Podcasts about getting together

 Bridge Engineering: Part 1Two broken, single parents find healing.Based on a post by Architect 23 94, in 3 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Connected.And so it began. The start of another school year. I pulled my Jeep into the school grounds and took my place in the waiting drop-off lane. Children scurried about the school grounds with crisp back-to-school clothes and brightly colored backpacks not yet soiled and tattered from use. I winced internally as numerous mothers hugged their little ones, sent them into the building, and tearfully departed.My Elizabeth unfastened her seatbelt and eagerly fidgeted on the edge of the seat as we crept forward in line. Upon arrival at the designated unloading zone, Lizzie contorted herself over the center console and gave me a tight, all-consuming hug. "I love you Daddy!" she shouted as a volunteer parent opened the car door. And with that, she was gone in a flash. The volunteer and I just smiled at each other and shrugged our shoulders.In a repeat of years past, I drove away with a feeling of emptiness. Lizzie and I spent every minute of the summer together and I grew accustomed to her as my constant companion. It seemed like just yesterday that I dropped her off for the first day of preschool. Today it's third grade. How fast will the remaining years fly by before she leaves me all alone?I spent the day in a nearby coffee shop distractedly conducting business via email on my laptop. It wasn't rational, but somehow it felt better knowing I was only a couple minutes from the school, and from Lizzie. Time passed excruciatingly slow and I struggled to resist going to the school and being one of 'those' helicopter parents. Well, school ends at 2:50. I held out until 2:15.I was third in the line of vehicles waiting for pick-up and my eyes anxiously scanned the mass of children emerging from the school doors. It wasn't long before I spotted Lizzie joyfully skipping hand-in-hand with a girl I didn't recognize. She was rail thin, had a very lightly tanned skin tone, and towered above Lizzie. That wasn't too surprising since Lizzie took after her very petite mother and also barely made the birthday cutoff for her grade, but this girl was quite a bit taller than the average third grader.The girls zig-zagged as they skipped down the sidewalk with swinging arms and bouncing hair. Lizzie's straight and amber brown, her friend's a loose mass of dark curls. Lizzie spotted my Jeep and pointed it out to her friend. They hugged goodbye with Lizzie's arms around her friend's waist, and her friend's arms around Lizzie's head. I smiled at the height contrast and felt a sense of relief as Lizzie ran toward the Jeep.She climbed in and frantically began telling me everything about her day, a flood of words pouring from her mouth as if a damn holding them back had burst, "My teacher is Mrs. Pierpont and she is really nice and she has red hair. A boy named Alex sits next to me and he has shiny shoes. I had a hot dog for lunch and; and; and;”My heart felt comfort as she sat next to me and I heard the happiness in her voice. I needed her near me and to know that everything was ok.Lizzie had talked non-stop for 10 minutes and was still going as we headed toward home. The small-town streets gave way to a rural two-lane road as we headed out of town, and eventually the tires crunched along the gravel road leading to our house in the woods. It was the tranquil setting that I needed when Lizzie and I moved here 8 years ago."; and I met a new friend. Her name is Toni, well it's really Antonia, but she wants to be called Toni. Kind of like my name is Elizabeth, but you call me Lizzie. She is really nice and really tall. She has a pet frog."I interrupted to ask, "Is that who you were skipping with after school?""Yes, she in my class but she doesn't sit next to me. I met her when we were in line for lunch and we sat together. She brought a salad from home and bought a milk in the lunch line. She just moved here from somewhere else. Can I bring lunch from home tomorrow?"I patted her knee with my hand and said, "Of course, you can sweetie." as we parked in front of the house.It wasn't a large house but was plenty of space for the two of us. There was a great room, kitchen and half bathroom on the main level; two bedroom-bathroom suites and a loft space on the second level; and a semi-finished basement that I had been slowly working on for several years. It had all the modern technology and conveniences but was built with a rustic charm complementing its setting in the woods.We kicked our shoes off in the mudroom and Lizzie discarded her backpack into the coat cubby by the door. Lizzie, or more accurately, I, survived the first day of the school year. Only 179 more to go.Getting In A Rhythm.Lizzie and I settled into the school year rhythm over the next couple weeks and I began to slowly let go of my separation anxiety. Every day, I dropped her off at school, worked from home, then picked her up from school. Evenings were filled with homework, dinner preparation, and some form of relaxing time together. Lizzie particularly enjoyed walking in the woods and making up imaginary games with sticks, leaves, rocks, or other things she would find along the way. The grand finale of her outdoor adventures was always spending some time on a rope swing that I had hung from a tall oak tree. Other nights we might occupy ourselves with board games, cards, or television as the mood struck us. At the end of every night, Lizzie would get ready for bed then we would spend about a half-hour talking and reading a book of her choice before turning off the lights.I also noticed another pattern forming in those first few weeks of school. Lizzie was talking more and more about her new friend, Toni. They waited for each other to arrive in the mornings before going into the school together and would always emerge side-by-side in the afternoons. They were quickly becoming inseparable and I was happy to see her form that kind of relationship. Like me, Lizzie had always been socially reserved with only a few limited friendships.I saw her reserved personality opening up more and more with Toni, so one evening when Lizzie asked if she could invite her to play at our house, I readily agreed. I wrote my name and cell phone number on a note pad before tearing it out and handing it to Lizzie, "Ask her to have her parents call me and we will see if we can setup a time to play."Lizzie squealed and bounced up and down in excitement. She continued bouncing all the way to the mudroom and safely deposited the note in her backpack.Introductions.It was a couple days later, mid-morning on Thursday, that I answered a call from a number I didn't recognize. Thinking it was likely a business call, I answered, "Hello, this is David."A friendly but hesitant female voice replied, "Hi, I'm Stefani, Toni's mom.""Hi Stefani. It's nice to meet you, well, over the phone at least. Lizzie has been so excited to play with Toni!""Yes, I've heard a lot about Lizzie over the last couple weeks. Toni is excited too."I got down to details and asked, "When is Toni available?""Would Saturday afternoon, maybe around 1:00, work for you?""Yes, that would be just fine." Not knowing how many facts about our home life found its way to Toni's parents, I tried to be understanding of the fact that people can be cautious of sending their children, especially girls, to a single father's house. I tentatively asked, "Where would Toni be most comfortable? Lizzie would love for her to come here, or we are happy to meet at Triangle Park. Whatever works best for you."Stefani thought for a brief second, then replied, "Would you be comfortable dropping Lizzie off at our house for a couple hours?"I noticed that she said, "drop her off for a couple hours," which clearly meant I was not invited to stay. However, I didn't think much of it since a dad hanging around during a play date in someone else's house would be awkward at best."Yes, I'm sure Lizzie would enjoy that."Stefani gave me the address, then we exchanged closing words and ended the call. I sat and reflected on the conversation for a few moments. It all seemed very normal. Stefani seemed "normal" and was pleasant enough, though I sensed a business-like tone in her voice. I shrugged it off thinking, "How much can you tell from a 2-minute phone call?"Getting Together.I told Lizzie the news when I picked her up from school. She shrieked with excitement, did a little dance in her seat, and began counting the hours until 1:00 Saturday. She definitely got that over-enjoyment of simple things in life, and the dancing talent, from her mother!Saturday eventually arrived, although much too slowly for Lizzie's liking. After lunch, we hopped into the Jeep and rode into town with Lizzie impatiently fidgeting in the passenger seat the whole way. We pulled onto Depot Street near downtown and Lizzie helped me scan for the mailbox with the correct house number. I saw it from a distance and slowed down so she could have the discovery."There it is! There it is! 2 1 5!" she screamed.I brought the Jeep to a stop in front of a small, well-kept bungalow style home with an impressive display of annual flowers by the front steps. As soon as we