DT Fine Art

On this weeks episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County, the ladies take a trip down to Gretchen Rossis hometown in Texas for some deep-fried Southern home cookin!

While they joke about having to hit the gym extra hard after an afternoon of pigging-out on BBQ, the conversation is no laughing matter for Alexis Bellino.

For the first time, Alexis spills about her eating disorder on camera. She explains its been an uphill battle her entire life, but that shes learned to cope with it over time. What a brave move to finally come clean about her struggle after so many years!

You can catch the rest of her courageous confession on The Real Housewives of Orange County when it airs on Bravo tonight at 10:00 pm!

Katie Moore
Catch Up On Last Weeks Episode Of Housewives:

Heres what youll find this weekend at the areas local race tracks.

131 MOTORSPORTS PARK
On track: Youll definitely be thunderstruck when you take a trip over to Martin today and Saturday. Records are predicted to be broken this weekend during the 28th Annual Thunder Nationals. For the second year in a row, the Thunder Nationals will be run over two days. Action begins today with the return of the fastest accelerating race cars on earth, the 300 mph. Top Fuel Dragsters, which could easily turn in sub five-second laps over the Martin quarter mile.
Some of the 8,000 horsepower Top Fuels expected this weekend include former IHRA World Champion Bruce Litton of Indianapolis, Scott Palmer of Branson, Mo., and the Golden Greek Chris Karamesines of Chicago, competing now six decades. If you remember him, you, like me, remember the so-called golden days of drag racing.
The weekend also includes injected Alcohol Fuel Dragsters topping out at 270 mph, a jet-powered semi and wheelstanding local guy Brian Gortney in his Wagon Wheelie.
The Lane Automotive Bracket Series is going on as well. People can make time runs and enter into a special Gamblers race in preparation for Saturdays race for a weekend rate of $70 for car and driver and only $20 for weekend crew.
Tickets: Today tickets are $12. Adult Saturday tickets are $25 at the gate and $20 in advance at us131msp.com while children are $7 ages 6-12, children younger than 6 are free. For more information, call the track at 269-672-7800 during business hours, Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm or visit us131msp.com.
How to get there: From Holland, take M-40 south through Hamilton to Allegan. Turn left at N. Cedar Street. Take first right onto Monroe St. and continue on M-222 10 miles to 12th Street. Turn right on 12th and go two miles to track.

BERLIN RACEWAY
On track: Its the USA Modified Spring Showdown at the famed Marne (almost) half-mile oval. The night also features the Coors Light Late Models, Engine Pro Super Stocks and Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders.
Tickets: For this event, $10 for adults and children 11 and younger are free. Order online at berlinraceway.com or call (616) 662-2051 Tuesday through Thursday or (616) 677-5000 on race days.
How to get there: From Holland, take I-196 to M-11 (28th Street, Grandville). Go west through Standale to Remembrance Road, then turn left, entering I-96 and exiting at the Marne exit (Exit 23). Follow the signs.

KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY
On track: Its Low Dough Nite at the Zoo on a Saturday night that includes the rescheduled Pro Stock Spring Fling 35 and the Cyber Stock Goat Roper 25. The Spring Fling 35 will be a $450 to win race for the Pro Stocks while the Goat Roper 25 will be a $200 to win race for the Cyber Stocks. The Outlaw Super Late Models will be the featured division and will see Phil Bozell try to hold onto his point lead with several challengers hot on his heels as they tune up for the Lane 75, which will be run next Saturday. Racing begins at 7 pm
Tickets: $9 for adults, $5 for teens and children 9 and younger are free. Go to kalamazoospeedway.com/schedule.php for information.
How to get there: From Holland take M-89/M-40 south to US-131, then south to D Avenue exit (Exit 44), then west one mile to Ravine Road and south 300 yards to the track.

I-96 SPEEDWAY
On track: The World of Outlaws Sprints Series invades the track this weekend along with UMP Modifieds running on the half-mile track. Pit gates open at 2 pm Grandstands open at 4 pm, practice begins at 5 pm and racing is scheduled to start at 7 pm
Tickets: $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children ages 6-12. A family ticket (for two adults and two children 12 and younger) is available for $30. Call (616) 642-0555 for more information.
How to get there: From Holland, take I-196 east to M-6. Take M-6 east to I-96. Take I-96 east to exit 64. Go south 12 mile, then west on Portland Road to the track.

Aaron and Aleena Roeschley want to pedal for a cause that’s
close to their hearts.

A year and a half ago, one of Aaron’s students at Rio Rico High
School, Delia Gonzalez, 17, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a
rare blood disorder.

To raise awareness about Delia’s disease and other bone marrow
disorders, the couple will begin a tandem bike ride across the
country on May 22.

Aplastic anemia is a disease of the bone marrow. It comes when
the bone marrow stops making enough red blood cells, white blood
cells and platelets for the body. People with severe forms are at
risk for life-threatening infections or bleeding.

“We didn’t know anything about it until someone we knew was
diagnosed, and many people have never heard of it either,” said
Aaron, 29.

The teacher and his wife, 22, were planning to take a trip
during the summer, once she graduated from the Eller College of
Management at the University of Arizona.

But the couple wanted the trip to have a purpose. And even
though they both have relatives who suffered from diseases like
cancer, they decided to raise awareness about Delia’s illness. The
Roeschleys also have gotten to know her more as leaders of a
Christian group.

