text:
How do they know?
I am always amazed at the intuitive nature of children. They always know just when you can't take another thing in your life somehow. Offering just a little smile or a out of tune song or a hug tight as can be right around your neck.
I had one of those days today…you know the ones that when you look back you know that things could have always been much worse but at the moment you seem to worry too much about the little things and forget about all the small miracles and wonders of everyday life that we should really be more grateful for.
It took the warm heart of my 3 year old nephew to make me open my eyes and remember that I am loved and very blessed. I returned to my bedroom tonight to find this…my normal teddy that resides on my bed, and his favorite toy "Giraff-ie". When I took his toy out to his dads apartment where he is sleeping for the night I asked him why he left it in my room. He just smiled that sweet innocent smile and responded, "they are best friends and Giraff-ie didn't want Teddy to be lonely like you without {your boyfriend}. I think you should sleep with him tonight." I was amazed that he picked up on how much I miss my man. As I left the apartment I felt a little tear down my cheek, my nephew has clung to that little giraffe since his parents split up. I know it was quite a sacrifice to let me sleep with his toy…while I would normally have told him not to worry about it and to keep the stuffed animal for himself I thought that would ruin the whole point of his selfish less sacrifice. I will be proud to admit that I will be sleeping with Teddy and Giraff-ie tonight.
My heart on my sleeve
This is a special post for a very special person….and that person is very aware of who he is. My heart is past the point of returning to a place of ever being able to forget you. The way you have touched my very soul, you seem to have burned your impression on me. I am yours…forever and completely.
I pray to any God that will listen that you will wrap me in your arms each and every night for the rest of my life, holding me as close to your body as we can be. Feeling the warmth of your breath on my naked body, and listening to your heartbeat like it's the only sound on Earth. Looking in your eyes and seeing the energy that lights your life is me, and letting you see in my eyes the same of you.
Kissing you first thing every morning and the last thing every night, and the many kisses all of the hours in between. I want to taste the sweet, pure honest love that we share for one another on your lips, and feel you caress my body like I am the most beautiful woman you have ever known.
I want to see your chest swell with pride each time you introduce me to someone, knowing that you really are proud to call me you own. And I want to enjoy the looks of jealousy I will receive from the many women that missed their chance at the most wonderful man alive.
I want to make you smile each and every day. I want to dance in the rain with you, cry in your arms when the world is too much, and watch the sunrise wrapped in only your love and a blanket. I want to count the stars till we fall asleep on the lawn, sit by the fire on a stormy winter day. I want to listen to the frogs, and to see the baby farm animals together. I want to kiss the tip of your nose or your forehead when you're ill. I want to comfort your after a hard day. I want to listen to the birds together and have you show me the ones you know and love. I want to work in the yard and garden with you and get dirty and sweaty and then sneak in and have a cool shower together. I want to feel you come up behind me while I am busy and brush my hair from the back of my neck and have you kiss it tenderly, turning my body slowly to yours and know that this is only the beginning. I want to watch you sleep and most of all to be amazed every day at you!
I want to see the look in your eyes when I tell you that I am pregnant with our child. I want you to hold my pregnant stomach and enjoy the pleasure of feeling the baby kick and move within me. I want my body to make you swell with love.
I want to share my whole world with you for the rest of this life and any life beyond. Every emotion, every frustration or doubt, every joy and fervor, I want the first time our eyes meet to be just as passionate as they will be in a hundred years. I want to feel that fixation of love we share till the stars all fall from the sky. But most of all I want you to know…I love you. I can't stop and won't ever stop being madly in love with you.
A whole new cowgal…
I was so excited with myself yesterday that I thought I would do a bit of bragging today.
I finished my first official 5k race…not in any record time, but I finished. That was my goal. But I think my friends have set me on some strange path. While on the car ride home, while we were all still stinky with sweat and starting to feel the longing from our beds (we got up for the race about 5 am) we started to make plans for our next race…and I set a goal to cut down my time. We'll see about that…but I think I have found something to really shoot for.
Roll with us…
Bless this gal's heart, she has brought me back around to the wordpress world! Moe with all her confidence in me, has allowed me to add my little bit to one of her entertaining rolling stories. She started it off and them passed the story over to Blondie, and then Widdle Shamrock, and then to Mistress B, and then on to Cris, and then to Anja, and then to Annie and that is where Evyl picked it up and dropped it off on my door step! And let me tell you…I was a little nervous becasue this time I didn't read the story till it got to me. I don't reccomend this to anyone if we do this all again…it took to long to jump in and I appoligize, I just hope you like my addition before I leave it for Burnie. Have fun, and enjoy the ride!
He stepped from the plane into the crowded airport, the face of who he was seeking, fixed firmly in his mind. He had seen it numerous times, but knew, even if it had been revealed only once, it was a face he would never forget. How could he ever forget the face of the person responsible for the single most painful experience of his life? The devastation it had created was an event he would not allow himself to forget. He was driven to not only find her, but make her suffer the way he had. Ensure she experienced the total overwhelming feeling that had been his constant companion for more than 10 years. The hopelessness, anguish and feeling of loss, all of which kept him awake, or haunted his dreams, turning every night into a tortuous time to be dreaded, in every waking moment……. Constance sat in the study looking out over the garden. She loved to be in this room. It was just how she had imagined she would have her own room just for her writing, all those years ago. The garden was showing the first signs of spring approaching. There were new buds on all the plants and the winter chill had gone from the air today, so she had happily let Alison play outside. She was distracted from her writing while watching Alison play in the garden. The child had a wonderful imagination and Constance loved to watch her play. As the sun glistened on Alison's hair and she poured tea for the teddy bears, Constance wondered how their lives would have turned out if she had made a different decision on that fateful day. For the first time in many years, she let her mind wonder to Alison's father. Constance had not let herself think about him since that day. As she was thinking about him, she felt a shiver go up her spine and felt a sense of dread that she hadn't experienced in a long time… Dermot ran his hand through his hair. He was still a 'looker' and he knew it. He felt the glances from women as he walked through the airport to the taxi stand. "Mmm, Nice eye candy." he heard a woman mutter quietly to her friend. He smiled to himself. Nice eye candy indeed. Standing at almost 6ft tall, Dermot had thick, black, wavy hair with tinges of grey. While he was no body builder, he kept himself in good shape. It was his eyes that women loved the most though, his deep, sea blue eyes. Many a woman had gazed into those eyes and fallen prey to his charms. Many a woman had known what it was like to be loved and tossed aside like a broken toy when he had had enough. Dermot hadn't always been like that, a cruel, hard hearted bastard. There was a time when he loved freely and unashamedly, trusted implicitly. That was before Con…. Dermot shook his head. There was no time for that. He hailed a cab, and when it pulled up, threw his overnight bag in the back and got in. "Where to?" the cab driver asked. Dermot paused. What now? He had waited for this for 10 years, plotted, planned, changed his mind over and over, never letting the flame of revenge die in his heart. He was here now. It was time. Yes, where to? He directed the driver to his hotel resisting the impulse to rush the confrontation that he knew was to come, remembering the events that led up to that fateful night that changed all their lives forever. His mind drifted back in time as he remembered her despair that her husband was slowly drinking himself to death, her grief for the marriage and life that she would never now have. He remembered pulling her close initially to try to calm her weeping but later, oh later………. of holding her closer, much closer than a brother in law should as they sought to affirm the life that they both should have been living . He remembered the gentleness of her fingers as they explored his muscles, the softness of her silky smooth skin, how she shivered when he kissed her neck, how her body arched beneath his as they took what each needed from the other. It was the most incredible night he had ever known, he'd never found that kind of satisfaction with another woman since. She'd ruined him for anyone else and he'd never trusted another women again after what she did. Falling in love with his brother's wife was bad enough and he had hated himself for it but for her to tell James while he was still so vulnerable…….. The bitch killed him! She shouldn't have told him, she should have stayed silent and forgotten about that night, that one night that they had turned to each other for comfort after taking James to rehab. If only she hadn't told him he would never have been drunk at the wheel that night and had a chance of maintaining control of the car on the snow covered mountain road. She killed James and then she vanished! He'd been looking for her this whole time. It was time someone held her accountable Constance sat with a vague sense of unease, watching her daughter. She was struck by the need to go out and grab that beautiful child and run. She could not put her finger on the reason, but the fear began to grow in her. She hadn't felt this in years. 