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Freewheelin'
07 January 2009 @ 07:09 am
Rainy Days  

Sometimes I will wake up on a cold, rainy day like today in a somewhat salty mood- wishing that I could skip out on work stay in my pajamas for a little while longer and read a good book while I take the time to fully appreciate my first, second, and third cup of coffee. But alas, in the real world I must press on and so I get up, get dressed, try to make myself look somewhat presentable and begrudgingly step out the door into the rain and the cold.  I am trying to talk myself into a good mood while I'm walking the streets of Philadelphia and then while I'm waiting for the Broad Street Line to arrive. I sit at the subway station pissed off that I have to chug my coffee and that I can't really enjoy my book because the train will be here any minute. But then the train comes. I walk through the doors, find the most attractive seat. I sit down. At that moment, I am reminded that the seats are heated. And man, Life is Good.
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Current Mood: thankful
 
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Freewheelin'
05 November 2008 @ 12:11 pm
We will- We will BARACK YOU!  

This is the most FABULOUS day! 

From the very beginning of this campaign- even before the primaries- I have been an "Obama Mama". I am absolutely ecstatic that he pulled through on this campaign. I finally feel there is some hope for this country and the world. I am so pleasantly suprised that this country is not as bigoted and close minded as I believed it to be.  When Obama came to our neighborhood in October, I was lucky enough to make it to the rally. I couldn't really see much, but it was really invigorating to be surrounded by other Obama supporters and feel like I was changing history just by being there. He is an amazing speaker- genuine and honest- I feel like he really does care about every American.  I bought shirts for Ben, the kids and me that said "OBAMA- We will Barack you" which we all wore together- literally wearing our Obama pride on our sleeves for the rest of the campaign. I even wore my Obama button on my lab coat at work.

Yesterday, was so awesome because I got to vote with my kids. We showed them first hand that it is so important  to exercise our right to vote and do our best to make the world a better place.

I feel like we did that yesterday. gOBAMA!!!!!
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Freewheelin'
01 October 2008 @ 09:14 pm
It's official!  
Today in wedding news.... We set the date! October 3, 2009 at Knowlton Mansion in the city of brotherly L-O-V-E!

Let the good times roll!!
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Freewheelin'
23 September 2008 @ 04:42 pm
(no subject)  

Take a picture of yourself right now.
Don't change your clothes. Don't fix your hair. Just take a picture.
Post that picture with no editing.
Include these instructions.



I look crazy. I should really wear makeup more often because I look kinda scary
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Freewheelin'
14 September 2008 @ 05:06 pm
an update  

So it's been awhile since I've updated this thing. I don't even know what today's date is. That is so sad, but unfortunately so me. i should write a cog goal for myself like I do for my patients at work ' The pt. will become oriented x3 via external memory aids with max cues fading to independent". Sounds like a great idea until I remember that my patient's are between the ages of 60 to 104 (yes 104- and unbelievably inappropriate!!) and I am 25. Ahh weekends...

So speaking of work I got a new job at Hahnemann Hospital. I start in a month. i wanted to give my boss ample notice because he's been very good to me and flexible with my crazy schedule. He makes our department a pleasant place to work.  I train his son's soccer team. Plus, he looks and acts like my Uncle Clem so I feel like he's part of the family and you gotta respect. It was a tough decision to leave, but I left because 1.) I've always wanted to work acute care, 2.) it's closer to home and to all things the kids need me to do. So now I will be responsible for acute care dysphagia assessments, some communication assessments, and Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Studies. You can see one here on YouTube. (Yeah- I'm a NERD). So I'm a little nervous because it's a huge responsibility, but I'm also very excited that I get to do what I've always wanted to do! So time to hit the books and brush up on my knowledge before the big day.

The kids started at a new school this year- the Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School in South Philly. They seem to be enjoying themselves. They've been taking ballet and learning to play violin. and They've been asking to play soccer (cha- ching!) I am very excited about all the new things they're learning and most of all that they enjoy learning them! Still a little tough trying to work out schedling, but such is life and we will work it out. And soccer! I will be thrilled to get them into soccer! If I could coach it would make my year!  