“You think of so many things being done for cancer, but a lot of
people don’t know about this,” Aleena said. “It’s more interesting
to not just get people to donate, but to spread awareness about
it.”

The couple’s goal is to raise funds to benefit the Aplastic
Anemia amp; MDS International Foundation as it searches for a cure
for this disease and other bone marrow disorders.

Their goal is to raise $3,000. So far, they have raised $1,100
through a website they’ve set up for the trip. As they journey,
they plan on talking about the disease and handing out bracelets
and pamphlets.

It will take 40 days and about 3,000 miles for the Roeschleys to
complete their journey, which will start in San Diego and end in
Savannah, Ga.. The couple will fly back home.

“We are hoping to go through Phoenix, then Austin and stay
there, and we are hoping to go to New Orleans, too,” said Aaron,
who already has biked across the country once before.

Nights will be spent at campgrounds, with family and friends, or
in hotels, Aleena said. The couple will attach a trailer to the
bike to carry camping gear, a tent and sleeping bags. They plan to
bike 80 miles a day.

Marta Gonzalez, Delia’s mother, said it’s such an honor that the
Roeschleys want other people to know more about this.

Because the couple isn’t leaving from Arizona, there will be a
send-off party today at Marta’s house in Tubac.

The party is open to the public and there will be drinks and
food. People are encouraged to bring their bike and ride with the
couple on a 3-mile or 30-mile loop.

“We are just so proud they are going to do this,” Marta said.
“We know more about cancer, but there are other diseases than just
cancer.”

Contact reporter Mariana Alvarado at 573-4597 or
malvarado@azstarnet.com

Settling in after our big trip to England hasnt been difficult because life just kept right on going ? like it does. However, my perspective was much improved.

At work, I was able to plug right back into the swing of things, with new and hopefully improved ideas. As Ive written before, I love to go, but I also love to come home.

Mark Twain said, Travel is fatal to bigotry, prejudice and narrow mindedness.

Hes right. Travel forces us to do things in ways were not used to doing them. Basically, we have to think differently?maybe not much or maybe in mind-boggling ways. Thinking a little differently ? even for a short while ? is good for our brains and souls.

Sometimes traveling in England doesnt feel nearly as foreign as other countries. But like all Americans who walk across a street there, every time my daughter Greer and I took that first step into a street, we were reminded that we were in a foreign place. We had to look right, not left.

Hence, since weve been home, Ive been a much more deliberate driver. Its a mundane example, but a reminder that looking at things through a different lens heightens awareness.

As much fun as taking a trip is for me, planning trips invigorates me even more?especially trips to places Ive never been. I like to share that joy.

So, I want you to take a trip soon.

Take a trip to anywhere.

Pick a place and start planning.

It doesnt have to be to a distant land, but try and make your journey include spots and activities youve never done before. If you need destination suggestions, Im full of them! For example, have you been to Ship Island off the Mississippi Coast?

Sure, plan a big trip for down the road, but right now plan a trip to somewhere for June or July. Think of something youre passionate about?the Red Sox, the space shuttle, Fourth of July fireworks over the Washington Monument. Think of something youve always wanted to see or do. Make it happen. Mark it off your list.

If you cant come up with somewhere that rocks your world, settle for cooler weather.

Go somewhere you dont know well. Stay a week. Stay a few days. Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, the lakes of Michigan, the mountains of Arkansas, the hills of Tennessee. Pick a National Park. The Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Great Smokies, Acadia.

Head to the beach.

Take a cruise.

Consider this your clarion call.

If you dont enjoy or arent good at researching, call a travel agent. Lafayette has dozens of knowledgeable travel agents.

Travel bargains are plentiful. Finding ways to travel on a shoestring can be fun. While Greer and I were in England, we made it a point to go to farmers markets and buy foods for picnics. Fresh bread, homemade cheddar and homegrown strawberries were delicious. The farmers food tasted better than most restaurants we tried. And, to top it off, it was cheaper.

If what makes travel exciting is doing new and exotic things, you dont have to go to new and exotic places to experience new and exotic things. If necessary, go to easy-to-access places, just find something different to do once youre there. Maybe you go to Houston all the time, but have you ever been to the Asian mall in Houston? Have you been to the art museum downtown?

Let go of expectations. Go with an open mind. Acknowledge and move on.

The day after I returned from England I spoke with a friend who said traveling of any form wears him out. I understand. Traveling is often uncomfortable. Maybe thats what more of us need?to be uncomfortable and challenged more often. Maybe we wouldnt be quite so quick to judge if we were a little less comfortable from time to time. Maybe we have to be forced occasionally to look at life from a different view.

I encourage my friend (and you) to go somewhere ? preferably some place beautiful.

It all can be beautiful in one way or the other, cant it?

Finding beauty in the foreign or the familiar rejuvenates our souls and makes us better people, which, in turn, makes the world a better place.

Jan Rishers column, Long Story Short, appears on Sundays. She can be reached at jan@janrisher.com.

Aaron and Aleena Roeschley want to pedal for a cause that’s
close to their hearts.

A year and a half ago, one of Aaron’s students at Rio Rico High
School, Delia Gonzalez, 17, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a
rare blood disorder.

To raise awareness about Delia’s disease and other bone marrow
disorders, the couple will begin a tandem bike ride across the
country on May 22.

Aplastic anemia is a disease of the bone marrow. It comes when
the bone marrow stops making enough red blood cells, white blood
cells and platelets for the body. People with severe forms are at
risk for life-threatening infections or bleeding.

