SEPTEMBER 2014
Lea-Ann
& Ashley Maria
Berst
Pioneers in Skirts
The Main Source of Pollutants at Home Could Surprise You
Triumph Over
Fear
Gretchen Brodowicz Kathryn Keziah BioSweep of Western Carolina
(866) 816-8605
gretchen@biosweep.com kathryn@biosweep.com www.biosweepwc.com
D
Dear Readers, Celebrate! It hasn’t been that long! The 94th anniversary for passage of the Women’s Suffrage Amendment, the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution was on August 26. Finally, women were allowed to legally vote.
Mimi Zelman the 19th century two women ran for the presidency - Victoria Woodhull Publisher in 1872,Inand Belva Lockwood in 1884 and 1888. Neither was permitted under the
law to vote, but nothing in the law prevented them from running for office. Each woman pointed to this irony in her campaigning. On January 12, 1915, a suffrage bill was brought before the United States House of Representatives but was defeated by a vote of 204 to 174. Another bill was brought before the House on January 10, 1918. On the evening before, President Wilson made a strong and widely published appeal to the House to pass the bill. It was passed by two-thirds of the House, with only one vote to spare. The vote was then carried into the Senate. Again President Wilson made an appeal, but on September 30, 1918, the amendment fell two votes short of the two-thirds necessary for passage, 53-31. On February 10, 1919, it was again voted upon, and then it was lost by only one vote. There was considerable anxiety among politicians of both parties to have the amendment passed and made effective before the general elections of 1920, so the President called a special session of Congress, and a bill, introducing the amendment, was brought before the House again. On May 21, 1919, it was passed, 304 to 89, with 42 votes more than necessary. On June 4, 1919, it was brought to the Senate, and after a long discussion it was passed, with 56 ayes and 25. Within a few days, Michigan ratified the amendment. Other states followed suit at a regular pace, until the amendment had been ratified by 35 of the necessary 36 state legislatures. After Washington on March 22, 1920, ratification languished for months. Finally, on August 18, 1920, Tennessee narrowly ratified the Nineteenth Amendment, making it the law throughout the United States. Thus the 1920 election was the first United States presidential election in which women were permitted to vote in every state.
Your vote is always important! You have a responsibility to exercise this right every time you can. It was a hard fought battle; don’t lose it! There is a great Rally in Washington D.C., on September 12th and 13th, 2014. A new generation is taking up the fight to finally put women on equal footing with men and have our right to equal protection under the law codified in the U.S. Constitution. We spoke out loud and clear for equality in 2012, but they’re still not listening, so we’re doing it AGAIN in 2014! We Are Woman, in partnership with ERA Action and Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), is organizing a 2-day event in Washington, DC. Don’t forget how important it is to support the ERA and let’s all do what we can to get it ratified!! Have a great month!! Mimi
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Contents
6 Publisher/President Mimi L. Zelman mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Creative Director Rebecca Fairchild www.facebook.com/AzureDoorCreative
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Contributing Writers Terri Bennett Karen S. Boardman, Esq. Elyshia Brook
For more advertising information call Mimi at 704-491-1207 or email her at: mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Copyright Š 2014
12 Triumph Over Fear 26 The Main Source
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22 46
44
of Pollutants at Home Could Surprise You
On the cover Lea-Ann Berst & Ashley Maria Story on p. 32
www.womenwithknowhow.com SEPTEMBER 2014
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W
hile there’s no magic way to transform your appearance overnight, you can freshen up your look through your eyewear. If you’ve worn the same glasses for years, a simple frame change can revitalize your face and style – and even take years off of you. For example, if you typically wear simple metal frames, try picking out a 6
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Getty Images
health
Fashion Forward Frames For Fall
plastic frame with a pop of color or a unique temple design. It might seem out of your comfort zone at first, but frames that make a statement are stylish and can boost your confidence. You can find frames for all face shapes and styles, but here are some fresh ideas for fall from the style experts at VSP Vision Care: You can’t go wrong with tortoise shell and brown-toned glasses.
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These look great with all skin and hair colors, and they could be the perfect accessory for your autumn wardrobe. Colorful retro cat-eye frames can be worn casually or dressed up for any occasion. This style and color combination is a great way to make a fashion statement. Classic round frames with a hint of color inside the frame provide a light and comfortable fit. Though the inside coloring is subtle, those with complementary eye colors will notice that these frames make their eyes pop. Seasonal trends aside, finding the right frame for your face will mak e yo u r st y l e shine. Th e VS P style experts also offer these tips to match your face shape with the most flattering frame. Oval: This is the easiest face to fit because it’s symmetrical. Nearly every frame shape looks good. Oblong: Round, square or rectangular frames add width, as do details on the temples. Round: Frames with angular lines add definition, and deep colors are slimming. Create length with rectangular frames.
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Square: Round, oval and slightly cur ved frames are ideal. Think narrow frames too. They soften the jawline while still taking advantage of your athletic look. Triangular: Frames with design details and color at the top help balance the face. Tr y cat- eye or semi-rimless frames. Heart-shaped: Choose smaller frame styles without detail on the temples to balance the upper and lower halves of your face. Rectangular, square and aviator frames are just right. D i a m o n d - s h a p e d : To p - h e a v y frames, like aviators, semi-rimless or cat-eye styles with details on the brow line, look great. When choosing fashionable new frames, pay attention to proportion and fit. Ensure the eyewear fits properly on the bridge of your nose, so you’re not pushing loose glasses back into place or forcing frames with a tight nose pad area onto a nose with a larger bridge.
