How To Get Over Him - Quickly

Let me make one thing clear: this has nothing to do with love.

I'm no expert. The very word makes me nauseous and sets my body to a defensive mode. But I have had my heart broken once or twice. Badly. By some pathetic loser by the way who, in my blissful juvenile ignorance, contained my whole world: my oxygen, my insides, my reason for being without whom I'd wither and die to nothingness blah, blah.

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Somebody should have whacked me across the head with a Dr. Phil self-help bestseller in hard cover - it may have been enough to cause selective amnesia. But no, I have had to endure many, many self-inflicted humiliations the magnitude of which almost surpasses George W. Bush's abundant stream of faux pas, which I suspect include nuking someone's ticker.

With no access to a warhead, however, to deploy my heart's retribution, I resorted to good old fashioned emotional meltdown that rivaled Chernobyl. Not only have I said and done it all in the name of witless love - things I loathe to enumerate lest the wrath of Virginia Woolf strikes me dead - I have listened excruciatingly to my girlfriends and their hearts' lament on losing Mr. Loser, er, Mr. Right. And the twisted plot to get him back.

What I bemoan most of all is that not one good sista gave it to me straight. That I will change.

So, if a looming break-up is coming your way (trust me, we can all see it coming!), read, learn and gain wisdom from the mistakes of others because you don't want to make them all!

For the ladies who have been-there-done-that and, hopefully, out of the singles jungle, enjoying the safety and comfort of Tarzan's little love-nest high up on the treetops, be a real friend and show the girls how it's done.

Delete, delete, delete ... all traces of your ex.

If your memory is better than mine, there are two phone numbers you know by heart: your mum's and your ex's. In your quest to "get over him", first, delete him from your digital memory store starting with your mobile phone. Erase his mobile number, work phone, home phone, his best friend's number, his mother's number - especially!

If you're an IM user, block him immediately and blacklist his email address from your mailbox.

Then remove every piece of clothing, toiletry and dirty underwear he left behind in your bathroom. And no, don't even think of washing and neatly packaging these into a bundle for him. The concierge has closed and will not be re-opening. Ever.

Whatever you do, DO NOT call him.

It's pathetic, really. What are you hoping to accomplish? No, you won't get him back because he's not coming back. The bottom line is if he dumped you, he's not into you. Sound familiar? The word on the street is true and there's absolutely nothing you can do about it.

OK, so there are those lucky people that get back together and live happily ever after.

In the movies!

If you're living in the same world as I, you know it's the exception, not the rule. Sadly, most women seem to think, to their detriment, that their situation is somehow always an exception: as if they live in a parallel reality where the rules of engagement do not apply because for some unknown and far-imagined reason, many are under the illusion that they're immune to life's cruel veracity. Well, you're not. The rule of life rules, unless the odd exception, freak-of-nature type event occurs. And it rarely happens. The sooner you realise that, the better.

So, in your moment of pathetic weakness, it's completely understandable and even acceptable to max out your credit card for much needed retail therapy. Even indulge in uncharacteristically obscene behaviour including binge-drinking, a drunken pash or two with complete strangers, or hysterical emotional outbursts in embarrassingly crowded places. Just make sure you're in the company of people who give a damn about you - your friends.

Scream. Cry. Laugh. Do whatever it takes to flush him out of your system. But for goodness' sake, do not call your ex.

Should I return the gold watch he gave me?
Are you kidding me? It's yours. Keep it. Or better yet, take all the valuable items he's ever given you to cash converters - the gold necklace for your birthday, the beautiful pair of earrings last Christmas and that gorgeous bracelet for Valentine's Day. Then buy yourself a new pair of Jimmy Choos. It will elevate your height as well as your mood.

Turning his precious little gifts, which are rightfully yours, into cold hard cash will satisfy a scorned woman's desire for sweet revenge. Albeit briefly. But who cares? Right now, little victories are what you need to get you over the line. And over him.

Let's be friends? Yeah, right!
Oh, please! If you are insisting on remaining friends with an ex who dumped you like vomit, you're up o something and it won't do you any good.

Problem is, you can't see it. So let me make it clearer for you: he's not coming back.

Wake up and smell the stench. You're standing on a gigantic pile of horseshit collected over the years starting from the time you believed in the myth of Cinderella. Didn't you know? She divorced her prince two months later: they weren't compatible after all.

So, think long and hard about your real motivations. Life is good but it ain't a fairytale.

If he's the one wanting to remain friends, well, beware. Remember, he dumped you. So it's neither an invitation for renewed romance nor for any kind of "real" friendship you want or need right now.

Let me tell you a little secret. Most guys, unfortunately, are cowards. They are scared to death of hurting our feelings because we all go "emotional on them!. They will do anything to weasel their way out of very difficult situations. The fact is, if he wants you, and I mean want-you-so-badly-it-hurts, there are no mixed messages. He will move heaven and earth to be with you. If he's not in to you, the only thing he'll move is his thumb: "want 2 come over 2nite?"

Need I say more?

Get a life ... darn good one!
The sweetest revenge is to live a happy life. And it's the only way to live.

But first, change your sheets.

Call your friends. Dance around the house in your underwear or naked if you prefer. Attend a party. Drink good champagne. Wear amazingly red lipstick. Strut around in ridiculously high stilettos. Visit your hairdresser.

Smile.

Chat up a good looking guy at a funky bar. Wear perfume. Flirt. Play games and play it cool. This time, you're the predator, not the prey. Take a risk.

You're so sexy. Who wouldn't want you?

And if you're still weary of rejoining the singles jungle, here's a tip: run an ad for a male flatmate. You may be surprised at what you'll find. Tarzan might just come knocking at your door.

Live life. It's the only one you've got.

Robelen Bajar is a freelance writer with a Mr. Strong Man who's so in to her.

How To Get Over Him - Quickly

7 Jobs That Provide A Company Car

Being provided with a company car is a great 'perk' of employment, and depending on which position an individual holds, can be utilized either on a part-time or full-time basis. Some of the jobs that offer a company car include the following:

1. Many upper-management, specifically, executive management positions, include the use of a company car, particularly those directly working for an automotive manufacturer or closely related to the industry. In these instances, it's the perfect way to increase their advertising as more of their cars are seen on the road. Another reason that is that, just as in some communities 'keeping up with the Jones' is a means of determining resident status in the neighborhood, members of the upper-Escalon of corporations are provided with company vehicles because they also need to 'keep up appearances'. A newer or luxury car represents success and in business, that's very important, especially in regard to their competitors.

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2. Jobs that require an employee to travel frequently often times provide the use of a company car. Corporations realize that it's not entirely fair to expect an employee who has to travel on regular basis, such as in the case of a sales or marketing position, to have to utilize their own vehicle. The company acknowledges the fact that these types of employees are required to travel frequently as part of their job and shouldn't have to bear the expense of maintenance and or fuel costs, in addition to wear on their personal vehicle, so they provide the individual with the use of a 'company' car.

3. Car dealerships usually provide their salesmen with the use of a company car. Along the same lines of an auto-industry executive, this is an excellent way for the dealership to advertise their vehicles and hopefully attract new customers. Additionally, if a salesperson is driving and is happy with the performance of the particular car they've been given to utilize, they'll have an advantage and the added benefit of first-hand knowledge about the vehicle when it comes time to make a sale.

4. Messengers and the sometimes affectionately referred to 'gophers' in a business environment are usually given use of a company vehicle, though mainly only during work-hours. These employees have to deliver and pick packages and drop off projects at printing, customer and other facilities in addition to any other off-site tasks the company requests of them such as running out for office supplies, food, etc.

5. A personal assistant who works directly for one individual whether in an office or private environment will be given the use of a company car because these types of positions require extensive traveling time on behalf of the employer's personal, as well as business, needs.

6. Federal and other-high ranking officials in the securities field are often times provided with a company vehicle because many of their duties require traveling to other counties, towns and even states.

7. Some miscellaneous service and labor positions such as construction, landscaping, plumbing companies, etc. give their employees the use of a company vehicle because there is usually a need to get a very early start, respond to emergency calls and also in lieu of the need to travel extensively to different locals on a regular basis as part of the business' services.

Keep in mind that if you are applying for a position that requires travel, whether frequent or infrequent, you can always try to negotiate for a company car during the interview process.

7 Jobs That Provide A Company Car

No Limit Holdem Poker Cash Game Strategy - How to Spot and Exploit Weakness In Poker Cash Games

Aggression in your betting is an important component of any winning poker strategy. Being the aggressor means you have two ways of winning the pot - either showing down the best hand or having your opponent fold. The real key to developing a winning cash game poker strategy is the use of selective aggression. Knowing when an opponent is weak will help you to get this right. This article looks at both obvious and disguised weakness from opponents.

Before we move on to the details there are two important factors to mention here. Firstly watch out for you very skilled opponents, they will be aware of how their actions are perceived and will try to mix up their play to deceive you. Secondly paying attention to the table, the betting patterns of all opponents and how different players react to different flops is important here. For example there is no point trying to push an opponent who always calls off of a 'weak' holding - he will call you anyway!!

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Obvious weakness is the scenario where an opponent makes no attempt to show any strength. The first example of this is a pre-flop limp. Any opponent who limps from one of the later positions at the table when first to enter a pot is showing weakness. Re-raising from a later position will often take the pot down immediately. When called you will usually have position on the limper after the flop - when your opponent checks to you fire another bet to take the larger pot there. If called a second time you must slow down of course, however this works so many times that the rare scenario in which you are forced to fold will be more than made up for by the times you take down the pot without resistance.

Players who raise from stealing positions may also be weak. If your opponent raises the button when ever they are folded to you do not need to give them credit for a good hand. A healthy re-raise from the big blind will often take the pot pre flop. Remember to ensure that your opponent is capable of making the fold - no point bluffing a calling station here!