“We didn’t know anything about it until someone we knew was
diagnosed, and many people have never heard of it either,” said
Aaron, 29.

The teacher and his wife, 22, were planning to take a trip
during the summer, once she graduated from the Eller College of
Management at the University of Arizona.

But the couple wanted the trip to have a purpose. And even
though they both have relatives who suffered from diseases like
cancer, they decided to raise awareness about Delia’s illness. The
Roeschleys also have gotten to know her more as leaders of a
Christian group.

“You think of so many things being done for cancer, but a lot of
people don’t know about this,” Aleena said. “It’s more interesting
to not just get people to donate, but to spread awareness about
it.”

The couple’s goal is to raise funds to benefit the Aplastic
Anemia amp; MDS International Foundation as it searches for a cure
for this disease and other bone marrow disorders.

Their goal is to raise $3,000. So far, they have raised $1,100
through a website they’ve set up for the trip. As they journey,
they plan on talking about the disease and handing out bracelets
and pamphlets.

It will take 40 days and about 3,000 miles for the Roeschleys to
complete their journey, which will start in San Diego and end in
Savannah, Ga.. The couple will fly back home.

“We are hoping to go through Phoenix, then Austin and stay
there, and we are hoping to go to New Orleans, too,” said Aaron,
who already has biked across the country once before.

Nights will be spent at campgrounds, with family and friends, or
in hotels, Aleena said. The couple will attach a trailer to the
bike to carry camping gear, a tent and sleeping bags. They plan to
bike 80 miles a day.

Marta Gonzalez, Delia’s mother, said it’s such an honor that the
Roeschleys want other people to know more about this.

Because the couple isn’t leaving from Arizona, there will be a
send-off party today at Marta’s house in Tubac.

The party is open to the public and there will be drinks and
food. People are encouraged to bring their bike and ride with the
couple on a 3-mile or 30-mile loop.

“We are just so proud they are going to do this,” Marta said.
“We know more about cancer, but there are other diseases than just
cancer.”

Contact reporter Mariana Alvarado at 573-4597 or
malvarado@azstarnet.com

Heres what youll find this weekend at the areas local race tracks.

131 MOTORSPORTS PARK
On track: Youll definitely be thunderstruck when you take a trip over to Martin today and Saturday. Records are predicted to be broken this weekend during the 28th Annual Thunder Nationals. For the second year in a row, the Thunder Nationals will be run over two days. Action begins today with the return of the fastest accelerating race cars on earth, the 300 mph. Top Fuel Dragsters, which could easily turn in sub five-second laps over the Martin quarter mile.
Some of the 8,000 horsepower Top Fuels expected this weekend include former IHRA World Champion Bruce Litton of Indianapolis, Scott Palmer of Branson, Mo., and the Golden Greek Chris Karamesines of Chicago, competing now six decades. If you remember him, you, like me, remember the so-called golden days of drag racing.
The weekend also includes injected Alcohol Fuel Dragsters topping out at 270 mph, a jet-powered semi and wheelstanding local guy Brian Gortney in his Wagon Wheelie.
The Lane Automotive Bracket Series is going on as well. People can make time runs and enter into a special Gamblers race in preparation for Saturdays race for a weekend rate of $70 for car and driver and only $20 for weekend crew.
Tickets: Today tickets are $12. Adult Saturday tickets are $25 at the gate and $20 in advance at us131msp.com while children are $7 ages 6-12, children younger than 6 are free. For more information, call the track at 269-672-7800 during business hours, Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm or visit us131msp.com.
How to get there: From Holland, take M-40 south through Hamilton to Allegan. Turn left at N. Cedar Street. Take first right onto Monroe St. and continue on M-222 10 miles to 12th Street. Turn right on 12th and go two miles to track.

BERLIN RACEWAY
On track: Its the USA Modified Spring Showdown at the famed Marne (almost) half-mile oval. The night also features the Coors Light Late Models, Engine Pro Super Stocks and Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders.
Tickets: For this event, $10 for adults and children 11 and younger are free. Order online at berlinraceway.com or call (616) 662-2051 Tuesday through Thursday or (616) 677-5000 on race days.
How to get there: From Holland, take I-196 to M-11 (28th Street, Grandville). Go west through Standale to Remembrance Road, then turn left, entering I-96 and exiting at the Marne exit (Exit 23). Follow the signs.

KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY
On track: Its Low Dough Nite at the Zoo on a Saturday night that includes the rescheduled Pro Stock Spring Fling 35 and the Cyber Stock Goat Roper 25. The Spring Fling 35 will be a $450 to win race for the Pro Stocks while the Goat Roper 25 will be a $200 to win race for the Cyber Stocks. The Outlaw Super Late Models will be the featured division and will see Phil Bozell try to hold onto his point lead with several challengers hot on his heels as they tune up for the Lane 75, which will be run next Saturday. Racing begins at 7 pm
Tickets: $9 for adults, $5 for teens and children 9 and younger are free. Go to kalamazoospeedway.com/schedule.php for information.
How to get there: From Holland take M-89/M-40 south to US-131, then south to D Avenue exit (Exit 44), then west one mile to Ravine Road and south 300 yards to the track.

I-96 SPEEDWAY
On track: The World of Outlaws Sprints Series invades the track this weekend along with UMP Modifieds running on the half-mile track. Pit gates open at 2 pm Grandstands open at 4 pm, practice begins at 5 pm and racing is scheduled to start at 7 pm
Tickets: $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children ages 6-12. A family ticket (for two adults and two children 12 and younger) is available for $30. Call (616) 642-0555 for more information.
How to get there: From Holland, take I-196 east to M-6. Take M-6 east to I-96. Take I-96 east to exit 64. Go south 12 mile, then west on Portland Road to the track.

