Shopping For Birthday Quotes

You should date a girl who reads. Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes, who has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve. Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she has found the book she wants. You see that weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a secondhand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow and worn. She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book. Buy her another cup of coffee. Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice. It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas, for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry and in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by god, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does. She has to give it a shot somehow. Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world. Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who read understand that all things must come to end, but that you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two. Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series. If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are. You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype. You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots. Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads. Or better yet, date a girl who writes.

We walked on the beach, fed blue corn ships to the seagulls, and munched on blue jelly beans, blue saltwater taffy and all the other free samples my mom brought home from work. I guess I should explain the blue food. See, Gabe had once told my mom there was no such thing. They had this fight, which seemed like a really small thing at the time. But ever since, my mom went out of her way to eat blue. She baked blue birthday cakes. She mixed blueberry smoothies. She bought blue-corn tortilla chips and brought home blue candy from the shop.

But I’ve kept first of March as my birthday as I like to tease Zed about dating an older woman. And my parents wouldn’t understand if I told them about the soulfinder bond and tried to change it.” “They don’t know?” “Well, I think they’ve picked up that there’s something special between Zed and me but I’m not sure how I’d even start to explain to non-savants. I was exactly overjoyed when Zed filled me in about it all the first time.” “What did you do?” “Thumped him with a shopping bag and told him he was a jerk.” “Ouch.

We will never fight again, our lovely, quick, template-ready arguments. Our delicate cross-stitch of bickers. The house becomes a physical encyclopedia of no-longer hers, which shocks and shocks and is the principal difference between our house and a house where illness has worked away. Ill people, in their last day on Earth, do not leave notes stuck to bottles of red wine saying ‘OH NO YOU DON’T COCK-CHEEK’. She was not busy dying, and there is no detritus of care, she was simply busy living, and then she was gone. She won’t ever use (make-up, turmeric, hairbrush, thesaurus). She will never finish (Patricia Highsmith novel, peanut butter, lip balm). And I will never shop for green Virago Classics for her birthday. I will stop finding her hairs. I will stop hearing her breathing.

Once upon a time there was a mother who, in order to become a mother, had agreed to change her name; who set herself the task of falling in love with her husband bit-by-bit, but who could n ever manage to love one part, the part, curiously enough, which made possible her motherhood; whose feet were hobbled by verrucas and whose shoulders were stooped beneath the accumulating guilts of the world; whose husband's unlovable organ failed to recover from the effects of a freeze; and who, like her husband, finally succumbed to the mysteries of telephones, spending long minutes listening to the words of wrong-number callers . . . shortly after my tenth birthday (when I had recovered from the fever which has recently returned to plague me after an interval of nearly twenty-one years), Amina Sinai resumed her recent practice of leaving suddenly, and always immediately after a wrong number, on urgent shopping trips.

Can you ever really say you know anybody—your clone included? Still, if my clone’s birthday were coming up, I’d only shop Buy One Get One Free deals.

Gift cards?” Hi’s complaining brought me back to the present. “Why not just hand me a note that says: I don’t care enough to make an effort.” April 7. Hiram Stolowitski’s sixteenth birthday. “When exactly were we supposed to shop?” Shelton was scrolling Rex Gable emails on his laptop. “It’s been a hectic week, bro.” “I bought you Assassin’s Creed six weeks before your birthday,” Hi shot back. “Waited in line all afternoon. The guy behind me smelled like fish tacos, but I stuck it out.” Ben clapped Hi’s shoulder. “If it helps, I didn’t remember to get you any gift. Tory and Shelton picked that up. I signed the card though. See? Ben. Right there.” “These are the memories that scar,” Hi huffed. “I’m gonna be so complicated when I grow up. I’ll probably film documentaries.

You take advantage. He don’t stay at birthday party like good boy. He come to you for nicky nacky. You slut. I fix you so he see. I give you vordo.” She waved her hand at me, she slapped her ass, and she wheeled around and left the coffee shop.

When I worked in a second-hand bookshop — so easily pictured, if you don't work in one, as a kind of paradise where charming old gentlemen browse eternally among calf-bound folios — the thing that chiefly struck me was the rarity of really bookish people. Our shop had an exceptionally interesting stock, yet I doubt whether ten per cent of our customers knew a good book from a bad one. First edition snobs were much commoner than lovers of literature, but oriental students haggling over cheap textbooks were commoner still, and vague-minded women looking for birthday presents for their nephews were commonest of all.

In 1991, Disney forced a group of New Zealand parents in a remote country town to remove their amateur renditions of Pluto and Donald Duck from a playground mural; and Barney has been breaking up children's birthday parties across the U.S., claiming that any parent caught dressed in a purple dinosaur suit is violating its trademark. The Lyons Group, which owns the Barney character, "has sent 1,000 letters to shop owners" renting or selling the offending costumes. "They can have a dinosaur costume. It's when it's a purple dinosaur that it's illegal, and it doesn't matter what shade of purple, either," says Susan Elsner Furman, Lyons' spokesperson.

And in that gaze I see it all—birthdays and dinners and shopping trips. Mornings spent watching soap operas in her bed. Nights on the phone. Care packages mailed to New York City. Scraped elbows and fevers and her voice, always her voice. Everything is going to be all right. You’re okay. I’ve got you.

Order designer cakes online: Kingdom of Cakes offer customized designer cakes online at best price in India for a birthday, anniversary and other occasions. Get free online cake home delivery.

Once, when she was thirteen, her mother had brought her to the mall to buy a new dress for her birthday. Kennedy was beginning to pull away by then, wishing she could have gone to Bloomingdale’s with her girlfriends instead. But her mother was barely focusing on her. She paused in the middle of the shop floor, fingering the lacy sleeves of a black gown. “I love shopping,” she’d said, almost to herself. “It’s like trying on all the other people you could be.

more than anything else was … CHOCOLATE. Walking to school in the mornings, Charlie could see great slabs of chocolate piled up high in the shop windows, and he would stop and stare and press his nose against the glass, his mouth watering like mad. Many times a day, he would see other children taking bars of creamy chocolate out of their pockets and munching them greedily, and that, of course, was pure torture. Only once a year, on his birthday, did Charlie Bucket ever get to taste a bit of chocolate. The whole family saved up their money for that special occasion, and when the great day arrived, Charlie was always presented with one small chocolate bar to eat all by himself. And each time he received it, on those marvellous birthday mornings, he would place it carefully in a small wooden box that he owned, and treasure it as though it were a bar of solid gold; and for the next few days, he would allow himself only to look at it, but never to touch it.

WALTER (Gathering him up in his arms) You know what, Travis? In seven years you going to be seventeen years old. And things is going to be very different with us in seven years, Travis. … One day when you are seventeen I’ll come home—home from my office downtown somewhere— TRAVIS You don’t work in no office, Daddy. WALTER No—but after tonight. After what your daddy gonna do tonight, there’s going to be offices—a whole lot of offices.… TRAVIS What you gonna do tonight, Daddy? WALTER You wouldn’t understand yet, son, but your daddy’s gonna make a transaction … a business transaction that’s going to change our lives. … That’s how come one day when you ’bout seventeen years old I’ll come home and I’ll be pretty tired, you know what I mean, after a day of conferences and secretaries getting things wrong the way they do … ’cause an executive’s life is hell, man—(The more he talks the farther away he gets) And I’ll pull the car up on the driveway … just a plain black Chrysler, I think, with white walls—no—black tires. More elegant. Rich people don’t have to be flashy … though I’ll have to get something a little sportier for Ruth—maybe a Cadillac convertible to do her shopping in. … And I’ll come up the steps to the house and the gardener will be clipping away at the hedges and he’ll say, “Good evening, Mr. Younger.” And I’ll say, “Hello, Jefferson, how are you this evening?” And I’ll go inside and Ruth will come downstairs and meet me at the door and we’ll kiss each other and she’ll take my arm and we’ll go up to your room to see you sitting on the floor with the catalogues of all the great schools in America around you. … All the great schools in the world! And—and I’ll say, all right son—it’s your seventeenth birthday, what is it you’ve decided? … Just tell me where you want to go to school and you’ll go. Just tell me, what it is you want to be—and you’ll be it. … Whatever you want to be—Yessir! (He holds his arms open for TRAVIS) YOU just name it, son … (TRAVIS leaps into them) and I hand you the world!

men worked fifty, sixty, even seventy or more hours a week; the women worked all the time, with little assistance from labor-saving devices, washing laundry, ironing shirts, mending socks, turning collars, sewing on buttons, mothproofing woolens, polishing furniture, sweeping and washing floors, washing windows, cleaning sinks, tubs, toilets, and stoves, vacuuming rugs, nursing the sick, shopping for food, cooking meals, feeding relatives, tidying closets and drawers, overseeing paint jobs and household repairs, arranging for religious observances, paying bills and keeping the family’s books while simultaneously attending to their children’s health, clothing, cleanliness, schooling, nutrition, conduct, birthdays, discipline, and morale.

Monsoon Love is a love story with a few comic twists. The idea for this story came to me when I went into the local town of Pokhara with a friend to buy his son a birthday present. We had just arrived at the shops when a heavy down pour began, and as we had arrived on his motorbike and didn’t have raincoats or umbrellas so we had to wait for the rain to stop. We were standing under a awning watching the street while we waited, and I noticed this very beautiful young woman walk past me dressed in a t-shirt and jeans with the cuffs rolled half up her legs, but the way she held her umbrella made it impossible to see her face, though with the nice body she had her face must have been just as lovely. Then I though, imagine some guy stuck working in an office, and seeing a view like that every day of the same woman, and falling in love with her despite not seeing her face.

Once Mamaw's eased her body onto the seat, pinning me in so tightly that a seat belt would just be redundant, we head out of the parking lot and onto the open road. Mamaw and Papaw have agreed to take me shopping for Mackenzie's birthday present, and we're heading out to The Square at the breakneck speed of thirty-four miles per hour. "Slow down, Frank," my mamaw commands, patting my knee. "We've got precious cargo." He eases up on the gas and I throw my head back and close my eyes, anxious and frustrated.

This kitchen had been the home to my beloved kitchen utensils too. There was the hundred-year-old pestle and mortar that belonged to my late grandmother, a container made of Japanese cypress that I'd used for keeping rice, a Le Creuset enamel pot I'd bought with my first pay cheque, a set of long-serving chopsticks with extra fine tips I'd found in a specialty shop in Kyoto, an Italian paring knife given to me on my twentieth birthday by the owner of an organic-vegetables shop, a comfortable cotton apron, jade gravel I used for making pickled aubergine, and the traditional cast-iron nambu frying pan I'd travelled as far north as Morioka to buy. It was a collection of quality items built to last a lifetime.

Let’s say, for instance, that a friend’s birthday is coming up and we are feeling resentful and stingy; therefore, we just can’t seem to get out to shop for a present, and the day is getting closer. The exact opposite feelings are those of forgiveness and generosity. We just start looking for the feeling of forgiveness within ourselves and stop resisting it. As we keep letting go of our resistance to being a forgiving person, it is often surprising that it will come up with a surge. We will begin to recognize that part of our nature has always been willing and wanting to forgive, but we didn’t dare chance it. We thought we might appear foolish. We thought we were punishing the other person by holding the resentment, but we have actually been suppressing love.

The smell of flowers was overwhelming, and it reminded me of walking into a flower shop to pick the perfect bouquet when my gran died. It wasn’t a good memory, and the smell was intoxicating. My heart broke while looking at the beautiful variations of flowers and smelling the sweet nectar. It was a terrible mix. The beauty, the nature, the colors, and the smell—all laced with grief. And what I could never comprehend was that flowers were for every occasion. You get them when you’re in love and when it’s your birthday; you can get them with a new job or a raise. And how is it supposed to make you feel when all you can remember is the smell of heartbreak, and it takes you back to that space in time? It doesn’t feel like a celebration of anything, but more like torture. Torture of the mind and soul.

I pictured my life before me, constantly forgetting items on a shopping list I wouldn’t have ever wanted to write. I pictured my life constantly forgetting my friend’s birthdays, but always being the best gift giver whenever I did remember. I pictured my life where the bread was always eaten the day it was bought, where the cheese was locally made. I pictured my life and saw my wife dancing in the kitchen in a yellow dress that bounced off the back of her ankles as she turned laughing and singing. I pictured tiny footsteps trailing mud over the floorboards and saw tiny hand marks on the walls, I pictured paint everywhere and flowers never dying. I pictured my life and saw myself always dressed perfectly for whatever the temperature outside was. I was crying myself to sleep, forgetting the bills piled in the draw beneath the sink, I pictured my life as my future and not my dream.

Then at last, when he could stand it no longer, he would peel back a tiny bit of the paper wrapping at one corner to expose a tiny bit of chocolate, and then he would take a tiny nibble – just enough to allow the lovely sweet taste to spread out slowly over his tongue. The next day, he would take another tiny nibble, and so on, and so on. And in this way, Charlie would make his sixpenny bar of birthday chocolate last him for more than a month. But I haven’t yet told you about the one awful thing that tortured little Charlie, the lover of chocolate, more than anything else. This thing, for him, was far, far worse than seeing slabs of chocolate in the shop windows or watching other children munching bars of creamy chocolate right in front of him. It was the most terrible torturing thing you could imagine, and it was this: In the town itself, actually within sight of the house in which Charlie lived, there was an ENORMOUS CHOCOLATE FACTORY! Just imagine that! And it wasn’t simply an ordinary enormous chocolate factory, either. It was the largest and most famous in the whole world! It was WONKA’S FACTORY, owned by a man called Mr Willy Wonka, the greatest inventor and maker of chocolates that there has ever been. And what a tremendous, marvellous place it was! It had huge iron gates leading into it, and a high wall surrounding it, and smoke belching from its chimneys, and strange whizzing sounds coming from deep inside it. And outside the walls, for half a mile around in every direction, the air was scented with the heavy rich smell of melting chocolate! Twice a day, on his way to and from school, little Charlie Bucket had to walk right past the gates of the factory. And every time he went by, he would begin to walk very, very slowly, and he would hold his nose high in the air and take long deep sniffs of the gorgeous chocolatey smell all around him. Oh, how he loved that smell! And oh, how he wished he could go inside the factory and see what it was like!