stopped, Toni burst out the front door and bounded down the porch steps in a single leap. Likewise, Lizzie unfastened her seatbelt and threw open the door in one fluid motion. They met midway across the yard in a full speed, shrieking embrace.I smiled at their innocent joy as I unbuckled my seatbelt and walked around the Jeep toward the house. As I did, the front door opened and a tall, slender lady stepped out onto the porch in bare feet, wearing fashionably weathered blue jeans and a buff color corded sweater. She appeared to be in her early 30s and looked like the identical, older version of Toni. She was maybe around 5 foot 10, tall and had the same slender build, with addition of modest womanly curves at her hips and chest. Her chiseled facial features and shoulder length dark curls were also a matured version of Toni's.I approached the porch and offered a cheery "Hello! I'm David, nice to meet you."She crossed her arms and somewhat coldly replied, "Hi David," then with a voice inflection that implied more of an assertion than a question said, "Would it be ok for you to pick Lizzie up at 3:00?"I sensed the invisible barrier she was erecting and halted my progress toward the porch."Yes, that would be fine. I'll see you then."As I turned away to walk back to the Jeep, she flatly said, "Please don't be late."I didn't reply to her, but turned my attention to Lizzie and said loudly enough for my demander to hear, "Have fun girls! I'll be back Before 3:00 to pick you up Lizzie."While the lady on the porch didn't introduce herself, the voice matched Stefani's from our phone call a few days ago, and was equally business-like in demeanor. It's difficult to describe. She didn't project a mean or nasty personality that would have made me wary of leaving Lizzie, but she was definitely keeping her distance. The mystery of it piqued my curiosity and made me realize that, as much as Lizzie talked about Toni, she hadn't told me anything about her family.I ran a couple errands around town and returned to Lizzie's house at 2:50, ten minutes early. When I pulled up I saw numerous toys strewn across the front yard and heard playing voices and squeals coming from behind the house. Since I was early, I leisurely wandered the front yard picking up hula-hoops, jump ropes, a bicycle, and a few balls. As I deposited the last couple items into a neat pile next to the driveway, I heard Stefani's voice behind me softly say, "Thank you, you didn't need to do that."I turned to face her as she stood on the porch in the same jeans and sweater she had on earlier, "No worries. I was a little early and didn't want to intrude."With her arms crossed in front of her, Stefani somewhat timidly said, "Thank you for that too; for being early."Just then, the girls came running around the corner of the house screaming, "Spider! Spider! Spider!"I looked at Stefani, smiled and shrugged my shoulders. I corralled Lizzie and said, "It's time to go, is there anything you need to clean up?"Toni answered for her, "No, we just had toys out in the front yard. I'll put them in the garage."The girls pleaded for another play date as they hugged. Stefani simply answered, "We'll see."I gave a quick wave goodbye as Lizzie and I climbed in the Jeep and pulled away.Drop-offs and Pick-ups.Over the next few days, the pattern of school drop-offs and pick-ups with Lizzie and Toni as an inseparable pair continued, and Lizzie begged me relentlessly for another out-of-school play date with Toni. Given Stefani's tepid response at the end of the last play date, I was hesitant to initiate. However, Lizzie's continued insistence eventually wore me down and I made the phone call that Thursday.Stefani answered the phone with a simple, "Hello.""Hi Stefani. This is Lizzie's dad, David. How are you today?"She answered somewhat suspiciously, "I'm fine."After a second of not receiving any more of a response, I stumbled a bit with my words and added, "Uh, Lizzie would really like to get together with Toni again. I; I was just calling to see if you would be open to that."Stefani questioned sharply, "Why are you asking if I'm open to it?"I stumbled some more, "Uh; well; you sounded a little hesitant at the end of the last play date and; and I didn't want to be presumptuous about them getting together again."She coldly answered, "I'm fine with it.""Okay, good. It seems Lizzie and Toni are becoming fast friends."In an ever-so-slightly warmer tone of voice, Stefani asked, "When and where are you thinking?""How about Saturday afternoon again? Wherever you would prefer is fine with us.""Yes, that works. Saturday afternoon at 3:00. How about our house again?"I replied, "Sounds good. We'll see you then." before we exchanged goodbyes. I ended the cell phone call and loudly exhaled my relief that the awkward conversation was over.Building Friendships.The beginning of the second play date went much like the first; screaming girls happy to see each other, a cold reception from Stefani, and a firm directive to be there on-time to pick up Lizzie. It also ended similarly to the first play date. I arrived early, exchanged a few short words with Stefani, and gently guided Lizzie to the Jeep as the girls begged for more time together. This same routine became standard procedure over the next several weeks and a half dozen more play dates.The only change to the pattern occurred after the first few play dates, when Stefani and I began texting each other to make arrangements rather than talking on the phone. The texting suited me just fine as it avoided the awkwardness of our previous telephone conversations.Eventually, Lizzie started asking if Toni could come to our house to play. I avoided the subject as long as possible since I wasn't sure how Stefani would feel about Toni coming to a single father's house or, for that matter, even how much she knew about our family situation. After an especially persuasive appeal from Lizzie one afternoon, I caved and picked up my phone to text Stefani.I wasn't sure how to best approach the question and, after several re-writes, settled on a minimal and factual approach, "Hi Stefani. Lizzie would like to invite Toni over to our house for a play date."A couple hours later my phone buzzed with the simple reply, "Okay. When?"After a few exchanges of date options, we settled on that Thursday after school. Stefani offered to drop her off and I sent her our address.I told Lizzie the plan and she immediately began formulating a list of all the things they would do. The two activities that kept rising to the top were to show Toni her bedroom and play on a bridge that she and I had built over a small creek in the woods.It was a simple bridge made by spanning a couple logs from bank to bank, then covering them with old rough sawn slab wood for a walking surface that was about 6-feet wide. It wasn't much, but it was sufficient to occasionally get my small tractor to the other side of the creek and it was one of Lizzie's favorite spots in the world; running over it, throwing stones into the water, looking for crayfish, watching the squirrels and chipmunks, sliding on the frozen stream in the winter, etc. If the weather was nice, she would sometimes do her homework laying belly down on the bridge with her elbows propping up her upper body.It was also her spot of solace when she was sad or upset. She would sit on the edge swinging her feet below her until the surrounding woods healed whatever was bothering her. Eventually, she would meander her way back to the house in a much better mood than she left.She and I were a lot alike in that respect. It was the very reason I bought the property when we moved here, to get away from life and let nature heal some wounds.Inseparable.Lizzie was positively giddy during the ride home from school on Thursday. She recapped the list of things she had planned to show and do with Toni. I reminded her to be a good host and do the things that Toni wants to do, though I suspected that would easily be worked out between the now inseparable friends.As Lizzie shed her backpack and shoes in the mudroom, she asked, "Can we make chocolate chip cookies before Toni gets here?""Sure, I think we have all the ingredients. Start getting everything out."We had made cookies together enough that Lizzie knew where everything was located. She rushed around pulling ingredients, mixing bowls, and baking sheets out of the pantry. After confirming everything needed was present, Lizzie started measuring ingredients into the mixing bowl. I stood by to lend assistance when needed and occasionally clarify a fractional measurement or the difference between teaspoons and tablespoons.Other than a little incident with the flour, Lizzie did a great job mixing the cookie dough. Together, we spooned balls of dough onto baking sheets and put the first tray into the oven. Lizzie set the timer and I suggested she go clean the flour off her arms and face while they were baking.I cleaned errant flour from the countertop and floor while Lizzie washed up. Just as I finished and began to load the dirty bowls and mixing utensils into the dishwasher, the oven timer chimed and there was a knock at the front door almost simultaneously.Lizzie heard it and ran full speed to the door. I quickly dried my hands and hit the button to silenc

