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This quote by Barbara Streisand summarizes what I think Graceful Street represents:

"Just imagine how boring life would be if we were all the same. My idea of a perfect world is one in which we really appreciated each other's differences: Short, tall; Democrat, Republican; black, white; gay, straight -- a world in which all of us are equal, but definitely not the same."

I find it truly refreshing to be surrounded by such a great variety of friends. Even if I do not comment about it enough, I value that each individual I have in my life has so much to offer my mind and soul and is greatly appreciated.

Take a moment to step back from the holiday stress. Breath. Count your many blessings. If you are finding yourself rushing around, it is only because you are preparing for those people that you love and love you- this is the season when we get yet another chance to show it to eachother. I love you Graceful Peeps!

I am far more aware of the world, and have gained much knowledge in that sense- but sometimes I feel like I have lost nearly all of my brain cells! When asked a question I know I should know-but can’t recall- I am like “Geez! What is wrong with me?” Not to brag on Rorie: but I graduated high school a year early with honors….and now I occasionally find a community college class kicking my butt. Sad, really it is rather depressing to not have my neurons firing as fast as they used to……why have I slowed so severely?..........

Anyway, being a bit inquisitive like I am, I googled “what kills brain cells?” …..Take it for what it is, and please don’t believe everything you read- especially on the internet! But these findings and tidbits are semi-interesting:

“A single episode of severe stress can be enough to kill off new nerve cells in the brain.”

“Stress could affect the creation of new brain cells.”

“Scientists said they have found the first direct biological evidence that smoking destroys brain cells and stops others being produced.”

“Drinking alcohol doesn’t destroy or kill brain cells and it appears brains can repair themselves after chronic alcohol abuse.”

“Most people believe that drinking alcohol kills brain cells (even med students are taught this). Pure alcohol does indeed kill cells, but there's no evidence that drinking alcohol does.”

‘What kills more brain cells, marijuana or alcohol? It's not marijuana. According to the NORML Foundation, marijuana does not kill brain cells.”

“A common black mold that blooms on moist cellulose-based materials produces a toxin that can kill certain brain cells.”

(This one made me laugh out loud!) “MTV kills brain cells.”

Okay, my mother laughs at me every time I am on the phone with her, mid-sentence talking, then cussing my dogs. When I am on the phone they feel the distinct need to be in my face, licking my teeth, licking the speaker, compromising my communication with the outside world because after all- I should be paying attention to them. Sigh……..my mother laughs because apparently as the bratty child that I was, I did a similar thing. Shameful, huh? No licking, but I would get the instinct that my mom was on the phone, search out her location and then want to talk her ear off with deep conversation.

Geez.

My pups are just like their mama!

Do all children (regardless of species) do this?