I just started playing soccer again twice a week. So I'm a little bruised, but absolutely ecstatic. My team is fun, enthusiastic, and send out some positive vibes- so i actually enjoy playing and I don't feel like I'm going to puke with nervousness before I play. So that's always good.

Wedding plans are going very slowly. I have my dress, but no place. So far I've been looking ar arboretums and historical sites, but haven't found the one yet or I don't want to pay a ridiculous amount of money just it's because it's a wedding and they think they can overcharge us. So that is slowly coming along. I'm going to look at another place on Thursday- so hopefully that works out. If anyone knows of a good place send it my way. 

Peace.   
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Freewheelin'
03 February 2008 @ 05:40 pm
La Vida Loca!  
I haven't written in this thing forever. Life has been pretty stinkin' awesome and a crazy whirlwind of life is goodness: 

In August , Ben and I got a place in the Northeast (Philly)... Tacony- Mayfair to be exact.  I like living in this neighborhood, but I miss Fairmount and the Art Museum and walking all over the place in Center City. Sill, I am content in this place. We live in a row home on the top two floors Our landlord, a chiropractor, has his practice on the ground floor. After many trips to Ikea and purchases from craigslist (holla for recycled furniture)- this place feels like home. 

Four days a week we have the chillins which has transformed me into a Mom over the past year or two. Sweet Jesus I am a mom to three wild chillins aka "the Wild Bunch" : 


Isaac, 8 (aka : "Dino.Ike", "Isaac Russell Gomez Scrappy Fenderson Hamilton")


Gloria, *almost 6 (aka: "Glory", "Glorybug", Gloria Jean Twilleger Fenderson Hamilton")


Ian, *almost 3 (aka ; "Ian the wild", "The Stinker", "Ian Montgomery Wisenhower Fenderson Hamilton')

By far, (aside from Ben) the Wild Bunch brings me more joy than I could have ever imagined! Homework and potty training and jumping on top of me at 5am on a Saturday and singing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" a million times and being bombarded with hugs and kisses and "I Love You's" when I walk in the door from work. All of it has just been wonderful and enlightening, watching them laugh, and learn and grow/ Everytime they walk out the door, I miss them in the craziest way. They just bring so much sunshine to my life! I don't know what I would do without Ben and the kids...

 Isaac's Birthday Morning

 Glory and my dad

 The Wild Bunch at the Zoo

 Le' Hug Sandwich

 Me, my mom, and the Stinker
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Current Location: Illadelphia
 
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Freewheelin'
04 October 2007 @ 07:33 pm
BRUUUUUUCCEE  
My mom wrote the Springsteen lyrics "Show a little faith there's magic in the night" to my dad in her college yearbook.

I grew up on the Boss's music and ran around in my mom's Springsteen  80's tour tee. 

I listened to Bruce everytime I crossed over the Jersey State line on the way back from PSU and I saw the E-Street band with my parents the last time they toured in Philly...

And now.... My Aunt won tickets and backstage passes to the Springsteen show tomorrow... and I"M GOING WITH HER!!!! 

I AM MEETING BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN!!! Holy Crap! Bruce Springsteen!!! 

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Freewheelin'
13 July 2007 @ 09:31 pm
Penn State- Reliving the Good Ol' days  

1. Where did you live freshman year?
South Halls 305 Cooper!


2. Best thing about the HUB?
The Salads, people watching, and purposely walking through to warm up on my way home from class

3. First party?
Party at AKL

4. Best drunken moment?
There were so many... Amanda and I running a mile to get to a party after the homecoming parade after drinking maragaritas and screwdrivers? dancing at the Gaff?


