Good morning, this is Sarah Eubanks reporting to you from Oregon City's very own Hill Valley Financial Services. Today's weather interest rates look to be bright and sunny. However, there is a high pressure wind blowing in from the East threatening to bring rain and an increase in interest rates right along with it!

This is my riddle for the day, and I would love to have your input. How are Mortgage Professionals and Meteorologists alike? While on the surface, they may seem unrelated to you, I have had several thoughts lately which have led me to this admittedly random post.

Just to get us started, let me draw a few comparisons for you. Again, I would love to hear your input, so go ahead and add your insight!

First of all, when the rain/snow/sleet/tornadoes/hurricanes are coming, no one likes to hear what the Meteorologist has to say. Sometimes, they even ignore the forecast for certain disaster. Likewise, we Mortgage Professionals are not well liked when the interest rates are creeping up. When we phone our past Stated income borrowers to warn them of the impending demise of the Stated product...they may not take our warning with sincerity. Conversely...the sun is shining, the interest rates are good...Mortgage pros and Meteorologists alike are our friends.

Number two...Neither professions have the ability to change the forecast. The economy is slumping...the sunny skies are turning to stormy climates. We are as helpless as the next guy. We just wish that people would stop "shooting the messenger". We are doing our jobs and preparing people the best that we know how to.

This leads me to my third conceptual likeness. We cannot forecast perfectly. So, the skies are cloudy and we forecast sun. Or interest rates are up and we had thought they would go down. Uh-oh! No one wants to be wrong...especially us. We are educated, we look at historical facts along with current conditions and we make our best hypothesis for the future of the weather interest rates. The bonds are down, the stock market is soaring. It is the same as the high pressure of clouds or the East Winds bearing down.

Either way, Meteorologist or Mortgage Professional ~ unless it is summer and beautiful, the high pressure is on. It is on us. But you know what? We can handle it. We were and are meant to stand and weather the storms, knowing that the sun is going to come out again someday. And when it does, we will be right there to enjoy it along with everyone else!

This message has been brought to you by Sarah Eubanks and Hill Valley Financial Services. We want to be your Mortgage Specialists for life! So please call 503-442-1349 for a more specific and detailed forecast on your home purchase or refinance!

Every location in the world has one form of natural disasters or another. In fact, currently, those are even being changed around from what we consider the "norm".

Here in Oregon, we have many different rivers and streams. With large amounts of running water and with the run off of snow we get from our mountains, we can be prone to flooding. This year, in particular, there has been discussion and speculation that flooding may occur. Being one who both lives and works in Oregon City, I will be paying very close attention to the weather forecast as Spring gets closer. The Willamette Valley Flood of 1996 startled many people as the Willamette River swelled to heights not expected. In an attempt to be proactive, I have compiled a list of items that you should have together for any disaster. Also, Oregon City has a great website to help you become aware of local flood information. Check it out so that you can be prepared...just in case.

The list is below:

• Flashlight
• Portable, battery-operated radio
• Extra batteries
• First Aid kit with manual
• Essential medications (my husband is type 1 Diabetic...so insulin, chem strips, etc.)
• Blankets
• Cash and Credit cards
• Emergency food and water
• Non electric can opener
• Warm outer wear and sturdy shoes for the family

Personally, my family is not in the flood zone area of Oregon City. At the same time, I want to be prepared for an emergency to prevent the panic from striking when life throws its curve-balls quickly. Another reminder is to make sure that the expiration dates are kept up to be of help. I recommend that we check expiration every six months (or every time we check the batteries on our smoke detectors). Yes, I know I am obsessed with safety. I hope you are too.

Finally, if you have had any experience with a natural disaster that you would like to share here, please do so. I find that learning in life is easiest when we are able to learn from another's experience.

I will be watching, reading, and writing!

Many, many moons ago, a friend of mine, Jennifer Bukaty, asked me to post a different style of a MeMe. It was one I had not ever heard of and it is inspired by reading, a love of reading, and our favorite books. I was completely overwhelmed. It was the holiday season with so many things going on. All of those things were designed for my children. For the kidlets to enjoy the season, to remember what is important about the season. To celebrate with family and with friends.

So...at that time, I decided that I would post my book MeMe on my favorite children's books. Those books which my children still ask me to read to them once in a bit. Now that they are so grown up, at nine and eight years old...