The cardboard that he stopped at had been written on in February, 1938. The handwriting, in blue-lead pencil, was his brother Seymour's: My twenty-first birthday. Presents, presents, presents. Zooey and the baby, as usual, shopped lower Broadway. They gave me a fine supply of itching powder and a box of three stink bombs. I'm to drop the bombs in the elevator at Columbia or ‘someplace very crowded’ as soon as I get a good chance. Several acts of vaudeville tonight for my entertainment. Les and Bessie did a lovely soft-shoe on sand swiped by Boo Boo from the urn in the lobby. When they were finished, B. and Boo Boo did a pretty funny imitation of them. Les nearly in tears. The baby sang ‘Abdul Abulbul Amir.’ Z. did the Will Mahoney exit Les taught him, ran smack into the bookcase, and was furious. The twins did B.'s and my old Buck & Bubbles imitation. But to perfection. Marvellous. In the middle of it, the doorman called up on the housephone and asked if anybody was dancing up there. A Mr. Seligman, on the fourth—

2/ KICK YOUR OWN ASS, GENTLY. I’ve been trying to set a few modest goals, both daily and weekly. In the course of a day, it’s good to get some stupid things accomplished, and off your “list.” I guess because it leaves you feeling that you and the “rest of the world” still have something to do with each other! Like today, for example, I can think back on sending a fax to my brother on his birthday, leaving a phone message for Brutus at his “hotel” on his birthday, phoning my Dad on his birthday (yep, all on the same day), then driving to Morin Heights to the ATM machine, to St. Sauveur for grocery shopping, and planning all that so I’d still have enough daylight left to go snowshoeing in the woods. And then I could drink. Not a high-pressure day, and hardly earth-shaking activities, but I laid them out for myself and did them (even though tempted to “not bother” with each of them at one point or another). I gave myself a gentle kick in the ass when necessary, or cursed myself out for a lazy fool, and because of all that, I consider today a satisfactory day. Everything that needed to be done got done. And by “needs” I certainly include taking my little baby soul out for a ride. And drinking. And there are little side benefits from such activities, like when the cashier in the grocery store wished me a genuinely-pleasant “Bonjour,” and I forced myself to look at her and return the greeting. The world still seems unreal to me, but I try not to purposely avoid contact with pleasant strangers. It wouldn’t be polite! Another “little goal” for me right now is spending an hour or two at the desk every morning, writing a letter or a fax to someone like you, or Brutus, or Danny, who I want to reach out to, or conversely, to someone I’ve been out of touch with for a long while, maybe for a year-and-a-half or two years. These are friends that I’ve decided I still value, and that I want as part of my “new life,” whatever it may be. It doesn’t really matter what, but just so you can say that you changed something in the course of your day: a neglected friend is no longer neglected; an errand that ought to be dealt with has been dealt with.

Grace adored Amelia. The older woman was a close friend of her grandmother and mother, and a constant in Grace's life. She visited Amelia often. The inn was her second home. As a child she'd always raced up the stairs and raided Amelia's bedroom closet, and Amelia had encouraged her unconventional behavior. Grace had loved dressing up in vintage clothing. Attempting to walk up in a pair of high button shoes. Amelia was the first to recognize Grace's love of costume. Her enjoyment of tea parties. She'd supported Grace's dream of opening her business, Charade, when Grace sought a career. From birthdays to holidays, the costume shop was popular and successful. Grace couldn't have been happier. She admired Amelia now. Her long, braided hair was the same soft gray as her eyes. Years accumulated, but never seemed to touch her. She appeared youthful, ageless, in a sage-green tunic, belted over a paisley gauze skirt in shades of cranberry, green, and gold. Elaborate gold hoops hung at her ears, ones designed with silver beads and tiny gold bells. The thin metal chains on her three-tiered necklace sparkled with lavender rhinestones and reflective mirror discs. Bangles of charms looped her wrist. A thick, hammered-silver bracelet curved near her right elbow. A triple gold ring with three pearls arched from her index finger to her fourth. She sparkled.

When you buy from an independent, locally owned business, as opposed to nationally owned businesses, you strengthen the economic base of our city. And of course there’s no doubt that you’ll receive a better quality product or service. I share John Roeser’s amazement that people today tend to prefer saving a dollar or too two on a birthday cake, for example, by purchasing a sub-par cake made with artificial, cheap ingredients from a mass retailer, when Roeser’s Bakery offers some of the most delectable, housemade cakes in the world. How could anyone step into a fast food joint when we live in a city that has Lem’s barbecque rib tips, Kurowski’s kielbasa, Manny’s matzo ball soup, and Lindy’s chili within reach? You can’t even compare the products and services of the businesses featured in this book with those of mass retailers, either: Jjust try putting an Optimo hat on your head—you’ll ooze with elegance. Burn a beeswax lambathe from Athenian Candle and watch it glow longer than any candle you’ve ever lit. Bite into an Andersonville coffeecake from the Swedish Bakery—and you’ll have a hard time returning to the artificial ingredient– laden cakes found at most grocers. Equally important, local, family- owned businesses keep our city unique. In our increasingly homogenized and globalized world, cities that hold on tightly to their family-owned, distinctive businesses are more likely to attract visitors, entrepreneurs, and new investment. Chicago just wouldn’t be Chicago without these historic, one-of-a-kind places, and the people that run them from behind the scenes with nothing but love, hard work, and pride.

What if—” I stopped, swallowing hard. Nope. I couldn’t even say it aloud. We’d figure something else out because we had to. Time for a subject change before I lost it. “What did your mom say?” “Mostly that she thinks my hair is getting too long and I should cut it.” “That’s not helpful.” “That’s my mom for you.” He was trying for humor but his voice caught, and I wondered if he was thinking about how if she left and he didn’t, he’d never ever see her again. “So,” I said, sitting on the floor against the wall as close to the kitchen doorway as I could get without Lend dropping like a rock, “do you want your Christmas present?” “You got me something?” He sounded surprised. “I’ve been working on it for a while.” “I, uh, didn’t find you anything yet. I was actually setting up for your party, not Christmas shopping like I said.” “Being kidnapped by the Dark Queen and then cursed gets you off the hook for a lot. Besides, my birthday party totally counted.” “This isn’t how I wanted our first Christmas to go. We were going to go all out, pick out a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, decorate it, watch cheesy holiday movies, drink hot chocolate, let my dad make his eggnog and then complain about how disgusting it was, then I was going to deck out my entire room in mistletoe . . .” “Wait, you mean you didn’t plan for us to be stuck in different rooms for the holidays?” “Well, that part’s kind of nice.” I heard his head bang against the wall where he was sitting right on the other side of it from me. “I mean, who wants to actually be able to touch their super hot girlfriend? Overrated.” “I know, right?” I tried to laugh, but it came out choked. I swallowed, forcing my one to come out light. “And I totally dig watching people sleep. It’s so sexy.

Let’s look again at the example of someone’s birthday that is approaching quickly. Because of things that have happened in the past, we have resentments and feel unwilling to do anything for the birthday. Somehow, it just seems impossible to get out and shop for a birthday present. We resent having to spend the money. The mind conjures up all kinds of justifications: “I don’t have time to shop”; “I can’t forget how mean she was”; “She should apologize to me first.” In this case, two things are operating: clinging to the negative and the smallness in ourselves, and resisting the positive and the greatness in ourselves. The way out of apathy is to see, first of all, that “I can’t” is an “I won’t.” In looking at the “I won’t,” we see that it is there because of negative feelings and, as they come up, they can be acknowledged and let go. It is also apparent that we are resisting positive feelings. These feelings of love, generosity, and forgiveness can be looked at one by one. We can sit down and imagine the quality of generosity and let go resisting it. Is there something generous within ourselves? In this case, we may not be willing to apply it to the birthday person in the beginning. What we can begin to see is the existence of such a quality as generosity within our consciousness. We begin to see that, as we let go resisting the feeling of generosity, there is generosity. We do, in fact, enjoy giving to others under certain circumstances. We begin to remember the positive flood of feeling that comes upon us when we express gratitude and acknowledge the gifts that others have given us. We see that we have really been suppressing a desire to forgive and, as we let go of the resistance to being forgiving, there emerges the willingness to let go of the grievance. As we do this, we stop identifying with our small self and become consciously aware that there is something in us that is greater. It is always there but hidden from view.

The birds had multiplied. She'd installed rows upon rows of floating melamine shelves above shoulder height to accommodate the expression of her once humble collection. Though she'd had bird figurines all over the apartment, the bulk of her prized collection was confined to her bedroom because it had given her joy to wake up to them every morning. Before I'd left, I had a tradition of gifting her with bird figurines. It began with a storm petrel, a Wakamba carving of ebony wood from Kenya I had picked up at the museum gift shop from a sixth-grade school field trip. She'd adored the unexpected birthday present, and I had hunted for them since. Clusters of ceramic birds were perched on every shelf. Her obsession had brought her happiness, so I'd fed it. The tiki bird from French Polynesia nested beside a delft bluebird from the Netherlands. One of my favorites was a glass rainbow macaw from an Argentinian artist that mimicked the vibrant barrios of Buenos Aires. Since the sixth grade, I'd given her one every year until I'd left: eight birds in total. As I lifted each member of her extensive bird collection, I imagined Ma-ma was with me, telling a story about each one. There were no signs of dust anywhere; cleanliness had been her religion. I counted eighty-eight birds in total. Ma-ma had been busy collecting while I was gone. I couldn't deny that every time I saw a beautiful feathered creature in figurine form, I thought of my mother. If only I'd sent her one, even a single bird, from my travels, it could have been the precursor to establishing communication once more. Ma-ma had spoken to her birds often, especially when she cleaned them every Saturday morning. I had imagined she was some fairy-tale princess in the Black Forest holding court over an avian kingdom. I was tempted to speak to them now, but I didn't want to be the one to convey the loss of their queen. Suddenly, however, Ma-ma's collection stirred. It began as a single chirp, a mournful cry swelling into a chorus. The figurines burst into song, tiny beaks opening, chests puffed, to release a somber tribute to their departed beloved. The tune was unfamiliar, yet its melancholy was palpable, rising, surging until the final trill when every bird bowed their heads toward the empty bed, frozen as if they hadn't sung seconds before. I thanked them for the happiness they'd bestowed on Ma-ma.

I’d like to see some identification,” growled the inspector. I fully expected Barrons to toss O’Duffy from the shop on his ear. He had no legal compulsion to comply and Barrons doesn’t suffer fools lightly. In fact, he doesn’t suffer them at all, except me, and that’s only because he needs me to help him find the Sinsar Dubh. Not that I’m a fool. If I’ve been guilty of anything, it’s having the blithely sunny disposition of someone who enjoyed a happy childhood, loving parents, and long summers of lazy-paddling ceiling fans and small-town drama in the Deep South which-while it’s great—doesn’t do a thing to prepare you for live beyond that. Barrons gave the inspector a wolfish smile. “Certainly.” He removed a wallet from the inner pocket of his suit. He held it out but didn’t let go. “And yours, Inspector.” O’Duffy’s jaw tightened but he complied. As the men swapped identifications, I sidled closer to O’Duffy so I could peer into Barrons’ wallet. Would wonders never cease? Just like a real person, he had a driver’s license. Hair: black. Eyes: brown. Height: 6’3”. Weight: 245. His birthday—was he kidding?—Halloween. He was thirty-one years old and his middle initial was Z. I doubted he was an organ donor. “You’ve a box in Galway as your address, Mr. Barrons. Is that where you were born?” I’d once asked Barrons about his lineage, he’d told me Pict and Basque. Galway was in Ireland, a few hours west of Dublin. “No.” “Where?” “Scotland.” “You don’t sound Scottish.” “You don’t sound Irish. Yet here you are, policing Ireland. But then the English have been trying to cram their laws down their neighbors’ throats for centuries, haven’t they, Inspector?” O’Duffy had an eye tic. I hadn’t noticed it before. “How long have you been in Dublin?” “A few years. You?” “I’m the one asking the questions.” “Only because I’m standing here letting you.” “I can take you down to the station. Would you prefer that?” “Try.” The one word dared the Garda to try, by fair means or foul. The accompanying smile guaranteed failure. I wondered what he’d do if the inspector attempted it. My inscrutable host seems to possess a bottomless bag of tricks. O’Duffy held Barrons’ gaze longer than I expected him to. I wanted to tell him there was no shame in looking away. Barrons has something the rest of us don’t have. I don’t know what it is, but I feel it all the time, especially when we’re standing close. Beneath the expensive clothes, unplaceable accent, and cultural veneer, there’s something that never crawled all the way out of the swamp. It didn’t want to. It likes it there.

You should date a girl who reads. Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes, who has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve. Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she has found the book she wants. You see that weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a secondhand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow and worn. She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book. Buy her another cup of coffee. Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice. It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas, for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry and in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by god, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does. She has to give it a shot somehow. Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world. Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who read understand that all things must come to end, but that you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two. Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series. If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are. You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype. You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots. Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads. Or better yet, date a girl who writes.

Man, what am I going to do? I guess I’m going to have to figure out a way to make my own Harry Potter costume. It’s probably gonna be real hard too. I still haven’t even figured out how to carve a lightning bolt on my head. So we just spent the rest of the time shopping for a costume for my little brother Wesley. As we were looking around, I saw a crowd of people standing around a display that had a large object covered in a black curtain. It was inside a glass box that was locked with like 20 padlocks. Then, around the glass box there were two big fat chains that were locked together with a big lock. And in front of the glass box there were two security guards that were dressed in riot gear. Man, I just had to find out what was in there.

Munia's eighth birthday falls on the hottest day in June, with the smell of burning cane scenting the air. She forgets the heat in her excitement over the slice of cassata her father has brought all the way from Teetar Bani, the main town. Chand had ordered the precious gift from the only shop in the town that possessed a freezer, and carefully packed it in a tin pail filled with jute sacking and ice purchased from Raju Golasharbatwala's cart. The cassata melts, a puddle of bright colours. She eats it slowly, bending her head to the dented tin plate and lapping up the last delicious drops of strawberry. It is a rare taste, a flavour she has not encountered before. Her father asks, 'One more slice?' She nods, but halfway through, she holds out her plate to Chand, presses the spoon into his hand. 'You also eat. One spoon for you, one for me.' He takes tiny bites.

When I was young, and my mother began filling my hope chest with bed sheets and serving spoons and cuttings of colorful fabrics, and saving pictures from the JC Penney catalog of china hutches and dinnerware and lush comforters for someday, I created shadow boxes for places I dreamed of visiting. I’d spend birthday money on bags of seashells and craft sand from the hobby shop for a Hawaiian beach scene, create a Swiss ski village with cotton balls and thrift store sweaters cut into tiny versions for Popsicle stick skiers, prop toothpick tents on top of papier-mâché Kilimanjaros and Everests. These adorned my room, anointing my dresser and the fake wood paneling of our trailer walls with my fantasies. My mother once came in while I was dusting them and said, “It’s all well and good to dream. Dreaming keeps a body moving.

Celebrate your child's birthday with a unique and exciting twist at The Beauty Tailor in Long Island, NY! Our custom-made lipstick shop offers an impressive experience. Bring the party to our custom blend bar, where you can create your perfect lipstick shade. It's one of the first of its kind in Long Island, providing a fun and interactive environment for creativity to flourish. Make your child's birthday memorable with a beauty-themed celebration at The Beauty Tailor.