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It’s also important that your eyes are centered in the lenses. Not only will your glasses look well fitted on your face, but you’ll see better. According to VSP ’s style exper ts, your doctor ’s office can help you find the perfect frames and fit them to your face. When shopping for vision insurance, you want to look for great coverage on frame brands and other lens enhancements as par t of your vision benefits pack age.
Also, determine whether you can receive savings on additional pairs of glasses. If so, it might be worth purchasing an everyday pair, as well as a sassier frame for when you want to make a statement. 10
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For more information on affordable vision plans that allow you to select the perfect frame for you, visit VSPStyle.com
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business 12
Triumph Over Fear Imagine yourself five years from now, having enjoyed fabulous business growth, living the life you’ve always dreamed about. As you fantasize, what emotional response does your vision provoke? Do you feel inspired, empowered to bring your wildest dreams to fruition? Are you motivated to develop a bigger brand? Or do you sense disempowerment, as if this could never happen for you, that you’ll always have wishfully champagne tastes on a paltry beer budget? Entrepreneurship is not for the faint at heart. I believe that it is also the only true path out of poverty. However, just like employees yell “TGIF,” there are some days when the demands of being self-employed will attempt to steal your peace of mind. When this happens, it is helpful to remember that our lives are a direct reflection of our dominant thoughts, on our fear mastery, on our mindset mastery. It’s imperative that you recognize your imagination is more powerful than “rational” thought. Fear manifests itself in many ways, each one of them disheartening and troublesome. However Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, simplifies its
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Kadena Tate
varied expressions into six different categories. Listed in order of importance, they are: Fear of Poverty Fear of Criticism Fear of Ill Health Fear of Loss of Love Fear of Old Age Fear of Death To create the life you desire and deserve, it’s imperative that you overcome fear-based thoughts and create for yourself a success mindset. I firmly believe that within every problem is the solution. I’ve constantly sought ways to manage my thoughts in a way that allowed me to become more proficient, productive and profitable, and I am convinced this has made all the difference for me in achieving my goals. Now, it’s time for you to do the same. Here is my 5-Step Process for Triumphing over Fear: Become conscious of your intentions, thoughts, feelings and language. Realize that your thoughts mold your circumstances. Know thyself. Recognize that you are fully equipped with the skills to overcome any and every challenge that
presents itself to you. The bigger your problem, the bigger your blessing. Face your fears and you will discover that the perceived obstacle transforms into your personal stepping-stone to success. Love thyself. Embody the quote “When you believe in your dreams, they may come true, but when you believe in yourself, they will come true!” Stay present. Stop conjuring up feelings of shame and regret from your past, and stop visualizing a horrible future. Wake up productive! Remember that every day – particularly this exact day in this exact moment – presents you with countless opportunities to live, love and serve! Just do it! Embrace an attitude of respect, appreciation and gratitude for all life offers. Embody the wisdom of Sai Baba who said: “Love all, serve all.” Please remember everything that you desire is on the other side of fear. Within you lies the solution to any problem that lands at your doorstep. I truly believe that your own healing is the greatest gift that you can give to yourself and share with others. Trust me … You CAN triumph over fear! And when you do, you will slide right into success. I’d love to hear from you about your experience. In the comments below, tell us: If you had unlimited resources and
could not fail, what is the very next action step that you will take to propel your life forward? As always, thank you so much for reading and I look forward to seeing you prosper. Kadena Tate, contributing author in the NYT Bestseller, ”Business Model You,” believes that authenticity has no competition. For the last decade, Kadena has taught ser vice -based entrepreneurs how to take their uniqueness, along with what they know, and package that into multiple offerings. As a business acceleration alchemist, Kadena’s work is designed to help entrepreneurs leapfrog the market and make the idea of competition irrelevant. Kadena will help you gain the confidence and clarity necessary to attract Clients + Cash + Clout.
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13
family Creative ways to plan a date at home Date night doesn’t have to require reservations at an overpriced restaurant or an over-the-top production. You can easily turn your own home into the perfect romantic setting for a special night you both deserve.
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101 Spice up the night with these exciting and memorable new activities you and your significant other can enjoy together in the comfort of your own home.
Create a Wine Bar Add a touch of sophistication by creating a “wine flight” experience with a selection of different varietals to taste. Pair sweet wines (such as Moscato, Late Harvest and Sauternes) with assor tments of nibbles and noshes, such as chocolates, or one of the delicious flavors from Breyers Gelato Indulgences. For red wine varietals, (Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon) have plenty of cheeses and gourmet crackers on hand. Remember, presentation is essential, so make sure you break out your best glassware and serving pieces for this intimate tasting for two.
Tip: Intended for adults of drinking age. Please drink responsibly. It’s the Little Things Having the per fec t date night in the comfort of your own home is simple if you add small touches. Consider printing up a menu for the evening along with place cards for you and your significant other listing each other’s best qualities. And don’t forget to capture the mood by crafting t h e p e r fe c t p l aylist to play during the meal. You want music that ’s easy to talk over so no heavy metal, unless that ’s your thing. If that ’s the case, rock on. Fun “al Fresco” It’s easy to turn your back yard or patio into the best outdoor dining experience in town. By adding small unique touches to surprise your significant other, like a string of lights for some dim lighting or even a new tablecloth, the evening will feel special. You can also extend the evening by turning it into a great camping experience. All you really need is an open mind, a tent and a little bit of backyard
space! With the help of a stargazing app, you can make sure to catch all the action happening in the sky. Adults-Only Game Night Take a cue from your k ids and have a game night with fun games that let you laugh out loud, get creative and challenge each other to some friendly competition. Charades or even interactive games on your tablet let you stay engaged with each other while having fun. Make I t a Classic Film Night Select a timeless, big-screen l ove s to r y, l i k e “Casablanca,” “Gone With the Wind” or “The Shop Around the Corner,” for a classic cine ma-inspired experience. Try making a meal to match the movie before hand, such as a Southern feast for “Gone With the Wind” or Moroccan for “Casablanca.” After dinner, dim the lights and cuddle up on the couch with a delicious dessert, such as Breyers Gelato Indulgences. Savor decadent flavors like Vanilla Caramel, Tiramisu, Raspberry Cheesecake or Triple Chocolate. www.womenwithknowhow.com SEPTEMBER 2014
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For ice cream recipes and more information on Breyers Gelato I ndulgences, visit w w w.breyers. com.
all your favorite toppings. Serve them as a romantic picnic on the floor, complete with fluffy pillows and blankets.