Without further ado, then...the following are my five recommendations. whether read to your child or read as a child, these stories are endearing. And although I read many challenging stories in fiction and in reality, I must say that these books all invoke a sense of security, familiarity, and warmth. In these cold winter days and nights, what more can we ask for?

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams~ I am choosing this story as the first one listed because it holds personal meaning for me. As a child, I was inflicted with Scarlet Fever and still have the heart murmur to prove it. The Velveteen Rabbit is a story about a little boy who has a beloved and shabby little stuffed bunny rabbit. While the bunny was not as fancy as his owner's mechanical toys, he was special. This taught me at a young age that looking on the outside appearance is a worthless measure of anything we hold close to our hearts. My children today still love my childhood copy of the book! And they love that I am alive to read it to them! :)

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper ~ One of Derek's favorite books as a "little" boy, I must confess I did get tired of reading this one. He had three versions of it, so we read it a lot. Now that he is eight, he does not request it nearly as much. Too many other things to do; sports, musicals, guitar. But the lesson remains there and we talk of it often. When Derek feels frustrated and discouraged (he is smaller than most boys his age), he will recall how the littlest engine could and did. We talk about how only the engine thought he could do it, and that persistence and belief will allow is to accomplish so many things!

I Love You, Little One by Nancy Tafuri ~ This story tells the tale of how animal babies wonder whether or not they are loved. It may seem silly to us as parents, but every child wants to know, really know, that they are loved. So when the human child asks on the last page, "Do you love me, Mama?", I would (and still do) look my children in the eyes as I answer them with. "I love you like the stars love you...forever and ever and always." I get the best hugs when that book is done. I would not trade it or them for the world! :) Sappy but true, I will love them forever and ever and always!

Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt ~ A best seller and classic book written in 1940, this book holds sentimental value for our entire family. While pregnant with our son, my husband and I had to endure a miserable hospital trip. Not for us, but for our ten month old daughter. Breana had come down with RSV and was hospitalized for severedehydration. My Mom and Dad came and gave us a small reprieve from our sleepless night one morning. They brought with them Pat the Bunny and the book that went with him. Dad and Mom helped Breana's tiny hands feel the bunny as they read the story to her and prayed for her to get strong again. She did, and still has both the bunny and the book. As her Grandpa is no longer here on this Earth, she treasures all things given to her by her "favoritist grampa ever". So sometimes, when we miss him a lot, we pick up the bunny, the book, and we read it together. Feeling the stubble on the Daddy's face, looking in the mirror, and feeling that familiar bunny.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch ~ This story is about a son and his mother. For those of us with boys...we know how tender that relationship is. This book highlights that bond and that love. My little Derek -- to this day tells me that he is going to come tuck me into bed when I am old and he is a Daddy. How he plans to fit that in with his plans for being a geologist, an astronaut, a husband, a Daddy, and a Coach...that is what I am not so sure of. I would love it if he did, but I would love even more that he grows to be so sweet to his own family someday.

So...sorry that this took so long Jennifer! I did have fun with it, and it has been in progress for many weeks. I hope that for you and all of the other readers that you enjoy this insight into who I am. Who my children are. And, most importantly, who I hope we all become.

I will be watching, reading, and writing...after I read to my children! :)

While it is unlikely (and actually impossible) to watch all of these Christmas flicks in one night, I want to suggest that a Family Fun night can be served with hot buttered popcorn, or better yet, Julie Neering's Yummy Caramel Corn recipe.  So, in the spirit of the season, I have compiled a list of top Christmas movies...in my not hardly ever humble opinion.  If you know me very well, you are certainly aware that I never hold my opinion back as I happen to be particularly forthcoming!  :)

Similar to my MORTGAGE PRO Week in Review , I have opted to do a Top Ten theme.  I thought it was fun to do that way, so you, my audience may see posts this way again...unless I get hired to write as the writer's guild is still on strike (JOKING!  The striking union has very valid issues and I will stand with them in solidarity -- although I do miss my show, "The Office")!

I digress, so in getting back to the point, let's start!!!

10.)  Home Alone (the original version) ~  Well before Mr. Culkin's meltdowns, I loved his work as a child.  The good news for him is that this movie still garners laughs from the kids.  Which means parents enjoy it...which means money in his pocket!  Oh well, I hope he is making smarter money choices these days!  :)

9.)  White Christmas ~  More a movie for our parents' times.  A great movie nonetheless, full of values and history (almost).  Well, with the black and white feature at least there is a contrast of how generations and technology go.  We have actually had the conversation on this one...perhaps you have too!

