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Names I Use

To avoid any confusion I thought it appropriate to list the names (cyber) I go by.
My Names:
Mel Kaye-(my real name), MondayMorningPower,
MMP, Killeris-(Technorati name), Powerkis-(Wordpress name), SiFiBiBi-(Original Blogger name)
Site Names:
Attitude, The Ultimate Power-(Blog name)
MondayMorningPower-(Blog AKA)
It's All About Attitude-(Blog AKA)

My email address: info (at) MondayMorningPower dot Com

Why read Monday Morning Power?

You will find a consistency and a focus in all of my content that can change your attitude which can fuel a positive change in your life, if you want it to. If you are happy with your attitude and your life and see no reason for changing, then you either already have a PMA (Positive Mental Attitude), or you are a victim and want to hold onto your misery. These postings will then serve to fortify the person with PMA, or, hopefully, convince the "victim" that there is a better way. This site will contain essays, poems, stories, humor and links, all with the same goal: The pursuit, capture, care and feeding of a Positive Mental Attitude. I have had readers tell me that they have spent hours on my site and feel great about themselves both during and after. I log onto my own site frequently to help fuel my attitude; I hope you will as well.

To My Fellow Bloggers.....

Please feel free to link my blog to yours. A dose of "Monday Morning Power" would bolster any blog, except for those that profess doom, destruction and the end of the world. If you want to use any of my content in your blog, please ask first via email or by comment. I will need to review your blog for appropriate content and then give you written permission as well as being sure that you link back.

Monday Morning Power

A dose of "Monday Morning Power" and a cup of coffee and you're ready for whatever awaits you. At a minimum you should read this blog on Monday Mornings. However, there will be new posts daily. Whenever you want to feel good, tune in and help yourself to some "Monday Morning Power." Please share this site with everyone you care about. I welcome your comments and suggestions

About Me

My photo
My goal is to help my clients navigate the “residential investment property” market; make some money and have some fun in the process. This real estate market is ripe for the investor. In addition, I would like to help the home buyer and home seller. I am part of an 80,000+ agent network that spans all of North America. Being on the “inside” I can find you the “right” agent to handle your specific needs no matter where in North America you may reside. I have been in and arround the real estate market for most of my professional life and want to be your resource for making money in this market. I have been negotiating all of my life and want to negotiate great deals for you. Following is my contact information and my philosophies: Mel Kaye (Broker Associate) Keller Williams Realty Direct: PCH.MEL.KAYE (724.635.5293) Mobile: 805.300.1769 Fax: 888.371.1190 Email: YESmelYES@gmail.com Website: http://melkaye.com Skype: Mel.Kaye Lic #: 00742678 340 N. Westlake Blvd., Suite 100 Westlake Village, CA 91362


My blog is worth $578,088.96.
How much is your blog worth?

This Site is dedicated to the development of your ATTITUDE, which is your ULTIMATE POWER. The content includes: Essays, Articles, Poems, Links, Inspirational stories, Quotes, Research, Music, an original series called the "Process" and Laughter....all focused on the
Pursuit, Capture, Care and Feeding of a Positive Mental Attitude.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Now That's a Sheriff


Update on Joe Arpaio

TO THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR WITH JOE ARPAIO

HE IS THE MARICOPA ARIZONA COUNTY SHERIFF
AND HE KEEPS GETTING ELECTED OVER AND OVER


THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY:
Sheriff Joe Arpaio

(In Arizona)

who created the

"Tent City Jail":

He has jail meals down to 40 cents a serving and charges the inmates for them.

He stopped smoking and porno magazines in the jails. Took away their weights Cut off all but
"G" movies.

He started chain gangs so the inmates could do free work on county and city projects.

Then He Started

Chain Gangs For Women

So He Wouldn't Get

Sued For

Discrimination.

He took away cable TV Until

he found out there was

A

Federal Court Order

that

Required Cable TV For Jails.

So He Hooked Up The Cable TV Again

Only Let In The Disney Channel And The Weather Channel.

When asked why the weather channel

He Replied,

So They Will Know

How Hot It's Gonna Be

While They Are Working

ON

My Chain Gangs.

