NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on May 20, 2011 13:11:30 GMT -5
I think she can be pretty creative too and got me thinking, it just rubs me when you read articles like the one on the OP that attribute it all to her frugal ways. No it took A LOT of careful planning and a good dose of luck to do what they did.
I am not going to get where they are just by clipping some coupons and shopping salvage stores, which is what I think is left out a lot in the story. It's a PART of the story, but, IMO, a very small part of the story. The pension, the free healthcare and being successful with her book are far bigger pieces of the puzzle when it comes to their accomplishments.
Being frugal just came with the territory.
And I do think it's bonkers to live like that long after you've met all your goals and thensome, but if it makes them happy then it is really none of my business. I wouldn't go hog wild, but I wouldn't be buying used shoes anymore either unless they were an awesome find.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 20, 2011 13:12:03 GMT -5
Well, I haven't seen any "lauding" for being great parents. I've seen a lot of criticism, actually.... I admire her creativity (from reading the TG). And the success of the home business (the newsletter) was a bit more than luck.... I think most successful home businesses are the result of a good idea, hard work, AND luck..... Just mo. They actually strike me as terrific parents. Very hands-on, involved with their children, and obviously deeply committed to them. They just also strike me as foolish in the extreme. I would call living the way they did just as big of a risk as trying to keep up with the Jones. Well we all do have different risk tolerances. I have a much lower risk tolerance and probably would not have made the choices they made either. I do wish the Tightwad Gazette had been out in the 70's and 80's when I was a struggling single parent. I could have used a lot of the information then.... By the time I discovered it, I had learned a lot from the school of hard knocks and my financial life had improved to the point were I didn't HAVE to be so frugal..... DQ, we posted at the same time. I do agree with your point. Also, an earlier point. It's much more fun to be frugal when it's a choice and not when it's dictated by circumstances. I was frugal in my younger years because of circumstances and shopping at yard sales and thrift stores because I could not afford dept stores was NOT as much fun as it is now. I do enjoy yard sales and thrift stores, but now it's a game. I know that if I chose I could go to a dept store and buy what I wanted. There IS a big difference.... I get that.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on May 20, 2011 13:14:14 GMT -5
By the time I discovered it, I had learned a lot from the school of hard knocks and my financial life had improved to the point were I didn't HAVE to be so frugal..... And that's the part they're getting criticized for here, choosing to be that frugal, especially with six kids, long after they didn't have to be anymore. It's just weird, and not how a lot of us would choose to raise our kids.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on May 20, 2011 13:22:15 GMT -5
Well we all do have different risk tolerances. I have a much lower risk tolerance and probably would not have made the choices they made either.
Some may disagree, but I don't think that a "high risk tolerance" is your God-given right when you have children. When it's just you and perhaps a partner, do whatever you want - you guys consented to it, presumably.
But when you have kids, I think you need to cut the stupid risks to an absolute minimum. Their well-being is more important than whatever jollies you get by risking your family's financial security on a dream.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 20, 2011 13:24:38 GMT -5
And that's the part they're getting criticized for here, choosing to be that frugal, especially with six kids, long after they didn't have to be anymore. It's just weird, and not how a lot of us would choose to raise our kids.
Are they that different from Mrs Dinero's parents who are chosing to live on a pension and not touch their investments so that their children will have a sizeable inheritance?
I think in some cases, some people (like the Dacyzcns) are simply frugal by nature. Even when they have the resources, they don't need or want to spend more than for the basics. Others, like me, learn it and it becomes ingrained.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 20, 2011 13:28:43 GMT -5
Some may disagree, but I don't think that a "high risk tolerance" is your God-given right when you have children. When it's just you and perhaps a partner, do whatever you want - you guys consented to it, presumably.
But when you have kids, I think you need to cut the stupid risks to an absolute minimum. Their well-being is more important than whatever jollies you get by risking your family's financial security on a dream.
Well, I've been criticized (on the old board) for staying a job that (most of the time) I didn't care for for 30+ years because I had two kids to raise and I liked the job security (and retirement bennies). Pretty much the opposite of what the Dacycns' did.... People are going to judge no matter what one chooses to do. We all have different definitions of what is risky and what is a good plan.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on May 20, 2011 13:39:05 GMT -5
Well, I've been criticized (on the old board) for staying a job that (most of the time) I didn't care for for 30+ years because I had two kids to raise and I liked the job security (and retirement bennies). Pretty much the opposite of what the Dacycns' did....
Who criticized you for that, and why did they criticize it?
