Just me writing my little story! It's a coming of age story about a girl graduating from high school and not being sure where to go from there. Her family and friends help her out with a little bit of chaos and a lot of luck! <br /><br />“T! Can I borrow your notes for French?” Hailey fluttered her eyelashes at me and gave me her most winning smile, knowing that my notes were at least twenty times better than hers. I rolled my eyes and reached for my bag. I was ready for the French exam later, it was on my study schedule to be way beyond prepared. I started studying months ago so that I could get all of my sleeping in. Of course, Hailey almost never sleeps. <br />“Oh my gosh, girlie hand them over,” speaking of not sleeping, Evelyn had just walked over and was holding her hand out to me. I’m not sure how Evelyn ever slept, since she ran with me every morning at 5 am and she was on every sports team that she could fit into her schedule, plus some advanced classes. <br />“Hey, hey, no! I asked first!” Hailey gave a pouty look, her lip out and her eyes big. With her tiny frame and overly stunning blue eyes she looked adorable, but I knew that Evelyn probably needed the notes more. She struggled with French, and Hailey had had me and Cardan there to help her all year. Evelyn and I had only become friends a couple of months ago, despite having run the same route together everyday for the past four years. <br />I shoot Hailey a sympathetic smile and pull out my red notebook with Iron Man stickers coating it and hand it to Evelyn.<br />“Eek! You’re the best!” She planted a kiss on my cheek, which earned me a jokingly jealous look from Hails. Honestly, I couldn’t blame her either. With her perfectly clear brown skin and her hair always done up in some sort of cute braids, Evelyn was one of the prettiest girls in our grade. Of course, she was also a sweetheart and therefore sat down on the couch next to Hailey so that they could review together. Hailey started chattering with Evelyn about something or another as I closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep. <br /><br />“Pencils down!” Madame Saker’s yell startled me awake and I heard a small, stifled chuckle from Cardan, who was sitting next to me. I wiped the little bit of drool off of my face and shot him a quick glare, but by the time I looked over, he was already staring at his exam again, his lower lip firmly stuck between his teeth. Honestly, at this point it’s a miracle that he still has lips with how often he gnaws on those things. We start passing our tests forward and I toss my pencil onto his desk to get his attention. When Cardan looks over at me, his brow is furrowed and he looks moments from a panic attack. I throw him a thumbs up and a questioning face and he gives a despairing shrug. Cardan is actually one of the smartest kids in our grade, but he never believes he did well on literally anything. I know that the five seconds between our tests getting to her and Madame dismissing us could be vital to Cardan’s mental state, so I reach over and grab his hand. It’s shaking, but he intertwines his fingers with mine and takes a breath deep enough that people across the world could have seen it. He squeezes my hand right as Madame calls that we can leave. The bell won’t ring today because it “disturbs the mind of a studying student”. Basically, the headmaster thinks that anyone who is currently studying and not in an exam will be startled really badly by the bell, even though we are all expecting it. <br />Cardan releases my hand with a small smile and grabs his bag. No one else in the room has theirs except for Hailey who is already pulling out her dance notebook. I grab my pencil from Cardan’s desk and tuck it into my ponytail as I walk over to Hails, Cardan trailing behind me. <br />“So, T, how did you do? Cause I think that I messed up the conjugation of être on the fifth question, but it was a fill in the blank, and if that’s all I messed up, we’re totally fine… Do you think that I could run tendus twice today without some of the younger kids getting annoyed? It really helps their turnout, but they also complain sometimes…” Her tongue appears between her teeth as she scribbles in her notebook, completely lost to the rest of us now. Cardan and I exchange an eye roll over her head. Surprisingly easy, considering that she stopped growing in like fourth grade at 4’ 10”. <br />“Thanks for the notes Tiana, they really helped!” Evelyn bumps my shoulder lightly as she walks past and I wave goodbye to her before placing a gentle hand on Hailey’s back and scooping up her bag, steering her in the direction of the common room. She continues mumbling under her breath as Cardan pulls out a book and follows behind us, already lost to the world as well. <br />By the time we reach the common room, I’ve had to steer the two of them to avoid five different people rushing around and at least three people who tried to talk to them about the exams we’ve taken. Of course, neither of them know this, and both collapse on a couch to continue what they were doing, giving me the room to climb between them and take a nap with my head on Cardan’s lap and feet on Hailey’s. <br /><br />It’s Hailey who wakes me up about an hour later in order to remind me that we need to change for the parties later tonight. Since we’re seniors, we kind of get a free pass to go to every single end-of-year party, and Hailey is also friends with everyone, so she has people to see at all of them. Cardan takes this as his cue to