He Cut Off Coffee

Since It Has

Zero Nutritional Value

When the inmates complained, he told them, "This Isn't

The Ritz/Carlton.

If You Don't Like It,

Don't Come Back."

He bought Newt Gingrich' lecture series on videotape that he pipes into the jails.

When asked by a reporter if he had any lecture series by a Democrat, he replied that a democratic lecture series might explain why a lot of the inmates were in his jails in the first place.


More On The Arizona Sheriff:

With Temperatures Being Even Hotter

Than Usual In Phoenix

(116 Degrees Just Set A New Record),

the Associated Press Reports:

About 2,000 Inmates Living In A Barbed-Wire-Surrounded Tent Encampment

At The

Maricopa County Jail Have Been Given Permission To Strip Down To Their Government-Issued

Pink Boxer Shorts.

On Wednesday, hundreds of men wearing boxers were either curled up on their bunk beds or chatted in the tents, which reached

138 Degrees

Inside The Week Before.

Many Were Also Swathed In Wet, Pink Towels As Sweat Collected On Their Chests And Dripped Down To Their PINK SOCKS.

"It Feels Like We Are In A Furnace,"

Said James Zanzot,

An Inmate Who Has Lived In The TENTS for 1 year.

"It's Inhumane."

Joe Arpaio,

the tough-guy sheriff

who created the tent city and long ago started making his prisoners wear pink, and eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit sympathetic

He said Wednesday that he told all of the inmates: "It's 120 Degrees In Iraq And

Our Soldiers Are Living In Tents Too,

And They Have To

Wear Full Battle Gear,

But

They Didn't Commit Any Crimes,

So Shut Your Damned Mouths!"

Way To Go, Sheriff!

Maybe if all prisons were like this one

there would be a lot less crime and/or repeat offenders.

Criminals should be punished for their crimes - not live in luxury until it's time for their parole, only to go out and commit another crime so they can get back in to live on taxpayers money and enjoy things taxpayers can't afford to have for themselves.

Sheriff in Maricopa County, Arizona.


I realize that this post may offend some people, especially those that espouse rights for criminals. I held on to this for a while because I did not want to offend anyones sensibilities. But, every time I looked at it it just cried out to be posted. The straw the broke the camel's back for me was the fact that he does not discriminate; he treats all criminals the same no matter their sex, religion or race. I feel that prison should be a place that no one wants to go to. That should be the persuasive factor that convinces a convicted felon that he or she does not want to return. I also feel that prisons should be self supporting.


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Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Personal Development List

I was added to this very impressive list by Priscilla Palmer at Personal Development Demands Success. I did, however, want to add some of my friends from my blogroll, most of whom dabble or are totally focused in personal development. I began going through my list and ran into a problem. I would have to add 50+ names to the list and I didn't want to leave anyone out. This may be a pat on my own back, but I am VERY impressed with my own blogroll. So instead of adding names, I am going to open this up to my readers to look into their hearts and blogs and determine if you are truly based in "Personal Development." If you are, you have my permission to add yourself to this list and post it on your site.

Personal Development List



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Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Attitude is Everything


Is your glass half empty or is your glass half full?

I had to reprint this article. The title says it all and is the whole concept of my blog; "Attitude is Everything."



Attitude is Everything
By: Andrew Cocks

Bill's sitting in traffic, his attitude stinks, so he feels angry at the other drivers for being in the way. He wishes they'd disappear, they're not even human to him anymore, and he doesn't remember that they've got lives, destinations, concerns, joys, and dreams. He just wants them gone. He knows he did this to himself, by leaving too late to account for traffic. He hates being late, but he's finding himself late more and more often. But, right before he left, he grouched at his family, couldn't find his socks, and then decided he had to take a quick peek at email. So he left no room to spare in his drive time. And now he's looking at a sea of brake lights, waiting through several turns of the traffic light. Fuming. He can feel his pulse on his forehead, a ticking bomb. Finally, he sees the hold-up, an accident. He feels awful because of his selfish impatience, for a moment.

