Friday Wrap-Up

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I learned a valuable Blogger lesson yesterday - you can't delete a draft post that contains images that you are using in another post unless you want to lose the images - d'oh!! What was so odd about the HNT issues yesterday was that I could see the photos - even when not logged in to Blogger - and because the changes were made right before the post went live, the first few visitors were still able to see the images. Thanks to everyone who let me know about the issue!

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Been an interesting week in the cyber world. A dear friend of mine has been out of cyber touch this week and it made me realize just how much I depend on the internet for emotional/intellectual/personal interaction. There was a time when I thought that indicated a problem, however I am starting to realize that friendships - whether they are online or offline - are friendships. Online friendships are every bit as intense and satisfying as their offline counterparts. In fact, I would say they are often more intense and satisfying than their offline counterparts.

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A quick political comment now that the election is over. No matter what our political affiliation, I think if we are even the slightest bit open minded we can find some commonality with President-Elect Obama. It is in the best interest of this country that we do just that.

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An amazing thing happened in my home this week. For the first time in six years, husband (Cam's step-father) and I were able to communicate and work together towards an appropriate discipline strategy for Cam. Without going into too much detail, Cam was suspended from school for two days this week for a physical altercation he was involved in as well as for a zero tolerance issue.

Before anyone starts jumping on the "no-wonder-he-has-issues" bandwagon, yes - I continue to do all that I can in addressing the root cause of these issues, and no - I will not explain what I am doing in depth as it always seems to invite a significant amount of criticism on the blog.

But, I will say that there were some significant gains made from a parenting perspective. I decided to be *gasp* honest with husband regarding Cam's suspended status. There was a time, not too long ago, when I would have hidden this from him fearing (with good reason) that his reaction would be a physical one against Cam. I had a moment of clarity last night where I knew it was time to shit or get off the pot. Either I was honest with husband, dealing with the consequences of honesty, or I was dishonest with him continuing the facade. The desire to move forward (requiring honesty) overrode the fear.

I'm in no way making claims that everything is now hunky-dory, but I do believe there was forward movement. Only time will tell if this was an exception to the rule, or the beginning of a healthy relationship for this family, but I have realized (with a little help) that honesty in parenting is the only acceptable option. If honesty results in a dangerous reaction from husband, everything is in place to leave the situation.

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HNT - Boobies 4 BTE

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I'm hoping I was able to correct the issue with the photos. If this is a repeat visit for you, I appreciate your tenacity!

I've taken on the project of painting the master bedroom/sitting area. We've been in the house for over two years, and with the exception of a small bathroom and the laundry room, this is the only room that hasn't been painted. Why? Well, husband and I have color issues - I like them and he doesn't.

I started the project in the sitting area. Husband agreed that painting there made sense - it would allow him to try out the colors without making a huge commitment. I really wanted something calming and earthy - something that made this room feel like an escape. Normally, I'm not a "blue" girl, but I really liked the blue/brown combination - that dark brown is used as an accent wall.

I've always heard that it is good luck to place a message on the wall before painting. Well, this is part of the bedroom, so I decided it was perfect for an impression rather than a message - especially this kind of impression!

BTE, for your birthday, here is my booby impressionism masterpiece! Although it started out like this, it now lives below a coat of dark brown paint.

The "master" at work *CLICK*




NOTE: I was reading Jay's blog last week and he mentioned a "Smoosh Your Boobies" contest. I knew I was going to miss the cut-off date, so didn't really give it a second thought. Well, I just went back and they extended the "submit by" date - it is now November 7th! So, if you are artistically inclined, you can make your own impressionist artwork and even win a prize!



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Yes, I Did!

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Vote, that is - and the proof is on the ... well ... you can see!

Now you - yes YOU! Shut down the computer and go vote!

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