8.)  The Grinch ~  Jim Carrey is at his best in a role like this one.  And, who doesn't love Cindy Lou?  She is as sweet as the day is long.  There is a warm fuzzy lesson in here too, making it a family great!  May I inquire, though, whether you prefer the cartoon version or the live "action" film?  Thanks, looking forward to hearing from you on that one!

7.) A Christmas Story~  Little Ralphy shooting his eye out...the hilarious scene with the tongue stuck to the flagpole, the Dad losing his temper, and his control, and of course...the dogs eating the Christmas dinner.  All sorts of reality tied up with laughter!  You may need to fast forward the part showing Dad's lack of control...too many expletives for kidlet ears, I think!  :)

6.)  The Nativity ~  I make no apologies for being a faith filled girl.  So, I am putting this out here.  The movie is well done for sure.  The interpretation is believable to me, and the story is compelling!  If you have not seen this one, you should watch it and respond with your comments.  :)

5.)  Miracle on 34th Street ~  In case of a lively debate...let me just start this by saying both versions are good.  I, personally, prefer the newer version.  The quality is better and I enjoy the little girl who plays the role.  Besides, Dylan McDermott is dreamy with his dark hair and bright eyes. 

4.)  Elf ~  Another comic worth mentioning.  Although not from "In Living Color", he is from SNL.  This movie is both sweet and goofy.  We all have a lot of laughs from this slapstick comedy.  We also get to snuggle in as a family and learn to love one another again.  Who could ask for a better Christmas miracle than rekindled love and appreciation.  Feeling warm enough, now??  :)

3.)  A Charlie Brown Christmas~  While a short film, it still remains a classic in my book!  An endearing story of sadness turned hope...enough said!  Well, almost!  I love Lucy because we are so much alike!

2.)  It's A Wonderful Life ~ I am not so certain that every time a bell rings an angel gets it's wings.  I amcertain that this movie portrays the value of life...our own lives.  It demonstrates that we all have a purpose and that the world just would not be worthwhile without each one of us.  What a Christmas gift...realizing that we have worth.

1.)  The best Christmas movie of all time is ... National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation~  Laughs, lessons, family, Christmas, giving, priorities, twinkle lights (not working), saying grace, uncle Eddy.  Just too much fun to describe in a post.  It is a must watch (if you have not watched it already!

To that end, I hope that you all rush right out and rent (or buy...it may stimulate the economy) at least one of the movies to spend that time with your family.  Laugh, eat, drink, and be Merry.  Speaking of Merry...have a very Happy Christmas!

I will be watching, reading, and writing as you all share with the class your thoughts and feelings on the top ten Christmas movies of all time!  I cannot wait to see what you recommend...

My husband and I have been involved mentoring and ministering to youth kidlets (Jr. High through College) for many years. We love it because we love the "kids". We hate it because there are too many of them that are hurt and lash out. This is a very quick note to let you all know that too little, too late is a very real thing when it comes to our children.

There are many people out there who believe that when their children are older, that is the time to pay attention to what is going on. I am here to provide a very BIG wake-up call. Too little (time) when they are small is too late! The Nebraska shooting victims were affected by such an example. This young man had a bad upbringing. Does that mean that we are justified in our poor behaviors? Most definitely not! It does shed light, though, as to why things happen and how things happen. I realize that I cannot save all of the youth of today from being hurt any more than those who have gone before me. However, I do hope to encourage you to spend time with your kids. Invest in them now, while they are willing. I promise you that if you do that, teenage days will not be quite as hard. They will still want to be with you, to make you proud, and to succeed. Oh for sure, they will still make their fair share of mistakes, but they will come back to you! That is all a parent can pray and hope for, after all!

Not that I am perfect at this parenting gig, but I thought I could show a few photos of thigs we do now while the kids are young. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share those here. I want the best for all children all throughout this country, this continent, and the world! Go have fun. Go spend time. Before it is too late!