Special Occasions at Home Most relationships have mile stones and other special events that call for celebration, so why not do so from the comfort and serenity of home? Here are some ways to make those special times even more unique and memorable.
Anniversary Order carry-out from a restaurant that holds special meaning for your relationship, such as where you had your first date or the restaurant that catered your wedding. Or, try and recreate a favorite meal from one of your favorite restaurants on your own. Complete the romantic evening by reading your old love letters and notes out loud, with your favorite songs or wedding video playing in the background.
New Year’s Eve Against the backdrop of bubbling refreshments, and of course a kiss at midnight, create a list of the 10 most memorable moments in the last year, as well as a bucket list of things you want to do in the year ahead. Valentine’s Day Ce l e b rate t h i s d ay o f l ove i n style. Warm up the oven and create heart-shaped pizzas together with
Holiday season Star t your own traditions together by baking cookies and sharing your creations on social media with your friends and family. Or pick a handful of your favorite holiday movies for an at-home holiday film marathon, and share your favorite lines from the movies on your social channels. What type of date night couple are you? A wonderful evening together means engaging in activities you both are passionate about. Here are a few of the activities different couples can enjoy based on their passions.
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Artsy A quiet outing at the ballet, checking out the newest exhibit at the fine arts museum or listening to a local band are a few of the activities artsy couples enjoy. Pampering These couples enjoy the finer things in life, such as pedicures, couples massages and other spa treatments. Outdoorsy Inspired by nature and adventure, this kind of duo enjoys hiking,
off-road driving and camping in the great outdoors. Fitness focused This pair loves to get their heart rate up by engaging in physical activities, such as running, biking or playing sports together. DIY couple From the per fectly maintained yard to the always updated kitchen, the do-it-yourself couple loves to work on their home or engage in craft projects.
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We offer reasonable rates and prompt communications, with a spirit of cooperation and efficiency. 866.435.5971 ◆ www.kincaidandassociates.com www.womenwithknowhow.com SEPTEMBER 2014
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family law
I Think
my husband is
cheating on me.What do I do?
I
hear this question quite often in my practice. People will put up with a great deal of flaws in a marriage, but rarely infidelit y. From a legal standpoint, adultery, or cheating, doesn’t determine a great deal in a case involving marital issues. Personally, it means a great deal.
North Carolina is a “No Fault” state when it comes to divorce. What that means is that neither party has to prove the other party is at fault in order to get a divorce. All that must be proven is that the parties have lived apart for more than one year with the intent to live separate and apart. So, where does cheating fit in a separation or divorce? Adulter y has the most impact on support cases. If one party supports the other party financially, the supported party may have a claim for alimony. But, if the supported party had an affair or cheated, they would be barred from receiving alimony with a few exceptions. So, in that case, adultery potentially has a very large impact. If the supported spouse is having an affair, they are responsible for paying alimony to
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By Leigh Sellers
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the supported spouse. The only question is how much and how long. What surprises people is that adultery has very little impact on custody, child support or property division cases. Now, there are exceptions to every rule, but largely, we attorneys are forced to tell a client that the betrayal has very little impact on the case they have against a spouse. Popular television shows and tabloids paint a different story. Many people simply can’t believe that a spouse who has cheated on them is not going to be punished. But that is often what “No Fault” means. It is important to check with a family law attorney if you suspect your spouse is having an affair or has cheated on you before you confront the spouse. If there is a potential impact on your case, an attorney will want to help you preserve the evidence of the affair prior to making your spouse aware of your suspicions. That is harder than it seems. Further, you will need to decide if the activities of your spouse are really going to cause the end of your marriage. Many people do work through an affair or an indiscretion and continue with their marriage. The choice belongs to each individual.
I f you suspec t infidelit y, it is better not to confide in too many people. You will find it much harder to reconcile, when you have disclosed the behavior to people, especially family members who would continue to come into contact with your spouse. If you do decide that the affair or behavior is something you can’t live with and it appears the behavior will have some legal significance, you should work with your attorney to gather the proof that is needed to establish the adultery in Court. And it must be done in a way that will result in legally admissible evidence.
Do not buy programs and apps that are sold on-line or hire a Private Investigator without speaking to an attorney. Most of the programs that you can find when you search on-line can actually be illegal. You can make mistakes that will not only fail to be admissible but could violate federal law, as well as, state law. And all Private Investigators are not created equal. An experienced attorney will have seen which ones do a good job, and which ones do not. Often, a cheating spouse is simply stupid. Many people come into my office with ample evidence which was not hard to find.
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Adultery is emotional. Counseling is often necessary even if it is not for the purpose of saving the marriage. I f you are going to have to continue to parent with the cheater, or work through the divorce process, it is going to be difficult without some professional help. Often we are ask ing emotional devastated clients to be logical and business like in approaching their divorce settlement negotiations when the client is not capable of such thought process at the time. And remember even if your spouse becomes your enemy, his or her behavior won’t necessarily make him or her the enemy of your
YOU CAN SURVIVE
DIVORCE!
friends or your children. It is best to let people make up their own minds and not choose sides. You will often come out better in the long run if you don’t force people to accept your judgment. And sadly, even people who initially “side” with you, will wear y of the fight and move on. It is especially important not to burden your children with such adult matters. They are often too young and immature to understand marital issues and in the end, it hurts their relationships with both parents and undermines their trust in both parents’ guidance. Lastly, we live near the state line between North Carolina and South Carolina. The laws are very different. If one of you lives or moves to South Carolina, speak to someone in both states and someone who practices family law in both states. The differences are considerable and you must understand how.