I agree that people will criticize no matter what.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 20, 2011 13:46:38 GMT -5
Well, I've been criticized (on the old board) for staying a job that (most of the time) I didn't care for for 30+ years because I had two kids to raise and I liked the job security (and retirement bennies). Pretty much the opposite of what the Dacycns' did....Who criticized you for that, and why did they criticize it? I agree that people will criticize no matter what. It's been a while, but the topic was along the lines of following one's dreams. I posted something to the effect that I had had kids very young (too young), then divorced. I raised them staying in a job that was, at times, tedious, demanding, included working holidays and weekends and sometimes nights, but it paid enough to pay the bills and give my kids close to a middle class upbringing. I was criticized for not "following my dreams" ... don't recall the poster and it didn't bother me much. (At my ripe old age, I've developed a thick skin...LOL) There has been plenty of time since then to do things I've always wanted to do. (go back and finish college, get a graduate degree, learn to scuba dive, travel)
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Angel!
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Post by Angel! on May 20, 2011 13:52:55 GMT -5
And that's the part they're getting criticized for here, choosing to be that frugal, especially with six kids, long after they didn't have to be anymore. It's just weird, and not how a lot of us would choose to raise our kids. This is the real issue. If they have made a million from the newsletter & books, then why are they shopping at a liquidation center for expired food items & such. There is such a thing as being too frugal. When you are being extremely frugal by choice & it potentially impacts your kid's physical & emotional health, then you have gone too far.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on May 20, 2011 13:59:37 GMT -5
Are they that different from Mrs Dinero's parents who are chosing to live on a pension and not touch their investments so that their children will have a sizeable inheritance? I haven't read the thread yet, but probably. I'm thinking Mrs. Dinero's parents aren't raising kids on a small pension while sitting on a pile of money. If two adults want to live like that, whatever. Probably not a choice I would make, but they're adults and free to do whatever. Choosing it for your children that don't get a say in the matter is different. If the Dacyzcns didn't have kids, I wouldn't care that they eat expired food, have never purchased clothes or shoes that weren't already used, or whatever. They're adults, they can live how they want. I'll never understand raising your kids that way when you don't have to though. Ever.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 20, 2011 14:04:45 GMT -5
And that's the part they're getting criticized for here, choosing to be that frugal, especially with six kids, long after they didn't have to be anymore. It's just weird, and not how a lot of us would choose to raise our kids. This is the real issue. If they have made a million from the newsletter & books, then why are they shopping at a liquidation center for expired food items & such. There is such a thing as being too frugal. When you are being extremely frugal by choice & it potentially impacts your kid's physical & emotional health, then you have gone too far. Is there any indication that the Dacyzcn children's physical and emotional health actually WAS impacted? One child complained... as an adult she's turned out to be the biggest tightwad. All of the kids went to college. If their parents hadn't saved for it, how much would they now owe in student debt?
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 20, 2011 14:04:45 GMT -5
And that's the part they're getting criticized for here, choosing to be that frugal, especially with six kids, long after they didn't have to be anymore. It's just weird, and not how a lot of us would choose to raise our kids. This is the real issue. If they have made a million from the newsletter & books, then why are they shopping at a liquidation center for expired food items & such. There is such a thing as being too frugal. When you are being extremely frugal by choice & it potentially impacts your kid's physical & emotional health, then you have gone too far. I'd agree, but I haven't seen or read of any indication that the Dacyzcn children's physical and emotional health actually WAS impacted? One child complained... as an adult she's turned out to be the biggest tightwad. All of the kids went to college. If their parents hadn't saved for it, how much would they now owe in student debt?
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on May 20, 2011 14:05:50 GMT -5
It's been a while, but the topic was along the lines of following one's dreams. I posted something to the effect that I had had kids very young (too young), then divorced. I raised them staying in a job that was, at times, tedious, demanding, included working holidays and weekends and sometimes nights, but it paid enough to pay the bills and give my kids close to a middle class upbringing. I was criticized for not "following my dreams" ... don't recall the poster and it didn't bother me much. (At my ripe old age, I've developed a thick skin...LOL)
That was such a stupid thread because a lot of those posters would have said we were selfish horrid pricks if we had said the opposite.
That is like those SAHP threads, no one is going to win.
In case of the Daczycns though it's more that they have achieved their goals and have quite a bit of money but are still living like paupers.
Even my grandmother who can pinch a penny till it screams enjoys her gardening and antiquing which involves spending some money.
If that makes them happy they can go for it, but it's a little weird to get that much of a thrill out of buying salvaged foods.
I like a good deal as much as anyone, but I don't get hot and bothered over saving because I bought expired marshmellows.
The suckers are cheap enough anyhow that I'll just buy new, especially during the holidays.
It's more they've gone way to the other side of the extreme when it comes to frugality.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 20, 2011 14:17:23 GMT -5
That was such a stupid thread because a lot of those posters would have said we were selfish horrid pricks if we had said the opposite.
DQ, do you remember the thread?
That is like those SAHP threads, no one is going to win.
Totally agree. And there's no need to "win" anyway because it's not a "one size fits all" situation... I got a lot of criticism for being a "working mother" in the 70's and 80's. I was also criticized for "taking a man's job away from him". ....