'Not since…..No, I will not let my mind go there…it was long ago and I am past it now,' she thought. But her mind continued to wander, down, deeper into her memories. All she could remember was the heart shattering loss, feeling like she was spiraling deep into nothingness, emptiness and like her heart had been cut from her. The sound of the telephone cut through the silence like a chain saw, but Constance was locked deep in her mind, and could not reach out for the phone. At the same time Allison heard the phone ringing from outside and came running into the house. Mommy had just started allowing her to answer the phone on occasion, and if it was still ringing …….she ran to the phone, stopping short when she saw her mom sitting there. "Mommy, Mommy are you ok?" shouted Allison. The crystal glass shattered against the terrazzo tiles, shocking Constance back into reality. He was behind Allison, close enough to touch her. Those eyes, those beautiful eyes that made her drown in a pool of lust and passion were staring at her daughter. His long fingers were about to touch her hair. Constance was chained to her chair in fright. She knew why he was here. He was here to take away the one thing that was good and beautiful in the world – he was here for Allison. Her mind was in turmoil, her thoughts a myriad of confusion. How could she love a man that had vowed to make her suffer? How could she still feel that warm rush of ecstasy at the thought of him touching her, when she knew he was on a mission to destroy her. He smiled at Allison; that familiar smile he would deliver to her all those years ago. Constance died inside when she heard his voice. The pain cut through her heart when she heard him say, "Hello, Allison. I have waited a long time to see you. I am your father" Allison's large green eyes regarded the tall stranger with distrust. "What's your name?" she asked. "Dermott McDawg," he replied, a smile so oily it could have dressed salad. "Kermit the Frog?" Allison smirked. "Mummy, what is he doing here? I have a twitter date and I'm going to be late. You told me I never had to meet him. You told me he eats small children for lunch." Constance gasped and looked truly surprised and shrugged at Dermott. "I really didn't…Allison, this is your…" "Oh knock it off, Mummy – we both know this is the bastard that slept with you and caused me to kill myself on that lonely mountain road." Allison leveled a rather scary gaze at Dermott. "If it weren't for you I would still be a virile man sleeping with my hot wife and making babies of our own, instead of having to come back as your love child conducting fake tea parties on the lawn with teddy bears." Dermot was speechless, all his plans of vengence fading quickly and being replaced with a sense of fear. "Well, ah, Allison dear…" "Don't you dear, me, you rat-bastard waste of space wanker!" Allison stamped her foot and pulled a can of pepper spray from her pretty pink pinafore. Psst. "Take that you lowlife, treacherous wife fucker!" "My eyes! My eyes!" Dermott cried rubbing them with his fists. He could not see a thing but he felt a sudden chill of fear race his spine when…. He realized that all the years of seeking divine retribution was suddenly regurgitated on his lap. He was the one that caused his brother's death. He was the one that by one night of pure unadulterated lust pushed his drunken bum of a brother over the edge. And that is when he realized the truth. His brother, James, was a fucking douchebag. What gave him the right to come back as the child of his night of passion. As he thought about Constance breast feeding this evil spawn from hell, rage filled his soul. Those perfect breasts should have been mine for the suckling. Even though he could not see the fiend that had sprayed him, he could hear her breathing and he could smell her rancid tea breath. Dermot jumped and grabbed the demon spawn by the throat. Then he heard the distinctive sound of a shell being pumped into a twelve gauge shotgun. He knew that Constance would shoot. But who? The man that she loved and had been robbed of by her drunken bum of a husband or the demon spawn that had stolen the life that belonged to her child?
Dermot knew that he had no chance of changing anbody's mind with tricks or lies in the next few crutial moments. Honesty would be the only way out of this predicament. Blindly he opened his arm to where he presumed that Constance was. With all the pent up anger and frustration comming to the surface, as well as the pepper spray in his eyes, he started to cry. "Baby," he started towards her, "if I can't be with you, well then I would rather die. Living without you after that beautiful night we shared, I can hold no other woman and not long for your body." he patentily waited for some type of sign, but when nothing presented itself he saw no danger in continuing recalling for his brother all the expliced details of that night of passion.
Constance was torn, for the fear she had dealt with for 10 years of Dermot finding them was still real. She had run for so long, and she was tired of running, and she was tired of never being able to love another man the way she had him. Not to mention she could never bring a man around Alison, they all reacted to her the same way…
A Big ol' Happy Birthday to me!
The old man was so kind as to let me plan my own birthday this year, and to celebrate I was accompanied by a handful of friends with me to Las Vegas to see Thunder from Down Under!
We had quite a good time, but I was so happy to return home to my man. After all…I get to keep him all to myself!
California…and home again.
Oh, I love to be on vacation and boy howdy do I wish I could go back!
We got home from our little excursion to Plymouth, CA on Tuesday. Before I tell ya what we came home to I'll show ya just how much fun we had.
As we traveled across I-80 I had to snap a photo of the desert and my mountains…Just in case I got a little home sick
We stayed the night in Reno/Sparks, NV at a little truck stop and casino, and I had the worst night of sleep possible. You can't believe all the noise at a truck stop in the middle of the night. The next morning, in a mad rush to beat the weather we headed over Donner's to California, this is the weather we were trying so hard to avoid, seeings that no one had tire chains that were mandatory…oops
Lucky for us, we snuck threw and made it ok to Sacramento. A
As we made our way to a fellow truck club members shop, we saw that crazy little car in the post just below this one…who knew!
We had a great lunch and spent a little time in town, browsing and seeing the sights.
Then we made our way to Plymouth, CA. It was such a beautiful drive…
We hit the truck show and that is where I left the big guy with all his friends, I don't think he even missed me he had so much bull shitting to do.
I had to escape and check out the wine tasting…
We spent all day Saturday driving around county visiting about 20 different tasting rooms at the vineyards. Good thing that I took a few photos, because by the end of the day, I really wouldn't have remembered how beautiful it was.
And do you know how sad I was to hear that I can't bring wine back across the state line? umm…legally. ;)
We had to set out and leave on Sunday, but we took I-50 back around to Nevada and took in some great views around Lake Tahoe. I wish I could have had a little more time to take photos there, but we did get a great shot at the summit with most of the gang.
And that is about where all the fun ended, at least as far as the photos go.
When we got home and started to unpack, we thought that the house smelt a little funny…I thought it was just stuffy and opened some windows. But when I went to the basement to start a load of laundry we realized that while we had been out, we had got flooded.
The sewer had backed up and came in threw a floor drain and got shit water everywhere in the basement.
The big guy has had to take 2 more days off of work to get things cleaned and get new carpet ordered etc. I have yet to start any type of laundry and we are wore out! I can't believe the damage that standing water can do. All of my scrapbooks & genealogy and my craft room got the worst of it. The TV room, luckily, only needs the carpet replaced. But it's quite a lot of work. I'm just so glad that it was nothing worse.
Let's be friends – award
What is a gal to say when she receives an award like this…
These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this written text into the body of their award.
My dear sweet Java Queen sent this over my direction and I was pleased as punch to receive it. But I'll be quite honest…I have no idea what self-aggrandizement even means. But knowing Java…it has to be good.
I was excited to see that I get to pass this on to 8 more bloggers, but I thought that I should find out what that big ol' word meant…so I googled it and this is what I came up with,
self·-aggrandizement (-ə gran′diz mənt)
Flashback Friday – In the name of Love!
It was all a case of puppy love…me and a little dog named Jack. He stole my heart as well as his owners.
When I was in high school my mom got a great job, she was a nanny for a family that had 4 children ranging in age from 2 – 10. But it was the youngest that was my favorite. Whenever I got a chance I would visit mom at work to go and play with the youngest, Hayden. He was the cutest and honestly the most polite little kid you ever did see. For Christmas one year, the family got Jack, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. And my parents still at that time would not allow me to have a dog.
They were like my little buddies, anytime that I went to visit I would get attacked by both Hayden and Jack. Sometimes if I could go back and visit anything in my past, this would be one of the moments I would love to enjoy again…but, little boys grow up and find other things besides their dogs and play time friends.
I know…you didn't even know I had an alter ego. But hey, every hero has to have one.
Oh wait that is my dog. That is not what you wanted to see.
Oh here it is…wait for it!
Yep…that's me in all my finery! And just so you know, my stomach really looks like that!
Ha ha ha *snort*
I have seen this at a few other places around the web (~M and Mum). But if you want to see yourself in hero form…head out to this site. http://www.cpbintegrated.com/theherofactory/
Award time for my blogroll
I've been thinking for a while now about how I could thank all of you that just go out of your way to have a great post every time I stop by to read. Not this wishy-wash crap that I throw out because I think I'm to busy to take a minuet to spell check or proof read my grammar…I mean really. I've been throwing up you-tube links like you couldn't find them yourself if you had any desire to see anything like that anyway.
But to my point… if you find yourself on my blogroll there on the sidebar, this is for you!
Today I would like to bestow upon these fine blogs an award that I spent about as much time on as this post. OK…so it was a bit longer than that, but not much.
So here it is. In all it's glory.
And the truth of the matter is I really do think that you have a great blog. Even if I don't comment every time I zip in and read your hard work.
So snag that little dog and post him all over your place so that other folks will know just how hard you work (in case they are to dumb to notice.) And if you feel inclined to pass max (that's his name…I thought it fit, but you can call him what ever you want) along to your favorite finds out there on the web, feel free. After all what else are we all here for!
Oh and I would like to give credit to who ever I stole max from…you can find the coloring page here …ya I colored him myself.
It's just been one of them weeks…
First off I want to thank everyone for checking in on me over the last few week. I'm back to feeling like me again, the blues have started to wash away.
Second…a big old happy blogoversary to Java! It's her 1 year mark…is that really all? Cause I feel like it's been so much longer.
She is a dear, BTW, she sent over the cutest little awards
and in the spirit of her charity, I would love to pass them along to all that are on my blogroll!
And finally…a little bear to enjoy!
Just a drop in the ol' bucket…
Be on a game show.
Visit Africa and see the wild animals
Visit all 50 states…and meet my blog friends along the way!
Find the burial site of an ancestor that never came to America.
Tell a family member exactly what I really think of them…we won't list any names here.
Visit all the Oceans.
Streak at a public event ( but I want to look good doing it)
Gather round one and all for a little tale…
Sarah Flanigan
As Natalie walked along the beach, she felt the sting of tears as they sprung to her eyes. How could he do this to her? What would she do now?
She had invested 12 years of her life into their marriage, thinking they were happy, only to have him say he was leaving. Her question of why had been left unanswered. There was no explanation or reasons. He had merely looked at her sadly and walked out the door without so much as a backward glance………….
