I am a 30-year-old mother of three spirited and intelligent children, all under 4 years of age. I also have two stepchildren, aged 12 and 15. I'm not married but have been in a relationship with my calmer half for more than eight years.

I have worked in the transport industry since I was in school as it was our family business. I left school to begin a career in Veterinary Science, but deferred and never considered it again. Beginning my radio dispatching career in couriers, and now work in the towing industry. The towing industry is more relaxing, but I miss the pressure and amount of work that was available through couriers.

I have always loved to write since I was about 14. Graduating in 1994 as one of the top 15% of students to get top marks in English in my state, an achievement I'm very proud of. My biggest inspiration was the great teacher I had throughout high school, who encouraged and guided my writing. I still think of her daily.

Over the years I have entered several writing competitions, some for reward and others for experience. And that is how I came across Helium. It offered the competitions that I desired and the practice of writing that I needed. But I have found it has given me so much more. There are great people on this site, many talented writers and authors, and I have gained much knowledge on topics I would never have thought I'd be interested in. It has become my new encyclopedia, if there is anything I need to know, I come to Helium first.

I love reading, from many genres, and writing. I am always stepping outside my comfort zone. I love music and try and attend as many concerts of bands I love as I can. My musical tastes range from The Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, Buddy Holly, The Cure, Imogen Heap, and Pink Floyd to anything classical, I love techno as well. I'm always being told I was born in the wrong Era; I tend to believe this is true at times.

I love a challenge, so the marketing and contest page on Helium is fantastic. I work well under pressure, am multi-tasked and try to give 100% effort to everything I do.

My passion is ...

my children and education

I know too much about ...

natural child birth and being a step mother

My parents always told me ...

to be the best at what I choose to do.

My childhood ambition ...

was to write a novel and be a famous author.

My favorite memory ...

the birth of each of my children, they were each remarkably hard to forget.

Why I write ...

because I love writing and seeing others enjoy my writing.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Liseys Story by Stephen King, David Gilmour, and watching The Labyrinth with David Bowie in tights.

My first job ...

was in the fruit section of a supermarket

My best moment ...

hearing my son say I love you Mum, and my daughter say I dub you.

My inspiration ...

my magnificent children and very patient partner

Politics, News & Issues > Pulitzer Center What role should the US play in reducing the production of illicit drugs-such as cocaine and heroin-in places like Bolivia and Afghanistan?

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As the US wages it war on drugs, it appears they may be interfering in a war that is not theirs to battle and one they appear to be failing at drastically. When eliminating the exportation of drugs, especially those cultivated in Afghanistan and Bolivia, it's not as simple as burning fields, arresting farmers and declaring a "drug free zone."

This method has proven to be ineffectual in the drug situation in Afghanistan. Bolivia's livelihood and culture revolves around the production of the coca plant, but if the situation is not contained, it has the potential to reach the same height...

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