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Leigh B. Sellers NC Board Certified Specialist in Family Law NC Certified Family Financial Mediator Licenced in North and South Carolina Krusch and Sellers, P.A. Two Fairview Road, Ste 105 Charlotte, NC 28210 www.krushlaw.com Phone: 704.556.0707 • Fax: 704.553.7824
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a Perfect Pair for
Patio Dining - Serve up Grilled
T
American Lamb & Pinot Noir
he weather is pleasant and your patio is calling. It’s time to make the grill your go-to for everyday dinners and entertaining alike. Add variety to your grilling fare by including American lamb. From burgers to chops, fresh lamb is a fast, delicious and simple weeknight option. A flavorful pair Experts recommend pairing grilled lamb with a rich, structured pinot noir. “Aim to match the distinct flavor of lamb with a full flavored wine,” said Steve Peck, red winemaker at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, the California coast family-owned winery established in 1974. “Our Falcon’s Perch Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with lamb.
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Made from grapes grown in the Arroyo Seco region of central Monterey County, a cool climate region with a reputation for producing world-class pinot noir, this wine features aromas of wild strawberry, cherry, rose petal and dried herbs, with a deep, earthy character — perfect for summer sipping with tender, grilled lamb.” Devoted locavore, Chef Jesse Griffiths of Austin’s Dai Due Supper Club, recommends marinating lamb chops overnight with yogurt and citrus. This tenderizes the meat and adds a bright flavor that comple ments the smok y char from the grill. Here’s his recipe for an easy grilled American lamb loin chop dish. For more recipes, visit www. AmericanLamb.com.
Grilled American Lamb Loin Chops With Yogurt, Orange and Olives, serves 4-6
Ingredients: 1-1/2 pounds American lamb loin chops, 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 TBS. plain yogurt, low fat or whole milk Juice & zest of one orange, divided 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped & divided 1 small red onion, finely chopped 3/4 C. finely chopped green olives 1/4 C. coarsely chopped flat leaf parsley 1/4 C. extra virgin olive oil, plus more for grill
The day before ser ving, pat c h o ps dr y a n d s ea s o n w ith salt and pepper. Lay chops in shallow non-reactive pan such as 8-inch square baking dish. Combine yogur t, half of orange juice and zest, and half of gar lic in small bowl. Whisk ingredients together and pour over chops, turning once to coat both sides with marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove chops from refrigerator 30-45 minutes prior to grilling to allow meat to come to room temperature.
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Heat gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. Remove chops from marinade and allow most of it to drip off. Lightly oil grill and arrange chops over heat. Grill three minutes, turn each chop 90 degrees, and cook for another three minutes or until chops are nicely charred. Flip chops and cook on other side for about six more minutes, turning halfway through. They should still be pink inside. Remove chops from grill and let rest while making sauce. Combine remaining orange juice and zest, chopped garlic with onion, olives, parsley and olive oil in small bowl. Stir well to combine; spoon sauce over each chop and serve immediately. Enjoy with glass of pinot noir.
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going green
The Main Sources of Pollutants at Home Could Surprise You By Terri Bennett
D o yo u k n ow w h at ’s i n yo u r home right now that’s polluting the air you breathe? Rodale repor ts that scientists at the Silent Spring I nstitute analyzed roughly 200 common products to get the answer. Here are their top 3 main sources of toxic chemicals:
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1) Fragranced Products That includes soaps, shampoos, dryer sheets, air fresheners, and more. Companies don’t usually have to reveal the chemicals used on their ingredient list either. 2) Vinyl Curtains and Bedding Products made from vinyl (think
shower curtains and pillow protectors) may contain hormone disrupting phthalates and BPA. And it’s tough to shop for ones without it because most aren’t properly labeled. 3 ) S o - c a l l e d “a n t i b a c t e r i a l ” products These days there are everything from antibacterial soaps to socks. Many of these products contain the controversial ingredient Triclosan. Not only can that ingredient cause health problems but our obsession with killing germs is creating a rise in drug resistant bacteria. www.doyourpart.com/eco-news/ the-main-sources-of-pollutants-athome-could-surprise-you
www.womenwithknowhow.com SEPTEMBER 2014
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finance
More Secure Shopping
F
Ahead...
ollowing several high-profile security breaches in recent years, consumers have more reason than ever to be concerned about their privacy when using debit and credit cards. Fortunately, an effort is underway to implement new technology across the United States that will better protect shoppers and their private information. The Europay, Mastercard and Visa (EMV ) card is widely used overseas and can be found in the United States. You may have an EMV card in your wallet without knowing it. In fact, according to EMVCo, 45 percent of
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the total payment cards in circulation globally include EMV chip technology. New guidelines being rolled out in the United States will hold banks or retailers that have not implemented this new security liable for fraud, so by late 2015, consumers can expect to see these changes closer to home. What is EMV? The Smart Card Alliance describes EMV as a set of specifications for smart card payments and acceptance devices that provide strong transaction security features and capabilities not possible with traditional magnetic stripe cards.
