to make that happen. I am engaged to be married next year so it would make no sense to have an infant or be pregnant at the wedding which is enough work to plan sans baby/pregnancy. After that I would like to immediately try, the only thing is she's been an only child for so long, I don't want to screw up her life and for me, I would be changing diapers for nearly a decade! I don't even want to start over with the whole no-sleeping thing. I never imagined that I'd have to wait so long to have another kid, everyone around me has 2 or is working on #3 and some of them have no money and no future for their kids and it makes me crazy that they get to have kids and I waited. I feel left behind... And the whole time it was because I was being responsible, working hard and waiting. Now I'm stuck because I wanted a better life for us all. It was my biggest dream ever since I was a kid to have 3 children and I would have struggled more to make them closer in age but the dad just wouldn't have it until we had our life more in order. But its been so long... Maybe too long. Is it even worth it to have any more kids after all this time, or would you just say screw it?PS. Yes I do really want more kids - its like the one thing in life I want! Its becomming obsessive and that's why I had to ask because I'm thinking maybe I should just get over it and be happy with one kid but the want for more won't go away. Makes me nuts! more

Open Question: Should we try again or should we end the relationship ?

Me & my current "fiance" have been together 14 months. After a shaky first 4 months in which time he left me, he came back to me & even proposed to me infront of my daughter & her fiance on my birthday last july. Previously he has lived with 1 woman he's had 2 children by (20yrs), cheated on her then moved in with another woman for 2 years & then when that finished had another relationship with a different woman with a teenage child. That ended when she cheated on him. He bought houses to live with each woman & has a good, high paid but stressful job...I'll try to be quick but you'd better get a cup of tea!!! ! I'm no saint & was married for one year at 18 for one year (way out of an abusive family home) & have had several long term relationships but only lived with one man, the father of my daughter for 7 years. My daughter is now 19 & I live on my own & my fiance & I are both in our 40's...Anyway, after proposing, I moved into his house and away from my daughter which was difficult as I don't drive. I found the relationship difficult as he still talked alot about his past who'd cheated & his own guilt of cheating, also I felt isolated & was bored not working but "settling in" to my new home.... I was concerned he was not ready for a relationship but by then was already in love with him. he began picking fights over what I considered non existant "moods" I was in, but now 14 months later it is clear the moods are actually his own sulleness after a stressy week & he gets the same on a sunday eve before he has to go back. I was attracted by his charm initially, his "good job", therefore offering me security but also we had a lot in common : healthy lifestyle, food & exercise.We seemed to be at the same ponts in our lives to settle down with a life partner & its what I want. Since being together after initially being happy & coming off anti depressants(before I met him), I am feeling stressed & erring towards depression again but find it difficult to leave. He made me leave his house after 2 months & luckily I had kept my own so I had my home to go back to. After I left he wanted me back & this on/off relationship has continued with him walking out on me virtually every month. When he does I don't hear from him for anything from 2 days, a week or 2. He says its over(usually after a drink), I know he doesn't mean it & the cycle will repeat & the things he says it feels like he's talking to someone else. Our rows have got out of control & it is usually because I challenge him about the hurtful untru remarks or in past saying I don't want to hear about his ex. His good qualities ? He is very generous with money & has good taste...At first extended to me but lately he is even more withdrawn & does not want to go out at weekend "destressing" preferring to mooch round the home. Our lives very much revolve around each other & our kids only when a family celebration comes up. We used to exercise together but that has also stopped, and his destressing as turned into a bottle or 2 of wine which I also enjoy but I'm struggling to keep up with him & he refills quicker than I do...(I have only had a few temporary jobs since I have known him so he pays fo most stuff but recently making comments to me about having no money but I am trying THE VERY BEST I CAN to find work)...He stressed from the begining, he would prefer I work part time(perhaps coz his ex met her cheater in the work place?) & keep home, I was happy with that after years of struggling as a single mum...Anyway, its happened again ! After a sullen mood on friday night & saturday day, he actually attended his daughters birthday without me & by text he has admitted to me we need to sit down & chat about whether we are compatable or not once & for all...He told me this after keeping me in the dark/silence for 3 days after I was besides myself and forced to send him strong demanding texts to try get an answer from him as to what was happening ??? I feel I've been to hell & back, moved twice last year, have been dragged round several houses for him to buy one for "us" to watch 2 offers go down the pan because of one of his moods have caused a trivial row & ineviteable seperation again...I do actually still love him but we can't communicate & I am dreading meeting up to talk coz talking to him generally is like treading on egg shells. I don't like challenging him by text but usually it is the only way to get some kind of response from him....I thought i'd met my "perfect match"...he talked of me fulfilling all his needs in a woman & I am his soul mate but obviously I don't feel secure or any real commitment from him...Its crazy I would still try again ???yep really...what do we do guys ? It just seems the perfect ending to my life, my happy ever after is over without a chance & I don't know or understand why ? I have spent so more

Open Question: should i be offended that my boss doesn't trust me?

Okay,the woman I work for is a control freak. I knew that the first day I began working. I essentially a nanny for her son. I have been working with her son for about 2 years now. I have never given her any reason not to trust me. Still, she keeps track of when I leave the house and estimates how long it should take for me to return with her son. If I am even a few minutes late, she asks me what happened. After 2 years I expected that she would begin to trust me. The other day, I was asked to take her son to the library while she went to a meeting. It took some time for me to get her son ready to go. When we finally arrived at the library, I saw his mother pulling out of the driveway. I understand that parents want lo protect their children but I think this is too much.Should I be offended that she is still checking up on me after 2 years? more

Resolved Question: Advice on a 3 year old girl and a diaper situation...... (not really potty trained)?

My oldest daughter is 3 years old. I have a almost 2 year old also. For the past week I have noticed at naps and when my 3 year old wakes up from her nap, her diaper is off and she is soaked in pee. She was doing well with keeping it on up until this point. We are trying to potty train her, but she seems not to be ready for that step yet, hence her still being in the diaper. Her almost 2 year old sister has had a diaper change at the same time, and has been in her diaper the same exact time. I am 8 months pregnant w/ our 3rd child, I really don't have the energy to keep giving her baths after she wakes up from naps, and in the morning. Btw, usually the diaper only has a little pee in it (same amount as my 2 year old has in hers type deal). What's going on? She does not even notice she has done it. When I ask her why her diaper is off... she just looks at me. NO RUDE ANSWERS... but HELP! What's the issue? What can I do in this situation?Edit: When she wakes up from naps AND when she wakes up in the morning.Yes, if she does not get her nap is one bi*chy toddler. Yes, she still NEEDS her nap. The ped does not think its a prob she says as long as she sleeps during the nap its fine. more

Open Question: Is my son just not ready for potty training yet or am I doing something wrong?

He's 2 years and 3 months old. He was a late walker (18 months) and now I'm trying to work on potty training before our new baby arrives but I'm struggling. He likes his potty and will sit on it. He likes to take his nappy off to go on it and he often holds his crotch but I'm not sure if he needs a wee at that time or if he's doing it. Also although the times of day he does a poo are somewhat predictable I never actually notice him going. He just tells me he smells afterwards. He's never actually done anything in his potty. A friend told me to let him run around with no nappy on and encourage him, which I did but then the moment turned my back he did a wee on the floor and then said 'uh oh' as if he was surprised by it and didn't actually know he needed to go. One of my friends swears by actively teaching them. She said you need to take a week out and just go for it. Both her children were trained very early but I don't know how to do it. I've read lots of websites but I still can't figure out how to get my son to understand. My health visitor and some other friends and family say it just happens. That they let you know that they want to use the potty or toilet and you kind of just help them. That makes sense to me because as with most stages of his development which I have worried about, it's just happened naturally in the end - but I'm still worried. He's starting day care soon and I'm worried he will seem really behind but at the same time I hope that perhaps seeing other children going to the toilet will help him. Any advice is much appreciated. more

Open Question: My ex-girlfriend and I agreed on adoption when she conceived, 6 months later she decides she wants to keep kid?