 Bridge Engineering: Part 1Two broken, single parents find healing.Based on a post by Architect 23 94, in 3 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Connected.And so it began. The start of another school year. I pulled my Jeep into the school grounds and took my place in the waiting drop-off lane. Children scurried about the school grounds with crisp back-to-school clothes and brightly colored backpacks not yet soiled and tattered from use. I winced internally as numerous mothers hugged their little ones, sent them into the building, and tearfully departed.My Elizabeth unfastened her seatbelt and eagerly fidgeted on the edge of the seat as we crept forward in line. Upon arrival at the designated unloading zone, Lizzie contorted herself over the center console and gave me a tight, all-consuming hug. "I love you Daddy!" she shouted as a volunteer parent opened the car door. And with that, she was gone in a flash. The volunteer and I just smiled at each other and shrugged our shoulders.In a repeat of years past, I drove away with a feeling of emptiness. Lizzie and I spent every minute of the summer together and I grew accustomed to her as my constant companion. It seemed like just yesterday that I dropped her off for the first day of preschool. Today it's third grade. How fast will the remaining years fly by before she leaves me all alone?I spent the day in a nearby coffee shop distractedly conducting business via email on my laptop. It wasn't rational, but somehow it felt better knowing I was only a couple minutes from the school, and from Lizzie. Time passed excruciatingly slow and I struggled to resist going to the school and being one of 'those' helicopter parents. Well, school ends at 2:50. I held out until 2:15.I was third in the line of vehicles waiting for pick-up and my eyes anxiously scanned the mass of children emerging from the school doors. It wasn't long before I spotted Lizzie joyfully skipping hand-in-hand with a girl I didn't recognize. She was rail thin, had a very lightly tanned skin tone, and towered above Lizzie. That wasn't too surprising since Lizzie took after her very petite mother and also barely made the birthday cutoff for her grade, but this girl was quite a bit taller than the average third grader.The girls zig-zagged as they skipped down the sidewalk with swinging arms and bouncing hair. Lizzie's straight and amber brown, her friend's a loose mass of dark curls. Lizzie spotted my Jeep and pointed it out to her friend. They hugged goodbye with Lizzie's arms around her friend's waist, and her friend's arms around Lizzie's head. I smiled at the height contrast and felt a sense of relief as Lizzie ran toward the Jeep.She climbed in and frantically began telling me everything about her day, a flood of words pouring from her mouth as if a damn holding them back had burst, "My teacher is Mrs. Pierpont and she is really nice and she has red hair. A boy named Alex sits next to me and he has shiny shoes. I had a hot dog for lunch and; and; and;”My heart felt comfort as she sat next to me and I heard the happiness in her voice. I needed her near me and to know that everything was ok.Lizzie had talked non-stop for 10 minutes and was still going as we headed toward home. The small-town streets gave way to a rural two-lane road as we headed out of town, and eventually the tires crunched along the gravel road leading to our house in the woods. It was the tranquil setting that I needed when Lizzie and I moved here 8 years ago."; and I met a new friend. Her name is Toni, well it's really Antonia, but she wants to be called Toni. Kind of like my name is Elizabeth, but you call me Lizzie. She is really nice and really tall. She has a pet frog."I interrupted to ask, "Is that who you were skipping with after school?""Yes, she in my class but she doesn't sit next to me. I met her when we were in line for lunch and we sat together. She brought a salad from home and bought a milk in the lunch line. She just moved here from somewhere else. Can I bring lunch from home tomorrow?"I patted her knee with my hand and said, "Of course, you can sweetie." as we parked in front of the house.It wasn't a large house but was plenty of space for the two of us. There was a great room, kitchen and half bathroom on the main level; two bedroom-bathroom suites and a loft space on the second level; and a semi-finished basement that I had been slowly working on for several years. It had all the modern technology and conveniences but was built with a rustic charm complementing its setting in the woods.We kicked our shoes off in the mudroom and Lizzie discarded her backpack into the coat cubby by the door. Lizzie, or more accurately, I, survived the first day of the school year. Only 179 more to go.Getting In A Rhythm.Lizzie and I settled into the school year rhythm over the next couple weeks and I began to slowly let go of my separation anxiety. Every day, I dropped her off at school, worked from home, then picked her up from school. Evenings were filled with homework, dinner preparation, and some form of relaxing time together. Lizzie particularly enjoyed walking in the woods and making up imaginary games with sticks, leaves, rocks, or other things she would find along the way. The grand finale of her outdoor adventures was always spending some time on a rope swing that I had hung from a tall oak tree. Other nights we might occupy ourselves with board games, cards, or television as the mood struck us. At the end of every night, Lizzie would get ready for bed then we would spend about a half-hour talking and reading a book of her choice before turning off the lights.I also noticed another pattern forming in those first few weeks of school. Lizzie was talking more and more about her new friend, Toni. They waited for each other to arrive in the mornings before going into the school together and would always emerge side-by-side in the afternoons. They were quickly becoming inseparable and I was happy to see her form that kind of relationship. Like me, Lizzie had always been socially reserved with only a few limited friendships.I saw her reserved personality opening up more and more with Toni, so one evening when Lizzie asked if she could invite her to play at our house, I readily agreed. I wrote my name and cell phone number on a note pad before tearing it out and handing it to Lizzie, "Ask her to have her parents call me and we will see if we can setup a time to play."Lizzie squealed and bounced up and down in excitement. She continued bouncing all the way to the mudroom and safely deposited the note in her backpack.Introductions.It was a couple days later, mid-morning on Thursday, that I answered a call from a number I didn't recognize. Thinking it was likely a business call, I answered, "Hello, this is David."A friendly but hesitant female voice replied, "Hi, I'm Stefani, Toni's mom.""Hi Stefani. It's nice to meet you, well, over the phone at least. Lizzie has been so excited to play with Toni!""Yes, I've heard a lot about Lizzie over the last couple weeks. Toni is excited too."I got down to details and asked, "When is Toni available?""Would Saturday afternoon, maybe around 1:00, work for you?""Yes, that would be just fine." Not knowing how many facts about our home life found its way to Toni's parents, I tried to be understanding of the fact that people can be cautious of sending their children, especially girls, to a single father's house. I tentatively asked, "Where would Toni be most comfortable? Lizzie would love for her to come here, or we are happy to meet at Triangle Park. Whatever works best for you."Stefani thought for a brief second, then replied, "Would you be comfortable dropping Lizzie off at our house for a couple hours?"I noticed that she said, "drop her off for a couple hours," which clearly meant I was not invited to stay. However, I didn't think much of it since a dad hanging around during a play date in someone else's house would be awkward at best."Yes, I'm sure Lizzie would enjoy that."Stefani gave me the address, then we exchanged closing words and ended the call. I sat and reflected on the conversation for a few moments. It all seemed very normal. Stefani seemed "normal" and was pleasant enough, though I sensed a business-like tone in her voice. I shrugged it off thinking, "How much can you tell from a 2-minute phone call?"Getting Together.I told Lizzie the news when I picked her up from school. She shrieked with excitement, did a little dance in her seat, and began counting the hours until 1:00 Saturday. She definitely got that over-enjoyment of simple things in life, and the dancing talent, from her mother!Saturday eventually arrived, although much too slowly for Lizzie's liking. After lunch, we hopped into the Jeep and rode into town with Lizzie impatiently fidgeting in the passenger seat the whole way. We pulled onto Depot Street near downtown and Lizzie helped me scan for the mailbox with the correct house number. I saw it from a distance and slowed down so she could have the discovery."There it is! There it is! 2 1 5!" she screamed.I brought the Jeep to a stop in front of a small, well-kept bungalow style home with an impressive display of annual flowers by the front steps. As soon as we stopped, Toni burst