Test link:

www.sallyannmurphy.com

Auto Insurance.Me

I have worked for major insurance companies for over fifteen years and can't say I've seen a more well done website. Go to http://www.automobileinsurance.me/go/click.php?tid=350727 to see what I am talking about.
First, they start off with a primer on auto insurance that reviews collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and more. I was struck by what a good job they did - car insurance can be incredibly confusing, and I thought these summaries were well done.
This website, http://www.automobileinsurance.me/go/click.php?tid=350727 also provides an overview of the six biggest car insurance carriers you can purchase from, including All State, Geico, and Nationwide. Information is offered on financial, discounts, and ratings. Auto Insurance Me, http://www.automobileinsurance.me/go/click.php?tid=350727 also discusses getting insurance with a bad driving record, vehicle types, and other helpful information. If you're looking for auto insurance and don't know where to start, this is a good site to begin.

Being a Mom

So we're playing with the new dollhouse and my daughter hands me the mother figurine and tells me to be the mom. Then she says "Okay, now you go to work."
I need to rethink my life. Seriously

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and soon to be happy new year as well! I hope everyone enjoys a happy, healthy holiday!

Where to Buy Christmas Trees in Houston, Texas
This article describes where to purchase Christmas trees in the Houston, Texas area.
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The Mental Health Parity Act: What it Means to You
This article provides a summary of the Mental Health Parity Act and how it affects benefits for those who need mental health care.
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Quick and Easy Cocktails
This article will provide you with some quick and easy recipes for cocktails.
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A Review of American Woodmark Cabinets
This article provides a review of American Woodmark cabinets, with a focus on their three leading brands.
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A Review of Wellborn Kitchen Cabinets
This article reviews Wellborn kitchen cabinets, including design, warranties, where to purchase, and upgrades.
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Finding a Child Therapist
This article will provide tips for finding a child therapist, including types of therapists, helpful websites, and questions to ask a therapist.
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Five Cruise Lines that Offer Excellent Dining Experiences
This article reviews five cruise lines that offer excellent dining experiences.
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Alternative Treatments for Heart Disease
This article will provide you with a guide to some alternative treatments for heart disease.
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Hosting a New Year's Eve Party
This article will provide you with some helpful tips and websites for hosting the perfect New Year's Eve party.
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Tips for a Healthy Pre-Pregnancy Diet
This article provides tips for a healthy diet for women trying to conceive.
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Delicious and Easy Cranberry Cocktails
This article provides some easy recipes for drinks made with cranberry juice cocktail.
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Host a Super Bowl Party on a Budget
This article will provide you with a guide and tips to throwing a great Super Bowl party on a budget.
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Guide for New Medicare Users
This article provides a overview of Medicare basics for patients who are new to the program.
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Understanding Serotonin
This article will provide you with a guide to Serotonin, including what it does, how to increase your levels of Serotonin, and what medications affect Serotonin.
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Common Side Effects from Antidepressants (SSRIs)
This article provides you with a summary of the side effects associated with the class of antidepressants known as SSRIs.
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Lumpectomy: Procedure and Recovery
This article will provide you with an overview of the lumpectomy procedure and tips for recovery.
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Avoiding Midlife Weight Gain
This article will provide you with some tips on avoiding midlife weight gain.
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Fighting Menopausal Weight Gain
This article will provide you with some tips to avoid menopausal weight gain.
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Treatment for Congenital Heart Defects
This article describes the different types of treatment for congenital heart defects.
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Tips for Recovering from Heart Surgery
This article will provide you with tips for recovering from heart surgery.
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Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of Heart Arrhythmia
This article will provide you with a guide to the signs, symptoms, causes and treatment of heart arrhythmia.
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Complications and Risks of Cardiac Catheterization
This article will provide you with a guide to the complications and risks of cardiac (heart) catheterization.
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Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Ischaemic Heart Disease
This article will provide you with a guide to the causes, signs and symptoms of Ischaemic heart disease.
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Heart Angina: Types and Treatment
This article will provide you with a guide to the different types of heart angina and the treatments available.
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29 secrets

If you want to check out a great website, go to www.29secrets.com. This website has great tips on wellness, beauty, relationships, and many other topics. Oh, did I mention I am one of their writers??? Whoo-hoo!!!

