2016

2016 started out being okay.  January as we all know, for most of us, starts out as a bunch of resolutions that we try to keep but they often get lost during the year.  I try to keep the losing weight but by February and Valentine's Day, it usually goes out the window and I do try to re-visit that one- to no avail.
Some of us make resolutions of changing our lives whether it be a new job, making more money or maybe wanting to finally get to stay at home or maybe something not so drastic, but maybe new hairstyle or dressing differently or taking up a new hobby. 
During the first part of 2016, we had debates of all the candidates; trying to narrow down our nominees for President This was not at all fun, we became more divided with the crappy person we have as our so-called leader in chief and the person that the other party had as their nominee, total disrespect, lying, cheating, and rigging the system to get them ahead, but thank god the people saw through it this time and we prevailed to nominate and win.
Our Country/World and people have been through a lot this past year, hell past 8 years. It has been more divided  with more socialistic ideals. We condemn our friends and kissed up to our foes. More tragedy from all over the world with terrorist taking over and killing the most innocent of us. How can or could we get to this point? Sad, really, to think this is going on without any push back. I pray now we will get back on track.
It was a rollercoaster of a year. Our ups and downs were more than most could handle. We have had more entertainment personalities pass this year, more than we have had in a long while, some were shocking.
This sounds doom and gloom but there were some good things that happened to our world, our country, our states, our homes, our families; we can find the good or positive in each or maybe just one. It's there if we take a look.
This year is finally coming to an end and for a great many of us, we say good riddance and keep moving. We are ready for a New Year with NOW hope for the future, but it will take each and every one of us to make that change for the better.
Seek and ye shall find. We have the power to change, to be there for one another, to give a hand when a hand is needed. So make this new year of 2017 be a happy one and leave the old where it needs to be; in the past.

Happy New Year, everyone.  Love and Peace is my wish for us all.  

Where is Etiquette?

Does anyone know etiquette anymore??


Who teaches or demands that their children speak when spoken to or "yes/no ma'am, sir".?
Who opens the door for elderly or women anymore?
Where is general respect?
What happened to God and Country first?
Who greets anyone or introduces anymore with the proper etiquette?
Who sits properly or walk up and down the stairs/steps properly.. 
Who has proper hand shakes anymore?
Who gets in and out of the car properly, anymore?
or answers the telephone, properly?
where is what happens behind closed doors, stays private?

Most of you will not have a clue to what this is others we have forgotten. Forgotten the fundamental basis of our humanity. We are taught to treat people as we want them to treat us..........now, what does that mean?  The comings and goings of this world is totally upside down. It means nothing to a great deal of people.

We were taught to spare the rod and spoil the child.......  but now, just try it and see where it gets you. See where not using this old adage has gotten our youth.......  Me, Me, Me and no respect for anyone or anything.

Etiquette is to be maintained in order to live and prosper in a productive society. 

It bothers the heck out of me to here a young kid when asked a question what comes out of their mouths is YEAH or NO... that is a big pet peeve of mine. You sit up straight, knees closed, shoulders back and head held high and be respectful.

Etiquette doesn't take much effort. It takes a willingness of showing that you have common sense and respect for the fellow man. We need to get back to the basics of humanity. Period.

Thanks------

Mad as Hell

Mad as Hell with all that is going on in this world today. It's crazy and we are heading down a path of no return. Sadly. We have become so desensitized with this digital age that death or doing the right thing is nothing. We have no souls. No morals. No respect. No tolerance. It's madness.   Going to hell in a hand basket and we are delivering the basket, folks. 

The young ones of today, granted not all, are the generation that when the crap hits the fan down the road, these young ones will not have any way of helping/protecting anyone, let alone, themselves.  My generation, we are not totally faultless. When things were good and all the games and phones started coming about, most of us, wanted our kids to have what we didn't at that age.   Bad idea. No?

Political Correctness is killing us. At an extreme rate. Bunch of cry babies. Can't do anything but complain about something but the bad thing is .. Don't know what the hell they are complaining about.   Bad or no information. Sheep led to slaughter.