OR

Tracy's sitting in the same traffic jam, even though she left early. But she's listening to an audio book, reading when she's at a standstill, or taking the time to breathe deeply and meditate. She's counting her blessings, taking time to be grateful for all that she is, has, and hopes for. She wonders about the other drivers around her, and notices some really grouchy guy in the car to the right. Looks like he might explode, is that his pulse beating on his forehead? She says a prayer for him and all the other drivers, too. She knows that when she finally gets where she's got to go, she'll be able to cope with any effects of being late from the traffic.

There is a world of difference between these two commutes. And it's all because of attitude. No big surprise, your attitude affects your success in every area of your life, from your relationships to your finances, from your physical health to your appearance, from how long you'll live to how effective you'll be in your business.

An attitude is made of our thoughts, feeling, and ultimately, our actions. It's formed in that order too. Our thoughts create our feelings which direct our actions.

Notice that thoughts come first. It might seem strange, because it certainly seems like our feelings hijack our thoughts and propel us into actions, not the other way around. But you'll see, as we look at how your mind works, that your thoughts are the real powerhouse, the boss, the launch pad that sets everything else in motion. Each thought is powerful, for your good or your harm.

Feelings can be overwhelming, seemingly uncontrollable, driving you toward inevitable actions. It's critical to learn how to control your feelings and actions before anything is set in motion. Either way, for good or for bad results, our thinking and feeling determine how things work out in our lives. Our results are just that, the effects of what's going on inside us.

Before you can really get going on the direction of change, you've got to do an attitude check first. You can read until your eyeballs fall out and your fingers get calloused from turning pages, but without the right attitude in place, you're wasting your time. With a poor attitude, there's no information on Earth that can help you change your life. Take a look at your attitude about yourself, your life, the people in your life, your finances, your health, and your place in the universe. How does it look? There are lots of things in life you really don't have much of a choice about, but your attitude is not one of them. Your attitude is completely up to you. We can tell you right away, that a positive, grateful attitude is the best way to go. Gratitude, for what you've already got, for where you live, who you know, all that you are, and all that you're not, is the place to start. How can you ever expect to receive more in life, to be more in life, without appreciating how far you've already come?

Your attitude is a choice. Success is all about making great choices, and this is the first one you need to tackle. It might take practice. It might take reminding yourself. It might even take a "fake it 'til you make it" stance, but you've got to do it.

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Monday, August 27, 2007

When Those We Trust Disappoint Us

I found the following article to be a very good and healthy way to deal with people that we trust who end up disappointing us. It portrays a healthy attitude.



When Those We Trust Disappoint Us
By: Jack Deal

Recently I needed some work done by a colleague of mine. I had done a lot of pro bono or free work for him and now I needed him to do some work for me. When the job was completed he presented me with a full retail bill. The work he did was what he had promised -- but nothing more. He had returned my favors by making me pay full price. After paying I began to wonder -- was I missing something here?

About a week later another colleague asked me to do some pro bono work. As I had some extra time, I did it. Several days later he called me saying he wanted to refer one of his clients to me. His client was a computer programming company that had management issues and he did not feel competent to do the work since he was a systems integrator. He also stated he wanted a percentage of my fee as compensation. After our conversation I began to wonder -- was I missing something here?

These two individuals are not dummies. They both are intelligent and educated. They both run moderately successful businesses. And maybe that's the key -- moderately successful. They must treat their customers, employees and vendors just like they treated me -- squeezing down to the last nickel. Perhaps they viewed me as super successful since I tend to not get worked up over relatively small amounts of money. I also noticed that these two individuals had something in common: they worry all the time.

They worry if they're busy or if they're slow. They worry if the vendors are charging too much or too little. They worry if it's tax time or if it's not. They worry that each nickel in assets they own is threatened. They even worry if they aren't worried!

This oddity struck me and it kept my focus when I met them next. With each they were clenching their teeth, telling me how busy yet how bad things were, worried that they were not being as successful as they really should be. Their smiles were forced and the voices strained.

Then it all began to make sense. They did not see that by taking advantage of me I might not be as willing to help them the next time they had their hand out. Not only that, if they were to get in a real bind -- which they will -- they may not be able to count on my ability to tell them what they should do. Or help them at all!