Sen. Gretchen Hoffman, R-Vergas, is in hot water after a Wednesday night tweet.

An ethics complaint was filed today against Hoffman by Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, for a Twitter comment Hoffman made regarding Sen. Barb Goodwin, DFL-Columbia Heights.

Hoffman tweeted around 7:30 pm Wednesday that Goodwin used derogatory names when referring to people with mental illnesses.

Hoffman’s tweet stated: “Sen. Goodwin just called people with mental illness-idiots and imbeciles-while debating HHS bill #offensive #mndfl #mnsrc #mnleg.”

This was after Goodwin approached the floor to debate cuts in the Health and Human Service bill.

“I’m concerned this is a rationing of healthcare in other parts of the bill,” Goodwin said, referring to the Omnibus Health and Human Service Bill.

Goodwin said that, before working in the Legislature, she worked on a study relating to the institutionalization of state hospitals.

“We took a look at what the costs were of the state hospitals – at that point 10 state hospitals – and what it would take to de-institutionalize those folks, get them back in the community,” she said.

Goodwin then went into the history of state institutions in Minnesota, specifically in the late 80′s.

“This is how far we’ve come, the way state institutions used to be; they were called institutions for the idiots, imbeciles and the insane – and that’s what it said right on the hospital,” she said. (These comments can be found around 3:50 of the YouTube clip of Goodwins speech.)

Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, interjected to request Goodwin not take a trip down memory lane, but focus on the bill at hand.

“Could you please keep your comments to the bill before us,” Limmer said.

Goodwin said an understanding of the past was needed in order to move forward.

Toward the end of her remarks, Goodwin again referred to the name previously used by state institutions.

“These are people, these aren’t fiscally wise decisions in so many ways,” Goodwin said referring to cuts in the bill. “We might not have the 10 state hospitals for the idiots, insane and the imbeciles like we used to, but that’s because a lot of people put a lot of hard work and logic into how to develop absolute basic services we need in our communities.” (These comments can be found around 11:20 of the YouTube clip of Goodwins speech.)

Hoffman’s spokeswoman, Susan Closmore, indicated in an email that Hoffman had concerns with those specific set of remarks at the end of the speech.

Goodwin approached the floor after learning of Hoffman’s Twitter comments.

“This, even as late as it is, as difficult as these issues are, this goes beyond the pale – this is an ethics violation in my opinion, and I expect an apology,” Goodwin said. “I have worked with people with mental illness a lot of my life. I have worked with children with mental illness.”

Hoffman’s Twitter comment was re-tweeted by Michael Brodkorb, deputy chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota and spokesperson for the Senate Republican Caucus. Goodwin indicated she might also file a complaint against him.

The complaint suggests Hoffman violated a Senate rule that states any member shall not publish material about another member’s position that is known to be false or clearly misleading. It also alleges that Hoffman violated a portion of the rule that states members are to adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct.

Hoffman was not available for comment. A statement released by Hoffman’s office today stated:

“I look forward to sitting down with Senator Goodwin to discuss my concerns regarding remarks she made on the Senate floor today during a lengthy debate on Health and Human Services finance bill. Until I have an opportunity to speak with Senator Goodwin directly and share my experiences as a registered nurse, I have no further comment.”

Calls to Goodwin were not returned.

The Legislature is in session today.

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Having just enjoyed — we hope — a relaxing long weekend, what would you do if you won the lottery?

Oh, I just LOVE this question as I fantasize about it all the time and have it all planned out. First, I just wouldnt show up to work, not even a call or anything, then I would contact everyone that has ever p***ed me off and tell them where to go, and then I would sign up for every triathlon, marathon, ultra marathon race known to mankind and spend my days travelling, racing and training. Ohhhhh yessss!

â?? Lucy Ryan, Coquitlam

I know I would SHARE. After a 5-year stretch of living around illness — I had breast cancer, Mom survived a stroke

and my partner had a liver transplant last August — Iâ??d simply take a break and just BREATHE. SURVIVING through these illnesses is like winning a lottery. Yes, Iâ??d definitely SHARE to help others.

â?? Shay Moyer, Port Coquitlam

DEFINITELY buy a house. Lets face it – housing isnt going to get cheaper. Itd be better to buy now rather than later when house prices continue to climb, and salaries stay the same! It feels like buying a house isnt possible unless we won the lottery.

â?? Christina Hughes, Coquitlam

You mean, after I jumped up and down, screamed, laughed and cried? Id gather all of my children, take them to dinner, and tell them their life just got 1000x better We could actually have a home that belonged to us, that no one could buy and make us leave, my son could have a car that isnt sitting in his driveway, uninsured and with a flat tire â??cause he cant afford repairs, and my daughters could each have a room of their own, something theyve never had. And that would be my happiness, to see them happy and hopeful.

â?? Donna Vandekerkhove, New Westminster

If I were to win the big lottery in the millions of dollars I would probably give most of it away. Mainly because at the ripe old age of 80, I have everything I need and I donâ??t need anything more. After all, how many more years will I live? I canâ??t take it with me anyhow should I die. First I would give away 10% of the total to the Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody and the balance would go to my live-in partner, my children and grandchildren; they would be the main beneficiaries.