out the front door and bounded down the porch steps in a single leap. Likewise, Lizzie unfastened her seatbelt and threw open the door in one fluid motion. They met midway across the yard in a full speed, shrieking embrace.I smiled at their innocent joy as I unbuckled my seatbelt and walked around the Jeep toward the house. As I did, the front door opened and a tall, slender lady stepped out onto the porch in bare feet, wearing fashionably weathered blue jeans and a buff color corded sweater. She appeared to be in her early 30s and looked like the identical, older version of Toni. She was maybe around 5 foot 10, tall and had the same slender build, with addition of modest womanly curves at her hips and chest. Her chiseled facial features and shoulder length dark curls were also a matured version of Toni's.I approached the porch and offered a cheery "Hello! I'm David, nice to meet you."She crossed her arms and somewhat coldly replied, "Hi David," then with a voice inflection that implied more of an assertion than a question said, "Would it be ok for you to pick Lizzie up at 3:00?"I sensed the invisible barrier she was erecting and halted my progress toward the porch."Yes, that would be fine. I'll see you then."As I turned away to walk back to the Jeep, she flatly said, "Please don't be late."I didn't reply to her, but turned my attention to Lizzie and said loudly enough for my demander to hear, "Have fun girls! I'll be back Before 3:00 to pick you up Lizzie."While the lady on the porch didn't introduce herself, the voice matched Stefani's from our phone call a few days ago, and was equally business-like in demeanor. It's difficult to describe. She didn't project a mean or nasty personality that would have made me wary of leaving Lizzie, but she was definitely keeping her distance. The mystery of it piqued my curiosity and made me realize that, as much as Lizzie talked about Toni, she hadn't told me anything about her family.I ran a couple errands around town and returned to Lizzie's house at 2:50, ten minutes early. When I pulled up I saw numerous toys strewn across the front yard and heard playing voices and squeals coming from behind the house. Since I was early, I leisurely wandered the front yard picking up hula-hoops, jump ropes, a bicycle, and a few balls. As I deposited the last couple items into a neat pile next to the driveway, I heard Stefani's voice behind me softly say, "Thank you, you didn't need to do that."I turned to face her as she stood on the porch in the same jeans and sweater she had on earlier, "No worries. I was a little early and didn't want to intrude."With her arms crossed in front of her, Stefani somewhat timidly said, "Thank you for that too; for being early."Just then, the girls came running around the corner of the house screaming, "Spider! Spider! Spider!"I looked at Stefani, smiled and shrugged my shoulders. I corralled Lizzie and said, "It's time to go, is there anything you need to clean up?"Toni answered for her, "No, we just had toys out in the front yard. I'll put them in the garage."The girls pleaded for another play date as they hugged. Stefani simply answered, "We'll see."I gave a quick wave goodbye as Lizzie and I climbed in the Jeep and pulled away.Drop-offs and Pick-ups.Over the next few days, the pattern of school drop-offs and pick-ups with Lizzie and Toni as an inseparable pair continued, and Lizzie begged me relentlessly for another out-of-school play date with Toni. Given Stefani's tepid response at the end of the last play date, I was hesitant to initiate. However, Lizzie's continued insistence eventually wore me down and I made the phone call that Thursday.Stefani answered the phone with a simple, "Hello.""Hi Stefani. This is Lizzie's dad, David. How are you today?"She answered somewhat suspiciously, "I'm fine."After a second of not receiving any more of a response, I stumbled a bit with my words and added, "Uh, Lizzie would really like to get together with Toni again. I; I was just calling to see if you would be open to that."Stefani questioned sharply, "Why are you asking if I'm open to it?"I stumbled some more, "Uh; well; you sounded a little hesitant at the end of the last play date and; and I didn't want to be presumptuous about them getting together again."She coldly answered, "I'm fine with it.""Okay, good. It seems Lizzie and Toni are becoming fast friends."In an ever-so-slightly warmer tone of voice, Stefani asked, "When and where are you thinking?""How about Saturday afternoon again? Wherever you would prefer is fine with us.""Yes, that works. Saturday afternoon at 3:00. How about our house again?"I replied, "Sounds good. We'll see you then." before we exchanged goodbyes. I ended the cell phone call and loudly exhaled my relief that the awkward conversation was over.Building Friendships.The beginning of the second play date went much like the first; screaming girls happy to see each other, a cold reception from Stefani, and a firm directive to be there on-time to pick up Lizzie. It also ended similarly to the first play date. I arrived early, exchanged a few short words with Stefani, and gently guided Lizzie to the Jeep as the girls begged for more time together. This same routine became standard procedure over the next several weeks and a half dozen more play dates.The only change to the pattern occurred after the first few play dates, when Stefani and I began texting each other to make arrangements rather than talking on the phone. The texting suited me just fine as it avoided the awkwardness of our previous telephone conversations.Eventually, Lizzie started asking if Toni could come to our house to play. I avoided the subject as long as possible since I wasn't sure how Stefani would feel about Toni coming to a single father's house or, for that matter, even how much she knew about our family situation. After an especially persuasive appeal from Lizzie one afternoon, I caved and picked up my phone to text Stefani.I wasn't sure how to best approach the question and, after several re-writes, settled on a minimal and factual approach, "Hi Stefani. Lizzie would like to invite Toni over to our house for a play date."A couple hours later my phone buzzed with the simple reply, "Okay. When?"After a few exchanges of date options, we settled on that Thursday after school. Stefani offered to drop her off and I sent her our address.I told Lizzie the plan and she immediately began formulating a list of all the things they would do. The two activities that kept rising to the top were to show Toni her bedroom and play on a bridge that she and I had built over a small creek in the woods.It was a simple bridge made by spanning a couple logs from bank to bank, then covering them with old rough sawn slab wood for a walking surface that was about 6-feet wide. It wasn't much, but it was sufficient to occasionally get my small tractor to the other side of the creek and it was one of Lizzie's favorite spots in the world; running over it, throwing stones into the water, looking for crayfish, watching the squirrels and chipmunks, sliding on the frozen stream in the winter, etc. If the weather was nice, she would sometimes do her homework laying belly down on the bridge with her elbows propping up her upper body.It was also her spot of solace when she was sad or upset. She would sit on the edge swinging her feet below her until the surrounding woods healed whatever was bothering her. Eventually, she would meander her way back to the house in a much better mood than she left.She and I were a lot alike in that respect. It was the very reason I bought the property when we moved here, to get away from life and let nature heal some wounds.Inseparable.Lizzie was positively giddy during the ride home from school on Thursday. She recapped the list of things she had planned to show and do with Toni. I reminded her to be a good host and do the things that Toni wants to do, though I suspected that would easily be worked out between the now inseparable friends.As Lizzie shed her backpack and shoes in the mudroom, she asked, "Can we make chocolate chip cookies before Toni gets here?""Sure, I think we have all the ingredients. Start getting everything out."We had made cookies together enough that Lizzie knew where everything was located. She rushed around pulling ingredients, mixing bowls, and baking sheets out of the pantry. After confirming everything needed was present, Lizzie started measuring ingredients into the mixing bowl. I stood by to lend assistance when needed and occasionally clarify a fractional measurement or the difference between teaspoons and tablespoons.Other than a little incident with the flour, Lizzie did a great job mixing the cookie dough. Together, we spooned balls of dough onto baking sheets and put the first tray into the oven. Lizzie set the timer and I suggested she go clean the flour off her arms and face while they were baking.I cleaned errant flour from the countertop and floor while Lizzie washed up. Just as I finished and began to load the dirty bowls and mixing utensils into the dishwasher, the oven timer chimed and there was a knock at the front door almost simultaneously.Lizzie heard it and ran full speed to the door. I quickly dried my hands and hit the button to silenc