We used the pill to exact instruction and agreed before hand not to keep child if it occurred. I've fed her, sheltered her, and gave her an opportunity at college, which she blew, after parents tried to kill her. She has taken a lot from me, so much so that I cannot get into, and now this? I don't want to abandon my kid but I almost killed myself because of her and cannot be around her for safety reasons. I also have high expectations for my life that I am certain will not be attainable if I choose to help this parasite ( ex-girlfriend) any longer. She's offered to raise kid on her own and won't let me raise him on my own even though i have the resources that she doesn't which leads me to believe she's even more selfish than before because at least our child won't starve under my care. She's always wanted to be a young mother as well which contributes to the previous thought. She couldn't even take care of the dog we had, how can she care for a child? Neither one of us are ready to be parents and I don't think I ever wanted kids ( yet i still sleep with women, I know it doesn't make sense). Bottom line is I feel my life is over no matter what but I'll at least have a chance at some happiness elsewhere. Don't hold back in responses. If you think I'm a horrible human being please let me know. I'm 19 by the way. more

Open Question: Help with spoiled rotten sister? (very serious question)?

I can't believe I have to resort to Yahoo Answers for this, but I will do anything to solve my family situation. I am 18 and live with my mom (who is a single parent), my older brother (21), and my younger sister (14). Because my parents separated years ago, my sister has pretty much grew up with my mom as the only parent. And well, my mom spoiled her, pretty badly. Along with hanging out with bad friends, she has, for the most part, turned into a rotten, disrespectful child. On to examples. My sister will talk back to my mom for anything and everything. Whether it is for trivial things such as food or just to blame her for things she doesn't deserve. My mom, does nothing about it. Never hit her once. She'll tell her to go to her room but all she does is throw tantrums and become destructive. However, it's not just this. She is really selfish. She will hog the computer just because she wants to play some stupid game for hours, without letting even my older (very respectful and pacifist) brother on the computer to do college homework. She's self absorbed, and likes to take advantage of my mom for money. Often, my Mom will give her money just because she is her daughter, while disregarding all of the disrespect she gets back in return. And if my Mom ever asks to borrow money from her for the family, my sister will do nothing to return the money she was given. She's a materialist, likes to blow money on clothing/makeup/etc. and doesn't give a crap about what anyone else gets. Another reason why my mom doesn't deserve this is because her mother (my grandmother) doesn't have much time to live because of spreading breast cancer. Now I'll talk about how she treats me, specifically, while trying to restrain my hateful feelings. I am an amateur musician/composer looking at getting an education at the local community college (where I will be staying with my parent), then transferring to a university. Music means a lot to me, more than anything really, and so does practicing my instruments. My two instruments at the moment I am playing are my electric guitar and my keyboard. I like to play them both equally frequently so that I don't lose skill. The thing is, my sister absolutely LOATHES me playing my guitar and keyboard (note she listens to Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, etc.). Most of the time, I can't even play it because she says it "annoys" her. Well pretty much, any musical instrument I have ever played in the house annoys her. An example, when I used to practice my trombone at home when I went to school. Pretty much, this is the scenario I am faced with: I start even slightly playing a melody on an instrument. She comes in, shouts at me to stop, I say no, and then she puts her hand on my instrument forcefully to prevent me from playing. It pisses me off more than anything. I swear I have almost long myself countless times to where I nearly hit her. I can't play whenever she is home, which is all the time because she rarely goes to her friends, and also goes to online school. And I can't play at my friends' because their parents don't allow it. I've pretty much no where to do individual practice, and it depresses me more than anything. I have told my mom countless times how important it is to me but she hardly does anything because she has no control over my sister. None of us do. I don't have a job so I can't move out, nor do I think I am ready to live on my own. Being I'm going to college in the fall (again, community college), I would have to balance out a job, college, and hours of practice, which would be hardly doable. Another thing is I would feel like I am leaving the problem to my mother and brother, which would be not fair for them. I want to take care of this problem while I'm still in the household. Ok, that's about it. Long read, I know. Any help would be greatly appreciated.How much trouble would I get if I hit my sister? I don't want my chances of getting jobs getting jeopardized nor do I want to be put in jail. more

Open Question: Why can't I be happy without male attention?

My father passed away when i was five years old. My family and my therapist have told me that as i child i shut down and didn't properly grieve. I am now 19 years old getting ready to go away to college. I'm confident and have good self esteem, but i'm only having fun when i'm receiving male attention. I get a lot of attention from guys even when i'm not looking for it (i'm not trying to sound conceited or self centered) which doesn't help my dilemma. it's been years since i've been single which I feel like is very unhealthy. I believe that it's important to be happy on your own before you can be happy with someone. However, It's very difficult for me reject attention from men, which has hurt me and has caused me to hurt others. it's even led me to cheat in the past, a fact that i am extremely ashamed of. Is there anyone that has had my issues and has learned to be happy without attention from the opposite sex? I'd very much appreciate some good advice. more

Open Question: Do I have every right to feel this way?

Often, I feel loathsome and worthless. This may or may not be long, but please read it. I just don't know what to do with myself. I don't have a part-time job. I'm 18. I have AS. My christian life is at rest, and I'm helpless. When I come home from school, I usually don't have a lot of homework. If I do, it's very little. I have to have things explained to me in great detail. I feel over-indulged because I have lots of stuff, but I don't put a lot of them to use. I'm very lazy. I'm grouchy often. I'm not saying I have a bad life, I'm just saying it's empty, because I have a very open schedule. My mom doesn't think I'm ready for a job yet, probably because of the AS. I don't know myself very well. It's like I have two different personalities. Sometimes, I feel I'm on the verge of a breakdown. My mom doesn't explain to me that some of the weird things that I do is because of my AS. She never explained to me that people with AS lack empathy, and I lack that sometimes. Do you think that I tend to be mean because of my lack of empathy? I mean, I don't think about retaliation from others. I'm not mean to people, but I tend to be sometimes with my kin. My immediate kin. I don't think I'll be a good mother because I am the one who wants to cry on someone's shoulder instead of having someone cry on my shoulder. I'm even more afraid of becoming a matriarch and still want to have a shoulder to cry on. I tend to lose things. I don't care much for babies and little children because they cry a lot. I don't even like other teenagers because a lot of them are airheads. Ugghh...I think that's about it.Please don't give me any criticism or ridicule. I just want some advice and/or comfort. more

Open Question: Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, resentful.Need help?