â?? Aime J. Therrien, Port Moody

First of all, my family would come first! Then, as a cancer fighter, I would give a good chunk to the Canadian Cancer Society (BC branch — those people are amazing!) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

â?? Tony Paone, Port Coquitlam

To start, I would have the delivery address of my Province subscription changed … I hope you deliver to the South Seas islands. While sitting next to the ocean enjoying a cold drink, I would decide who deserves to share in my good fortune and how much of it I would share. After all, the only thing money is good for is to make others happy.

â?? Chris Herbert, Vancouver

a) Pay off debts.

b) Set up an education fund for the kids.

c) Work 3/4 time.

d) Use as much of the remaining funds as possible to set up a charity for which I can work.

â?? Chris Stolz, Surrey

Pay off the mortgages of a few select individuals.

Make sure the kiddos were set for college.

Make sure my Mom and Gran were set for life, including home care if/when needed.

Bank the rest, keep going to work, give more to my favourite charities.

Of course, thered be a few toys, new truck, a boat â?¦ but mostly Id take care of those folks who took care of me when I needed it.

â?? Michelle Bernath, Agassiz

First thing, I am self employed so I would give myself 2 weeks notice. Then I would call my dentist, my real estate agent and my esthetician. Buy about 3 houses in Deep Cove (for the family) and land to have my animal rescue. A new set of teeth, and a day at the spa with my friends, sister and niece. After that it would be taking care of all the animals that would never be abused again. Also one fine and fancy box to watch the Canucks for the rest of my life with family, friends and kids that would never get a chance to go to the game — then to Superstore and spend about $50,000 on Joe clothes to donate.

â?? Sandi Nielsen, Vancouver

When I win the lottery: I will hire people to work for me, book a golf vacation (with my hubby) somewhere hot, luxurious amp; sunny for one month. I will invest in my company, pay off all my debts, then pay at least 3 yearsâ?? advance taxes so I dont have to worry about that for a while. Iâ??ll buy a home amp; furnish it with love amp; comfort. Donate to SPCA.

â?? Janet Godkin, West Vancouver

I would change my phone number(s), email, get rid of Facebook, retire and go shopping for the rest of my life.

â?? Tracey Eide, Maple Ridge

Of course we all dream of how we would spend the lottery winnings and Im no different! There is a lady here in Lake Cowichan who heads up our animal rescue society and Id like to give her a million dollars to build an animal shelter here and hire a staff to run it. I would also give one million to the Vancouver Covenant House shelter so more runaway kids wouldnt have to become street kids and the new Vancouver Island Geneece Place house outside of Victoria for families to stay in while their kids get medical treatment would also get one million from me. My family and friends have all been told about my wishes for helping fulfill othersâ?? dreams! My husband and I have ample to last us for our remaining days, so we presently are wanting for nothing. My son would, of course, get his dream car!

â?? Sandy Wittrin, Mesachie Lake

It seems so many people I know are having financial difficulties as never before. I would therefore help out many family and friends close to me, pay off all bills, build a small cabin on my land in the Cariboo, and have a travel fund. If it was a very large amount, I would set up a foundation to keep on helping people in many directions: music, health, the arts, womens issues.

â?? Eileen Robinson, Pitt Meadows

1. My husband could quit the job that eats his soul!

2. Trust fund for kids!

3. Buy a car! Hybrid? Electric?

4. Pay off, then give house to our daughter!

5. Buy acreage so my recently retired husband could become a gardener!

6. Build a larger house (pool table, gym, theatre, sewing room)!

7. Buy a business for a struggling single-mother friend to manage!

8. Swimming pool!

9. Kiva.org- Microloans to developing nationâ??s entrepreneurs!

â?? Laurel Ennis, Surrey

Probably take my spouse Susan and 7-year old daughter Ashley on a trip.

â?? John Michael Northcote, Vernon

My sister amp; I are disabled seniors, alone together. We would take an extended cruise while designing the perfect ocean view house for us amp; our 4-legged friends knowing our time left is financially secure.

â?? Gloria Fraser, Nanaimo

I would pay off the mortgage, donate some money to VGH, GF Strong and the SPCA, and book a vacation. Iâ??d also go shopping to spice up my wardrobe. Lastly Iâ??d treat my family to a gourmet dinner and a day at the spa for my parents. Iâ??d then design an accessible home for us. Iâ??d help family and friends pay off debt. The remaining funds would be invested; the interest would be sent to overseas charities to build schools and medical centres.

â?? Svee Bains, Vancouver

I would give something back to the people who I can consider true friends, to my family, and to my fiancÃe who has been beside me through thick and thin.

â?? Jason Feng, Richmond

If I won the lottery, most of it would be divided among VARIETY, CHILD, ZAJAC and also Mother Theresas nuns, who recently took over the work of the original nuns on Cordova Street, who fed the poor every day for 84 years. The rest of the money I would put aside for a retirement home because I have no family to tend to my needs, and some homes treat seniors dreadfully, which really concerns me.

â?? Arline McFarlane, West Vancouver

The first order of business is to hire a lawyer to protect my interests and wrap up loose ends. Then I would make sure my family and I get our travel documents in order for my overseas wedding with my fiancÃe.  After the honeymoon, visiting the Eiffel Tower and all, I would form a corporation and explore various business goals and international trade opportunities, creating jobs and community economic development here in BC and abroad.

â?? Troy Donovan Hunter, Merritt

Id decide to run for a provincial MLA nomination with a platform of building a child care system for BC.