Many players who call raises pre flop will lead into the original raiser when the flop comes with a small bet. This is called the weak-lead and is usually a sign of a draw or vulnerable holding such as bottom pair. Firing a large raise will often take the pot down immediately in this situation. This is opponent specific - some players will make this same move when strong here so it pays to be aware of your opponents previous betting patterns.

Likewise some players bet very strongly from out of position after calling a pre-flop raise. Here the texture of the flop is a significant factor. If there are flushes or straights draws available then your opponent may be protecting a strong but vulnerable hand such as an over pair. If the flop is 'rags' the strong lead is more likely to be a weaker holding. How to react here will depend on your opponent, however a strong raise will usually take the pot in this scenario.

Finally, when attacking your opponents weakness it is important to have the discipline to give up when you encounter serious resistance. These plays will win enough pots when your opponents fold to make up for the times when they fail. Do not get tempted to follow up with a huge river bluff when called on the flop and turn!

GL at the tables,
Mark

No Limit Holdem Poker Cash Game Strategy - How to Spot and Exploit Weakness In Poker Cash Games

How to Remove Late Payments from Your Credit Report

Most people know that if they pay their bills late, their credit scores will suffer. However, most people don't know this: According to Credit.com, a single 90-day late payment is as damaging as a bankruptcy filing, a tax lien, a collection, a judgment, or a repossession. It doesn't matter if you're late paying a credit card bill or a ,000 mortgage payment. All that matters is that you were 90 days behind in paying your due balance.

Payment punctuality counts for about 35% of your overall credit score. Paying bills on time is generally the single most important contributor to a good credit score. Being late on any bill, for any length of time, is a possible sign of future non-payment of debt and is always viewed negatively by lenders. Late payments stay on your credit report for 7 years from the date of the initial missed payment.

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A 30 or 60 day late payment will damage your credit score only while it is being reported as currently past due. They usually don't cause lasting damage to your credit score after this period passes unless you make 30 or 60 day late payments on a regular basis.

If you only have a few 30-60 day late payments listed on your credit report, the best thing to do is contact your creditors by phone and ask them to remove it. Tell them a nice little story and ask them nicely to remove it. Follow the conversation with a written request to have the isolated late payments removed from your reports. However, if you consistently make late payments, it will probably take a little more effort.

As mentioned, a 90-120 day late payment is extremely damaging. At around 90-120 days, the creditor will usually write off the account and it will stay on your credit report as a charge off for 7 years.

If you are unable to get the creditor to remove the late payment history from your reports, there are a few other ways to do it. One of the best ways is to dispute them with the credit bureaus.

How to Remove Late Payments from Your Credit Report

How to Tell if Your Partner is Cheating on You

If you have suspicions about your partner cheating on you then don't just drive these thoughts away. It might be a good time to do a little investigation to be sure. Don't tell your partner straight ahead that you're doubtful about their actions and manners. Start your investigation by clearly following their tracks and then slowly and gradually making your way up to the final stage.

One way to tell if your partner is cheating on you is to catch them lying about a matter. You can follow eye movements to tell if they are lying. Ask more questions if you are not sure of their discomfort or uneasiness. If their answers are brief and clear, then they are telling the truth. If, however, they try to create stories out of nothing and don't try to look at you while speaking then it's time you started worrying about your relationship.

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Partners who are cheating are often guilty of their actions. They try to apologize over small mistakes and go out of their way to make you happy or feel pampered. Keep an eye on this change of attitude or abnormal behavior. Some people also start showing that they have little interest in you or your activities and that they want to spend sometime alone. This kind of behavior is also alarming. Tell them you want to go with them even it's a short trip to the mall.

When your partner is away frequently call them on their phone to see if it's busy. You can track down credit card and phone bills to take into notice something unusual going on behind your back. Also check your partner's closets and shirt pockets to look for scribbled-down phone numbers or meeting places. If you find an unknown number, call that number and see who picks up. If it's not a familiar voice then ask questions to learn where they live and who they are. If your partner has got a cell phone then get your hands on it when they're not looking and check the phonebook. Call a suspicious number and notice the tone of the other person when he/she picks up the phone.

Another way to catch a cheating partner is to follow them in a car. See where they go, what they buy and who they meet. If you can, try to show up suddenly somewhere and be surprised to see your partner there. Notice their reaction. If they are happy to see you then there's nothing to worry about. If, however, they are perplexed, worried and wide-eyed, then they are surely hiding something. Ask them questions to clarify things up a bit. If nothing seems to work, go back and carry on with your investigation till you come up with something solid. Confront your partner only when you have enough evidence against them and then decide what should be done next.

How to Tell if Your Partner is Cheating on You

Placing A Value On Your Personal Injury Claim

Your Medical Doctor or Chiropractor has released you from treatment for your motor vehicle accident and enough time has passed so you're about to position yourself to sit down with Adjuster Henry Hard-Nose. His employer is Rock Solid Insurance, the company who insures Fred Fuddle, the individual who plowed into your rear end, smashing you with a tremendous crash which was responsible for your injuries plus the "Pain and Suffering" you've had to endure.

To be adequately compensated for what you've gone through you must have accumulated what's identified in the world of insurance claims as "Special Damages". Those are your Medical bills, your Lost Wages plus every dollar paid out to help with your recovery. When building the value of a personal injury claim there are several key elements you should be aware of:

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LIABILITY: In the vast majority of motor vehicle accidents it's clear who was at fault. Assuming that Fuddle struck you a mighty blow in the rear end (rear-enders make up well over half of the motor vehicle accidents that take place in the United States each year) yours is a case that must be settled. (Final Statistics prove that in 83% of accident's that took place in 2003 it's clear who was at fault) !

The very doubtful liability case has little, if any, settlement value. If that's the situation you should obtain the services of the local Legal Beagle who does a good job at that, Attorney I.M. Greedy. But, if you do, be very careful when you sign Greedy's "Contingency Fee Agreement". Read it closely. Don't sign anything that will let him charge you one penny, other than his normal fee. Do not - - in any way whatsoever - - allow him to chisel any money from you, for his out-of-pocket expenses. All Greedy should be compensated for (if he's successful at busting loose some bucks from Rock Solid) is his fee and that should be no more than the usual locally published accepted percentage of the total recovery.

TYPE OF INJURY: If there are severe injuries (which make up only ten to fifteen percent of all motor vehicle accidents) you should obtain the services of a lawyer. But, if you've had minor injuries like whiplash, bumps, bruises, sprains and/or strains (and it's clear you're not at fault) you can handle and settle the claim yourself.

TYPE OF PERSON YOU ARE: Rate yourself and be brutally honest. You're most likely an average motor vehicle owner/driver, living a normal life. But, if you've spent some time behind bars, have a criminal record, or a history of character defects that often get your butt in a jam with the local cops (and this is well-known) you must take those facts into consideration when forming expectations regarding what your case is worth.

THE TYPE OF PERSON FRED FUDDLE IS: The better Fred Fuddle looks, or the better the "entity" "(Fuddle's business or company, etc.) appears, the better for Rock Solid. But, if Fuddle is a known bookie or drug dealer, they're in deep "stuff". On the other hand, if Fuddle is a well-loved philanthropist, that can be a plus for Rock Solid Insurance. Or if the vehicle that struck you was a van driven by Pastor Frederick Fuddle, and the named insured is The Fuddle Camp For Lost Souls, that can be a plus for Rock Solid.

But, if the "entity" that hit you was a dilapidated junk pile on wheels operated by Fred "Goof-Ball" Fuddle, and the named insured is The Fuddle Rotted Cow Manure Corporation, that will obviously not be favorable for Rock Solid.

DAMAGES: There are "Medical Special Damage" Expenses, "Non-Medical Special Damages" Expenses, and/or your "Property Damage" Expenses.

MEDICAL SPECIAL DAMAGE EXPENSES: These typically include Cost of Ambulance, Emergency Room, Hospital and/or Clinic Charges, Chiropractor, and/or Dentist, Over-The-Counter Drugs and/or Prescription Medications, Laboratory Fees and Services, Diagnostic Tests: X-Rays and (CT) Scan, Prosthetic Appliances or Surgical Apparatus, (Cranes & Crutches), Physical Therapy, Registered and/or Practical Nurse Fees, Ace Bandages, Gauze and Tape, Heating Pads, Creams, Lotions, Ointments, Balms and Salves.

When it comes to listing your Medical Special Damage "expenses" don't overlook one single dollar because, when it comes time to settle your claim, that dollar can increase the value of your payment for "Pain and Suffering" by a multiplier of four or even five! (Yes, that means a .00 bill can be worth .00 to 0.00 more ,in your pocket, from Rock Solid Insurance, at settlement time).

NON-MEDICAL SPECIAL DAMAGES: These typically include Lost Wages and Earnings, Lost Vacation time and/or Sick Leave, Travel Expenses (car rentals, public transportation, expenses incurred getting to and from your Chiropractor and/or hospital and/or physical therapy "treatment" of some sort) Household Help during disability and/or Child Care. Be sure to obtain written proof of such "Non Medical" Special Damages.

LOST WAGES: The income you lost, because you were unable to work, is an area where adjusters take terrible advantage of the typical claimant because they know so little about it.

Commissions and overtime can make a huge difference in your lost earnings. Be sure to get a letter from your employer, on their official letterhead, explaining that in detail. Or, if you're self-employed, get this information stated on your accountants letterhead.

The time you miss from work (thus the money you may have lost) is calculated and this element constitutes what is known as "Lost Wages" or "Lost Time Verification". In most situations you're entitled to compensation for lost time and earnings, even if you have no actual loss of money! Such as, for example, when your salary is paid by your company insurance coverage, or by taking sick leave, or some similar arrangement.