In case of the Daczycns though it's more that they have achieved their goals and have quite a bit of money but are still living like paupers.
Well in a recent interview, she said she had very few needs/wants....
Even my grandmother who can pinch a penny till it screams enjoys her gardening and antiquing which involves spending some money. I enjoy both.... And I will splurge on both....
If that makes them happy they can go for it, but it's a little weird to get that much of a thrill out of buying salvaged foods.
Any weirder than getting a thrill from buying something you don't need because you have a coupon? (doning my teflon armor)
I like a good deal as much as anyone, but I don't get hot and bothered over saving because I bought expired marshmellows.
Same here. And I won't spend more than a few minutes clipping coupons...(still wearing armor)
It's more they've gone way to the other side of the extreme when it comes to frugality. Well, there are plenty of examples of extremes on these boards too..... ;D
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on May 20, 2011 14:21:11 GMT -5
DQ, do you remember the thread?
Yeah it was one Tbird started, I forgot the title though. I got slammed on it too.
And I agree there are examples of the extreme on both sides on this board, just they're not making a living off marketing themselves on it.
So I think that's why Amy gets more flack, you won't see Doxie or SuziQ writing a book anytime soon. ;D
You open yourself up to the media, be prepared for people to stick you under a microscope. I'd assume she was prepared for that and if not, has long since developed a thick skin.
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Angel!
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Post by Angel! on May 20, 2011 14:30:07 GMT -5
This is the real issue. If they have made a million from the newsletter & books, then why are they shopping at a liquidation center for expired food items & such. There is such a thing as being too frugal. When you are being extremely frugal by choice & it potentially impacts your kid's physical & emotional health, then you have gone too far. I'd agree, but I haven't seen or read of any indication that the Dacyzcn children's physical and emotional health actually WAS impacted? One child complained... as an adult she's turned out to be the biggest tightwad. All of the kids went to college. If their parents hadn't saved for it, how much would they now owe in student debt? I don't know if the children were impacted, I don't know enough about the family to really say. My biggest issue really has been the expired food, maybe no one affected, but they could have potentially gotten really sick. It also depends on the type of food, but cheese 2-month past expiration would be way too questionable for me. I veiw the issue kind of like if I saved money by buying an used/expired carseat. Maybe no one would be affected, but it also could result in severe injuries or death. Is it worth the risk taking that chance to save a few bucks?
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on May 20, 2011 14:34:02 GMT -5
I'd agree, but I haven't seen or read of any indication that the Dacyzcn children's physical and emotional health actually WAS impacted? Were you poor growing up? Did you ever go back to school after Christmas break and listen to all the other kids talk about the toys they got when all you got was a couple coloring books and your sister got a pack of crayons? Is it child abuse? No. Does it impact you emotionally? Hell yeah it does. I remember getting teased at school because the sole of my shoe was coming off so it was wrapped in duct tape because we couldn't afford to buy new ones. I desperately wanted to fit in at school, which is really hard when school shopping is picking through the clearance wracks at thrift stores. I think it's partially generational. Older folks remember everyone being poor when you guys were kids so don't see it as a big deal. I was born in 81 though. I grew up firmly in the times that two income households were the norm. Consumerism was normal. People didn't sew their own clothes, they didn't all wear hand me downs, it wasn't normal to be poor. Most kid's first bike was brand new, it wasn't an old wreck. Presents were the toys you'd see on commercials, not home made stuff or thrift store finds. Kids had brand new clothes every school year. Being poor and not having any of that stuff left you a constant outsider. It's not a fun way to get through childhood. Kids are mean. They ostracize kids who are different. They pick on the kid in old clothes, or with a crappy bike. Living in a housing project is bad enough, but looking like you live in a housing project is almost even worse, because you can't escape it. The other kids could tell that we were dirt poor without having to see our neighborhood. If the parents are truly poor and doing the best they can for their kids, fine. Life sucks sometimes. Choosing to put your kids through that crap when you don't have to is something else entirely though.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 20, 2011 14:36:53 GMT -5
My biggest issue really has been the expired food, maybe no one affected, but they could have potentially gotten really sick. It also depends on the type of food, but cheese 2-month past expiration would be way too questionable for me.
Well, there was a fairly recent thread (on YM, I think) about expiration dates. I was pretty surprised at how many people (mostly stockpilers) who said they didn't worry about them....
