Michele Mathews
As a divorced mom of two children, Michele Mathews has worked as a journalist for a local small town newspaper, freelanced for a nearby city's Sunday newspaper, and in September 2005 published her first book called Living, Sleeping and Eating Band. She is currently in her 17th year working in the education field; she has been an English teacher, a remediation aide and now a resource aide in a classroom for emotionally disabled high school students. She tutors at a local youth center for at-risk middle school students and is a Photo Solutions Specialist for Creative Memories.
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- 1/28/2008
Education/Experience
Indiana University-Bloomington, BA in Criminal Justice and Journalism, teaching license in English and JournalismInterests
Writing, music, movies, internet, scrapbooking, photography, traveling, education, reading, enjoying her children and their activitiesMotto
Keep the faith!
Fans
Displaying Results 1 - 121 (of 121) for All Content
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How I Published My First BookFor over 30 years, I have considered myself a writer. In 2005, I published a 140-page book about my marching band memories. I became the author I had always dreamed of being.
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1993 Pontiac Sunbird: The Best Car I Ever OwnedIf we took a survey of the best vehicle we have ever owned, chances are everyone would say something different. Some might say a sports car, and others might say a full size sedan. The best vehicle I have ever owned was a 1993 Pontiac Sunbird.
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3 Steps to Planning Our Next Family VacationOver spring break my children and I hope to take our annual family vacation. Planning the trip won’t be difficult at all since I have done this several times over the past few years. I have even been able to save money for these family trips.
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My Special Memory of ChristmasChristmas is such a special holiday, and young children make the holiday even more special. Seeing their facial expressions on Christmas morning when they discover what Santa has left them create memories of Christmas that many parents never forget.
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Top 5 Resolutions for Personal HealthEvery year we make our New Year’s resolutions. For 2012, I resolve to achieve the following personal health resolutions, and I will not quit halfway through the year.
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My Top 3 Biggest Parenting MistakesBeing a parent is hard enough, and that job is even harder if you are a single parent. I have had my fair share of parenting mistakes. However, we learn from those mistakes and become a better person, and, in this case, a better parent. -
Scrapbooking: My Favorite Winter ActivityFor the past several years, scrapbooking has become one of my favorite winter hobbies. I can stay inside my warm, cozy house instead of going outside in the cold, snowy weather.
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Three Steps for Purchasing a New CarBuying a new car is not always an easy task. It is especially hard when you have no idea what you want or your budget is limited. Using the three steps below, you will find it much easier to purchase the perfect car that will fit your needs and budget.
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How 9/11 Made Me StrongerAs the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, this author will share how that horrific day in American history changed her life as well.
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A Letter to MarniAt the beginning of the year, I wrote a "This is Who I Am" essay along with the seniors I assist in a couple of classes. As we come upon the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I fondly remember Marni Pont o'Doherty, a fellow Rick fan who perished that day.
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Myrtle Beach: The Best Summer VacationMyrtle Beach has always been a favorite vacation spot of mine. I enjoy trips that I can do within a day, and even though our drive to Myrtle Beach makes for a long day of driving, I feel like we make the most of our time at our destination.
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The Best Fourth of July EverFor some people the Fourth of July is just another excuse to have a party. For others, the Fourth of July is a time to spend with family and friends, watch fireworks, and celebrate the birth of our country.
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Summertime: My Top 10 AlbumsWhen you think of summer, what comes to mind? I am sure you listen to some good tunes no matter what you do this summer. Here are my Top 10 albums of summer.
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Swimming: My Favorite Summer HobbyFor the past two summers, my favorite summer hobby has been put on the back burner. I haven't gotten to swim as much as I would like because of my swimming pool being out of commission. However, this summer is going to be different.
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Stonehenge: Well Worth VisitingStonehenge is a great destination in it peaceful setting and something definitely worth seeing if you ever visit England. Thousands upon thousands of years ago groups of people moved these huge stones into a circle.