Alone in the sand Natalie couldn't stop thinking what if. What if she had been able to have a child? If she could have given him that, would she be in this situation now? At one time they had been so happy. She had foolishly thought that they could make it work by just loving each other. Natalie had told him from the start that she might not be able to have children. Back then he just looked in her eyes and said the only thing that mattered is that they had each other. Why had she believed him? Now, after twelve years of marriage she was all alone. They had tried for so many years to have a baby, but they never could. She had been through seven miscarriages and had given up hope. Now her husband had left her. She felt empty inside. If only he had known . . .
It was all a lie. No that wasn't quite right. There was nothing false about the love at least not for Natalie. Yet the long nights laying against Brad after the loving exchange of heated passion, whispering softly of the hopes and dreams of the sweet pitter-patter of small feet treading through the carpeted halls of a loving home. The faked miscarriages were not something that Natalie was proud of but it had been her last resort at maintaining a thin veneer over the stained lies that haunted their relationship. For though in her heart, soul, and mind, Natalie was one hundred percent woman, Natalie was born Ned. Yet, how could she have told Brad the truth. For Ned and Brad had been best friends in grade school. Playing catch at the ball park, racing bicycles down the quiet suburban streets, camping in the backyard until that fateful day, when everything changed….
Natalie stared at her perfect breasts in the mirror. That surgeon was worth his weight in gold. She was every man's dream – beautiful, successful, able to strip an engine faster than any man, but she was missing that one thing – a uterus. Natalie thought she had given Brad everything he wanted. She knew what men wanted in bed; she knew that men liked hot sex, cold beer and sport on the tube. Who was better to know what a man wanted than someone who had spent half of their life as a man, and her husband's best friend. Life was wonderful until that barbecue with the new neighbors. Curse that little baby with her gummy grin and corn flower blue eyes. Natalie knew their lives would hit a road block when Brad said "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we had one of our own?" Natalie could do everything for a man, be everything for a man, apart from one thing… a mother….
Natalie knew there was one last trump card to play, although it was going to be a doozy -she would go back to her surgeon and discuss Changing Wombs. She decided that, after all these years trying to be the perfect woman for Brad, she'd like to experience that female condition with the roller coaster hormones, strange food cravings, sleep deprivation, painful boobs, constant toilet stops and be able to scare the bejebus out of other mums at Playgroup with her own horror birth story. Her surgeon had offered the optional plumbing in his original surgical assessment but Natalie had dismissed it, not considering for a minute that the sport-lovin' Brad she had her eyes on would succumb to natures tug on his goolies. Having kept several bucket loads of Brad's love juice on ice at a private storage facility proved the post-op turkey basting would not be a problem and could be a great surprise with which to win Brad back to her side. Natalie made her appointment, booked her ticket and was soon winging her way to motherhood.
Natalie slept for all of that long plane trip, exhausted from the emotions that had ravaged her mind, body and soul. She dreamed of what was to come, the look of surprise on Brad's face when he saw her swollen with his child, of her triumphant return to his heart and his bed. During the taxi ride from the airport she let her mind wander to their future, longing for the look of wonder and awe as Brad looked upon her with their newborn child for the first time an event that would link them for eternity. She could never had prepared herself though for what was to happen as she entered her surgeon's office. The sight of Brad sitting in the waiting room looking so pitifully embarrassed to be there, hunched over in his chair holding a magazine high in front of his face set her emotions whirling. His clumsy attempts to disguise himself with that stupid floppy hat and large dark sunglasses, may have fooled some, but not her, not when she had known and loved every contour of his face and tall muscular frame so well for so long. Natalie's heart lurched as she quickly darted back into the foyer a million questions racing through her mind – What on earth was he doing in sitting in the waiting room of the most highly respected transgender specialist in the country and how could she find out without him knowing that she had seen him there?
She was hovering in the foyer in a lather of indecision when the receptionist's voice broke into her ruminations, 'Mr Fothergill, the doctor will see you now.' Before she knew what she was doing, in three strides and a dive she had caught Brad by the ankles as he approached the consulting room door and brought him down in a tackle that would have brought a smile to the face of their Under 10s rugby coach.
'Brad! NO!' she cried, desperate tears spilling onto her cheeks, 'We're running out of penises!'
' . . . eenises . . . eenises . . .' echoed the enthralled silence in the room. She surveyed her slack-jawed waiting-room audience, surreptitiously adjusting her skirt with her free hand.
'What?' she blustered in confusion. 'What would you do if your husband's balls were at stake?' But a fidgetting in the stalls suggested she was already losing them. A magazine page shuffled. At the reception desk a computer mouse clicked.
'Balls at stake? Meh,' seemed to be the view in the waiting room of the most highly respected transgender specialist in the country.
A small girl, dressed in a pink pinafore stepped forward,- a naughty smile tugging at the sides of her mouth. "Tick-tock, you lost your cock, but all's not lost, cuz I've been tossed, from the sperm of Brad, so don't be sad." She smiled broadly and did a little curtsey. "Hello Mummy and Daddy. It's me, your long-lost, Maddie." Before Brad or Natalie could utter a word, the Doctor stepped from his office and said, "So, how do you like her, I'd say she's the spitting….
image of…..", the Doctor stopped in his tracks in shock.
"B-B-Brad, Natalie, please step into my office, now." stuttered the Doctor, "Nurse, please take Maddie into the examination room at the back and give her some paper and crayons, and please stay with her in that room until I come and get you."
With that, the couple moved silently into the office behind the Doctor and sat down in stunned silence. Natalie regained her composure first, but her mind raced with questions. If this was Brad's child, who was her mother? Why wait until now to reveal her to him? And if this was Brad's child…..what did that mean for the future, their future?
Natalie stood stoically and looked expectantly at the doctor, unable to meet Brad's gaze. "I'm sure you have questions," the doctor began, "and you'd have a right to ask them. I only ask that you don't report me to the authorities…"
"Authorities!" Brad roared. "Who is that child? I demand you tell me now!" Natalie had never seen Brad so angry and it frankly aroused her.
"She's yours," said the doctor and he looked nervously at Natalie, "and yours too, Nat." The couple could only gape. "Seems a spare frozen egg and some left over sperm made it's way into…" … the night-shift cleaning lady. Between her curiosity and desire to experience Motherhood, she dipped into the reserve spunk collection and turkey-basted herself right up."
Natalie and Brad both shook their head in disgust and disbelief.
The doctor continued, "When she started to develop stretch marks during the second trimester, she admitted to what she had done and we decided together to keep it a secret. Between you, me and the fencepost, I was boinking the ol' lady and didn't think nothin' of the swell of her belly."
Brad was outraged at the surprising news. Natalie wept obnoxiously loud as she looked toward the door, wanting to see the child that was supposedly hers. Through sobs and snot, she managed to whisper, "But . . the child. Where are her arms?" . . .
And then came little ol' me!
"She uses her toes," Natalie smiled and looked at Brad with a little smile showing threw the tear stained face, "just like you do, when your to lazy to bend over and pick things up."
"She definitely does have your eyes," Brad added while reaching for Natalie's hand, "she's beautiful".
"Now," the Doctor broke into there thoughts, "you'll have to sign some papers, as her…um, legal parents, to absolve me of any wrong doing, before she leaves for the orphanage."
Gemisht, so she can add a little twist to the tale before the lucky winner goes for the final chapter!
How well do you know the CowGal Quiz?
The old man and I were discussing again the time that I spend on the internet…He still insists that people that you don't see face to face can't get to know you. I just laughed, I have had the pleasure of getting to know a little bit about lots of nice folks out here just on WordPress, some of you get more insight in to my life than people that I see on a regular basis. But just so I don't fool myself into thinking that no one was ever listening (or reading) to what I have to say around here I made this goofy little test. Give it a whirl…I'm interested to see the results. I sent it out to my friends that I see all the time that don't read here as well. I want to know if I give off a false impression of myself here or at work or play. I think I do to a certain extent everywhere. You wouldn't act the same around your Grandmother at the Opera as you would when your at the Karaoke Bar with your best friends, right? Let's put it to the test.
The 5 things Photo meme
I've been quite lazy around here as of late but luckyfor me (tee-hee) I got tagged for this photo meme. From what I understand I'm supposedly going to do 5 things about 4 different subjects about little ol me and then tag 5 folks to join in on the fun. So let's get started.
Up first was 5 things in my purse…but I hate to play by the rules so I mixed it up a bit. I really don't usually have 5 things in my purse that don't have my banking information on them and since I have such a fancy with purses (at last count I have like 25 of them) I thought I would just show off 5 of my favorites.
This one is made from seatbelts
Cute puppy
I love anything disney
And of coures Las Vegas
And my Coca-cola habbit as well
Then there is the 5 things in my room…
Miss Mary…are you on my bed again? Oh well…
All my Scrubs for work…I like pink. Can you tell?
My favorite wreath that I got for my wedding
My little cowboy (notice that the cactus is dead…I just thought that was way funnier that when it was alive, OK not really but I have to pretend that I killed it on purpose just to make me feel better. I don't have a green thumb)
And my Needlepoint that my Granny made for me before she passed away.
And on to the 5 things that I'm into at the moment…I wanted to list blogging but I've been so bad of it lately that I thought I would share my other passions…
Coke…it's a problem. I'm out of room to put anything else.
Reading…running out of shelfs as well.
Painting (this is my favorite ceramic that I have done) I like bunnies also.
Dogs. Miss Mary and her little sister Yote.
Buggies…this is our last trip out to Wendover, what do ya think of the new paint job on her? Red's Maxine was a little inspiration for our choice. (thanks Red)
And then there are the 5 things that I have always wanted to do…And someday hope to do.
Have some kiddo's…these are my nephews, after a long day in Las Vegas.