These killings today.......ISIS and Police and the innocent black lives in Chicago....What gives anyone the right to take a life because they feel like it?  Because they are angry?  Because of race?   Folks, life is too precious... it's a Miracle.... but these that go out and take a life, are evil, evil, evil..   No one seems to take a stand.  Why? because we have stood back in the shadows for far too long and allowed this ... this crap to happen.. Now it's at our doorsteps.  There is plenty of blame to go around.   ISIS, I have another rant about this crazy group. 

We need to sit down and have a freaking conversation about race...........  Indians were the first slaves in this country........  Irish were slaves......... Not all slaves were treated badly, I know for a fact some that were slaves in my family were given land after years of service to the families, they were loyal and stood beside the families that had been widowed or widowers.   The land is here in Alabama... and other states.   Know your facts and learn before you speak out hatred.    NAACP was  started by a group of socialist whites. Has anyone ever figured out why we keep electing the same type of people and getting the same results?   Simple.......either you like where you are and don't want any better and that entitlement mentality or you are too afraid to break away from the rest to find the truth and the facts. All we have ever been told is the bad but that is the liberal way.  Ignorance is bliss.

Schools do not teach anymore, the truth of our history is being covered up or not taught at all. If we do not learn from our past or ignore it.......  We are doomed to repeat it.  Sadly we are, today. 

Does any of these out protesting doesn't matter what color you are..  when you are arrested, that is stupid within itself.......  Does it not click that NOW you have a record....  Negative marks when finding a job? Stupid.. Stupid... Ill-informed or no human decency what so ever. 

  There are some  that want nothing but control over the people and their money.   They are winning folks.  They keep us in turmoil to show the rest of the world... see..  we need more government control like  other countries..  I said it in the 80's and I say it now..  We have too many rights. We need to go back to the basic principles and bring the Lord back and stop.  Stop this nonsense, this crap. It's time to take a stand for humanity, God, country and world. 

This is not a Black and White problem...........it's a Human problem. 

Step up ...........take a stand........  

Thank you.............

PAY ATTENTION-- Bobbie Sue

One of those moments- kinda day-.. 

Have you ever?  Out shopping and you know or you think you know where you parked? Find your car and open the door, sit down and look up to see a car that is exactly the color and make of yours and for one brief moment you look to make sure you are in the correct car?  I took the keys and was about to insert them in the ignition and looked up to find my little car sitting adjacent to me or was it, dummy me. I sat there like a knot on the log thinking I had gotten into the wrong car, Again, until I saw the lei hanging from the rearview mirror..   a sigh of relief and a YOU DUMBA##! started my car and went on my way, just shaking my head..

One other time, I was shopping with my girls and we were talking and walked to the back of the car opened it and started putting  the groceries in the back when all of a sudden one of my girls says that she didn't think this was our car...  I politely replied that it was and kept on shoving in the bags when all of a sudden, I looked up toward the front of the car and I gave a little yell..  and said "Girls this isn't our car"..  "We told you"..   but where in the heck was ours??  It was a row over. 

I go off in my own little world at times and I have tunnel vision. This was one of those days.   I just have to laugh at myself and shake my head.   What is next? :) 

Thanks ------






 

Single Mom------- Yes, you can!!!!

I hear so many stories of young women telling stories of being "The Single Mother". 

I have been a single mother twice in my lifetime and I can tell you, it is the most difficult time of my life.   You wander if you can make it. The answer is yes.   100 percent, yes you can. 

The choice is yours, depending on what choice you make determines your outcome.   If you have a baby but choose to still party and hang out with your friends and mom and dad rearing your child.. Then I can pretty much say, You need work and that, of course, is your choice.  Chances are slim that you will make it---- for a while anyways.    But, if you are one that works or may or may not be out on your own just yet.   Chances are you will make it.   Taking care of your child and putting food on the table is your number 1 priority. 

I can't tell you how many times, I wanted to give up.  It seemed as if everything I made was going right out the door for diapers, food, car payment, doctor bills, gas and clothes.  Many times, I sat and cried wondering how on earth can I care for this little baby on my own.  She depends on me for her care, for everything.  The countless nights without any sleep to have an early morning call to work. Work all day and come home to feed and change the baby. That is all before I get to have dinner.  It's the life I chose to have at 21 years old and my responsibility that I cannot shake.  