The EMV chip in the payment card is an embedded microprocessor that keeps your money and financial information from falling into the wrong hands. What makes EMV more secure? EMV offers greater security than the traditional magnetic stripe debit or credit cards. An important distinction is that data is stored on a chip rather than the familiar magnetic stripe, making it nearly impossible to counterfeit an EMV card. “As opposed to magnetic strip technology commonly used in credit and debit cards throughout the country, the EMV chip is extremely difficult to crack by hackers,” said Philippe Benitez, vice president of business development for secure transactions for Gemalto, a digital security company that provides the EMV technology. “The card also contains a unique ‘stamp’ that prevents your personal and financial information from being used fraudulently in the event that your card is stolen or lost.” From a technology perspective, EMV boosts security through: The chip: A smart card chip is a small computer (or microprocessor) that has its own data storage, processing power and application software. A unique code: EMV cards generate a unique code that is validated by your 30
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bank for each transaction and cannot be re-used. A transaction using a fake card with stolen data couldn’t happen at an EMV terminal because it wouldn’t be able to generate the proper code. Advanced cryptography: EMV security is based on strong cryptography, which is used to generate the unique transaction code that allows the terminal to authenticate the card. How will EMV change my shopping experience? Instead of swiping your card, now you’ll “dip” your card into the payment terminal, holding it in place to allow the transfer of data. Shoppers should expect that this process will take slightly longer than the traditional quick swipe of a magnetic card. EMV technology also enables contactless payments, so shoppers may instead “tap” their contactless EMV cards, which are just as secure and speed up the check-out experience. Card issuers (your bank or credit company) will determine whether you are required to enter a pin or sign to verify your purchase. Initially, cards will include both EMV and magnetic stripe technology, so you can be assured your card will work whether the retailer has adopted the new system or not. For more information about EMV and how it will affect your future card-based purchases, visit www. thatsemv.com or www.gemalto.com/ emv.
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Lea-Ann Berst and Ashley Maria Two Women Making History for Women
A
s a working woman do you ever wonder, “Why is this so difficult? Why don’t I know what to do? Why can’t I make this work for me?” Many of us have – and not just at the beginning of our career, but throughout our careers as our personal lives, our experiences, and our skillsets evolve. Why are women in particular finding difficulty in handling the challenges and issues that occur in their workplace and their daily lives as a result of being employed? Wo r k p l a c e c h a l l e n g e s f r o m yesterday and still today revolve around gender. 32
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by Mimi Zelman
With the popularity of the television show Mad Men, it became obvious to our younger generations that women have come a long way, but recent census report brought to light the answer to the following question: What’s the most common job for American women? The answer - the same as it was in the 1950s: secretary. And, across all industries and occupations, full-time female U.S. workers earn 78 cents to every dollar a man earned. Full-time female secretaries and administrative assistants earn an average salary of $34,304 – for men, it was $39,641. Mother- daughter team Ashley Maria and Lea-Ann Woodward Berst
Above: Ashley Maria and Lea-Ann Berst at the White House Summit.
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are writing, directing, and producing a documentary now filming called Pioneers In Skirts™ to tackle these issues. This is a film about professional women and their continued evolution in the workplace – aiming to crack the code for what it takes for women to succeed in the workplace. Visit www.PioneersInSkirts. com to view a clip from the film! “How do we fix this?” asked Ashley Maria when she first entered the workforce. “How do we create a new generation of women who advance the status of working women?” Together, the duo is speaking to ‘pioneers’ from around the country who can help define and reveal ways for women to overcome and achieve. They share the journeys of women who have made an impact in the workplace; from the women who have paved the way for today’s working woman, to the change-makers who are identifying issues and aim to create change within our nation. They also talk to the unique young women who are taking charge of their future now. They are filming and investigating the balance between family and
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Above: Ashley directed and wrote Friday Night Fright™, her film that went on to win a Director’s Guild of America Student Film Award!
career as well – a topic very important for today’s working woman. They speak to employers who created wo r k e nv i ro n m e n t s t h at a i m to have gender equality and work-life balance for all employees. And they discuss “choice” in the workplace – they speak to women who have had to make choices in their careers that, because of our culture, men traditionally haven’t had to make. They speak to men too. “We feel it’s just as important to obtain a male’s viewpoint for what women and men need to be doing to help women gain an equal footing in the workplace,” shared Lea-Ann. According to a recent Catalyst report*, there is a growing supply of women board candidates, yet women are chosen for less than 20% of open seats. “We
also ask accomplished men about obtaining and maintaining a corporate Board seat or Executive Officer position.” Their film is catching the attention of the press, organizations that share their message, and the White House! These two filmmakers were recently invited to the White House Summit for Working Families where they met leading change-makers. They gathered good insight for their story arc on how changes in the workplace will impact today’s working woman’s work-life balance. Ashley Maria is a “Millennial” as well as an award winning graduate from the USC School of Cinematic
Ar t s M a s te r s Fi l m Pro gra m , a n d Lea-Ann is a “Baby Boomer” and successful corporate marketer turned business owner. Each contributes a special generational insight to the questions they ask. * 2013 Catalyst CEO Summit Report Lea- Ann Berst Tell us about you: As Producer and Writer of the film, I work closely with Ashley Maria to oversee the project and focus on making sure the story arc meets the goal of the film. Professionally, I am a marketing consultant who specializes in strategic approaches and marketing ac tivation manage ment. (sleddogg.com) I am excited to use my knowledge to help this documentary film create a stir in peoples’ hearts and minds!
How did you get s t a r te d a s a m o t h er-daughter team? As a single mother since my daughter ’s birth, Ashley and I grew to depend on e a c h o t h e r. We d i d Above: Asked to share their story, Ashley and Leaeverything together – leisure activity, Ann were on the Courage Cocktail Radio Show with Lee Anne McClymont. You can watch the homework, my work.