Even if you're salaried you should obtain a "Lost Earnings", or "Time Lost Verification", in writing on your employer's letterhead.

IF YOU'RE SELF-EMPLOYED: To prove your lost earnings you'll probably have to assemble some inside information for Hard-Nose. If you don't like the idea of submitting private documents to him, in the privacy of your home or office, just think how you'd feel about producing them in the non-private environment of a courtroom. When a case goes to trial, and if you want to prove your damages so as to collect adequate compensation, that's your only alternative.

TWO CRITICAL AREAS REGARDING LOST WAGES: Did the injury necessitate a change of job or employment at a lesser rate? Or, did the injury allow your going to work but only on a part-time basis? If the answer to either question is "Yes", it would be wise to ask your employer to document these facts on their letterhead.

IT'S CRUCIAL FOR YOU TO KNOW: Even if you've been paid while out of work, you can still compute your time lost from work as "Lost Wages" .

PROPERTY DAMAGE EXPENSES: These typically include Motor Vehicle Repair, Damaged Clothing, Broken Glasses, cost of Substitute Car Rentals, Towing and Storage. Make copies of all bills relating to any of your property damage expenses. Keep the originals. Be sure to have these in your possession when you and Hard-Nose plunk yourselves down to "Talk Turkey". Photocopies are sufficient to give him.

YOUR AGE: Because of their obvious innocence, insurance claim accident victims, up to the age of 12, generally have excellent settlement results. Those in their teens, and into their late 50's, fall into a fairly normal category because they're generally considered to be at the height of their physical stamina. Those in their late 60's, and over, usually fare extremely well; primarily due to the sympathy that's often invoked, from a judge or jury, because of general attitudes regarding frailty and the elderly.

MOST IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:The information Hard-Nose places into your file plays a major role in the ultimate value of your claim. Never underestimate the importance of his impressions and conclusions! Should, one day, your case ends up in front of a judge, or jury, what Hard-Nose feels, observes and then reports into your file at Rock Solid about you, his insured Fred Fuddle, and/or possible witnesses, etc., (in addition to the information you've documented for him) could have massive influence on the value of your claim - - especially if Fuddle is a loser and he's absolutely in the wrong. At that point the only thing stalling a settlement is the amount of money it's going cost to get rid of you.

And, should your file end up in the hands of the local defense attorney for Rock Solid Insurance, all the positive factors about you, your injury and liability, will cause him to gasp, "Hey, what's going on here? My legal fees will be higher than the few hundred more bucks this one can be dumped for."

The bottom line: Your out-of-pocket expenses correctly recorded and presented, your injury information properly documented and your lost wages clearly established will seriously increase the dollar value of your personal injury claim.

QUESTION: How does Dan know this to be true? ANSWER: "Because for 38 years Dan was right there, where he saw and done that" !

Copyright (c) 2005 by Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved

DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this "How To" Insurance Claim Article "PLACING A VALUE ON YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM" is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Dan Baldyga does not make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever, NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service, NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Wherever such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUAL'S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain said services.

Dan Badlyga has had 3 "How To" Insurance Claim books published, the last being AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) which can be found on the internet at http://www.caraccidentclaims.com or http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com.

This book explains, in simple language, "How To" handle your motor vehicle property damage and/or personal injury claim. It also contains BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). THE BASE FORMULA will explain how to determine the value of the "Pain and Suffering" you endured - - because of your motor vehicle accident injury!

Placing A Value On Your Personal Injury Claim

49 Signs Of A Cheating Partner - Read These Red Flags Now And Know If Your Partner Is A Cheater

Lately things just aren't the same with your partner. Something seems off, and you can't help but wonder if there's somebody else. Suspecting your partner of cheating can be tricky. The possibility terrifies you, but you're also afraid of being wrong and looking like a fool who has trust issues. In a situation like this, it is wise to tread carefully.

Make sure that there are legitimate reasons for suspecting your partner, and that it's not just your insecurity that is skewing your point of view. If you do have an overwhelming feeling that there may be infidelity in your relationship then read on for common signs of cheating, and compare them with your man or lady's behavior.

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1. Change In long held beliefs: You observe a shift in your partner's attitude about relationships or love. It may be that your man used to condemn husbands who cheat on their wives and had strong opinions about infidelity. Suddenly, they seem more lenient with their thinking.

Maybe you're watching TV together one night and there's news of a celebrity couple breaking up because the man cheated. You are appalled, but he might shrug and say something like "Well, if she stopped having sex with him what do you expect?"

Pay attention to changes in long held beliefs that your partner had, he or she may be altering their view to accommodate their new thinking or behavior.

2. Trading in khakis for miniskirts: If you have known your partner for a while, then you might start noticing sudden changes in the way they dress or want to look. If your lady has always been very taken with her appearance, and she buys new clothes or changes her hair, it may not be a cause for alarm. However, if she used to dress like a frumpy grandmother to work and she's suddenly wearing miniskirts and high heels, then you may have a problem.

3. Newfound body image issues: A sudden and unjustified change in body image is another major infidelity sign. If your partner has taken the decision to be thinner or more muscular for health reasons or has always been fit there's probably no reason to doubt anything.

However, if your couch potato husband is not really concerned with his health, but suddenly starts spending hours in the gym because he is now obsessed with getting rid of his belly fat, then take a closer look. Also, if he refuses that you accompany him to the gym, or is presenting otherwise sketchy behavior regarding his body, he may be straying.

4. I want to be alone: Your partner suddenly wants to spend a lot of time on their own. The need for space is a major sign that something is going on especially if this request comes out of nowhere and with no valid explanation.

If you two had a fight and he or she is still resentful, then the need for space can be somewhat understood. However, if your relationship is stable and things are going great, and your partner suddenly wants to be alone, there might be someone else filling that void.

5. Picking fights: The man or woman in your life might also not only demand more space but do everything possible to create more of it. He or she might pick fights for no reason, and may make an issue of every little thing to create an illusion that you're not getting along.

They do this to legitimize their wrongdoings and to feel less guilty. The way they figure is this; since you're both always fighting, you are the unreasonable one and you are pushing them into another person's arms.

6. Storming out of the house: On a related note, if your man or woman storms out after a "fight" because they just can't take it anymore and say that they need some time to think, they may be using it as an opportunity to meet up with the other person. This technique has two major benefits.

First, it gives him or her more time on their own to cheat. Second, they can use the fights as a lever to gain the sympathy of the other person who they are cheating with. They want the other man or woman to stay in the deceitful relationship.

So they complain about their partner to demonstrate that they are being driven to cheat and so it isn't their fault. So if every time you fight with your partner, he or she storms out there may be a good reason why.

7. Reverse psychology: When someone is cheating, he or she becomes a master manipulator. If you start noticing that your once earnest and direct partner is using reverse psychology and other weird techniques that they didn't use before, then know that something is up. If he or she always makes it seem that you're the one in the wrong no matter what happens. He or she may have something to hide.

8. On the defensive: If your man or lady has suddenly become overly defensive and can't take any type of criticism, then you need to take a good look at what's going on. If you ask him about a lady co-worker and he starts a fight, or he becomes furious after you ask him why he didn't call if he was going to be late for dinner, there's something there.

Ask your partner about it, maybe there's a good reason for this newly found oversensitivity and short temper. A stressful work week or family problems may be to blame for this change in behavior.

9. Lying through their teeth: Cheating always involves lying. If you keep catching your partner in little lies, then something is up. If he said he was working late the night before at the office, then says that he was out with his boss having drinks another time, beware he may be cheating. If the little things he or she says just don't add up, then ask them about it. If they avoid confronting the issue, you can be sure that there's something going on that shouldn't be.

10. Going the distance: If your partner is cheating, then he or she may deal by becoming more distant. He will avoid talking about serious subjects and only engage in small talk. He may avoid getting into conversations about your finances, work, and children if you have them or any future plans. He or she will always seem to have something on their mind and you can't seem to connect with them on a deeper level like you used to.

11. Emotional detachment: Your partner might also disengage emotionally from your relationship. Your man used to be extremely affectionate and loving, but now you can't get an "I love you" out of him. There might be something wrong. You'll want to ask him why he has become emotionally detached.

He might be upset with you over something you did and is acting out, so talking about it is very important. If he just shrugs or refuses to even acknowledge his behavior or even blames you for being paranoid, something deeper might be festering under his aloof exterior and you need to be careful.

12. Loves being out alone, hates staying in with you: Does your partner seem upbeat when he or she gets home or when they are getting ready to go out, but seems gloomy while he or she is spending time with you? If you don't have any problems in your relationship that may be causing this change in behavior, then it might be that your partner is excited about something going on outside the home, something like a juicy affair.

13. Affection overload: Some other cheaters act in an entirely different manner due to overwhelming feelings of guilt. They will shower their partners with affection, gifts and caring words. They might be even more romantic than usual and more attentive.

If this shift is sudden and you cannot find a logical or even an illogical explanation for it, then ask your partner what brought this on, they may be able to reassure you and give you a valid explanation. If you still can't understand this behavior, it might be that your partner is cheating and using this as a decoy so you won't suspect anything.

14. Chatter away: On a related note, if your usually silent partner suddenly becomes a chatterbox, then beware. Sometimes people who lie tend to over talk or give more information than was asked for to cover up other things. Observe this new behavior for a while, and bring it up to them if it bothers you.

15. Working a lot of overtime: One of the most obvious cheating signs is your partner keeps working overtime when this was never the case before. He or she suddenly becomes the most valuable and hardest working employee in their company.

This doesn't always mean that your partner is cheating on you; there might be a special project that needs to be done before a certain deadline or it's the end of the year and there's a lot of work that needs to be done. However, if your partner seems to be the only one working overtime, and other employees don't seem to know anything about it, then there might be something fishy going on.

