Received on Jan 14

Dear Ms. Fernandez:

Thank you for contacting me regarding recent events in the Middle East. I appreciate hearing from you.

As you may know, on December 27, 2008, Israel responded to ongoing rocket attacks against its citizens by launching an offensive in the Gaza Strip against Hamas, the militant Islamist group that controls the Gaza government. The death and destruction is tragic on all sides.

It is time for a real and sustainable cease-fire and a post-conflict diplomatic solution that will allow the promise of peace in the Middle East to be realized, not just for hours or days but permanently.

I believe that it is important for the United States and the international community to be actively engaged in promoting a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me on this important issue. Please be assured that as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I will continue to monitor this situation closely and work to encourage a peaceful solution to the crisis in the Middle East.

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

...

I miss your letters. Please write soon.

Salvador Dali

Two weeks ago I went to Chinatown with my friend Angela and found several small art galleries in downtown San Francisco. I saw this and couldn't resist asking my friend to take a picture ;-)

Favoritism #2: How to get a hug instantly

1st grader: Miss Gladys, you smell really good:-)

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After me being sick for 1 whole week...

1st: grader: Miss Gladys, I have something for you.

Me: What is it?

1st grader: Here! (produces a small unopened bag of animal cookies)

Me:Thank you!

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1st grader: Miss Gladys, I have something for you (hands me a pink index card)

"Miss Gladys, I *heart* you"

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Children's book

I wondered about the same thing, but I guess not everyone likes a sopralto ;-)

Yehey!

Pumasa ako! Salamat sa Ama!

Philosophy 4 (Knowledge)

Spanish 2A (Sem 4)

Yehey!

No kidding...

Leos do not want to be like everybody else, and take a lot of pride in being who they are. They love attention and strive for recognition and praise of others. Most Leos have a very strong character and are very independent; this allows them to be great leaders. A Lion is a very proud creature and never wants to be left in the background, he always wants to shine and be appreciated by others.

Generosity and warm heartedness are some of Leo’s best features, which are pretty easy go get if the big cat it is shown some love and loyalty. When it comes to family, Leos are usually very responsible and protective. They will try to provide the best they can to their loved ones, however in return they will expect love and loyalty. On the negative side, Leos can sometime be bossy and over-proud, which will stop them from seeing things as they are and stubbornly insist on their own point of view. To tackle this situation, all you have to do is show your Leo friend some respect (and maybe love) and his/her warm heart will melt and start thinking rationally once again.

People under this zodiac are usually quite materialistic. They like to live big and spend a lot. However at the same time they can be quite hard working, but they must see the benefits of such hard work. Most Leos have big dreams, however those dreams are nothing unless there is someone who will appreciate it. Though on the outside Leo individual might look strong and self-confident, on the inside he/she very much depends on affirmation, love and recognition of others.

Many Leos like to perceive the world as if it revolves around them, however they often fail to recognize that it isn’t so, and that sometimes they are not part of the picture.

• Laugh at their jokes
• Be fun and entertaining
• Wear expensive, branded items
• Be honest and respectful

The following is what you should not do, if you want a Leo person to like you:

• Be disloyal
• Lack confidence
• Criticize them - NEVER do this to a Leo

Passionate lover

Very loyal, but also quite possessive. At times can be very jealous

Protective over their loved one

Wants to be a leader in relationships

Loves with full heart and is very caring

Knows how to make their second half feel special

Leos are never cheap

Quote from a book

"When you are a foreigner, you can't be your humble self anymore. I am my nation, my place of birth. I am everything except me."

- Omer Ozipahioglu, Saints of Incipient Insanities by Elif Shafak, p. 110)

Sending...

Gladys sends her sincere gratitude for the "LOVE".

To hide or to share?

Greatest Gift of All, Isabel Bryer

"Ice Skaters"

Ice Skaters, by Benn Mitchell, 1950-51?

I don't know why I am particularly drawn to this picture of skaters. Maybe because I don't know how to skate? Or maybe because their shadows are the same size as they are. I also enjoy the contrast of dark and light. I guess that is it.