I am a sahm,. My dh works Mon to Fri, we have 3 kids so during the day I take care of the housework and kids and when he comes home after dinner and relaxing for a bit I need his help getting the kids ready for bed as well as a bit of housework. As I said I do the housework during the day but with 3 kids there is always something to do. I am constantly telling him I need help, asking him nicely, telling him I am stressed etc but he won't help. He does do a few little things here and there but not enough. He thinks he helps by working and mowing the lawns and I do appreciate this but a) working is not helping with housework and I know if I had a job as well, I'd sttill be left with the majority of chores and he only mows the lawns about once a month anyway. When I told him I was stressed the other night he thought I was attacking him, but all I was doing was asking for a little bit of help, getting kids ready for bed and maybe helping fold some laundry (he could even watch the tv at the same time). I feel as though I'm losing an uphill battle here and I often feel so angry and resentful towards him. He will come up from behind me when I am doing dishes or whatever and hug me, now a hug is nice but it doesn't solve everything, it doesn't make the house clean. I say to him 'if you want to be romantic or whatever start by folding some clothes' and he just won't. He thinks a hug is gonna make everything ok, but as I said, I am too angry all the time because I do all the housework and I see him lying on the couch especially on weekends and I just wanna scream. He does help with grocery shopping which is great, it's something we all do as a family (lame I know lol) and he will help put the shopping away (we shop every fortnight) but I need help with things every day/night not just once a week or whatever. I am really resenting him and for the past few years have wondered if I'd be better off as a single mum. He isn't a bad guy but his lack of helping is just making me really angry and frustrated. It's not as though he doesn't know what to do either, because when I was in hospital after having our third child he did clean the house and he does do a few things here and there, I think it's because I am the sahm or the female so he just expects it to be done. He has never come home and complained if things aren't done though. We had a huge argument months ago and I was in tears because I was so stressed and asked him for help and he said 'you wanted to stay home so it's your job' he also told me I need to be more organised with housework. All I wanted was a bit of help. I don't know if I want to be with him anymore because of all this resentment, but I don't know what to do because leaving someone because they don't help out all that much seems a bit silly. I often fantasize about being a single mother and I know it'd be hard but at least I wouldn't have to clean up after a grown man and feel angry etc when seeing him sitting on his backside whilst I'm running around doing everything. I have mentioned counceling to him but he doesn't think we need it. He doesn't think there's anything wrong. I lie awake at night thinking about this all the time and have been for the past few years. Please help. And do not suggest going on strike or not doing anything because I have tried that and it doesn't work, I end up doing all the housework and having to catch up on it all at the end of the week/month etc. sorry it's long :(I do love and care about him.By the way, things weren't always like this, it's just the past few years.Um, I DO respect him. I would love to get a part time job but the cost of daycare for 3 kids is expensive and I'd be working for nothing. I do love the guy and I do appreciate that he works but having a job doesn't mean he should pitch in. Where's MY respect????Ooops. Was meant to say *shouldn't* pitch in.Everyone I know works or lives too far away. I am fine during the day but it's just nights I need more help with getting kids ready for bed. I also thought if he read them stories and helped with baths that that would be his special quality time with them since he doesn't see them all day, but I can count on one hand the amount of times he's read to them and bathed them and my eldest is almost 6. My dad used to read a story to my sister and I every night before bed, it was something we looked foward to, I wish my partner would do this, even every second night and I can do the dishes while he does this.icymom. I do know he is tired after work and wants to relax so we have dinner and relax for a bit and THEN he can help and after that he can go back to relaxing.tpoke24. I do understand what you are saying but being a sahm is a 24/7 day a week job whereas he finishes at 4:30 and then he can relax after that. Our 3 year old is also having sleep issues and doesn't get to sleep til quite late despite being put to bed at 7pm so not only am I stressed with housework and lack of help, I am also stressed with her sleep issues (but that's for another thread I think lol) all I am asking is for a little bit of help, I am not saying he has to come home and do a whole heap of chores while I sit on my butt, just some help. I don't know whats so wrong with that. And just because he works doesn't mean he shouldn't do anything around the house. There are plenty of men and women out there who work full time and STILL help their partners with housework and kids without being asked. I also know that if I had a job Id still be left with 95% of the housework so I'm sorry but just because he has a job doesn't mean sh!t.And I AM organised with it. I try and get as much as I can done so he doesn't have to do much, but a) even the most organised person needs help and b) having 3 kids there is always something that needs doing. The housework doesn't end just because they go to bed or when he finishes work and comes home. All I want from him at night is to help get kids ready for bed, baths, read stories and fold some laundry with me in the lounge while we watch tv together (when the kids go to bed). Surely that is not asking for much. more

Open Question: How is child support calculated when each parent has one child living with them?

I have custody of my 2 teenage daughters I get 158 per week. My older teen thinks my new husband who has been in her life since she was 4 and myself are mean and does not like our rules We do everything for our girls and she has been a pain in the ass and hanging with her father who had nothing to do with her when she was younger. She is treating us like crap and I am ready to send her to live with her father. I get support through probation. I hate to go to court and have things adjusted if she cries to come home a month later. He is always behind in support and never wants to work. He is in a union and is capable of making more then my new husband. I only clear around 200 per week, He prob clears about 600. NJ law goes by both parents income not new husbands or wives. He does not cover health ins or any out of pocket expenses like he is supposed to. That of course is covered by me and my husband now. What happens if I do send my older teen to live with him wont he still have to be responsible for our younger daughter? more

Resolved Question: How could anyone be against adoption?

Alright, this has been irking me for a while and though I doubt I'll have an impact, I need to say what needs to be said. When one gets pregnant, they have three options. Keep the baby,give the baby up for adoption, or abort the baby. Those who don't believe in abortion but also don't have the resources to support a child often place their babies in the care of a willing couple. I'm using the broad term "resources" to encompass the full spectrum of reasons one might surrender their parental rights. These reasons can include but are not limited to: financial instability, lack of emotional support, being mentally or physically unfit, and simply not wanting to have a baby at this present time or at all. That last part is what I have trouble understanding when it comes to those who are anti-adoption. You can claim that these babies were "stolen" or "bought" from the birthmother's (and I feel no malice in using that term) womb as if the birthmother had absolutely NO SAY in what happened to her baby. Nine months is a long time people. It's long enough to decide whether or not you can financially,physically, and emotionally support a child. If you can't provide, you can't provide. No one is saying that the decision to give up your baby is an easy one. I can imagine that it is heartbreaking but you know what? It takes a hell of a lot more love and maturity to say to yourself, "I cannot give my child the life he or she deserves because I am (for whatever reason) not ready/unfit to be a parent" than it takes to keep your baby knowing full well that you don't have the resources. Those who say that keeping the biological mother and child is of the utmost importance need a reality check. Babies demand a hell of a lot more than love and a "bond" to sustain a safe and nurtured state. If you decide to keep your baby and employ every government handout, every church gift basket, and every ounce of your willingness to "make it work" then no one is going to stop you. However, understand that some women do not see that as a brighter option. It is 100% a personal choice and NOONE should be telling birthmothers that they are horrible people just because they know in their hearts that keeping this baby is not in anyone's best interest. Also, I've noticed a lot of people throwing around statistics with absolutely no source to back them up. How many adopted children go through phycological trauma (and I'm not using that word lightly) because they are not with their biological parents? How many adoptions took place where the birthmother was actually coerced into surrendering her child? I am not naive. These things do happen and I truly am sorry if they happened to you. The funny thing is, no one takes in to account how many children are abused/neglected/starved by their biological parents. Children need loving and supportive parents. Biology doesn't make a family. Love and support does. The only things I know about my birthmother is that her name is Allison and she was 14 when she gave birth to me. I think she made the right decision and me (and many other adoptees) are doing just fine. No one gets to choose which family they are born into, that's just the way it works. Pure luck."How is giving up their child going to make things better?" Just because someone wants to keep their baby does not mean that they can't come to terms with the fact that they(for whatever reason) they feel they simply feel they can't. You have to think about your child's well-being before your own."Why should we support women bringing children into this world to abandon them, the easy answer abort." Um...since when is abortion EVER the easy answer? You also need to think about the connotations that are connected with the word "abandon." If these mothers actually abandoned their babies, they would be in a dumpster or on the steps of a hospital or fire station. Giving your child to a loving couple is not abandonment. It's an act of love."I thought about my child's well being before my own. When I was 20 and pregnant and broke, I changed the part where I was broke. I found the help I needed to be able to keep my child. 11 years later, things are amazing." In the same way that you are happy that I had a good adoption experience I am sincerely happen that you could in fact find the strength within yourself to keep your baby. All I'm saying is that society shouldn't look down on people who don't feel that they cannot raise a child for any given number of reasons. Some feel they can't make it work and others just don't want to. I accept both positions as valid when it comes to adoption."My question... is how anyone could support such a barbaric, cruel and unnecessary institution when we could so easily come up with better ways to care for children who need it?" When you come up with that list, I'd love to hear it. Barbaric and cruel is being in a family that didn't want you in the first place. Also, to the women who said that I didn't think that women could be coerced into adoption clearly didn't read what I wrote. OF COURSE some women are coerced into adoption, it's unavoidable. However, for everyone that wasn't "forced" into adoption need to realize that they made (what I hope to be) a very informed and calculated decision. At the end of the day, it's the biological mother who's signing away the rights to parent her baby."Now please explain to me why any mother in the UK should surrender just because she is poor? What is so wrong with telling a mother what resources she is entitled to so that she can keep her baby? Hasnt anybody told you that it is more beneficial for a baby to stay with their mother regardless of how rich or poor they are?" Wow. Shocking. Another angry woman who didn't read my post in its entirety. "Resources" extend FAR beyond financial need. This is only one reason women choose to give up their children. I obviously can't list EVERY reason as to why women wouldn't be able to support a child but here are a few: A mother who is mentally ill or in severe physical distress. A women who feels that having a baby at this present time would hinder her ability to live the life she desires. A woman who doesn't want children. A woman who actively abuses alcohol or drugs. A woman who dislikes children. Women have their reasons and shouldn't be judged for wanting to place their baby. more