leave, and kisses both of us on the forehead before heading upstairs to his room. He’s probably packing up his cat’s supplies for the trip home tomorrow. I’ll have to leave hails at some point tonight to check up on him before he gets too in his head about going home. <br />“So, what are we thinking? I know that the soccer girls always wear their jerseys, but like cropped or bedazzled or whatever you guys do to them, but I don’t think that you can wear that to every party… Or maybe we could stop back here and change between that and other parties. Well, I wouldn’t want people at the parties to notice you changed, since that might be a little weird. Oh! Can you do my hair for tonight? I can’t just wear it in a ballet bun like usual, since that is what I do all the time. Oh my gosh! Did I send out the message to remind the kids that classes are canceled tonight?” Hailey continued rambling, thankfully remembering that she did actually send out the reminder, several of them actually, as I steered her to our bedroom. She flopped back on my bed, still talking, as I slipped out of my leggings and tank top and into a pair of ripped skinny jeans with my purple and red jersey that Hailey had stitched into a crop top and bedazzled the number 8 on the back. She was still talking as I shoved my clothes in my laundry hamper, so I grabbed one of her decorative pillows that was on the floor and threw it at her. <br />“What?” Hails sat up, and finally looked at me, a cute blush coloring her cheeks as she realized I was already changed. “Are you gonna take that pencil out for the party?” That was her only verbal acknowledgement of my clothes change as she headed over to her closet and grabbed a cute purple dress and white ballet slippers, slipping in for five seconds before coming out already changed. <br />“Hair?” She threw me another dazzling smile before plopping back on my bed. I grabbed my hairbrush from its place on the dresser and climbed on the bed behind her, listening to her ramble about everyone’s summer plans and pretending that it was okay that I had absolutely no clue what I was planning to do once summer ended. I had no college plans, no job plans, nothing prepared for my life. <br />“Done!” I finally said, cutting Hailey off a little, but she barely noticed as she pranced to the mirror to look at her wraparound braid. <br />“You’re an angel! Thank you!” Hails ran back and kissed my cheek before grabbing earrings off of the mess on her dresser and sliding them in as I pulled out my phone. I had a text from Cardan asking if I was done with the book he lent me and double checking the dates I was staying with him, a text from Evelyn that was just a picture of her jersey that she had cut holes into the side of and made slimmer around the waist to fit her, and a few texts in the soccer group chat about who was bringing what. I ignored the group chat, sent Evelyn a thumbs up and a selfie and shot a quick reassuring text (or seven) to Cardan before tossing my phone down and shrieking when I found Hailey standing an inch from my face. <br />“Ready?”<br />“You’re a pain,” I mumbled as I stood up, reaching for my phone again and tucking it in my back pocket. “Let’s go.”<br />“YAY!” Hailey pranced from the room, leading me to the first party of the end of my high school life.

(NewsUSA) - Sponsored News - As we head into summer, it's important to find accessories that show off your style, while brightening up your wardrobe. Since summer brings an explosion of bold colors and vibrant patterns, this season's trends are no different.<br /> <br /> So pack away your dreary duds, your winter boots and clean out that closet to get yourself ready for some fun in the sun.<br /> <br /> Unsure of where to start? The following summer accessories are a must:<br /> <br /> * Slip into a dress. A slip dress is a simple, elegant base layer that can be dressed up with accessories and is a trend worth paying attention to. To get a high-fashion look, layer them with frilly undershirts and jumpers.<br /> <br /> * Fancy your footwear. If you're anything like Carrie Bradshaw, the best way to dress up an outfit is with a pair of wedge sandals. The right pair of wedges can glam up your look, make your legs look long, yet still allow you to move comfortably. If, however, you prefer shoes with little to no heel, you'll be happy to know that flat-flats are in (think ballet slippers and gladiator sandals.)<br /> <br /> * Go glam with glasses. Choosing eyewear that's not only stylish but functional can be difficult. Transitions lenses are great because they block 100 percent of the sun's harmful UV rays and are available in nearly all prescriptions. They also come in a variety of colors that complement your personal style and frame choice. With one pair of lenses, your eyes will feel comfortable indoors or out, in bright light, low light and everything in between.<br /> <br /> * Choose a hat. As important as it is to get some natural vitamin D, too much sun is bad for the skin. A floppy hat is a great accessory that lets you flaunt a style that fits your personality, get a little sun, but still protect yourself from harmful UV rays.<br /> <br /> * Grab a bag. A statement bag is the perfect way to enhance your look. When choosing the right purse for your outfit, think luxe fabrics, contrasting textures, and bright patterns. Pair with a great pair of glasses to pull off a celebrity look.