So my baby got married today. I am very happy for her, but sad for me. I love my son in-law and his family, they are awesome. She will be leaving in about a month to start her new life with her husband on the East Coast : (

I used to count down the years till they would all be gone, and although sometimes I think "One down, two to go!" it is not what I want.

Congratulations Shana and Gabe!

Tay and Mikey - slow down, don't grow so fast!

Spirit in the sky, who watches over all
  animals:  It is my prayer and my request that
you grant greater understanding, and acceptance
   to humans; those who love us, and those who
                    hate us.

That they will know how loyal we are, how brave
  we are, and how loving we are.  Help them to
accept us as a breed in whole, and not let the
   few tragedies shine brighter than the many
           great traits that we have.

  And those who would kill me, let them know, I
   forgive them even though I don't understand
their hatred.  And those who would beat me, let
them know I still love them, even though it is
             not the honorable way.

  Thank you for all the strong traits that you
  have given to me and my breed.  Help those to
    know that I stand for courage, strength,
loyalty, and bravery.  And as my master already
   knows, let those who would come against my
  family know that I would surely die defending
                      them.

   And just one thing that I would ask: Let my
  master know, that if you should call me away,
   that I will wait patiently at those pearly
  gates until the one who chose me comes home.

                           Amen

I guess it's time to make the ABOUT ME section of my profile about me.

From July 2005 to July 2007 I managed Pandora, A female fronted rock band from Crete, IL.

Pandora's music could best be described as Alternative or Progressive. (As their bio states... THINK TOOL, SYSTEM OF A DOWN AND EVANESCENCE)

I was not just someone who books their shows, I had taken an interest in them. I have spent countless hours investing my time and energy into helping them succeed. I will always respect thier music and their abilities as artists. I was their biggest fan and supporter. I am very proud of them all.

Working with Pandora was an awesome experience - I miss it a lot, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I wish the kids the best that life has to offer and hope that they find happiness in their next endeavors.

Look over the following questions. Think about how you are being treated  in your relationship. Remember, when one person scares, hurts or continually puts down the other person, it's abuse.

Does your partner...

• Embarrass or make fun of you in front of your friends or family?
• Put down your accomplishments or goals?
• Call you names?
• Make you feel like you are unable to make decisions?
• Use intimidation or threats to gain compliance?
• Hit walls, throw things, try to scare you?
• Tell you that you are nothing without them?
• Treat you roughly - grab, push, pinch, shove or hit you?
• Call you several times a night or show up to make sure you are where you said you would be?
• Use drugs or alcohol as an excuse for saying hurtful things or abusing you?
• Blame you for how they feel or act?
• Pressure you sexually for things you aren't ready for?
• Make you feel like there "is no way out" of the relationship?
• Prevent you from doing things you want - like spending time with your friends or family?
• Act jealous of other people in your life?
• Try to keep you from leaving after a fight or leave you somewhere after a fight to "teach you a lesson"?
• Accuse you of cheating or sleeping around?
• Threaten to kill him/herself if you leave?
• Deny your feelings?

Do You...

• Sometimes feel scared of how your partner will act?
• Constantly make excuses to other people for your partner's behavior?
• Believe that you can help your partner change if only you changed something about yourself?
• Try not to do anything that would cause conflict or make your partner angry?
• Feel like no matter what you do, your partner is never happy with you?
• Always do what your partner wants you to do instead of what you want?
• Stay with your partner because you are afraid of what your partner would do if you broke up?

If any of these are happening in your relationship, talk to someone. There is a way out and you are strong, determined and beautiful!