Go to Germany and do some family history, I know it's not all castles and such…but a girl can dream
Drive on a speedway…I don't care where or what I drive I just want to take the checkered flag.
Go on an African Safari…and see all the animals. And yes I stole this pic.
And meet all of you nice folks that read the crap that I write here on a (not very) regular basis. Sorry no pic for that one.
And it looks like I was the last one to play this round so I'm not going to tag anyone else. If you haven't got a chance, feel free to have a go at it.
Easter Paint Job
Hope you all have a safe and happy Easter. That cute chick over at Tiny Whore's place sent me this and I thought I'd share with ya…enjoy
Hump day humor: children
This weeks hump day humor is about children, I didn't have a great story about kids right off the bat but I wanted to share this…about some great icons from my childhood. Enjoy!
It is with the saddest heart I pass on the following: Please join me in remembering a great icon – the veteran Pillsbury spokesman. The Pillsbury doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.
Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, The California Raisins, Betty Crocker, The Hostess Twinkies,
and Captain Crunch.
The gravesite was piled high with flours. As long-time friend, Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy, describing Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded.
Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very "smart" cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he even still, as a crusty old man, was considered a roll model for millions.
Toward the end it was thought he would rise again, but alas, he was no tart. Doughboy is survived by his wife, Play Dough; two children,
John Dough and Jane Dough; plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.
The funeral was held at 3:50 for about twenty.
Seven Random things about me!
That cutie pie over at V's tearoom invited me to do this 7 things about me meme, and from what I'm told this is going to be 7 random things. I'm not sure if that silly gal has actually read my blog because I think that everything I post is random. Just kidding…but anyhow I thought I would give this a little twist and give it a bit more meaning. So here is my meme!
- I'm creped out by people that eat strange foods such as sheep eyeballs for money! If you want to eat strange food…do it because you like it, not because of a bet.
- I'm scared of most horror movies. I usually don't even like to watch the commercials on TV. I'm a super big fraidy cat.
- I hate people that get super good deals all the time…free lunch, discount groceries. I also hate people that win raffles and lotto's like their name is the only one in the drawing. If I purchase every ticket but 1 for a raffle…that 1 other person is going to win!
- I love summer days that I can lounge in the pool, and have nowhere to be.
- I want a tattoo…but I just can't decide what I want and where to put it.
- I have broken any bones in my body! Now just because I said that I'll junks myself for the drive home.
- I need to pay off all of my debt. Ya, that's going to happen over night.
Now I'm going to tag some friends to join in on the fun…here are the rules, for those that want to join in.
* Link to me…cause I like that!
* Post theses stellar rules on your meme post
* Share seven random things about you…or as many as you like.
* Tag seven other fun loving blog friends that need something to write about!
* And let them know…so they can do it, cause it's not like we all wait around for meme's to just fall in our laps!
And the seven random people that I'll be tagging…if you want to do this feel free. If not I'll try and not cry to loud.
I hate to be sick…
Bronsonfive is an inspiration, and while I was home last week fighting the plague away, I decided to draw what I was feeling just to help you all understand how gross that being sick can be. So here it is in all it's glory! The sickness that is gross.
The best things in life are furry friends.
Rusty over at chasing squirrels had a great idea to zip over to blogthings and check out how his people scored at this fine quiz. I thought I better check it out myself and make sure that I'm not crossing over to the cat (read as: dark) side. I just didn't know how to tell little Mary and Yote if I had so it's a good thing that I got this score. I better watch myself though… they keep a close eye on me!
You Are: 90% Dog, 10% Cat
You're a dog at heart – and it's not a bad thing at all!You love unconditionally, and you're extremely loyal.
And while you may act silly at times, you're really quite smart – and a good learner!
What a great way to get the word out about a worthwhile post!
The rising blogger has a great place here in the blogging world that awards bloggers for posts rather than just for the whole darn blog. Up until today I was completely oblivious to this rather interesting fact. That is until a great post was nominated and won an award for the post of the day. My dear little fishy friend over at Drowning Pisces writes like a rising star. I love her work, and she has yet to discover her talent! So this is just congratulation for her achievement and an informal invite to check her out. What are you still doing here! GO, Go, go…check this gal out!
And as a side note of interest if you are still here! Check out this post over at Night Owl Mom's place! It's a real hoot, and I'm still chuckling over it!
The cowgal rides again
The evening sun was drifting away as the cowgirl was making the final push back to the homestead. She had sat her pony threw the heat of summer and was grateful the last stretch to her final destination was within sight. Her long golden hair, braided back for the final task at hand, swished as she set her pony to a slow trot to push the heard to the corals.
There was a reason she had worked so hard. The young mavericks, unclaimed and free for the taking to anyone who could take 'em. She had her eye set on a fine young angus bull. She had seen him threw the summer months and knew he had come from the finest stock the rancher had. Young and strong, yet a little to confident of his freedom.
The cowgirl set out, determined to see her efforts flower into her dreams. Her most trusted companion, Dog, at her heels. Together they pushed the heard to the coral, where she could cut the mavericks out from the remainder of the ranchers stock. A little effort and she had them cut and cornered. Three young bulls. She had had trouble with the smallest of the bunch and knew to watch him closely, but she was determined not to let him distract her from the ultimate goal. All she had ever wanted was a heard of her own, and this bull would prove to be the best pick from the heard. She sent the dog in first to weed out the troublemaker. Dog was sly and dodged all the kicks and horn the small bull threw her way, she two had tangled with his temper before. The cowgirl turned a blind eye to Dog when she got carried away with an extra nip at the small bulls heels, he had deserved it for the trouble he had caused them in the past. Possibly this would be a reminder to him, when they meet again, not to press his luck around them. The small bull then cut away and returned back to the heard, giving up that the cowgirl had not wanted to dance the dangerous steps with him.
She sat tight to the warmed leather of the saddle bending and moving with the sway of the pony, like they were one. The cowgirl had to pull all her best moves, cutting and distracting the other thick skinned bull to fall out from the corner where he clung to his companion. A little sweat and hard work and the patients paid off. The lone bull, the angus she had desired, succumbed to the persistent of the cowgirl and her dog. Eventually giving in to the seductive dance and letting her rope him to the fires and the eventual branding iron. He was hers.
I have completely fallen in love with the world of blogging.
When I stared my blog here at WordPress I just wanted a place to express my feelings and try writing for the world to see. I was scared and nervous
and didn't want to give out any personal information on the Internet (cause who knew what type of freaky people are out there). I didn't tell a sole that I was writing and tried to hide it from my friends and family for the first few posts…just to make sure. Then I let my old man and my mom in on the secret. The old man was just glad I didn't have my nose in a notebook all day jotting down crazy ideas and dreams that I had hitherto packed around for the last year. Mom on the other hand was totally indifferent. She asked me from time to time what I was doing on the web all day long (because I had drifted from my normal baseball stats to the blog genre).
When I felt a little more comfortable with my writing I suggested, at a meeting, for me to do a little wordpress page for the local car show that my parents (along with some friend and family) put on for the city celebration. The idea was a way for me to show off a little and not show off my own page to everyone (just to get some feelers out so to say). While I thought it was a cute little page and worked so hard on it, not a single person on the committee even bothered to check it out. I was amazed the day of the show to hear of a few people that found information about the show from the page. My little heart swelled up with pride after I posted a list of the winners.
My stats jumped clear to 200 views, I even had my best day ever with 16. I would have never thought. Then one day I stumbled upon a comment (on a favorite blog at that time) that would change my life forever.
Abarclay will be a name I never forget for the rest of my days…this is the exact comment I read…
"I put a link to your blog from my blog. I hope that's alright with you. I think your writing kicks ass. AB (abarclay12.wordpress.com)"
Wow I thought what a great way to compliment the writer of that blog…how do you add a link? I sauntered over to her place…holy cow! I laughed for a week before I could comment.
I was willing to bet that this gal had some great links and thus threw the power of wordpress (and a few comments of your own) I found a whole new world.
Now to get down to the nuts and bolts of this here post, I have to tell you a little more about myself. Bearwith me here…I promise it will be worth it. I have always hated winter and Christmas. I'm not going to bore you with all the details but this season has been wonderfully different. My desk looks out over the bleak and colorless countryside, this year though I just ignored the lifeless frozen world that depresses me and stared at my computer screen. Up, up, up you have lifted my spirits and my dreary days of winter are flying by at an incredible rate. The old man even commented on the change. While he still has no idea what I blog about he is familiar with a few names I throw out in conversations. When I got some Christmas cards this year he asked "who is this from?" And like a giddy school girl going to her first dance, I would yank the card form his hand and reply "MY blog friend". That's right…I got a card that was not from a family member, prevoius co-workers, or the dentist or milkman. In fact I got a few from blog friends. (P.S. they ment a lot, can you tell?)
So just to say thanks I want to throw out a little thank you award for you to display on your blog…
This is for all you gals that just make me laugh and remember that life is just life…it's not going to change just because you think it's not fair or if you throw a temper tantrum. It's just life. Plain and simple. Enjoy it while you're here, cause if you don't…well you will be that old grumpy lady that lives down the block that scares the neighborhood kids and…well you get the just of it.
So this is to everyone that is on my Blogroll. If you have earned a place their then you know that you have warmed my heart. Thanks.