<br /> <br /> For more information, please visit www.transitions.com. <br /> <br /> Ref: Fashion Women - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Summer. The word itself sounds so relaxing and soothing to the senses. And nothing is more soothing in the summer than swimming.<br /> <br /> At the very least, there's certainly nothing more cooling or refreshing than a quick trip to the pool. Indeed, with the temperatures rising and vacations in high gear, it's prime time to take a trip to the beach or head to your favorite resort pool and enjoy one of America's favorite summer pastimes: swimming.<br /> <br /> To ensure your next trip to the pool is as relaxing and successful as ever, however, there are some essential items everybody should consider bringing. So, whether it's just a casual day of cooling off, a special summer pool party or family fun day, here's a to-do list that covers all pool partygoers.<br /> <br /> * First and foremost, lather up with suntan lotions. And then bring more in your tote bag so you can reapply after a round or two of swimming. There's nothing more frustrating when you settle in and realize you forgot your supplies and need to buy more.<br /> <br /> * Pack swimming gear. Regardless of whether you're going to the beach or pool, make sure you have goggles, noodles and other flotation devices. Your time in the water will never be more enjoyable.<br /> <br /> * Bring some snacks and drinks. After some rigorous swimming or leisurely baking in the sun, you're bound to build up an appetite or have a need to quench your thirst.<br /> <br /> * Don't forget your spittoon. Being at the pool in a bikini or trunks can leave one very exposed to say the least. If you're a smokeless tobacco user, there's even less opportunity to take a discreet "dip" while you're taking a dip in the pool.<br /> <br /> That is, unless you own a portable spittoon created by Atlanta-based FLASR. These new 4-ounce pocket-sized spittoons are brilliantly designed to allow users to easily open and close with just one hand, making them ideal items to bring to the pool or any other public setting so you can still enjoy your smokeless tobacco. Another advantage to the FLASR flask is its advanced closing mechanism that ensures it stays securely closed when not in use, eliminating the risk of any messy spills or leaks in the pool that come with those gaudy bottles or drink cups of old.<br /> <br /> For more information, please visit www.flasr.com.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Saint Lucia - in Countries</span>

(NewsUSA) - As the calendar flips to another year, many employees will consider starting the new year on the hunt for a new job. In today's changing workforce, it is more important than ever for companies to realize that a salary alone is no longer enough to recruit or retain strong employees. According to a recent survey by Aflac, small businesses deserve a round of applause for their ability to keep employees happy. The report found that 85 percent of small-business employees are happy in their current job and more than half (51 percent) agree that most of or all of their happiness in their current job is because is a result of working for a small business.<br /> <br /> The keys to happiness<br /> <br /> Nearly a quarter of participants (23 percent) stated that the feeling of importance was the best part of working for a small business. Small businesses have the unique ability to make employees feel appreciated, respected and valued on a personal and professional level. In a small business environment, there are typically fewer layers between newcomers and leadership. This tight-knit structure of small businesses can create a family-like atmosphere that allows employees to feel that their opinions matter and that they play a significant role in the business's mission.<br /> <br /> Flexibility is also vital in creating employee happiness. According to the report, 30 percent of respondents noted that flexible scheduling was the best part of working for a small business. This can include working from home, leaving work early to play in a summer sports league or giving new parents an extra week of paid time off to help care for their newborn. A workplace that promotes healthy work-life balance can create happier, less stressed employees and can also increase employee productivity on the job.<br /> <br /> Unlocking improvements<br /> <br /> Although small businesses excel at keeping employees happy, there is always room for improvement. In a small-business community, money does not seem to be the only motivator. In fact, 65 percent of small-business employees indicate that an improvement in their benefits offerings would make them happier employees. By offering a robust benefits plan that includes voluntary benefits, small businesses can ensure that their employees are able to find the right benefits to meet their individual needs.<br /> <br /> Learn more at <a class="no-ajax" target='_blank' href="https://aflac.com/smallbusiness">https://aflac.com/smallbusiness</a><br /><br /> <br /> Ref: Business - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Beauty, like health, goes beyond the visible surface. While many of us manage our wellness via diet, exercise and check-ups, we don't apply the same 360-degree approach to our beauty regimen. It's possibly due to lack of viable options.<br /> <br /> Neauvia International Group recognizes this incongruity and aims to transform the way we practice beauty and solve skin care challenges by extending its premium energy-based devices into the United States.