Amber could use a Simon Cowell/Mom's advice but she doesn't take criticism very well. She's been offered a singing contract twice and turned it down both times. I think it's because she doesn't have a passion for singing. She does so many other things (dance and fashion design) that she can't seem to focus on one thing. I think she turned the contracts down because she didn't like having to deal with a voice coach and the work that goes along with being a singer. She has her own unique style and doesn't want anyone trying to break it. That's my DD, stubborn as ever. :-) I really like her other song much better but it's audio only and I can't remember where I uploaded it to. Jodi-

I am glad she is doing better. It is terrible that people have not been friendlier to her. I am so sorry to hear that. I can't imagine that happening at the college I went to--please don't take it to be representative of how things are everywhere in the US. Is she going back for the second semester? Regarding roommates, I too thought a roommate would be a "best friend" when I started college. I later found out that the best roommate is one who has the same feelings about the temperature of the room, time to go to bed and get up, windows open or closed, music loud or not, smoking or not, and things like that. Sometime the best way to ruin a friendship is to try to room together! Still, I wish that she were having a better experience overall. It also sounds like the college she is attending may not be like the one I attended. Everything there was lecture and the exams were all essay -- more like what she is used to. Anyway, I am glad that things are better in general for her.

Get a patent on that right away take a couple of photos and write-down some how- tos and mail it to yourself (herself) don't open it. Then after you file for a patent if someone else tries to steal the idea for profit she/he can present the dated postmarked item to court. I think it is called a poor mans patent. Seriously what a great idea

marti8a: That is what we are planning to do with L-brackets since we are also in CA. We placed it so that the path should it fall is not over the bed area. sarschlos: It'll be there before you know it!! My oldest is 15-1/2; the youngest still leaves her toys strewn all over the house. I could've kept the other toy storage unit for another few years, but looking forward the bookcase makes much more sense for her and as I told DH if we store in the garage, by the time she'll be ready, it'll be trashed so here it is. The rest of her toys I'm trying to confine to here and a couple of bottom drawers in her dresser at this point. I did talk to her specifically about not climbing up to get stuff and I made sure to put everything she might like to handle on the lower shelves. The upper one is sure to fill with more trophies. Wait until you have that one to figure out! Trophy decor! If you play any kid's sport these days, you are automatically give a trophy so everyone feels like a winner.