5. Did you ever get hit by something thrown after a touchdown in Beaver Stadium?
No! I was smart enough to cover my head


6. Best THON moment?
Dancin Straight for 48, Baby!

7. Worst class?
ACOUSTICS

8. First college crush?
Matt Stanley


9. Nastiest sorority?
I don't remember, but the sorority under our floor freshman year was so annoying with their cheers. Alpha!- Sigma! Alpha Sigma Alpha!!!!!!!WHOOOOOOO!


10. Favorite bar?
Mad Mex


11. Best Frat Party?
Hmmm... probably one at AKL


12. College nickname?
I don't think I had one

13. How many pigs are there outside the Tavern?
3?

14. First roommate?
Amanda Sabec! We've been together since 3rd grade- elementary, middle, HS, College, and grad School and we're both SLPs!

15. Did you do LEAP?
Nope... I need the shore

16. Most embarrassing moment?
slipping down the stairs at AGR... completely sober

17. Athletic enough to play any D-1 sports?
My dad begged me to try out for soccer, but I never did


18. What was the name of your bar tour during senior week (if you are an alumni)?
Can't Stop Drinking (CSD) Bar Tour 2005

19. Athlete you were in love with?
I don't think I really paid too much attention to the whole I love football players thing


20. How many parking tickets did you get on campus?
0


21. Ever hook up at the Shrine?
Nope


22. Best game ever seen at Beaver Stadium?
Nebraska Sophmore year.

23. I bet you went to the Sports Cafe at midnight on your 21st?
I think I was home on Summer break


24. Cafe long islands or Saloons Monkeyboys?
BOTH


25. DP Dough or Pokie Stix?
Pokie Stix


26. What magazine had a photo shoot on AGRs steps?
Playboy

27. Ever finish the whole crossword from the Collegian?
I don't have enough attention for that


28. Favorite Halloween?
The year I was Foxy Cleopatre... Shazaaam!

29. Your biggest regret?
Stressing out freshman year


30. East, West, North, South, Pollock, Nittany?
SOUTH side!


31. Your telephone number on campus?
can't remember... I think I have it in my old wallet


32. Ever call 5-WALK?
I don't think so


33. Ever wait in line at the Phyrst at 5 am on St. Pattys Day?
Nope, but I remember Donna used to make horny girl scouts and bring them to class on St. Patty's day

34. Ever drive to WalMart just for something to do?
Nope


35. Jump off the high dive at the outdoor pool?
No.

36. Do you thank God you moved off campus?
sometimes, but man I missed those mashed potatoes. We were Redifer regulars

37. Best commons brunch?
I ate Everything

38. Ever shout "We Are" when you see Lion Ambassadors give a tour? 
Maybe once or twice

39. Favorite drinking game?
Flip cup. the other ones caused me to become quickly bored and I abandoned the rules and just drank continously. Oh to be young and stupid.

40. Ever go to a rave at Hunan Wok?
No, that whole thing was bizarre

41. Steelers or Eagles?
E-A-G-L-E-S! EAGLES!

42. Best food to cure a hangover?
McLanahan's breakfast sandwiches

43. Ever climb Mt. Nittany?
Yes! To the top

44. Do you know the story of Mt. Nittany?
No....

45. How did you meet your senior year roommates?
Amanda- grew up with her
Corey-lived down the hall freshman year
Donna- our friend Ted's ex-girlfriend

46. What college(s) were you in?
College of Health & Human Development

47. Favorite State College band?
Velveeta

48. Best party you ever threw?
  we didn't have any... someone else can have beer spilled on their carpet. We did have kick ass pasta parties and brownie sundaes way too often

49. What made you pick THE Pennsylvania State University?
Happiest place on earth!

50. What concerts/events did you go to at Bryce Jordan or Eisenhower?
Everclear, Maya Angelou... I think that's it

51. SBS, UBS, or Campus Bookstore?
SBS- Big Blue on the Corner


52. Ever get in trouble with the police?
No... I wasn't that bad!

53. Ever get lost in the stacks?
No, but man my heart was racing when I had to go in there. Someone was murdered there and my overactive imagination did not like that.