I will be watching, reading, and writing about my kiddos and yours! :)

While many of us in the AR class are familiar and fond of our classmate, Ms. Jennifer Bukaty, we never know our popularity outside of this institution. I wanted to take a moment and let you all know of my friend, as she was recently contacted by Inman News. That's right...Inman News found Ms. Bukaty through our Active Rain website and waited until they had a question that they would be able to ask her. She is that good...if you have not yet read her writing, you should!

So, when this issue of the "Mortgage Bailout" happened upon us, Jennifer was contacted for her opinion. Knowing Jennifer as I do, and having spoken with her at length, I know that she is absolutely intelligent. Her writing is superior to most of ours (certainly to mine), but her lyrical prose is not the only part of her brilliance. Ms. Bukaty is knowledgeable on a variety of topics...Real Estate being but one.

I wanted to take this moment to thank acknowledge this local expert we have. Thank you, Jennifer, for taking the time to answer the questions they posed to you! You did a terrific job with this interview and hit the nail on head in so many ways! I would recommend to those of you looking in the Portland area to contact Jennifer for more information...and if you would like to read the article by Inman News, please click here!

I will be watching, reading, and writing...Ms. Bukaty's work, and yours!

As Jeff Belonger is a huge asset to the Active Rain Community, I was honored when he asked me to write this week's review! To follow the likes of Mr. Tom Burris, proved to be a bit challenging, as he did a terrific job on the maiden voyage for this group. But, I gave it my best shot. You may or may not know but the writer's guild is on strike, making it's members more than a little bit crazy, so in their honor and for those of you who miss Dave Letterman's Top Ten, I have opted to utilize the skills which they have exhibited in this format to call out my "Top Ten Reviews for the week of 26 November through 2 December"...heretofore known as the Top Ten...plus two extra for good measure! Without further ado, let the fun begin!

10. Easy and Effective Business Plan - YES YOU CAN DO IT!!!! by Linda Peters~ While not mortgage specific in it's scope, it is a great time to begin your planning for the year 2008. Linda has great organizational suggestions and skills. Who of us wants to stop growing our business? Hopefully none of us...unless you are ready to retire! :) She truly has some great pointers for you.

9. All About REVERSE MORTGAGES by Al Maxwell~ Al did not spend a lot of time discussing things in detail. He does, however, supply an exhaustive list of information. If you have any questions on these programs, you should find many or most of your answers here!

We also saw a post by Jeff Belonger entitled Reverse Mortgages - FHA Style..... ~ This post is very informative when it comes to demonstrating how the FHA model works with Reverse Mortgages.

8. Lenders Left Standing...Let's Make A List :) by Scott Parsons ~ Although this list is short, I like the concept of somehow having a list for Members Only to access. It would afford each of us new opportunities for banks we may not yet be familiar with. I would love to hear your thoughts, and I know that Scott would as well!

Scott also wrote a post regarding the politics that late 2007 and early 2008 brings to the surface. A heated and interesting read, I enjoyed it thoroughly, and I look forward to seeing more comments as you read it too. Scott's post on the topic is titled as Obama makes me MAD! Your two cents are welcome here as well!

7. Really Simple Currency Investing Creates More US Money by Robert D. Ashby~ What I thought may be too "technical" truly was simple and seemingly solid advice. I know that Robert is a bit predisposed as of late, but his knowledge is appreciated here whatever he can share! :)

6. Which One is Better? Realtor or Loan Officer...Inquiring minds want to know!! by Jeff Belonger (again) ~ Jeff does a great job sticking to his guns and trying to get the opinions of people in these professions. It is fun to read, as people attempt to be political, Jeff, calls them to the carpet and asks that they choose one over the other -- just for arguments sake!

**My disclosure goes here...I am not in any way attempting to kiss a** when it comes to Jeff. In fact, as I told him, I tried to avoid his posts in general. The truth is, I felt (and feel) as though these topics/blogs were good. If y9u know me at all, you know that no one gets star treatment from me, and that I am decidedly my own person. My husband can even verify that should you have any question. As can my mother...As can...you get the picture!

5. Do You Have A Broken ARM? by Cecilia Marlow~ Cecilia's insight and encouraging methods seem almost commonsensical. However, it is something that we forget all too often. A fabulous insight as to what we should do to help strengthen our business!

4. The Power of Media and Countrywide by Matthew Blum~ For many months I have been frustrated with the media and their portrayal of this market and economy. Bad news sells, or so they say. In this case, we see the bad news cause a "NOT" selling of perfectly viable sales. Thanks, Matthew, for bringing this problem to the surface again!