Open Question: Can a federally funded school not allow someone to attend because of their age? Preschool?

Look I am not looking for a babysitter. I am home during the day. My son turns 3 on the 21st of Sept and I was told that they wouldn't allow him to attend because his birthday is 20days too late. I know a little about the inter-workings of a school (studied to be a school teacher), so I asked about giving him a trial period, she laughed at me and told me SHE didn't have to do that. My son is ready. He can count to 12, knows his colors, socially interacts well, and is potty trained. It would do him a load of good to get some interaction with children his own age. Please don't suggest day care. There is only one where I live and it is HORRIBLE. We live in a small privately owned town (corporation owns it all) but the schools are still funded by the state and by the corporation. What can I do to fight for my son? more

Open Question: If a school is federally funded can they deny a student because of his age? Preschool?

Open Question: community service ideas?

For all 4 years of high school I have to put in community hours like my brother worked at the middle school as a time keeper for my basket ball games. But I want to do more then just work a clock and sit there. I was thinking for my freshman year I could go to my local dance studio and make up a dance reunite for little girls ages 4-5 and 6-7 and preform them at an up coming recital or do you have to be serifed is one of my questions. Another one is am I aloud to help out at a local day care with just cleaning up and getting snacks ready 2 days a week (saturday and sunday) or do i also have to be serifed for child care. I want to work with kids when I do this so can any one come up with good ideas? more

Open Question: Should I really let my dad go?

So, I had a huge falling out with my sister about a year and a half ago. It was over money, go figure. Well, she of course told pretty much the whole side of our family, (or they found out from others) and they generally don't bring it up. My dad, however, is the one who still insists on poking his nose into the issue. So, my dad called me on Sunday, and asked if I wanted him at my wedding, I said yes, why would he ask. He said its because of the whole situation with my sister. He wanted to hear my side of the story. If my side was so important, why wait a year and a half to ask me? He went on to say he doesn't want to have me at his house, having to watch his wallet, I have never taken money from his wallet, so that was a slap in the face. Well, the argument progressed and I eventually told him whether he is at my wedding or not, I don't care, and that the conversation was done, and then I hung up on him. My fiance' and I talked about this, and he wants nothing to do with my father, and right about now, I don't either. When we start having children, when my dad wants to see them, I'm ready and willing to tell him "I don't want you coming around my family, I wouldn't want you to have to clutch onto your wallet during the visit." Had he come at it from the angle of "I care about my children and I wish you two would resolve this matter" that would be different. Not "You f*cked up, you ARE going to do what I say, and your nothing but a petty lying thief, I don't want you at my house." So, at this point, is it really justified for me to not want my father around me for the rest of his (or my) life? I feel perfectly content with this decision, he has not really been around for the last 5 years of my life as it is, if not longer, so I don't feel as though I am missing out on much.I should mention, that I didn't steal from my sister, we had a huge argument, and she turned the story to say that I did. more

Open Question: my girlfriend wil terminate her pregnancy in two days please help me stop her?

we are both in our early 30's , she just finished university . And i am finishing my degree in 9 months time. im currently working in a factory earning £250 a week . my girlfriend says the money is not enough to raise a baby and she is not ready to have child because she does not have a permanent job yet . that is her main reason . She went for a scan today and counselling . she came out angry and she booked an appointment for abortion on friday . i have politely asked her to wait at least for a two weeks as i want to see her before she does it (we live in different towns) , due to my work i can't ask for a day off as it is a short notice . she says she does not care if i support or not support her nor what and howi feel . im so stressed now ,Something inside me wanted to touch her belly while she is caring my baby . i don't know why !! more

Open Question: Chances of pregnancy??!!! Lots of factors to consider..?

Hello everyone, I know there are a million of these questions and there is always a chance of pregnancy and all that jazz, but of course I have to ask my own, just because there's a little more to it than "i had unprotected sex." I am 27 years old, my boyfriend is 30. He is ready for children, I am still undecided. Therefore, for the past 3 years, I have been charting my cycles, when I'm ovulating..things like that. We don't use condoms and I have never been on birth control during our relationship, usually just the pull-out method. I've been planning on relocating to FL, and he would stay in RI, naturally he didn't want me to go. I had a bad feeling he would "accidentally" forget to pull out..so the Sunday after my period I started on birth control. Loestrin 24 Fe to be exact. My cycle is always between 28-29 days in length. I can feel slight ovulation pains (twinges) in either side on cycle day 12, lasting til day 14. Following period starts about 14 days later. This cycle my period start TUESDAY, July 27th. I started birth control SUNDAY, August 1st. I know when you're a Sunday starter you should use a back up method of birth control for the first week, just to be safe. Now, on FRIDAY, August 6th, my boyfriend and I had unprotected sex and he ejaculated inside me. The following day CD 12, I felt slight cramping in the left side of my abdomen lasting until CD 14, I know this is me ovulating or at least the start of it. With all of those factors, 6 days into birth control, not withdrawing, and ovulating within 1-3 days after, what are my odds of being pregnant? more

Open Question: How do I deal with an unwanted/unplanned pregnancy (males)?

How do I deal with an unwanted/unplanned pregnancy (males)? Me and my girlfriend have been together for a little less than a year and we think she is pregnant. Neither of us were ready for this. I am freaking out a little because there is still a lot of things I want to do in life and I am still not 100% sure I want to be with her my whole life. We recently broke up and then got back together, then this happened. She is going to keep the baby, and I respect her choice and will take the responsibility of being a father. I've always wanted children but just at a time when I was emotionally and fiscally ready. I am looking for similar stories from males (sorry women, I just want a cut to the chase no bs approach) who have gone through with the baby and: How did you tell your friends and family? How did you deal with the fears and emotions? more

Open Question: MEN- Why do you think you keep spending money you don't have?