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She would often crawl into bed with me when I would sit up late nights in bed to complete my work. We were a team. I was aggressive in my career, volunteering for the projects that nobody wanted and working day and night to complete it on time. It wasn’t easy…it never was easy. I had to leave work early to pick up Ashley, and not until after her bath could I finish my work. I worked to give her what she needed and encouraged her to go after anything that interested her. It was also important to me she learned to take care of herself. We had a saying that I would start off with, “Ashley, tell me – ‘a woman needs…’,”
in her life who was trustwor thy, loving, and supportive. As the years went on, she grew into a very smart and talented and car ing young woman. She went after everything. She worked hard. And, after she completed graduated school, she went to work for herself. As we discussed and shared stories of the way women are challenged to get ahead in their careers, we both teamed up again – to crack the code for what it takes for women to succeed in the workplace.
Te l l u s h ow yo u r f i l m b e n e f i t s working women in the U.S. Pioneers in Skirts is a full feature documentary film highlighting the ways women of today (and of the near tomorrow) can elevate their careers. The film aims to provide gender equity so lution s fo r wor k i ng women and men in America. It’s not just a “woman-issue” anymore. We can only solve our equity problems when men are a par t of the discussion. Above: Ashley and her Oma goofing around with an electric fence. Our audience will and she would answer with, “money gain “how-to” solutions and authenof her own, mommy.” tic answers to tough wor k place When Ashley was 10, I met and q u e s t i o n s. We a i m t o e l i m i n a t e soon married my husband, David. gender and personal barriers by She now had a good male role model empowering women to make a real 36
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difference in their lives. Working women must take control of their own future to achieve their potential, and we want to empower them to do so. How have your prior career experiences prepared you for this journey in your life? The experiences in my career have shown me firsthand the drastic drop in the momentum towards achieving gender equity for younger working women. I also see women my age who are leaving their careers to start over again. Without children at home and with years of experience under their belts, women are changing course and going after careers they could never have done before. I am passionate about elevating and encouraging our daughters and sisters. In my career as an outsourced marketer who manages standalone projec ts as well as larger, more sophisticated marketing programs, I know that effective teamwork helps me to lead projects more successfully. With a strong project management background feel, I have been able to step into the role of producer. I also apply the relationship-building and value -building skills I’ve used through the years to
be a good producer who can convince organizations to attach themselves to our project! Wh at wo u l d yo u m o s t l i ke o u r readers to know about your professional journey? I didn’t end up where I am today because I had a plan.
Above: Hiking in Glacier National Park is one of Lea-Ann’s favorite things!
After college I got pregnant and had my baby alone. It was not easy. And my career certainly didn’t move in a straight line. I suppose it was the drive to provide for my daughter, or maybe it was the anger of how I was turned away from jobs when employers found out I had a baby and wasn’t married – but I fought hard for what I wanted. It shouldn’t be that way though. Nobody should have to fight that hard. www.womenwithknowhow.com SEPTEMBER 2014
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But in the end it paid off and I have a career I can look back on, and an adventurous career I can look forward to! Who would you describe as your mentor(s) and why? I am learning every day and certainly am challenged daily as well! I try to surround myself with people to reach out to when I need advice or encouragement. I call these special people my “personal board of directors,” people who I consider my mentors. It takes time to find them, and a lot of work to keep them. But in the end, if I demonstrate integrity and respect – these special friends won’t fail me.
While this is an incredible opportunity to make an impact for women today, and tomorrow, it is my belief that any documentar y film that doesn’t meet its financial backing needs will have little chance of making a lasting impact. We have been challenged to find financial suppor ters. We are particularly look ing at corporations with giving policies that match the goals of this film. There’s a lot to be done and, to do this right, we need supporters to circle their wagons!
If you could do one thing differently in your life, what would that be? If I could go back in time and do one thing differently, I would have continued on to obtain my MBA straight after graduating with my BS degree. What’s on your bucket list and why? Education has and always will be the My personal bucket list is not fast-track to success in life and in too long. I have a few places I’d like career. In my corporate career, I worked to see and a few things I’d like to alongside people who had their learn – but honestly, this film is it for Masters now. I suppose it’s degrees. my middle -age, Hired and I am feeling the same the need to leave time as I a legacy. I want to was, they leave this ear th were paid having had done a higher something that wage will elevate lives. and soon advanced Any difficult past me times you’d care within the to share with our Above: Interviewing Cinnabon President Kat Cole company. readers?? for Pioneers in Skirts. 38
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What do you wish you k new 20 years ago? I wish I would have known it’s not who you know, it’s who knows you. You need to stand out, speak up, and take a chance. You need to keep track of your accomplishments and make sure others know them too. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I love to be outdoors. When I was a kid, I lived in Alaska and hiked up the mountain almost daily. I still have my orange backpack that I would pack with food and gear. To keep me company, I would borrow a dog to walk and head out for the day. Today, my husband is my hiking buddy!
She’s a leader. She’s her own woman and is everything I’ve ever dreamed of for her. I am excited about her future and the future of the film industry with her in it! Plug for her: This month (September 20, 2014) the prestigious Directors Guild of America Women’s Steering Committee in Los Angeles will feature Ashley as a female director to watch. They decided to add a few past female award winners of the DGA Student Film Awards as part of a star-studded event to bring in a past, present and future of the DGA. How cool is that! If you could stand up and defend anything, what would it be? PurVia sweetener. As I do the backstroke in the symptoms of menopause, I find myself gaining when I should be losing weight. My diet now consists of NOT eating bread, rice, nor processed foods. It really is awful if you like to eat. I put PurVia in my coffee and sprinkle on strawberries, and this makes me a happy.
Above: During the Olympic Torch Relay in Jakarta, Lea-Ann performs her “marketing activation” role in front of relay runners.