â?? Sharon Gregson, Vancouver

Normally I work weekends and get a day off during the week, but if I saw that my 6 numbers came in, depending upon how much it was, it would be the last weekend I would ever work and each weekend would be at least 7 days long â?¦ if it was over 2 mill.

â?? Dave Gibney, Richmond

If I won the lottery …. well, I think Id go to Italy and buy the Ferrari Ive always wanted. Drive the Alps and visit friends before any more of them become ill and pass away. Id bury the money in a Swiss bank account, ship the Ferrari home and not worry about how much my wife is spending. I think Id smile a lot too.

â?? Gordon E Swanson, Surrey

If I won, I would be outta dodge at Batman speed and I would call my Lindy in Ottawa en route and tell her pack up â?¦ we are outta here!

â?? Barry ORegan, Burnaby

Get the hell outta this town.

â?? Michael OKeeffe, Vancouver

FAINT!!!

â?? Natalie Speckmaier, Vancouver

Scream with joy first and foremost, and then probably faint from shock.

â?? Madelaine Lawson, Salmon Arm

LIVE LIFE. As we know it.

â?? Gailordon Macalanda, Surrey

If I won the lottery, the first thing I would do is give 75% of it to my two children so they wont have to work their entire lives just trying to stay ahead of the bills. With the other 25%, I would help my brothers and sisters and buy myself a boat I can live aboard. Definitely invest some money just to stay ahead of the bills. IT IS NOT CHEAP TO LIVE IN CANADA.

â?? Ronald Champagne, Vancouver

Pick my chin up off the floor and give my head a shake, check my heart rate and recheck the ticket about ten times to make sure itâ??s for real; then cash it, pay bills and buy a new pair of runners, groceries and, after that, would have to think about it for quite a while.

â?? Don Kopeck, Vancouver

As a nurse, reliant on welfare disability for the last 13 years, the first thing Id do is thank my God before kissing-off the B.C government welfare ministry. Then Id pay off the VISA Ive been using for emergency food purchases as well as my sisters mortgage, put the rest of the money in the bank, and take at least 2-3 weeks on the beach on Kauai to think about what to do next. Since Sis is a 16-year ovarian cancer survivor and Mum died with multiple myeloma, a large chunk will go to cancer research. I dont need much, but theres SO much good that money could accomplish Id be seeking out some VERY sound financial advice before deciding what else to do with the winnings.

â?? Liz Stonard, Port Alberni

First, Id share with family; then Id share with my community.  To what degree would depend on the size of the lottery win.

â?? James Peacock, Port Moody

First, I would pay my bills and my daughters. Then book an extended trip to Australia to stay with my pen pal of 56 years. When I get back, I would buy a duplex for my daughter and I out in the Fraser Valley so we could cycle in safety.

â?? Rita Pollock, Coquitlam

I would pay off all debts of family and friends (within reason), give 10% to charities (mostly kids and health), put the balance in savings (hopefully enough to help with living) and take a long, long cruise to Bora Bora.

â?? Ron Bennett, Delta

The first thing I would do if I won the lottery is build an SPCA shelter in Powell River. The second thing I would do is build amp; staff a low-income spay amp; neuter clinic mid Vancouver Island, amp; then help people amp; animals as much as possible!

â?? Martin Hill, Lund

I am a single mother, both of us living with disabilities, so the first thing I would do would be to pay off our debts. I would put some into a savings account for us. Take us on a wonderful trip to wherever we decided to go and hopefully have enough left over to help family, friends and give some to charities too.

â?? Susan J. Watson, North Vancouver

Depending on the amount of the lottery, I would first of all pay off any outstanding mortgages on my sons and daughters house. I would put money away for education for my three grandchildren. I would donate to the Childrenâ??s Hospital as well to our local hospital in Sechelt which is raising money to buy much needed equipment. Again, depending on how much this lottery is, I could assist other people, friends or not, who are in need of financial help. There are many worthwhile projects I would like to give money to and put some aside for my wife and myself to augment our pension. My overall goal is to spread the money as far as it will go for worthwhile projects.

â?? Bill Endert, Sechelt

I would pay off my mortgage, make some investments, retire and go on a road trip on my motorcycle.

â?? Donna Rae, Surrey

Leave this bloated, over-taxed, over-governed country and find a tax-free haven to enjoy.

â?? Shayne Gordon, Gibsons

lf I won the lottery I would share it equally between both governments so once again they could dole it out to some undeserving political hack for a payout, so once again they could thumb their noses at the poor tax payers.

â?? Dennis Mills, Princeton

I would file court proceedings to STOP the Harper government from defending foreign killers and criminals. Also I would sue the British Columbia Ministry of Environment to STOP killing our bears and to STOP driving to extinction harmless exotic animals.

â?? Jozef Demcak, Richmond

Disappear.

â?? George McBain, Hope

If I won the lottery Id pay off my family so that theyd never ask me for another penny and Id invest the rest after buying a house/condo so that Id still have a fortune 5 years later unlike the 95% of lotto winners who are broke and even in debt within 5 years or less according to the statistics. Id still keep my job and watch my money even more carefully than I do now but I know that I would be generous to those who deserve it.

â?? Leslie Benisz, Vancouver

Id pay off numerous bills, hire lawyers to sue numerous people that led me to those debts. On winning again, (or loss) spend as much as practical back into the community as this is dirty money and, despite the illusion of personal windfall, isnt mine and is more than I need. (And Iâ??m sure not wanting to buy any real estate around here.)

