YOU KNOW YOU ARE A MOM IF...

You know you're a mom if you've ever crawled under a crib at 2 a.m. searching for a pacifier like your life depended on it.

You know you're a mom if you've ever stuck a pacifier in your mouth just to clean it off!

You know you are a mom if you find yourself singing Old MacDonald (or other kiddie songs) in the car...alone!

You know you are a mom when you start looking at diaper bags the same as you did those awesome leather purses currently hanging in your closet.

You know you're a mom if you have more children than dollars in your purse.

You know you're a mom if you can take a shower, do hair and makeup in less than 10 minutes ( usually with an audience).

You know you're a mom if you've taste baby food.

You know you're a mom when you wake up with extra people in bed with you.

You really know you're a mom when you stop caring if people think your house is nice and you just wish they'd think your kids were nice.

COKE OR PEPSI - PART I - IT'S THE REAL THING

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Coke or Pepsi?  The age old war between the two iconic cola companies continues. Either you’re a Coke person or a Pepsi person; it’s politically incorrect to be both! Let’s look at the history of each company, their impact on society and the cleverness of their slogans and then, of course, the taste. After that, you decide. Tell us which kind of cola connoisseur you are!

Coke was invented in May of 1886 by a pharmacist named Dr. John Pemberton in a brass kettle in his back yard. He took the syrup to his drug store in Atlanta Georgia where his bookkeeper suggested the name Coca Cola because of the ingredients cocaine and kola nut. It was this bookkeeper’s neat script handwriting that became the famous logo still used today.

The syrup was mixed with carbonated water at the soda fountain of the Pharmacy and sold about 9 glasses a day. It was advertised as an elixir or tonic to improve digestion and settle upset stomachs. By the late 1890’s the formula was sold to Asa Candler who launched an aggressive marketing campaign which led to Coca Cola being one of America’s most popular fountain drinks. Clever advertising, updating the product (Diet Coke, Coke Zero, New Coke, Coke Classic etc) and bottling helped Coke to grow into a household word around the world.

The effect of Coke on our culture? HUGE! Besides being the first major soda company to bottle and distribute coke in machines, the Coca Cola Company practically invented the now accepted image of Santa Claus. Their brilliant ads in 1931 depicting that “Jolly Old Elf” as a rosy cheeked, red nosed, chubby old man in a red suit gave children what became the iconic image of Santa for ages to come. It was also Coke that hired famous artists Normal Rockwell and N.C. Wyeth to paint much loved versions of mid-century American life. And who can forget the historic 1971 commercial “I’d like to teach the world to sing”? It was also Coke that was the first soft drink to be consumed in space in July of 1985.

So now you know the history and some interesting facts. What about the taste?  Most people describe it as “fuzzy, sweet, refreshing, crisp and sugary. The truth is, you have to taste it for yourself to really know. 

So, are you a Coke person? Think you know all about Coca Cola?

Take the Coke quiz and find out!

http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/quiz/quiz.html

The competitor: Pepsi Cola  will be explored in part II!

STICKY SWEET

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

Patty B

"Chocolate remedies adversity."

CHOCOLATE CAKE may not fix everything but it's a darn good substitute."

"“I am not overweight. I am CHOCOLATE enriched.”

"Chocolate makes everyone smile - even bankers & bill collectors."

THE HORSES ARE ON THE TRACK...I'LL HAVE A MINT JULEP, SIR!

What other way to celebrate the 136 Kentucky Derby then getting out your most fabulous hat and sipping on a Mint Julep! It's Derby day!!
 
 
Early Times Mint Julep

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• Sprigs of fresh mint
• Crushed ice
• Early Times Kentucky Whisky
• Silver Julep Cups

Dress Code Being one of the more stylish sporting events of the year, it is important to know what attire is acceptable when attending the Kentucky Derby. Business casual is required for the Jockey Club and Finish Line suites, Aristides & Stakes rooms, and the Turf Club. Business casual is best described as the following: Jackets and Blazers Vests, collard shirts, and sweaters Dresses Pantsuits Slacks Denim, jeans, shorts and tennis shoes are not allowed

THE MOST EXCITING TWO MINUTES IN SPORTS

Kentucky Derby - History

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous and prestigous horse races in the world. It is the first leg of the United States Triple Crown of horse racing. Churchill Downs where the race is held the first Saturday in May reach year, was started by a group headed by a man named M. Lewis Clark in 1874. The group built the racetrack on land owned by the Churchill family of Louisville, Kentucky. The track officially opened on May 17, 1875 and that was the day of the first Kentucky Derby won by Aristides.
The races from 1875-1895 were modeled after the English Derby and were 1.5 miles long. In 1896 they changed the length of the Kentucky Derby to 1.25 miles, and this is the current length of the dirt surface track.