Top Ten Diet Plans of the Decade
This article provides an overview of the top ten diet plans of the decade.
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Top Men's Health Scares of the Year
This article provides you with the top ten men's health scares of the year.
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2009 Women's Health Scares
This article will provide you with a summary of the top women's health scares of the year.
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Top 10 Cancer Prevention Tips of 2009
This article will provide you with the top ten cancer prevention tips from 2009.
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Top Ten Men's Health Scares of the Decade
This article provides you with the top ten men's health scares of the decade.
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Top Ten Women's Health Scares of the Decade
This article provides you with the top ten women's health scares of the decade.
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Top Ten Cancer Prevention Tips of the Decade
This article will provide you with the top ten cancer prevention tips of the decade.
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Tiger Woods

Okay, I was not going to blog about Tiger, but he's become a little like the tide and I can no longer resist it. How did this story go from a car accident to something out of a really bad made for tv movie? Exactly HOW MANY mistresses? I have heard upward of fifteen - is that true? And that some were strippers and porn stars? If you are worth a billion plus is this the kind of life you secretly desire? How did he go from such an awesome role model to this? Anyone who wants to comment back there thoughts is welcome. I did read on the news that his wife was meeting with divorce lawyers, but who can really blame her?

Top Ten Medical Advances of the Decade
This article provides you with a summary of the top ten medical advances of the decade.
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Top 10 New Medications of the Year
This article provides a summary of the top ten new medications for 2009.
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Top 10 New Medications of the Decade
This article summarizes the top ten new medications of the decade.
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Top 10 Medical Advances of the Year
This article summarizes the top ten medical advances of 2009.
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Top Five Wine Bars in Northwest Houston, Texas
This article will provide you with a guide to the top five wine bars in Northwest Houston, Texas.
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Top Five Wine Bars in Houston, Texas
This article will provide you with a guide to the top five wine bars in Houston, Texas.
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I Love Soccer - Why Don't Most Americans
This article summarizes the top five reasons soccer is not, and probably never will be, as popular as other sports in the US.
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Health Screening Tests Every Woman Should Schedule
This article provides an overview of five screening tests women should have done to protect their health.
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Health Screening Tests Every Man Should Schedule
This article provides an overview of five screening tests men should schedule to protect their health.
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The Top Five Ice Skates for Women
This article provides you with a review of the top five ice skates available for women.
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Top Ten New Year's Eve Resolutions
This article will provide you with a summary of the top ten New Year's Eve resolutions and how to stick to them!
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Late, Late Nights

I am really trying to get to 200 published articles before the end of the year. This is causing me to stay up way past my bedtime on some nights! But I think it will be worth it. It's been some time since I was up late working on something I cared about, and it feels good.

Alternative Treatments for Epilepsy
This article will provide you with an overview of some alternative treatments for epilepsy.
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Implanon Side Effects
This article provides an overview of the side effects of Implanon, a hormonal birth control implant. Side effects from common to serious are reviewed, including when to call the doctor.
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Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depression
This article describes how cognitive behavior therapy is used for depression.
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Does Your Baby Need a Prenatal Education?
This article provides a review of the BabyPlus Prenatal Education system, which will help your baby be calmer, smarter and more alert.
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Listening to Your Baby with Bebesounds
This article provides a review of Bebesounds Prenatal Heart Listener, which allows you to listen to your unborn baby as early as the fifth month of pregnancy.
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New Month

New month new goals. I like to scramble in December and see how many of my New Year's resolutions I can knock off before I have to re-resolve them for the next year. So many changes, I can't even believe it. Hopefully 2010 will be calmer!

iPhone

If anyone has any thoughts on whether the iPhone is a good investment, I would appreciate it. I really need a realiable device I can log into my accounts with and take assignments. I have a little Samsung phone but when I get to the login page on some sites it says invalid URL, which I know isn't true since I'm on the site. My Blackberry will only connect me to the mobile sites, which don't allow login. Any ideas?

