I can’t help thinking about all of the couples out there who are unable to have children, can’t afford the price of overseas adoption or in vitro…the term “baby hog” comes to mind. I also think about a dear friend of mine, raising five children by herself, taking no government assistance, working two jobs and putting herself through college at night…she has this attitude about public assistance…”No, I brought these children into this world, they are MY responsibility, I will provide for them.” Refreshing.

Its clearly all about her. As someone who has worked with “welfare moms”…I know that cycle is hard to break. With six she had just a glimmer of hope, but with fourteen, she will be on the public dole for quite some time. She would have been better off taking that settlement and investing it for her six children’s future instead of paying to have eight more. Her parents should just walk away and force her to deal with the consequences of her actions. Heaven knows they have done their time.

Ah, not a football fan? I mourn the end of football season even more than my husband…I consider this “the dark time” and simply count the days until August 9th…first pre-season game!

My husband will cook dinner for me, we’ll open some champagne, curl up on the couch and watch the romantic “chick flick” of my choice. I prefer “Date Nights” at home.

I use my Kindle for travel only…when I am home, I want my books. One of my friends doesn’t understand my love for cookbooks, even though she knows what a passionate southern cook I am. She points out that with my laptop in the kitchen I can pull up any recipe I want…she misses the point. I read cookbooks like they are novels…I have a vast collection and will surely add to it over time. I have, from time to time, pulled a recipe off of the internet, but it can never top the joy of discovering a new cookbook and reading it from cover to cover.

Can’t imagine doing this…there are reasons they were “left behind”!!!

I own a son of a Westminster champion, many of his siblings have taken championships there as well, two last year! He is not a show dog, due to an “overshot bite” he was sold as “pet quality”, and I thank the lord for that every day. He is my second Rottie, when I pet him he “purrs”…it may sound like growling to others, but no, he purrs! He weighs 130 pounds, sleeps on our bed, loves children, and is devoted to our lab/coonhound mix and our elderly dog…who is such a mix that when people ask what kind of dog she is, I say “black”. Because thats her color and the only thing I’m certain about! I cannot imagine life without dogs, and I have never chosen my dogs, they have always chosen me. They are blessings.

Portia has always been gay, and has talked about the inner struggle of being “in the closet” during her time on “Ally McBeal” etc. I wish the two of them all the best and pray that 8 will be over turned.

Diversify! Beyond that, manage your own money or pay VERY close attention to the person or persons who manage it for you. Go over every statement with a fine tooth comb and don’t be afraid to ask questions…after all, its YOUR money!

Two Sofas on Wheels! Love that! That is the way friends describe their 06 Jag sedan…!! They love it, and I must admit, its a dream to ride in or drive on a long road trip.

I was a Chevy girl for years…drove a Chevy Blazer for fifteen years and 315,000 miles. Bought a three quarter ton turbo diesel Chevy Suburban and drove it for fourteen years…until a storm brought two giant red oaks down on it…I cried like a baby. Now I drive a Mercedes C class sports sedan, she handles like a dream, gets 33 mpg…I love her…and I must admit, I will probably buy Mercedes from now on…but I buy certified pre-owned…not new!!

I have had the great good fortune to see Ms. James perform many times, and to actually meet her…I think too much is being made of her statements and they are being taken “wrong”…she has a wicked sense of humor. She makes sarcastic remarks from time to time, as we all do.

I am fortunate…found her years and years ago when she was “new”…she was attentive, listened, followed up by phone…I thought to myself at the time “Uh-Oh..they’re gonna throw you out of the “Doctor’s Club” if they find out how well you’re treating your patients…” She has never changed. In fact, a few years ago when I was in the hospital, she came to check on me just four hours after she gave birth to her first child!!

I had no idea she lip synced…I was too mesmerized by the sound and power of her voice…not to mention her internal courage/spirit that gave her the strength to do this. Had I been through what she went through, I would have still been curled in the fetal position in a dark room some where.

Ditto to what Frank said.