3. Moral Hazard; The Bank Made Me Do It! by Mike Jones~ Written with a clear vision of the challenges we may be facing in great number, this post challenges us as LO's to make the right moral decision. At the same time, it further challenges us to educate our clients. Reading this post will make you more aware of the politics occurring without our knowledge.

2. Part Time Loan Officers by Jeff Judges ~ This post brought up some terrific points and a lot of passion about why we do our job, what we believe makes it vital for Loan Officers to be full time, and even what education should be required to keep "jokers out". Thank you, too, Jeff for taking the time to comment back to each and every reader!

AND AS THIS WEEKS #! (In My Humble Opinion) is.....

<drumroll please....>

1. Apocalypse How? Becoming A Cockroach In A Survivors' Market by Jason Sardi ~ Jason, a Loan Officer, appeals across the board on this one. Realtors, Mortgage Professionals, and anyone involved in this business knows that we have had a few challenges. In this candid view of the current conditions, Jason weaves the cockroach into this business, but in a good way. Read it to find out why being a cockroach is not all that bad.

I hope that this week's review brought new submissions and new writers to your attention, as it did mine. It was quite a task to read through so many blogs. Some need some help, others just need to spend some time developing their blogs. Most, however, are truly experts in your fields. It was a real pleasure...thank you for sharing! Now, for the future of Mortgage Pro Week in Review:

1. Bill Nazur 12/03/07 through 12/09/07 An optimist who isn't afraid to look to the future, he's great!
2. Mike Mueller 12/10/07 through 12/16/07 As a seasoned speaker, his writing is a must read, too!
3. Cheryl Hale 12/17/07 through 12/23/07 New to AR, but not to the business. She is a don't miss!

Mortgage blogs by loan officers (Posts) Here is a list of Loan Officers. If you are not listed, please email Jeff Belonger to be added. This way the person doing the Mortgage Pro week in review can try and find most mortgage related posts in one section. Active Rain is growing rapidly and it is difficult to keep up.... If you think you have been ignored, you have not. This is open to all!!!

MORTGAGE PRO Week in Review A repository for the Mortgage Week in Review.

There will be no recreations of any type regarding the titles or content of this group or Review without the permission and expressed written consent of the Group's founder- Copyright 2007^©

^{Sarah K Eubanks of Hill Valley Financial Services is an experienced and hard working Loan Consultant. Phone her with any mortgage needs, whether residential or commercial. You will leave a satisfied client and a client for life.}

^503-442-1349

^{sarah@hillvalleyfinancial..com}

^{www.hillvalleyfinancial.com/saraheubanks}

Okay, here is where you may want to quit this blog. I am warning you! If you are one with a weak stomach, scan past this next sentence.

I DO NOT CARE!!

On Saturday, 1 December 2007, the University of Oregon Ducks host the Oregon State University Beavers in the 111th annual Civil War game. This game is to be held in Eugene at Autzen Stadium. For the past ten years, the home team has been the victor, with Oregon leading the games 55-45-10 overall. I do not know how each state is with respect to their rivals, but I can tell you that Oregon and Oregon State fans are wildly loyal to the team which they support. Additionally, most Oregonians (native or otherwise) are believers and fans of one team or another. For the most part, they do not cross over into one another's territory! It is almost sacred ground.

To me, however, it is largely different. I am a private school girl, mostly. Having not attended either major University in Oregon, I hold no sense of extreme loyalty. For that, many people believe I am a cardinal sinner. I beg to differ. To me, I see this whole deal as sibling rivalry. Here is my bottom line...if any Oregon team is playing, I will cheer for that team to beat any other team. I mean, let's face it...I do not care if the Beavers or the Ducks are playing UCLA, I do not care which sport it is. I just want an Oregon team to win. It only helps to bring us some notoriety and fame, after all. I mean, the PAC 10 is becoming a respectable conference. So, yes, the Civil War is here. But, to me...it is all just sibling rivalry. I must confess though, that I will cheer for one more than the other when the two universities match up head to head and toe to toe.