Being a single mom. No, is not easy but if you have a goal and work for that goal, you can make it happen..   Your bills will get paid, food (maybe not much food) on the table and a little gas for the car. All this is an attainable goal. Yes, furthering your education may be on the back burner for a time, but you can do it.  It takes hard work. Lots of hard work and sleepless nights to make it happen.  But once you get in a routine and the baby gets older, yes of course there become different needs, but you have figured out how to juggle. What is important and what you can let go.   Face it, most of us need help from time to time and there is help out there if you just ask for it and willing to do what is necessary for your life with your child.  

In days going by, you find that it is okay and you can make it and you strive for that promotion or go for a new job and then maybe, just maybe, can go back to college to pursue your degree.  You look back and see those fallen tears you had those years ago were now tears of how on earth did I do it. I did it.

Time goes by that you are comfortable enough to start dating again and maybe some of you will get married and have more children others still on the search of that special someone.  Now dating, is a whole other mix in the stew.  You learn to juggle in a different way. Time between to two and then allowing this person to meet your child for the first time, it's many emotions all into one.


This blog is not about beating some of you up it is to let you know that if you are a single mom. You don't have to be in that "NORM" of what the term means today.  You wake up and you fight everyday..  I don't care if you have to take that father into court.. Hell, it's not for you, it is for that child that didn't ask to be here..  You wake up with no sleep and you put your big girl drawers on and you take that step to make a better life for that child and for yourself.   Life is not easy but it's not quite as hard as we sometimes make it out to be.   You can make it. One day at a time.

So ladies get your tails in gear, get a job, make that dad pay for his child, work towards a place of your own and take care of your business----- meaning for you and your child not your friends and partying.   Be a Hero for that child and for yourself.  

Thanks------

Bobbie's Takes: It is that time again..... Graduation Day

Bobbie's Takes: It is that time again..... Graduation Day: As Spring comes to an end, Graduation begins with all universities and high schools all over the country.    It is a time that all  young p...

It is that time again..... Graduation Day

As Spring comes to an end, Graduation begins with all universities and high schools all over the country.    It is a time that all  young people share in the glory of their hard work at finishing the task they had at hand. That day is Graduation Day. 

It is also a time of sadness of not being there with your friends the next Fall and the favorite teachers and classes.  Sadness in finally getting to that day and realizing that it is no longer boys and girls but young men and women.  That time is a scary time, at times, a difficult transition. But, with all the sadness, it is on backseat to joy and happiness and filled with screeches and yells of finally making it to this day.  Moms and Dads will tear up seeing their babies finally becoming young men and women and starting a new chapter in their lives.


It is a new chapter, yes it is. Some will go off to further their education, some will go to work and some will want to get married and start a family.  Either way, it is a new chapter, a new beginning of a future that is unknown. Hard work and determination that future will be bright.

Keep these memories close, the good and the bad, for one day you may find it brought you to where you are now. 

So, in closing, I want to Congratulate all of you for a job well done.   And cheers to you and your path to the future.  





This is my Graduation Day in 1982........   Brings back lots of memories.  :)


Thanks---------------

#Graduation2016 #memories #congratulations


 

Bobbie's Takes: My take on violence and drugs/plain bad behavior

Bobbie's Takes: My take on violence and drugs/plain bad behavior: When I was a victim's advocate, I used to sit and listen to how someone could do some of the vile things to another person. Some of the...

Good vs. Evil in us all.

When it comes to the human condition of how we are or work, so to speak, what does one look for? I mean, do we look for or hang with those that are like us; sports minded, music, dance, religion, school or do we just go out and join in on whatever we choose? We are all different but the teachings from the "Good Book" tells us we are all created equal, every man, woman and child. We are all brothers' and sisters' in the eyes of God. 

Are differences are many whether it be from socio-economic, gender, region, religious beliefs. We can keep adding them up, but with all the differences; we all are and were created by one being. We all bleed the same, we all shed tears. And yet, there is so much hate, so much discord and too much sadness in all this world. 

It makes one think. Of all God's creation, he created MAN/WOMAN. He chose US; you and me. Now how we think about this issue comes with a considerable amount of conversation or by today's standards no conversation at all. . We are as it says in his image and it's sad that many of us forget that we are a walking miracle. This one being loved this world and humans so much he left it to us in hopes we do good. Most of the times it is for good but of late, it is nothing but awfulness and pain and so much anger.