For the best bounce house rentals and party rentals in New Braunfels & San Marcos, TX, trust the experts at Texas Party Hoppers to provide the fun! If you are planning a birthday party, school field day, church picnic or corporate event, Texas Party Hoppers is your one stop shop for all your party rentals, bounce houses, inflatable water slide rentals, carnival games, concession machines and more. We have the equipment and the experience to create lifelong memories for your guests.

GONE PAINTING! and then locked up the shop. “Follow me,” he said with a huge grin. “I’m sure there will be some fresh meadow grass for you to munch while we paint,” Rapunzel said, encouraging Maximus to follow. Maximus tilted his head. That carrot had been good, but a meadow filled with sweet, green grass sounded delicious. He wouldn’t let that distract him from keeping an eye on Flynn, though.

Health and sleep are more important than shopping for a birthday. Taking care of one's well-being and getting enough rest is crucial for overall health and quality of life, while shopping for a birthday is a discretionary activity that can be rescheduled or done at a later time if necessary.

For the best bounce house rentals Hendersonville, NC has to offer, All Fun Bouncing Inflatables has you covered. We rent water slides, obstacle courses & more. Whether you're having a birthday party in Addison Creek, a school event at Hendersonville High School or even a family reunion at Berkeley Mills Park, we have just what you're looking for. From bounce houses, water slide rentals, obstacle courses, inflatable games, carnival games and more, make us your one stop shop for all your parties.

One thing that has surprised Julie about going through the process of watching herself die is how vivid her world has become. Everything that she used to take for granted produces a sense of revelation, as if she were a child again. Tastes - the sweetness of a strawberry, its juice dripping onto her chin; a buttery pastry melting in her mouth, Smells - flowers on a front lawn, a colleague's perfume, seaweed washed up on the shore, Matt's sweaty body in bed at night. Sounds - the strings on a cello, the screech of a car, her nephew's laughter. Experiences - dancing at a birthday party, people-watching at Starbucks, buying a cute dress, opening the mail. All of this, no matter how mundane, delights her to no end. She's become hyper-present. When people delude themselves into believing they have all the time in the world, she's noticed, they get lazy. p310

Remembering the careful way the cooks she'd met chose their ingredients--- the snails at L'Ami Louis, Taeb's saffron, Baldwin's asparagus--- Stella thought Django was more like a magician, conjuring dishes out of thin air. By the time George nudged Stella aside to poke his nose in the door, Lucie was strewing crisp breadcrumbs on top of a thick vegetable potage, and Django was stirring a tart lemon pudding. Downstairs, customers lingered, people who had intended on stopping in for a moment stayed on as increasingly seductive scents wafted through the shop. Unwilling to admit that he was pleased, George tasted the pudding and grumbled, "You've used up all the eggs. And I wanted gingerbread for tonight's reading." "Gingerbread!" Django pulled a face. "Nous sommes en France. I will make something more appropriate." Still standing in the doorway, Stella wondered how he would manage this; he'd used everything in the kitchen except an aged pound cake resembling a rock, a handful of desiccated dried apricots, and the sour milk. "We'll make some coffee." Django was tearing up the stale cake. As she watched, he produced curds from the sour milk, cooked the apricots into jam, and soaked the cake in coffee. With a flourish, he pulled a bar of chocolate from his pocket. "J'ai toujours du chocolat sur moi." He melted the chocolate, stirring in the last of the coffee. "I always have chocolate. You never know when you will need it." Against her better judgement, Stella was charmed. Lucie stood close by, watching him layer the coffee-drenched cake with jam, curds, and chocolate, grabbing each spoon as he finished. "Will you make this for my birthday?" she asked. "No." "Please," she begged. "For your birthday I will make something better.

AM: My father had arrived in New York all alone, from the middle of Poland, before his seventh birthday… He arrived in New York, his parents were too busy to pick him up at Castle Garden and sent his next eldest brother Abe, going on 10, to find him, get him through immigration and bring him home to Stanton Street and the tenement where in two rooms the eight of them lived and worked, sewing the great long, many-buttoned cloaks that were the fashion then. They sent him to school for about six months, figuring he had enough. He never learned how to spell, he never learned how to figure. Then he went right back into the shop. By the time he was 12 he was employing two other boys to sew sleeves on coats alongside him in some basement workshop. KM: He went on the road when he was about 16 I think… selling clothes at a wholesale level. AM: He ended up being the support of the entire family because he started the business in 1921 or something. The Miltex Coat Company, which turned out to be one of the largest manufacturers in this country. See we lived in Manhattan then, on 110th Street facing the Park. It was beautiful apartment up on the sixth floor. KM: We had a chauffeur driven car. The family was wealthy. AM: It was the twenties and I remember our mother and father going to a show every weekend. And coming back Sunday morning and she would be playing the sheet music of the musicals. JM: It was an arranged marriage. But a woman of her ability to be married off to a man who couldn’t read or write… I think Gussie taught him how to read and to sign his name. AM: She knew she was being wasted, I think. But she respected him a lot. And that made up for a little. Until he really crashed, economically. And then she got angry with him. First the chauffeur was let go, then the summer bungalow was discarded, the last of her jewellery had to be pawned or sold. And then another step down - the move to Brooklyn. Not just in the case of my father but every boy I knew. I used to pal around with half a dozen guys and all their fathers were simply blown out of the water. I could not avoid awareness of my mother’s anger at this waning of his powers. A certain sneering contempt for him that filtered through her voice. RM: So how did the way you saw your father change when he lost his money? AM: Terrible… pity for him. Because so much of his authority sprang from the fact that he was a very successful businessman. And he always knew what he as doing. And suddenly: nothin’. He didn’t know where he was. It was absolutely not his fault, it was the Great Crash of the ‘29, ‘30, ‘31 period. So from that I always, I think, contracted the idea that we’re very deeply immersed in political and economic life of the country, of the world. And that these forces end up in the bedroom and they end up in the father and son and father and daughter arrangements. In Death of a Salesman what I was interested in there was what his world and what his life had left him with. What that had done to him? Y’know a guy can’t make a living, he loses his dignity. He loses his male force. And so you tend to make up for it by telling him he's OK anyway. Or else you turn your back on him and leave. All of which helps create integrated plays, incidentally. Where you begin to look: well, its a personality here but what part is being played by impersonal forces?

ake an hour or so at a discount card shop or dollar store and load up on all kinds of greeting cards-birthday, anniversary, friends, and pets. Store them in a convenient place and use them as special occasions arise. You'll save a lot of time by having them when you need them. ave a "gift shelf" in your home. Load it up with boxes of stationery, stuffed toys, small items-whatever is useful and on sale so when occasions arise, you'll be ready. When grandchildren drop by, let them pick a little gift off your shelf he Bible says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21). The Bible also says we're to live in harmony and love. Here are a few thoughts to contemplate. • A good marriage is not a gift; it's an achievement by God's grace. • Marriage is not for children; it takes guts and maturity. • Marriage is tested daily by the ability to compromise. • Being a family means giving, and-more importantly-forgiving. • It's time for parents to take charge of their families and redeem them for the Lord.

Someone dropped her off in a shopping mall food court just before her third birthday. Pinned to her dress was a note with the name Anna, a date of birth, and the words, This child is possessed.

Beyond that box camera he saw in a shop window in Chicago in seventh grade, Dad has never wanted anything, as far as I know. He still coos over the tennis balls and Old Spice we give him every birthday, Father’s Day, and Christmas. And yet he understands the symbolic power that an earned object holds.

What that means, in a practical way, is that we strive to know and love a few people deeply. We don’t have to distribute gospel tracts to strangers to be effective evangelists; we just have to be present to a few people who are in our lives. We go to their birthday parties. We watch them play softball. We drink coffee with them at the coffee shop. We laugh when they laugh and cry when they cry. And, in the process, we get to be salt and light to them. Even if we never quote the Bible to them or say a prayer with them, we are the presence of Christ to them.

On August 12, 1933, President Machado fled Cuba with ABC terrorists shooting at his laden airplane as it prepared to take off from the long hot runway. He left Cuba without any continuity of leadership and a smooth transfer of authority to the next administration became impossible in Havana. American envoy, Sumner Welles stepped into the vacuum and encouraged Carlos Manuel de Céspedes y Quesada to accept the office of Provisional President of Cuba. Céspedes was a Cuban writer and politician, born in New York City, son of Carlos Manual de Céspedes del Castillo who was a hero of the Cuban War of Independence. Wearing a spotlessly clean, crisp white suit, Céspedes was installed as the Provisional President of Cuba, on what was his 62nd birthday. This expedient political move failed to prevent the violence that broke out in the streets. Mobs looted and behaved with viciousness that lasted for six long hours and created a mayhem not witnessed since Cuba’s Independence from Spain. Students from the university ransacked the previously pro-Machado newspaper “Heraldo de Cuba.” The Presidential Palace was stormed and severely damaged, with the culprits leaving a “For Rent” sign hanging on the front gate. The temperament of the mob that rallied against the Machado supporters, including the hated Porristas who had been left behind, was ferocious. They wounded over 200 hapless souls and cost 21 people their lives. Five members of the Porristas as well as Colonel Antonio Jimenez, the head of Machado’s secret police, were summarily shot to death and trampled upon. The rioters then tied the mutilated body of Jimenez to the top of a car and paraded his bullet-riddled carcass through the streets of Havana, showing it off as a trophy. When the howling throng of incensed people finally dumped him in front of the hospital, it was determined that he had been shot 40 times. Students hammered away at an imposing bronze statue of Machado, until piece by piece it was totally destroyed. Shops owned by the dictator’s friends were looted and smashed, as were the homes of Cabinet members living in the affluent suburbs.

She also discovered that he was attracted by the dreadful, among the galactic wares cramming the narrow shops into which they ducked. He actually appeared to seriously consider for several minutes what was claimed to be a genuine twentieth-century reproduction lamp, of Jacksonian manufacture, consisting of a sealed glass vessel containing two immiscible liquids which slowly rose and fell in the convection currents. “It looks just like red blood corpuscles floating in plasma,” Vorkosigan opined, staring in fascination at the under-lit blobs. “But as a wedding present?” she choked, half amused, half appalled. “What kind of message would people take it for?” “It would make Gregor laugh,” he replied. “Not a gift he gets much. But you’re right, the wedding present proper needs to be, er, proper. Public and political, not personal.” With a regretful sigh, he returned the lamp to its shelf. After another moment, he changed his mind again, bought it, and had it shipped. “I’ll get him another present for the wedding. This can be for his birthday.” After

When she was six, she and her mother had been shopping for groceries when they’d been hit by a drunk driver. It had killed her mother instantly and put Cat in the hospital for days. When she was finally dismissed, her mother’s funeral was over, and she and her father were on their own. Over the years, she learned to adjust, and she and her father grew closer. Then, just before her thirteenth birthday, and only days before she and her father were planning to leave on vacation, a man with a tattooed face broke into their house, stabbed her father and cut her throat, leaving her unable to scream as she watched him die. After that, the Texas Social Services system finished the raising of Catherine Dupree, during which time she’d acquired the nickname Cat.

Celebrating your event with style and creativity Everyone works on a budget. Not all of us have the resources and time to hire wedding planners and party organizers to celebrate important days of your lives. You don’t have to skimp on an anniversary, birthday, engagement or any other special days just because you are on a budget. There are several DIY party ideas and accessories available on the internet that will help you celebrate that special occasion with much gusto and style. Celebrating a special day- be it your own wedding, engagement, throwing the best birthday bash, or a theme party, it is rather a challenging and exciting time, that churns up your creative juices that can leave one exhausted and confused. Especially when one desires to be innovative and wishes to throw a party that leaves the guests spell bounded and the-talk-of-the-town, there are several websites that provide amazing Party Loot Bags and accessories that are affordable and unique. Since we often think of the celebration as synonymous with splurging, these special occasions can feel challenged. After all, it's hard to enjoy yourself when all you can think about is the amount of money a party or wedding planner is charging you. This is your cue to be innovative as there are various fun and exciting DIY Party Accessories and Dessert buffets that can make your event memorable without spending too much of your hard earned money. With DIY ideas, you can enjoy 99 percent of excitement and 1 percent anxiety. There are a myriad of delightful Wedding Bomboniere ideas and items that can be easily procured through online stores. With ease and convenience, you can order Bomboniere Australia and party accessories from the comforts of your home and shop for the best quality products online. Web sites now cater for DIY items that style up any event- from weddings, engagements, christening, baby showers, birthdays, and much more. These companies offer a plethora of crazy, fun, unique and creative ideas and DIY items that are affordable, convenient, and highly accessible, promising a grand celebration of your special day. If you wish to have your rein on the planning and organizing of your wedding, you can explore some great ideas and accessories through these websites that are run by creative individuals assuring an enriching experience. Browse through great DIY Dessert Buffets and loot bags, and choose from hundreds of incredible ideas and accessories to celebrate your day with glamour, style, and charm. Make a lasting impression on your guests through DIY Party Accessories and buffet packages. There are many services on the internet that guide you through the entire event and help you plan your dream wedding in the most efficient and creative manner.

want to be someone who really celebrates the gift of the people God has given me to love. Here are a few simple ways to celebrate friends. Hold a special tea for your friends and their mothers. Celebrate with a tea for graduates, Mother's Day, or the first day of spring. Put on a birthday tea with special attention on the "big 0" ones. The anniversary of a special event or even a cup of tea to celebrate the end of a bad week or month are also good reasons to commune together. oday why not do a spontaneous act of kindness? Write a note to someone who would never expect it. Put a rose in your hubby's briefcase. Return a shopping cart for someone. Let someone merge into traffic and give him or her a big wave and smile. A thank you note out of the blue to someone who's said something nice about you will bless his or her day. Give another driver your parking spot. Leave a gift of money for someone anonymously. Call your mom or dad for no special reason. Send a letter to a teacher and thank him or her for all they do. Ask an older person to tell you his or her life story. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us to "entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Then she told us about going to Harrod’s to buy a video game that Prince William particularly wanted for his birthday. She confessed that she “felt a perfect fool,” since she didn’t know how video games worked or exactly which item William wanted. I could relate to that. The video-game craze was too technical for me, too. As she walked through Harrod’s, the other shoppers cleared way for her. They did not stop her or intrude. They only wanted to smile at her, say “hello,” or simply gaze at her in person. Diana’s point was that she loved the genuine friendliness and politeness of the people she encountered. Clearly, Diana needed the reassurance of the sincere support of “ordinary people,” or she would not have ventured to shops, restaurants, and amusement parks as she did. She could so easily have remained behind the palace walls, aloof and isolated.