However, the Derby was just another regional race until 1902, when Colonel Matt J. Winn took over the track. Although he had seen every Kentucky Derby since the beginning, Winn knew little about horse racing or running tracks. But he was a very good promoter.

After raising money to save Churchill Downs from bankruptcy, Winn began making frequent trips to New York, then the center of American racing, to persuade owners to enter their horses in the Kentucky Derby. His persistence paid off. By 1920, the Derby had become the best-known race in North America and it was attracting the top three-year-olds from all over the country.

Today as the first leg in the pursuit of the Triple Crown the Kentucky Derby is viewed by many as the most exciting two minutes in sports. The twin spires atop the homestretch grandstands were added in 1895 and remain one of the most recognized structures in all of sports.

WEAR SUNSCREEN

Dawn Boyle


Do you remember this? I gotta tell you, I never really paid too much attention to the lyrics except for WEAR SUNSCREEN...I took the time to actually listen what Baz Luhrman is saying and it is SPOT ON!

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’97
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be
it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by
scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
than my own meandering
experience…I will dispense this advice now. Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not
understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded.
But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and
recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before
you and how fabulous you really looked….You’re not as fat as you
imagine. Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as
effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing
bubblegum.

CRUSIN' PART II

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

We sailed into Nassau just at sunrise. I was so excited; I sat up looking out my porthole. I snapped pictures of the horizon, another cruise ship following us, and even the Mail Boat as it passed us going in to the dock. It was beautiful watching the sun come up over the bright pastel buildings as the shops and markets slowly came to life. Vendors set up tents with jewelry, straw goods, clothing and more. A man in a huge straw hat lined the sea wall with colorful conch shells and starfish. I couldn’t wait to disembark!

After another breakfast buffet, we decided to take a water taxi over to Atlantis. We passed the homes of  the rich and famous (Nicholas Cage, Oprah, and others who channel American made money into Bahamian accounts and real estate to save on taxes). One of the Atlantis resorts boasts a suite that was often booked by Michael Jackson. It cost $100,000 a night with a three night minimum stay. Sorry if you wanted to run right out and book it for yourself, it’s booked up for the next 5 years!

Atlantis was truly amazing. The theme was carried through in architecture, art and furnishings. Even the light fixtures were works of Marine inspired art! Fountains, shops, aquariums, a dolphin area where of course, you can swim and interact, a sting ray pool, paddle boats and every form of entertainment you could wish for were available. The casino was huge, but I was disappointed when I found it ran totally on vouchers – no cling , cling, cling, of quarters if you win in the slots!(Yes, I’m like a 5 year old! I need the bells and whistles.)

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!

Tony Walker

Two migrants arrive in the USA by boat & one says to the other, "I hear the occupants of this country actually eat dogs."
"Odd," the other replies, "but if we shall live in America we shall do what Americans do."
Agreeing, the first migrant points to the first hot dog vendor he sees. The two of them walk over & order 2 hot dogs. The vendor wraps the dogs in tinfoil & the two migrants rush over to a nearby bench to unwrap their dogs.
One migrant unwraps his, stares at it for a moment, leans over to the other migrant & says, "What part did you get?"

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran

With thoughts and prayers for a family waiting in hope with faith for a miracle...

You cannot look for sense where there just isn't any - when silence is broken by only the sound of tears - all you can do is to hold on to faith. I believe in miracles and today I wait and pray.

Faith is believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe. 


It means daring to imagine or embrace, or when needed to have the courage to face the unfathomable. 


It means believing that when you don't have the words to pray that God translates every tear.

HOW TO GET OUT OF A FUNK....

