I have given the finger when driving.  Not often and only when absolutely pushed to the limit.  I’ve found it’s very effective to give with a big smile.  (And if someone ever gives me the finger, I smile broadly and wave, like they were waving at me…totally throws them off.)

Somehow I can’t swear.  The words just don’t come out.  My husband laughs his head off when I get stressed and let out a big, "Oh heavens"

Nanchan, I got hung up on that same sentence.  I re-read the letter and I still hear someone who things she has boxed herself into a life, doesn’t feel fulfilled, and is now blaming her family.  "The problem is our youngest"?  What’s the problem with that?  You can’t get involved, read, take classes, find a part time or even full time job while you have a child entering preschool?  I don’t hear why the youngest child is the problem.  I hear the mother being unhappy or unfulfilled and assuming it must be because of her family.  I didn’t hear that she needs to work because the family needs money.  The job market is tight right now, especially for someone with no direction and, presumably, no particular skill.  I’d suggest volunteering, taking classes at a community college or a university, getting involved with other mothers who might help her gain insights into herself and find a niche for her to feel more fulfilled.

Rita - I don’t agree with either party’s "platform" totally.  So I’m an independent.  Not a fence-sitter at all.  I vote for the individual and for the approach to issues I believe in.  That is thoughtfullness, not fence-sitting.

I believe we will continue to have two parties with one or the other stronger at any particular point in time.  Remember, it was just eight years ago that Carl Rove was seeing a future where Repbulicans would always be in charge.

My hope is that we grow more independents.  People who actively participate in the political process.  Who look at the candidates individually, not just through a party lens.  People who can think for themselves and choose wisely.  Wouldn’t that be real democracy in action?

So a catholic university does not want to honor the president of our country because of one issue.  The president who is trying to stop torture, turn us back from an ill conceived war.  Who is trying to bring the country together.  And the holier-than-thou catholics want to declare war because they do not agree with him on something that is the law of the land?  …and at the same time, the catholic church can’t figure out why people are leaving in droves, why they cannot get enough priests.  Some relationship here?  I was raised catholic but this "church" lost me long ago.

I felt this was very effective.  I often read commencement speeches to see what the themes of the day are, who has an interesting approach to what is often a trite and overdone type of address.  How many ways can you say congratulations, go get ‘em?  Maya Angelou’s work consistently makes me think because of her use of words and rhythm.  Isn’t that what we’d hope for a commencement address?  Get a few of those giddy grads to stop and think about what comes next and their potential impact on the world?  Thanks for sharing this one.

Nope.  I have a great body but I don’t feel compelled to share it with the world.  Just me and my husband.

I don’t understand how writing a tell all book about your husband’s infidelity shows strength of character.  It might be stronger to keep it to yourself and do whatever it takes to live your life with strength and character…whether with or without your spouse.

James is right.  This is not reality.  It is definitely weird.  I don’t watch much TV, usually just the news and Jeopardy.  I haven’t figured out the attration of the reality shows but to each his own.  Obviously there are a lot out there who really enjoy them.  I am highly competitive, just don’t like watching these contrived scenarios.

Perhaps you feel the topic has run its course.  You can stop reading at any time.  Obviously others feel compelled to read, think, continue to comment.  You are not obliged to read or contribute.

I just don’t agree.  It’s that viewpoint that fuel people like Ms Hunter.  Get pregnant and then force the man to support your child.  She knew she was having an affair with a married man.  She should know how to keep from getting pregnant.  She need to deal with the child’s emotional and financial future.

Elizabeth, I don’t understand your comment.  You didn’t have children because you didn’t think you could be like a family you saw on TV?  I’m hoping there is something more here.  It seems strange to me that you would base such an important life decision on a television show.

I am lucky that I have good coverage through my job and that I can afford any deductibles and "co-insurance" charges for our care.  What I find amusing is through all of these public heath scares (H1N1/swine flu, etc.) the first recommendation is always, "talk to your doctor."  And who is supposed to pay for all of those doctor visits to see if the flu or whatever is a garden variety or the kind to be worried about?

The one thing I’ve learned in life is that you cannot make a decision for someone else.  Unless it is you and you personally feel the impact, then you don’t know what is in their hearts and minds.  The first reaction of everyone to these stories; Clinton, Spitzer, Edwards, and others; is to say she should leave.  Throw the bum out.  Shoot him.  But that rarely happens.  There is a lot of history in a marriage and you don’t know what makes that relationship work.

If John Edwards is as self-absorbed as is reported here, obviously Elizabeth has known that for years and has made a choice to live with it or finds it works for her.  I agree with her that the paternity of the child is not her problem.  That young woman knew what she was doing when she got pregnant.  She should have had no expectations that there would be any acknowledgement of paternity.  Why reward her behavior now?  And I don’t want to hear about harming the child.  There are plenty of children with single mothers who do just fine.  I don’t think this is some innocent, wronged single mother.  She was probably counting on a big payout from Edwards.

I hope it’s not trendy.  Scarily required for many who have been caught up in the financial problems of the nation.  Some self-inflicted, some not at all.  I am hopeful that no one views bankruptcy as a trendy and acceptable thing to do.