54. Did you ever have a "Joegie?"
Yep


55. What do you miss the most about your days at Penn State?
Being young and wild and free. But these days are just as good, just different

 
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Freewheelin'
22 January 2007 @ 02:36 pm
Last Call  
My Soccer Club, DANUBIA!!!! (USL Gold League Champs!) is having a Beef and Beer to raise money to so we can fly to Ohio and play in an International Tournament Memorial Day Weekend! It would bring joy to my life if you guys would come. Here are the details:

When: February 9th
Where: Danubia Soccer Club, ILLadelphia
Time: 7pm
Cost: $30 plus having to listen to me talk too much
Bonus: you get to meet the infamous BOB GREEN!!

 I just got an email saying they need a headcount for the event. Let me know if you want to come because there is a good chance I will have to ask the coach for more tickets.
 
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Freewheelin'
13 January 2007 @ 04:19 pm
Straight Outta Greenville  
I went to my Aunt Jane and Uncle Clem's house last night for my cousin Audrey's 14th birthday (the little Greens are not so little anymore!). My Aunt told me a story about my cousin Clement that goes a little somethin'  like this... hit it:

Clement was going to his very first sleepover party last weekend. My Aunt was worried about him fitting in with the other kids because he is Deaf (really Deaf 90dB style aka he can hear a mack truck horn) . And when you are Deaf you miss a lot of stuff that people say and kids aren't exactly lenient when it comes to people interrupting the flow of speech to ask for a repeat. Anyway! She was really worried about him fitting in and having fun at the party, so she gave him a little talk...

Aunt Jane: Clement, if you can't understand what someone is saying to you then ask them to repeat it or have them write it down so you don't miss anyhing. And remember your manners!

Clement: Yeah mom, I know... say please, thank you, and don't say SHIT.




What a little pisser!
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Freewheelin'
12 January 2007 @ 10:28 am
A little Reminder  
Hello my Peeps. I went to lunch with Miss Cass, queen of Collingswood, yesterday. She suggested that if I wanted people to come to my soccer club's soiree then I should send out a friendly reminder. So here it goes:

Danubia Soccer Club (USL Gold League Champs!) is having a Beef and Beer to raise money to so we can fly to Ohio and play in an International Tournament Memorial Day Weekend! It would bring joy to my life if you guys would come. Here are the details:

When: February 9th
Where: Danubia Soccer Club, ILLadelphia
Time: 7pm
Cost: $30 plus having to listen to me talk too much
Bonus: you get to meet the infamous BOB GREEN!!

Ticket money is due January 24th. Let me know if you want to come because there is a good chance I will have to ask the coach for more tickets.
 
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Freewheelin'
02 January 2007 @ 12:32 pm
Le New Year  
It's a New Year and I am looking forward to it. I missed New Year's Eve festivities because I had my good old wisdom teeth out just a few days before. I gotta say, getting my wisdom teeth out was not all that bad. The most annoying things were (a) not being able to eat whatever I wanted and (b) having to sit around the house for a few days, so I could ice my fat face- which miraculously did not become all that fat. Ben came to my house and took care of me for awhile. Then he went to see the kids and contracted the ever popluar childhood ailment, pink eye. Good times. We never do anything easily. Hardcore- all or nothin'. That's how we roll.

Christmas was fantastic. I spent a lot of time with the fam. Ben and I spent a lot of time running back and forth between Philly and Jersey and then out to York to visit his parents. I finished all of my Christmas shopping early and wrapped all of the gifts for my family and all of the gifts for the kids  from Santa Clause two days before Christmas. I must say, that I was mighty impressed with myself and as a result it was a really great, stress free holiday.