As I've confessed earlier, I have purchased bread at a returned bakery store (and promptly frozen it), I've purchased meat and produce that were marked down (about 75%) at the store because the pull date was up. They (the Dacyzcns) just took it a step further. I did have a friend who shopped at one of those stores. He said the savings were phenomenal and it wasn't all expired foods. Some had no labels at all.....
cheese 2-month past expiration would be way too questionable for me Yeah, same here. I got a lot of frugal hacks from reading the TG, but took a pass on that particular one.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on May 20, 2011 14:40:19 GMT -5
The thing with stockpile is that eventually everything starts to break down/lose quality. I wouldn't be particular about laundry detergent because odds are it'll be just fine. Stuff like formula/vitamins can be potentially harmful depending on how long they've been expired because of what they contain. Same with canned foods. I throw out anything that is expired if it is in a can, just in case, I don't want to wait till the can is bulging/indented to make that decision. I understand if not everyone chooses to do that though. I was kinda shocked on extreme couponers some of the stuff they have stockpiled, like that couple with 52 bags of chips and then they bought MORE for a party because they had coupons. How about using up some of those bags you already got? Guess the 52 bags are saved for the upcoming zombie apocolypse.
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HoneyBBQ
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Post by HoneyBBQ on May 20, 2011 15:05:18 GMT -5
I was kinda shocked on extreme couponers some of the stuff they have stockpiled, like that couple with 52 bags of chips and then they bought MORE for a party because they had coupons. How about using up some of those bags you already got? Guess the 52 bags are saved for the upcoming zombie apocolypse. Did you see the show where a couple wanted to go on vacation so they went shopping and "saved" $500 so then they could afford to go on their vacation?? WTF?
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Angel!
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Post by Angel! on May 20, 2011 15:09:52 GMT -5
I was kinda shocked on extreme couponers some of the stuff they have stockpiled, like that couple with 52 bags of chips and then they bought MORE for a party because they had coupons. How about using up some of those bags you already got? Guess the 52 bags are saved for the upcoming zombie apocolypse. Did you see the show where a couple wanted to go on vacation so they went shopping and "saved" $500 so then they could afford to go on their vacation?? WTF? Wow, I would have loved to hear that logic explained.
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Post by soon2bmomof3 on May 20, 2011 15:24:31 GMT -5
This is what I found online...
Tamilee
Her 1000 item stockpile trumps personal space. It includes 82 boxes of cereal and a large variety of soup as tall as her. She keeps it all in her small 2 bedroom house.
Tamilee use coupons for everything. She lost her management job and was forced to support her family on her husbands park-ranger budget. Her MBA is applied to couponing! She claims she has saved $10,000 couponing, resulting in 3 weeks of beach front vacations with the money saved.
Her strategies:
Excel spreadsheet to document
Coupon binder (20 pounds) very detailed
Grabs coupons from Online, social media and newspapers
Her goal for this shopping trip was to eat off their stockpile for next 2 months and spend $500 less than what it all retails for. She was aiming to grab several frozen food items. Frozen foods are a staple for couponers because it can last a year.
$640.84 before coupons
$17.71 after coupons!
97% savings!
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Post by soon2bmomof3 on May 20, 2011 15:25:12 GMT -5
Ooops, double posted...
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on May 20, 2011 15:26:36 GMT -5
Guess the 52 bags are saved for the upcoming zombie apocolypse.
Speaking of which - just a little more than 24 hours to go until the Rapture? Do we all look busy? Jesus is coming!
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on May 20, 2011 15:34:38 GMT -5
Do we all look busy? Jesus is coming! No point in looking busy now, I'm not getting into heaven either way. I've got my looting plans all ironed out though. I know which stores I'm hitting, what I'm grabbing at each one, and have several different routes home memorized so I can get around any road blocks, rioting, or whatever. The outlet mall will never know what hit it!
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 20, 2011 15:38:54 GMT -5
I'm supervising DH while he builds several retaining walls..... Planning my cutting and vegetable garden. Roses, dahlias and lillies oh my!
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on May 20, 2011 15:38:58 GMT -5
Make sure you use your coupons Dark!
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on May 20, 2011 15:39:29 GMT -5
No point in looking busy now, I'm not getting into heaven either way. I've got my looting plans all ironed out though. I know which stores I'm hitting, what I'm grabbing at each one, and have several different routes home memorized so I can get around any road blocks, rioting, or whatever. The outlet mall will never know what hit it!
OMG you sound like DF. He said last night that we were going to have to arm ourselves and get ready to loot. I was like, "We don't have a gun so that could be difficult... but okay..."
I have plenty of this prepackaged Thai dish that I would love if it didn't have peanuts in it - since it does, it's low on my list of preferred things to eat. I bought about 20 packages of it because it was on sale before I realized how much I disliked it. So I figure that's my backup food in case of apocalypse.
Oh, and you might not be going to heaven but apparently all the kids will - so you might want to kiss your girls and tell them you love them.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on May 20, 2011 15:40:33 GMT -5
And to put in a good word for you with Jesus.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on May 20, 2011 15:42:31 GMT -5
Make sure you use your coupons Dark! I don't think you quite understand the meaning of the word looting...
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