[quote][b]otlndr[/b] - Probably a dumb question, but, did he survive? Do you know if the pregnant lady was ok? Just questions I always wonder after hearing stories like that.[/quote]

No, he died that night. His wife was banged up but okay and had the baby a couple of months later. It was just horrible... but at least the woman and baby survived. The guy who hit them went to jail for a very long time.

When I was in my teens, I witnessed the immediate aftermath of a wreck involving a father, daughter and a drunk and speeding driver. I can definitely say it was the most horrible thing I've ever experienced.

A father and daughter were crossing the street to trick-or-treat and the truck came over the hill. The father pushed his little girl out of the way, and the truck hit him before plowing into the family's car. We heard the crash and ran outside. I will never forget the screams of the pregnant wife (who was thrown out of the car), the father/husband's body lying underneath the car and the horrified look in that little girl's eyes. I think about that family every single Halloween.

Everyone please be careful out there tonight.

[quote][b]Robyn[/b] - You really hurt my feelings you know, being mean like that.[/quote]

Whateva whateva....you do what you want!!!!

[quote][b]Robyn[/b] - Just as long as Andrea doesn't show up, we're good.[/quote]

I heard that...

[quote][b]CharlesB[/b] - Miss Andrea, you always put a happy and positive spin on everything. I'm so thankful that you post here, and the Athens Banner is so lucky to have you.[/quote]

Why...thank you. I really do enjoy my job. Although, my first call this morning was pertaining to this same discussion and the fact that there was a "questionable" photo on the Spotted front. I looked and saw girls with their boo-tays stickin' out and Country Rock's male review was right across from it!

Aye yi yi.

Needless to say...we changed the picture we had control over.

Never a dull day around this place, that's for sure...

You guys have given me my first good, hearty laugh of the day!

But on a more serious (and professional) note...I'll second what @Zack said.

I can't believe people are that passionate about their vacuums. Death threats? Arson? Geez. These people must have some really dirty floors...

@SmartAzz: Let me show this to Zack. I have no idea what's going on...

@Zack Hawkins: Haha!

[quote][b]swhitney[/b] - What happened to the pluses and minuses? [/quote]

I was just able to add a + and I couldn't earlier. See if it works for you now...

@keepitsimple: You can't see me, but I'm shaking my head...

@Joel: Apparently not... haha

[quote][b]melmarino[/b] - Aside from the look being, well, a bit cheap looking, it appears I have lost all my previous comments....come to think of it, I'm ok with that! [/quote]

Oh no!!! We definitely can't lose those! Haha. As for the look of the site, the focus has been mainly on the backend, so Zack will be doing more styling in the coming weeks.

[quote][b]bensj[/b] - on the black bar if you mouse over Madison/Barrow/Oconee, they all say to "check out aroundhereonline.com/barrow ..."
[/quote]

I think it's fixed now. Hit refresh if it's still looking the same. Thanks!

You can add your comments, questions and suggestions below. Zack, Joel and I will be on throughout the day in case you need any help or discover any issues...

[quote][b]grove600[/b] - You're awake late night? Watching tv? [/quote]

I recognize him from back when I had cable. And could stay awake past 11pm. Haha.

[quote][b]jpl83061[/b] - Will she be able to afford the taxes and insurance on it as a single parent? I've done the single parent thing and I couldn't have afforded something like this. I'm not saying nothing should be done, but I'd hate to read about this house being foreclosed on or sold in an act of downsizing in a couple of years.

Everyone gets so caught up in the emotion of the moment and wanting to help. Lots of careful thought should be put into the best way to help in the long term. Sometimes making someone's [/quote]

I can see your points and- yes- it's tough being a single parent. I don't think anyone can or will dispute that. But that's not the issue.

I've met Melissa Christian, but I don't know her personally. However, having been the ABH representative on some of the event planning, I can say with some authority that this is a woman who has a heckuva lot of support.

The house plans were already in the works and in the process of becoming reality before her husband was killed in the line of duty. I don't think it's wise (or right) for any of us to speculate on her abilities or what her future financial situation looks like. Everyone who's donating supplies, time, resources and skills, is doing it out of love for a woman who is now trying to provide for her family. I would hate to see anything cast a shadow on what should be a very exciting time for her.

As for Tony Howard, he's also seen overwhelming support from the community. A quick search will pull up the fundraising and support efforts that have been organized for him and his family.

I think we should focus on the fact that Melissa's getting her home and rebuilding her life, while Tony Howard is regaining his strength and beginning to heal. Both are very bright spots in what's been a very dark time for a lot of people...

I'm the oldest (although I have a stepbrother and sister who are both older than me). I think it made me more independent, for sure. Although I always joke that I got into the media because my brother got all the attention for being the baby and it "scarred" me.

[quote][b]SmartAzz[/b] - Keep this up and I'm coming to your house for breakfast, lunch and dinner![/quote]

I keep posting all these recipes hoping someone will cook and have ME over! Haha!

One thing about Biden, he definitely says what's on his mind!

Stephanie is one of my best friends. In fact, she came over to my house the day she found the lump. Since that day, she's really tackled this with humor and education. Her blog is a very candid account of her life since finding out it was- indeed- breast cancer. I love her to pieces and I'm so proud of her attitude and determination. She is definitely a SURVIVOR!!!!! Not to mention, an inspiration...

[quote][b]RamblingDragon[/b] - Wait, if you get a moat and a drawbridge I'm moving in for sure![/quote]

I'll keep you posted on progress. Lol.

Hey, maybe I should consider that for my office too. Haha! (Just KIDDING...)

(And I couldn't think of the name of the "roll down door." DRAWBRIDGE. Duhhhhh. Someone also seems to have gotten away with my vocabulary... )

[quote][b]Kelsey Foster[/b] - Binge eating is a disorder just as real as anorexia, and like anorexia, the disorder is usually a symptom of a larger problem, and not the root problem itself.[/quote]

I'm not obese, but I'm definitely a stress eater. When things are getting too hard to handle, I always eat my way through the issues. Which, obviously, isn't healthy at all.

TV, internet and video games could definitely be why we're seeing a rise in obesity. The economy may also be contributing to this. Some parents aren't aware enough to find healthy food that is as inexpensive as lots of the prepackaged options.

I think it all boils down to education (exercise/healthy eating)- starting at a very young age- but certainly not like this. I hate the visuals and the tone that this particular book seems to take.

[quote][b]Digdug[/b] - Give the word and I will dig you a special trap below your back window.[/quote]

Funny you posted that...I was talking about going "medieval" and digging a moat around my house and putting in a roll-down door. lol. Your idea would be easier and probably very effective.

@RightWingExtremist: That made me laugh. What a dummy.

[quote][b]Ravenbear[/b] - If you would like any help please let me know.. I would be glad too help you pro bono..[/quote]

That's a generous offer, which I just might take you up on!

@CharlesB: Hee hee! Funny!