16. Do not enter-work zone: If your partner used to involve you in his or her work life. Telling you all about work, inviting you to company events like picnics, having you over to meet them for lunch but suddenly starts cutting you off, something might not be right.

Maybe he or she doesn't want you around their workplace because there's someone they don't want you to know about or there is something that they are hiding like all those extra projects they were working on late were fictional. If you do see any of your partner's co-workers, they may act very uncomfortable in your presence. If there is no valid explanation for this, something might be going on behind your back.

17. Buddies no more: Similarly, if your man used to invite his buddies over for Sunday night football or Thursday night Basketball every week, and suddenly stops having them over, it may be because he is afraid that they will spill his secret or not corroborate his stories.

If he starts meeting with them outside more and more, he may also be using them as his alibi for getting out of the house. He may be keeping you apart from them because he's afraid that they might accidently or intentionally divulge his secret.

18. Awkward friend situation: Also it may be that your man or lady's friends keep avoiding you even though you all used to be very close. Your girlfriend or wife's friends might do everything in their power to not see you because they can't face you if they know of their friend's cheating.

They might also be afraid of saying anything that would compromise your relationship and most people do not want to be a part of that. So they might avoid you all together so as not to find themselves in an awkward situation.

19. Bye Bye old interests: If your partner suddenly loses interest in activities which he used to love, then there might be something weird going on. If your man, out of the blue, starts to hate playing sports when he used to live and breathe soccer, or he stops spending his free time gardening on the weekends, then there might someone else in his life that is bringing on those changes.

20. Marriage blues: If you are married, and you notice that your husband or wife starts acting hostile or bored towards you, your children or your home life in general, there might be something fishy going on. He or she might start making references to how they misses being single or how hard it is to be married.

He or she might get rid of your children's toys in the car or anything that demonstrates that they have a family. They may be cheating with someone and are lying to them about being married with children, and so they suddenly start rejecting their marital status.

21. Beware of the Lazy pants: If your spouse used to be active around the house doing laundry, feeding the kids, mowing the lawn, and suddenly starts becoming lazy and uncooperative, he or she may be feeling negatively towards the very notion of being married and sharing your home.

They don't even want to try anymore, and this includes doing chores, planning family outings and vacations. They might not even want to attend important events such as holidays, anniversaries or birthday parties. This is especially suspicious if they never really had any issue with doing these things before.

22. Strange outings: Another sign that your partner may be straying is that he or she begins to go out to new places at strange times, and never has a convincing answer as to why this is. He used to hate food shopping, suddenly he insists on doing the weekly grocery shopping, and doesn't want you to come along.

She used to deeply despise anything arty, and out of the blue, one Saturday has an outing to go to an art museum with friends. You know your partner inside and out, so if you notice changes in their favorite activities with no valid explanation, something is up.

23. Sneaking out like a teenager: If your partner is sneaking out, then he or she may have something to hide. The reason they may be going out behind your back is usually to avoid scrutinizing questions and wants to avoid lying to you. If he or she has nothing to hide then letting you know that they are on their way out shouldn't be such a secretive matter, so beware of increased sneakiness and secrecy.

24. Is your partner an undercover agent?: You may find out that your partner has a new means of communication that you don't know about. This includes a new e-mail address, a Facebook account under a pseudonym or nickname, a new cell phone and phone number. All of these are big red flags that you should immediately take notice of.

25. Financial infidelity: Another major sign of cheating is the odd use of money and/or credit cards. If you are used to sharing financial data between you and your partner, and he or she suddenly starts hiding credit card statements or disabling your access to an online checking account to hide cash withdrawals or other new spending habits, something weird is going on.

26. Is this my partner talking?: If your partner is having an affair, then he or she might start using different language than he used to. This includes telling more or less jokes, or using certain catch phrases. He or she may even adopt a certain way of talking or an accent that is inspired by someone else.

We tend to emulate people that we like and hang around with often. So if this is happening in your relationship, pay attention and ask your partner about it.

27. Your partner becomes jumpy and frazzled: Your man or lady might easily get disturbed or confused by mundane things. If you do something nice for him or her, they act strange. This is because they want to vilify you to justify their wrongdoing, and your nice behavior catches them off guard.

They might act disoriented and jumpy for no apparent reason. This can be a cheating sign because your partner is trying to sort out his or her feelings about your relationship but also the affair, and is likely to present erratic and unstable behavior as a result.

28. Country music anyone?: If your partner suddenly starts developing new taste in music or in food, then you might want to question him or her about it. It may be that they are dating someone who is fond of a certain cuisine or music, and they are beginning to take a liking to it. Developing new tastes out of the blue can be a revealing sign that your partner has found someone new to be devoted to.

29. What's up with the Brazilian?: Another infidelity sign is a sudden change in personal hygiene and body grooming habits. If your man used to shower every morning and is suddenly taking several showers a day for no apparent reason, there might be something going on.

If your lady didn't used to pay attention to her private parts being groomed, and begins getting Brazilian bikini waxes, she might be trying to impress someone else. He or she may also buy new underwear and use it, or may start putting on a lot of perfume or after shave. Pay attention to these little details if you suspect your partner of cheating.

30. Condoms away!: Another sign that there might be a sexual affair going is the increased use of contraceptive methods. Is she on the pill when you have gotten a vasectomy? Is he carrying out condoms when you are on the pill and haven't used condoms since high school? If there is no valid explanation for this behavior, then this is a big red flag that your partner may be cheating.

31. Blue pill wonders: Another sign of cheating is that your partner is suddenly interested in purchasing medication for sexual performance. He may get erectile dysfunction medication such as Viagra. She might order breast enlargement herbal supplements or lubricant for herself. This is especially suspicious if it is done secretively through online ordering or he or she hides the objects once they arrive or takes them in secret.

32. The answer lies in clothes: There may be unexplained stains, smells or rips on your partner's clothing. This may include the clichéd lipstick smudge on your man's shirt, but also other types of stains and smells that just aren't typical of your partner's clothes. This can also lead to suddenly excessive laundry washing at weird hours of the day or night, unexplained purchasing of new clothes, or finding clothes in the trash can that your partner may have thrown away to hide evidence.

33. Knock knock, is anyone in there?: Your partner may be caught daydreaming or checked out at many times during the day, and doesn't tell you what they're thinking about and is unwilling to interact. He or she seems to be in another world, but denies it and can't seem to be bothered to engage in activities with you. Your partner may just be absorbed by work or something else might be bothering them.

34. Are you more likely to reach President Obama on the phone than your partner?: Your partner suddenly becomes impossible to reach. When you call the office, they are always at a meeting or on another call with an important client. Their cell phone is turned off on more than one occasion, and the cell phone reception in their building is suddenly the "worst." Your partner may not call you back right away, or claims to not have received your calls or listened to your messages.

Their assistant or receptionist is all of the sudden the most incompetent person on earth. In short, the fact that they have become inaccessible is everyone else's fault but their own. All the flimsy excuses in the world cannot hide the fact that there is something sketchy going on in your partner's life.

35. No, it's mine!: With the advent of new technologies, there is a multitude of ways one can keep in touch with someone else. If you and your partner used to share phones and laptops, and keep them on in each other's presence and this suddenly changes, there is a reason for that. You used to look at your man's cell phone, read his text messages and he never even flinched.

All of the sudden, his phone has become so precious to him that he eve takes it into the bathroom. If you take a look at it, he accuses you of snooping. His laptop, which used to be your computer as well, suddenly has password protection. All of these are telltale signs that he might have something to hide.

36. Delete all: If he still allows you to touch or use his or her phone, or laptop, you find that he or she always makes sure that browser history and cookies are deleted, that their contact list is cleaned up, and incoming e-mails erased.

Maybe they're just embarrassed of some pages they visited, but more likely, he or she may be hiding their online contact with a lover. Similarly, if his or her phone's message list or call log is always empty, they just might be hiding something or someone from you. Look into this.

37. He or she becomes a night owl: Your partner might spend a lot of time on their computers especially late at night and after you go to bed. Sure, your man might be a porn addict, but he may also be contacting another woman.

On a related note, your partner might start talking more and more on their cell phones, and racking up huge bills. To sum it up, if there is a sudden, unexplained change in telephone or computer usage with your partner, there may be something strange going on.

38. Your opinion and advice don't matter anymore: Another sign that your partner might be infidel is he or she stops seeking out your advice or your opinion about major decisions in their lives. They might make irresponsible big purchases or act impulsively without talking with you first. Maybe he went and spent all of his savings on a boat that you never knew about.

Maybe she decided to put up your house on the market without consulting you first. They may have quit their jobs and not even told you about it. This type of rash behavior is typical of a cheater who just doesn't care about planning your future together anymore and doesn't even care to ask what you think beforehand.

39. Your partner becomes a world champion nagger: A cheating partner may begin to constantly complain about you or your relationship and how unhappy he or she is. They may be overly critical of you, and suggest that things aren't working out. He or she may pick more fights to prove this point and makes no effort to make things work. At this point, your partner may be having an affair but also thinking of ending your relationship.

Now, if you do have genuine problems between you that you are working on, then there is probably nothing to worry about. However, if everything is going fine in your relationship and you do get along; your partner may be fabricating a broken relationship to justify not only his or her cheating, but also their leaving.

40. Sex? No thanks: If your partner is cheating on you, he may suddenly lose interest in having sex with you. Even if he or she does, they'll just go through the motions, with no shared feelings or emotions. If it's there any sex at all, it becomes just physical. If your partner has always been a passionate lover and suddenly becomes detached or cold in lovemaking for no good reason, there may be somebody else.