<br /> <br /> In the hands of trained medical aesthetics professionals, Neauvia devices leverage sophisticated technology such as thermo-lifting and water peeling to deeply target your areas of concern. With years in the global skin care market, Neauvia's approach pairs this advanced technology with specially formulated skin care for remarkable results.<br /> <br /> "Over a decade of Neauvia's international skin care success has taught us that a single product does not meet the overall demands of and desired outcomes for patients or providers," says Sean Wilson, President of newly launched Neauvia North America. Best-in-class treatments do, however. They also require training and certification. So, take time to research your local plastic surgeons, dermatologists, aestheticians and med spas because they offer you access to these revolutionary non-invasive treatments that are not available for home use, and to professionals qualified to use them. They'll work with you to customize an optimal treatment plan to achieve your desired results.<br /> <br /> Often, using multiple technologies per session yields a marked difference. The Zaffiro treatment combines thermo-lift technology with the gentle exfoliation of water-resurfacing and specific solutions for your skin type and desired results. It delivers lifted, tightened and hydrated skin with less visible lines and wrinkles.<br /> <br /> Energy-based devices strengthen and surpass home treatments. Let's say you love the fresh feeling and smooth, even texture of your skin after you do an at-home face scrub. Try adding a water-peeling facial like the Zaffiro treatment once a month for more deeply cleansed and revitalized skin.<br /> <br /> Treatments can rejuvenate beyond your face and neck. Zaffiro's thermo-lift technology gradually heats the deep layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and prompting lifting and tightening effects. It can be applied to tighten the décolleté and upper arm skin, give the tummy and derriere a firm appearance and even help tighten up post-pregnancy belly skin.<br /> <br /> Innovative energy-based devices can yield beautiful effects by working with the body's natural functions in a way that is safe, reliable, and non-invasive. They're less costly and require little to no downtime. This makes them an excellent way to fine tune your appearance and delay signs of aging without a lengthy recovery time. In fact, many of these innovative treatments provide results when done over a lunch hour! Dr. Joshua Weitz, MD, CEO of Dermatology Associates of Rochester sees them growing in appeal and use. "The non-invasive market is the future, and I anticipate Neauvia will be a guiding light in providing exceptional solutions," Weitz says.<br /> <br /> A well-rounded skin routine ensures that your actions - daily, monthly, over time - compound for outstanding outcomes. Incorporating treatments using Neauvia energy-based devices is simple yet addresses the complexity of your skin and helps attain your best overall skin health and appearance.<br /> <br /> Ref: US - News

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I sit here <br /> all alone <br /> Empty rooms<br /> Quietness<br /> Other than the whirring of a fan<br /> No screaming of a young child playing<br /> No cooing of a happy baby <br /> Whirr whirr whirr <br /> Which once was a house full of love and joy<br /> Now feels like a nightmare I cant escape<br /> Wishing<br /> Hoping<br /> Dreaming<br /> That one day ill have that back again<br /> The coos<br /> The screams<br /> The noises that irritate most parents are the ones I long for the most <br /> The endless cuddles <br /> The mommy mommy mommy<br /> I just want it all back<br /> I want a reason to get out of bed and do something <br /> The darkness with them gone keeps closing in and I feel like it will never end <br /> I feel like those coos<br /> Those screams <br /> Those giggles <br /> Those cuddles <br /> Those cries <br /> Will never come back<br /> I feel like the life im living now <br /> Visiting my own kids like theyre my niece and nephew will never end <br /> I've thought of burning cutting smoking drinking anything to concrete that pain and maybe just maybe take it all away<br /> but I know if I do the pain will never go away because it may be the thing that takes it away forever<br /> Those cries<br /> Those coos <br /> Those screams <br /> Those giggles <br /> Would never come back <br /> So I sit here listening to the whirr of the fan hoping that one of these days that whirr isn't the only thing to fill these rooms<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Reading - in Blogs</span><br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Reading - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - DigiTrax Entertainment, a pioneer in the music technology industry, brings its artificial intelligence (AI) expertise to the popular hip-hop segment.<br /> <br /> With the introduction of KR38R Beats, a unique AI product specifically geared to the hip-hop artist, DigiTrax recognizes the importance of hip-hop music and how it is a great fit for AI technology. The company has paired with Spotlite, a popular and established singing performance app, to create "Rapping with the Robot," a contest for aspiring hip-hop artists.<br /> <br /> The contest is scheduled to begin on Thanksgiving Day and end on New Year's Eve.<br /> <br /> Prizes include an all-expenses-paid recording session, with professional production and distribution across all major platforms.