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My Top 5 Goals for My 2011 Summer BreakI don't know how the majority of my colleagues spend their summer, but I have five goals for what I will do on my 10 weeks of summer break.
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Five Common Myths About Domestic AbuseDomestic abuse is not at all what some people think it is, and common myths are what help make it a joke among some people. However, domestic abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual, and it is real.
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Rick Springfield Rocks with His AutobiographyRick Springfield is a talented singer, songwriter, and actor, and now he can add author as well. Late, Late at Night is the rocker's autobiography that his diehard fans have anticipated for years. -
Rick Springfield Rocks the Indiana State Fair in AugustFor almost 61 years old, Rick Springfield can rock just like he is still in his 30s. Springfield performed a free concert at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis on August 12, 2010. -
How to Recognize that a Child is Being Sexually AbusedEvery day children are sexually abused by someone they know. As a parent or someone who works with the child at school or at an after-school program, learn to recognize the signs of a child who is being sexually abused.
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How to Prepare for the Loss of Someone to CancerDeath is not easy to deal with no matter how it happens. You can prepare for an expected death. You know it is coming, and you have several things you can do to prepare for the inevitable.
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'The Nativity Story': A Holiday Movie MemoryAbout a month before Christmas 2006, a movie called "The Nativity Story" entered the theater world. I remember how excited my then 10-year-old daughter and I were about seeing it. This was truly a moment I cherished during the holiday time.
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Teachers Look Forward to Winter Break, TooTeaching in a resource room for emotionally disabled high school students has its perks '" no grading, or very little, and no lesson plans. Over our 16-day winter break, I have several things I would like to do.
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My Favorite Holiday TraditionsEverybody has some kind of holiday tradition, right? Maybe your tradition is gathering at another family member's home to celebrate the joy of Christmas, or perhaps you have a certain meal you prepare at your home. Here are this author's favorite ones.
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My Top 5 Parenting New Year's ResolutionsEvery year we state our New Year's resolutions. However, what if you are a parent and want to be a better one? You will create resolutions that will help you be an even better parent so here to get you started are my New Year's parenting resolutions.
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5 Ways My Life Changed After I Became a ParentWhen I first learned I was going to be a parent 15 years ago, I didn't realize how much my life would change. Some changes were for the good while others were not so great.
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The Worst Travel Experience of My LifeFor the last few years my two children and I travel some place to get away for a week in the summer. However, my worst fear is something happening between here and there and being stranded. -
Remembering 9/11: My Personal ExperienceJust like the death of John F. Kennedy and other memorable dates in history, 9/11 will be another day we Americans will never forget. Here is a story of how 9/11 touched one American.
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Labor Day Weekend Getaways in Southern IndianaAre you fretting about what to do or where to go for Labor Day weekend? In the hills of southern Indiana, several places offer a great way to getaway for the long holiday weekend, and most are reasonably priced or inexpensive. -
Cutting Preschool Budgets is Not the AnswerAs if spending cuts for grades K-12 weren't enough, now some states are cutting the budgets of their public preschool programs. Cutting these programs will hurt those students who will struggle with school as they get older.
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Necessary Back-to-School Items for Elementary StudentsWith school starting just around the corner, it is time once again to buy the essential school supplies for your elementary student. While every teacher may have a few different needs, the top 10 essential supplies are still the same.
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Must-Have Items for a Successful High School StudentYour high school student will need some essential back-to-school supplies to get her through the new school year. Compared to her years in elementary and middle schools, these supplies will differ in some aspects and be the same in others.
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The Agony of the StudentBased on a true incident (with names changed to protect the innocent), this short story is about a student who agonizes over whether she will get a strict teacher during her senior year of high school.
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Sports Movie Review: We Are MarshallOver the years movies about football have inspired us to be better people; movies like Remember the Titans help us see the underdogs can achieve their dreams. Without exception, one of the most inspiring football movies is We are Marshall.