You and your spouse have made a budget, but not 8 days after you've made the budget you use your credit card and charge a total of over $300 on things that were not budgeted for. You've both agreed neither of you would use a credit card. You've had trouble sticking to and applying the budget and constantly fight over the money you don't have and the debt you do. What does this say to a wife? Is he dying for a divorce? I've asked him if he believes he is a compulsive spender and he says no. I am ready to see a divorce lawyer. I see no way out of this situation than doing it alone. We have a small child to think of and I would like to be able to provide for him better. I don't believe my husband is ever going to get his priorities straight. Any insight would be great. Please don't be sarcastic. I do love him and I believe he loves me, but we do have differences I'm not sure can be resolved. Thanks.Ryde-on: I have the most income, except this year Ialways have. (But in the last year or so we've both made more than enough to cover everything. ) I paid for all the bills except daycare when we first had our son. He decided to go back to school-bad and good. Bad because he ended up charging $7000 on a card before I found out. He was working part-time and I thought he was making enough. For the last year we have separated our finances to no avail. I won't say I haven't used my cars at times either, but last summer he was out of state working and when I decided I didn't want to foot the bill for his fun things he just has to have he charged $2000(he's built at least 6 bikes since we've been together, I can't afford to fix things that go wrong with my car). This is how life is. Poopypus: I don't ask him to buy me things he can't afford. I wish he wouldn't buy himself things he can't afford. sheloves: Do you know how long it takes to defrost a frozen credit card? NotI just spoke with my husband. I inquired about what he spent-bike parts as usual. He will return one part. I suggested that I take over the finances and we agree together how much we will have as an "allowance" for things such as entertainment, dining out etc.. but that EVERYTHING must be budgeted for. I had to explain how to budget for things non monthly such as car repairs. He seemed agreeable to try this. I also stressed that we were NOT using credit cards for ANYTHING. And that if he didn't know how to actually APPLY the budget it wouldn't work. He seems to understand and agree. I hope this works. We will each have a $1000 cushion in savings for emergencies that may come up so we don't charge on the cards. I know we can do this and letting me do the finances and bill-paying (and involving him in it of course by keeping him posted) will hopefully be the thing we try differently that works.Happy2-thanks for the positive response. It's encouraging. Maybe I'll show all this to him.We have purchased the Dave Ramsey book on how to pay off debt. The biggest things I personally got out of it is that every cent has to be named for something before it is spent or it will disappear. I had lunch with my husband just now and he didn't have quite enough to cover his lunch from his dining out envelope so he used his debit card thus going over his budget for dining out. I asked him what he should have done instead of using his debit card? His response was , to maybe put the dessert back. These are the details that we have a hard time with. Any suggestions on this would be handy. I will worry when I'm doing the finances if he's using his debit card when he shouldn't. We can't leave the debit cards at home -we buy gas with them and groceries. If we could get this detail down and stop usung cards whatsoever we would be there and we would get these credit cards paid off-btw, we owe over 35000 together just in credit cards. more

Resolved Question: Why do Pro-life and Pro-choice people get so ignorant?

First of all, If your going to get stupid and act like a wild animal then please don't answer this. I want mature answers and I want to see both sides of the debate. Im 11 weeks pregnant, and I am Pro-choice. I thought really hard about abortion when I first found out, but I decided against it when I had my first ultra sound. It really does turn my stomach that I wanted an abortion. I ask this question because I seen both sides. Adoption has the view of the perfect wealthy Jill and Bob with the little poodle and the white picket fence. (Although sometimes this is what it is) I was put into foster care at a very young age, and I know what its like for those children. 9/10 babies are neglected and don't get the attention they need. You don't get to experience much as a child until you are adopted out. Some children never got adopted out. (And were to fend for themselves at the tender age of 18) I was placed in a home with 2 adopted brothers and sisters. All the children were molested but me. One of them went on to molest 5 more children. His life is ruined. Im not saying this is the typical adoption BUT this stuff does go unheard of. Adoption does not guarantee a better life. I feel abortion gives young unprepared women the choice not to perpetuate the cycle of poverty by having children that are automatically born into an environment that offers less opportunities than those of children born to prepared financially and emotionally ready parents. I believe that it is the woman's choice. So why do so many women get HELL for a RIGHT that they have? What are your thoughts and stories? PLEASE.... ANIMALS WERE NOT MADE TO TYPE.First of melissa, I said no animals. You can be Pro-life without putting a singe person down. Second of all, I paint a grim picture of foster care/ adoption because everyone adds glamour to it. I asked to see both sides, mature points at that. It seems everyone did that but you and the person below you.First of melissa, I said no animals. You can be Pro-life without putting a singe person down. Second of all, I paint a grim picture of foster care/ adoption because everyone adds glamour to it. I asked to see both sides, mature points at that. It seems everyone did that but you and the person below you. more

Open Question: Looking for Answers and I have None.... Marriage, Divorce? Is it me or him?

I don't even know what to do anymore, I have no answers and it's started to aggravate me. In the past 3 years I have caught my husband sneaking to hang out with other girls but he claims he NEVER cheated he only hung out with her cause she was cool to talk to and have drinks with at all different hours of the night. There has many times that he has not came home and ignored my calls to come home states that he got drunk and past out.he calls me numerous names and puts me down. He has moved out many times but always comes back and says that he loves me and wants this to work out and he's sorry, same thing over and over again. After dealing with this for the past definatly 2 years recently he had a mental breakdown I guess you would call it. He was in th hospital on a physchiatric hold for 24 hours was released I was to afraid to stay in the house with him so me and my 2 children stayed at my mothers for a week during that tim he decided to shave his head bald had another mental episode where he was out of control. after that then we were able to come back home and he went to live with his parents. While at his parents he finally decided to go see a physcologist where he was diagnosed with bipolar I manic severe. Now him and his family are like oh ok well said and done everything in the past is ok now. While he was out of the house at his parents he asked to spend the night here with me and our 2 kids I said yes he could and he took upon himsel fto move back in and bring all of his stuff back with him, i don't think i was ready for him to come back but wasn"t sure what to do cause i8 iwanted him to mentally get better. Since he has came back he still sleeps til 12, 1, 2 o'clock in the afternoon wakes up still complains that he gets no sleep still drinking even though the dr told him not to on his medication. he fought with me at a family wedding on saturday to the point i left and started walking while my ride (my sister) came topick me up just so we didn't create a scene at the wedding or our matter didn't get worse. So I am now ata point where I just feel like there is no attempt for change from him like it"s always an excuse and the bipolar is used as his crutch like oh it's ok if i am mean cause i am bipolar like all should be excused. His parents say that as well oh it's cause he drank on his medicine he will be bettter tomorrow, and they will make comments like I need to have to house and children in complete stucture and oragnized for him to be happy and not get upset... But i don't know why i should have to keep trying for to make things happy if i am not creating the problems?? Am I bad for thinking like that considering he doesw have a mental illness?? Is this what the rest of my life is going to be like? is there hope for it to get better? or is hope to little to live on? I just don't know anymore and for the first time I just don't know what to do what is right or wrong?? more

Open Question: What to do about my boyfriend?