Ben's lease is almost up, which means moving time is here and I am sad about it. The apartment is too tiny. Too tiny for us to fit in. REALLY too tiny for the kids to come over and there is no yard for them to run around in. So  an apartment  search is inevitable, which is pretty fun. Mostly, because it means trips to IKEA and more kid time. Although, I will miss [mostly] living in the neighborhood. Running on Kelly Drive, Going past the Art Museum everyday, strolling down to Fairmount to get a cup of coffee and read my book before work. But who has the money for a huge apartment in the city? Even if you do have the money- what do you do about schools? I obviously vote for the hippy Montessori schools, but who has the money for that? And you just never know what the deal is with the Philly public schools. And I already put a big fat NO in for Catholic Schoolin'. So that leaves suburbia. Which will be better in the long run, because it's closer to the kids and they are getting to the age where soccer practice and school plays will be constant. Who wants to miss those things? Not I. Suburbia it is.

For Christmas, my parents bought us a family zoo membership. So we will have unlimited trips to the zoo for the entire year. Last week, when we took the kids to the Academy of Natural Sciences, we got a membership there too. I went to the Art Museum the other day and got all of the information for the kids art programs and events. I am really looking forward to this year with Ben and the kids. I am always amazed at how smart and creative they are. I just can't express how much joy the bring to my life and how lucky I feel to have them in my life. I am always amazed and thankful that Ben and I have the same philosophy about exposing them to culturally and educationally based things. We just get to see them create and grow and learn and be happy. It's going to be a good year.

Here are the pictures from the Academy of Natural Sciences. Quote of the Day was by Glory: "Emily! You are not a grown up! You are a big kid! CAPESCE ME?!" Isaac won a prize for asking a question that "stumped the experts" at the Dinosaur show. Ian walked right up to the T-Rex skeleton and roared in his face. Glory pet some cockroaches. And we all went to the Butterfly exhibit and excavated some Dino bones. It was a good day.

Alright! Back to work! Have a fantastic new year, everybody!
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Freewheelin'
25 December 2006 @ 10:12 am
Christmas 2006  
Merry Christmas, everyone!!!
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Freewheelin'
22 December 2006 @ 10:13 am
Yeeesss!  
Yes! My semester is officially over! I spent a few extra weeks at my practicum site to get some extra hours. It was sad to leave yesterday. I really enjoyed myself and I learned so much. I had the opportunity to see a wide variety of kids and work with a great group of people. After looking at my hours and my schedule for next semester, I am *almost* positive that I will be graduating in May, which I am absolutely thrilled about! Next semester will be busy, but it will be worth it. I can finally be an official SLP, start practicing, and roll in some mullah, so I don't feel like a complete yutz anymore. Life is good!

I also finished all of my Christmas shopping- before Christmas eve! A week before Christmas! This is a  HUGE landmark in the chaos I call my life and I gotta say I totally love myself right now. So today, I will watch some Christmas movies with my mom and wrap all of them. I volunteered to wrap a lot of the kids presents from Santa so hopefully my hands won't fall off. The rest of my life is in complete disarray 80% of the time, but I am an obsessive compulsive, anal retentive gift wrapper. You know- the important things in life. The things that people don't even look at and just tear apart before taking a moment to appreciate my exquisite work of art. At least I have my priorities straight. HA!

Last Sunday, Ben, my mom, and I took the kids into center city to see the light show and the Dickens Christmas exhibit, because I looooovvee Christmas. The light show and the Dickens exhibit are cheesy, fantastic Christmas traditions in the great city of Phildelphia. Plus, it brings so much Joy to my life to make Christmas really exciting and wonderful, for the little sunshines. Plus! We hopped them up on hot chocolate and bought them lunch and the best gelato in the world. Next week, we are taking them to the Academy of Natural Sciences to dig up dinosaur bones! I am so excited. Here are some pictures from last weekend.

I can't wait for the Festivus party! I love my peeps, I love the holidays! When they are combined it is DYN-O-MITE!
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Freewheelin'
09 December 2006 @ 10:07 am
more NPR  
So as I stated in a previous post I really love NPR, because I can listen to the news while I am getting ready and I don't have to be glued to my TV.

In the morning, sometimes NPR puts on recordings from Story Corps.  Have you heard about Story Corps? It's a Airstream RV that travels around the country. People can go into the RV and record stories of their lives with their family members. All of the recordings are stored in the Library of Congress.

