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JESSICA FINCH Associate Editor

• FINALLY HOME - There is nothing like a dose of stress to wear on one's nerves. The past two weeks have been basically a blur as I packed up all of my belongings, not knowing where I was moving to. As the move out day drew closer, my stress level raised. Living on my budget, I couldn't afford the apartments I truly desired. Those I could afford basically put me in questionable areas, or in tiny spaces. I made alternate living arrangements, but was really hoping to find my own place. So I designated Friday as apartment day. Then the phone rang in the late afternoon - my sister was going into labor and I was the "go to aunt" for my two young nieces so I drove down to Fredonia to pick them up. Luckily I made it back in time to do a walk through at a place (the one I was most interested in). Speaking with the landlord's daughter, we went over the basics - no smoking and no pets. I said no to both. Then Isabella, 5, called my bluff, announcing that yes in fact I do have a pet. The woman laughed when she learned it was a small fish, informing Isabella that it was OK if I had that in the apartment.

Back at home I did my best to entertain them and assured them mom and baby would be OK, while cleaning and packing. Gillian, 3, offered to help, so I told her to take the magnets off the refrigerator. She didn't make it very far, seeing how most were above her head. Luckily, I had some "bigger" help the next day. My dad and two brothers arrived with a van, a truck and a hatchback car to move me out. It took just about five hours, and we were exhausted at the end. Moving from a third floor to a second floor is a great leg workout. I then returned to my old apartment to finish cleaning and shut the door for the final time, and my fish and I went to my new home. Boxes were piled in every room, and still are. I thought "this is never going to end" as I searched for item after item. Now I have the new found stress of a heating bill.

And the labor was false, no baby yet.

• IMPORTANT - This year's election season has been heated, and complicated. With three propositions on the ballot, in addition to the candidates, lots of people have had lots to say. But please note, the opportunity to comment in The Amherst Bee is running out.

Bee Group Newspapers will not publish letters to the editor, Bee Heard calls or political briefs on candidates or issues involved in the Nov. 6 general election after the Oct. 24/25 editions. The editorial deadline for those editions is Friday, Oct. 19. This election policy does not pertain to paid advertising.

• SAFETY CHECK - Western Division Federal Credit Union and Safe Western New York will team up from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 20 to perform free child safety seat checks in Western Division's parking lot at 6750 Main St., Williamsville.

The event is open to the general public and is part of Western Division's National Credit Union Week celebrations.

"National Credit Union Week is a time for credit unions to show their cooperative spirit. Inviting Safe Western New York to our festivities is just one of the many ways we are trying to give back this year," says Craig Mellenthien, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Division.

For information, call (800) 632-9328 or visit www.westerndivision.org