Articles written by Brenda Halverson

What is Helium

About me - Brenda Halverson

My husband and I live on a small horse farm in northern North Dakota where we raise and train Quarter Horses.

I am the Administrative Assistant/Manager of a small dental office. I hope to stay there until I retire, as I am appreciated and my hours are very

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Education > Education (Other) Should parents or schools lead the way in teaching children about homosexuality?: 1 of 70
In an ideal world, children would be able to attend schools which reflected their family's values and beliefs. Sadly, we do not live in an ideal world; a majority of students are entombed in the public school system, a system which has proved itself ineffective at teaching even the basics of education and civility. What insan... More..
Politics, News & Issues > News (Other) Thoughts on school shootings: 5 of 95
If I could not remember the black hole of my own despair, it would be hard to imagine how a teenager or college student could end their own life and/or the lives of others. If the helplessness and frustration my children and I experienced at the hands of school kids and teachers alike were not too readily re-lived, maybe I co... More..
Pets & Animals > Horses (Other) How horses can teach us patience: 1 of 9
Horses are incredible teachers. They will teach us patience and so much more, if we are willing to learn. Each horse has his own teaching methods, and they can be very creative. Since it is difficult to manhandle a creature several times your size, the human, too, must resort to creativity and patience. And if we are not humb... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Thoughts on God Reasons to believe in God: 16 of 121
My belief in God is based on my own life. Call it faith, call it whatever you like, but I know what has happened to me. I know the reasons for the belief or disbelief of others, but I can't argue with my own experiences.Was it a disadvantage, to be born into a Christian home? Was I forced to believe in God by the fact that we... More..
Jobs & Careers > Office Politics Humor: True stories of employment experiences: 2 of 13
Dentists can be really funny. I know that sounds impossible, but for eighteen years of my working life I worked for a dentist who was a lunatic. And I mean that in the best possible way.Dr. "R" took his work seriously. When other dentists had occasion to examine his crown and bridge work or composite restorations, they always... More..
Autos > Mechanics & Repair Shops What women can do about getting overcharged for car repairs: 2 of 10
I really don't like the premise that I have a greater risk of being overcharged for car repairs because I am a woman. We all need to be savvy consumers, whether we are spending money on the car or the groceries. Unscrupulous salespeople will take advantage of men or women. I don't feel the need to be an expert in car mechanic... More..
Jobs & Careers > Health & Sciences Jobs Reflections on the social skills of the health receptionist: 1 of 5
One question-is mind reading a social skill? How about practicing waiting room psychiatry? As the receptionist in a busy dental office, these talents are almost as important as answering the phone and making appointments. I love every aspect of my job. I'm good at it, and my dentists let me know they think so, too. I know tha... More..
Style & Beauty > Makeup What beauty products every woman should have: 6 of 24
A woman's confidence is related to her appearance, and the appearance of our faces is extremely important when making a first impression. I speak from experience in my work environment and as a former sales consultant for a major cosmetics company. I now use the line of cosmetics my daughter distributes, which has given me th... More..
Pets & Animals > Animal Rights & Issues Is the practice of declawing cats mutilation or maintenance?: 6 of 22
As the owner of several cats, past and present, I must cast my opinion on the mutilation side of this fence.First of all, declawing is NOT just removing the cats nail. It IS removing part of the bone of the foot, as well. It is a procedure our vet refuses to perform, because she thinks it is so awful.I am the owner of "Ole th... More..
Pets & Animals > Horses (Other) How to overcome a fear of horses: 3 of 11
Fear is often considered to be a negative emotion, one we are reluctant to admit to. However, in some situations it is a positive and even beneficial reaction, and one of those situations is when working with horses.Horses are flight animals, which means their natural reaction to a scary event or object is to run. They would ... More..