What inspires you? I am inspired when I watch my daughter. She’s confident. She’s smart.
Lea-Ann W. Berst
Specializing in the Marketing Approach SLEDDOGG MARKETING MANAGEMENT Phone: 919.564.9369 www.sleddogg.com www.womenwithknowhow.com SEPTEMBER 2014
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Ashley Maria How did you get started? My love affair with film began right away. I grew up watching movies and T V shows. I hurried through homework to catch Saved by the Bell and gladly put on a movie to pass the time on a rainy day. I didn’t realize I could actually be a part of that movie world until I went to high school, and my parents gave me my first camera. I couldn’t stop filming. I job-shadowed at a local TV station to see how they made the news, and met other local filmmakers to really learn about the field.
bove: During the June 2014 White House A Summit on Working Families, the filmmakers listened to a panel on elevating women in their careers. The women were very open and honest. And, yes, that’s Gloria Steinem on the far right. Lea-Ann and Ashley later would get to meet her in person.
When I went to college at the University of Nor th Carolina at 40
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Chapel Hill, I volunteered for every film project and ever y T V show I could. It was this passion that then drew me to film school (along with my mom’s encouragement) where I discovered what kind of filmmaker I wanted to be. How have your prior experiences prepared you for your journey in the film industry? Deciding to move to Los Angeles and attend graduate school changed my c a re e r t ra j e c to r y, b u t d i d n’t change my roots or who I am. I had worked on many local projects in NC, but I knew I needed to learn more and go where the movies are made – Hollywood. I will always be a Tar Heel, though, and I think that has made all the difference while I pursue my passion in filmmaking. Having a hometown support system keeps me motivated. Plus I get to travel home to my friends and family, to the beautiful weather, to the wildlife, the sunsets, the food, and remember that this state will always be home. North Carolina defines me, and I enter every film project with this pride. W h a t wo u l d yo u m o s t l i k e o u r readers to know about your journey in business? I think the readers would be interested to hear about the “freelance” lifestyle of filmmaking, because I k now I didn’t fully understand it when I first entered this industry.
When you wor k “freelance,” it really means you are never too sure if you’ll be work ing nex t month! Some people in this industry take full-time work that is consistent but usually takes them to an office. My full-time job is this freelance work, and my work usually takes me to some incredibly interesting places where you meet some incredibly interesting people! As freelancers, we work on a project-by-project basis and rely on recommendations to get our next job. I am my own boss. (ashley-maria. com) Sometimes I am directing a project for someone, sometimes I am editing, and sometimes I am doing production sound. Filmmakers today tend to have many different skills that they bring to the table. We have to get used to living an unstable life as we l l. Th e re i s n o standard schedule or standard pay d ay. I wo r k m o s t weekends on set, and then I must “switch brains” to work on Pioneers in Skirts the next day. Whenever I have a day off from set, that’s a day to work on Pioneers. Because of our craz y schedule as freelancers, we have to force
ourselves to take downtime and think about something other than movie making! I like to read, hang out at coffee shops and play dodgeball in my free time. But – of course – I would have it no other way! Who would you describe as your mentor(s) and why? I have a lot of mentors in my life who help with every aspect of my career and personal journey. I have some for the work-life balance. I have some to help with on-set etiquette and gear questions. I have some to help with navigating the film industry.
Above: Invited to a special breakout session for Young Women Leaders, the filmmakers were able to hear about the issues challenging today’s young professional woman. They also had a chance to meet Sarah Bird, the CEO of MOZ (at mic). In September, they travel to Seattle for an on-camera interview with Sarah about women in corporate leadership and obtaining board seats.
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And I have some that are just inspiring individuals that help remind me why I wanted to be in this industry in the first place. And then of course – my mom – who is basically like the collector of all my crazy and then she fuses it together to mean something. If anyone can help you understand yourself, it’s your mom! What’s on your bucket list and why? I will always make movies. There’s nothing else for me. So, my bucket list consists of traveling and making movies on those trips. One in particular - I have always wanted to stay with my family in Germany and make a movie there.
Any difficult times you’d care to share with our readers?? And if so what lesson have you learned? Pioneers in Skirts is the epitome of this question. I’m taking my difficult experiences in my career and putting them on screen for everyone to see. This film began when I noticed I lost momentum once I entered my career, and I saw other women around me do the same. Why was this happening? Most of the women around me felt lost, unsure of their career path, and unsure of themselves. The more I looked into this, the more I found this was primarily a “woman-issue.” I’m using my personal story and the stories of others to tr y to resolve this once and for all.
Lea-Ann and Ashley share their journey on Facebook at facebook.com/PioneersInSkirts.
My Oma (the G e r m a n wo rd for ‘grandma’) was a major influence in my sense of humor. She was always jok ing around and mak ing up stories. I embraced that part of myself when she passed away. I let myself be funny, and sometimes I even find myself talking in her German accent when I tell a joke. Maybe there’s a movie in all of that? 42
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I f yo u co u l d d o one thing differently in your life, what would that be? I would make this movie a lot sooner…
Where do you see yourself 20 years from now? 20 years from now, I see myself running my own production company and making many different kinds of movies. I love documentary story telling, and I also love narrative and experimental.