These two are not evil or even bad. They are actually decent people that have somehow lost control of that which made them decent. They have traded their basic understanding of business dynamics for a transitory figure that temporarily pops up under the net profit column. Their philosophy has become simple if not simplistic -- If it does not bring swift and significant gain it really does not matter.

And for business people that is sad. We who do not have the security of getting a hand out must rely on the strength of the relationships we can forge in the dog-eat-dog world of unbridled competition. We love the hunt but we know we can so easily be hunted as well. Perhaps it is just such a fear that makes my two colleagues oblivious to decency.

So now I take deep breath when I think of these two. I hope they find some degree of happiness in the midst of all their anxiety. If the ulcers don't get them then the coronaries will.

I am proud to say that despite it all I really bear no ongoing resentment. Fortunately they need me a lot more than I need them. Thankfully the cost-benefit imbalance was not that significant and in a real sense I certainly did get my money's worth. These are two individuals that I might have been convinced to help out in a larger context. Learning bad lessons can certainly be cost effective in the long run by avoiding the bigger mistakes.

And I truly hope they are happy. Hopefully the tag of 'moderately successful' will not be too painful. As hard as they work and as much as they worry they deserve all the happiness and success they can get! Just not from me...

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Sunday, August 26, 2007

A Question of Attitude

A Question of Attitude
By MondayMorningPower

On Friday I was flying from Charlotte, NC, back to Los Angeles when I encountered a situation that, in retrospect, I handled poorly. I was in Charlotte for a 2 day sales conference.

First, my state of mind: I was tired. For anyone who has taken a trip from the west coast to the east for just a couple of days knows, your body clock gets out of whack. I was in all day meetings and got very little sleep. Because of the time difference I couldn't get to sleep until 2:00 AM and had to get up at 6:00 AM (3:00 AM, my time.). In addition, I have a hard time sleeping in beds that aren't mine. I was bloated, because I ate like a pig. And, I was looking forward to getting back to my family. In addition I have a mild case of claustrophobia. I wasn’t in the best frame of mind.

Second, the situation: The plane was full and I was sitting next to this girl of about 25. She seemed pleasant enough. After the plane took off she started to cough. It then became quite obvious that she was sick and progressively getting worse. She couldn't hide it and it became quite apparent to everyone around her. As people tend to do, no one said anything but all seemed just a little uncomfortable. She was quite sanitary and did her best to cover up every time she coughed. However, her coughing was incessant.

Third, my reaction: This is why I am writing this; I was obnoxious. I was so concerned about not getting sick myself that I spent almost the whole flight leaning into the isle (I had an isle seat and she was in the middle.) I feel horrible about this. I know that circumstance put me in that position and there was nothing that I could do to avoid being next to her. I was either going to get sick or I wasn't. That part was out of my control. However, the way I acted was totally in my control.

Fourth, in Retrospect: My state of mind was a reason not an excuse. I should have been more sympathetic to her condition than to mine. I may have been able to help her get through a miserable flight a little bit easier. I was selfish and un-empathetic. This reminds me just a little of my "Cookies" post. I deserve to get sick because of the way I behaved.

Fifth, lessons learned: We all have a tendency to be selfish and uncaring. I am not proud of how I reacted. Where I was seated was out of my control. What I was able to control was my attitude, and it was horrible. What do I now do with that knowledge? First, I must remember it so as to not act like that again. Sometimes it's a lot easier to "talk the talk" than to "walk the walk." Second, I must forgive myself so that this does not turn into a negative attitude that could affect future behavior. Third, I must show some type of penance. I believe writing about it; putting it out for the world to see that I can be a jerk also sort of covers the penance piece. In addition, the next time I have an opportunity to be extra nice, I will jump on it. In fact yesterday at my favorite place to spend money, Costco, there was a lady behind me who had 2 items and I had many, many, many, items; so I let her go ahead of me. It felt good.

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Friday, August 24, 2007

Are You Prepared For Success? (Section II - Installment #23f "Carry On!” – Female version)


If you are a male reader please go to #23m

(If this is your first time on this site, I recommend that you begin with "Are You Prepared For Success?" [Introduction])

Carry On!