Now, I am not saying we all need to be goody-goody all the time.   Our world would not survive without the ying and the yang of Good vs. Evil...   It's a balance of time and space. There will always be one of evil doing or just plain ole' bad to the honest, goody-goody, does no wrong- type person. Our differences make us who we are; at times we excel and others we decline. Without Evil there can be no want of change or striving for something better and without Good there can be no peace; no peace of mind, body or soul.

I look at the world today and ask how much longer this can go on? I wonder what the Lord thinks of his beloved children about now and what is it going to take to get us back to the balance.  At times, I often think... does he sit up high on his throne and cry for us.... His greatest gift he gave to each of us is Life and so so many of us do not  seem to know or care.   That is a sad state of affairs my friends.

I am not on the Bible or Religious kick, I am just saying that with all that is going on today, we are losing our humanity. The greatest gift either one of us could ever receive and with that gone, where will we be. No one thinks anymore, most do not care others just plain ol' drink the kool-aide and follow whomever to whatever.  I find that today is bad and if we don't get back on track..........what will tomorrow be for our children........  What will your legacy be?

Thank you------

Where is the Right?

We find so much in this world that is wrong. Whatever it may be. People, places things, events or just circumstance; we find ourselves seeing the wrong in everything.  I know I am guilty. The everyday news of angry, ugliness and down right despicable goings on is enough to wear and tear you down. 

Most of us and we cannot state that WE are blameless because there is enough blame to share around the globe. We hear of war and death and unfairness and government with all it's problems; we hear fear, guilt, shame and bullying. It's everyday. All day.

Where is the RIGHT?  The right is here everyday waiting to be sought after from each one of you. the right is waking up every morning and finding a new day to start over or make this day better than the one before. The right is how we decide to treat others or speak to others around us. The right is here and it's waiting to be told, to be seen and to be known for when we were born that was Right. The Lord never bears a wrong. We are in his image whatever color we see.

Spread the Right, Live the Right and Be the Right ..............    The Right is YOU!!!!!!

Thanks-------

Be that HOPE for someone

One night while I was going in and out of chat rooms on Yahoo, being bored, a screen name popped up that I was not familiar with and we began to chat.   She started asking questions of my family and of my work and she reciprocated the same.   She told me that she had seen my post on the chat room and thought I would be someone nice to chat to.   "Thank you", I replied and of course me being nosey, I started asking more questions of her age and what brought her to the site.  

She becomes vague and a few,  "are you there's", she finally answers and starts to tell me how her life is messed up. "Explain", I asked.   Her school, friends and family didn't seem to understand her and some kids at school bothering her, she just wanted to talk to someone before she killed herself.  "What?" "Why?" I asked.   You are only 17 years old and so much life to give and to share. You will deprive yourself and your family and your future families of the blessed person you are." And she tells me how can she keep going when it seems no one is on her side and I told her honey you have the best person on your side whether you see it or not..........God is on your side... he made you to be great. Be that great person he created.  

All this crap that others are giving you, yes, it's bad but one YOU can overcome." She became quiet again for a time and started asking questions about my children and how I overcame bullying and the hurt caused by others.   I told her to stay strong and find a professional to talk to and a clergyman. 

After a time, which seemed like hours, she tells me that she is getting sleepy and that she would not end her life and I thanked her very much and she was doing the right thing.   but, then she started going back into that dark place and said well, goodbye, I am going to kill myself.   NO NO NO......  please don't do this give me your number, I will get someone there to help.   She finally told me where she lived or near the biggest area... Right after she hung up, I called the police in the area told them this story and told them her screen name  to see if they could find her. "Please, find her." "She is so lost and so hurt."

The morning after, I kept looking on line and the news to see if a young girl around her age had committed suicide.   I never found that answer, nor the answer if that night, when this young soul contacted me; if my words helped her if they fell on deaf ears.  

I hope my words helped, but I know how it feels to want to take your own life. I know how low and how lost and how one feels to be in that dark place with no one there to help.  One only needs that ONE voice of HOPE. We are never promised anything but life and life is the biggest gift ONE can ever have.  

Listen and make time for those that pop in or come by with a face and voice of no return, YOU could be their HOPE. 

Thanks-------

Blue Shoe/Black Shoe

You know those days when you jump out of bed and it's another one of those days where you know , it's best to stay in bed?