â?? Robert Van De Meeberg, Vancouver

The first thing I would do is sit down with the people at the Royal Bank for some general guidance. Then I would meet with my three adult children and I think I would like to give them money in trust fund methods so that they would get interest every month for the rest of their lives. I have 8 nieces and nephews and I would make sure I gave them something as well. I would set up an education fund for my grandson. I would take my closest friends for a cruise to Alaska and definitely there would be donations to charities (mainly those dealing with animals). I would also love to travel to Europe, and buy a small place somewhere outside of Vancouver (Sunshine Coast). However, I will be 65 soon and found out my Old Age Pension is only $575 per month so in reality I am headed to a life of extreme poverty instead.

â?? Sue Lakes Cook, North Vancouver

If I won a lottery, I would first pay off all my bills. Of course help close family members out as well. I would also love to donate to the SPCA. Then I would stand back and figure out a new path in life….

â?? Cheryl Blaschuk, Surrey

Here is my hypothetical plan, in order:

1. Change my home phone number.

2. Donate 10% to various charities.

3 Give away another 10% to family and friends.

4. Start a diversified dividend investment fund with 10% and donate the proceeds of the quarterly dividends to my list of charities.

5. Take the remainder, spread it among various investment accounts and purchase strong dividend paying stocks among other income instruments. This would be a yearly salary.

6. Stop buying lottery tickets and give someone else a chance.

â?? William Perry, Victoria

Well, when I stopped squealing and jumping all around I would phone my boyfriend and parents. I would want their business advice on how to financially plan our winnings. I love the town I live in, but I would love to build a house. Nothing outlandish. I also would love a place in South America. I need to keep busy and I know my boyfriend and I

would start doing some developing in our area. Building homes. We would take care of our kids and parents to make sure they were in a better financial state. And you would have a hard time wiping the smile off my face.

â?? Rachele Spanier, Salmon Arm

Family all the way because with the wife and I in our mid-eighties, our wants are few. It would be easy to divide by four but are the four kids equally capable at fiscal management? No way â?¦ so some form of control could be required. However, experience says the money is better used at a younger age when they could enjoy it so … divide between the four and remember it is now THEIR money to do with as they will.

â?? Gerry Burtenshaw, Chilliwack

The first question would be â?? how much? With a large family, sharing would definitely be in order. Also a substantial donation to a childrens organization would be on my list, as well as donations to other worthwhile causes, especially if it was a substantial amount. And since I already have a new house and a new car, I would travel but my family would definitely come first.

â?? Sylvia Behnish, Surrey

If I had a nice mini-vacation this coming weekend, I would probably be on a high and winning the lotto would be the icing on the cake to an awesome weekend. I reckon I would pay off my debts and wonder what to do with the rest. Ahhhhh, a new bike!

â?? Monique Constant, Vancouver

It would depend heavily on the amount won. After sharing a portion with close family, a charitable foundation would be established. This would be designed to assist deserving Canadians who may have fallen through the increasingly large cracks in our â??social safety net.â? We seem to be focussed on sending money abroad to assist disaster survivors. After witnessing Haiti today, it is apparent that this money is largely rerouted to the wrong pockets.

â?? Colin Waddell, Fort St John

If I won enough money in the lottery, Id consider buying a large enough piece of property here in Delta, such as the much discussed Southlands, and turn it into a recreational area. I enjoy the sport of Kite Buggying, which I and others engage in, at Garry Point in Steveston. There are quite a few of us there, especially on the weekends, whereas it gets quite congested. In my opinion, we could do with a lot more recreational space in the greater Vancouver area. Never mind more housing!

â?? Carl Johnson, Delta

Id move to somewhere with Southern Californiaâ??s climate, but not in the USA … and would never put up with 8 months of rain every year on the BC â??wet coastâ? again.

â?? James Mark Beckett, Maple Ridge

If I won the lottery, I would purchase property in three different areas: Vancouver, Greece (where my mother amp; her family come from) amp; Croatia (where my father and his family come from). With the rising cost of housing, I would buy houses ASAP.

â?? Jasmina Stipancik, Vancouver

If I won the lottery Id retire and begin my writing and speaking career. I would strive to educate decent people about the psychopathic manipulations continually perpetrated by those who hold power over us. I would explain the elementary science that shows the official story of 9/11 is a monumental lie. I would expose the unseemly hidden taxes we pay to private banks. I would work to get people to think critically for themselves instead of unquestioningly believing authorities.

â?? Michael Fullerton, Coldstream

If I was fortunate enough to win the lottery, I would share it with family. Our kids would get enough to each get a home and get established in a career they would each enjoy, my husband and I would buy a new rancher and then we would send some money to our brothers and sisters. Of course we would have to win at least 3 million to make it worthwhile for everyone. That would really make me feel good if we were ever able to do that.

â?? Janet Ralph, Delta

Buy a house, and then donate some of my winnings to my favourite charities and organizations.

â?? Nicole Mohoruk, Abbotsford

If I won the lottery, I would sue the BC government for denying my children, and most BC children, the equal benefit and protection of the law guaranteed them by the Constitution which is occurring as a matter of routine under the corrupt bureaucracy of family justice. The latest bureaucratic theft of human rights (and the inevitable abuse which will follow) through administrative seizure of peoples assets is only the tip of the iceberg. Then, Id move to another country, preferably one where people are innocent until proven guilty and are free from the incoherent and always destructive interference of the state.