Send us a textBackground: Co-founder of The Whispers with twin brother Wallace “Scotty” Scott in 1963.Career Highlights: Hits include “And the Beat Goes On” (1979), “Rock Steady”; eight Top 10 R&B albums; inducted into National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. Passing: Died June 26, 2025, at age 81 in Northridge, CA, after a six‑month cancer battle.Tributes: Celebrated by Questlove as “one of the most trusted voices in '70s soul music.”Early fame: Teen idol of the late 1960s/early '70s with bubblegum pop hits (“Little Woman,” “Julie, Do Ya Love Me”); starred in Here Come the Brides and Getting Together. Life after stardom: Became an EMT trainer for LAPD, reserve deputy sheriff, co‑founder of children's charity in Ghana.Passing: Died June 24, 2025, at age 81 from Stage 4 cancer, at his home in LA. Survived by wife Brigitte, two sons, 6 grandchildren. Tributes: Wife Brigitte and pal John Stamos shared heartfelt reflections on his courage, light, and service.And we honor 2 more too

The general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the importance of May Day, or International Workers' Day. Esther Lynch is in Paris to join the demonstrations here as she says the day is about celebrating how workers' friendship with each other – and their solidarity and unity – have won the rights that have been gained. Her organisation warns, though, that Europe should do more to protect jobs, and ensure it is not bullied out of its social model. She spoke to us in Perspective.

Gibson Johns interviews "Southern Hospitality" stars TJ Dinch and Bradley Carter ahead of the season 3 premiere on Thursday, January 3, all about the dramatic season premiere, the cast's ongoing relationship and friendship drama and much more. Support “Gabbing with Gib”: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gabbing-with-gib/support  Subscribe to "Gabbing with Gib" on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/471D8Gb Follow "Gabbing with Gib" on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3StiCtY  Follow "Gabbing with Gib" on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gabbingwithgib Follow "Gabbing with Gib" on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabbingwithgib  Follow Gibson Johns on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gibsonoma Follow Gibson Johns on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gibsonoma Follow Gibson Johns on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gibsonoma Subscribe to Gibson Johns' Newsletter: https://gibsonoma.substack.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gabbing-with-gib/support This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gibson Johns interviews "Southern Hospitality" stars TJ Dinch and Bradley Carter ahead of the season 3 premiere on Thursday, January 3, all about the dramatic season premiere, the cast's ongoing relationship and friendship drama and much more. Support “Gabbing with Gib”: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gabbing-with-gib/support   Subscribe to "Gabbing with Gib" on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/471D8Gb Follow "Gabbing with Gib" on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3StiCtY  Follow "Gabbing with Gib" on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gabbingwithgib Follow "Gabbing with Gib" on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabbingwithgib  Follow Gibson Johns on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gibsonoma Follow Gibson Johns on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gibsonoma Follow Gibson Johns on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gibsonoma Subscribe to Gibson Johns' Newsletter: https://gibsonoma.substack.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gabbing-with-gib/support

In this episode of Financial Clarity for Doctors, Corey and Rachelle tackle planning for couples.  Whether you are working on moving in with someone, getting married, or separating after a long-term relationship, you will have some big financial decisions.  Open communication can be key, but what should you even be talking about? Financial topics that affect couples include: The simple things like paying bills! How to manage banking and split household expenses. Questions of ownership. What if you owned a house and then got married? What if you bought real estate with a partner when you were NOT married? How to make sure your assets pass to the person you would like to have them if you pass unexpectedly. How and when to consider things like life insurance. How to get on the same page (or at least come to an understanding) on long-term goals like retirement savings. Just like with almost every relationship issue, talking openly about your current financial situation and your goals can be key to making sure there are not misunderstandings with your partner when it comes to money.  Many decisions about how to manage specifics are personal preference, but it's great to get on the same page if possible.  To hear more, listen to the full episode. For more financial planning tips from Corey and Rachelle, find them on social media! LinkedIn: @CoreyJanoff and @RachelleVanderzanden; Instagram: @CoreyJanoff and @VanderzandenRachelle; and Twitter: @CoreyJanoffCFP and @RachelleFinance  Discussions in this show should not be construed as specific recommendations or investment advice. Always consult with your investment professional before making important investment decisions. Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Finity Group, LLC and Cambridge are not affiliated. Cambridge does not offer tax or legal advice.

Four Golf Societies have got together to raise money for Croí Heart & Stroke Charity on the 7th of September.  The brainchild of Ulick O' Halloran, who many of you might recognise as the welcoming face behind the counter in Blakes Corner Bar, Galway city, the event will take place at  at Bearna Golf & Country Club. All monies raised from the event will be going directly to who'll be there on the day with their Mobile Health Unit running health screenings for all golfers who wish to avail of their services. The Societies involved are the Golf Societies of Tom Sheridans Bar Knocknacarra Galway, Blakes Bar. the Galway Arms  and the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Galway Branch. Ulick spoke to John Mulligan about the event and how people can take part.