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Planning a Beach Vacation on a BudgetYou want to take your family on a vacation to a beach; however, you have no idea as to how to plan your vacation on a budget. With these simple tips, you will be able to efficiently plan your beach vacation with the money you have to spend.
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The Symbolism of PurpleWith Yahoo's acquistion of AC, this is a haiku about the color purple.
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A Lottery Player's Dream Come True - Winning the Lottery!Winning the lottery is every lottery player's dream come true. You have all of this money and can buy anything or do anything you wish with it. Hopefully, you will spend the money wisely and not waste it on silly items.
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Attractions to Visit in Myrtle Beach with Young ChildrenMyrtle Beach, SC, has plenty to do for the younger children so if you are worried about having enough for your children to do then worry no longer.
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My Favorite Vacation MemoriesOver the years I have taken many vacations with my family as a child and teen, by myself as a young adult, and with my own children. I enjoy traveling and seeing different places all across our country, but I also enjoy returning to my favorite places.
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The Most Popular Attractions in Myrtle Beach, SCEvery year nearly 15 million people visit Myrtle Beach, SC. This beach city's popularity is based upon the myriad of attractions, and, of course, the beach.
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Ways to Make the Most of Your Vacation TimeSummer is just around the corner, and you and your family are going on a trip. No matter the destination, you will want to make the most of your time while on vacation so you can sit back and thoroughly relax.
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Top 10 Songs for Memorial DayMemorial Day means remembering those who have fought and even died so that we can live in this great country we call the United States of America. Memorial Day also means summer follows closely behind. These songs help make that weekend memorable.
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Five Ways to Enjoy MotherhoodBeing a mom is one of the world's greatest jobs in the world, at least to those of you who are moms. No matter what happens as you watch your child grow from a baby to a young adult, you should find ways to enjoy motherhood.
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Handmade Gifts for Moms on Mother's DayWith Mother's Day in a month, now is the time to begin thinking about what you are going to get that special mom in your life. What about making her something special, something that she will cherish for the rest of her life?
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Five Sleep Saving Tips for New MomsYou can't wait to become a new mommy; however, at the same time you dread the thought of sleepless nights. What can you do to ensure you stay rested yourself so that you can be the best mommy to your newborn?
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What I Did with My Bachelor of Arts DegreeWhen I was a young girl, I dreamed of becoming a teacher when I was older. I even played school with my dolls and stuffed animals. At that moment in time, I just knew, call it a gut feeling if you wish, that I was meant to be a teacher.
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How to Make the Most Out of Family TimeFamily time may come every day, once a week, or once a month; this is a time for bonding together and at the same time having as much fun as possible.
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Springtime Activities for ChildrenSpringtime is here at last. Now what do you do with the children to get them back outside after a long winter inside playing video games and watching TV?
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How to Succeed as a Divorced ParentBeing a parent and going through a divorce is a tough situation, not only for you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse, but for your children as well. These tips will help you succeed as a divorced parent.
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The Incredible Birth StoryTen years ago on March 21, 2000, my son entered the world in much the same way I had carried him for nine months - with difficulty. I had no idea when I got pregnant with him the kind of pregnancy I would have.
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Top 10 Songs by Bon JoviBon Jovi is one of the most popular bands in the world. Since the early 1980s, the group consisting of Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan and Tico Torres has continually rocked the world with their music and videos.
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Top 5 Love MoviesOver the years many love movies have been released; a few of these stick out more than others and have become classic, ones that you don't want to miss.
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Reflections: Spring StormsSpring is a time for baseball, for the birds to return from the South and sing their happy songs, for the flowers to pop up from the ground and bloom, and for the spring storms to bring both joy and fear to the people.
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10 Signs You Are Over Your ExNo matter how you look at it breaking up with your partner is never easy, especially if you have been together for more than a few months. How do you know when you are truly over him, though?