During this year's Civil War, as with the 11 years prior, I will be cheering on the Oregon State Beavers. I call myself a Beavers fan by default, as my completely terrific husband is an engineering graduate from their renowned engineering program. We will wear our orange and black, sit glued to the television and spend the afternoon as a family rooting for those Beavs. They won last year. We were at Reser Stadium, in the rain, freezing our hands, feet, and buns off ~ yet having the time of our lives...as a family! This year we will do so from the comfort of the living room, and with those people whom we love...our siblings. There will be no rivalry in that house. Only love. Love for our family, and for the game which willbring us all back together!

So, tomorrow I will be MIA for a few hours. But when it is all over, I will be watching, reading, and writing! Enjoy your weekend! :)

C'mon everyone! It is time to get in on this action....

There is an infection floating around here in the Rain. It is highly contagious and I hope that there is no vaccine to cure this ~ I hope that more and more people choose infection over sterile hearts. I hope that people will -at least for the holidays - go beyond themselves and look for ways to spread this particular kind of hope.

You see, we Oregonians happen to live in the United States if America. Which means, we also happen to have soldiers...soldiers from right here in our neighborhoods...putting their lives on the line for us. Whether you agree or disagree with the war, I hope that your heart and soul still feel thankful for those individuals (and their families), who each day make decisions that I would never want to make!

As Oregonians, we have been known to be a very generous and friendly "people", and might I say that the reputation is well deserved. :) As such, I am going to spread the contaminant in the hopes that each one of you reading this post will respond with thankfulness. A heart demonstrating the love and appreciation that we are known for. An action speaking louder than mere words. An action which requires nothing more than a few moments of your time. And yet, could make a world of difference to someone who feels worlds away!!

Let's say thanks to our soldiers who are representing us and our country. We can do this simply by sending a free greeting card. Xerox is sponsoring this terrific initiative...again, it is both simple to do and free. What nicer way to allow everyone to contribute, regardless of finances?

Now, as I had mentioned, this is an epidemic infection in Active Rain. We are on a mission to get this act of love posted on all localism sites, so that we can encourage our troops. I first saw this blog through a colleague of mine by the name of Armando Rodriguez. When I saw his posting, I included the information on how to send the cards on my blog entitled Hands on for the Holidays. Then, today I saw my friend, Jason Crouch discussing how he had read one Margaret Woda'sblog on the same topic. While reading her comments, I discovered the suggestion that we should try to get it posted on all localism sites. A terrific idea, here is my contribution to the Portland/Vancouver area. So, go ahead, send a card. Send a prayer.

I will be watching, reading, and writing...hoping you are too! :)

UPDATE ~ Todd Clark of Beaverton also wrote a blog regarding a program here in Oregon, which benefits the soldiers' families. The program is called Hometown Heroes. Check this one out, too and see how you are able to contribute!

In the event that you missed my first post on the Twelve Days of Safety ~~, I will let you know that I decided to write a few posts reminding us all of basic safety precautions to take during the holiday season.

Please understand, I am not insinuating that the readers are clueless as to keeping themselves (and others) safe. Rather, I lecture you because I care. :) Today's topic is a touchy one, for sure. So, let us take a little journey...

We are at an Active Rain gathering...a Christmas party! Here we are dancing to the tune of Mr. Roboto, while we sip the sparkling champagne that was served to us. Never mind that we had already had a few tart pomegranate martinis, and never stopped to eat anything throughout the day. When we finish the champagne and the dance, we sit down for a moment. Dizzy. Justifying that we are dizzy because we never ate anything. Besides (as with almost all catered events) the food here is picked over and not all that good. So we should probably head for home...or at least a restaurant. We know that if all else fails, Taco Bell is still open. What time is it anyway?? Time does fly when you are having fun!

So, as you may have guessed, my safety precaution today is to drink moderately, and if you are going to drink more than a glass of wine...even if there is just the potential for more than one glass of wine, take a cab. Or have a designated driver. We owe it not just to ourselves and to our families. We owe it to the cars we endanger as we speed, swerve, and even fll asleep behind the wheel.

I am no "party pooper". I will be out celebrating like the rest of this class. I will not over indulge in this area, though. There is just too much at risk to justify the fun of the moment. For details on drunk driving during the holidays, visit MADD's page and find out how you can "Tie One On for Safety".

Please make sure that you enjoy the Christmas season...by making sure that you are here to enjoy it with your family and friends. And, if you need help obtaining a ride home, phone a friend, or a cab. If you are in the Portland area...you can even phone me at 503.442.1349. Happy Christmas!

I will be watching, reading, and writing! :)