Writing Thoughts

Two writers have cited my writing for their own. Now that's heady stuff. You write articles, put them out there, hope at least friends and families are reading. And then people you have never even met not only read your writing but think it's good enough to use for their own. I love the internet!

World's Biggest Loser

Ha! That got your attention, didn't it? Seriusly, just joined the Biggest Loser Club. Today is day one. Pancakes for breakfast, all right! I have got to start eating healthier. We do a good job with our daughter, lots of fruit and vegetables and lean protein, so its time we did that, too. No more pizza and nachos after she goest to bed. Goal today is fifteen minutes on the elliptical - that may kill me. I'll let you know!

Closing in on 17000 hits

Need 150 more hits to make my next goal. Very exciting. I was looking at the writers who have over 2 million hits and it looks like they are purely volume. 2,000 article! I'd like to write 200. And I will. Right now just focusing on getting through the holidays with everyone healthy and happy. Happy Thanksgiving!

Brunettes Have More Fun

I went into the salon looking like Bret Michaels and came out looking like Joan Jett. I'd forgotten how much fun being brunette is - I feel mysterious. Plus, so much less maintenance. I'm sure I'll go blond again but for now this is fun.

13,000 hits

All right. I've figured out I need 17,000 hits and some change plus 200 articles to move up to the next clout level. For you non-AC people, that just means more money. I have 95 articles published and four waiting to be approved. Plus I have five assignments that I'm working on right now. Just keep on moving.

Beautiful Day

Hard to believe its almost Thanksgiving and today was so lovely. We planted petunias and pansies and sat outside just enjoying the sunny, breezy weather. This is such a far cry from New England November weather. As much as I want to go home, days like today make me question the move.

Good News All Around

First of all, Steven Tyler is not leaving Aerosmith. Big sigh of relief. I've been rocking to them since I was small. I'm too young to lose my icons just yet.
Second of all, I've lost six pounds in five days. Now that sounds like some sort of ad for a diet product, doesn't it? No drugs, no powder, no drinks (best of all , no exercise, although I did spend six hours cleaning my garage on Saturday.) I think I'm on to something here...

Weight Loss Diva

I think I'll turn this into a weight loss blog. I've lost four lbs. so far since Saturday. My plan is five pounds a week. I know that sounds extreme but I think I can do it. 900 calories a day plus a glass of wine at night. Seems to be working... Tune in later.

Joe says don't despair

Joe Perry says don't despair, Aerosmith is not breaking up. I'll try to hold on until I hear more... :)

Say It Ain't So

Steven Tyler quit Aerosmith?? I won't believe it. I can't believe it. I passed up a chance to see them in Houston this summer, thought, I'll catch them next time around. No, no, no, no, no!!!

Clout Six

I've reached Clout 6, can't believe it!!! Not bad considering I've only been writing three months! I googled myself today and I was the third entry! I love the fact that I am reaching so many people with my writing!!!

Approaching 10,000 hits

I know, I know, I said 50,000 was my goal, but 10,000 is pretty good, right? I'm closing in on 50,000, I think.
This weather is outrageous!!! We need to build an ark. Flash flood warning in effect, tornado watches, too. Glad I'm home right now and not driving around in this.

Long Time No Post

The Great Third Annual Halloween Party is over, so hopefully things will calm down. Seven new articles to write and things are humming along as usual. Over 8,000 hits on my articles. All right!

Change, change and more change

Nothing ever stays the same, does it? I feel like when I was a child everything was such a constant, but now that I'm an adult change is inescapable. Everyone has to grow and learn, though, right? I just wish sometimes the world would stop spinning so much.

Five thousand hits~

Five thousand hits - on my way to my goal of 50,000. I really think Twitter is going to help me. I can't believe how many followers I have picked up in the short time I have been tweeting. I think that is owed to the variety of articles I write. I'm so glad people want to read what I write!!