When I was a bit younger and working at McRae's in Tupelo and being a single mom with a baby, you know those days when bottles, eating, baths and dressed can be one heck of a chore. That day happened to be one of those days.  I get up and running late of course and getting the baby fed and diaper bag and my stuff ready for the day was a bit too much..   After throwing everything together and downing a quick cup of coffee; I realized I didn't have on my shoes, set the baby down by the door and ran to the bedroom and grabbed my shoes...  It was dark in the closet.  Get where this is going??

I rush to the daycare drop off my daughter, run into work with only minutes to spare and clock in. Working behind the counter is always a good thing, I recommend it. But, I kept noticing eyes on me periodically, during the morning shift when I came out from behind my counter. hmmm I kept thinking to myself, but continued even through lunch, the little looks.  Still did not notice what was about to  present itself.  

Finally, I had to go and straighten the watch table and as I was looking down......  It hits me like a Mac Truck...  I have on a blue shoe and a black shoe.   You are freaking kidding me, all day? Blue pants with one black shoe and one blue shoe. Thank goodness, they were the same style, I bought them in blue and black.   Well dang, no wonder, those looks I kept receiving.. I began to imagine them stating bless her heart...  By this time my shift is almost over and I decided to embrace it and laugh at myself, but of course, stayed behind that counter for the rest of my shift.

From then on there, I kept those blue and black shoes apart.  But, I have worn by shirt on backwards. That will be a story for yet another day. 

Enjoy.....

Thanks..    

Hamstrings and Low Back Pain?

There could be a number of factors to low back pain. Overworked muscles, bone/joint/spinal issues, injury or just poor posture or combination of them all.  

Exercise and strength training of your abdominal muscles such as your rectus abdominus (your six pack) can help lift with normal curvature and help prevent disc injury  

I am adding a site that you can read to help you understand back pain and some ways to help with the pain.

Getting a massage can help along with chiropractic care.   In massage, we can help lengthen the shortened muscles on the QL's (quadratus lumborium). Therapist also, can work on the Glutes (gluteus medius)  and hamstrings (tight) can cause low back pain. 
http://www.lowbackpainprogram.com/back-and-abdominal-muscles.html

http://www.spine-health.com/blog/getting-right-massage-low-back-pain

http://stretchcoach.com/articles/back-injuries/

These sites will help you understand low back pain and to help you determine where it is coming from and help you choose the best care for you. 

Also, gives you stretching pointers.

Note: If it is a disc injury or from some other type of injury, surgery may be needed.

Always consult your medical doctor...   

Thank you..   

Time

One second becomes a minute into an hour
Hours make a day and days into weeks
Weeks into months and months into years

Time is always constant. Time is always forward.
Time is never wrong and it's always there.

With these seconds to years of our time, it shows that
we are here for only a short while.

Time is infinite, though we are not. (But if only time
could stand still for a moment- What more could we do?)

That moment in time that we were born becomes
our seconds to minutes to hours to weeks to month and then
to the many years, we are blessed to have.

Our Journey through time is only but a short one from this infinite thing
called time. Time is but time with no true measure.. Man brought us seconds,
minutes, hours, days and weeks and months. 

Enjoy our moments in this moment of Time....

Thanks-----------

One of THOSE days

You know those days when you wake up put your feet on the floor and YOU just know it's going to be ONE of those days?


Early this morning it starts, one after the other with me needing to talk to someone for situation at hand. After about an hour, finally, the solution presents itself and it became all good in the hood. Hung up with not the hap happy face that I wanted but okay, it will take a few days and it should be okay.  

Next -----  comes in the form of  yet another call to which, I keep being on hold with a voice stating sorry for the wait, we value your service and we will get to you as soon as we can as that all of our representatives are busy with other customers....   yep, I know that one by heart.  Wonder how?   This one still is a thorn in my side today with no resolution, but I will prevail.   Note to self:  Call again and again. 

Next issue shows it's face soon after.    More phone calls to ask and for me to find the solution that is best for everyone.  Bam!! this one down.   This one not too bad. 

Okay then this last one, and it best be the last one, come up right after lunch. This one tells me to disconnect and delete and reconnect and replace.  Oh, okay did that already.  The little voice on the other end states "Oh, I am sorry for your trouble today, but we are going to remedy this for you today"..   After the 4th try and my with my deep sigh, I replied, "Well ma'am you are batting a big Zero at the moment". We both chuckled under the stress of why it is not working. I tried a couple more times and hot dog , Scooby doo, it worked.  Finally!!..   Thank you, thank you. 