It's easy to fight when everything's right,
And your mad with the thrill and the glory;
It's easy to cheer when victory's near,
And wallow in fields that are gory.
It's a different song when everything's wrong,
When your feeling infernally mortal;
When it's ten against one, and hope there is none,
Buck up, little soldier, and chortle;

Carry on! Carry on!
There isn't much punch in your blow.
You're glaring and staring and hitting out blind;
You're muddy and bloody, but never you mind.
Carry on! Carry on!
You haven't the ghost of a show.
It's looking like death, but while you've a breath,
Carry on, my daughter! Carry on!

And so in the strife of the battle of life
It's easy to fight when your winning;
It's easy to slave, and starve and be brave,
When the dawn of success is beginning.
But the woman who can meet despair and defeat
With a cheer, there's the woman of God's choosing;
The one who can fight to heaven's own height
Is the one who can fight when she's losing.

Carry on! Carry on!
Things never were looming so black.
But show that you haven't a cowardly streak
And though you're unlucky you never are weak.
Carry on! Carry on!
Brace back for another attack.
It's looking like hell, but--you never can tell:
Carry on, old woman! Carry on!

There are some who drift out in the deserts of doubt,
And some who in brutishness wallow;
There are others, you know, who in piety go
Because of a heaven to follow.
But to labor with zest, and give of your best,
For the sweetness and joy of the giving;
To help folks along with a hand and a song;
Why there's the real sunshine of living.

Carry on! Carry on!
Fight the good fight and true;
Believe in your mission, greet life with a cheer;
There's big work to do, and that's why you are here.
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be the better for you;
And at last when you die, let this be your cry:
Carry on, my soul! Carry on!

(Based on a poem by Robert Service)


I strongly suggest that you write down your immediate reaction, after passionately reading this poem.
  • What do you really want to accomplish, where nothing short of death would stop you?
  • If you felt that nothing could stop you, what cause or task would you pursue until completion, over-coming all obstacles?



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Are You Prepared For Success? (Section II - Installment #23m "Carry On!” – Male version)


If you are a female reader please go to #23f

(If this is your first time on this site, I recommend that you begin with "Are You Prepared For Success?" [Introduction])


Carry On!

It's easy to fight when everything's right,
And your mad with the thrill and the glory;
It's easy to cheer when victory's near,
And wallow in fields that are gory.
It's a different song when everything's wrong,
When your feeling infernally mortal;
When it's ten against one, and hope there is none,
Buck up, little soldier, and chortle;

Carry on! Carry on!
There isn't much punch in your blow.
You're glaring and staring and hitting out blind;
You're muddy and bloody, but never you mind.
Carry on! Carry on!
You haven't the ghost of a show.
It's looking like death, but while you've a breath,
Carry on, my son! Carry on!

And so in the strife of the battle of life
It's easy to fight when your winning;
It's easy to slave, and starve and be brave,
When the dawn of success is beginning.
But the man who can meet despair and defeat
With a cheer, there's the man of God's choosing;
The man who can fight to heaven's own height
Is the man who can fight when he's losing.

Carry on! Carry on!
Things never were looming so black.
But show that you haven't a cowardly streak
And though you're unlucky you never are weak.
Carry on! Carry on!
Brace back for another attack.
It's looking like hell, but--you never can tell:
Carry on, old man! Carry on!

There are some who drift out in the deserts of doubt,
And some who in brutishness wallow;
There are others, you know, who in piety go
Because of a heaven to follow.
But to labor with zest, and give of your best,
For the sweetness and joy of the giving;
To help folks along with a hand and a song;
Why there's the real sunshine of living.

Carry on! Carry on!
Fight the good fight and true;
Believe in your mission, greet life with a cheer;
There's big work to do, and that's why you are here.
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be the better for you;
And at last when you die, let this be your cry:
Carry on, my soul! Carry on!

(Based on a poem by Robert Service)


I strongly suggest that you write down your immediate reaction, after passionately reading this poem.
  • What do you really want to accomplish, where nothing short of death would stop you?
  • If you felt that nothing could stop you, what cause or task would you pursue until completion, over-coming all obstacles?