Today, Pastor AJ Gillespie from Berkley Hills Church helps us understand how our everyday relationships have the potential to be radically impactful. If we follow what Hebrews 10:25-26 says, being people who encourage and challenge one another, this can bring about about protection from sin and expose blind spots so that we can become more like Christ. Through the “PB & J" series, we're exploring how to experience the extraordinary presence of God in the midst of our very ordinary lives. --- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday! Through the summer at 9AM and 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided ============= Stay Connected! ============= Website: http://localchurchgr.org Local Church Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Local Church Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! - https://localchurchgr.org/care

Darts fans in Galway are in for a treat on Saturday next when PDC Star Dave Chisnell visits the city for a special exhibition.  The event, in Kennedys Eyre Square, is a family friendly event starting at 3pm.  There is also a charitable side to the exhibition with the proceeds going to Galway Hospice.  Liam Maloney joined John in studio during Saturday Sport to talk about it. 

In this bonus series for Patreon subscribers, Tom takes Emerald through chapter 4 of author Paddy Manning's epic history of the Australian Greens movement, “Inside The Greens: The Origins and Future of the Party, the People and the Politics.” In this instalment - Drew Hutton, Graham Richardson , Labor thugs threaten Green candidates, Ian Cohen, early Sydney Greens, Socialist Workers and DSP, the Getting Together conference, the 1990 “green election,” a Greens-Democrat alliance is proposed, and finally, the national party is formed! —-  Subscribe on Patreon to support the show and check out all our bonus Patreon eps with guests like Lee Rhiannon, Geraldine Hickey, Max Chandler-Mather, Michael Berkman, Wil Anderson, Cam Wilson, Tom Tanuki and Jon Kudelka, and deep dives into topics like intergenerational warfare, Taylor Swift, Ralph Babet, THE GIANTS movie and the life of Bob Brown, when Friendlyjordies owned us, war crimes, vaping, psychedelic-assisted therapy, killer robots (with Emerald's sister!), a debrief of the 2022 federal results, whether the Greens are too woke, the 18-year plan for Greens government, whether lawns should be banned, Greens memes, bad takes, Joe Hildebrand's small brain, CPAC, Aussie political sketch comedy, internal Greens party shenanigans, and whether a Greens government would lead to the apocalypse. https://www.patreon.com/SeriousDangerAU  Links - Buy Inside The Greens - https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/inside-greens  Paddy Manning - https://twitter.com/gpaddymanning  Lee Rihannon's Inside Inside The Greens website - http://www.inside-insidethegreens.com.au/  Produced by Michael Griffin Follow us on https://twitter.com/SeriousDangerAU https://www.instagram.com/seriousdangerau  https://www.tiktok.com/@seriousdangerau Support the show: http://patreon.com/seriousdangerauSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference May 30-31 features presentations and technical programming to help small towns create environments where entrepreneurs can thrive. It includes information on agricultural entrepreneurship or "agri-preneurs". Kyle Vesperman is one of the featured panelists. His family's Century farm in Lancaster has journeyed from row crops to fresh produce to agri-tourism and ice cream. He previews his message for attendees at the end of the week in Platteville. Learn more about the upcoming event: https://economicdevelopment.extension.wisc.edu/connecting-entrepreneurial-communities-conference/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Methodists are all getting together this month to hammer out differences and Rev. Dan Hurlbert thinks IT'S ABOUT TIME!

Getting Together With Alan Miller by UK Column

Booyah! Its Episode 158! – Gerber, Danko and Chuck are hanging out for another nights of talking sports, and more, in the Land. The Guys start the show at home looking back at a disappointing Cavs week and questions about Mitchell, Garland, Mobley and whether its possible to share too much. The Guys also go Spring-Guardening to talk shortstop questions and to look ahead to some Guardian home game promotions. On the Road (19:37), the Guys are talking about the new NFL Salary Cap and how it may impact the AFC North. The Guys also take an early look at the NBA Eastern Conference Play-In and who could be the 7 seed and possible Cavs opponent in the first round. The Guys also fire off what may be their last Iceman Cold Takes of the winter and discuss Johnny Football being back in the news, MLBs new uniforms and some long overdue credit to George Costanza. The Guys also check in on the Pro Volleyball Federation standings and talk playoffs.  Off the Field (34:48), the Guys try to get serious and talk 90s and growing up in Generation X. The Guys try to define the 90s and compare definitions for the members of Gen X. The Guys also talk the competing music genres of the 90s – Grunge and Hip Hop. Eventually, the wheels come off and the Guys debate what things from the 90s they won't miss… even a little bit. Stick around after the closing music (57:25) for outtakes, a new club and new Franmil.   Errors - Gerber and Chuck both mispronounced “Guardians” and said “Indians”. Take it easy… it's still spring training for us too. From the Land is available on Twitter @Pod_FromtheLand, on Instagram @fromthelandpodcast, on YouTube @fromtheland, on Threads @fromthelandpodcast and the world wide web at www.fromthelandpodcast.com

Check it out -  Its Episode 157 ! – Gerber, Danko and Chuck are hanging out for another nights of talking sports, and more, in the Land. The Guys start the show at home and break down the 2nd Seed Cavaliers at the All Star Break. The Guys discuss the surprise breakout players of the season, the Cavs new found toughness and their return from the break later in the week. The Guys also head west for some Spring-Guard-ening and a word association exercise with some key players for the upcoming season. On the Road (19:49), the Guys are talking Eastern Conference contenders and the possibility of the playoffs without LeBron and Steph. The Guys also throw out some ice cold hot takes about Caitlin Clark, NILs and college basketball and Tiger's tough weekend. Off the Field (38:01), the Guys take on the good and bad of computers after a data corruption event threatens the Show archives. The Guys talk first computers, computer disasters, favorite childhood computer games and best movies about computers. Stick around after the closing music (58:05) for the appearance of a special guest and bean tooth. From the Land is available on Twitter @Pod_FromtheLand, on Instagram @fromthelandpodcast, on YouTube @fromtheland, on Threads @fromthelandpodcast and the world wide web at www.fromthelandpodcast.com

Is there anything more enjoyable than coming together around a traditional campfire? In the latest episode of the True Man Podcast, I converse with Todd Howard, the creator of Firepit Men's Group. Our discussion explores the advantages of establishing communities for men centered around the timeless concept of the firepit. This episode serves as a reminder of the profound impact that simple human connections can have on our lives. It's a call to action for men to take the initiative and forge the bonds that can sustain them through the ups and downs of life. The message is clear: In an age where technology often isolates us, intentional conversations and genuine friendships are more important than ever. #truemanpodcast #startyourcomebackstoryContact Todd Howard:Website: https://firepitmensgroup.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firepitmensgroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firepit.mens.group/ Contact Mike:Call: (864) 266- 2058Email:  mike@truemanlifecoaching.comWebsite: https://www.truemanlifecoaching.comOrder Mike's latest collaboration book:Cracking The Rich Codehttps://www.truemanlifecoaching.comPre-order Mike's new book:True Man True Ways, A Roadmap of Discoveryhttps://www.mikevanpeltauthor.com/Wheel of Life:https://truemanlifecoaching.com/wheeloflife