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Real Jobs For Moms At Homeby Ariana Collins
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subset: commoncrawl


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Venice, California: Brows
1636-38 Abbot Kinney Blvd. 310-314-2769
Price: $36
Book an AppointmentKelley Baker Brows
2012 InStyle Best Beauty Buy Pick
Kelley Baker honed her brow-wowing skills alongside arch expert Damone Roberts. Now she runs her own show in this intimate, all-white studio filled with chic touches (white leather chairs, a pale cowhide rug, even a chandelier). Sit back while Baker waxes errant strands, then, if needed, coats brows with colored powder from her own product line to frame your eyes.Read MoreLess


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Happy Chinese New Year (if i am correct) wish you alot of success ,joy and a prosperous year :)
@anniemaxx Thank you for the well-wishes :)
Weee... PRETTY!!! I was thinking about doing a red eye's look too... (cos of the CLIO ad) lolx
@everbluec To match your ang ang tao moh too! Thanks and happy new year, dear :-)
@makeupstash hahahaha... and happy new year!!! <3
Love it! You have pretty eyes! 💓 and this red eye look is gorgeous on you!
@melissaaaaao Thank you! They're somewhat hooded and not easy to work with but I was born with them, so no choice, lol!!
I want to try this!!!


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About Andrew
Andrew Griffiths is Australia's #1 small business author with 11 books now sold in over 50 countries. Described by most as a street-smart entrepreneur, Andrew bought his first business at the age of 17. Since then, and for the best part of 30 years, he has owned and operated many small businesses in fields as diversified as retail, consulting, advertising, publishing and travel.
The "101 Ways" business building book series offers small business owners practical, smart and realistic advice. Published by award winning publishers Allen & Unwin and sold in places as far afield as Estonia, Nigeria, China, North America, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and even Iceland, it becomes easy to see that Andrew's concepts cross both cultural and geographical boundaries.
In his latest book, the Big Book of Small Business, Andrew teamed up with the Allen & Unwin to write and publish one of the leading entrepreneurial manuals available today.
Andrew comes from humble beginnings growing up as an orphan in Western Australia. His life has been unusual and in many ways extremely challenging, particularly in the early years. He has always maintained a philosophical outlook on life. This was captured in the inspirational book The Me Myth, published by leading global publisher, Simon & Schuster. The Me Myth has been widely acknowledged as one of the most powerful and inspirational self-development books written.
Today Andrew's passion is to inspire and energise entrepreneurs by sharing his own experiences, observations and realisations. Much of his work focuses on creating the right rituals for success, for both for individuals and organisations alike. Andrew is very adept at taking complex ideas and making them simple.
Andrew is a highly engaging presenter, having worked with over 200 organisations globally. He uses rich stories and anecdotes to drive home his key recommendation, making him an entertaining keynote speaker for small business and large corporations alike. Andrew's past client list includes many leading brands such as Telstra, HP, Hertz, Bendigo Bank, Schwarzkopf, Jetset Travelworld Group, GHD, L'Oreal, Ray White, CPA, ING, Stockland and Ramsay Health Care.
Andrew has been a member of Richard Branson's team at the Financial Education Summit. As always his role was to inspire entrepreneurs. Another significant milestone in his presenting career was the honour of being invited to speak about marketing in the modern world at the prestigious 2012 Million Dollar Round Table event in Anaheim, California.
Over the years Andrew has acted in the role of Small Business Ambassador for a number of organisations. Recently he became a Small Business Ambassador for the ANZ Small Business Hub.
Andrew is featured regularly in the media. He is small business writer and advisor for CBS Interactive and he appears regularly on various radio shows, in print with newspaper and magazine articles and on television shows including Sunrise and Good Morning New Zealand.
Recently Andrew was invited to become one of the main mentors in the internationally acclaimed Key Person of Influence programme. His role is to help aspiring entrepreneurs to write and publish books that will help them to position themselves as leaders in their chosen field.
Andrew is also a passionate campaigner for numerous not for profit organisations. He is an ambassador for Act for Kids, an organisation charged with eliminating Child Abuse once and for all. Andrew is also actively involved with the Salvation Army, Harald's House for homeless kids and many more. In other words he puts his time and his money where his mouth is.
There is no doubt that Andrew Griffiths has become a major force in the world of small business, within Australia and around the world. He is on a mission to energise entrepreneurs everywhere and to empower small business owners to build the businesses they dream of and deserve.


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Update (12:32 p.m.)—Here's the latest list of job openings in Edgewater, Davidsonville and south county. Click on the links to read the full requirements and to apply.
Part-Time Receptionist (Edgewater)
Company: Doctors Express
Duties: Greeting patients, patient registration, answer phones, verify insurance, coordinate and complete faxes.
Requirements: Minimum of six months medical office experience, familiar with EMR, able to work evenings & weekends.
Medical Assistant (Edgewater)
Company: Doctors Express
Duties: Include but are not limited to triage, lab work, patient registration, vitals, assist physicians, blood draws, etc.
Requirements: Must be a CMA or RMA, with a minimum of 1-year experience.
Crew (Edgewater)
Company: McDonald's
Duties: Looking for hard working, enthusiastic people who want to be part of a team. Serve, cook food while maintaining high customer service.
Requirements: Must have flexible hours and be enthusiastic. Higher education not required.
Office Manager/Administrator (Edgewater)
Company: J. Keen Construction, LLC
Duties: Supervise, prioritize, delegate and direct various administrative tasks. Support teams in scheduling, updating information and executing information changes.
Requirements: Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs, organized, good with people and have a high school diploma.
Customer Service Representative (Edgewater)
Company: Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc
Duties: Provide superior and uncompromising customer service by building enduring relationships, communicating, referring and selling products to meet customer needs while maintaining accurate transaction processing.
Requirements: Must have 18 months of banking, retail or customer service experience and possess a high school degree or GED equivalent. Must have excellent communication and customer service skills.
Service Technician (Davidsonville)
Company: Bay Breeze Heating & Cooling, Inc
Duties: Provide maintenance and repairs on a wide variety of residential heating and air conditioning systems. Provide customer with high-quality experience.
Requirements: Must be able to read and interpret wiring diagrams/blueprints. Be familiar with a wide range of equipment and troubleshooting techniques. Have experience in making repair and replacement decisions.
Salon General Employee (Gambrills)
Company: Robert Andrew Salon & Spa
Duties: Seeking Dynamic Individuals with an outgoing personality to greet clients, schedule appointments and handle retail sales/checkout. Accepting part-time and full-time employees.
Requirements: Must be a team player with strong communication skills. Computer skills are recommended with an attention to personal appearance.
Job listings were found through a variety of online sites, including Indeed.com and careerbuilder.com. View the full listings to read the complete descriptions of duties and requirements.


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Smoking ban to be strictly enforced in Wirral hospitals (From Wirral Globe)
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Smoking ban to be strictly enforced in Wirral hospitals
Updated 10:38am Tuesday 28th January 2014 in News By Craig Manning, Chief Reporter
A BAN on smoking is to be strictly enforced in Wirral hospitals from next week.
Staff and visitors will not be allowed to smoke on the premises or grounds as part of a new public health campaign.
The ban, coming into force on Monday, February 3, also applies to Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and East Cheshire NHS Trust.
Fiona Johnstone, Wirral council's director of public health, said: "Tobacco smoking is the main cause of preventable and premature death in the UK – and the NHS spends £2.7bn a year treating smoking-related illnesses.
"I am delighted that local NHS Trusts are taking this approach to protect the health of people who use, and work in, their services.
"Allowing smoking within hospital grounds and not supporting people who use NHS services to manage their nicotine dependency gives confusing messages.
"No level of smoking or second-hand smoke is safe.
"The NHS has encouraged people not to smoke on their premises for some time, but the message now is clear: 'you can't smoke in these hospital sites'"
Ms Johnston said people with nicotine dependency will be offered help and encouraged to access specialist support services.
"Hopefully many people will go on to give up smoking for good and fully realise the health and social benefits of this," she said.
The campaign has been launched by Public Health Wirral with local NHS Trusts and Heart of Mersey.
The move coincides with the publication in late November of public health guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
This guidance recommends all NHS hospitals and clinics take appropriate action to assist a safe, smokefree environment for all.
In a statement, Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: "Smoking is prohibited in Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge Hospital grounds. Over the previous twelve months we have had a high profile campaign running throughout our hospitals which offers encouragement, advice and support for patients, visitors and staff to stop smoking.
"Any staff who are identified smoking in our hospital grounds will be subject to appropriate action.
"Patients and visitors who smoke on the premises will be approached, asked to stop and appropriate advice given but we will be mindful of any distress or vulnerable condition they may be in."
Comments (6)
Please log in to enable comment sorting
5:57pm Mon 27 Jan 14
Arris1 says...
Assist not enforce!
Fiona Johnstone just doesn't get it does she? If someone wants to smoke they will, either by finding a cubby hole (like a linen cupboard) or by going out to the main road. What a civilised society we live in when we make sick people stand in their pajamas in the rain. I'm sure the heroin addicts will still get their methadone and the obese patients will get their ice buns!
And no, I don't smoke, I am a realist!
7:13pm Mon 27 Jan 14
spamfiend says...
7:13pm Mon 27 Jan 14
spamfiend says...
11:17pm Mon 27 Jan 14
Jimrob says...
Talk about biting the hand that feeds you.....
As you can see from the Governments OWN figures. It raised £12.3Billion from the sale of tobacco and tobacco products in the UK last year alone.
Perhaps idiots like Fiona Johnstone would feel much better when everyone has to pack in fags and she is unemployed !!!
10:50am Tue 28 Jan 14
bigfoot says...
accompanied by their intravenous drips!
10:51am Tue 28 Jan 14
unna12 says...
Comments are closed on this article.


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Here's an article I found on SI.com about Holmgren and how the fact that this being his last season is going to affect our team
"It's raining cats and dogs!"
In the 1500s, houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof.
When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."


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Definition: Orthopedic Impairment - An orthopedic impairment, as defined by the IDEA, is a bodily impairment that is severe enough to negatively affect a child's educational performance. This disability category includes all orthopedic impairments, regardless of cause. Examples of potential causes of orthopedic impairment include genetic abnormality, disease, injury, birth trauma, amputation, burns, or other causes.
People with orthopedic impairments usually need physical accommodations or assistive technology in work and life and have legal rights to this support under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Also Known As: Orthopedic impairments are sometimes called physical disabilities or other health impairments.
Common Misspellings: orthopaedic impairments
Examples:Disabling physical problems such as those resulting from poliomyelitis, bone tuberculosis, cerebral palsy, amputations, and fractures or contractures from burns would be considered as orthopedic impairments under the IDEA.