New Goals

Okay, this may seem high, but I'm going for 20,000 hits as my next goal. I think I can do it. Check out my latest articles:
Five Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Purchasing a Dog, The Most Commonly Used Drugs for Breast Cancer Treatment, and Herbal Remedies for Chemotherapy Side Effects (links below).
How's that for being a versatile writer??

www.associatedcontent.com/article/2247065/five_questions_to_ask_a_breeder_before.html

www.associatedcontent.com/article/2231403/the_most_commonly_used_drugs_for_breast.html

www.associatedcontent.com/article/2226915/herbal_remedies_for_chemotherapy_side.html

Five thousand

Closing in on five thousand hits. So exciting. Got invited to apply as a contributor for another topic. I'm telling you, this writing this is going to be more than a pipe dream some day. I can feel it.

Writing

I hit "Clout 5" on AC this week - very exciting. And I am approaching 4,000 hits. Again, maybe not impressive for some people, but very fun for me. I am beginning to wonder if I could someday be an actual writer. (Meaning someone who makes a living writing.) Everyone needs a dream...

New Home

The kitten has a new home with our babysitter. Hurray! She is a lovely young woman and will take great care of him. Plus we can visit him if we want to. This couldn't have worked out any better. I am so, so happy!!

Kitten!

So hard to find a good home for our little guy. There are so many unwanted animals out there. We really want him to go to a good home where he will be loved. I hate to give him up but I can't reconcile starting my daughter on a lifetime of drugs at three years old for the sake of an animal. That being said, there is no way he is going to a shelter. So there we go. Life is hard, no??
I can't even talk about the dog right now...

So Much Going On

Reilly is allergic to our little cat. We are in the process of finding him a new home. Heartbreaking. Things are crazy but good at work. Lots of drama back in Masschusetts - so many people losing their jobs! Nearing 15o0 hits on my articles - now that's exciting.

Fans and Followers

It's so exciting to pick up new followers for my writing. Don't get me wrong, it's terrific when my friends and family like something I've written. But when complete strangers do as well, that's really something. I'm up over a thousand hits on my articles, too! It's a great feeling.

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend - how great is it? The perfect end to a perfect summer. Of course, in Houston, does summer ever end? Busy writing weekend, but lots of super fun playing outside as well. We always try to eat healthy, but tonight we sat down to a dessert of ice cream, hot fudge, butter scotch and whip cream. Does it get any better than that? (well, we had chocolate cake but we were just too full to eat it.) Let's hear it for three day weekends!!

Nearing 1000 hits

I'm very excited that I am nearing 1000 hits on my content for Associated Content. I'm sure to experienced writers, bloggers, etc. that is nothing, but for someone new it is great. I love writing articles for them and couldn't be more pleased that people are reading and liking what they read!

No Place Like Home

This morning it was such a relief to jump on the couch with everyone for a morning cartoon. When I think about last Saturday, which we spent the majority of hurtling through space on airplanes, I really believe there is no place better than home! I love to travel but this morning was just so great. There was a touch of coolness in the air, too, which reminded me that winter comes even to Houston (eventually, and for not as long, thank you.)

Dominick Dunne

Dominick Dunne passed away yesterday, and I can't believe how sad I am. He really touched my life, from A Season in Purgatory to The Two Mrs. Grenvilles. He was a writer of such power and insight, with a real love of language. I only wish he had been more prolific when writing books, as each one is such a treasure and they number so few. If he could read this blog I know he would laugh when I write this - "May flights of angels sing you to your rest."

Rain and More Rain

The rain has followed me from Massachusetts. Rain in Houston is nothing to laugh about. I always enjoyed rainy days back home, but it is almost terrifying here. The roads flood within minutes and people begin pulling into parking lots and up onto traffic islands! I have not ever had a bad experience driving in the rain, but there's something about seeing that water rising that scares me. Mostly it just slows us down and snarls the traffic, something that Houston doesn't really need. Oh, well. It's still better than snow!

Ear Infection

Does anyone know what a double ear infection is? And no, it's not an infection in both ears. It's actually possible to have a double ear infection in both ears. Odd. I have to wonder if it came on due to the airplane ride(s).
Weather here is pretty good, hurricanes are brewing back home - interesting!!
Good to be back

Back Home

Back from Massachusetts. It's nice to be home but we had such a great time! Swimming, having picnics, visiting family and friends. Now we're back and SOOO tired - we had to catch a 6 a.m. flight which had us up at four - really three a.m. for us Southern girls. Now its five o'clock and feels like midnight. Once again, great flights - my flying karma must be running high. I did find one of those search tags from the TSA in my luggage though - I wonder what intrigued them, the stuffed animals, the dolls, or the seventeen books about fairies and teddy bears? Oh, well, safety first, right?