Dawn Boyle
I have been feeling pretty crappy lately. I even went to the doctor on Wednesday night to see what the hell is wrong with me. I have been having panic attacks and have little red dots all over the whites of my arms...bizarre! Anyway blood work was done yesterday morning then I ran around getting ready for my sister-in-laws baby shower this Saturday and wasn't even really feeling like going to my very first Bunco Party last night.

Peggy picked me and Nicole up and we headed to Kelly's house, the hostess. We drove up to a beautiful home that was finished....the inside was nicer then the out! Everything was perfect including the bulldog Wilma, who had an instant attraction to me.

The hostess was prepared for CINCO DE MAYO/BUNCO, she had Mexican food delivered and Frozen SkinnyGirl Margaritas waiting made it even more perfect! I was totally clueless on how to play the game, but a few drinks in and I was a pro! This new cult I joined was awesome! Fun women who were out for a few hours to blow off steam and not be "MOMMY".

It's really all that I needed. I have a new attitude today and a few new friend requests! I am keeping it tame on the real details of the night, I gotta break these ladies in slowly - don't wanna "out" anybody yet, but for the record, these ladies can PARTY! I am sure my new Bunco Cult will bring much fun and lots of stories to share. Our next party is in a few weeks....I can give more details after that one, they will have met me twice by then! BUNCO!

AND...what a crazy small bizarre Walker World I live in...two women in my new cult know Tony - I can't escape this guy!

LUNCH TIME POLL

Dawn Boyle

First I would like to clear up the mystery behind the picture...even though we already did do a LTP and the answer was revealed "what is the LTP picture", it is a picture of Heather Chandler from the movie Heathers. It happens to be one of my all time favorites and in the the movie the "Heathers" do a lunch time poll, the link is down below, beware of the language!

Today's Lunch Time Poll is...
not only a poll but a reminder of sorts!

SUNDAY IS MOTHERS DAY...I know for some of our readers this is shocking but I will say it anyway...EVEN THOUGH YOUR WIFE OR SPOUSE IS NOT YOUR MOTHER, SHE IS THE MOTHER TO YOUR CHILDREN...which means get something - a card, a plant...give her an hour to herself! (IF YOU DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN YOU MAY HAVE A PET...SHE IS THE MOTHER OF THAT PET!!)

How will you be celebrating Mother's Day?

Do you receive gifts from your significant other on Mother's Day?

What was the best gift you ever received for Mother's Day?



Heather's Link -ENJOY!

http://youtu.be/LQ-3rikUQ34

REMEMBER THIS NAME.....

B o b b y   D o n o h u e

Tony Walker

Bobby has just launched his own TV show called "Be A Rock Star" and a book by the same name. 

"Be A Rock Star" is a reality show based on Bobby, his hot wife Laura, and their kids as they use the Laws Of Attraction to help them towards achieving the American Dream; money, a big house, and security.

There is very little I can tell you about the Law Of Attraction. The whole thing sounds very interesting but I don't know much about it. If you are like me and don't yet know much about it well check out Bobby. He put out a coffee table book a few years ago that explains the basics behind it, plus he is available for public speaking if you ever wanna bring him in to your town to have him explain it.

But you do not have to be into the Law Of Attraction to enjoy his show. If you've seen "The Secret" and the movies like it, or if you've seen public speakers who explain how to improve your life and live the way you want to live, they all seem like these supreme creatures who have all the answers. Well Bobby does not have all the answers. The reason he knows about these things is because he has learned through experience. Life is a never ending experience so he is still learning. So you're watching a show about a guy who knows what he has to do for his life and you'll see him as he achieves these goals. He will make more mistakes. He will learn new things. He may even change his mind about certain things. Just like everyone does. That's the beauty of this show. You can see how an everyday normal dope like you and me makes life work for him. Bobby and Laura come pretty close to living by their own rules, not by some corporation, not by surrendering to a jackass manager at a 9 to 5 job. Watch Bobby's show and you just might see how this applies to your life. Bobby is an inspiration. I think he will make it big and become the "rock star" he wants to be. So remember his name.

While you're at it, remember the names Dawn Boyle, Barbara Ward Finneran, and Tony Walker! I think Delayed Reaction and Drop Dead Comedy are going places too!!!