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Humane Alliance's Big Fix Rig
The Big Fix Rig's presence in the Gulf Coast region will allow groups in both states to offer low-to-no-cost spay/neuter surgeries to residents and feral cat caregivers through the Humane Alliance's high-volume spay and neuter system.
January 1, 2013
Trial by Fire
Find out how Larimer Humane Society coped with an influx of animals and coordinated rescue efforts during a historic wildfire last summer in Colorado.
August 6, 2012
Samples: Loudoun County ACC Emergency Shelter Evacuation Plan
Loudoun County Animal Care & Control in Virginia has created a shelter evacuation plan in case of emergency.
July 9, 2012
ASPCA Pro - Understanding NIMS and ICS
Feeling overloaded on incident-command acronyms? Figure them all out with the ASPCA's helpful guide.
July 9, 2012
FEMA's Disaster Planning and Recovery Resources
Find your state's office or agency of emergency management, and access the disaster preparedness and recovery resources FEMA offers.
July 9, 2012
PetShelterPlan.org - Disaster Resistant Communities Group
Use these sample documents from the Western Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team Initiative to plan a pet-friendly shelter during a disaster.
March 1, 2012
Helping Animals Find a New Place in the Sun
Find out how a Florida shelter strives to help as many animals as it can through its emergency relief, spay/neuter, and feral cat programs.
January 1, 2012
A Matter of Life and Breath
Meet Bobby Silcott, founder of the Maine POM Project, which aims to equip fire departments and rescue organizations throughout the state with oxygen masks for pets.
July 1, 2011
To the Rescue: Lions and Tigers and Rotties—Oh, My!
A major rescue operation in Texas removes more than 300 animals (from puppies to mountain lions) and finds them homes.
March 1, 2011
Yes, We Have Some Chihuahuas
With a little help from its friends, the Sacramento SPCA took in and cared for more than 150 animals from an overcrowded home.


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The 98th Tour de France runs from July 2, where it begins at Passage du Gois La Barre-de-Monts, until July 24, when it ends at Paris Champs-Élysées. Here's a look at the 2011 Tour de France course map.
2011 marks the 100th anniversary of the first time the tour ascended the Alps, so the course will focus heavily on the Alps this year, as compared to the Pyrenees in 2010. The 2010 course began in the Netherlands and went through Belgium before heading into France. The 2011 course, meanwhile, begins in the west of France, near the Bay of Biscay, with a 191.5-kilometer flat stage, then travels south before heading, briefly, into Italy, then returns to France for its conclusion.
Here's a look at the individual stages of this year's course:
These stages have the following profiles:
10 flat stages,
6 mountain stages and 4 summit finishes,
3 medium mountain stages,
1 individual time-trial stage (42.5 km).
1 team time-trial stage (23 km).
For much more on the Tour de France, check out Podium Cafe, which currently features a piece on the top storylines to watch in the 2011 Tour de France.


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My dogs love this traditional tweed coat for weekends
in the country when the weather is crisp. Short-haired
breeds and older dogs, in particular, benefit from an
extra layer to keep them warm in winter. This coat's woven tweed
keeps out the chill on cold days, while its fleece lining makes it
extra snuggly and soft to wear.
Tweed is the ideal choice for a country dog — perfect for romps
through the woods and fields — but you can use any wool fabric
for the outer layer. Something with texture and a pattern will make
more of a statement, so think about your dog's coloration, and
choose a fabric that will complement his markings, to ensure that
he's the best-dressed hound on the hillside.
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text: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO), a New York-based media company, has announced the preliminary settlement of the securities class action pending against the company in the S.D.N.Y. The case was originally filed in 2002 and alleges that founder Martha Stewart and other company officers made false and misleading statements about Stewart's sale of ImClone shares in December 2001, which resulted in an inflated stock price. (The 10b-5 Daily has commented on this case in a series of posts entitled "The Martha Stewart Watch," the most recent of which can be found here.) The proposed settlement is for $30 million, of which $15 million will be paid by the company, $10 million will be paid by the company's insurers, and $5 million will be paid by Stewart herself.


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In Stock
The Sessions Force snowboard jacket is part of their Terrain series. This range of ski and snowboard outerwear is made to focus on giving you the best performance at a great price. This particular jacket comes with the Recco avalanche rescue system. While not a replacement for a transceiver, the Recco system uses advanced radar technology to help mountain rescue find you should the unmentionable happen. The Recco Avalanche Rescue System is used by over 600 mountain rescue teams worldwide, to help ensure your safety on the slopes.


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Kim Kardashian showcased her curves on Twitter, sharing photos of herself in a brown string bikini with gold detailing on Thursday, August 2.
In one caption, the reality star noted that there was no photographic filter or Photoshop used for the photos, in the other, she said it was "pool time." The photos appear to have been taken in a bathroom.
The "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star has posted several bathing suit photos over the summer, including one of her in a one-piece and stilettos, sitting aboard a yacht.
Kardashian recently opened up about her body image with UK's Closer magazine and said that although she eats what she wants, she works out often.
"I still hit the gym most days to tone up," Kardashian told Closer. "I used to eat a lot of junk food, but there are plenty of fast food places that offer healthy options, so there's no excuse for eating badly all the time... Although, when I go out for dinner, I eat what I want. You can't spend your life worrying about calories."
The 31-year-old reality star has been romantically linked to Kanye West since April and accompanied the singer to the Cannes Film Festival, where he debuted his short film, "Cruel Summer."