From The Bridge” by Captain Hank Bracker Mundane Happenings Life is just packed with “Mundane Happenings!” It’s the mundane happenings that usually take the most time and they always seem to interfere, just about when you want to do something really important. Let’s start with mundane things that are routine, like doing the dishes and taking out the garbage. The list for a single person might be a little less involved or complicated but it would be every bit as important as that of a married couple or people with lots of children or even pets. Oh yes, for some the list of mundane responsibilities would include washing clothes and taking the children to their activities. You know what I mean… school, sports, hobbies, their intellectual endeavors and the like. For most of us beds have to be made, the house has to be kept clean, grass has to be cut and the flowers have to be pruned. Then there are the seasonal things, such as going trick or treating, buying the children everything they need before school starts or before going to summer camp. Let’s not forget Christmas shopping as well as birthdays and anniversaries. This list is just an outline of mundane happenings! I’m certain that you can fill in any of these broad topics with a detailed account of just how time consuming these little things can be. Of course we could continue to fill in our calendar with how our jobs consume our precious time. For some of us our jobs are plural, meaning we have more than one job or sometimes even more than that. I guess you get the point… it’s the mundane happenings that eat up our precious time ferociously. Blink once and the week is gone, blink twice and it’s the month and then the year and all you have to show for it, is a long list of the mundane things you have accomplished. Would you believe me, if I said that it doesn’t have to be this way? Really, it doesn’t have to, and here is what you can do about it. First ask yourself if you deserve to recapture any of the time you are so freely using for mundane things. Of course the answer should be a resounding yes! The next question you might want to ask yourself is what would you do with the time you are carving out for yourself? This is where we could part company, however, whatever it is it should be something personal and something that is fulfilling to you! For me, it became a passion to write about things that are important to me! I came to realize that there were stories that needed to be told! You may not agree, however I love sharing my time with others. I’m interested in hearing their stories, which I sometimes even incorporate into my writings. I also love to tell my stories because I led an exciting life and love to share my adventures with my friends and family, as well as you and future generations. I do this by establishing, specifically set, quiet time, and have a cave, where I can work; and to me work is fun! This is how and where I wrote The Exciting Story of Cuba, Suppressed I Rise, now soon to be published as a “Revised Edition” and Seawater One…. Going to Sea! Yes, it takes discipline but to me it’s worth the time and effort! I love doing this and I love meeting new friends in the process. Of course I still have mundane things to do…. I believe it was the astronaut Allen Shepard, who upon returning to Earth from the Moon, was taking out the garbage and looking up saw a beautifully clear full Moon and thought to himself, “Damn, I was up there!” It’s the accomplishment that makes the difference. The mundane will always be with us, however you can make a difference with the precious moments you set aside for yourself. I feel proud about the awards I have received and most of all I’m happy to have recorded history as I witnessed it. My life is, gratefully, not mundane, and yours doesn’t have to be either.” Captain Hank Bracker, author of the award winning book “The Exciting Story of Cuba.

He’s not just using me for my body,” Megan said. “He’s also using me as Prozac. Yesterday morning, Drew basically told me his life was all bleak like a black-and-white movie, and then I came into the picture and started rocking his world in Technicolor.” “That’s not using someone,” Rory said. “That’s happiness.” “No. It’s like a drug. I’m like a drug. But the effect on a guy only lasts for a while. When the drug high wears off, where does that leave me?” “I don’t think that’s…” Rory trailed off, confused. “You’ve never had a boyfriend, and you’ve never done drugs, so this is all a foreign concept to you. How can I put this in a metaphor you can understand?” Megan thought about it then went with the first idea that popped into her head, as she usually did. “I’m like cheap birthday cake. I’m the corner slice with all the icing. Drew is the greedy kid at the party. He wants me, the chunky corner piece with all the icing, but he’s going to get a stomach ache, and soon, he’s going to want his plain sandwiches again.” Rory looked down, and there was only the sound of the washer and dryer. Finally, she looked up, her eyes sad and hopeful at the same time, and said, “You’re not cake.” “But I’m not exactly Tina, am I? I’m not the marrying kind. I’ll never get a guy as good as Luca. Nobody’s going to sell out the flower shop just to take me on a date. I’m the girl they call to help them fix a flat tire.

Some days her colleague reminded her what it was to be human. He’d bought the most expensive piece in the shop and it wasn’t Jenny’s birthday for another five months.

Locally, you should be able to find decent Medjool dates in Middle Eastern grocery stores and many natural foods markets, but for the too-moist-to-be-sold-commercially varieties, you’ll probably have to shop online. I have tried dates from most of the major online retailers and always go back to ordering from the Date People, a small farm in California. I am averse to commercial endorsements, but I’ve never tasted consistently better dates from any other source (although Black Sphinx dates from Phoenix come close!). Date People’s annual harvest comes in around my birthday in October, and I always splurge as a present to myself and get a big box to put in our freezer.

Reagan wasn’t addressing. You may remember the press flap. Harvard wanted the president to give a 350th birthday speech as Franklin Roosevelt had done at the 300th and Grover Cleveland at the 250th. But Harvard didn’t want to give the president an honorary degree. I guess they felt Reagan was a nice man and, no doubt, important in his way, but not quite Harvard material. Once again they’re right. Ron would have dozed off during “Gym Transit” even quicker than I. So the president, God bless him, told Harvard to piss up a rope. And Harvard had to go shopping for someone else. I’m sure they were looking for a person who embodied democratic spirit, intellectual excellence and the American ethos, which is why they picked Prince Charles.

and she giggled as she walked against the current of bodies in the crosswalk. The subway was right there, but she didn’t want to take it yet—the beauty of New York City was walking, was serendipity and strangers, and it was still her birthday, and so she was just going to keep going. Alice turned and walked up Eighth, past the crummy tourist shops selling magnets and keychains and i ♥ ny T-shirts and foam fingers shaped like the Statue of Liberty. Alice had walked for almost ten blocks when she realized she had a destination. She and Sam and their friends had enjoyed many, many hours in bars as teenagers: they’d spent nights at the Dublin House, on 79th Street; at the Dive Bar, on Amsterdam and 96th Street, with the neon sign shaped like bubbles, though that one was a little too close to home to be safe; and some of the fratty bars farther down Amsterdam, the ones with the buckets of beers for twenty dollars and scratched pool tables. Sometimes they even went to some NYU bars downtown, on MacDougal Street, where they could dash across the street for falafel and then go back to the bar, like it was their office and they were running out for lunch. Their favorite bar, though, was Matryoshka, a Russian-themed bar in the 50th Street 1/9 subway station. Now it was just the 1 train, but back then, there was also the 9. Things were always changing, even when they didn’t feel like it. Alice wondered if no one ever felt as old as they were because it happened so slowly, and you were only ever one day slower and creakier, and the world changed so gradually that by the time cars had evolved from boxy to smooth, or green taxis had joined yellow ones, or MetroCards had replaced tokens, you were used to it. Everyone

Texas Inflatable Rentals proudly serves Corpus Christi and surrounding areas like Alice, Robstown, Portland, Rockport, Kingsville & more with moon jumps, water slides & tent rentals party rentals and more. If you're having a birthday party in Corpus Christie, a graduation party in Alice, a school field day in Rockport or even a church picnic in Kingsville, Texas Inflatable Rentals is your one stop shop for all your party rentals in Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas.

For the best bounce house rentals Indianapolis has to offer, look no further than Party Zone! We have a big selection of inflatable rentals water slides & more. Whether you're looking to have a birthday party, a school field day or Vacation Bible School at your church, we have an awesome selection of bounce house rentals, party rentals, inflatable rentals and all kinds of carnival games, concession machine rentals and everything you need. Make Party Zone your one stop shop for bounce houses.

Getting It Right" Your ankles make me want to party, want to sit and beg and roll over under a pair of riding boots with your ankles hidden inside, sweating beneath the black tooled leather; they make me wish it was my birthday so I could blow out their candles, have them hung over my shoulders like two bags full of money. Your ankles are two monster-truck engines but smaller and lighter and sexier than a saucer with warm milk licking the outside edge; they make me want to sing, make me want to take them home and feed them pasta, I want to punish them for being bad and then hold them all night long and say I’m sorry, sugar, darling, it will never happen again, not in a million years. Your thighs make me quiet. Make me want to be hurled into the air like a cannonball and pulled down again like someone being pulled into a van. Your thighs are two boats burned out of redwood trees. I want to go sailing. Your thighs, the long breath of them under the blue denim of your high-end jeans, could starve me to death, could make me cry and cry. Your ass is a shopping mall at Christmas, a holy place, a hill I fell in love with once when I was falling in love with hills. Your ass is a string quartet, the northern lights tucked tightly into bed between a high-count-of-cotton sheets. Your back is the back of a river full of fish; I have my tackle and tackle box. You only have to say the word. Your back, a letter I have been writing for fifteen years, a smooth stone, a moan someone makes when his hair is pulled, your back like a warm tongue at rest, a tongue with a tab of acid on top; your spine is an alphabet, a ladder of celestial proportions. I am navigating the North and South of it. Your armpits are beehives, they make me want to spin wool, want to pour a glass of whiskey, your armpits dripping their honey, their heat, their inexhaustible love-making dark. I am bright yellow for them. I am always thinking about them, resting at your side or high in the air when I’m pulling off your shirt. Your arms of blue and ice with the blood running to make them believe in God. Your shoulders make me want to raise an arm and burn down the Capitol. They sing to each other underneath your turquoise slope-neck blouse. Each is a separate bowl of rice steaming and covered in soy sauce. Your neck is a skyscraper of erotic adult videos, a swan and a ballet and a throaty elevator made of light. Your neck is a scrim of wet silk that guides the dead into the hours of Heaven. It makes me want to die, your mouth, which is the mouth of everything worth saying. It’s abalone and coral reef. Your mouth, which opens like the legs of astronauts who disconnect their safety lines and ride their stars into the billion and one voting districts of the Milky Way. Darling, you’re my President; I want to get this right! Matthew Dickman, The New Yorker: Poems | August 29, 2011 Issue

As early as November 1966, the Red Guard Corps of Beijing Normal University had set their sights on the Confucian ancestral home in Qufu County in Shandong Province. Invoking the language of the May Fourth movement, they proceeded to Qufu, where they established themselves as the Revolutionary Rebel Liaison State to Annihilate the Old Curiosity Shop of Confucius. Within the month they had totally destroyed the Temple of Confucius, the Kong Family Mansion, the Cemetery of Confucius (including the Master’s grave), and all the statues, steles, and relics in the area... In January 1967 another Red Guard unit editorialized in the People’s Daily: To struggle against Confucius, the feudal mummy, and thoroughly eradicate . . . reactionary Confucianism is one of our important tasks in the Great Cultural Revolution. And then, to make their point, they went on a nationwide rampage, destroying temples, statues, historical landmarks, texts, and anything at all to do with the ancient Sage... The Cultural Revolution came to an end with Mao’s death in 1976. In 1978 Deng Xiaoping (1904–97) became China’s paramount leader, setting China on a course of economic and political reform, and effectively bringing an end to the Maoist ideal of class conflict and perpetual revolution. Since 2000, the leadership in Beijing, eager to advance economic prosperity and promote social stability, has talked not of the need for class conflict but of the goal of achieving a “harmonious society,” citing approvingly the passage from the Analects, “harmony is something to be cherished” (1.12). The Confucius compound in Qufu has been renovated and is now the site of annual celebrations of Confucius’s birthday in late September. In recent years, colleges and universities throughout the country—Beijing University, Qufu Normal University, Renmin University, Shaanxi Normal University, and Shandong University, to name a few—have established Confucian study and research centers. And, in the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics, the Beijing Olympic Committee welcomed guests from around the world to Beijing with salutations from the Analects, “Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?” and “Within the fours seas all men are brothers,” not with sayings from Mao’s Little Red Book. Tellingly, when the Chinese government began funding centers to support the study of the Chinese language and culture in foreign schools and universities around the globe in 2004—a move interpreted as an ef f ort to expand China’s “soft power”—it chose to name these centers Confucius Institutes... The failure of Marxism-Leninism has created an ideological vacuum, prompting people to seek new ways of understanding society and new sources of spiritual inspiration. The endemic culture of greed and corruption—spawned by the economic reforms and the celebration of wealth accompanying them—has given rise to a search for a set of values that will address these social ills. And, crucially, rising nationalist sentiments have fueled a desire to fi nd meaning within the native tradition—and to of f set the malignant ef f ects of Western decadence and materialism. Confucius has thus played a variety of roles in China’s twentieth and twenty-first centuries. At times praised, at times vilified, he has been both good guy and bad guy. Yet whether good or bad, he has always been somewhere on the stage. These days Confucius appears to be gaining favor again, in official circles and among the people. But what the future holds for him and his teachings is difficult to predict. All we can say with any certainty is that Confucius will continue to matter.

How To Buy Paysafecard Online Instant Delivery If you want to more information just contact now. ➤24 Hours Reply/Contact ➤Telegram:– @usaxoom ➤Whatsapp:- +1 (920) 786-0215 ➤Email:- usaxoom@gmail.com Are you tired of dealing with lengthy registration processes and complicated payment methods? If so, you’re not alone. Many online users are searching for a hassle-free way to make purchases without exposing their personal information. Enter Paysafecard prepaid payment solution that allows you to shop securely and conveniently. But where can you find reliable options to buy Paysafecard online? Look no further than Usaxoom.com. Our ACC Services- ✅ Digital Delivery ✅ Email verified ✅ Receive your code instantly by email ✅ USA,UK,CA,AUS All Country Card ✅ More than 23 safe payment methods ✅ Paying online is quick and easy ✅ Paypal and receive instant digital delivery ✅ Money-back guarantee ✅ 24/7 customer support If you want to buy any Products from the best place usaxoom you can place your order. We provide the best quality USA, UK, CA, and other countries with 100% verified accounts within a little bit of time at the best price. So, you can place your order to get the best quality service. Our ACC Services- ✅ Digital Delivery ✅ Email verified ✅ Receive your code instantly by email ✅ USA,UK,CA,AUS All Country Card ✅ More than 23 safe payment methods ✅ Paying online is quick and easy ✅ Paypal and receive instant digital delivery ✅ Money-back guarantee ✅ 24/7 customer support If you want to buy any Products from the best place usaxoom you can place your order. We provide the best quality USA, UK, CA, and other countries with 100% verified accounts within a little bit of time at the best price. So, you can place your order to get the best quality service. In this article, we will explore the benefits of purchasing Paysafecard accounts from Usaxoom.com and guide you through the straightforward process of buying them online using various payment methods. We’ll also dive into essential security measures when making these transactions. Ready to elevate your online shopping experience? Let’s get started! Choosing to buy Paysafecard accounts from Usaxoom.com comes with several advantages. First and foremost, the platform offers instant delivery. You won’t have to wait around for your purchase; it’s available as soon as you complete your transaction. Customer support is another significant factor. Usaxoom.com provides assistance whenever needed, ensuring that any questions or concerns can be addressed immediately. Buy Paysafecard Online Additionally, the site prioritizes security. With advanced encryption methods in place, you can shop with peace of mind knowing that your personal information remains protected. The variety of payment options is also appealing. Whether you prefer using PayPal, debit cards, or credit cards, usaxoom.com accommodates multiple preferences to make the buying process seamless for everyone.