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Movie Review: The Time Traveler's WifeHave you ever thought about what it would be like to travel through time either into the past or into the future? I often wonder what I will be doing in the future and wonder what the past was like.
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Movie Review: Cloudy with a Chance of MeatballsI don't like to cook much. Sometimes I wish I could just snap my fingers, and viola dinner would be sprawled out on the table ready to eat. That would certainly be nice to have any meal prepared that quickly.
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Memoirs: Spring BreakOver my lifetime I must say I have had some really awesome spring breaks. Looking back and thinking of those vacations makes me wish I could relive the memories, makes me wish I could do them all over again.
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Movie Review: The BoxDo you like receiving gifts? What if the gift is a $1 million? I know I could use some of that money to pay bills, buy a new car, and take a well-deserved vacation. However, what if there is a hitch in exchange for you receiving the money?
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Movie Review: 2012Even though I know I should focus on the here and now, sometimes I think about the future. I wonder if the global warming theory is true and that someday our world will end.
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Memoirs: Easter MemoriesEaster is a time for a new beginning. It is a time to think about what you can do differently in your life to make it better. It is a time for the Easter bunny, Easter egg hunt and family.
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Five Reasons to Do ScrapbookingEver wonder why people go crazy over scrapbooking? Among mostly women and a few men, scrapbooking is becoming one of the most popular hobbies. While not a cheap hobby by any means, scrapbooking is becoming popular for several reasons.
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What Scrapbooking Means to MeAs an avid scrapbooker, my biggest desire is to get all of those pictures in albums before I die, and, actually, the sooner I obtain my goal the better. You need to enjoy your memories with your children, your family and even your friends.
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How I Use Scrapbooking as TherapyScrapbooking can be a great way to help you relax and relieve stress. Find out how this writer used scrapbooking as therapy.
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Three Reasons to Own a Home-based BusinessHome-based businesses are popping up everywhere. People, mostly women, are using these home-based businesses as a way to earn money to support their families while at the same time have the freedom to run their business as they wish.
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Movie Review: My Sister's KeeperMy Sister's Keeper is the story of 11-year-old Anna Fitzgerald, played by Abigail Breslin, who sues her parents for medical emancipation. Released in June 2009, the movie is rated PG-13 for language, sensuality and mature thematic content.
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Benefits of JournalingHave you ever written something just for the heck of it? Chances are most people have not because writing is not an activity that everyone enjoys. Journaling, or writing in a diary, is an informal kind of writing that has its benefits.
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A Teacher Loses Her Battle to CancerMaureen Johnson always had a smile on her face. She always had a positive outlook on things in life. Unfortunately, Maureen Johnson, an English and Journalism teacher of over 40 years, lost her brief battle to cancer on Monday, February, 15, 2010.
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Should Fathers Receive Equal Custody in a Divorce?Divorce is hard enough as it is without having the couple fight over custody of the children. Some fathers don't seem to care about their children, and they don't deserve to have equal custody.
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The Greatest CatchWhile I am not a huge, gung-ho sports spectator, I do like to watch some professional football and baseball from time to time. I am a bigger fan of watching my son Jonathan play baseball and soccer and my daughter Ashley be a cheerleader.
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Top 10 Songs About BaseballBaseball is as American as apple pie. It is one of our country's greatest pastimes. Every spring and summer people flock to a baseball game near them. While attending the game, you can expect to hear songs about baseball as well.
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The World of EducationChoosing a career is not always easy, but from the time this writer was little, she knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. Despite the turns in the road along the way, she is working in the education field.
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Relief Efforts of the Martinsville, Indiana FloodAs one way to help Haiti recover from their devastating earthquake, the writer has written this article to help raise the awareness of donating money supplies to help these people.
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Movie Review: American VioletAmerican Violet is the story of a young mother named Dee Roberts, played by Nicole Beharie. This movie, rated PG-13 for violence, drug references, and language, was released to a limited amount of theaters in April 2009.