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Virgin Experience Days Two Night Glamping Break - Lake District
- In Stock
1 review
- Delivery
Enjoy camping in style with this Two Night Glamping Break in a camping pod at the 100% carbon neutral quiet site in the Lake District. It's camping without the discomfort and beats staying in a tent hands down. You'll stay in your own Eco-pod which will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. With lakeside walks and stunning views, all at your doorstep, you're bound to enjoy this unique location set in the heart of the Lake District.
All you need to bring is your camping gear - minus the tent. Two night stay for up to two adults and two children in a 100% carbon neutral Eco-Pod. Those staying in a pod can take advantage of all the other site facilities including a shop, family play room, free Wi-Fi, olde-worlde bar, showers, baths and all the amenities you'd expect from a well established campsite. The shop and bar may not be open during low season. An Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card. Cancellation indemnity.
Upon arrival, you will be shown to your pod. The pod is a timber built, insulated hut designed to be used just like a tent but unlike a tent it is already set up on the site, ready for you to move in. Each pod has plenty of headroom and a floor area of approximately 7 square metres - ample space for two people or even two adults and two children 15 and under. The pod is designed to accommodate the variable British weather with ample ventilation for the hot days and lamb's wool insulation for those chillier times - a wooden 'tent' for all seasons. The pods are completely empty on arrival. They have a carpeted floor and a light wood interior.
- Location: Cumbria - Ullswater
- Available Monday to Thursday all year round!
Virgin Experience Days Warm Welcome One Night Break for Two
- In Stock
4 reviews
- Delivery
Warm Welcome One Night Break for Two
A fantastic excuse to make time for a relaxing night away with a great choice of warm and welcoming traditional British inns, coaching houses and hotels across England and Wales. Enjoy a cosy night's stay for two with a delicious breakfast the following morning - the perfect way to escape the pressures of daily life. Choose from a great selection of hostelries in town and country, many with lovely period features and all offering a warm and unpretentious welcome, so you can just kick back and relax.
One night bed and breakfast for two. Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card. Cancellation Indemnity. On arrival at your chosen venue you will be welcomed by the warm and friendly staff. Once you have checked in you will be free to enjoy your stay and use the facilities which may vary depending on the venue chosen. Please check during the booking process what you're entitled to, as you may incur additional charges for some amenities.
- Berkshire
- Cheshire
- Devon
- Dunbartonshire
- Essex
- Hampshire
- Hertfordshire
- Kent
- Lancashire
- Norfolk
- North Yorkshire
- Peak District
- Scotland
- South Yorkshire
- Suffolk
- Surrey
- Sussex
- Wales
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands
- West Yorkshire
- Yorkshire
Virgin Experience Days Theatre and Dinner for 2
- In Stock
9 reviews
- Delivery
Explore London's famous West End with this Theatre and Dinner package for two.
This is a fantastic chance to enjoy a delicious dinner for two at a popular central London restaurant before taking in a West End show.The perfect gift for a real theatre lover.
This is the perfect surprise gift for the theatre lover in your life, with a selection of shows to suit all tastes.
Key features:
- Enjoy a pre-theatre dinner at a central London restaurant, examples of restaurants are Maxwell's, Prezzo, PJ's and Spaghetti House
- Tickets of two upper circle or balcony seats.
- Choose from a selection of West End shows including: Stomp, Spamalot, Thriller, Woman in Black, 39 Steps and Singing in the Rain.
- Location: London, West End.
- Minimum age: 18
- Available Monday to Thursday, although some shows may be available to book on a Friday.
- This experience is unavailable during the school holidays.
- Not available to wheelchair users due to limited disabled access.
- Beverages not included.
- Transport between restaurant and theatre not included
- All shows are subject to availability and exclusion periods. Participating shows and restaurants are subject to change without notice.
- Vouchers are valid for 10 months
Virgin Experience Days Winning Horse Racing Day for Two
- In Stock
11 reviews
- Delivery
Prepare for an exhilarating day of ups, downs, jubilant cries and torn up ticket stubs with this fantastic day at the races. Enjoy admission to one of the ten racecourses Premier enclosures and get the inside track with a behind the scenes tour. Pick up your race programme and brush up on the form before placing a bet on your favourite with a free discount betting voucher. Head to the bar for a complimentary drink before you take to the stands to cheer on your chosen champion. This voucher is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. It's essential that you book and take you experience before the expiry date as this voucher may not be extended. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and may not be exchanged for another voucher.
Gates open around two to three hours before the first race, please check with the racecourse for confirmed timings, especially as race times are subject to change. Food is not included within the experience but can be purchased on the day for an extra charge. Pick up your race programme before you join the behind the scenes tour (the racecourse will confirm the time and meeting place for your tour in your welcome information). Afterwards, why not retreat to the bar to redeem your voucher for a welcome drink, but don't forget to head to the paddock around 30 minutes before the first race where you can see the horses parade and look for your winner. You will be able place a bet with the Tote using your discount betting voucher, before watching the first race and seeing the winning owners celebrate on the podium.
The experience is available at the following racecourses: Bath, Brighton, Chepstow, Ffos Las, Fontwell Park, Great Yarmouth, Hereford, Newcastle, Sedgefield and Uttoxeter.
Virgin Experience Days Couples Choice Voucher
- In Stock
13 reviews
- Delivery
This Virgin Experience Days Couples Choice Voucher makes a wonderful gift for a loved one, with a wide range of experiences from romantic dinners and champagne lunches, to ice climbing and go karting you can share together.
All experiences are for 2 people and there's plenty to choose from. If you're wanting a delicious meal or tasty drinks there's a banquet dinner at Coombe Abbey, champagne afternoon tea at The Park Lane Hotel, a champagne summer concert, classic lunch cruise and London Eye flight, cupcakes and cocktails experience, know your classic grapes experience, matching food and wine workshop, one hour cookery class at L'atelier Des Chefs, brewery tour and ale sampler's supper, 3 course dinner for 2, a vineyard tour.
For those looking for a thrill, there's the extreme high ropes course, Cornwall sea safari, flotation tank experience, full day sea fishing, go karting, helicopter thrill, high speed passenger ride, ice climbing, introduction to wakeboarding, learn to surf taster, llama trekking or the ski or snowboard taster.
For those wanting a romantic break, there's design your own perfume, Drury Lane Theatre tour and meal, his & hers pamper treat, one night break at a Hallmark Hotel chain, relaxation day for 2, spa day for 2 at Rowhill Grange, Thames Barrier RIB voyage, theatre and dinner for 2, visit to the Queen's Gallery and afternoon tea or the Wedgwood Ceramic Experience and lunch for 2.
Useful info:
- Restrictions apply depending on the experience
- All information will be available in the gift pack
- Virgin Experience Days Couples Choice Vouchers
Virgin Experience Days The View from the Shard and Thames Sightseeing Cruise for Two
- In Stock
1 review
- Delivery
This amazing Virgin Experience Days The View From The Shard and Thames Sightseeing Cruise For Two allows you to experience one of the most incredible landmarks in London.
With a viewing platform 500ft above the skyline, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe so you can witness breathtaking views of the capital like never before. The 360º view stretches out 64km, with multimedia displays and state of the art telescopes on hand to really bring it life.
You'll travel skywards on one of the 2 high-speed kaleidoscopic lifts, then move from floor 69 up to level 72 to experience one of the greatest cities on Earth on a whole new level.
After you've visited The Shard you can head off to a sightseeing cruise on one of the most famous rivers in the world. This hop on and hop off cruise along the Thames allows you to explore the city on ground level too, taking your time to stroll along the river bank and see all of the famous landmarks.
This experience comes with a personalised voucher and a message card, so it makes a wonderful gift for a loved one. It's also a great treat to yourself to a day in the capital in a totally unique way.
Useful info:
- The Shard, London
- Entry for 2 adults
- Unlimited hop on and off cruise for 2 adult
- Includes a personalised voucher and message card
- Cancellation indemnity
- Virgin Experience Days The View From The Shard and Thames Sightseeing Cruise For Two
Virgin Experience Days London Choice Voucher for 2
- In Stock
5 reviews
- Delivery
This London Choice Voucher for Two can be used or any one of the experiences listed. All you need to do is decide which one!
Choose from; Afternoon Tea for Two at the Park Lane Hotel, Classic Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise for Two, Afternoon Tea for Two at Quince at the May Fair Hotel, Visit Ripley's Believe It or Not! London, Tea Time Treat for Two at the Hilton London Gree Park, The View from the Shard for Two, London Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two with Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Visit to St. Paul's Cathedral & Traditional Afternoon Tea for Two, The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs, Two Course Meal for Two at a Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel.
Virgin Experience Days Harness Sphereing for 2
- In Stock
10 reviews
- Delivery
Enjoy the unique sensation of defying gravity while tearing down a hill at speeds of up to 30mph strapped inside a 12-foot inflatable sphere!
With 3 feet of cushioning air between you and the ground, Virgin Experience Day Harness Sphereing for 2 is fast paced and exhilarating - not to mention hilarious. This is unlike anything you have ever experienced before - the perfect present for a loved one so you can enjoy a day out together you'll never forget.
Key features:
- An experience for 2 people sharing a sphere.
- Health and Safety briefing.
- Allow at least 1 hour for your visit.
- 11 locations across England, Wales and Scotland
- Minimum in England and Wales is 12 - all under-18s need parental/guardian consent.
- Minimum height: 4ft (122 cm),
- Maximum: 7ft 2in (220 cm)
- Maximum weight: 18st for men,
- Maximum girth: 60"
- Participants must be in good health
- Duration: one hour
- the business judgement of customer weight/height restrictions is final and may be decided upon on the day of the ride by staff.
- Participation is prohibited if you are pregnant, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, suffering or have suffered back/neck problems, have had surgery in the last 12 months, heart/blood pressure problems, suffer epilepsy.
- Experience is weather dependent
Locations: Birmingham - Tamworth in Staffordshire, London - Ware or Bradfield in Hertfordshire, Manchester - Macclesfield in Staffordshire, Newcastle - Stocksfield in Northumberland, Newquay - Porth in Cornwall, Nottingham - Westwood in Nottinghamshire, Oxford - Burton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire
Virgin Experience Days London Afternoon Tea and Thames River Cruise for Two
- In Stock
3 reviews
- Delivery
Enjoy a day out in the Capital with this delightful Afternoon Tea for Two at the Hilton London Green Park and a leisurely Thames River Cruise. Spend the day indulging and sightseeing throughout wonderful London with a friend or loved one. As the River Thames weaves its way through the heart of London there is history around every bend. Your cruise will capture all of London's best loved sights as it passes the grand St Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London, The Houses of Parliament and The London Eye plus many other historic and famous sites. You may embark and disembark from the piers at Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich, cruising between them as many times as you wish during one day. On arrival at the Berry Bar and Lounge, you will be seated and presented with the Afternoon Tea menu. The traditional Afternoon Tea is served with a selection of sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, cakes and a selection of loose teas so you are guaranteed a truly indulgent experience before taking a leisurely river cruise down the Thames with unlimited hop on and off travel.The Hilton London Green Park hotel is set between the leafy Royal Parks and the shops of Oxford, Regent and Bond Street. The stylish Georgian townhouse hotel is just a short stroll to London attractions like Buckingham Palace, Westminster and Harrods and ideal venue to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea.Your voucher is valid for six months from the date of issue. It is essential that you book and take your experience before this date as vouchers may not be extended beyond the expiration date. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. The experience is available seven days a week throughout the year (except Christmas and Easter)Afternoon tea can be booked between 14.00and 17.30 and must be pre-booked.
Virgin Experience Days Champagne Afternoon Tea at The 5* Bentley Hotel - London
- In Stock
1 review
- Delivery
Indulge someone special with this Virgin Experience Days Champagne Afternoon Tea at The 5 Star Bentley Hotel in London.
The ultimate treat for anyone who loves the finer things in life, this original gift idea includes tea for 2 amidst the surroundings of this luxury hotel's Peridot lounge.
You will be served delicious teatime treats ranging from delicate sandwiches to mouth-watering cakes and pastries, as well as freshly baked scones with organic strawberry jam and clotted cream.
Everything is accompanied by your choice of fine tea or coffee and a glass of chilled Champagne.
The hotel is in the residential area of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea - the perfect place to retreat to from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Whatever the occasion, an anniversary, birthday or just a catch up with an old friend, this is the perfect treat.
Useful info:
- Champagne Afternoon Tea at The 5* Bentley Hotel in London.
- Gift pack includes personalised voucher and message card
- Includes cancellation indemnity
- Location: London - Harrington Gardens
Virgin Experience Days Sphereing Choice for 2
- In Stock
3 reviews
- Delivery
Enjoy the unique sensation of defying gravity whilst tearing down a hill at speeds of up to 30mph inside a 12-foot inflatable ball. You can choose from either a Harness Ride or an Aqua Ride for two, at a range of locations around the UK. It's fast-paced, exhilarating and it's unlike anything you have ever experienced before. On arrival at your chosen venue you'll be booked into the site and have the chance to watch other participants while you wait in a designated safe area, until its your turn to ride. You may choose between:
Harness Zorbing for Two - You'll be strapped into your harness, face-to-face with your friend, and taken to the top of the hill and then it's time for a safety briefing on how to ride the Zorb safely. The first rotations will ease you into this fantastic experience, propelling you forward as you begin to hurtle head-over-heels downhill. Try to suppress the screams - and laughter at your fellow passengers look of fear - as you gain speed down the run, for the ride of your life.
Locations: Tamworth Staffordshire, Ware Hertfordshire, Bradfield in Hertfordshire, Macclesfield Staffordshire, Stocksfield Northumberland, Porth Cornwall, Westwood Nottinghamshire, Bourton-on-the-Water Gloucestershire.
Aqua Zorbing for Two - With no harnesses you are completely free in the ball as you slip and slide around with thirty litres of water and a friend. A fantastic experience as you hurtle towards the finish line, balancing on the water as you try not to get soaked. Go wet and wild! Minimum height: 4 ft 7 inch. Maximum height: 7 ft 2 inch. Maximum weight: 18 stone per participant. You should allow at least one hour for your visit.
Locations: As above including Leek Staffordshire,
Virgin Experience Days Make Up Lesson for Two
- In Stock
1 review
- Delivery
Perfect for some bonding time together, this experience involves the two of you receiving make-up tips and skin care advice from a qualified Colour Me Beautiful consultant. If either of you are lacking confidence in your make-up choices, or could do with a new application process, then you will definitely benefit from this make-up lesson with one of Colour Me Beautiful's trained consultants. You'll discuss your image, face shapes and haircuts along with your likes and dislikes before going through a colour analysis where the two of you will discover which shades work best for your natural tones and personalities, and you will be shown how to apply the right make-up products to your skin and where to apply them. You are sure to pick up the hints and tips you need to carry out your new look at home. What's included: A one hour make up lesson for two, Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card, Cancellation Indemnity. The experience takes place at the studio of one of Colour Me Beautiful's 200 participating consultants across the UK.