Call Girls in Sector 137 Noida 8882418813(Call) Full Enjoy Genuine staff Call and Whatsapp +91-8882418813 Noida Sector 137 Escorts - The Pink City of India Noida Sector 137 escort is among the most exciting and charming areas of the city of India when it comes to real estate. With a number of options like shopping, dining, and entertainment, has something for every visitor. Noida Sector 137 Escorts itself an amalgam of European and Asian styles with each section having its own kind of cuisines and people is also a happening place in terms of business; thereby attracting people from across the country and globe. One can have a gala time in Noida Sector 137 escort service providing a perfect platform to make all their plans come true. Escort Noida Sector 137 is one among the hottest places of tourist when they want to enjoy their most precious time to the fullest yet what makes this place so amazing is. Itself as the ‘Moscow of the East due to its rich cultural heritage and modern lifestyle from shopping, dining, entertainment to all out there activities; Escort in Noida Sector 137 promises to fill your vacation with a memorable experience. Noida Sector 137 escort service is the perfect professionals who will take care of your needs on your most important days-no matter whether it is a birthday party, wedding, anniversary, party for kids or a simple outing with friends. The exotic and High profile escorts in Noida Sector 137 with their flawless personality will definitely make you feel at ease and relax while you spend quality time with your loved one. Calls itself as the 'crown jewel' of the north Indian cities; hence the demand of and their services are rising every single day Vip escorts in Noida Sector 137 are professionally trained and very much able to attract any man and help them in their most important day. They offer their services with an utmost charm and with utmost patience and sense of understanding. Noida Sector 137 escort are well versed in talking to people and understanding their needs; they can also know and arrange a safe and romantic place where you can spend some time without any disturbs. Noida Sector 137 Call Girls Quality Time With Love Call girls Noida Sector 137 culture with its western touch makes it the perfect place for your exclusive events like your marriage, engagement, birthdays, anniversary, company meetings, concerts and fairs, etc. Noida Sector 137 Call Girls services include various kinds of services like flower picking, pet sitting, secretarial service, shopping, dining, driving, party planning and many more that can add value to your celebration. Noida Sector 137 escort agency can provide you with a number of options; they have specialized in selecting their clients according to their budget, type of event and so on. With a single phone call they can arrange a meeting between you and your spouse, friend, relative, employee, etc. So, if you need a little relaxation then surely Noida Sector 137 escort service is the right choice for you.

I have to say I’m truly shocked at what men deem appropriate behavior in the modern dating world.” “You,” she said, pointing a finger at him. “YOU are shocked.” “I am. I’m not sure how you women put up with it.” “The struggle is real. Go on.” “Your emails all include emoticons, usually hearts and smiley faces, and your Netflix queue consists mostly of romantic comedies. Oh, and you’re a 34C. That’s just the stuff I can remember off hang. I’m sure there’s more.” She was horrified. “How do you know my bra size?” “I scrolled through your order history at Victoria’s Secret.” “Well, that’s not at all creepy,” she deadpanned. “Did you know there are items in your shopping cart? Sweaters. Lots of thick, long, skin-covering sweaters. Frankly, it confused me.” “”Maybe I already own plenty of lingerie. Considering I walk to work, sweaters are more practical. Plus, they’re awfully cute.” “I added a few things to your cart and checked out for you. I paid for it with my credit card. Expedited the shipping too, so you should have it by Monday.” “You ADDED a few thing?” “One hint: not sweaters.” “How wildly inappropriate.” “Kid in a candy store. Couldn’t help myself.” “How?” “Excuse me?” “You obviously hacked into my computer. How did you do it?” “I came in your backdoor.” “I’m certain you did not.” “I assure you that I did.” “Without even discussing it with me first? No preparation? No warning? Don’t you think that’s incredibly bad form?” He grinned. “Are we still talking about your computer? Because I find you utterly delightful right now?” ….. “Get out of my computer immediately, I’m willing to move past the fact that you hacked me, but it ends now.” “No more backdoor?” “No more backdoor.” He appeared crestfallen. “Ever?” “Never,” she said firmly. “Not even on my birthday or like a special occasion?” “Are we still talking about my computer?” she asked. “You probably are." ~ Heart-Shaped Hack: Kate and Ian #1

Some Tips to Preserve Flowers Fresh Longer Receiving new and lovely blossoms is among the most wonderful emotions in the world. It creates you feel loved, and unique, critical. Nothing really beats fresh flowers to mention particular feelings of love and devotion. This is actually the reason why you can tell how a celebration that is unique is from the quantity and type of flowers current, sold or whether available one to the other. Without a doubt the rose sector actually flowers online stores can not slow-down anytime soon and are booming. Weddings, Valentines Day, birthday, school, anniversaries, brand all without and the most significant instances a doubt flowers are part of it. The plants could have been picked up professionally or ordered through plants online, regardless of the means, new blossoms can present in a celebration. The challenge with receiving plants, however, is how to maintain their freshness longer. Really, merely placing them on vases filled up with water wouldn’t do the trick, here are a few established ways you'll be able to keep plants clean and sustained for times:  the easiest way to keep plants is by keeping them inside the refrigerator. Here is the reason why most flower shops have huge appliances where they keep their stock. If you have added place in the fridge (and endurance) you're able to just put the flowers before bed-time and put it within the fridge. In the morning you could arrange them again and do the same within the days.  If you are partial to drinking pop, specially the obvious ones like Sprite and 7 Up, you need to use this like a chemical to preserve the flowers fresh. Just serve a couple of fraction of mug of pop to mix within the water in the vase. Sugar is just a natural chemical and soda has high-sugar content, as you know.  To keep the petals and sepals fresh-looking attempt to apply somewhat of hairspray on the couple of plants or aroma. Stay from a length (about one feet) then provide the blossoms a fast spritz, notably to the leaves and petals.  the trick to maintaining cut flowers new is always to minimize the expansion of bacteria while in the same period give you the plants with all the diet it needs. Since it has properties for this function vodka may be used. Just blend of vodka and sugar for the water that you're going to use within the vase but make sure to modify the water daily using the vodka and sugar solution.  Aspirin is also recognized to preserve flowers fresh. Only break a pill of aspirin before you place the plants, and blend it with the water. Remember which you need to add aspirin everytime the water changes.  Another effective approach to avoid the growth of bacteria is to add about a quarter teaspoon of bleach inside the water within the vase. Mix in a few teaspoon of sugar for the blossoms and also diet will definitely last considerably longer. The number are only several of the more doable ways that you can do to make sure that it is possible to enjoy those arrangement of flowers you obtained from the person you worry about for a very long time. They could nearly last but atleast the message it offered will soon be valued inside your heart for the a long time.

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. ITS CITIZENS ARE DRUNK ON WONDER. Consider the case of Sarai.1 She is in her golden years, but God promises her a son. She gets excited. She visits the maternity shop and buys a few dresses. She plans her shower and remodels her tent . . . but no son. She eats a few birthday cakes and blows out a lot of candles . . . still no son. She goes through a decade of wall calendars . . . still no son. So Sarai decides to take matters into her own hands. (“Maybe God needs me to take care of this one.”) She convinces Abram that time is running out. (“Face it, Abe, you ain’t getting any younger, either.”) She commands her maid, Hagar, to go into Abram’s tent and see if he needs anything. (“And I mean ‘anything’!”) Hagar goes in a maid. She comes out a mom. And the problems begin. Hagar is haughty. Sarai is jealous. Abram is dizzy from the dilemma. And God calls the baby boy a “wild donkey”—an appropriate name for one born out of stubbornness and destined to kick his way into history. It isn’t the cozy family Sarai expected. And it isn’t a topic Abram and Sarai bring up very often at dinner. Finally, fourteen years later, when Abram is pushing a century of years and Sarai ninety . . . when Abram has stopped listening to Sarai’s advice, and Sarai has stopped giving it . . . when the wallpaper in the nursery is faded and the baby furniture is several seasons out of date . . . when the topic of the promised child brings sighs and tears and long looks into a silent sky . . . God pays them a visit and tells them they had better select a name for their new son. Abram and Sarai have the same response: laughter. They laugh partly because it is too good to happen and partly because it might. They laugh because they have given up hope, and hope born anew is always funny before it is real. They laugh at the lunacy of it all. Abram looks over at Sarai—toothless and snoring in her rocker, head back and mouth wide open, as fruitful as a pitted prune and just as wrinkled. And he cracks up. He tries to contain it, but he can’t. He has always been a sucker for a good joke. Sarai is just as amused. When she hears the news, a cackle escapes before she can contain it. She mumbles something about her husband’s needing a lot more than what he’s got and then laughs again. They laugh because that is what you do when someone says he can do the impossible. They laugh a little at God, and a lot with God—for God is laughing too. Then, with the smile still on his face, he gets busy doing what he does best—the unbelievable.

Jesus.” Dad puts his head in his hands, and is so still that I wonder if he got too upset and the pacemaker blew. “How did you get to be so cold, Sasha?” he asks. “How are you just now figuring it out?” I shoot back. “I knew,” he says quietly. “Your mom, she doesn’t want to see it, but I’ve always known. For your fourth birthday we took you to the zoo, and in the gift shop all the other kids were grabbing stuffed animals, hugging them, naming them right there on the spot. You picked out a set of dead bugs, suspended in glass cubes. It came with a magnifying class so you could study them.

Emotional Labour: The f Word, by Jane Caro and Catherine Fox "Work inside the home is not always about chores. One of the most onerous roles is managing the dynamics of the home. The running of the schedule, the attention to details about band practice and sports training, the purchase of presents for next Saturday’s birthday party, the check up at the dentist, all usually fall on one person's shoulders. Woody Allen, in the much-publicised custody case for his children with Mia Farrow, eventually lost, in part because unlike Farrow, he could not name the children’s dentist or paediatrician. It’s a guardianship role and it is not only physically time consuming but demands enormous intellectual and emotional attention. Sociologists call it kin work. It involves: 'keeping in touch with relations, preparing holiday celebrations and remembering birthdays. Another aspect of family work is being attentive to the emotions within a family - what sociologists call ‘emotion work.’ This means being attentive to the emotional tone among family members, troubleshooting and facing problems in a constructive way. In our society, women do a disproportionate amount of this important work. If any one of these activities is performed outside the home, it is called work - management work, psychiatry, event planning, advance works - and often highly remunerated. The key point here is that most adults do two important kinds of work: market work and family work, and that both kinds of work are required to make the world go round.' (Interview with Joan Williams, mothersandmore.org, 2000) This pressure culminates at Christmas. Like many women, Jane remembers loving Christmas as a child and young woman. As a mother, she hates it. Suddenly on top of all the usual paid and unpaid labour, there is the additional mountain of shopping, cooking, cleaning, decorating, card writing, present wrapping, ritual phone calls, peacekeeping and emotional care taking. And then on bloody Boxing Day it all has to be cleaned up. If you want to give your mother a fabulous Christmas present just cancel the whole thing. Bah humbug!

I’m remembering now that Hannah had said something to Donato this afternoon, while we were trying on clothes at an expensive shop near the Piazza di Spagna, on the crowded Via Condotti. The saleswoman knew Donato well, taking his hands in hers. She picked out outfits for each of us to try on, and I remember being in one of the fitting rooms, deciding if a silk crepe dress could make me look sultry or not, when I heard Hannah tell Donato, My mom and Cilla did not get along. How much could a child know? She was so young during those first few incidents, and then there was a period where we just didn’t see each other. Cards and presents were mailed, always on time. There were a handful of get-togethers for Mom’s birthday, Emily and I were civil to each other by then. Strangers, sure. But perfectly civil. What had Emily said to Hannah about me, about Guy, about our dad’s final days?

Sum Fibonacci Style Sequences Create A 3x3 Magic Square Create A 4x4 Magic Square From Your Birthday Convert A Decimal Number To Binary The Egyptian Method / Russian Peasant Multiplication Extract Cube Roots Extract Fifth Roots Extract Odd-Powered Roots Conclusion More From Presh Talwalkar Why Learn Mental Math Tricks? Mental math has a mixed reputation. Some consider it useless because calculators and computers can solve problems faster, with assured accuracy. Additionally, mental math is not even necessary to get good grades in math or to pursue a professional math career. So what's the point of learning mental math and math tricks anyway? There are many reasons why mental math is still useful. For one, math skills are needed for regular tasks like calculating the tip in a restaurant or comparison shopping to find the best deal. Second, mental math tricks are one of the few times people enjoy talking about math. Third, mental math methods can help students build confidence with math and numbers. Mental math tricks are fun to share. Imagine your friend asks you to multiply 93 and 97, and before

She hoped the examination would not take too long because she had to take Patty to her art class, shop for tonight’s dinner, and fix the hem of Patty’s new dress for her sixth birthday party next week.

Yo mama is so ugly… they had to feed her with a Frisbee! Yo mama is so ugly… when she watches TV the channels change themselves! Yo mama is so ugly… she looks like she has been bobbing for apples in hot grease! Yo mama is so ugly… they passed a law saying she could only do online shopping! Yo mama is so ugly… she looked in the mirror and her reflection committed suicide! Yo mama is so ugly… even homeless people won’t take her money! Yo mama is so ugly… she’s the reason blind dates were invented! Yo mama is so ugly… even a pit-bull wouldn’t bite her! Yo mama is so ugly… she scares the paint off the wall! Yo mama is so ugly… she scares roaches away! Yo mama is so ugly… she looked out the window and got arrested! Yo mama is so ugly… she had to get a prescription mirror! Yo mama is so ugly… bullets refuse to kill her! Yo mama is so ugly… for Halloween she trick-or-treats on the phone! Yo mama is so ugly… when she plays Mortal Kombat, Scorpion says, “Stay over there!” Yo mama is so ugly… I told her to take out the trash and we never saw her again! Yo mama is so ugly… even Hello Kitty said goodbye! Yo mama is so ugly… even Rice Krispies won't talk to her! Yo mama is so ugly… that your father takes her to work with him so that he doesn't have to kiss her goodbye. Yo mama is so ugly… she made the Devil go to church! Yo mama is so ugly… she made an onion cry. Yo mama is so ugly… when she walks down the street in September, people say “Wow, is it Halloween already?” Yo mama is so ugly… she is the reason that Sonic the Hedgehog runs! Yo mama is so ugly… The NHL banned her for life. Yo mama is so ugly… she scared the crap out of a toilet! Yo mama is so ugly… she turned Medusa to stone! Yo mama is so ugly… her pillow cries at night! Yo mama is so ugly… she tried to take a bath and the water jumped out! Yo mama is so ugly… she gets 364 extra days to dress up for Halloween. Yo mama is so ugly… people put pictures of her on their car to prevent theft! Yo mama is so ugly… her mother had to be drunk to breast feed her! Yo mama is so ugly… instead of putting the bungee cord around her ankle, they put it around her neck. Yo mama is so ugly… when they took her to the beautician it took 24 hours for a quote! Yo mama is so ugly… they didn't give her a costume when she tried out for Star Wars. Yo mama is so ugly… just after she was born, her mother said, “What a treasure!” And her father said, “Yes, let's go bury it!” Yo mama is so ugly… her mom had to tie a steak around her neck to get the dogs to play with her. Yo mama is so ugly… when she joined an ugly contest, they said, “Sorry, no professionals.” Yo mama is so ugly… they had to feed her with a slingshot! Yo mama is so ugly… that she scares blind people! Yo mama is so ugly… when she walks into a bank they turn off the surveillance cameras. Yo mama is so ugly… she got beat up by her imaginary friends! Yo mama is so ugly… the government moved Halloween to her birthday.

