If you've been coming to the site long enough, you know how we have a habit of taking forever and a day to update. It's been especially hard lately as we, and the rest of our nation, struggle to move forward after the devestating events of September 11.

Remember the ordinary, if you can. Remember how normal everything seemed to be that Tuesday morning. Remember how New York City used to look...the skyline framed at the southern end with the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Remember the ordinary. At 10:30am that morning, all that was gone. It was a day we would never forget...one of those moments in histroy in which we define ourselves as "where were you when you heard the news?"

The tragedy of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania has shaken us all, and I am almost positive that none of us will every fully comprehend why or how this could happen. As of that fateful day, we are now a different country...we are different, but stronger and more unified than ever.

The past week or so has forced us into reflection and self-evaluation; as individuals...as a nation...as humanity. We realize our vulnerablities, how imperfect our security, and just how precious life really is. We will all be marked forever by that day; we understand that everything has changed. And though we will each carry a slight ache in our hearts, and in our minds, for the rest of our lives...we will move forward.

The healing process has slowly, but surely, begun. People are donating time, money, blood, and other necessary items to support the families of those who are lost and those who are trying to find them. People proudly wear red white and blue, or wave the American flag to show patriotism and unity. People are slowly starting to return to their daily routines, getting back to some sort of normalcy...

I, too am getting back into the swing of things...working toward graduation and getting ready for the busy season in retail. And I'm getting back to the things I love to do in my spare time...including the humor.

So we finally have an update for y'all, and we hope it brings some laughs and smiles, because I'm sure we all could use it right now. :)

We also want to let you know that NJEF has a message board available to talk things out and voice opinions. I, at least, feel that in situations like the events of the last week or so, it helps to write or talk things out. If you are a member of our EF@MSN community, we also have a message board there.

NJEF is also showing our support and patriotism by donning a "God Bless America" icon on the main page of our site. It is linked to www.helping.org. We hope that it prompts awarness and encourages more people to help. If you would like this banner for your site, you can email me by clicking on my signature below.

Finally, I wanna encourage you all to get out and go shopping! See a movie! Eat out! It's time to start living again [and it's a wonderful way to help boost the economy...which is also what we need right now.] And as always, don't forget to smile! =)

I want to thank each of you who's read through this...and for coming to the site. Enjoy the updates and take care of each other.

God bless,