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Movie Review: TakenRated PG-13 for various things, such as sexual content and language, Taken was released in January 2009. This movie shows a father who will go to any lengths to save his daughter.
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Movie Review: The HangoverWhile watching The Hangover, you can't help but laugh. Released in June 2009, this movie is rated R for language, sexual content and some drug material and is by no means a movie meant for anyone under 17.
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Movie Review: Paranormal ActivityWhen Paranormal Activity was released in October 2009, I heard several students at the school where I work discussing it as a movie that I needed to see, that it was a scary movie, the scariest movie they had ever seen.
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Six Ways to Protect Yourself on FacebookBeing on Facebook is like finding long lost friends. However, you must still be careful about what you post. Here, you will find six ways to protect yourself on Facebook.
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How to Drive Safely in the RainDriving on dry pavement can sometimes be hazardous enough, but if you add rain into the mix, driving can get a little tricky and sometimes even downright dangerous. However, by using some common sense, you can arrive at your destination safely.
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Personal Safety of Women While DrivingBefore you leave the inside safety of the gas station, you glance around the parking lot, get your keys in your hand, and keep your head up observing the things around you as you move toward your car.
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Driving Safety Tips for Traveling with ChildrenBefore you leave for any destination, no matter how long or short, you should be sure your children know their expectations so that you all arrive safely wherever you may be going.
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How to Avoid Falling Asleep While DrivingEven though the radio plays quietly in the background, you are getting fairly sleepy yourself. You can't fall asleep; you are the driver. However, you don't know what to do to keep yourself from falling asleep.
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Safety Tips for Long Distance TravelAre you planning a trip away from home anytime in the near future? Have you thought about what you need to do so you arrive at your destination safely?
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Rick Springfield: A Man and His MusicFor over 40 years Rick Springfield has been rockin' 'n' rollin' in various groups, and, most importantly, as a solo artist. Rick has also tried his hand at acting although he hasn't been as successful with it as he has his music. -
Getting into Better Shape: My 2010 New Year's ResolutionEach year we all make New Year's resolutions, and each year most of us never achieve those resolutions. However, by setting goals as to how you will achieve those resolutions, you might just actually succeed this year.
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Reasons Why Children Should Never Be Left Alone in a CarEvery year children are left in cars alone. Unfortunately, the news media usually only covers those children who die after being left alone in a car by a parent or caregiver.
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Common Causes of Car AccidentsEvery day car accidents happen in your town or in a nearby city. Causes of car accidents have various reasons for why they happen.
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Before Playstation, the Toys I Grew Up WithBefore today's electronics became so prominent, what did children do with their free time? What toys were popular during their childhoods if they didn't have a Playstation or any other electronic device as children do today?
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A Trip to Eureka Springs, AREureka Springs, AR, is a neat little town set in the Ozark Mountains. -
Eureka Springs, AR: An Inspiring Travel ExperienceVacations are meant for fun, but once in a while a vacation can inspire you as well. -
My Experiences with Depression and AnxietyGoing through a divorce is hard enough to do, but when you lose your job and your soon-to-be ex-spouse wants custody of your children, you suffer from depression and anxiety. This is her story.
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What I Am Thankful for This ThanksgivingEveryone has something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving whether it is for something little or something big. This writer shares what she is thankful for this year.
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Top 10 Country Albums Every Country Music Fan Must HaveIf you are a country music fan, then you must make sure you have these 10 albums in your collection.
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Myrtle Beach: The Friendliest City in AmericaDo you want to know the friendliest city in America? Myrtle Beach has the most hospitable people you will ever meet.
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A Guide to Your Pregnancy Emotions from Trimester-to-TrimesterIf you are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, this guide will help you understand the emotions you will deal with throughout your pregnancy from trimester-to-trimester.
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Chevy Impala: Best Car for a Road TripWhile taking one major trip a year, a Chevrolet Impala is the best car for a road trip, no matter how long or short.