David Secter is an award-winning writer/producer/director of film, theater and television. He lives in Kona on the big island of Hawaii, where he is completing the book and lyrics for Rule of Fire, a new musical about old Hawaii, which dramatizes the encounter between an aging Captain Cook and a young Kamehameha the Great, and celebrates the islands' polyamory culture. Secter's movie Take the Flame! Gay Games: Grace, Grit & Glory is a documentary feature on the Games and founder Olympian Dr. Tom Waddell, narrated by Greg Louganis, which Secter is adapting as a narrative feature An All American Family. He produced Pacific Passions about the Festival of Pacific Arts in New Caledonia, and BURN on Burning Man, seen on the Discovery Channel. His narrative movie CyberDorm is an offbeat campus comedy about early webcasts. In New York City Secter founded Total Impact, a media co-op, where he wrote, produced and directed the comedy Getting Together, which Troma released as Feelin' Up. Television credits include music specials with Eartha Kitt and Talking Heads plus commercials such as Guinness World Records, selected as a National Clio Award Finalist as Best Entertainment Production. During ten years as CEO of EnterMedia, a Manhattan arts center in a historic 1100 seat playhouse, he produced and presented Obie-award winning plays and launched such long-running Broadway musical hits as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Secter also wrote the book and lyrics and produced the celebrated Off-Broadway musical Get Thee to Canterbury and created Banjos and Bugles, a civil war docudramusical.

After two full years Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king's sons. - 2 Samuel 13:23   This Episode's Links and Timestamps: 00:24 – 2 Samuel 13 06:48 – Thoughts on the Reading 46:19 - Reflections on Thanksgiving 2023 – Headline Roundup, AllSides.com 51:32 - What's this year's big Christmas gift that parents are crazy about? Toy manufacturers and retailers say it's FOOD. – Mister Retrops, Not the Bee 1:00:20 - Biden Administration Says Cost Of Thanksgiving Dinner Is Down As Long As You Don't Buy Anything – BB 1:04:16 - Libertarian Pilgrims Set Sail For Argentina In Search Of A Better Life – BB 1:07:46 – Konstantin Kisin | Facial Scar Discrimination Experiment - @JohnAndersonConversations, YouTube 1:24:34 - Pursuing Ownership in the Negative World – Aaron M. Renn --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/garrett-ashley-mullet/message

Happy Thanksgiving! Lunchtime Live was LIVE from The Friends Experience in Dublin today. To celebrate all things Thanksgiving, Andrea Gilligan was joined by comedian, Jim Elliot, Patti Shields from Democrats Abroad and Law Lecturer in NUIG, Larry Donnelly...

Late evening wisdom from women heading home after a night out with friends in Saffron Walden.---We're actively seeking brand partners and sponsors for this podcast and would love to talk to you. Please email us at whereareyougoing@loftusmedia.co.uk---Where Are You Going? is a unique storytelling podcast in which Catherine Carr interrupts people as they go about their everyday lives and asks simply: “Where are you going?” The conversations that follow are always unpredictable: sometimes funny, sometimes heart-breaking, silly, romantic or occasionally downright ‘stop-you-in-your-tracks' surprising.Be transported to places around the world and into the lives of others: You just never know what story is coming next… Presented by Catherine Carr Music by Edwin PearsonProduced by the team at Loftus Media Follow whereareyougoing on InstagramCheck out our site: whereareyougoing.co.uk Send us an email: whereareyougoing@loftusmedia.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Matt & Harry!A brand new show from bestselling author Matt Cain and life coach Harry Glasstone.Together, they're talking about all things relationships! From partners, friends, families and everything in-between, Matt and Harry want to explore what makes relationships in the queer community so special.So, they're putting their heads together to solve your dilemmas, put their own relationship under the microscope in a game of Mr & Mr, and chat to a very special guest each week.This week, Matt chats to bestselling author Laura Kay about her new novel Wild things, looking at unrequited love between two best friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On April 29, 2023 IKAWIRIA held a Halal Bihalal event to provide an opportunity for its members to stay in touch with one another after celebrating Eid. - Pada tanggal 29 April 2023 IKAWIRIA menyelenggarakan acara Halal Bihalal untuk memberikan kesempatan kepada para anggotanya bersilaturahmi satu dengan yang lain setelah merayakan lebaran.

Today's episode is all about parties -- and ways to have fun with throwing them!Laura and Sarah discuss memorable parties of the past, and each share some recent party successes (those they have attended as well as thrown). They share the elements of a good gathering as described in Priya Parker's The Art of Gathering, as well as little details NOT to forget (for example: where do people park?). Each share their favorite party snacks and treats. Finally, they review successful kid birthday parties and favorite ideas for favors (think consumable!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is all about parties -- and ways to have fun with throwing them! Laura and Sarah discuss memorable parties of the past, and each share some recent party successes (those they have attended as well as thrown). They share the elements of a good gathering as described in Priya Parker's The Art of Gathering, as well as little details NOT to forget (for example: where do people park?). Each share their favorite party snacks and treats. Finally, they review successful kid birthday parties and favorite ideas for favors (think consumable!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode we have a programing princess (05:36), a Mom who hoards food from her children (14:51), a movie marathon ends in a fight (23:41), a listener wants to kick out their partner (36:42), a bride has a dry wedding (43:54), and a surrogate oversteps her bounds (56:40). For the Patreon exclusive stories we have an inappropriate dress, and we have a daughter of the bride uninvited to the wedding. Check out our new shop: http://redditowikishop.com and use code 'AITA10' for 10% off the first week! Support Ya Boys: Become a Patreon for ad-free episodes and bonus AITA stories every week as well as exclusive content: Cultiv8 Patreon Sean's Venmo Our Links: Instagram TikTok Discord Subreddit Store Website Submission Links: Story 1 Story 2 Story 3 Story 4 Story 5 Story 6 Copyright 2023 Cultiv8 Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Pastor Derek brought us a message on sex to continue our love and dating series. He walked us through what Jesus has to say about our sex lives, and he challenged us to set healthy boundaries in our lives to help us avoid sin.

Pastor KC continued our love and dating series with a message on the four different types of love, and how each one can be applied to our lives. She highlighted "agape" love, and taught us how this Godly form of love can be best practiced in our lives.

Pastor Derek kicked off our new dating series by not only outlining what dating should look like as a Jesus follower, but also how we can assess whether or not we are ready to start dating in the first place. He challenged us to give over our relationships to Jesus and let Him lead us in a healthy direction.

Featuring the fic "N is for No Curse Too Strange" by vipjuly AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20965091 podfic link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/44210071 Rating: Explicit Tags for this fic include: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Witch Curses, Creature Dean Winchester, Creature Castiel (Supernatural), Side Rowena/Sam, Release the Kraken, Tentacle Sex, Blow Jobs, Frottage, Anal Fingering, The Word "Gooch" Too Many Times, First Time, First Kiss, Getting Together, Fluff, Curse Breaking

The US Pen Show season kicks off this week, and Brad has begun booking travel for later in the year. Will you be attending any pen shows in 2023? Brad also bows to peer pressure … multiple times.

The US Pen Show season kicks off this week, and Brad has begun booking travel for later in the year. Will you be attending any pen shows in 2023? Brad also bows to peer pressure … multiple times.

Later post – ha ha – somehow I missed posting this one but, here is it is from 2022! Growing […] The post Royale Lynn and Toad getting together in Vegas at Stoney’s to talk music, sushi, pizza, old lyrics, her love of music and more! appeared first on TOAD'S TUNES.