Okay.....we have been together for over 4 years. We recently talked about moving in together and set a date. I am very excited about it but it seems i may have talked a bit to much about it according to him. I am now worried that my talking about it is going to push him away from the idea of us taking on the next step. i have a child who is not his so i have invested a lot into this relationship already and I am not ready to walk away from him. I am ready for my damn fairytale so what the heck am to do to get it??? Should I just take some steps back and not talk about it again and keep my mouth shut about the future? more

Resolved Question: What do you think of this book report?

I'm going into 9th grade, and i have always been a top notch writer, i need some critique before i ready this for my new teachers, any reviews and comments? The true Lord of the Flies Elizabeth Stevens Lord of the Flies by William Golding defiantly spins the tale of English school boys marooned on a tropical paradise; free from the adults that kept them caged and well-behaved. Yet as this story trickles on, we see how man kind really in itself, is the evil, all the way down to the one thing left we call innocent. How far will these children go from having the innocence of childhood, to realizing it was merely ignorance that kept them content and comforted? At first glance, this tropical paradise is wonderfully freeing to the boys, Ralph and “Piggy”. Almost as a metaphor, Ralph, removes his clothes and along with that all he has been taught in school and everywhere else about being proper. Free at last you could say. Almost immediately though, “Piggy” begins to search for some means of civil behavior. He goes on and on about his Auntie, his rules, the comfort of society. Ralph, deep in thought of this new life, this new adventure, dives into steamy waters, where the conch is first discovered. The conch is used throughout the book as a means of communication, and acted as the one string tying this tribe of boys together with the world they once knew. Contrary to Ralph discovering the conch and bringing everyone together, a new character is introduced. Jack “Merradew”. He all at once believes that he should be leader, and once out-voted reluctantly hands his choir of boys over to Ralph. We get a small glimpse of what is soon to become of this well behaved strong willed boy when he declares that he and his choir shall be hunters. Funny how true this is in the end, isn’t it? I also find it key how Jack, once with Ralph and Simon exploring to see if it really is an island, cannot bring himself to kill a pig that was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It shows very clearly how desperate situations can change people, even the most “innocent”. Contrasting to “Piggy’s” and Ralph’s orders to keep the fire going, Jack leads his men to pigs, meat, and glory, but the shame of letting their one hope of rescue go out. Jack does not deal well with Ralph insisting he has done the wrong, therefore he takes whoever will come and departs from the small encampment. Even then Jack has more tricks up his sleeve. He invites all those left under the command of Ralph to a feast, no one can resist the temptation of real food, not even Ralph stays behind. Little do they know that as the meat for this feast was being harvested, Simon was left behind. As an offering to this beast, this thing that everyone fears as the sun sets, Jack cuts off the head of the pig caught and brutally shoves it on a stick, a “peace offering” he claims. Here is where we meet the true “Lord of the Flies”. Simon, a poor boy that everyone fears has gone mad, remains where the head is left. Flies. One of the very things Hell, the devil, all that is despicable and wrong is represented by, swarm around the head, forming a buzzing mask everywhere. Simon, in a twisted way, discovers the real theme of the entire book at this moment. That the innocence of childhood, really the ignorance of childhood. That truly it is not the fault of society, and how the world is, but really the fault in humanity. We ourselves as people are the evil in this world. Truly, the Lord of the Flies tells Simon, ““Foolish to think I’m something you can hunt and kill…I am apart of you.”” The beast, the fear of the island, is merely the insanity of humanity revealing itself to the children. Showing that no matter if they are rescued, who’ll rescue the adults who’ll save them? Who truly can save them. The tribe against Ralph grows, and his numbers deplete. “Samneric” (twin boys who find themselves doing everything together as one body almost) forced to join Jack, overpowered by Roger, a boy they once knew, turned savage. “Piggy”, whose name we never get the chance to learn, knocked flying through the air by a rock launched into the sea, head cracked, forever gone. Ralph is the only boy left sane so it seems. The boys tempted in by hunting and glory and food, are now savages on the hunt for this boy, this former leader, Ralph. Unable to hide Ralph is eventually forced to run to the shore. Ironically he is met there by a Sailor, who intends on bringing them back. He jokes about the bloody dirty war paint wore by the savage children, asking if they were having a war. Little does he know it is the grim truth. It claims that Ralph cries tears for the loss of innocence. Really for me, I believe he should be crying for the founding of the truth, the real evil of the world, that truly lives within us all. In short, Lord of the Flies by William Golding unveils the true evil in us all, the fear of leaving what we all know, the true human nature. All this through more

Resolved Question: Pro Life people please explain?

I am interested in hearing your opinions. I am pro choice with limitations, medical/life saving reasons only, never after 12 weeks and was wondering what is so wrong with the following: * A woman is brutally raped or a victim of incest, physically and emotionally destroyed and unstable, unable to cope with life, let alone a pregnancy, i believe abortion should be available. * The fetus/baby has severe defects/deformities and survival chances are non existent, whether it be surviving the pregnancy or death shortly after birth. Does the fetus/baby suffer inside, grow or die in pain? Does the mother sit and wait for her baby to die? I believe abortion should be an option. * A mother to be is told she has a curable but fatal disease if treated immediately (cancer) but she needs to abort her child before treatment. Does the mother continue the pregnancy and die, either losing the baby along the way or leaving the baby motherless, or does the mother abort, receive treatment after ensuring her eggs are safe, recover and have her children then? I believe abortion should be an option. I am not into abortions for anything other reason other than legit medical, so i cannot say i'm pro life as i believe abortions have a medical place. But i read so many pro life answers adamant on being against abortions. I was interested to know your opinions on abortion for only the above reasons. And for those who end their abortion pro life answers with god bless, what about do not judge others and accepting of others? I am not looking for arguments or fights, i am genuinely interested in why medical abortions are so wrong. I agree that abortions as birth control, wasn't ready, can't afford etc are wrong and adoption should be the only option. But for the reasons above. Thank you for your answers and if this offends, i am sorry, i'm just interested in answers.Many thanks for all the answers, i honestly was/am interested in hearing others views and i appreciate your opinions and sharing.Peggy Pirate: I see no need to go out and get testimonials face to face, i was just asking opinions, not wanting an arguement. I am a mother of a 8 month old son, i'm 13 weeks pregnant, and i've also had the experience 5 years ago of my baby girl dying inside of me at 24 weeks, going through labour knowing she will be stillborn and burying her. more

Resolved Question: How Much Do You Make After Tax Deduction?

I live in TN and im almost ready to start working, but I need to calculate how much I will make AFTER all the tax cuts on your paycheck to see what I can do monthly. Im a junior in high school and its about time I start living off myself, rather then bumming off my parents. I am trying to learn to budget closely and manage with the little I will be making. I get an amount of $25.00 a week for chores and other things of the sort, and I feel like i'm not a child anymore, So if possible could you guys give me a list of places that hire at 16 years of age? Please? It would be a great help! Ps. Im working minimum wage so that should clear that up more

Open Question: Suggestions to mending broken relationship with family?

