I have been a member of this list for over 3 years now and I have learned a lot. So I am going to share something with those of you who sorely need it. My mother taught me many valuable lessons, some of which some of you need to learn, so here goes: (1) NEVER criticize someone till you have walked a mile in their moccasins - I have seven ferrets and when I keep my best buddy's four for a week, I love to see 'em come, and I am very grateful to see them leave - I can only imagine how ferret shelter's keep going day after day. (2) NEVER make up or repeat gossip. What you don't say, can't hurt anyone. (3) Get a life, make a POSITIVE contribution to the world - if you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem. (4) If you have a problem with someone, it is YOUR problem. Keep it private, and don't let it get in the way of the goal - which I REPEAT - is the betterment of life for ferrets and ferret people. Now could we please get back to the real purpose of this list, which is for the BETTERMENT of ferrets and not the BELITTLEMENT of people who mean well, and do their best, whether you agree with them or not ??? How much good will we do when we are down to a handful of bickering, back biting personalities ??? Personally, if I wanted to wallow in soap operas. I'd be watching TV, not reading the FML ... 'nuff said. [Posted in FML issue 3299]