41. Who are you and what have you done with my wife?: If on the other hand, your man or lady usually is usually more reserved and subdued in bed, and suddenly becomes an extremely attentive and passionate lover with exaggerated displays of affection, they may be overcompensating to deal with their feelings of guilt.

They may suggest you try new things in bed and become more adventurous. Ask them where they got this newfound fervor, and if there's a valid explanation, then just enjoy. Otherwise stay alert. This change in sexual behavior might be a result of infidelity.

42. Extreme changes in feelings and behavior: Your partner may at times be very sexually engaged and at other times be completely withdrawn. Sometimes they shower you with affection, and other times they hardy want to talk to you and seem to avoid you.

Although, there may be good explanations for this type of unpredictable and erratic behavior, it is something to watch out for, especially if your partner used to be fairly consistent. It may be that they are cheating and are confused about their affair, thus taking out their mixed feelings on you.

43. He or she has become a complete downer: Has your partner been generally unsatisfied with their life lately even though they used to be happy? Is he or she much more negative than they used to be? This may be due to an exciting affair that they are having which has demonstrated to them how mundane their current life is. Have they become confused about their own sense of self? Maybe there is someone new in your partner's life who is calling into question their identity and who they are.

44. Bungee jumping, here I come: On a related note, is your partner suddenly a thrill seeker when you could never even get them to go on a child's water slide ride at your local amusement park? Does he suddenly want to get a motorcycle or a tattoo and signs up for mountain climbing classes? Of course, this might just be a mid-life crisis talking.

However, there's always the possibility that there is someone else, perhaps somebody younger in your partner's life that is instigating this transformation and inspiring this new attitude.

45. Low self-esteem: Another sign that your partner may be cheating is that he or she has increasingly low self esteem. This means that your partner is vulnerable and can fall prey to cheating because he or she cannot make themselves feel secure and worthy. If they believe that you are not providing them with enough approval or love and just aren't getting satisfaction from their job, they might go to someone else from whom they can obtain the desired feelings of security and self worth.

Of course this doesn't mean that if your partner cheats, this is your fault; your partner should have come to you first to resolve his or her issues, and low self esteem is no excuse for bad behavior.

46. Gonorrhea, herpes anyone?: A concrete sign that your partner may be straying is you have proof that they have contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and it wasn't from you. Maybe you got a call from your husband's physician, or intercepted an email, or found lab results by mistake. You may even have seen the actual STD on your partner's body.

If this is the case and he or she has only gotten the disease recently, then your partner is not only straying but might even have contaminated you. So get yourself checked. If you have also gotten the STD and you have not engaged in sexual relations with a new partner, then this only serves to confirm your suspicions that your partner has been cheating on you.

47. The "friend" you never got to meet: A tangible sign of cheating is that someone new suddenly starts taking up your partner's time and attention. Whether it's a co-worker, a gym partner, or a friend from way back, this person seems to come out of the blue and he or she starts coming up in conversations and in future plans all the time.

Your partner brings up this mysterious friend in random conversation and they always seem to be at the right place at the right time and at social gatherings you weren't attending. Although it is healthy to seek out new friendships, it is a big red flag if your partner refuses to introduce you to this new friend and wants to keep him or her under wraps.

48. I'm a cheater? No you're the cheater, you cheater: A telltale sign that your partner might be cheating is that they turn around and accuse you of straying when you have given them no reason to doubt you. Of course, there's always the possibility that they're just jealous or are feeling insecure in the relationship. However, if you have reassured them of your unconditional love and have done more than enough to placate their anxiety, and they're still accusing you left and right, something is definitely wrong.

The reason they may be doing this if they're cheating is to deflect attention from their own behavior. They may also genuinely believe that you're cheating because they become paranoid and start imagining their own deceptive tactics everywhere. Don't fall into this trap, and don't start accusing them of cheating either, look out for other signs to be sure.

49. Follow your gut: The biggest sign that your partner may be cheating is that there is something deep inside of you that is making you doubt him or her in the first place. Think about it; you know your partner better than anyone. Their habits, actions and behaviors are hardwired into your brain, and so if you feel it in your gut that there's something wrong, then follow your instincts. It might turn out to be true.

49 Signs Of A Cheating Partner - Read These Red Flags Now And Know If Your Partner Is A Cheater

Ten Tax Deductions Home Daycare and Child Care Providers Miss

Most child care providers know they can deduct the cost of food and supplies for their business on their taxes. Some even know they can take a substantial mileage deduction. But many home daycare providers miss some large deductions that can really help trim your tax bill or increase your refund. This article deals with ten commonly missed deductions and how to apply them to your taxes.

I am sure you have diligently kept your receipts from last year and have added up your food costs. Did you also calculate the cost of your consumable supplies? Maybe not! Consumable supplies are the items used for your business that are, well, consumed and have to be purchased over and over again. Items like toilet paper, tissues, napkins, paper towels, dish soap, laundry soap, etc. fall into this category. All of these items are either used by the children in your care or are used more frequently because you have children in your care. And all of them are partially deductible on your taxes. If you buy these supplies strictly for child care and your family doesn't use them, then these supplies are 100% deductible. However, most of us don't separate out our toilet paper for daycare and family use.

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So, in order to find out how much you can deduct for these consumables, you need to apply the time/space formula to the total amount spent on these supplies in a year. The time/space formula calculates how much time you spent doing daycare in a year compared to the number of hours in a year, and also calculates the amount of space in your home that you use for your business. Briefly, you need to calculate the number of hours you spent doing child care in a year. Then you need to divide that number by the number of actual hours in a year (8760) to come up with a percentage of time you spent providing child care in the year. Finally, you need to calculate the percentage of your home that you use for your business and multiply this percentage times the percentage of hours worked to get a final percentage. This final percentage is then multiplied by the amount spent on consumables in a year to come up with the dollar figure of how much you can claim as a business expense on the consumables you purchased.

Here is a list of the most common consumables used, though you may come up with a lot of others depending on your situation: dish soap, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, all cleaning products, Ziploc bags, aluminum foil, Saran wrap, garbage bags, tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, baby wipes, hand soap, lotion, paper plates, paper cups, and air fresheners. There are many others that may apply to your home. Try to come up with an exhaustive list that applies to your situation.

This next grouping of deductions I will deal with together, as they are all related. These deductions deal with supplies and services for your home that you pay for. This includes utilities, garbage services, internet service, and more. Since these services benefit both your business and your family, they once again need to have the time/space formula applied to them in order to calculate your deduction. Use the figure that you calculated from above and multiply it times the total amount paid in a year for, say, your electric bills to come up with a deductible amount. Basically, any supply or service that is used to benefit your business can be at least partially deducted.

Remember to include these items: electric bills, propane or natural gas, water bills, home security system fees, cable or satellite television, internet service (if you use the internet for your business for advertising or looking things up or email), and garbage and/or recycling pickup. All of these services are necessary for running a child care business and are therefore deductible. Just calculate the total amount spent in a year for a service and then multiply it by your time/space formula calculation to get a total deduction. List these out and give them to your accountant, it's that easy!

There are occasionally times when you can deduct 100% of the cost of a service. This applies when a service is used exclusively for your business. For example, if you have a phone line that is only used for your child care business, then you can deduct 100% of the fees for that phone line. Also, if your child care is run out of a separate building from your home, say a converted garage, then you can probably figure out the electricity for just that building and deduct that cost at 100%. It is, of course, advantageous to be able to increase your deductions, so take advantage of this if you can.

The tenth and final deduction that is commonly missed is a deduction for work done on or services provided for your home. For example, did you have new gutters installed? That cost will be at least partially deductible. Did you have your carpets cleaned? Again, that is a deduction. Did you have a repairman come to fix the refrigerator? Take a deduction for that! Save all receipts for any work done so you can claim the deduction. You will need to speak with your accountant about how much you can deduct for services done, because it depends on the service how the deduction is taken. Things like refrigerator repair will probably be deducted based on the time/space formula. Carpet cleaning and other cleaning services may be 100% deductible. Things like home improvements may have the time/space formula applied or they may be depreciated, depending on the cost. These can be great deductions, it is just a little more difficult to know how to calculate the total deduction on these items and should probably be done with the help of an accountant.

These ten tax deductions are fairly simple to apply and can really bring a home daycare provider some much needed tax relief. It takes a little extra time to calculate these items, but it can definitely be worth it in the long run!

Ten Tax Deductions Home Daycare and Child Care Providers Miss

frosty Wine Slush Drinks

Over the past few years, wine slushies (frozen wine slush drinks) have been gaining huge popularity all over the country. The mixture of wine, fruit flavors, sugar, and other sometimes exotic ingredients integrate to originate a thoughprovoking taste. However, when you ice this concoction, that's when your tongue throws a party for your mouth. Frosty it, or production it in a blender, makes all the difference. Refreshing beyond description.

There are two ways you can go about production wine slushies. One is to find a good recipe, buy all of the ingredients and make it from scratch.

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The other way is to buy a dry wine slush mix that you just add your beloved wine (any kind of wine, even champagne) and water to. You just mix it up all together and ice it. That's all there is to it.

Let's observe option estimate one: Here are some recipes for wine slushies to make from scratch.

Wine Slush Recipe

1 (12 oz.) Frosty orange juice

1 (48 oz.) Hawaiian punch

Juice of 2 lemons

1/2 c. Sugar

1 bottle wine

Stir and freeze. Use 1/2 of 7-Up and 1/2 slush.

Wine Slush method

2 c. Sugar and 1 c. Water, boiled, simmered 10 minutes and cooled

1 (12 oz.) orange juice concentrate

1 (12 oz.) lemonade concentrate

2 c. Water

1/2 gallon Hearty Burgundy

Mix and freeze. To serve: Make individual glasses. Fill glass half with Frosty mixture and half 7-Up.