www.facebook.com/azuredoorcreative
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I love comedy, horror and action! I imagine I would have made a lot of fun films by then and given myself the “Fun Director” title. I want my audience to get excited for the ride they’ll take as they watch my movies. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I love reality television! Project Runway and Amer ica’s Nex t Top Model are my go-to’s if I need to just sit back and relax on the couch. What inspires you? What makes you laugh? I’m inspired when I watch great movies – are you noticing a theme yet? I like movies! I’m also inspired by the expe riences around me. I’ve become hyper-aware of the world around me since that is where I get my material. These experiences will then become the stories I write about. What will your films do for women? Pioneers in Sk ir ts will inspire, shape and encourage women. My other films? They will enter tain everyone! If you could stand up and defend anything, what would it be? I feel like I am doing my part in suppor ting my fellow woman by providing suppor t in her career. But if I had to stand up and defend anything, I would defend those who 44
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wish to never wash their cars. We are in a drought currently in Los Angeles, and I am doing my part. Please Follow and Support This Documentary. We want to empower successful careers, and camaraderie between working women. You are invited to join us! at: How YOU Can Be a Pioneer and Support the Film and Candid Conversations Blog Supplementing the discussions we have captured on film, meet pioneering women who share their candid experiences about how they found ways to achieve greatness in their work and in their careers. Read About Ashley’s Journey As She Makes “Pioneers in Skirts” Our Mission – It’s a How To, It’s A Call-To-Action The Team Behind “Pioneers in Skirts” www.ashley-maria.com www.volcanogirlthemovie.com vimeo.com/ashleymaria ashley.maria@gmail.com
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family Tailgate Tips That Add Flavor & Nutrition
S
oon, parking lots of colleges, high schools and professional stadiums across the nation will be filled with fans gearing up for another spor ting season – and the tailgating celebrations that go hand-in-hand. Die-hard tailgaters have come to revel in the culinary pride of putting together the best and most cre ative barbecue and tailgate grub. While traditional menus feature staples such as hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans and cold salads,
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tailgate “chefs” are now only limited by their imaginations. However, traditional tailgating fare hasn’t been high on the nutrition scale, and this pre-game celebrating is a classic example of food-centric entertainment in which people unintentionally become less conscious of the calories they consume. Score big with better-for-you options. Approaching your tailgating food shopping and preparation with slight changes can make a big nutritional impact, allowing you to enjoy
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both the game and the good food that goes with it. One tool to simplify your tailgating prep is the NuVal® Nutritional Scoring System. Many grocer y retailers are now providing scores (on a scale of 1 to 100) on the price tag to help guide shoppers of all ages toward more nutritious food choices – the higher the score, the higher the nutritional quality of the food or beverage. “Contrary to what many people think, celebrating before the big game doesn’t have to mean ditching sensible eating. Food can be fun, flavorful and better for you – even the snacks,” said Marisa Paolillo, a NuVal nutritionist. “It begins with smarter
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choices at the grocer y store, and simple swaps for some of your favorite foods. But keep in mind, offering more nutritious food does not mean you can eat endless quantities.” Tips for your tailgate menu The rules of thumb on betterfor-you tailgate side dishes are that baked is always better than deepfried, and homemade recipes allow yo u t o c o n t ro l t h e i n g re d i e n t s. Paolillo offers these tips to help consumers pick tailgate foods that not only fill up hungry sports fans, but also add nutrition to the fun: Choose lean grilling options such as skinless chicken breast (NuVal 57) or hamburgers made with 95 percent lean ground beef (NuVal 57). Skip calorie-rich condiments and boost the flavor of your burger with toppings which earn high NuVal scores like: NuVal 100 – m u s h ro o m s, grilled onions, fresh pineapple, jalapenos, and roasted red peppers; or NuVal 88 – avocado. Ditch pre-packaged m a r i n a d e s fo r endless home made and f re s h o p t i o n s.
Combine herbs such as basil, rosemary or dill with citrus fruits, spices, onion and garlic with a little olive oil. Grilled corn on the cob is the per fect grill buddy, and it ’s easy. With a NuVal Score of 100, fresh corn on the cob can be cooked on the grill either wrapped in its own husks (more dramatic) or in aluminum foil. Add flavor with herbs and spices before roasting. Use whole wheat pasta for macaroni salad, and add plenty of veggies and a meat or bean as a protein s o u rc e t o b o o s t t h e n u t r i t i o n a l v a l u e. R e p l a c e h e a v y p r e - p a c kaged creamy dressings, which often contain hidden sugar and sodium, w i t h h o m e m a d e v i n a i g re t te s t o control the ingredients. Black beans and corn, with
NuVal 100 scores, add nutr ients a n d a S o u t hwe s t f l a i r to g u a c a mole and salsa, and they’re great for dipping tortilla chips and bite-sized vegetables. Shrimp or chicken skewers, with NuVal scores averaging 57, are a great protein alternative to traditional hamburgers and hotdogs, especially when prepared with chunks of onions, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, squash, and sweet peppers (all scoring NuVal 100). Add water to the cooler to keep tailgaters hydrated. Fresh lemon and lime add a citrus flair. Need more tips? Find a participating store near you at nuval.com/ location.
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family
WhyWomen Are So
S pecial ~ Author Unknown
Mum and Dad were watching TV when Mum said, “I’m tired, and it’s getting late. I think I’ll go to bed.” She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day’s lunches. Rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning. She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the washer, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button. She picked up the game pieces left on the table, put the phone back on the charger and put the telephone book into the drawer. She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the excursion and pulled a text book out from hiding under the chair. She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed 50
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and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery store. She put both near her bag. Mum then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her Night Solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth. Dad called out, “I thought you were going to bed.” “I’m on my way,” she said. She put some water into the dog’s dish and put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked and the patio light was on.. She looked in on each of the kids and turned out their bedside lamps and radios, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks into the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework. In her own room, she set the alarm; laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her 6 most important things to do list. She said her prayers, and visualized the accomplishment of her goals.
About that time, Dad turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular. “I’m going to bed.” And he did... without another thought. Any t h i n g ex t ra o rd ina r y h ere?
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