This is one of the great things I love about old people (and young people too), but mostly I see it in older people. They just have all of these great stories from when they were young. They have those great stories paired with life experience. And with age, life experience creates a  kind of life wisdom that you can really only get from people who have really lived life and made mistakes and have learned from those mistakes.  Eventhough, life was not always easy, somehow older people convey this ideology that life will always work out for the best. I really feel like we can learn so much from older generations. It makes my heart warm to think that this program is in place, knowing future generations will have the wisdom and love of their great grand parents.

One of my favorites was from a man with Alzheimer's who was being interviewed by his daughters. He said, " The most important thing is, I have a family I love, and they're loving people. I have no regrets."

Here are a few of my favorites you can listen to on the NPR site:

1. As Memories Slip Away "It's Still a Wonderful Life"

2. A Young Boy's Stand on a New Orleans Streetcar

3. Dad's Admiration Makes Strong Bond with Daughter

I am going to the listen to the rest of them when I have the chance.
 
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Freewheelin'
26 November 2006 @ 06:31 pm
Kids Roadtrip!  
This Saturday, Ben and I took the kids on a roadtrip to visit his parents. I am so constantly smitten with the chillins' that I just want to show them off because they are so stinkin' cute!

( KIDS!! )
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Freewheelin'
20 November 2006 @ 05:03 pm
Danubia League Champs!  
I would like to announce that my soccer team earned the USL Gold Division Championship!! Boo Yaa!!!

On February 9th, we are holding a Beef and Beer at our club to raise money for the team to fly out to Ohio and play in an international tournament! Tickets are $30 (which is kinda expensive), but it's as much food, beer, and wine that you can stuff in you. Plus, you have the pleasure of bringing great joy to my life and I will be absolutely pleased to have an excuse to stop doing work and actually see my friends!!!

Let me know if you want to come. Ticket money is due in January. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
 
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Freewheelin'
17 November 2006 @ 04:06 pm
NPR, Joni Mitchell, and L-O-V-E.  
I just love NPR. It's just a fabulous station in every way. I can get my news and current events, book reviews, movie reviews, etc. etc. etc. I really love Fresh Air. Friday's most people leave work early, because I work in a school, but I have to stay a little later on Fridays so I can fit all of my hours in. So today, after my partner left, I searched the Fresh Air archives and found an interview with Joni Mitchell. I was all alone so I finished up my work, listening to Joni Mitchell's interview on Fresh Air. How convenient! How wonderful! I just love, love, love Joni Mitchell.

Speaking of LOOOOOVVVEE, today is Ben's birthday. My Scorpio is the big 3-0 today. He doesn't really want to turn 30, but I said it only matters if you look 30 and you don't, so get to celebratin'. I can't believe he puts up with me.
 
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Freewheelin'
16 November 2006 @ 10:04 am
I think I am insane!  
I am almost positive that [info]stacya has convinced me to run the Broad Street Run with her in May. Oh my god, I think I am crazy. How am I ever going to do it ?!
 
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Freewheelin'
14 November 2006 @ 04:47 pm
2 things  
1. Today, the secretary at the middle school where I am doing my school practicum- yelled at me, because she thought I was a student. Do I look like I am between the ages of 10 and 14? TRY AGAIN. I told her I was a practicum teacher and she continued to be rude to me. I wish I would have layed the law down her- it was whack. I don't know who she thinks she is, but I NEVER talk to any of my students like that. I am trying to figure out who you can talk to like that. Why so cranky?

2. I am in the middle of a bet with my brother. He was trying to do homework in the kitchen. I was talking loudly and singing with my angelic voice while he was trying to do work. He bet me that if I could shut up for an hour he would pay me $50. I have until 5:19 pm and then I can hit the big time. He even had his girlfriend call me on my phone from a secret number to make me talk. But I will be victorious!!! Boo Yaa!
 
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