â?? Alan Black, Vancouver

First thing, I would pay off my credit card and, depending on how much I won, buy a house! Ive always wanted to make the SPCA on Main Street in North Van much nicer as its seen better days, so I would help them in building a new facility thats bigger and better and then adopt some dogs for my new ranch.

â?? Tara Torrell, North Vancouver

It would depend on the amount. Provided the winnings came in at enough to clear off the debts, the first agenda would be to wipe the slate clean. Anything left over after that, if the amount were sufficient, would simply ensure retirement would be what every weekend should be: extended to the entire week. As for how to keep active, there is always the garden which is more than enough. For the winter, snuggle up to the TV and watch it snow, snow, snow. Life would always be good, just made a little better without the bills or the worry about whether or not DFO finishes off killing our salmon and fishery.

â?? Fred Hawkshaw, Terrace

It would depend on the amount won but I would call my GF and tell her she should give notice at her job as would I. Then I would check into a hotel to avoid any unwanted attention. Then I would pay off all our debts and make a list of friends and animal rescue/rehab charities I would help. After all that, I would take my GF on a tropical holiday and propose to her at sunset in a really nice place on the beach. Or maybe Id do the travel first but if I did it that way we might never come back!

â?? Brian J Price, Vancouver

Well, if I win the lotto, I would buy box seat tickets to the Canucks games in San Jose — fly business class of course! And, IF I had to, snap up box seat tix to the last game here at home. Oh, and after taking time off work to do this, retire. Perhaps buy a new muffler for my Vega?   Haha.

â?? Doug Marsden, Vancouver

If I should win the lottery, which I wont because I never buy a ticket, I would be very excited and call everyone I knew … but, hopefully, I would be able to control myself long enough to make plans for my future. My money worries would be over so Id be able to dream big. Id want to concentrate on my artwork, live a good life and want for nothing. Hmmm … I have that already … no wonder I never buy a ticket!

â?? Ethel Kirkpatrick, Abbotsford

……the first thing I would do is move somewhere where the media dont ask stupid questions.

â?? Robert Saint Amour, Nanaimo

What a question!! LOL. What I would do would depend on the size of the winnings. Hopefully it would be enough to become debt free, help my friends and family, take a trip around the world, and on my return, buy a large sailboat. After that I would probably devote my time to doing things I like to do as opposed to things I have to do (like work). I would also hope that, after indulging my selfish self, there would be enough money to help worthy causes within our fair city that I have so enjoyed living in! I expect that my lottery ambitions arent that different from anyone elses, so good luck to us all!!

â?? Barbara Christie, New Westminster

The harsh reality of relationships is that many of them dont end up well. Living with another person for years can naturally turn people against each other once they run out of things to talk about.

In Blue Valentine we see the heartbreaking loss of compatibility experienced between a young couple with a child.

Filmed brilliantly, bouncing between the glory days of courting and the dark and bitter days of a marriage at the end of its run, Blue Valentine is not a feel-good flick.

Ryan Gosling is Dean, a sometimes volatile high school dropout who is still very much in love with his wife, Cindy (Michelle Williams). But things are stale. Their daughter Frankie seems to be the glue holding their relationship together.

Cindy loathes Dean by the time we meet up with them. Unbeknownst to him, she despises him like no one else.

Oblivious to the seriousness of the emotional separation between the two, Dean feels like they just need to get away for the weekend.

He pushes for them to take a trip out of town to a cheesy motel for drinks and romance. She hates the idea but doesnt want to come right out and say so.

The only escape for Cindy is her job as a nurse. The more hours she has to work, the less time she has to spend with Dean.

We bounce from scenes of the two in complete misery to scenes from their early days together.

In one flashback, we see that Cindys home life is a mess as her parents feel the same about each other as shell come to feel about her own husband. Deans arrival in her life provides an escape from her own messed-up family.

The two have fun singing and dancing and acting like carefree kids. Soon they are seriously in love.

Shortly after they begin their relationship, Cindy reveals to Dean the fact that shes pregnant and its not his. She decides to terminate the pregnancy but changes her mind during the procedure.

They get married and have high hopes to form a family that will be better than the ones they have come from.

Flash forward to their trip to the motel and we see just how broken the relationship is. Cindy hates Dean and the isolation in the campy future room, surrounded by space props, just makes it all the more uncomfortable. Theres going to be an explosion of emotions and it isnt going to end well.

Theres even an odd Montana connection between the two stars. Williams was born in Kalispell, and her father is Larry Williams who once ran against Max Baucus in the Senate. Gosling once spent a long stretch of time in Great Falls filming the football movie, Slaughter Rule.

Blue Valentine is one of those relationship films that doesnt involve overcoming impossible odds to rekindle an old romance nor is it meant to make you feel warm and fuzzy.

If anything, it might make you feel better about your own relationship, as there cant be many out there as bad as this one.

Blue Valentine, 1 hour, 52 minutes. R, strong sexual content, language.

By Laura Catalano, 52 Ways to Wake Up a Week, a Town Square partner

Its possible that the best way of all to wake up a week is to go to the beach with friends on a stormy April weekend.

I went, the weekend before Easter, to Avalon with three friends for a girls weekend at the Golden Inn. The weather did not cooperate. It was cold, wet and rainy all day on Saturday.

It hardly mattered. We had a great time.

Click here to read the 10 reasons why the cold weekend at the beach was great on Lauras blog or visit her blog on our Town Square, www3.allaroundphilly.com/Mercury/townsquare.html

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