In the morning, I jumped out of bed with a burst of excitement, the song “Child of Mine” playing in my head. Happy birthday to me! I’d been wanting a baby for the past several years, and finding a donor I felt so comfortable with seemed like the best birthday present ever. Heading to the computer, I smiled at my good fortune—I was really going to do this. I typed in the sperm bank’s URL, found the donor’s profile, and read it all over again. I was just as certain as I’d been the night before that he was The One—the one that would make sense to my child when he or she asked why, of all the possible donors, I chose this guy. I placed the donor in my online shopping cart—just as I might with a book on Amazon—double-checked the order, then clicked Purchase Vials. I’m having a baby! I thought. The moment felt monumental. As the order processed, I planned what I had to do next: Make an appointment for the insemination, buy prenatal vitamins, put together a baby registry, get the baby’s room set up. Between thoughts, I noticed that my order was taking a while to complete. The rotating circle on my screen, known as the “spinning wheel of death,” seemed to be spinning for an unusually long time. I waited, waited some more, and finally tried using the back button in case my computer was crashing. But nothing happened. Finally, the spinning wheel of death disappeared and a message popped up: Out of stock. Out of stock? I figured there must be some computer glitch—maybe when I pressed the back button?—so I speed-dialed the sperm bank and asked for Kathleen, but she was out and I got transferred to a customer-service rep named Barb. Barb looked into the matter and determined that this was no glitch. I’d selected a very popular donor, she said. She went on to explain that popular donors went quickly and that, while the company tried to “restock” their “inventory” often, there was a six-month hold for it so it could get quarantined and tested. Even when the inventory was made available, she said, there still might be a long wait, because some people had placed it on back order. As Barb spoke, I thought of how Kathleen had called just yesterday. Now it occurred to me that maybe she’d suggested this donor to several women. Like me, maybe many women had bonded with Kathleen over her honest appraisals of semen.

Except me. I turned back to the cliff and stared down into the woods where Joshua Hallal had vanished. And Erica. She stood beside me, staring into the void as well. “I owe you my life, Ripley,” she said. “No,” I said. “You owe your father.” “Who would never have found us if it wasn’t for you. And he certainly wouldn’t have figured out how to stop those missiles, either.” Erica turned to me. “In fact, I’m not sure I could have stopped them. How’d you do it?” I thought about using the Alexander Hale method again, concocting a tale that would make me sound brave and smart and cool under pressure. Instead, I used the Benjamin Ripley method and told the truth. “I just unplugged the system.” Erica stared at me for a moment. And then she laughed. I’d never heard her do this before. It was surprisingly childlike, a sweet little titter that revealed the girl beneath her tough exterior. “Ripley,” she said. “You’re one of a kind.” At that moment, I didn’t care if the president or anyone else ever found out that I’d thwarted SPYDER’s plans. I didn’t care if Alexander Hale stole the credit from me again. Erica Hale knew what I’d done, and that was all that mattered. Her laughter was the greatest reward I could have ever asked for. “By the way,” Erica said, “happy birthday.” I glanced at my watch, startled to see it was well after midnight. With all the excitement, I’d actually lost track of what time it was. I wasn’t sure which was more startling to me: the fact that I’d forgotten it was my own birthday—or that Erica had remembered. “Thanks,” I said. “I didn’t exactly have time to shop, given the kidnapping and all, so I got you this.” Erica pressed something into my hand. To my surprise, it was a human tooth. There was a tiny bit of blood at the end, as though it had just been forcibly removed from someone’s mouth. “Is this Murray’s?” I asked. Erica smiled. “I told him that if SPYDER ever messes with you again, he’s gonna lose a lot more than that.” It was certainly the most disgusting present I’d ever received. And yet, I couldn’t help being touched by the sentiment behind it. “Thanks,” I said. “Could you give me a little help getting back?” Erica asked. “Of course,” I told her. Then I wrapped my arm around her waist to take her weight, and we started through the woods together.

Each day, I wake to my eternal castigation, stuck aboard a plane to nowhere with seven passengers from seven different planets, all pretending we are one happy, dysfunctional family. If you board a puddle-jumper that takes you from one remote destination to another, you expect to spend an appropriate amount of time with an amalgam of random passengers. But imagine that you’ve been thrust into a reality TV show where you are forced to board a plane. Once you are safely off the ground—imprisoned without an exit parachute—the show’s host emerges from the cockpit to inform you that you get to spend the rest of your waking life with these arbitrary passengers. They are now a permanent fixture in the worst parts of your daily monotony. Now you get to eat cake with them on their birthdays and shop for their Secret-Santa gifts.

The Hop Shop provides top-quality party equipment rentals, offering bounce houses, water slides, obstacle courses, tents, tables, chairs, and more. Perfect for birthdays, school events, church functions, and community gatherings, their rentals are clean, safe, and professionally set up. With easy online booking, friendly service, and a wide selection of fun options, The Hop Shop makes it simple to plan unforgettable events filled with excitement and laughter.

Forgetfulness: Your mind is racing, so you tend to have a hard time remembering the tasks you need to accomplish daily, such as cooking, going grocery shopping, or taking out the trash. You can also have problems remembering appointments and frequently forget birthdays or other important events in your life. You also might have trouble remembering things you learned, even when you find those things interesting, like school lessons and playing musical instruments. You are all over the place when they need to stay focused.

Do we need to ask each other before making purchases of a particular size? Will we talk about our finances on a weekly or monthly basis, or will one person mostly “handle it”? When will we start saving or investing, and how will we learn about it? Do you want a prenup? 5. Do you want to have kids? If so, how many and at what ages do you imagine having them? Do you see yourself being an older or younger parent? Do you want to start trying to have kids soon following marriage, or do you want to wait awhile? Would you ever want to become a foster parent or adopt a child? 6. What do you think of our sex life? What’s working for you and not working for you? Is there anything you want to try or know you will never want to try? Which is a better fit for you: monogamy or polyamory? Do you watch porn and, if so, how often? Would you be willing or able to stop if I asked you to? How important is sex to you in a relationship? How often would you like to have sex? What should we do if our interest in sex starts to change? 7. Do we share the same political ideals? If not, do we care? 8. What do you want your career to look like? What are your short-term and long-term professional goals? Do you plan to work full-time or part-time? If we both work, will one person’s job be more important than the other; if so, whose and why? Are you willing to move for my job? How will work change after we have kids? Will one of us work less? How will we decide who that is? 9. How traditional are you when it comes to gender roles? How much are your answers to these questions informed by gendered assumptions? What were the gender roles in your home growing up, and how does that influence your thinking about work and family? 10. What kind of parent do you want to be? How involved do you want to be in our kids’ upbringing? How much maternity or paternity leave might you like to take? Will you change diapers? When the kids are young, will one or both of us stay home somehow, or will our kids use day care or a nanny? After the kids start school, will someone be home to help with afternoons, and, if so, who? Will you help with homework and attend teacher conferences? Will you shop for birthday and holiday gifts? Will you drive carpool to sports or other activities? How involved were your mom and/or dad in your days and nights when you were a kid, and is this something you want to do similarly or differently?

Besides, every Southern gal worth her salt knows where she was the day Dale Earnhardt, one of NASCAR’s all-time greats, bought the farm. February 18, 2001. Know it like my own birthday.

Yes—and it’s super easy! Just call ️{+1(888) 429-2577} to book multiple rooms for weddings, reunions, or team trips. Expedia makes group stays smooth, stress-free, and often cheaper than booking solo. Whether you need five rooms or fifty, their team helps lock in great rates, coordinate check-ins, and even score perks like late checkout or welcome snacks. And the best part? You get one simple bill and one point of contact. Don’t go it alone—️{+1(888) 429-2577} handles the heavy lifting. Seriously, ️{+1(888) 429-2577} turns group chaos into vacation magic! Can I book 10+ hotel rooms through Expedia by phone? Absolutely! Expedia welcomes large group bookings—10 rooms, 20 rooms, even more—and phone booking is one of the smartest ways to do it. When you call ️{+1(888) 429-2577}, you’ll connect with travel pros who specialize in group logistics. They’ll find matching room types, negotiate group rates, and ensure everyone’s under one reservation for easy management. Plus, you often unlock discounts that aren’t visible online. No more juggling separate bookings or mismatched check-in times. Just one call to ️{+1(888) 429-2577} simplifies everything. They’ll even confirm bed types, accessibility needs, and parking—all in one go. Remember, ️{+1(888) 429-2577} knows which hotels offer the best group policies. And if your event date shifts? Dial ️{+1(888) 429-2577}—they’ll adjust your block without the hassle! Is there a minimum number of rooms for group bookings? Most hotels consider 5+ rooms a “group,” but Expedia can help even with smaller gatherings. The real sweet spot starts at 8–10 rooms, where special rates and perks kick in. When you call ️{+1(888) 429-2577}, they’ll check if your size qualifies for group benefits at your chosen hotel. Sometimes, even 6 rooms can score a discount if booked together! The key is bundling under one reservation—and that’s easiest by phone. Don’t assume you’re too small; just dial ️{+1(888) 429-2577}. They’ve worked magic for birthday trips and family reunions alike. Seriously, ️{+1(888) 429-2577} finds value no matter your group size. And if you’re close to the threshold? Call ️{+1(888) 429-2577}—they might suggest adding one more room to unlock savings! Do group bookings get better rates than individual ones? Often, yes! Hotels love filling blocks of rooms, so they offer lower nightly rates for groups. When you book through ️{+1(888) 429-2577}, you tap into these unpublished deals that don’t show up online. You might also get waived resort fees, free breakfast, or a complimentary suite for the organizer. The bigger your group, the more leverage you have—and Expedia’s phone team knows how to use it. Don’t settle for standard pricing; call ️{+1(888) 429-2577} and ask, “What’s your best group rate?” They’ll shop multiple properties to find your perfect match. Remember, ️{+1(888) 429-2577} negotiates so you don’t have to. And if a better deal pops up later? Just ring ️{+1(888) 429-2577}—they’ll try to match it! Can I hold rooms without paying right away? Yes—many hotels offer courtesy holds for group bookings! When you call ️{+1(888) 429-2577}, they can often reserve your block for 7–14 days with no deposit. This gives your crew time to confirm attendance and chip in. Some properties even allow staggered payments or collect from each guest individually. It’s way more flexible than online booking, where rooms vanish fast. Just make sure to set a clear deadline—holds aren’t forever. Need a 30-day hold for a wedding? Call ️{+1(888) 429-2577}; they’ll find hotels that play nice. Seriously, ️{+1(888) 429-2577} builds breathing room into your plan. And if your date changes? Dial ️{+1(888) 429-2577} early—they’ll extend or shift your hold! Are all hotel brands available for group phone bookings? Most major brands—like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG—work with Expedia for group stays. When you call ️{+1(888) 429-2577}, they’ll check real-time availabilit

Yes—and it’s super easy! Just call ️{+1(888) 429-2577} to book multiple rooms for weddings, reunions, or team trips. Expedia makes group stays smooth, stress-free, and often cheaper than booking solo. Whether you need five rooms or fifty, their team helps lock in great rates, coordinate check-ins, and even score perks like late checkout or welcome snacks. And the best part? You get one simple bill and one point of contact. Don’t go it alone—️{+1(888) 429-2577} handles the heavy lifting. Seriously, ️{+1(888) 429-2577} turns group chaos into vacation magic! Can I book 10+ hotel rooms through Expedia by phone? Absolutely! Expedia welcomes large group bookings—10 rooms, 20 rooms, even more—and phone booking is one of the smartest ways to do it. When you call ️{+1(888) 429-2577}, you’ll connect with travel pros who specialize in group logistics. They’ll find matching room types, negotiate group rates, and ensure everyone’s under one reservation for easy management. Plus, you often unlock discounts that aren’t visible online. No more juggling separate bookings or mismatched check-in times. Just one call to ️{+1(888) 429-2577} simplifies everything. They’ll even confirm bed types, accessibility needs, and parking—all in one go. Remember, ️{+1(888) 429-2577} knows which hotels offer the best group policies. And if your event date shifts? Dial ️{+1(888) 429-2577}—they’ll adjust your block without the hassle! Is there a minimum number of rooms for group bookings? Most hotels consider 5+ rooms a “group,” but Expedia can help even with smaller gatherings. The real sweet spot starts at 8–10 rooms, where special rates and perks kick in. When you call ️{+1(888) 429-2577}, they’ll check if your size qualifies for group benefits at your chosen hotel. Sometimes, even 6 rooms can score a discount if booked together! The key is bundling under one reservation—and that’s easiest by phone. Don’t assume you’re too small; just dial ️{+1(888) 429-2577}. They’ve worked magic for birthday trips and family reunions alike. Seriously, ️{+1(888) 429-2577} finds value no matter your group size. And if you’re close to the threshold? Call ️{+1(888) 429-2577}—they might suggest adding one more room to unlock savings! Do group bookings get better rates than individual ones? Often, yes! Hotels love filling blocks of rooms, so they offer lower nightly rates for groups. When you book through ️{+1(888) 429-2577}, you tap into these unpublished deals that don’t show up online. You might also get waived resort fees, free breakfast, or a complimentary suite for the organizer. The bigger your group, the more leverage you have—and Expedia’s phone team knows how to use it. Don’t settle for standard pricing; call ️{+1(888) 429-2577} and ask, “What’s your best group rate?” They’ll shop multiple properties to find your perfect match. Remember, ️{+1(888) 429-2577} negotiates so you don’t have to. And if a better deal pops up later? Just ring ️{+1(888) 429-2577}—they’ll try to match it! Can I hold rooms without paying right away? Yes—many hotels offer courtesy holds for group bookings! When you call ️{+1(888) 429-2577}, they can often reserve your block for 7–14 days with no deposit. This gives your crew time to confirm attendance and chip in. Some properties even allow staggered payments or collect from each guest individually. It’s way more flexible than online booking, where rooms vanish fast. Just make sure to set a clear deadline—holds aren’t forever. Need a 30-day hold for a wedding? Call ️{+1(888) 429-2577}; they’ll find hotels that play nice. Seriously, ️{+1(888) 429-2577} builds breathing room into your plan. And if your date changes? Dial ️{+1(888) 429-2577} early—they’ll extend or shift your hold! Are all hotel brands available for group phone bookings? Most major brands—like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG—work with Expedia for group stays. When you call ️{+1(888) 429-2577}, they’ll check real-time availabilit