Massachusetts

Here we are in Massachusetts! Made it through Newark, the airport of despair, and now we have been enjoying fine weather, fine dining (Pop's Pizza), good friends and lots of fun. I wondered if I would find the weather too cool after Texas but it has been around eighty degrees so we've been handling it. The flights were remarkably smooth, I hope our return trip goes as well. I love to travel, even flying, so it has to be pretty bad to bother me. Hopefully Hurricane Bill will hold off until we are safely home, or spin out and dwindle over the Atlantic.

Time for us to Fly!

Headed out to Massachusetts on Tuesday. Apparently they have had a terrible summer - rain, rain, rain. I hope the weather holds out for our flight. The first hurricane of the season is forming as we speak, supposedly making the Gulf Monday or Tuesday. Keeping our fingers crossed on that one. Although I have taken off from Houston in a "hurricane" (not Ike, of course), only to be left circling Bradley for two hours due to a little rain. Wimps! :)

Exciting News!

I saw the doctor today and my broken nose will not require any surgery - what a relief. Still hurts, though. But that's not the good news! The exciting news is that Associated Content has published four of my articles - and now they are sending me specific requests. How exciting is that? I love to write, it is really something I enjoy doing, especially research projects, and now someone wants to pay me for my hobby!! That is one of the reasons I enjoy being a lawyer so much - all the researching and writing. This has been such a great day!

Endless Waiting

Did you ever notice how slowly time moves when you are waiting for something? Sort of like when you were a child waiting for Christmas to come? I feel like months have passed as I wait to hear back on my job applications when it reality it has only been a few days. Sigh. And my nose still hurts!
Going home next week - one week from today I'll be having a glass of wine with my best friend Michelle. Can't wait!

More Nose

Did I mention my nose hurts? It really, really hurts. Work was an interesting experience today. I guess people aren't used to seeing an attorney with a broken nose. I had a steady stream of visitors with endless questions. Even the break room was an experience (hard to get a cup of coffee quietly with a big, bruised nose. Especially when you are normally as cute as I am :) )

Broken Nose

For those of you who have never had a broken nose, let me tell you how painful it is. In fact, I had a serious burn on my arm a few weeks ago and that was a walk in the park compared to this. Ow, ow, ow! I fell into our wall stove and hit the handle with my face - you wouldn't believe how much blood there was! Went to the ER and they were really great. Next I have to see an ENT doctor but not until the swelling goes down (2-3) days. It's amazing how completely not worried I am about silly little things like job interviews, etc., after a day like today.

Anniversary

Today is our wedding anniversary - ten years! Seventeen total. How time flies.
Had an "invitation to apply" from a company in Wisconsin. What the hey, I applied. You never know, right? Also got an email from an old friend in Vermont - possible lead there as well.
The next round of layoffs is starting in Massachusetts - I feel a lot of anxiety for friends there. You can't work somewhere for fourteen years and not have compassion for the people there. At least I'm employedl, quite happily, while I job hunt. It's like a hobby, not a job.

Job Searching and cold weather

Does anyone else find the job search leads to some very odd dreams, including bizarre encounters with former bosses and co-workers? I'm beginning to think the search is not worth the stress. Besides, hurricane season is almost over...
One of the things I really love about Texas is that even though I know it gets cold here, I can't remember it. It's not like New England, where the cold lingers so long that you are reminded of C.S. Lewis, "Always winter and never Christmas."

Job Search

Searching for a job 1800 miles away has become a real chore for me. It's not that I don't enjoy Texas, but I miss my friends and family, and want my child to grow up around her family as well. Watching Law & Order last night, my husband and I agreed we don't miss the cold (although the first snow is always exciting), but there's something to be said for no hurricanes, either. Monster.com has been a real surprise, though, with some opportunities I would not have expected from a site like that. So far the Ladder has not offered anything new, but I remain hopeful.