I am 19 and have not spoken to my older brother and mother for 3 years. My family is divided, and all I have is my dad. We are divided because one day before school when no one was home but me and my mom, my mom beat me with the metal hook of a belt because instead of cleaning my bathroom like she told me to the night before I chose to study for a class I was only borderline passing. I was bruised and bleeding when I went to school that morning, and the school called child protective agency. a social worker came to our house the next day, and my mom said everything she could to make it seem like I did everything to myself. She turned everyone against me including my brother and our extended family. She then decided to not take care of me as a mother anymore and handed me off to my dad. She stopped paying for my school and separated everything in the house that was off limits to me. She, my brother, and my sister became a separate family and stopped inviting me to family holiday celebrations. It had a horrible effect on me as a 16 year old. I was not a bad child at all. I've never had sex or done drugs to this day. Before this happened I was never allowed to go out with friends or invite friends over like a normal teenager. I missed out on so many things my friends experienced. When I got ready for prom, there was no one there but my dad. My mom took my sister, even though she wanted to be there for me, and went out of town. My brother called me worthless and didn't want anything to do with me because he thought I was lazy and took my mom's side, but we were so close before. I suffered a severe depression for 2 years. My dad wanted to make up for everything I never got to experience, but I felt dead inside. How could a mother abandon her own child? My grades dropped, and all I did was go to school and come straight home to be alone. I hated myself. Three years later, I am an overall happy person. I am out of my depression and love my life. But I have so many things ahead of me that I would love to have a supportive family for. I get so excited for my junior piano recital next year that I'm practicing so hard for...but then it breaks my heart to think of the people who won't be there. Everything still hurts, but I want to find a way to move past everything and reestablish a relationship. I don't want to one day go wedding dress shopping alone. I don't want to one day have my kids not know their uncle and grandmother. What can I do to get my mom and brother back? more

Resolved Question: Should I Move to Houston?

First of all, I have never been but my boyfriend loves it there and I am really ready to make a move. I have a good job but not necessarily what i want to do. I just graduated from college and i'm thinking about just taking the risk and getting a temp to hire position and pray that i'm hired permanently. I have lived in Virginia all my life and I'm so ready to just GO. And my boyfriend wants to go too so thats a plus. So I know leaving a good permanent job for a temp to hire is kind of crazy but i don't want to get stuck. I don't have any children and I am 23 yrs old so I feel that I should just take some kind of risk in life. I was scared to go away far from home for college and now I'm just ready to take a plunge. more

Resolved Question: Your opinion on the start of my story? Please?

So, I am 14 and my family and friend say that I write a lot more mature for my age... what do you guys think? Also, if you spot anything that I misspelled, would you please tell my? I'd really appreciate it! p.s., If you steal anything, I am liable to sue. Here's a quick synopsis of my story: Ivy has always had the hard life. Caretaker to her ten year old brother, abusive father with not a care in the world but alchohol, working two jobs while juggleing school and the mysterious powers that she and her brother have had for as long as they can remember. Here is the Prolouge: Prologue: The Creation The surgeon clicks his tongue. “This is taking too long,” he whispered keenly. Around him stood the rest of the surreptitious group. They had all been at this for years, centuries, even—if you were to count their ancestor’s. His assistant sighed in response. His histories in the recent incidents are evident, but in every single attempt they had come up short. Had lost a life, or two; it wasn’t the first time. “She’s ready.” His head snap’s up, and stares straight into the man’s eyes, dark pupils surrounded with sea-foam green iris. His eyes show no resentment or regret, the father of this soon to be massacred or enhanced child. “Get it done with.” There is no affection towards his lover, for she is about to lose something infinitely precious. The woman is wheeled in on a paper covered bed, her features lazy with sedatives. A mountain rests against her stomach, life’s miracle hidden within. They get started right away. The surgeon reaches over to the table, overflowing with tools. He picks out the needle. The husband walks forward, a black, minute pouch gripped tightly between each of his muscular fingers. Rests the small bag onto the desk and walks off out the door. The surgeon barley even notices; unzips the little bag and pulls out the liquid formula. People have lost their lives for this; fought to the death to just get a brief glimpse. No one but the people in this room, and their descendants, will witness this precious medical discovery. If it were to work. “Um… ser? Shall we get started before the sedation wears off?” He gives a subtle shake of his head, and gestures for them all to gather around. After loading the needle with the fluid, he feels along around the woman’s stomach. Feels the exceptional bump just under the belly button; showing that this is one of those special children they’ve been looking for for years. Presses the needle into the bump, and injects the drug. The medication was prepared to help those more fortunate than most control their powers. It settled the powers, which were so powerful that they were dangerous. If they were not given it at birth, the ability’s would slowly take over their lives. They would become insane from the non-stop continuation of their powers—and if not from that, how it will take up their mind. Overpower their physical body until they can’t walk anymore. They would eventually become blind. This child was one of the fortunate ones. The Hunters had come across a pregnant woman in the store. They had seen the mark on her shoulder and knew. She was one of them. They sedated her and brought them to the institution. Afterwards, they located the woman’s mate and—much to their satisfaction—conformed they had a family history of schizophrenics. He gave the grant to go ahead with the procedure. And here they are now. Everyone in the room holds their breath as they observe what will happen. The woman’s own breathe falters for a second and halts. A cricket chirps outside the window. Then her scream erupts throughout the room, breaking the silence. “What happened,” all in the room scurry forward to get a closer look. The woman on the mat was shaking—no, she was trembling. The outline of her frame moving so rapid that you could not see it clearly. The doctor and his assistant move forward to hold her down. Her legs slash at all that is near her vicinity, including a student. He doubles back with a hand slapped over his left eye and runs from the room. Back by the woman, the rest are struggling to secure her. Who knew a woman could be so strong? The doctor thinks as one particular pun to the elbow has him heaving in pain. Another scream finds its way up her throat. Tears escape her eyes and stream down her cheeks like a river. Her left arm—closest to the doctor—spasms one last time before giving way. Her struggles stop, legs no longer flailing, the only thing moving is her chest, weakly shifting up and down in an effort to stay alive. Outside, a few crickets chirp. The doctor lightly grasps her hand and whispers, “It worked.” The room ruptures into shouts of joy. Tears cleanse the floor; the atmosphere lifts off everyone’s shoulders. The doctor stays sitting, clutching her hand as everyone dances around him in bliss. One less death! They have completed their task. He leans over the woman, gently placing his hand over her bulging stomaWhoops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It cut off half of the descripton. Here is the full one: Ivy has always had the hard life. Caretaker to her ten year old brother, abusive father with not a care in the world but alchohol, working two jobs while juggleing school and the mysterious powers that she and her brother have had for as long as they can remember. Life is going at it's normal pace... well, as normal as it can be when you have the power to project an image in another persons mind and make them feel as if they are there. One night at home goes wrong and Ivy and Drake are forced to flee the only life they have ever known. Little do they know that they are about to find themselves in the middle of an achient prophecy where they play the main roles and demons are their enemies. Their lives will never be the same. more

Resolved Question: Should I have a baby?

Okay. I'm unemployed, single, never been married, never had any children or abortions or miscarriages. I currently live with Mom and Dad, AND I don't even drive or have very much money in my bank account. I'm in a monogamous, long term relationship with my boyfriend of almost one year (we met on match.com) who has a stable job and drives. It's difficult to find a job as a teacher right now, because the entire profession is not very stable where I live. I have a Masters Degree in Education by the way. I'm 31 turning 32 this September and have an older sister who also married late and is now carrying her first child (she is 35 years old). My boyfriend informed me we are definately getting married, but has not formally asked for my hand in marriage yet. He would like to wait until after January of next year. Prior to that, he said he would not ask for my hand within the next year (not in 2011, but 2012). His reasons: 1) This is the longest he's been with any girlfriend, 2) He wants to enjoy his "single life," 3) I have to get my life together (probably the best and most practical reason), 4) He wants to make sure I'm the "right one," 5) I'm practically like a wife to him right now (We have unprotected sex, I do his laundry, iron his shirts, make him breakfast, sleep over his place overnight and spend a couple days there, clean his room, etc.), 6) Getting married right now would "ruin all his current and future plans," such as travel together, go clubbing, etc. 7) Once we have children and are married, our lives change forever. We must be committed, responsible parents who dedicate our lives to our children. Should I try to concieve right now? He usually insists we use a condom or he practices the withdrawal method. When I request he release inside me, he refuses saying he is not ready for a baby yet nor am I. Should I have a baby right now? more

Open Question: How many is too many times to continue to try an iv in a 3 year old?