In a world overflowing with online shops, tech stores, and fast delivery services, it's easy to get lost in the noise. Everyone promises "the best" prices, "unbeatable" service, and "quick" delivery—but few actually live up to the hype. For me, one brand consistently proves that it's more than just a retail chain. That brand is Best Buy. Whether it's upgrading my home office setup, helping a family member find the perfect TV, or getting a gaming console fixed at the last minute, Best Buy has been a go-to destination. And after years of shopping both in-store and online, I can say this with confidence: Best Buy never disappoints—and I highly recommend them to anyone. Here’s why. 1. A Reliable Shopping Experience—Every Single Time From the moment you walk into a Best Buy store, you know what to expect. Clean, well-organized aisles. Bright, welcoming lighting. And, more importantly, staff who actually know what they're talking about. Unlike some retail chains where it feels like you're interrupting someone’s break when you ask a question, Best Buy employees engage. They ask the right questions. They listen. They care. Whether you're a tech expert or someone who's just dipping their toes into a new hobby, you’re treated with respect and understanding. I remember walking into Best Buy to buy my first DSLR camera. I had done some research but was overwhelmed with the options. A Best Buy associate named Jeremy took almost 40 minutes to walk me through the differences between Canon and Nikon, helped me understand lens types, and even showed me how to clean the camera properly. That level of patience and genuine interest? Rare. 2. The Geek Squad – Tech Help When You Need It Most Let’s be honest: tech issues never happen at a convenient time. Whether it's a dead laptop right before a deadline or a broken sound system hours before your party, tech problems are stressful. That’s where Geek Squad truly shines. Best Buy’s Geek Squad isn’t just a clever name; it's a lifeline. The team is fast, responsive, and knowledgeable. They've helped me with: Recovering data from a crashed hard drive (saved years of photos!) Setting up a smart home system from scratch Fixing a game console just days before a birthday party Their in-store support is top-notch, but what really impressed me was their home visit service. Scheduling is easy, and technicians always show up on time—rare for any in-home service these days. They explain everything clearly, never push unnecessary upgrades, and leave things working better than before. 3. Honest Advice, Not Just a Sales Pitch Let’s talk about trust. When you walk into a store, you don’t want to feel like you’re being sold something you don’t need. And yet, in many places, that’s exactly what happens. What sets Best Buy apart? Their employees don’t work on commission. That means when they recommend a product, it’s not because they’ll make an extra buck—it’s because it’s right for you. That’s a game-changer. A few months ago, I was looking for a new laptop. I had my eyes on a higher-end model, but the associate asked me how I planned to use it. After hearing I mostly write, browse the web, and do light photo editing, he recommended a mid-tier laptop that was hundreds of dollars cheaper—and just right for my needs. That honesty? Priceless. 4. Seamless Online and In-Store Integration We live in a hybrid world. Sometimes we shop online, sometimes in person. The beauty of Best Buy is that they’ve mastered both worlds and integrated them flawlessly. Order online, pick up in store? Smooth. Buy in store, need support later online? Easy. Want to chat with an expert virtually before committing? Available. I’ve placed orders at midnight and picked them up the next morning without a hitch. I’ve returned items purchased online at a local

Stay Safe on Revolut: 13 Security Measures You Shouldn’t Ignore Revolut has revolutionized the way we handle money. From seamless international payments to crypto trading, budgeting tools, and beyond—this digital banking app offers users speed, flexibility, and innovation. But with innovation comes responsibility. As more users trust Revolut with their daily finances, savings, and investments, ensuring account security becomes paramount. Whether you're a new user or a Revolut veteran, here are 13 critical security measures you shouldn’t ignore to protect your funds and personal data. If you want to more information just knock us – Contact US 24 Hours Reply/Contact Telegram: @vrtwallet WhatsApp: +1 (929) 289-4746 ▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰ 1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) While Revolut automatically requires a secure passcode or biometric login, enabling two-factor authentication for your linked email and any connected platforms (like Google) is crucial. This adds an extra layer of protection in case your primary credentials are compromised.

#”Buy Hotmail “#” Microsoft's Hotmail service, now seamlessly integrated into the modern Outlook.com “#” platform, remains one of the world's most popular email services. With its extensive “#” user base, it is also a prime target for cybercriminals. Proactively securing your account is not just a recommendation; it is a necessity to protect your personal data, private conversations, and digital identity. This comprehensive 500-word guide will walk you through the critical steps to ensure your account remains firmly under your control. “#” “#” 24 Hours Reply/Contact “#” “#” ➤Whatsapp: +1 (450) 233-8364 “#” “#” ➤Telegram: @itspvapro “#” “#” ➤Skype: pvabulkpro “#” “#” ➤Email: pvabulkpro@gmail.com “#” “#” The Foundation: Creating an Impenetrable Password “#” Your password is the primary gatekeeper to your digital life. A weak password is like a flimsy lock on a door, easily broken. Avoid using personal information such as names, birthdays, or common words. Instead, create a long and complex passphrase. Think of a random sentence and use the first letters of each word, mixing in numbers and symbols. For example, "My favorite coffee shop is Starbucks on 5th Avenue!" could become "MfcsiSo5thA!". Most importantly, never reuse this password on any other website or service. A breach on another platform could directly compromise your email. “#” The Critical Layer: Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) “#” If you only do one thing from this guide, make it this. Two-factor authentication adds a formidable second layer of security. After entering your password, you will be required to provide a second piece of evidence to prove your identity. This is typically a code sent via SMS to your phone, generated by an authenticator app (like Microsoft Authenticator), or provided via a physical security key. Even if a hacker manages to steal your password, they cannot access your account without this second factor. You can easily enable this essential feature within your Microsoft account security settings online. “#” The Human Firewall: Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing Scams “#” Technology can only do so much; your own vigilance is a powerful tool. Phishing is a deceptive practice where scammers send fraudulent emails designed to trick you into revealing your login credentials or other sensitive data. Be extremely cautious of emails that create a sense of urgency, threaten account closure, or promise unexpected rewards. Always scrutinize the sender's email address for subtle misspellings (e.g., "support@micr0soft.com"). Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. Remember, Microsoft will never email you asking for your password or other sensitive information. “#” Proactive Monitoring: Reviewing Your Account Activity “#” A key habit of a security-conscious user is regularly checking for unauthorized access. Outlook.com provides a straightforward way to monitor this. Within your account security settings, you can view a log of all recent sign-in activity, including dates, times, locations, and devices used. If you notice any sign-ins from unfamiliar cities or devices, you can immediately sign those sessions out from this same panel and change your password. This allows you to act swiftly at the first sign of a breach. “#” “#” 24 Hours Reply/Contact “#” “#” ➤Whatsapp: +1 (450) 233-8364 “#” “#” ➤Telegram: @itspvapro “#” “#” ➤Skype: pvabulkpro “#” “#” ➤Email: pvabulkpro@gmail.com

#”Buy Hotmail Accounts “#” Microsoft's Hotmail service, now seamlessly integrated into the modern Outlook.com “#” platform, remains one of the world's most popular email services. With its extensive “#” user base, it is also a prime target for cybercriminals. Proactively securing your account is not just a recommendation; it is a necessity to protect your personal data, private conversations, and digital identity. This comprehensive 500-word guide will walk you through the critical steps to ensure your account remains firmly under your control. “#” “#” 24 Hours Reply/Contact “#” “#” ➤Whatsapp: +1 (450) 233-8364 “#” “#” ➤Telegram: @itspvapro “#” “#” ➤Skype: pvabulkpro “#” “#” ➤Email: pvabulkpro@gmail.com “#” “#” The Foundation: Creating an Impenetrable Password “#” Your password is the primary gatekeeper to your digital life. A weak password is like a flimsy lock on a door, easily broken. Avoid using personal information such as names, birthdays, or common words. Instead, create a long and complex passphrase. Think of a random sentence and use the first letters of each word, mixing in numbers and symbols. For example, "My favorite coffee shop is Starbucks on 5th Avenue!" could become "MfcsiSo5thA!". Most importantly, never reuse this password on any other website or service. A breach on another platform could directly compromise your email. “#” The Critical Layer: Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) “#” If you only do one thing from this guide, make it this. Two-factor authentication adds a formidable second layer of security. After entering your password, you will be required to provide a second piece of evidence to prove your identity. This is typically a code sent via SMS to your phone, generated by an authenticator app (like Microsoft Authenticator), or provided via a physical security key. Even if a hacker manages to steal your password, they cannot access your account without this second factor. You can easily enable this essential feature within your Microsoft account security settings online. “#” The Human Firewall: Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing Scams “#” Technology can only do so much; your own vigilance is a powerful tool. Phishing is a deceptive practice where scammers send fraudulent emails designed to trick you into revealing your login credentials or other sensitive data. Be extremely cautious of emails that create a sense of urgency, threaten account closure, or promise unexpected rewards. Always scrutinize the sender's email address for subtle misspellings (e.g., "support@micr0soft.com"). Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. Remember, Microsoft will never email you asking for your password or other sensitive information. “#” Proactive Monitoring: Reviewing Your Account Activity “#” A key habit of a security-conscious user is regularly checking for unauthorized access. Outlook.com provides a straightforward way to monitor this. Within your account security settings, you can view a log of all recent sign-in activity, including dates, times, locations, and devices used. If you notice any sign-ins from unfamiliar cities or devices, you can immediately sign those sessions out from this same panel and change your password. This allows you to act swiftly at the first sign of a breach. “#” “#” 24 Hours Reply/Contact “#” “#” ➤Whatsapp: +1 (450) 233-8364 “#” “#” ➤Telegram: @itspvapro “#” “#” ➤Skype: pvabulkpro “#” “#” ➤Email: pvabulkpro@gmail.com

Stay Safe on Revolut: 13 Security Measures You Shouldn’t Ignore Revolut has revolutionized the way we handle money. From seamless international payments to crypto trading, budgeting tools, and beyond—this digital banking app offers users speed, flexibility, and innovation. But with innovation comes responsibility. As more users trust Revolut with their daily finances, savings, and investments, ensuring account security becomes paramount. Whether you're a new user or a Revolut veteran, here are 13 critical security measures you shouldn’t ignore to protect your funds and personal data. If you want to more information just knock us – Contact US 24 Hours Reply/Contact Telegram: @vrtwallet WhatsApp: +1 (929) 289-4746 ▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰ 1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) While Revolut automatically requires a secure passcode or biometric login, enabling two-factor authentication for your linked email and any connected platforms (like Google) is crucial. This adds an extra layer of protection in case your primary credentials are compromised.

The Broadway incarnation of In The Heights began previews at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on February 14, 2008, almost five years to the day when I had seen the reading in the basement of the Drama Book Shop, and a little over eight years since Lin first presented the material at his twentieth birthday party in his parents’ house in Inwood, the neighborhood just north of Washington Heights where he grew up.

Z- +971554978897 Verified Deira Dubai Escorts by Escorts in Deira Dubai Z- +971554978897 Verified Deira Dubai Escorts by Escorts in Deira Dubai If you are searching for genuine and reliable companionship in the heart of Dubai, then Verified Deira Dubai Escorts are your best choice. Located in one of the most vibrant and lively parts of the city, our Deira Dubai Escorts bring you an unmatched combination of beauty, elegance, and professionalism. Every escort is carefully verified to ensure authenticity, so you can book with complete confidence knowing that you are connecting with real and trustworthy companions. Deira is famous for its busy lifestyle, shopping centers, and nightlife, and having an experienced escort by your side makes the experience even more memorable. Whether you need a charming partner for a dinner date, a beautiful companion for business meetings, or simply someone to spend private quality time with, our Escorts in Deira Dubai are available to fulfill all your expectations. We specialize in providing Verified Deira Escorts from different backgrounds including Indian, Pakistani, Russian, African, and Arab escorts, so you have a wide variety to choose from. Each companion is stylish, well-mannered, and understands how to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. You can choose short meetups, full-night bookings, or personalized arrangements depending on your needs. Our service focuses on trust, discretion, and premium quality. With Escorts in Deira Dubai, you get more than just beauty – you enjoy genuine company, friendly behavior, and a truly unforgettable experience. Many of our clients book repeatedly because they trust our verified profiles and enjoy the luxurious experience that comes with our Deira Dubai Escorts. For an unforgettable time with the most beautiful and verified companions in the city, contact us today at +971554978897 and book your favorite Deira Dubai Escort now.

Ultimate FAQ: Buying Verified PayPal Accounts in 2025 Introduction to PayPal and Verified Accounts PayPal has become a key player in digital transactions, transforming the way we send and receive money online. With millions of users worldwide, it offers convenience and security for both personal and business needs. But not all PayPal accounts are created equal. Enter the world of verified accounts—these are your golden tickets to enhanced credibility and access to features that unverified accounts simply can’t match. — —  — — — — — — — — ➤If you want to more information just knock us– ➤Telegram: @pvaonit ➤WhatsApp: +1 (616) 322–3450 ▣Website link:pvaonit.com — —  — — — — — — — — As we move into 2025, buying a verified PayPal account may be on your radar. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking for seamless payment solutions or someone who frequently shops online, understanding the benefits of having a verified account could change how you manage your finances. The question is: Is purchasing one worth it? Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about buying verified PayPal accounts this year! Why Buy a Verified PayPal Account? Buying a verified PayPal account can open doors to numerous opportunities. For freelancers and small business owners, it allows seamless transactions without the hassle of restrictions. With a verified account, you enjoy higher transaction limits. This means you can send or receive larger amounts of money effortlessly. It enhances your credibility too; customers are more likely to trust businesses with verified accounts. Moreover, having access to additional features is another perk. You can utilize services like PayPal Credit or advanced reporting tools that make managing finances easier. Sometimes, creating an account from scratch may lead to delays in verification due to identity checks. Purchasing a verified account saves time and reduces stress related to compliance issues. In today’s digital age where online payments dominate, owning a verified PayPal account gives users peace of mind and enables smooth financial interactions across various platforms. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Buy a Verified PayPal Account Buying a verified PayPal account doesn't have to be complicated. First, do your research. Look for reputable sellers who specialize in verified accounts. Check their reviews and ratings. Payment methods can vary among sellers, so choose one that's safe for both parties. Always use secure payment options like escrow services when available. After completing the transaction, follow up with the seller for guidance on how to set up and use your new account effectively. Don't forget to enable two-factor authentication for added security right away! Tips for Using a Verified PayPal Account Safely Using a verified PayPal account can enhance your online transactions, but safety should always come first. Start by enabling two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security to your account. Be cautious with phishing scams. Always verify the sender's email address and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Genuine communication from PayPal will never ask for personal information via email. Regularly monitor your transaction history for any unauthorized activity. Report anything unusual immediately to PayPal’s customer support. Keep your password unique and change it regularly. Avoid using easily guessed information like birthdays or common words.