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The Story of a Sad ChristmasWhile Christmas is usually a time to enjoy with family and remember what the holiday truly means, sometimes a Christmas may not be as joyful as one hopes it will be.
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What Christmas Means to MeChristmas means something different for every person. However, going through a divorce changes how you deal with the traditions you had in the past. Traditions will continually change as situations change so just be willing to be flexible.
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Tips for Balancing Work and Home LifeIn this busy world, married couples have trouble balancing work and their homes lives. Can you imagine what that might be like for a single parent? A single parent can do the balancing act just as a married couple can with these tips.
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Letter to SantaWhile every child writes a letter to Santa some time in his/her lifetime, this adult decided to see how well she could write a letter to Santa.
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Coping with DementiaHaving a loved one with Dementia is not easy as this writer shares her own personal story about her grandfather.
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Indianapolis, Indiana: Best City in the MidwestHaving travelled quite a bit, Indianapolis, IN, is the best city in the Midwest. Indianapolis has quite a few attractions for Hoosier and visiting families.
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Top 10 Road SongsEver need some tunes to make your road trip go easier? Here are my top 10 picks as a must for your CD.
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Kenny Chesney Brings His Sun City Carnival Tour to IndianapolisAs part of his Sun City Carnival Tour 2009, Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert and the Zac Brown Band make a stop in Indianapolis. -
Tips for Writing an Online Dating ProfileAre you single and wanting to post a profile on an online dating site? You can get started now by reading these tips.
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Finding Tax Breaks for Single ParentsBeing a single parent is hard enough, but when it comes to filing your taxes, you are eligible for certain tax breaks.
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Movie Review: The Dark KnightHere is a movie review about the box office smash The Dark Knight, the latest Batman movie.
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Single Parents and DatingBeing a single parent and trying to date is not easy as well as being single and wanting to date a single parent.
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Getting Your First Book PublishedPublishing your first book can be frustrating unless you publish it through a company like Publish America.
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Myrtle Beach in the SummerHaving visited Myrtle Beach several times, the writer describes her thoughts on her favorite vacation spot. -
Dealing with the Stress of DivorceHaving had the experience of going through a very stressful divorce, the writer shares her ways of relieving the stress caused by her divorce.
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Having a Young Child with Food AllergiesHere is the story of how one child overcame the food allergies he had had as a baby through preschool age.
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Am I a Proud Reality TV Show Fan?This writer shares her experiences with watching reality TV shows.
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The Most Rewarding Part of Owning Your Own BusinessAs a divorced mom of two children, this writer finds the most rewarding part of owning her home-based business. -
Plot Summary of the Adventures of Huckleberry FinnHere is what The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is about.
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Hotel Review: Sand Bucket Motel, Myrtle Beach, SCAs a person who doesn't normally stay in a motel such as this, the writer was impressed with what transpired. Check out her review of this small motel, one of the last small motels left in Myrtle Beach.
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Why Kelly Ripa is a Better Co-Host for RegisHaving watched Live with Regis and Kelly, this writer shares why she feels Kelly is a better match for Regis than Kathie Lee.
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Martinsville, Indiana, and the Flood of 2008When nearly 10 inches of rain fell in a short period of time, Martinsville, Ind. residents dealt with major flooding issues. This story is the first hand account from the writer.
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Guide to Shopping in Myrtle Beach, SCMyrtle Beach has many places to shop so take your pick from these places.
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Losing a Baby: A Mother's ExperienceAs a pregnant woman carrying her second child, she never dreamed she would have a miscarriage. She was a healthy woman who never smoked and rarely drank. Here is the story of how this woman dealt with losing a baby.
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Single Parent On-Line Dating SitesAs a single parent, we find it difficult to date. This article will give you suggestions as to where you can meet that special someone on-line.
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Reactions to Heath Ledger's DeathUpon learning of Heath Ledger's death, I share my reactions and what his death means to me.