Okay, now it's coming to end of the day..   Deep breath, close eyes and Smile.........  It's all good.

Things happen not at the best of times but they do. We just need to take a deep breath, lower our tone and Smile.   Don't sweat the small stuff..........

Thanks-------

Effects of an Illness

I am blogging this for a childhood friend.  Her grandson has this disease  and it's taken a big toll on the family as a whole.  It affects his blood pressure and damages the kidneys. I can only imagine the pain this young one is going through. I did not know anything about this disease so I did my research and now sharing it with you. 

   In many parts of the world, IgA nephropathy is the most common form of glomerulonephritis--a disease that damages the tiny filtering units of the kidney, called glomeruli. The damage caused by IgA nephropathy results from abnormal deposits of a protein called "IgA" in the glomeruli

Please if you will, take a look at this site and if we all can give to help this family. 

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/981516-overview


https://www.gofundme.com/8y4m7tp4

Thanks----

Effects of Aging

I asked my friends on Facebook on what they would like me to say on my blog. I had several come with great answers.

Here is one of them by my friend, Tony Q. Che.   #BodyAches pertaining to Aging.


Aging is a process we all must face (if we are in that lucky class), no way around it. One way or the other it hits us, gradually. At first, grey hair starts popping up and then those little lines start to show around our eyes. Yes, those of us that fight the signs of aging, do everything from color to many types of products to deter Father Time.  Then comes the eyes, weaker and then those dreaded bifocals come around. Not fun but needed.  Eventually, comes the body aches and we (some of us) find ourselves slowing down from the pace we did a few years ago. 

All this is normal. There are many things we can do to keep Mother Nature and Father Time at bay for a time, but this is all normal. It's our right of passage. Some embrace it. Others like myself not going down without a fight/effort. 

http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/aging-changes-in-the-bones-muscles-joints
 This article shows the effects on aging to our muscles and joints and things we can do for ourselves to promote a better wellbeing as in --- exercise, vitamins and healthy eating. 

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/normal-aging-changes-and-symptoms
 This article tells us that body aches and pains are normal but also tells us when to go to the doctor for those un-normal issues.  

It's good to NOW take care of our bodies as best we can so that these un normal issues at bay for a time. Keep our minds sharp, exercise daily, get a massage. I can't tell you how much getting a regular massage is great for your overall health. 

Although, how we age is most part already pre-determined by genes but doesn't mean that we cannot take control and fight-fight-fight and be the healthiest middle-aged or elderly persons we can be.

Thanks-----

Things we do when young.

The things we try when we are young.

I did silly, stupid stuff as we all do and now as I am much older, I wonder how/why on earth.  

One of those times was when I almost choked myself to death on Worcestershire sauce. See, I love things hot and spicy and as a young girl, that was just spicy enough for my young pallet. I would always pour some in the top and drink it up... one day, I decided to just pop the top and guzzle it down..........  wrong thing to do.  The moment I popped that top and held my head back as far as I could go and turned that bottle up, there it went or should I say, I went.  The wonderful tasting liquid came fast and loose inside my little mouth and flooded my mouth, well it went down the wrong hole.  I felt the burning and then the airways started to block. 

As quickly as it went down, my head and body bent over with pain, my eyes felt the heat and tears started whaling up and I could not cough, could hardly breath and I began to panic. Fanning my face for some reason, I am guessing to help with the heat. I made it over to the kitchen sink and was thinking to myself okay you big dummy now what?  Look what you did. 

 Holding my head upright did not seem to help with the blockage in my throat, so I bent over the sink and started running cold water to find some coolness over the heat that was overwhelming my whole body at this point. And as I bent over towards the water, low and behold the passage way started clearing and I could breath, again. The heat sensation started to subside but the tears started flowing as to what seemed to last an eternity but was only seconds, I could finally breath.  I lifted my  head, picked up that bottle put the top back on put it back on the shelf.  I did not touch that again, heck it was years before I would even use it again. 

These silly things we try when young and lived through by just shear luck and grace of god, is a right of passage, I suppose, for all that try these silly little things.  

Thanks-------