Celebration Wine Slush method

4 (6 oz.) cans Frosty tangerine or orange juice concentrate

2 pt. Pineapple sherbet

3 c. Water

Orange, lemon, or lime slices or wedges

Dry white wine, champagne, rum, vodka, sparkling water or lemon-lime carbonated beverage, chilled

Thaw integrate slightly; stir sherbet to soften. Stir integrate and water into sherbet. ice 5 hours. Spoon 2 tablespoons slush into glass; pour in option of beverage. Decoration with fruit slice. Makes 9 1/2 cups slush or about 60 to 75 servings.

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These are all tasty Frosty wine drinks, however, they are high-priced because of all of the many distinct ingredients you have to buy. Plus, they require a trip to the store to buy all of the ingredients. Some recipes are also a hassle to make. This doesn't say much for convenience.

Our next option is the dry wine slush mix. This option eliminates all of the negatives mentioned above. As a constructor of a dry wine slush mix myself, I can tell you that population are buying these mixes for a collection of reasons.

First, they are super convenient. All you need is the mix and your beloved wine. You just add wine and water to the mix, and stir it up until the mix is completely dissolved. Stick it in the freezer for 4 to 8 hours, or overnight. Take it out and use a spoon to stir it all up to the allowable consistency and serve.

No measuring out sugar, no slicing lemons or limes, no scooping sherbet, no simmering water and sugar on the stove, etc. You just stir up the wine and water with the mix and you're done. That's convenience.

Convenience isn't all that wine slush mixes have to offer. No matter how favorable a goods is, if it doesn't taste good - it's no good. The fact that millions of bags of wine slush mix are sold and enjoyed every year speaks for itself. If it didn't taste good, no one would buy it. It obviously tastes good. Very good.

If you have any left over or if some melts, just stick it back in the freezer and it will be just as good next time. This is not always true with some of your "from scratch" recipes. It will stay Frosty in your freezer for at least 9 months and taste like you made it last night. Before you make up a batch, it will stay in your cabinet just fine for a full year.

Versatility comes into play here also. The mixes don't need any confident kind of wine. It takes on the profile of any kind of wine you use, even champagne. However, you may be surprised that many, many population buy it because you can use it for a non-alcoholic slush mix. You can use it with non-alcoholic wine, ginger ale, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, apple juice, grape juice and sparkling juices. Moms love this for the kids.

Another nice aspect of some of the wine slush mixes is that they also come in pretty, decorated gift bags. These make for remarkable hostess gifts, birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, etc. A bag or two of the wine slush mix with a bottle of wine makes for a perfect gift for any occasion. Some associates even have other wine connected items such as wine charms, flattened, decorated wine bottles, wine dip mixes, and so forth that you can add to make an entire custom wine themed gift basket.

Whether you select option estimate one or the dry mixes, wine slushies are so tasty and here to stay. Enjoy!

frosty Wine Slush Drinks

freezing Wine Slush Drinks

Over the past few years, wine slushies (frozen wine slush drinks) have been gaining huge popularity all over the country. The blend of wine, fruit flavors, sugar, and other sometimes exotic ingredients merge to create a spellbinding taste. However, when you frost this concoction, that's when your tongue throws a party for your mouth. Icy it, or making it in a blender, makes all the difference. Refreshing beyond description.

There are two ways you can go about making wine slushies. One is to find a good recipe, buy all of the ingredients and make it from scratch.

Bank Orchard

The other way is to buy a dry wine slush mix that you just add your favorite wine (any kind of wine, even champagne) and water to. You just mix it up all together and frost it. That's all there is to it.

Let's explore selection amount one: Here are some recipes for wine slushies to make from scratch.

Wine Slush Recipe

1 (12 oz.) Icy orange juice

1 (48 oz.) Hawaiian punch

Juice of 2 lemons

1/2 c. Sugar

1 bottle wine

Stir and freeze. Use 1/2 of 7-Up and 1/2 slush.

Wine Slush recipe

2 c. Sugar and 1 c. Water, boiled, simmered 10 minutes and cooled

1 (12 oz.) orange juice concentrate

1 (12 oz.) lemonade concentrate

2 c. Water

1/2 gallon Hearty Burgundy

Mix and freeze. To serve: Make personel glasses. Fill glass half with Icy blend and half 7-Up.

Celebration Wine Slush recipe

4 (6 oz.) cans Icy tangerine or orange juice concentrate

2 pt. Pineapple sherbet

3 c. Water

Orange, lemon, or lime slices or wedges

Dry white wine, champagne, rum, vodka, sparkling water or lemon-lime carbonated beverage, chilled

Thaw merge slightly; stir sherbet to soften. Stir merge and water into sherbet. frost 5 hours. Spoon 2 tablespoons slush into glass; pour in selection of beverage. Adornment with fruit slice. Makes 9 1/2 cups slush or about 60 to 75 servings.

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These are all yummy Icy wine drinks, however, they are expensive because of all of the many separate ingredients you have to buy. Plus, they wish a trip to the store to buy all of the ingredients. Some recipes are also a hassle to make. This doesn't say much for convenience.

Our next selection is the dry wine slush mix. This selection eliminates all of the negatives mentioned above. As a maker of a dry wine slush mix myself, I can tell you that habitancy are buying these mixes for a range of reasons.

First, they are super convenient. All you need is the mix and your favorite wine. You just add wine and water to the mix, and stir it up until the mix is wholly dissolved. Stick it in the freezer for 4 to 8 hours, or overnight. Take it out and use a spoon to stir it all up to the proper consistency and serve.

No measuring out sugar, no slicing lemons or limes, no scooping sherbet, no simmering water and sugar on the stove, etc. You just stir up the wine and water with the mix and you're done. That's convenience.

Convenience isn't all that wine slush mixes have to offer. No matter how convenient a product is, if it doesn't taste good - it's no good. The fact that millions of bags of wine slush mix are sold and enjoyed every year speaks for itself. If it didn't taste good, no one would buy it. It obviously tastes good. Very good.

If you have any left over or if some melts, just stick it back in the freezer and it will be just as good next time. This is not all the time true with some of your "from scratch" recipes. It will stay Icy in your freezer for at least 9 months and taste like you made it last night. Before you make up a batch, it will stay in your cabinet just fine for a full year.

Versatility comes into play here also. The mixes don't need any positive kind of wine. It takes on the profile of any kind of wine you use, even champagne. However, you may be surprised that many, many habitancy buy it because you can use it for a non-alcoholic slush mix. You can use it with non-alcoholic wine, ginger ale, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, apple juice, grape juice and sparkling juices. Moms love this for the kids.

Another nice aspect of some of the wine slush mixes is that they also come in pretty, decorated gift bags. These make for breathtaking hostess gifts, birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, etc. A bag or two of the wine slush mix with a bottle of wine makes for a excellent gift for any occasion. Some fellowships even have other wine connected items such as wine charms, flattened, decorated wine bottles, wine dip mixes, and so forth that you can add to make an entire practice wine themed gift basket.

Whether you select selection amount one or the dry mixes, wine slushies are so yummy and here to stay. Enjoy!

freezing Wine Slush Drinks

Who Should Receive a Form 1099-MISC?

Virtually every tax rule has a potentially long list of exceptions, limitations and otherwise mind-boggling list of finer points. Such is the case with the Form 1099-MISC reporting requirements. Ask a simple question: To whom am I required to send a Form 1099-MISC? Get a simple answer: Read the 8-page document entitled "Instructions for Form 1099-MISC" and watch your head spin.

What's a small business owner to do? The purpose of this article is to give you an introduction to the wild and wacky world of Form 1099-MISC do's and don'ts. Even then, this article will focus only on who gets a 1099-MISC for "non-employee compensation" that gets reported in Box 7.

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Let's start with the basics. Fortunately, there are two basic rules that are somewhat easy to understand:

1. Only report payments to a given individual when the annual total is 0 or greater.
2. Only report payments made for services rendered to you in the course of your trade or business. Personal payments are not to be reported. Example: you can forget about payments to your lawn care man or other independent contractor who works on your home (electrician, plumber, appliance repairman, handyman, etc). But if you hire an accountant or attorney to do work for your business, and annual total is 0 or more, then you've got to issue a 1099-MISC to that service provider.

Now comes the fun part. There are many exceptions to the above general rules. For example, there's a long list of payments for which a 1099-MISC is not required, such as:

1. Payments to a corporation. Sole Proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed people are the folks the IRS is trying to keep an eye on here.
2. Payments for merchandise. The main concern is services rendered not products sold.
3. Payments of rent to real estate agents.
4. Payments of wages to employees. Those go on Form W-2.

And then there are exceptions to the exceptions. For example, generally speaking, payments to corporations are excluded. But there are certain payments to corporations that should be reported on 1099-MISC, such as:

1. Medical and health care payments (these go in Box 6, not Box 7)
2. Fish purchases for cash. (See the next paragraph for more amazing facts about this one).
3. Attorney's fees. (Doesn't that one make you smile?)

And then there are aspects to 1099-MISC that are just plain fishy! Note that even though the main concern of Form 1099-MISC is payments for services rather than products, if you are in the fish business and purchase fish for resale, you are required to report annual cash payments of 0 or more to anyone who is in the business of catching fish. Cash payments include the following: coin, currency, cashier's check, bank draft, traveler's check, or money order. A cash payment does not include a check written against your personal or business account.

Who Should Receive a Form 1099-MISC?

Types of Arrest Warrants - A Look at Felony, Civil and Alias Arrest Warrants

A warrant of arrest is issued by the court ordering law enforcers to detain a person. Basically, arrest warrants are issued if there has been a crime that was committed and there is enough evidence to incriminate a suspect, and if the person named in the warrant committed the crime.