My 3 year old got very ill last Tuesday..by 11 pm that night she had 104 fever and were told to get her to the ER. They ran a series of test and gave her some iv fluids and around 730 the next morning we were told to go home and if anything changed to come again. Sure enough by 11 am her fever had gone to 104 again and she was not even able to consume water. Off to the ER once again! While there they tried to draw blood and blew that vein..but were able to get some blood from her. The came again and said they did not get enough and needed more blood. Drew blood again and blew the vein. By now as you can imagine my daughter was scared beyond belief. My husband and i told the ER DR our concerns and she stated that she was dehydrated and needed fluids. We agreed as the DR told us it was best for our daughter. So iv..third try..as the fluids started my daughter started screaming about the iv and they undressed the area and said the vein had blown again and fluid had not gone into her vein but her tissue which was causing the pain. Her little arm was so swollen!! They assured us it would go down. They tried again with no luck. After that they decided to call a specialist and he happened to be off. They then called the anesthesiologist and he started to get ready to put one in her leg or foot when my husband went off!! Each time that they had stuck her they would pull the needle in and out and wiggle it!! WE HAD HAD ENOUGH!!! Our little girl screamed at us for help and continued to try and tell us she was alright and to get the needles out of her body!! She yelled at the nurses and the DR who was lying on top of her to get off of her. She was throwing her arms and legs so much that they had to cocoon her to hold her still!! By the 6th time they told us we should leave the room b/c of her seeing my husband and i cry it was causing her stress and making it harder. They convinced us once again she needed the fluids and the reason for the blown veins was because she was so dehydrated!! We were so distraught we did leave while they tried one last time. The tech came and got us and said that they had the iv in and she was doing great!! We came in to find her sitting in bed coloring w/her iv in. Total relief!! After a few hours of her getting fluids they released her. The problem now is that she is completely traumatized and will not let anyone touch her arms or hands!! She has bruises and puncture marks. She is doing much better today but still s so afraid of everything and so timid when she was an outgoing child before. What can i/should i do? more

Open Question: Should I be feeling this way?

I had my first son almost 5 months ago and I just found out that I am pregnant for my second child. I was not prepared to get pregnant and I am so not ready to have another child. I am freaking out about what is happening right now. My fiance is so happy but i feel that it is too soon. We were using protection and everything. I know everthing happens for a reason, and I am sure that I will feel better about this soon but right now I am freaking out. Shouldn't I just be happy? Also I am so worried about what others will say to and about me being pregnant so fast. Why am I feeling like this? more

Resolved Question: i need help ! :( so please answer?

i have so many so so so many pregnancy symptoms , im 13 years old :( ok i have , tenderness of the breast , vaginal discharge , insomnia , gas ! and i was wondering , ok , im on the pill , and im still a virgin , but thats beside the point , i gave my boyfriend a b-j and , i think some of the sperm went on my hand and went i went to go fix my wedgy im scared it would of gone into my vagina , and listen ok , during the 7 days of my period i dont take the pill .. cause well duh its just the way that it works , but we did this on the LAST day of my period , and ass soon as i got home i took my pill , because i was starting my new month that night , and in two weeks i will for sure get a test ,, but can anyone give me tips or something .. and i cant tell my mom because we do not have a good relationship we hardly talk .. my dads gone to the states .. i can talk to my step mom about it .. but shes gone to the states with my dad till the end of the week .. and if i am pregnant , ill make sure that i ask my step mom to bring me to the abortion clinic .. and im not with or against abortions im just , 13 and my body is not ready to have a child . answers are very much appreciated!OHH AND I ALSO HAVE A BACK ACHE ! more

Voting Question: Why do we allow people like Obama who claim to be Christian to run for office knowing what it teaches?

Kill Sons of Sinners Make ready to slaughter his sons for the guilt of their fathers; Lest they rise and posses the earth, and fill the breadth of the world with tyrants. (Isaiah 14:21 NAB) God Will Kill Children The glory of Israel will fly away like a bird, for your children will die at birth or perish in the womb or never even be conceived. Even if your children do survive to grow up, I will take them from you. It will be a terrible day when I turn away and leave you alone. I have watched Israel become as beautiful and pleasant as Tyre. But now Israel will bring out her children to be slaughtered." O LORD, what should I request for your people? I will ask for wombs that don't give birth and breasts that give no milk. The LORD says, "All their wickedness began at Gilgal; there I began to hate them. I will drive them from my land because of their evil actions. I will love them no more because all their leaders are rebels. The people of Israel are stricken. Their roots are dried up; they will bear no more fruit. And if they give birth, I will slaughter their beloved children." (Hosea 9:11-16 NLT) Kill Men, Women, and Children "Then I heard the LORD say to the other men, "Follow him through the city and kill everyone whose forehead is not marked. Show no mercy; have no pity! Kill them all – old and young, girls and women and little children. But do not touch anyone with the mark. Begin your task right here at the Temple." So they began by killing the seventy leaders. "Defile the Temple!" the LORD commanded. "Fill its courtyards with the bodies of those you kill! Go!" So they went throughout the city and did as they were told." (Ezekiel 9:5-7 NLT) God Kills all the First Born of Egypt And at midnight the LORD killed all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn son of the captive in the dungeon. Even the firstborn of their livestock were killed. Pharaoh and his officials and all the people of Egypt woke up during the night, and loud wailing was heard throughout the land of Egypt. There was not a single house where someone had not died. (Exodus 12:29-30 NLT) Kill Old Men and Young Women "You are my battle-ax and sword," says the LORD. "With you I will shatter nations and destroy many kingdoms. With you I will shatter armies, destroying the horse and rider, the chariot and charioteer. With you I will shatter men and women, old people and children, young men and maidens. With you I will shatter shepherds and flocks, farmers and oxen, captains and rulers. "As you watch, I will repay Babylon and the people of Babylonia for all the wrong they have done to my people in Jerusalem," says the LORD. "Look, O mighty mountain, destroyer of the earth! I am your enemy," says the LORD. "I will raise my fist against you, to roll you down from the heights. When I am finished, you will be nothing but a heap of rubble. You will be desolate forever. Even your stones will never again be used for building. You will be completely wiped out," says the LORD. (Jeremiah 51:20-26) (Note that after God promises the Israelites a victory against Babylon, the Israelites actually get their butts kicked by them in the next chapter. So much for an all-knowing and all-powerful God.) God Will Kill the Children of Sinners If even then you remain hostile toward me and refuse to obey, I will inflict you with seven more disasters for your sins. I will release wild animals that will kill your children and destroy your cattle, so your numbers will dwindle and your roads will be deserted. (Leviticus 26:21-22 NLT) More Rape and Baby Killing Anyone who is captured will be run through with a sword. Their little children will be dashed to death right before their eyes. Their homes will be sacked and their wives raped by the attacking hordes. For I will stir up the Medes against Babylon, and no amount of silver or gold will buy them off. The attacking armies will shoot down the young people with arrows. They will have no mercy on helpless babies and will show no compassion for the children. (Isaiah 13:15-18 NLT) more