<br /> <br /> "We focused our AI on the most relevant segment of music in today's streaming economy," says Joe Vangieri, CEO of DigiTrax Entertainment.<br /> <br /> "Hip-hop beats comprise one out of every three streams, and generate billions in revenue."<br /> <br /> The KR38R Beats product is based on the Music Builder program, DigiTrax's unique and innovative technology that helps artists harness the power of artificial intelligence. Artists can feed ideas into the program, which then serves as a composing partner and allows them to create more songs more quickly.<br /> <br /> Spotlite is a free, direct-to-fan singing app designed to allow amateur and professional vocalists to sing original music, covers, and karaoke across all musical genres.<br /> <br /> "As a fan, you used to go out and buy CDs to support your favorite artist," says Juan Munoz, general manager of Spotlite Media.<br /> <br /> "With the change in how fans ingest content, Spotlite has not only allowed fans a new way to directly support their favorite artists, but the fans become the tastemakers. Through our contests, fans tell us who should truly be recognized for their talent," he explains.<br /> <br /> Other benefits of using artificial intelligence in creating original hip-hop music include greater profitability and protection for the users under copyright law.<br /> <br /> "Because we own both the publishing and the sound recording that our AI has written," Vangieri explains, "this gives us free reign to fully exploit both sides of a song - the publishing and the sound recording."<br /> <br /> DigiTrax plans to introduce several more contests in 2019 to showcase the way its technology is transforming how music is created and enjoyed.<br /> <br /> For more information about the company and its future business goals, go to digitraxentertainment.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Bands - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - How much will I need for my kid's college education? And how the heck will I pay for it?<br /> <br /> With the cost of a four-year degree rising nearly eight times faster than wages since the 1980s, those two questions are enough to give today's parents a serious case of night sweats. You can argue about the reasons for the disconnect -Administrative costs? Fancy amenities? - but you know there's a problem when a writer at Education Week is incensed.<br /> <br /> "Madness," she decried.<br /> <br /> Which is all the more reason to mark May 29 down on your calendar.<br /> <br /> Otherwise known as National 529 College Savings Plan Day -Get it? 5/29? - it's the perfect time to consider setting up one those tax-advantaged 529 plans, as they're called, to help sock money away to cover tuition, books and other education-related expenses at most accredited two - and four-year colleges, universities and vocational-technical schools.<br /> <br /> "It's a way of keeping your son or daughter from being saddled with too much debt when it's time to jump start their careers," explained Melissa Ridolfi, vice president of retirement and college products at Fidelity Investments. "Plus, any investment earnings compound on a tax-deferred basis, and qualified withdrawals are entirely free from federal and state income taxes."<br /> <br /> And now to the big question: How much?<br /> <br /> Two factors are mainly at play:<br /> <br /> * Public vs. private schools. The cost difference can be about as mind-boggling as "Avengers: Endgame's" record $357.1 million opening weekend domestic haul: an average of $21,370 a year at the former, according to the College Board's latest figures, as opposed to $48,510 at the latter.<br /> <br /> * The percentage of the bill you plan to foot. If you were counting on scholarships and other grants to pick up all or most of the tab, you should probably rethink that unless your kid is either a bona fide child prodigy or football star. Sallie Mae's "How America Pays for College" 2018 report found that both categories combined paid for just 28 percent of college costs.<br /> <br /> One guess where 47 percent of the costs came from. That's right, "family income and savings," with another 24 percent covered by borrowing.<br /> <br /> In other words, as Ridolfi said, "any way you look at it, the family is on the hook to pay the lion's share of college expenses." Which probably helps explain why a recent Fidelity study found that parents are increasingly starting to save before their child even reaches the age of two.<br /> <br /> To see where you stand, try using what Fidelity calls "the college savings 2K rule of thumb." Simply multiply your child's current age by $2,000 to figure whether your savings to date are generally on track to handle approximately 50 percent of the College Board's $21,370-a-year average cost of attending a four-year public college.<br /> <br /> Or, especially if you want a more customized estimate - one that lets you play around with percentages and switch back and forth between public and private schools - the firm's free online college savings calculator takes the angst out of doing the math yourself.<br /> <br /> Fidelity provides 12 savings ideas to help reach your own goal, and offers a choice of two different investment strategies in the 529 savings plans it manages - including an age-based portfolio of funds that automatically becomes more conservative as the beneficiary nears college age.<br /> <br /> Hopefully, armed with all that info, you'll be sleeping better at night.<br /> <br /> Ref: Family - in Blogs