However, there is also warrant of arrests issued if the person in question failed to show up in court. For example, if you have outstanding parking tickets and you fail to pay for it or to show up for court to hear your case, then an arrest warrant may be issued in your name.

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There are also search warrants that give the authority to search a person's premises. Although this is not necessarily an arrest warrant, if the authorities found narcotics or other evidence that point to a particular crime, they can automatically arrest you without the warrant of arrest.

Another type of warrant is called the bench warrant. This is basically issued to people who have skipped their next scheduled court appearance. The superior court warrant is also another type of warrant issued by the county court or the Supreme Court. This secures the appearance of the defendant on court who has been indicted.

These are the types of arrest warrants that are commonly used by the law. It is important to remember that having arrest warrants is a serious thing and that you should not try and ignore it. If you do not remember committing any crime, and you have an arrest warrant in your name, then you may want to try getting the arrest warrant reviewed as you may have been a victim of identity theft.

What's a Felony Warrant?

People don't understand that there are different kinds of warrants that can be issued by the court. One of which is called the felony warrant. Basically, if this type of warrant was issued, the person in the warrant can be arrested for felony charges or for crimes that he or she committed.

One example would be the case of Paula Poundstone who was arrested on a felony warrant. The charges were three counts of lewd acts on a 14 year old girl. She was also charged for endangering two unidentified girls and two boys by driving under the influence.

This is an example of a case where felony warrants can be issued. Although the three lewd acts charges were dropped, she underwent a 180 alcohol rehabilitation program.

Felony warrants lasts until the authority arrests the person who was charged with a particular felony act.

Felony warrants are public documents which can be legally and freely viewed by the public and is a serious type of warrant that should not be ignored. It is important that you should try searching for felony warrants in your name in order to make sure that you are free from any felony charges that you may not know about.

You have to consider that fact that people may use your identity and you may be charged with a crime under your name that was committed by another person who used your identity to commit the crime.

This is what felony warrant is all about. Lewd acts or conduct is just one type of crime that felony warrant may be filed against you.

What is a Civil Warrant?

There are a lot of people who fills out a civil warrant or a civil summons form. However, not many people know about it and that they often mistake it for an arrest warrant. So, just what is a civil warrant and where is it used?

Basically, a civil warrant is commonly issued in the small claims court when filing suit. The plaintiff will be requested to fill out a civil warrant or a civil summons form. In this form, it will contain space for the details of the claim. If you are seeking for a money judgment, then you might want to prepare and file a type of civil warrant called the warrant in debt.

Another type of civil warrant that is commonly issued is called the warrant in detinue. This is used by the plaintiff in order to obtain a possession of a specific personal property that he or she considered to be wrongfully possessed or withheld by the defendant. These forms can be filled out by a non-lawyer who is representing him or herself.

The civil warrant is basically commonly used in the small claims court. In order to file it, you will need to give the court clerk the name of the defendant, the amount of your claim, the basis of the claim, the current address of the defendant, and the sufficient funds to pay the fees, such as the filing fee and the sheriff's fees in order to serve the warrant.

As you can see, the civil warrant is basically simple to understand. These warrants are basically used in the civil court and are commonly used by filing small claims.

What is an Alias Warrant?

You'll see that there are quite a lot of types of warrant. If you are studying law or that you have an interest with the law, it is important that you should know about the different types of warrants in order for you to become more informed and more aware about the proceedings of the law. Even if you are a regular person, having knowledge about the different kinds of warrant can help you in case you or someone you know has been issued with a type of warrant.

One type of warrant is called the alias warrant.

Basically, the alias warrant is a type of warrant that is issued by the court when no plea has been entered on the case you are involved in, particularly if you failed to appear in court. This type of warrant can be issued if you also fail to appear on the initial appearance on the citation or you have failed to appear on court on the scheduled court date.

You have to remember that when you receive and sign a citation, this is as good as a promise that you will appear in court. If you fail to appear, you will automatically have two cases instead of one. This additional offense is called Failure to Appear, which is under the Penal Code.

This type of warrant gives the authority to arrest you. You can bond out of jail by cash bond, bail bond, attorney bond, or PR bond.

As you can see, alias warrants should be taken seriously. You need to appear in court in person or by mail on the scheduled court date. Or else, you will be charged with an additional offense and an alias warrant will be issued on your name.

Types of Arrest Warrants - A Look at Felony, Civil and Alias Arrest Warrants

Warning About Buy Here, Pay Here Car Lots

Before you turn over your hard earned cash at a buy here pay here car lot, there are some things that you should know. This information will save you a lot of money, both right now and in the future.

You're paying too much.

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There's no bank that's regulating how much the car lot is charging you for the car. In many cases, buying from a buy-here-pay-here car lot is resulting in you paying thousands more for a car than it could ever possibly be sold for at a regular car dealership. On top of that, you're paying thousands more in finance charges than you have to.

You don't have to use a buy here pay here car lot!

You absolutely don't. There are finance companies on the internet that specialize in helping people with horrible credit get into cars without even needing a down payment. You can save thousands of dollars on both the price of a car, your interest rate and your monthly payments if you just know what to do.

Regardless of your credit history... If you've had judgments, repossessions, bankruptcy or multiple bankruptcies, medical collections, tax liens, whatever. Who cares?

You can get financed and approved... for more car with lower payments. Lower payments are the result of a lower interest rate.

You know what the best thing about getting approved online is? You don't necessarily have to buy from a car dealership. Having an approval letter from an online loan company means that you can go car shopping anywhere you want, including shopping for cars in your local newspaper for sale by private owner, which saves you from having to pay sales tax!

Warning About Buy Here, Pay Here Car Lots

How to Find Someone's Address Using Their Cell Phone Number

These services make sense for a whole lot of reasons. For instance a particular number might keep popping up on your spouse's cell phone or you might be the habitual victim of a prankster who keeps sending you odd text messages or making disturbing calls. Regardless of the nature of your concerns, you can always find what you need using such services.

More than 50% of the numbers in existence are either unlisted numbers or they come from cell phones, looking in a phonebook won't help at all because these records are not publicly available, they are part of the records of private cell phone companies.

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Businesses exist that pay a lot for the opportunity to access records for unlisted phone numbers as well as cell phone numbers. This information that is gathered is then used to create very comprehensive databases that you can use to search for the needed information. This is because they spend money to get these databases together, they also tend to charge a fee for providing services such as reverse cell number lookup. Their fees aren't exorbitant but they are well worth what you pay for them.

Reverse cell phone number search services allow you instant access to records such as name, address and current location for just a small amount of money. All you need to have is the person's phone number and a credit card to sign up for the service in question.

Some people prefer to save money by using services that offer the chance to perform a one-time search, while other people who feel they will be using these services much more frequently prefer to pay a substantially larger fee.

You'd be surprised about just how much you can find out about a person just from their phone number alone.

How to Find Someone's Address Using Their Cell Phone Number

How Safe is Costa Rica?

A question often asked is, "Is Costa Rica safe?" The answer, to a great extent, is yes.

The crime rate in Costa Rica is the lowest in Latin America, and Costa Rica is, without a doubt, the safest country in Central America. Over one and a half million tourists, most of them Americans, visit Costa Rica every year, and they feel as safe as ever exploring the country. The Ticos on the whole are very friendly and warm people by nature, and they live a simple life devoid of all its excesses. There are no acts of terrorism in Costa Rica, and recreational drugs, other than tobacco and alcohol, are illegal. And Costa Rica has no standing army, and unlike all other countries in Latin America, the country has not experienced any political strife since 1949.

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With the single exception of robbery, the crime rate in Costa Rica is very low compared to other countries. For the purpose of comparison, according to the United Nations' Seventh Annual Survey on Crime, crimes recorded in police statistics show that the crime rate for all index crimes (murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft) in Costa Rica was 1208.2 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1999, comparing very well with 1529.75 for Japan (country with a low crime rate) and 4184.24 for the U.S. (country with a high crime rate).

The crime in Costa Rica is generally much lower and less violent than that in the States, and the crime here tends to be opportunistic as opposed to violent. In other words, rapes and murders in Costa Rica are very few, almost unheard of, compared to those in the States, but petty theft, car theft, and pick-pocketing are not uncommon here, especially in downtown San Jose and on the beach. In smaller towns, the crime rate is much lower.

It's always best to exercise caution at all times, not only when visiting Costa Rica, but also when visiting any other foreign country. Traveling to any country is not without some risk. The good news is that you can very much enjoy a safe and wonderful stay in Costa Rica by following the simple common-sense safety tips outlined below, which also apply to any other foreign country you may want to visit.

* Be careful when stepping into the wild, going off a beaten path, or roaming national parks. Pay attention to warning signs, and always check with your guide if there's any danger ahead.

* Be very wary of dangerous trails, volcanic areas, riptides, and waves.

* Do not swim into the ocean. There are few lifeguards, so always stay near other bathers.

* Do not walk alone in secluded areas or go into public parks late at night.

* Steer clear of deserted side streets, properties, or undeveloped land.

* Watch your luggage, never leave it unattended, and write your name on it.

* Do not hand your luggage to any stranger except the airport porters who carry an official identification.

* Lock your doors and your luggage when staying at a hotel.

* Do not carry a lot of money or flash big wads of money, and remember to keep your wallet in a safe place. It is also recommended to wear a money belt.

* Make sure that your personal belongings (keys, laptop, cell phone, credit card(s), etc.) are within reach, in a secure place, and never out in the open.

* As a foreigner, your passport is your ID. Keep your passport in a secure place, and always keep several photocopies of your passport as well as your Costa Rica airline ticket and insurance policy.

* Do not make yourself a target for thieves and pickpockets - do not wear flashy jewelry or expensive watches.