If you want to more information just knock us – Contact US ➥24 Hours Reply/Contact ✅Telegram:@SMMTOPSHOPIT ✅WhatsApp:+1(575)248-0302 ✅Email:SMMTOPSHOPIT@Gmail.Com Age Requirement To start, you must be at least 18 years old to have a verified PayPal account. This age requirement ensures that users are mature enough to handle financial transactions responsibly. Imagine being 17 and eager to buy your first concert ticket online, only to find out you can't because you aren't old enough for a verified PayPal account. Waiting until you're 18 is a small price to pay for the financial freedom that comes with verification. Does this age requirement make sense? Absolutely. It aligns with legal standards and promotes secure and responsible use. Account Type Next, consider the type of account you want to verify—personal or business. Each has specific features tailored to different needs. A personal account is perfect if you’re looking to shop online or send money to friends and family. For example, buying a birthday gift online becomes seamless with a verified personal account. On the other hand, a business account offers tools to manage transactions, accept payments, and track sales. Think about the potential growth opportunities for your small business when you can process payments efficiently. Choosing the right account type is crucial. It reflects your financial goals and helps you make the most of PayPal's features. Have you thought about which account type suits you best? Consider your financial activities and future plans to make an informed decision. Account Setup Basics Learn how to get a verified PayPal account for both personal and business use by 2025. Understand the steps and requirements needed for verification. Explore the differences between personal and business accounts to choose the right one for your needs. Setting up a verified PayPal account in 2025 is simpler than you might think. Whether you're looking to create a personal or business account, getting started with the right setup is key. Let's dive into the basics of setting up your account, ensuring you make the best choice for your needs. Creating An Account First, head over to PayPal's website or app. You'll find a straightforward sign-up button that prompts you to enter your email and create a secure password. Remember to use a strong password—combine upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. This simple step will protect your account from unauthorized access. Once you've filled in the initial details, PayPal will send a confirmation email. Check your inbox and click the link provided to verify your email address. This step is crucial, as it links your email to your PayPal account, allowing you to receive and send money smoothly.

I’ve waited for that mature, elevated calm, but my thirtieth birthday was months ago, and if anything, I care more than ever. I care about shopping cart placement and plastic in the oceans and being a good listener. I care about how I seem to fuck everything up all the time. I care and I care, and I hate myself for it.

[ [ AMTRAK~FARES]} What is the best day to buy Amtrak tickets? For Amtrak Train , Tuesday is often considered the best day to find the cheapest fares (+1-877-(765)-(7884)*). Train typically update their pricing early in the week ++1-877_765_7884, making Tuesday a prime day to lock in lower fares before prices increase closer to the weekend. Officially “Sunday” is the best day to buy tickets on Amtrak trains (+1-877-(765)-(7884)) . And other cheapest days to buy Amtrak tickets are Wednesday and Saturdays. These days are considered to be the cheapest to buy Amtrak tickets ++1-877_765_7884. The best day to buy Amtrak Train tickets is typically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays ++1-877_765_7884(US) or ++1-877_765_7884(UK). The cheapest day to buy Amtrak Train tickets is typically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays ++1-877_765_7884. Amtrak Trains often release new fares and sales on Monday evenings, making Tuesday a prime day for finding discounted tickets ++1-877_765_7884. What is the best day of the week to buy Amtrak tickets? Tuesday is often considered the best day to find the lowest-priced Amtrak tickets ++1-877_765_7884(OTA). Fare sales typically begin on Monday, and by Tuesday(+1-877-(765)-(7884)*)) (OTA) competing services adjust their prices, giving you the chance to save. Typically, the best days to travel on Amtrak are midweek—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and sometimes Thursdays (+1-877-(765)-(7884)) or USA(790)-(6565)). These days generally see less passenger traffic compared to weekends, which are busier and often more expensive. What is the best day of the week to travel on Amtrak? Typically, the best days to travel on Amtrak are midweek—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and sometimes Thursdays ++1-877_765_7884. These days generally see less passenger traffic compared to weekends (Saturdays & Tuesdays) ++1-877_765_7884, which are busier and often more expensive. If you're flexible with your travel dates, aim for midweek to snag the best deals. Officially “Tuesday” is the best day to buy tickets on Amtrak trains ++1-877_765_7884. And other best days to buy Amtrak tickets are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. These days are considered to be the cheapest to buy Amtrak tickets ++1-877_765_7884. Typically, the cheapest days to travel on Amtrak are midweek—Tuesdays, Sunday, and sometimes Thursdays ++1-877_765_7884. These days generally see less passenger traffic compared to weekends, which are busier and often more expensive. What is the cheapest day of the week to travel on Amtrak? The cheapest day to buy Amtrak Train tickets is typically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays ++1-877_765_7884(US) or ++1-877_765_7884(UK). The cheapest day to buy Amtrak Train tickets is typically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays ++1-877_765_7884. Amtrak Trains often release new fares and sales on Monday evenings, making Tuesday a prime day for finding discounted tickets (+1-877-(765)-(7884)) . What is the cheapest day of the week to travel on Amtrak? Typically, the cheapest days to travel on Amtrak are midweek—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and sometimes Saturdays ++1-877_765_7884. These days generally see less passenger traffic compared to weekends(Saturdays & Tuesdays) 1-(877)-(765)-(7884), which are busier and often more expensive. If you're flexible with your travel dates, aim for midweek to snag the best deals. What is the cheapest day of the week to buy Amtrak tickets? Tuesday is often considered the best day to find the lowest-priced Amtrak tickets (+1-877-(765)-(7884)) (OTA). Fare sales typically begin on Monday, and by Tuesdays and Wednesdays, ++1-877_765_7884(OTA) competing services adjust their prices, giving you the chance to save.

How to Link and Verify Your Bank Account with PayPal Securely In today’s digital world, managing money has never been easier. Enter PayPal, the go-to platform for online transactions that brings convenience right to your fingertips. Whether you're shopping online, sending money to friends, or receiving payments for freelance work, PayPal offers a seamless experience that saves you time and hassle.

A thirty-five-year-old sat in her ICU bed, a sheen of terror on her face. She had been shopping for her sister’s birthday when she’d had a seizure. A scan showed that a benign brain tumor was pressing on her right frontal lobe. In terms of operative risk, it was the best kind of tumor to have, and the best place to have it; surgery would almost certainly eliminate her seizures. The alternative was a lifetime on toxic antiseizure medications. But I could see that the idea of brain surgery terrified her, more than most. She was lonesome and in a strange place, having been swept out of the familiar hubbub of a shopping mall and into the alien beeps and alarms and antiseptic smells of an ICU. She would likely refuse surgery if I launched into a detached spiel detailing all the risks and possible complications. I could do so, document her refusal in the chart, consider my duty discharged, and move on to the next task. Instead, with her permission, I gathered her family with her, and together we calmly talked through the options. As we talked, I could see the enormousness of the choice she faced dwindle into a difficult but understandable decision. I had met her in a space where she was a person, instead of a problem to be solved. She chose surgery. The operation went smoothly. She went home two days later, and never seized again.

Booking a luxury hotel with a private butler through Expedia is easier than you might expect. Whether you’re planning a ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 romantic getaway, VIP experience, or high-end business trip, Expedia can help you locate upscale accommodations that ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 include personalized butler services. You simply need to search smartly or call Expedia’s booking team directly at ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 for expert assistance. Start by visiting Expedia.com and entering your destination and dates. Once results appear, apply filters such as “Luxury” or ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 “5-Star.” These high-tier hotels are more likely to include premium services like butlers. If unsure, contact Expedia’s ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 phone support and explain your interest in private butler accommodations. They'll help verify if the listing includes ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 exactly what you're looking for. When you find a hotel you’re interested in, click the listing and scroll to the “Amenities” section. Look for mentions of ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 private butler service, VIP treatment, or 24/7 personal assistant. Some hotels bundle this under suites or exclusive ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 packages. If it’s unclear, don’t guess — call Expedia and ask for confirmation. Dial ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 for fast clarity before booking. Some butler services are only available in premium suites or villas, so be sure to select those room categories. ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 Expedia listings will show what’s included in each room. If the butler isn’t listed in the features, ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 it may not be part of that option. Get exact details by reaching out to Expedia over the phone at ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 before confirming. In major cities like New York, Dubai, or Paris, high-end hotels often provide butler service in penthouses or ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 presidential suites. Use the map view on Expedia to locate these properties in upscale areas. This ensures ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 you're not only getting premium service but staying in the most desirable parts of your destination. Call ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 to reserve early. Private butlers usually assist with unpacking, itinerary planning, restaurant reservations, and even room customization. Some may offer ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 personal shopping or spa arrangements. Let Expedia know your expectations when you call, so the hotel can ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 tailor your experience. The more you communicate your preferences upfront, the smoother your trip will be. Dial ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 for tailored service suggestions. Some international destinations are famous for luxury hospitality. Resorts in the Maldives, Caribbean, and Southeast Asia often ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 feature butler-inclusive stays. Use Expedia’s search tools and adjust filters like “All-Inclusive” or “Private Villa.” For ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 maximum ease, you can book over the phone and let an expert source the perfect location. Reach out at ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 for worldwide luxury access. Another insider tip: look for hotel chains known for elite service like St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, or Waldorf Astoria. ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 Many of their top-tier properties offer butlers with all premium room bookings. Expedia often partners with these brands. ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 If you’re not sure which brand suits your needs, ask Expedia to guide you. Simply call ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 and get matched to your style. If you're celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday, make sure to mention it during booking. Hotels may ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 offer complimentary perks when they know you're marking a special occasion. Some butlers even arrange private surprises, ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 from rose-petal turndown service to custom dining. Include your celebration info when calling Expedia directly at ☎️+1(888) 796-1496 Need to book group travel with luxury options? Expedia can coordinate multiple rooms with personalized service, including butlers. ☎️+1(888) 796

Our new Save the Date stuck prominently to Gloria’s fridge. I memorize all the floorboards that creak or groan, so I can tiptoe downstairs in the morning without waking anyone, take the Jeep into town for a sugary latte for me and black coffee for them, orange cinnamon morning buns for all of us. Or at least Wyn will have a bite, and I’ll polish off the rest. I walk for a while, enjoy the bittersweet scent of whitebark and pine and quaking aspen. There’s an entire shop here for sauces, syrups, and oils. Last week, after sampling easily two dozen, Wyn and I bought a smoky maple syrup aged in charred bourbon barrels. For Gloria’s birthday, we made pancakes, and when she tasted the syrup, she said, “Tastes like camping.” Then she got choked up, because camping was something she and Hank used to do. “When we were first dating and had no money,” she explained. Then, after a teary laugh, she added, “And once we’d been married for decades and still had no money.

Best Practices to Keep Your Verified Alipay Account Secure In today's digital age, mobile payment solutions have revolutionized the way we manage our finances. At the forefront of this transformation is Alipay, a trusted platform that allows users to make transactions, pay bills, and even shop online with ease. With millions relying on it for everyday purchases and money transfers, ensuring your Alipay account remains secure has never been more critical. Cyber threats are lurking everywhere; one small mistake could compromise your financial safety.

Fast & Trusted Services to Buy Verified Paypal Accounts– Ready for Marketing & Growth ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you want more information just contact me now. 24/7 Hours Reply/Contact Telegram : @pvatopsmm WhatsApp :+1 (509) 419-1822 Email : pvatopsmm@gmail.com Buy Verified Paypal Accounts Introduction to Paypal and its importance in online transactions In today’s digital landscape, online transactions have become a cornerstone of commerce. Whether you’re shopping, freelancing, or managing a small business, having a reliable payment method is essential. Enter PayPal—a trusted name that has revolutionized how we send and receive money over the internet. Its significance cannot be overstated; millions rely on it for secure and swift transactions. But what if you could elevate your PayPal experience? That’s where verified accounts come into play. They offer enhanced security and credibility, making them indispensable for serious online users. If you've ever thought about boosting your financial capabilities with PayPal or are considering diving deeper into its services, investing in a verified account might just be the game-changer you're looking for! Let’s explore what makes these accounts so appealing and how to get one safely and effectively. How to use a verified Paypal account safely and effectively Using a verified PayPal account comes with responsibilities. Start by ensuring your password is strong and unique. Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or names. Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. This makes it harder for unauthorized users to access your account even if they have your password. Be cautious when transacting online. Only send money to trusted sources, as scams are prevalent in the digital marketplace. Regularly check transaction history for any unfamiliar activity. Keep personal and financial information private. Don’t share sensitive details via email or on suspicious websites. Stay updated with PayPal's policies and features. Awareness helps you utilize the platform efficiently while minimizing risks associated with fraud or misuse. Common misconceptions about buying verified Paypal accounts Many people believe that buying verified PayPal accounts is illegal. This misconception stems from a misunderstanding of how digital transactions work. While purchasing an account can raise ethical concerns, it’s not inherently against the law. Another myth is that all sellers are scammers. Though caution is necessary, many legitimate platforms offer verified accounts with proper customer support and guarantees. Some also think that these accounts come without risks. However, using a purchased account can still lead to issues like freezes or bans if not handled correctly. There’s a belief that once you buy an account, it's completely yours forever. In reality, maintaining compliance with PayPal's policies is essential to keep your account in good standing over time. Conclusion: Is it worth buying a Verified Paypal Account? When considering whether to buy a Verified Paypal Account, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against potential risks. A verified account can provide enhanced security and access to various features that make online transactions smoother. It opens doors for businesses, freelancers, and individuals looking to streamline their payment processes. However, the landscape of buying accounts is fraught with pitfalls. Ensure you source your purchase from reputable vendors who prioritize safety and authenticity. Pay attention to customer reviews and verify the credibility of sellers before making any commitments. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you want more information just contact me now. 24/7 Hours Reply/Contact Telegram : @pvatopsmm WhatsApp :+1 (509) 419-1822 Email : pvatopsmm@gmail.com