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Wednesday, August 22, 2007

10 Rules of Focus


10 Rules of Focus

Being able to focus and concentrate are critical aspects of being successful. Unfortunately, they do not come naturally to most of us. For most of us it can be quite a challenge. I have discovered that being able to focus and concentrate are skills that must be learned. After years of telling myself that I am too easily distracted and just unable to focus I decided to do something about it; I have the right attitude, I can conquer this. The good news is that you are never too old to learn how to focus. So, as I have a tendency to do, I broke it down into components and created a guide of sorts. Consider these 10 rules to be your guide.

1. Define Your Goals

Be exact as to what you want to accomplish. Is it school work, a project for work, home improvement, a book you are writing, a blog that you are creating, a post that you are writing…..anything? What are your goals and how long will you need to attain them. What do you need to complete today. It is impossible for you to gain focus and concentration if you do not know what you want or how long it will take you to get there.


2. Prioritize Your Tasks and Organize Them

Most of us are not made to perform multiple tasks at the same time and perform them all well. After defining what your goals and tasks are, prioritize them. Decide what the more important ones are and put them in rank order. Only you can decide why one is more important than another. Be logical in this, not emotional.


3. Do One Thing at a Time, and Do It Well

Once they are prioritized start working on the one that is at the top of your list and only concentrate on that one. You will be surprised at how fast you can complete it if you put the other tasks out of your mind until this one has been completed. You will also be surprised at how well you can do it. If you have a project to work on, divide it into sections such as planning, gathering for resources, implementing the changes, and so forth.


4. Expect Distractions and Prepare For Them

When you begin your task, expect interruptions and distractions; nothing ever goes smooth. Just the fact that you know that something will go wrong will help in overcoming the distraction. As an example, if you have a hard time concentrating when there is noise around you (my biggest issue when trying to focus), choose some appropriate music and use headphones so as not to annoy others. Classical music works well for me. As I am writing this I am in an airplane listening to jazz on my headphones. There are noisy kids around me, but I came prepared. If you have to read or write and you don’t want to be disturbed, shut off the phone or go to the library.


5. Be Patient and Never Give Up

Do not expect to accomplish full focus and concentration right away. This will take time, but stick with it. It will get easier each time. By not expecting to gain full focus the first time you attempt these rules, you will not be disappointed in yourself. This, in my opinion, is the most important of the rules. If you have read any of my writing then you know that “Never giving up” is huge. Stick with it. It will get easier each time.


6. There Is a Price To Pay

Nothing comes free. Life is a compromise (this could be the genesis of another post.) In order to accomplish a task you will have to give up something that you may enjoy more. Again, understand this and accept it. Acceptance will make the act of compromise a lot easier.


7. Get Ahead of Yourself

To put it simply: avoid procrastination. The faster you begin to work on your goals, the better you will be able to attain focus and be able to concentrate, and of course, you will be able to complete the tasks that much faster. You want to avoid the discomfort of stress and pressure by leaving things to the last minute. If you begin to work on your goals ahead of schedule, you will be more able to focus and concentrate because there is nothing else to worry about except to get the job done.


8. Law of Diminishing Returns

This is an economics term: “beyond some point, each additional unit of variable input yields less and less additional output.” Know when you are too tired to concentrate and when to “give it a break.” Learn to tell when you are too tired to be productive. In my case, if I am working at my desk and I feel too tired to be effective, I put my feet up and take a 10 minute (maybe more) cat nap. This enables me to again become productive. For some it may be to stretch or to take a 10 minute walk. You might just need to eat something. Learn to recognize what your body is yearning for (this could be the makings of another post) and give your body what it needs.


9. Reward Yourself

The ideal reward for completing a job is the satisfaction that it is done and done to the best of your ability. However, that is not enough for most of us. If that is the case, then when the job is complete, allow yourself an indulgence; reward yourself. Eat some ice cream, play a video game, watch a television show, buy yourself something, etc. Allow yourself to feel good about what you have accomplished.


10. Practice, Practice, Practice

Once you have conquered the ability to focus, do not take it for granted. Continue to practice this new found skill. Take it one step at a time and follow these 10 rules. Before you know it will become second nature.

Copyright © MondayMorningPower, All rights Reserved



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