Featuring the fic "The Tunnel of Love" by xylodemon AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/4524387?view_adult=true podfic link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/32744092 Rating: Explicit Tags for this fic include: Case Fic, Future Fic, Hunter Castiel, Getting Together, First Time, Blow Jobs

The U.S. has been locked in a delicate dance with its European partners and Iran over re-entry into the Iran nuclear deal for more than a year. Meanwhile, relations between the two countries are either frozen or dangerously hot — never in-between. How did it get this way? Is there anyone in the US government who doesn't view Tehran as the enemy? Will Iran's own mullahs dial down the rhetoric long enough to see their country through to a better way? Author and MIT researcher John Tirman shares his extensive research with Dan and Kelley this week. In the first segment, our hosts talk about Biden's "new" Africa strategy. Just more great power politics or an actual corner turned?More from John Tirman:Republics of Myth: National Narratives and the US-Iran Conflict, w/ Hussein Banai and Malcolm Byrne, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2022.How the war complicates Biden's Iran diplomacy, 4/6/22, Democracy in Exile (DAWN) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crashingthewarparty.substack.com

Featuring the fic "I Want a Taste" by Redamber79 AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/39802278 podfic link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40574544 Rating: Explicit Tags for this fic include: Implied/Referenced Cheating, Past Lee Webb/Dean Winchester, Minor Bela Talbot/Dean Winchester, Cheating Not Involving Dean/Cas, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Friends to Lovers, Getting Together, Taking Care Of Dean Winchester, Domestic Fluff, Fluff and Smut, Unsafe Sex, Trust, Blow Jobs, Consent

As a hybrid and remote-friendly workplace, it's rare that the whole Postlight team gets together, but recently the entire team congregated in New York City for a week of in-person events. In this episode, Chris and Gina chat about the importance of Remotes Week in building trust and relationships and share tips on how to make everyone feel at home during in-person events. IRL cheers to IRL meet-ups! 

Featuring the fic "The Kindness of Ravens" by judithandronicus AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/25593901/chapters/62116867 podfic link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/31258979 Rating: Explicit Tags for this fic include: Ravens, Fluff and Crack, Diners, Feelings, Eventual Smut, POV Alternating, Getting Together, Holding Hands, Fluff and Smut, Frottage, Explicit Sexual Content

In this episode, we're listening to stories of people F*ing up! Narrated directly from Reddit r/TIFU. Enjoy!Support us on PatreonJoin our Discord Server or visit our WebsiteFollow us on socials:TikTokInstagramCheck out:Audiobook Kraken See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tom Brady is unretiring and coming back to Tampa Bay after 2 months, Pete Davidson heads to space on March 23rd, HBO Max and Discovery Plus are merging into one platform, and Happy PI Day!!

A quick little quip of what The Cussin' Christians is all about and the brotherhood that is shared.

Featuring the fic "One September Morning" by kittimau AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29453973 Podfic link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29545161 Rating: Teen and Up Tags for this fic include: Alternate Universe, First Meetings, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Crush at First Sight, POV Dean Winchester, Mechanic Dean Winchester, Cashier Castiel (Supernatural), Awkward Flirting, Sexual Tension, Oblivious Castiel/Dean Winchester, Falling In Love, Idiots in Love, Fluff, Humor, Light Angst, Romantic Fluff, Castiel and Dean Winchester Being Idiots, Castiel and Dean Winchester Need to Use Their Words, Pinings, eriously so much pining, Reunions, Love Confessions, Getting Together, First Kiss, Happy Ending

We're back in the build series this week and it's assembly day! We get into why you should double and triple check everything, being brave enough to take irreversible steps and what makes assembly go smoother. We're joined by Gary from Partscaster Concierge who made the beautiful bodies for our two instruments to get his take on assembling your (and our) builds. Parts Build Series Partners @partscasterconcierge @vigilantguitars @colmaxpickups @gunstreetwiringshop @indra_guitars https://instagram.com/vigilantguitars?utm_medium=copy_link https://www.vigilantguitars.com https://instagram.com/partscasterconcierge?utm_medium=copy_link https://www.partscasterconcierge.com/ https://instagram.com/indra_guitars?utm_medium=copy_link http://www.indraguitars.com/ https://instagram.com/colmaxpickups?utm_medium=copy_link https://www.colmaxpickups.com/ https://instagram.com/gunstreetwiringshop?utm_medium=copy_link https://gunstreetwiringshop.com/thehub

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabs and Liz take you through a time travel machine back to 2013! Tumblr, smol bean, punk/pastel edits? Oh my! Attack on Titan is all the rage, and the ship to end them all is JeanMarco. Gabs then spends 20 minutes info-dumping about Genshin Impact and desperately trying to pronounce all the names correctly. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/trope-podcast/support

Episode 46: This week the guys are turning back the clock to discuss an assortment of topics from the past.  Tune in for conversations about Old School Video Stores, Designing Tattoos, Crazy Key Stories, Devil Goats, and find out how "Angel Face" became the love of Ethan's life.#CWU #Ellensburg #Podcast0:00 - Intro (Lee Michaels)1:03 - Welcome Back / Vacations1:44 - Video Stores5:08 - Summer Vacation / Ryker6:49 - Internships / Social Media10:12 - Community College / Coaching16:23 - Hall & Oates Concert16:59 - Visiting CWU21:00 - Playing College Football23:00 - Voicemail / Uncle Tim & Tom25:28 - Robbie Williams26:16 - Sports Facility / New Construction29:40 - Tattoos / Artwork / Raiders36:00 - Old Teachers & Former Students37:53 - KISW Keychain Story42:41 - River Search Rescue47:29 - Bob The Devil Goat (April 6, 1998)49:57 - The Bloodhound Gang51:15 - Getting Together w/ Sara58:13 - Breaking Up With Ex-Girlfriend1:02:37 - Lee's Crazy House Party1:04:21 - The Wedding / Assistants1:12:41 - Music & Seahawk Specials1:14:26 - Friends & Upcoming Episodes1:17:13 - Outro / Close

Jerry, Rob, and Benji get to know the newest JOY FM staff member, Amy de Graaff a little better and invite her husband, Kevin in for a new segment called "Will It Burrito?" Thanks to Jerry for letting us use his interview with Amy that first appeared on his podcast, "Life With Jerry Williams." Info here: georgia.thejoyfm.com/jerry/podcast If you're interested in being a JOY.crew volunteer, let us know more about you:  georgia.thejoyfm.com/forms/joy-crew/ Information about how you can support The JOY FM and how you can be entered into the "Choose Your Chill" first day give away can be found at georgia.thejoyfm.com/featured/choose-your-chill-first-day-give-away Need prayer? Call 877-800-7729 or go to georgia.thejoyfm.com/prayer/prayer-center For more information about this podcast and bonus material go to georgia.thejoyfm.com/finding-joy/podcast Help others find JOY... your positve reviews and ratings on Apple, Google Play, Stitcher, and Spotify really help others find the podcast. Email us at findingjoypodcast@thejoyfm.com

Bo Brack outlines the path for quarterback Kyler Murray to prepare on a short schedule with his Arizona Cardinals wide receivers. Plus, which is the greatest team in Arizona Cardinals history? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices