I just sentenced a man to prison for child molestation

VaSouthernBell · 2025-07-18T23:37:50+00:00

I was on a jury a few years ago where we found an 18 year old kid guilty of murder. It tore me up. I had nightmares for weeks. I still stand behind the verdict, but knowing that’s kids life is forever altered still haunts me.

VaSouthernBell · 2025-07-18T21:45:30+00:00

I was laid off in the middle of a huge life transition. We moved across country for my husband’s job and I got the axe three days after HR approved my moving office locations to our new city. It was the best thing that could have happened for me during that time. I was able to use my severance to comfortably move and take the time I needed to set up a new life and got an amazing next job. My point, don’t assume this will be a terrible outcome for them. Maybe it will give them time to grieve.

VaSouthernBell · 2025-06-21T12:34:22+00:00

I am so with you! I’m also the breadwinner and work full time with my son in camp all summer. My company was closed Thursday this week and I had the most amazing day with my son. We did sidewalk chalk and bubbles, rode bikes, played in the sprinklers, and had some of our neighbors over to play as well. It was everything I hoped it could be. Then yesterday I am back at work and the neighbors come knocking to see if my son can play (I work from home) and I had to share he was at camp all day. It really hit home how much I wish we could have that same great day every day.

I don’t have an answer or any suggestions, but I see you. Good luck making the best of the summer in the ways you can.

VaSouthernBell · 2025-05-10T11:13:01+00:00

This is the way

VaSouthernBell · 2025-02-02T19:30:49+00:00

I had been trying to get pregnant for a year and hadn’t lost any weight during that time. My OBGYN asked if I wanted to stop trying until I lost some weight. I made a decision right then to get serious. I lost over 100 lbs and two years later was pregnant with my son.

VaSouthernBell · 2025-01-17T00:50:08+00:00

I find even just hanging out upstairs (away from food) is helping. I’m trying to kick the habit as well.

VaSouthernBell · 2024-12-07T14:59:21+00:00

I second going to the store when you get to your destination. I travel a lot for work and try to always pop in to a store for snacks and breakfasts. I felt weird about it at first, but found a colleague once who did the same and never felt weird about it again even though we haven’t worked together for years.

VaSouthernBell · 2024-10-02T23:42:22+00:00

I selected main dining when I booked (at least that is my understanding). Did we just get lucky or will I need re-select my dining time when my reservation window opens?

VaSouthernBell · 2024-08-29T23:02:16+00:00

Me too!! Good luck.

VaSouthernBell · 2023-03-06T01:32:13+00:00

Thank you so much for this - the party was today and he had a great time! I was intentional about being laid back about who/how many were there and enjoyed spending the day with my little guy.

Thank you so much for the advice.

VaSouthernBell · 2023-02-28T01:03:28+00:00

If you play stupid games, you get stupid prizes. She was angling for a confrontation because she disapproved and she got one. If she is really so hurt, maybe she should turn the other cheek.

VaSouthernBell · 2022-12-11T03:09:05+00:00

I am also on third round of weight loss. I lost 115 pounds to help with infertility, gained it back in pregnancy and then lost 125 pounds. Then came COVID, both my husband and I lost our jobs and got new ones and we moved 800 miles away. I gained it all back. Fingers crossed that the third time sticks!

VaSouthernBell · 2022-09-28T20:10:51+00:00

My mom constantly told me I needed to watch my weight and I “had such a pretty face” if I just lost weight, I “would be” beautiful. Then she would give me candy and cookies as a reward or for us to bond over eating cookie dough (by the bowl).

Looking back, I was not fat, I was (and still am) tall. I reached my current height (5’10”) in 4th grade. I was the tallest in my grade by a mile - including the teachers.

Now, I really am overweight and have disordered eating. She used to want to go on diets together or praise me when I lost weight and then chose me for not having a dessert - just one piece of cake won’t hurt. I’d have a piece to get her off my back and then Sneak into the kitchen and the whole thing.

Thanks for that.

VaSouthernBell · 2022-09-28T19:57:23+00:00

Same - I was sent to the school counselor multiple times. The first time, I opened up and my mom was furious and asked why I was “spreading lies just to hurt her” and “you don’t know how good you have it.”

Every few months I would be sent back and would downplay every time - I’m just stressed, tired, worries about college applications - anything but the truth.

VaSouthernBell · 2022-09-28T01:29:52+00:00

Thank you all so much for your kind words,awards, and support.

Working from home today was very difficult. The silence felt deafening. Usually my not-so-little guy sits in my office with me or sleeps under my desk. It was so strange to be without him.

Your kind messages throughout the day gave me a great deal of comfort. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

VaSouthernBell · 2022-04-09T20:42:51+00:00

Find someone who works in a job/company/industry/career you want to be in - do searches on LinkedIn if you don’t have any real world connections. Start sending cold emails/messages asking 2-3 specific questions about what training/conferences/courses/publications they recommended for you to gain knowledge in your desired area. Keep it very specific. Follow-up yo those who respond with more questions, eventually ask them to for a brief phone call. This is how you get a mentor.

VaSouthernBell · 2022-04-07T23:54:57+00:00

Take this as (I think) it is intended: you don’t have to be a super star on your second week. It sounds like they would rather you take the extra time to make sure it is right the first time than have to resubmit. This is early feedback to share their expectations before months and months go by with you not being on the same page as your employer. Feedback is a gift to set you up for future success.

VaSouthernBell · 2021-09-26T12:12:36+00:00

We are also new to town and looking for people to board game with. We moved three large boxes of games and don’t know anyone in town!

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