Check out Bobby's sites

Be A Rock Star

http://www.bearockstar.tv/

http://www.facebook.com/fuelblue

Planet Bonehead

http://www.planetbonehead.com/

http://www.facebook.com/planetbonehead

 

FELIZ CINCO DE MAYO - HERE'S A MARGARITA RECIPE...

MARGARITA RECIPE

• 1 (6 ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
• 6 fluid ounces tequila
• 2 fluid ounces triple sec

Directions

1. Fill blender with crushed ice. Pour in limeade concentrate, tequila and triple sec. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

WHEN LIFE SHAKES YOU UP - SHAKE UP YOUR LIFE

FIND YOUR ART GALLERY OF DREAMS

GaryO


I've often seen the big picture while working for others, much to their benefit. For One company I put together and spear headed a IT program that networked thousands of offices in half the time and at a huge reduction in down time. While at another I pushed for an out of the box application of their technology and expand outside of their radio only market and into digital advertising on movie theater screens before the movie starts. For New York City I was part of a team that took them from a software roll out that was doing one job center every four years to a software roll-out that was four centers per year. At my last company I designed and rolled out a web application that stopped the wasteful practice of producing and printing a regulation book that was outdated by the time it made it to the staff and made it instantly available and up-datable online within days of the regulation issuance. After the cutbacks that lead to my layoff at the MTA. I found myself looking harder than I've ever had to look for a job in one of the worst recessions this country has ever faced.

I was getting more and more disheartened, but I had something that kept me going, my sculpting. With much encouragement from my family and friends, I began making a business plan for something that I loved and was very talented at, sculpture. Green Whisker Works was born.

Green Whisker Works is my New York City-based sculpture studio, committed to creating indelible sculpted pet portraiture.  My purpose is to deliver high-quality custom artwork to those looking to have a lasting portrait of their beloved pets, not just by creating an accurate physical representation, but also conveying every animal's unique essence and personality in the sculpture.

After Dawn and Barbara asked for some guest bloggers, I suggested to Barbara that I could open up my studio to everyone out in DRL land. Show them how an unintended shake up was  perhaps a lifeline to a dream.  She thought it would be a good idea as insight and inspiration are certainly themes around the lounge. 


Recently Green Whisker Works, my NY-Based studio, had a contest on FaceBook. The contest was simple, go on the Green Whisker Works page do the "like" thing and then post a picture of your pet. After the deadline, I put everyone's name that posted in a hat a randomly pulled out one lucky winner. The winner was Brenda Dungan Edmonds and her little dog Nacho. So she sent me lots of wonderful pictures of this cute little guy and I set to work on immortalizing him.

Day One

 I start the sculpture by building an armature. This is made from a wooden base and a wire frame and balled up newspaper roughly shaped like the subject, in this case Nacho. It serves to reduce the overall amount of clay needed to make the sculpture and it also acts like a skeleton to provide a strong stable foundation for the sculpture.

Using a few of the photographs I begin to add clay to the sculpture. I don't need many photos at this point, mainly the mug shots front and side as well as a couple of 3/4 shots. I am not worried about details at this point, so I don't need many. Later I will use more of the reference photos provided  (and you can not have too many pictures of your subject) toward the end of making the sculpture when I am working on the details. At this point I begin to rough in the clay. It can look a bit creepy at this point missing the eyes and the structure not really being there yet.

Here I have him roughed in a bit more and I'm getting ready to add the eyes. I feel the eyes are very important in creating a sculpture. That quote about "being windows to the soul." I feel is the foundation to figurative sculpture. This is true if I'm making a human or an animal. Maybe even more so with our pets. I know much of our communication with our pets can be expressed through eyes. So I take the time to measure using the photos as reference and transfer that to the clay sculpture.

So here is Nachos progress after day one, not there yet, but you can see he is starting to emerge from the clay.

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!

Tony Walker

I took Boyle to Governor's Comedy Club to see a  ventriloquist. The ventriloquist went into a whole bit of silly blonde jokes. All of a sudden Boyle stood up and started yelling. "OK jerk, I've heard just about enough of you picking on blondes! What makes you think you can stereotype women that way? What does being blonde have to do with someone as a human being? It's guys like you who keep women like me from being respected at work and in the community!"
Flustered, the ventriloquist begins to apologize when Boyle pops up again, "You stay out of this mister, I'm talking to that little bastard on your knee!"

YOU MAY SAY I'M A DREAMER...

Tony Walker


I was reading Marion's Lunch Time Poll post about whether we should see the photos of Bin Laden.

I love what Marion said.... let's see the photos of the Navy Seals celebrating. Let's see all the celebrations.

After watching the footage today of Obama at Ground Zero some rantings I've seen on Facebook came to mind.
Have you seen the people on Facebook posting "Obama did not kill Osama... our Navy did" & the ones where people are upset that Osama got a "proper" burial? These postings upset me. It's become the in thing to bash everything. Why can't we for once not look at labels & celebrate together? No Obama did not personally kill Osama but he was in charge! You know what? Osama didn't personally pilot the planes into the WTC but he was in charge! This is not a who is a better President thing. Obama & G. W. Bush both deserve some credit here! I understand people being upset over the proper burial. I too am glad the man is dead. I understand people saying he didn't deserve a proper burial. I knew 7 people who died on 9/11. I understand people wanna celebrate in the streets like people did in the Middle East when the attack on us happened. But we are better than them! Do we really need to stoop to their level?

One thing we should've learned from 9/11 is what happens when you live with hate. Maybe if we tried to live more with love there wouldn't be so much bashing & negativity.

Instead of a declaration of war let's declare peace!!!!

STICKY SWEET

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

Patty B

"My favorite thing in the world is a box of fine European chocolates which is, for sure, better than sex."

"It has been shown as proof positive that carefully prepared chocolate is as healthful a food as it is pleasant; that it is nourishing and easily digested... that it is above all helpful to people who must do a great deal of mental work."

"A little chocolate is like a love affair - an occasional sweet release that lightens the spirit. A lot of chocolate is like marriage - it seems so good at first but before you know it you've got chunky hips and a waddle-walk."

LUNCH TIME POLL

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

I’ve been reading comments by individuals all over the country since President Obama released the news that he will not allow the pictures of Bin Laden’s corpse to be published. There are so many strong opinions on the matter and emotions run deep, for obvious reasons. Those of us who have some connection to people killed in the 9-11 attack masterminded by Bin Laden can’t help but feel that justice was done, but I wonder if we really need to see the graphic, gory photos to prove it.

I must admit, I disagree with the President on many issues, but I feel he is entirely correct in not releasing the photos. Why should we allow his followers to “enshrine” him with a photo that we would provide, marking him as a martyr? Our government has documented the death, used DNA to be sure it was actually the right target, and our amazing Navy Seals gave a full account. That should be enough for us.

People in our society, especially children, have become too desensitized to death. Violent death is a horrible, appalling thing, no matter who the victim, or in this case the target is. I agree, Bin Laden suffered the consequences of his actions, and rightly so, but must we lower ourselves to morbidly curious beings with no thought of the effect this photo will have on those who will see it?

I say let’s celebrate our brave service men and women instead. Print photos of Navy Seals and pilots and all those who played a major role in seeing that justice was done. Those are the kinds of pictures our children should be seeing, not corpses with part of their brain missing!

What do you think? Do you still feel the photos should be released? As I always say, all opinions should be heard and respected. Tell us how you feel... 

SHAKE, RATTLE, ROLL and the "TRUFFLE SHUFFLE"

The Case of the Crazy Corgi

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

If you’ve ever had a Corgi, you know that they have teeny, tiny legs and a BIG, BIG heart! Our Dudley is no exception. He’s fiercely loyal and adores my husband and me. He loves to play fetch with his squeaky raccoon and adores having his belly rubbed. Sounds like a pretty normal, happy go lucky, little pup, wouldn’t you say?

Dudley always got along with our other dogs, and even our cat, Piper (RIP). He and our Sheltie, Gracie would run around the yard, snuggle and even eat from the same bowl, at the same time! Life was beautiful. One of Dudley’s favorite occurrences was when Grandma came to visit. He’d follow her around, lay on her feet and eat up all the granmotherly love she showered on him. Then, out of the blue it happened. Dudley turned into the crazy Corgi!

WHEN FORTY FEEL LIKE SIXTEEN

DRL is thrilled to introduce our newest contributor...
Michele Rohyans

Starting out in a new relationship is always an adventure. Before we begin, I want to make it clear that this is not a bitter piece; in fact, it is very much the opposite.  This is a piece about the joy of opening your heart just when you were pretty sure you were OK with life just as it was...

When you are in your teens romantic love is a completely new concept, and you rush in, as you do most things at that age, with the assurance that there is no way anything painful will result...until it does. However, young hearts, most young hearts anyway, are quick to heal. Soon you are off and running again down that dangerous, twisting, rocky, hilly path, at break neck speed, forgetting that just a short time ago one of those emotional trees rose up in the middle of the path (when you were least expecting it of course) and SMACK! You went down with a thump as one of the lower limbs skewered your heart breaking it into a million pieces (melodramatic I know, but that is how things are when you are in your teens). Yet, and at the time it is really not what you want to hear, this is “puppy love” and like training wheels on a bicycle serves to prepare us for the next phase which is love in the twenties.

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!

A professor of mathematics sent a fax to his wife. It read:

"Dear wife, You must realize that you are 54 years old and I have certain needs which you are no longer able to satisfy. I am otherwise happy with you as a wife, and I sincerely hope you will not be hurt or offended to learn that by the time you receive this letter, I will be at the Grand Hotel with my 18-year-old teaching assistant. I'll be home before midnight. - Your Husband"
When he arrived at the hotel, there was a faxed letter waiting for him that read as follows:

"Dear Husband. You too are 54 years old, and by the time you receive this, I will be at the Breakwater Hotel with the 18-year-old pool boy. Being the brilliant mathematician that you are, you can easily appreciate the fact that 18 goes into 54 a lot more times than 54 goes into 18. Don't wait up."

Crusin' - Wickedly Good Fun!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

There’s only one word to describe a cruise to the Bahamas – luxurious, sumptuous, opulent! Oops! That was three words! Well, it can’t be helped because it truly was all those things!

We started out from Port Canaveral on a Monday at noon. When I drove up A1A and rounded the bend right before the Port, the ship suddenly came into view. Amazing! The Monarch of the Seas is the smallest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet but it looked tremendous to me! What an awesome sight to behold!  It seemed to glisten in the sun and my tummy had that excited flutter as we drove closer.

Checking in was a breeze and we went right up to the “Windjammer” to meet two other friends for the fabulous lunch buffet. There was so much food: hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, cold cuts, hot entrees, a festival of fruits and an exquisite exhibit of desserts! I gained a pound just looking at it!

After enjoying the buffet, we went in search of our cabins. I had booked both rooms and explained to the travel agent that we wanted to be together both in location and in the dining room. Well, we had a problem! (Not Royal Caribbean’s fault at all!) My friend and I were on the 6^th floor in the absolute bow of the ship. Our other friends were on the 4^th floor center ship. I’m handicapped and since all 4 handicapped rooms were booked before I booked ours, I hoped to be at least near the elevator. The travel agent assured me that the room would be set up to accommodate me and my scooter and that all would be well. We wound up in the ONLY room whose doorway stuck out halfway into the hall because it was so far up in the bow. Needless to say, the scooter couldn’t get at an angle to get in the room. When we opened the door, there was one double bed made up and the room, while very nice, was miniscule to say the least! We also found that the 6^th floor is the most inaccessible deck on the ship. To get to certain places we had to go down or up a deck, across the ship to another elevator and down or up even further.

STICKY SWEET

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

Patty B

"Never mind about 1066 William the Conqueror, 1087 William the Second. Such things are not going to affect one?s life ... but 1932 the Mars Bar and 1936 Maltesers and 1937 the Kit Kat - these dates are milestones in history and should be seared into the memory of every child in the country." 

- Roald Dahl

"Chocolate is a perfect food, as wholesome as it is delicious, a beneficent restorer of exhausted power. it is the best friend of those engaged in literary pursuits."

-- Baron Justus von Liebig

"As with most fine things, chocolate has its season. There is a simple memory aid that you can use to determine whether it is the correct time to order chocolate dishes: any month whose name contains the letter A, E, or U is the proper time for chocolate."

-- Sandra Boynton

LUNCH TIME POLL - HELL WEEK

Dawn Boyle

It's that time of year for us here in New York. It is ELA's this week, which are the State Tests given to elementary school children. When I was younger we had the IOWA Examinations. I remember them being no big deal. Now a days an entire school year is based on the ELA'S alone.

The pressure we put on our students and on the teacher is ridiculous. I have a few friends that their kids were a bundle of nerves for these tests. I have told my kids from the beginning that all they have to do is their best, it is no baring on their actual grade at all.

It is Hell Week for you?

Does every school participate in some kind of State testing?

Do you feel that these tests are completely useless? 

Share your thoughts with us!  

REST IN PEACE LITTLE ANGEL

Dawn Boyle

I teach a small group of children religion. We meet once a week from September through April. My class of kids happens to be children of my friends. We have been together as a group for 3 years. We are there for each other when someone needs a ride to class, we celebrate the joys of a new baby coming into someone's family, the holidays and have also dealt with the loss of a grandparent. We have an amazing little group of now 10 year olds.

I will never forget the day when a parent was dropping off their child and was obviously very upset. She had just learned that her nephew was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, which is a rare form of cancer that affects children. That day started our days of prayer. We offered up every class to our classmate Barbara's cousin Kyle. We participated in fund raisers and dedicated our Walk-A-Thon to Kyle and his cause, which landed our picture in the church bulletin.

We learned that only 30 percent of children that are diagnosed survive because there is little money spent on research. Neuroblastoma is the leading cause of death of children under 18 by disease.

 I have been receiving emails from an outstanding site that allowed the family of Kyle to make updates about his progress. Their story was so incredible. I read about triumphs and doctors visits, about time spent with family and his best friend, I also read this morning about his passing.

Today I sent an email out to my class and their families with the sad news of Kyle's passing and it made me think what could we do to honor Kyle? I decided that it would be best to spread the word about Neuroblastoma, and let my friends and readers know about this horrible disease that is not getting enough funding or attention. Please see the link below about Kyle, about donating in his honor and to finding the cure for Neuroblastoma.

REST KYLE JAMES WILLIAMS REST and GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kylejameswilliams

TAKE MY BREATH AWAY - NO MORE

Dawn Boyle

I go through bouts of insomnia, usually due to stress. I find myself up at night watching old movies. I usually fall asleep before it's over. The other night I woke up about 1:30 and couldn't get back to bed. I flipped through all 7,000 channels. NOTHING...I looked through all the On Demand, again NOTHING. I started surfing again and found Top Gun. It started to make me think, what happened to Tom Cruise.

I was madly in love with him in his Top Gun, Risky Business Days. Still loved him in Cocktail and faintly remember All the Right Moves. But it made me wonder why this "GOD" of my youth was the least of my favorites as and adult. How and why did my taste change so much?

He still has that wicked killer smile and is very handsome, but he lost me when he married Nicole Kidman. Remember that freakishly odd movie they did together? What was it called...Eyes Wide Shut. Talk about BIZARRE! Then when he started jumping couches and ripping Brooke Shields a new one, I was physically repulsed by him. For some reason I was totally over Tom Cruise. In fact if I was given a "MOVIE STAR PASS" and my choice had to be Tom Cruise...I would not take it! I guess the L. Ron Hubbard, Katie Holmes, Suri, Tom is not my ideal anymore. I am pretty sure he is not Katie's anymore either. I bet she wishes she stayed with Chris Klein...LIVE AND LEARN!

I was also in love with a few of the other OUTSIDERS....no other repulses me as much as Tommy. How about you? Oh and I still have dreams of waking up one day and looking like Diane Lane.

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Be intentional. Choose whats right and good for you. 

Everything that you want is with in your reach... 

Choose it. Live for it. Be on fire for it. 

Praise and bless your dreams and desires, as this will dissolve negativity - praise and bless yourself so you shift into a new positive frequency.  

Allow the feedback of your good feelings to direct you to accomplishing your goals.

Keep the promises that you make to yourself!

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Ward-Finneran and Drawn 2 Design, LLC

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