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Here's a summer setting to consider: You're reclining on a chair in the yard and the sun is beating down — you're in your shades getting your tan on, and all that's missing is a refreshing beverage and maybe a snack or two.
This is the perfect drink for days on the patio. For part two of our Mexican themed recipe series (here's part one) we have a sweet two ingredient mix for a tasty frozen blended beverage. It's refreshing, delicious, and there's no added sugar!
- Half of 1 small/medium watermelon (make sure you wash it before you cut into it)
- Approximately 1 cup of Absolut Vanilla vodka (I use Absolut because there is only natural flavouring added and no sugar)
1. Cut watermelon in half.
2. Cut the watermelon into smaller pieces.
3. Peel the watermelon.
4. Cut the watermelon into cubes.
5. Place the watermelon pieces into a plastic container that has a lid, and pour 1 cup of vodka over the pieces.
6. Place the container in the freezer for about 4 hours.
7. When the watermelon is frozen, remove it from the freezer and shake the container.
8. Pour the contents into a blender and blend at high speed until smooth.
Pour contents into small glasses, garnish with a cucumber and serve immediately. If you use half of a watermelon it should make four-six servings. If you're not going to serve it all immediately, blend only a portion of the mix and put the remainder back in the freezer.
The drinks paired with a jicama cucumber snack are a great combination for a sunny day.


text:
NMPA letter. Tabs are down.
View Single Post
2007-04-11, 03:46
Schrodinger's Cat
Forum Leader
Tabs: 31 · Score: 47.88
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Liverpool, England
Posts: 5,975
The idea behind copyright law is that a musician's right to income is protected. Logically, if no income is derived from tab book sales due to no such book existing then there is no income to protect.
The NMPA's jurisdiction in our case should only extend to songs that have published transcriptions. I fail to see how the remainder of tabs on this site are subject to copyright legislation. It smacks of denotating a nuclear device in order to destroy a bee hive.
Album of the day:
Red Sparowes - At the Soundless Dawn
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text: Cruises From Civitavecchia Located 43 mi/69 km west of Rome, Civitavecchia, Italy, is one of the most popular destinations for ferry travelers in the Mediterranean. All major cruise lines begin and end voyages there or stop for shore excursions to see Rome and the Vatican.... Subscribe to travel42 to read the full Destination Guide. travel42 offers professionally written guides on more than 5,700 travel destinations and ports-of-call worldwide. Go to travel-42.com to learn more, or call 1.866.566.8136 to subscribe. Copyright (c) 2014 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. travel42. Cruises that Leave from Civitavecchia Sailing Schedule By Ship Show all cruises that visit CivitavecchiaShow only cruise that depart from CivitavecchiaView Cruises by: Destination | Departure Port | Line | ShipDestination | Line | Ship next month ›‹ prev month ShipAllMonthsSep2014Oct2014Nov2014Dec2014Jan2015Feb2015Mar2015Apr2015May2015Jun2015Jul2015Aug2015Sep2015Oct2015 By Month$559$549$449$499$569$519$719$669$849$899$1,049$1,089$1,029view Azamara Club CruisesAzamara Journey$2,499 $3,499$2,499 Azamara Club CruisesAzamara Quest$1,999 $1,999 Celebrity CruisesCelebrity Constellation$1,569 $1,729 $1,569$1,999$2,099 Celebrity CruisesCelebrity Equinox$1,399 $1,999$1,399$1,399 Celebrity CruisesCelebrity Reflection$649$7,149$649 $1,599$1,599$1,739$1,799$1,849 Celebrity CruisesCelebrity Silhouette$899view$899$1,269 Costa Cruise LinesCosta Deliziosa$999$1,499$1,199$999 Costa Cruise LinesCosta Fascinosa$749 $799$749$849$849$899$1,049$1,099 Costa Cruise LinesCosta Favolosa$549$799$649$549 Costa Cruise LinesCosta Fortuna$749 $749$1,039 Costa Cruise LinesCosta Luminosa$449 $549$449 Costa Cruise LinesCosta neoRivieraview Costa Cruise LinesCosta neoRomantica$1,099$1,299$1,199$1,099 Costa Cruise LinesCosta Pacifica$849$1,199$849$999 Costa Cruise LinesCosta Serena$499$599$549$499 Crystal CruisesCrystal Serenity$3,135 $4,915 $3,135 Crystal CruisesCrystal Symphonyview Cunard LineQueen Elizabeth$899$1,249$1,199$899$1,459 Cunard LineQueen Victoria$1,049 $1,049$1,249$1,149 Hapag-Lloyd CruisesEuropa 2view Holland America LineMaasdam$2,799 $2,799 Holland America LineNoordam$1,599$1,599$1,599 Holland America LinePrinsendam$1,499 $1,499 $2,299 Holland America LineZuiderdam$1,599 $1,599$1,699$1,799$1,999$1,899 MSC CruisesMSC Divinaview viewviewviewview MSC CruisesMSC Fantasiaview viewviewviewviewviewview MSC CruisesMSC Liricaviewviewview MSC CruisesMSC Musicaviewviewviewview MSC CruisesMSC Orchestraview view MSC CruisesMSC Preziosaview viewviewviewviewview MSC CruisesMSC Sinfoniaview viewview Norwegian Cruise LineNorwegian Epic$559$1,049$559 $889$939$1,099$1,089$1,029 Norwegian Cruise LineNorwegian Jade$499 $759$499$569$519$719$669 Oceania CruisesMarinaview view Oceania CruisesNauticaview view Oceania CruisesRivieraview viewviewviewview Paul Gauguin CruisesTere Moanaviewview Princess CruisesEmerald Princess$1,249 $1,249$1,349$1,349$1,299 Princess CruisesIsland Princessview Princess CruisesOcean Princess$1,099$1,099 $1,699$1,999 Princess CruisesPacific Princess$3,199 $3,199 Pullmantur CruisesSovereignviewviewview Regent Seven Seas CruisesSeven Seas Marinerview view viewviewviewview Regent Seven Seas CruisesSeven Seas Voyagerview view Royal Caribbean InternationalAllure of the Seas$1,599 $2,039$1,749$1,719$1,599$1,879 Royal Caribbean InternationalLiberty of the Seas$559$559 Royal Caribbean InternationalRhapsody of the Seas$1,199 $1,289$1,199 Royal Caribbean InternationalSerenade of the Seas$861$1,549$861 Sea Cloud CruisesSea Cloudview view SeabournSeabourn Questview viewview SeabournSeabourn Sojournview viewviewviewviewview SeaDream Yacht ClubSeaDream Iviewview SeaDream Yacht ClubSeaDream IIviewviewview Silversea CruisesSilver Cloudview viewview Silversea CruisesSilver Spiritview view viewview Silversea CruisesSilver Windviewviewview viewviewview Star ClippersRoyal Clipperview view Voyages to AntiquityAegean Odyssey$5,495 $5,495 Windstar CruisesStar Breezeview viewviewview Windstar CruisesStar Legendview view Windstar CruisesStar Prideview view Windstar CruisesWind Starview view view Windstar CruisesWind Surfviewviewviewview viewview Prices represent the lowest available price for a given sailing date, ship, and/or month. All prices USD. Terms and Conditions:The prices listed are representative of actual prices provided by various cruise vendors and are not offered by TravelAgeWest.com or Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Price listed does not constitute a contract of services, implied or written. TravelAgeWest.com provides no cruise booking or purchase features. Prices are provided as a comparison tool only. Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy and do include port taxes. Prices do not include taxes, fuel surcharges, gratuities, or airfare unless otherwise noted. Actual prices and fees are subject to vendor policies and are subject to availability, are capacity-controlled, and are subject to change without notice. Special amenities, prices, offers, and upgrades are based on select dates, ships, sailings, stateroom categories, and select fare codes. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates, and other restrictions may apply. All prices and dates may not be available at time of booking.


text:
The student visa process is not easy, nor simple. It must be well prepared. Once you get the admission, and at least two months before your intended departure prepare for the student visa:
1. Gather the required documents
2. Meet the program officer for an interview
3. Submit your application, go for the biometrics & pay for your visa at the visa section
1. What are the required documents to apply for the student visa?
The International passport must of course be valid for all the period of trip to France.
If you don't have a birth certificate, you can submit an affidavit.
The photographs will be joined to the visa application form.
You will get the form from the visa section.
The transcripts are very important. Get them !
With no admission in a school, you can not apply for a student visa.
The certificate of accommodation is compulsory.
No Hotel reservation is accepted.
The accommodation certificate must mention :
a. your name
b. the address of the accommodation
c. the dates covering the duration of your course.
If an individual is offering you accommodation, submit:
a. a letter of invitation (from the individual)
b. a proof of accommodation (electricity, water, gas bill etc.)
c. a copy of his ID (International passport or national ID)
If you are sponsoring yourself, you do not need this document.
If not the International Passport, the national ID card. No other IDs are accepted.
Main travel insurance providers are: AIICO, Evasan, InsurVisa, Gtassur, Unichealth, Unitrust.
Just a booking is required. DON'T PAY the ticket until you have the visa.
The money will be paid at the visa section.
2. What is the preliminary interview all about?
The aim of the interview is to assess the educational project of the candidate and to pre-check his file. All other aspects of your file will be assessed by the visa section that will make the final decision of giving (or not) the visa. You can run the preliminary interview only at the "Institut Français du Nigeria", Abuja French Institute in Abuja with the program officer.
3. What do I do after the preliminary interview?
After your interview, and if (and only if) your entire file is complete, you can submit it at the visa section in Lagos or Abuja. From the moment you submit your file, it takes the visa section approximately 10 working days to process your visa.
For further information, kindly contact the program officer:
Claire HAZOUME
0816 8963 863