* Do not hold expensive equipment, such as cameras, all the time while walking.

* Guard yourself against car theft - always lock your car, and do not leave your keys or anything of value in your car even if you run into a store or supermarket for a few seconds to buy something.

* Do not park your car on the street - use secured private parking lots whenever possible.

* Use your common sense, do not trust anyone who approaches you and wants to act like your tour guide, and do not get separated from your tour group.

If you fall victim to any crime, please report the incident to the local police and contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

Be not afraid! Remember that traveling to any country in the world is not without some risk, and you should follow these safety precautions anywhere you go. With some common sense, no crime will ever happen to you and you will find Costa Rica a safe and wonderful country to visit or stay. Most of this advice is well taken in the States.

We have not suffered any crime that we are aware of in the last two years (knock on wood), but that can happen in just about any community in the world. Remember, the crime rate in the U.S. is about 4 times as high as it is here in Grecia. And in Dallas, TX, I had my Chevy Blazer stolen twice (only to steal the radio) and had the house burglarized once, so things like these can happen here, in the U.S., or anywhere else.

How Safe is Costa Rica?

12 Steps to Divorcing a Drug Addict

1. Put Your Trust In Your God. The Universe is controlled by a divine power. Put your trust in the power of prayer and listen to the answers. Throughout my marriage, I prayed for the strength to get through some very difficult times. Not being an addict myself, I cannot understand putting a chemical in my body and holding that chemical in a more important place than my family. I just don't get it but in the end, if your spouse won't seek professional help for drug and alcohol addictions, it's probably time to go. I was so frightened, and I felt I had not option but to leave to protect myself (and the children). In the beginning, I was dumb-founded (I still am) that he would choose drugs over us, his family, but THAT WAS his choice. Although I can't control his choices, I AM affected by his choices, and I CAN control HOW I will react to those choices. So, I pray...a lot.

2. Get Legal Advice - Know that anything a drug addict says, no matter how sincere it seems at face value, is driven by the drugs. Whether the discussion is about the children or money, don't trust anything an addict says. A professional told me that when you are divorcing a drug addict, you MUST face the fact that a drug addict is having an affair! You (and the children, if there are children) are no longer the primary focus for a spouse with drug/alcohol issues. An affair with the drugs is very difficult for the other spouse to "fight". (A friend of mine went through a divorce with a partner that was a chronic "cheater", she felt my situation was easier. Divorcing a drug addict is the same as divorcing a "cheater" - the trust is gone! Once the trust is gone - it's gone!) So, unfortunately, you must have legal representation, unless the addict is willing to sign everything over and just walk away. If your spouse is willing to "give" you everything, you should still have an attorney and perhaps an accountant review and advise you on any short term, long term and/or tax implications. Check with friends or go online and get referrals from chat rooms, web forums or even Twitter can guide you to websites to help you do some research, but in the end, get professional advice.

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3. Get Support from Friends. A divorce is emotionally draining. Typically, your friends and family don't want to hear it, but it's really important to have someone that is willing to listen and just offer support. Not guidance, just support.

4. Get Therapy. If you can afford to visit with a therapist, I would highly recommend that you do that. A trained professional can help you understand the inner brain workings of a drug/alcohol addict. AND, whether you want to hear it or not, at some level you have some responsibility in all this. A therapist can help you see the areas where you have to take ownership of this crisis. There are studies out now, that have revealed that people with addictions have a gene that can be identified. You may have to face the fact that, perhaps, you were an "enabler". Ultimately, though, the responsibility for the addictions rest squarely on the shoulders of the addict. Unless, of course, you were the one that held your spouse down and physically forced the drugs into their body.

5. Blog. If you live in a bubble, where you haven't access to friends, family and therapists then I would suggest that you blog or at the very least journal. Even if you do have friends and family, these support systems, firstly, get tired of hearing about your indignations and hurts and secondly, your friends and family, unless they have been through it, may not know how to support you. It's one thing to have friends and family that can support you in a divorce, however, divorcing an addict is NOT like going through a "normal" "irreconcilable differences" divorce. Go online and find others that are fighting the same dragons, find chat rooms and forums that can give you guidance in finding lawyers and therapists etc. in your area of the country. It will give you a chance to rant with someone that understands and you can compare horror stories, that, trust me, may eventually, with time, seem mildly entertaining. Maybe, even funny.

6. Protect your Credit. Any divorce will cause disruptions with your credit score, and especially today with the current economic situation and problems with identity theft, it becomes even more important to protect your identity and your credit score. This is not just directed at outsiders, your spouse might try to hi-jack your identity, not just for their own self-serving practices but, sometimes, as was in my case, an attempt at causing you harm. In a divorce, both parties have the potential (and the motive) to cause harm to the others' credit. Horror stories abound about credit catastrophes caused by angry spouses - like..... running up credit cards in the other spouse's name and walking away. Enlist a service, that for a monthly fee, will monitor your credit score and advise you by email, if there are any changes to your credit score.

7. Set Up Your New Separate Identity. If it's not time right now, it will be soon. So, there's no time like the present to start using your own name and identity. Start recognizing yourself as YOU. Separate and apart from your identity as a spouse, having others recognize you as a person standing alone will help you feel more empowered. Think about reverting to your single name.

8. Take Your Time. Decisions made now, while not set in stone, are important and will have an impact. Whether you decide to move to a new home or city, whether you choose one lawyer over another. All these decisions are important. So make your choices wisely and be informed as best you can. Take advice from any and all sources you can, but remember you are the one that has to live with the long term impact of the choices. So make your choices and decisions wisely!

9. Don't Take Advice from Friends. All that being said, in number 8, recognize that you shouldn't take advice from friends as "set in stone". Take the input, weigh in out, balance it with information from searching the internet but just know that friends are biased. Unless your friends are trained professionals, and even then, while their input may be heartfelt, it might be totally wrong for your situation and they could be biased. Take all the input and apply what works to your individual situation.

10. Insurances. Make sure all your insurances are up to date. Medical, vehicle, home, life. In my situation, for whatever reason (I surmise his processes were clouded by the drug/alcohol usage), the car insurance didn't get paid and we were driving for months with no car insurance. In my state, that's illegal and it was reported to the state and that opened another can of worms, which caused further damage to my credit score. So take responsibility and make sure ALL your insurances are current.

11. Your Finances. Your finances are a very crucial part of a divorce. If at all possible, I would suggest that you should, unfortunately, preplan by tucking some money aside, before the divorce, in the event that things turn ugly. You will, at least, have access to SOME money to see you through some difficult roads ahead. Money in should always be more than money out, but particularly important during a divorce. Work diligently towards keeping credit cards in order. Continue, if at all possible, to add to your savings plan every month.. You really should be aware of tax ramifications and the long term impact - things that your lawyer may not have expertise in. Work with an accountant or a divorce planning financial expert. Hindsight is always 20/20 is how the saying goes and in looking back I realize that during my marriage, we lived off of one salary and banked the other. While in the marriage, I thought that was a great idea. Now though, when he closed the bank accounts and took all the money, I realize that wasn't such a good idea. Get an accountant.

12. Look After Yourself. The road ahead will be taxing and probably difficult, depending on how much of a time/emotional investment you made into your marriage. Take the time to relax, do whatever it is that brings some "you" time. Go for walks, play cards, ride horses, yoga, read, play the piano, it's important to find time to experience the things that bring you stress relief. Stress can be difficult to manage at any time in your life, but particularly during a divorce. The point is that a divorce CAN consume you, IF you let it. So, take the time to take time for you. Make sure you still get your hair done, your nails, pamper yourself and just know, that no matter what someone else may be telling you - you are worth it. Looking after yourself reinforces your energy levels, your resolve and your determination.

In the beginning of the end, (or the end of the beginning), I watched "Diary of a Mad Black Woman, I watched, "Enough", I watched, "Sleeping with the Enemy" and while I recognized parts of each of those movies in my marriage, more than anything I recognized that the common element is a certain "system" of emotions that run amuck. First comes the rush of fear, then indignation, then anger, then, fear again. More indignation, anger and then acceptance and resolution. Through it all, runs the desire to "hate" - eventually you come the resolution that these negative emotions fuel more of the same - through the Law of Attraction - so it's healthier (not easier - but healthier) to let it go. The Law of Attraction is very clear, whatever you focus on - whatever you think about you will bring more of into your life. Anger, brings more anger, conversely peace will bring more peace.

Drug and alcohol addicts don't do drugs and alcohol because of something you have done, they do drugs and alcohol because of something going on in their own reality. I used to get upset every time I opened an email offering to supply me with drugs without a prescription - somehow I was able to easily hit the delete button. I can't say the same thing for everyone - otherwise these websites would not survive. You give yourself too much credit if you think that you had anything to do with turning your spouse into an addict. At some level, even the addict can't control the behavior. Hopefully, at some point, the addict will realize and reach out for the professional help that will help them heal.

Another tidbit that I will impart, I have been told by the drug addiction doctors that the drug addict will tell you that they have recovered. This was certainly the case in my personal story. Most drugs cannot be controlled by the addict going "cold turkey" on their own. Usually, these drugs have to be "de-toxed" out of the body using other drugs and a course of therapy and these things cannot be done on an out-patient basis. Once an addict has "recovered", that person's life will, forever, be "in recovery". Whatever the addiction gambling, drinking, drugs, on and on the list goes...... once the addiction has been "conquered", it will always be a challenge AND one addiction can be replaced for another! It's really important that addiction issues be dealt with by a licensed professional, under controlled settings.

So, let it go - don't take their choices personally, and as hard as it may seem, let them go...and pray for them.

I am not a professional, I encourage you to seek the advice of a licensed professional to help you make critical decisions.

12 Steps to Divorcing a Drug Addict