I'm sorry you're feeling this way. It's important to know that you're not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to help. Sharing how you feel with someone you trust—like a friend, family member, or counselor—can make a big difference.  

If you'd like, we can talk about what’s on your mind, or I can help guide you toward resources or strategies that might help you through this tough time.

it was not my choice to be born

It’s true that none of us had a choice in being born, and life can feel overwhelming or unfair at times. Those feelings are valid and shared by many people. However, your presence in the world holds meaning, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.  

Sometimes, focusing on small, meaningful actions—like exploring what makes you feel even a tiny bit better—can help. You don’t have to navigate these feelings alone. Reaching out to someone who can listen, like a therapist or a support line, can help you discover ways to cope and find purpose.  

If you'd like to talk more, I’m here for you.

why do women keep having children when they know they will die?

That’s a profound and deeply philosophical question. People choose to have children for many reasons, even with the knowledge of life's impermanence. Here are a few perspectives:

1. Hope and Legacy: Many see having children as a way to pass on love, values, and hope to the next generation. It’s a way to leave a lasting impact on the world, even after they're gone.

2. Joy and Connection: The bond and joy of raising a child can bring profound meaning and happiness to people’s lives, despite the eventual inevitability of death.

3. Biological Instinct: Humans, like all living things, have a natural drive to reproduce. It’s hardwired into our biology as a way to ensure the continuation of our species.

4. Faith and Philosophy: For some, bringing life into the world is tied to spiritual or philosophical beliefs about purpose, love, and the cycle of life and death.

5. Optimism About Life: Many people believe that life, with all its challenges, is still worth experiencing and sharing.

Life’s fragility and inevitability of death often coexist with a desire to create and nurture new beginnings. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to find meaning, even in the face of uncertainty. What are your thoughts about it?

No, a valid disabled parking permit does not allow someone to park anywhere they want. While the permit provides certain privileges, there are limits to where and how it can be used:

Where They Can Park:
1. Accessible Spaces: They can park in designated disabled parking spaces.
2. Time-Limited Parking Zones: In many places, including Oregon, a disabled parking permit allows a vehicle to exceed posted time limits in time-restricted parking zones (like 2-hour parking zones). However, local regulations may impose limits on how long they can park.
3. Meters: In some jurisdictions, disabled parking permits may exempt the holder from paying parking meter fees or allow them to park for extended periods. Oregon cities may vary on this rule.

Where They Cannot Park:
1. No Parking Zones: Disabled permits do not grant permission to park in areas where parking is prohibited entirely, such as "No Parking" zones, loading zones, or tow-away zones.
2. Fire Lanes: Parking in fire lanes is strictly prohibited, regardless of permit status.
3. Hydrant Zones: Parking within the restricted distance from fire hydrants (usually 10–15 feet) is not allowed.
4. Private Property Restrictions: A disabled parking permit doesn’t override private property rules, such as parking in spaces reserved for tenants or employees without proper authorization.
5. Other Safety-Restricted Areas: Examples include blocking driveways, intersections, crosswalks, or pedestrian zones.

Enforcement:
Using a disabled parking permit improperly (e.g., parking in a no-parking zone) can result in fines, towing, or even the revocation of the permit. Disabled parking privileges are intended to improve accessibility, not to bypass general parking rules.

Making real hot chocolate is a delightful treat! Here's a simple recipe for a rich, creamy drink using real chocolate instead of cocoa powder:

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Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk (or a mix of milk and cream for extra richness)
- 2-3 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate (use good-quality chocolate, chopped into small pieces)
- 1-2 tbsp sugar (optional, adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the chocolate)
- Pinch of salt (enhances the flavor)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions:
1. Heat the Milk:  
   In a small saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam but doesn’t boil.

2. Melt the Chocolate:  
   Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped chocolate. Stir constantly with a whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and blended with the milk.

3. Sweeten:  
   Add sugar if desired, tasting as you go to adjust sweetness. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.

4. Simmer:  
   Let the mixture simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, whisking frequently to create a smooth and frothy texture.

5. Flavor It (Optional):  
   Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

6. Serve:  
   Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist, or add a splash of espresso for a mocha version!

Making a water filter with crushed bone is an ancient and effective method that leverages bone's natural filtration properties. The bone char, created from heating and crushing bones, is porous and can absorb contaminants like fluoride, heavy metals, and some bacteria. Here’s a simple guide to making a water filter using crushed bones:

Materials Needed

• Animal bones (cattle bones work well, and they need to be thoroughly cleaned)
• A metal container or grill for charring the bones
• A hammer or mortar and pestle for crushing the bones
• Sand (optional, for additional filtration)
• Gravel or small pebbles (optional, for layering)
• Container with a small hole (for filtering, like a plastic bottle or bucket)
• Cloth or coffee filter (to prevent particles from passing through)

Steps

1. Prepare the Bones

• Clean the bones thoroughly to remove any remaining meat or fat.
• Boil them in water to remove residual oils and contaminants.
• Let the bones dry completely after cleaning.

2. Char the Bones

• Place the bones on a metal container or grill.
• Heat the bones at a high temperature (around 500–900°F or 260–482°C) to turn them into bone char. This process drives off organic material and creates a porous structure.
• This can be done in a wood fire, an oven, or a kiln if available.
• Let the charred bones cool completely after heating.

3. Crush the Bones 

• Use a hammer or mortar and pestle to crush the charred bones into fine pieces. The finer the bone char, the better the filtration.

4. Build the Filter

• In a container (such as a plastic bottle cut in half), place a cloth or coffee filter at the bottom to hold the crushed bone char in place.
• Layer the crushed bone char on top of the cloth. Aim for about 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) of bone char.
• Optionally, add layers of sand and gravel on top of the bone char to improve filtration. The gravel and sand act as pre-filters, removing larger particles before water reaches the bone char.

5. Filter the Water

• Slowly pour water into the filter and allow it to pass through the layers.
• The bone char will absorb contaminants as the water flows through.
• Collect the filtered water from the bottom container.

Important Notes

• Bone char filters are great for removing fluoride, heavy metals, and some bacteria but may not remove all pathogens. For safe drinking water, further purification (e.g., boiling) is recommended.
• Use only animal bones that are free of chemicals, as bones from animals treated with chemicals or drugs may leach unwanted substances into the water.
• Replace the bone char regularly, as it will eventually become saturated with contaminants.