Thursday, December 29, 2011

Women Shouldn't Wait Until They're in Their 50s to Love Their Bodies

The other day at in the women's locker room of the gym, two likely young 20-somethings were having a dramatic conversation in front of my locker, so I really had no choice but to overhear everything they were saying. One of them -- who, I must note is tiny all over but blessed in the bust -- was freaking out that she gained two pounds. Her friend was consoling her that sometimes that just happens, and "like, the other day she totally only ate salad and still gained weight!" Upon hearing this, I wanted ... to ... cry.


Really, ladies? This is what we spend our time, money, and mental anguish on. Going crazy over two pounds here, one pound there. Our breasts, our noses, our hair, our eyelashes! We fail to truly see what we look like. We often exert so much energy hating how we look. It's no surprise a new poll of 3,000 adult women by myspecialk.co.uk found women don't really feel confident about their bodies, inside and out, until they're 52 YEARS OLD!

Congrats to the Baby Boomers who get to enjoy that mid-life self-esteem boost, but I think it's absolutely ABSURD that we are spending half a century generally being uncomfortable in our own skin. This is not good news for younger women.

Who wants to waste precious time, over 50 years (or, maybe it's more like 45, since we don't begin the lifetime of picking apart our physical appearance until we're about 5) not enjoying their body, not being proud of how they look, not feeling beautiful? We should be able to enjoy the kind of self-esteem reportedly experienced by the Meryl Streeps and Helen Mirrens out there -- but we shouldn't have to wait until we're over 50 to! We should be able to feel that good about ourselves in our 20s, 30s, 40s ...

Of course, self-esteem and positive body image is definitely not something we can turn on and off like a light switch. For many of us, it's a constant battle to be happy or even okay with what we see in the mirror. But hearing this news should serve as a serious wake-up call that we've got to do better and we deserve better. It seems like doing whatever it takes to love ourselves more sooner -- be that a bit more self-compassion, a little less freaking out on the scale -- could save us years of unnecessary discomfort and unhappiness.

Do you agree that most women don't feel comfortable with their bodies until they're in their 50s? Are you happy with how you feel about yours?

Read more: http://thestir.cafemom.com/healthy_living/130829/women_shouldnt_wait_until_theyre

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Beware the 6 Types of Lousy Lovers

1. The Leg Humper. In high school, I remember dry-humping being the pinnacle of awesomeness. Nights on the couch "watching a movie" ruled. However, once actual penetration was achieved, dry-humping went by the wayside. For good reason. Dry-humping is NOT better than actual sex. Ever.

2. The Minute-Man. Okay, so don't go all up in arms at me about this one. It happens. It's flattering ... until it's not. If every time we get naked, it takes me more time to remove my bra than to complete sex, something's got to give.

3. The Jack Rabbit. I've (unfortunately) seen rabbits have sex. The look on the female rabbit's face is always a mixture of shame and embarrassment, like, "How did I GET myself into this situation?" Which neatly sums up what it's like to have sex with a Jack Rabbit.

4. The Pushy Lover. It really DOES suck when you're all ready to get down and dirty and your partner decides that they're not in the mood. Been there. However, begging, pleading, and downright groveling for sex is not only not hot, it's embarrassing. For both of us.

5. The Lazy Boy. Now, I don't always need hours of foreplay to get in the mood, but if you just want to be in and out every single time, well, you can be in and out somewhere else.

6. The Selfish One. There's nothing I like post-sexin' than to roll over and take a nap. However, if I haven't actually climaxed and you roll over and go to sleep without a word? It's time to roll right on over and out of my bed.

So, even though I, Aimee, did not come up with the start of this list. I can actually think of a couple more:

7. The Oral Only Guy. This is the guy that is constantly pulling your head to his, um...yeah, manparts, and is never willing to return the favor. The only reason why this guy ever has sex with you is because you get tired of constantly going down on him and decide that you'd rather do nothing then finish him off.

8. The Guy Who Lasts Forever. I know, I'm going to get some mean comments on this one, but let me explain. This is the guy that is either doing everything to make you achieve an orgasm or the guy who has had a penile injury and is desensitized forever. Either way, you're probably going to eventually ask him to hurry up. Too much of something good can be a bad thing!

9. The Get-On-Top Guy. I'm down with keeping things fresh and interesting, but there are hundreds of positions out there people! This is the guy who immediately after foreplay grabs you and throws you on top. He's pretty much never, ever, wanting to do any of the work!

10. The Germ-a-phobe. After every hot and steamy love session, with this usually excellent lover, instead of relishing in the sweat and exhaustion, he heads straight to the bathroom to either take a shower or get a towel. To any chick, this is pretty much the equivalent to rolling over and falling asleep. Sure you don't need to hold us or chit chat afterwards, but guys, you need to lay there for a few minutes before going to clean up!

Read more: http://thestir.cafemom.com/love_sex/127833/beware_the_6_types_of

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Study Says Most Women Are Bisexual

Like most women, I have no shame in admitting that I find other females attractive. I have even admitted to being open to experimentation ("Of course I would sleep with Halle Berry! It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity"). For women, it's perfectly acceptable to be a little bi-curious (cue every male fantasy), and according to the latest research, it's the norm.

A new study reveals that women's sexual preferences tend to be a gray area (yep, identity confusion wasn't just for those college dorm days). In fact, researchers at Boise State University found that in a group of heterosexual women, 60 percent were sexually attracted to other women, 45 percent had kissed a woman, and 50 percent had fantasies about the same sex.

Sometimes when I catch myself staring at a beautiful woman in the grocery store, I wonder about my own sexuality. I'm not supposed to like girls! (At least according to society.) Would I date a woman? I'm not sure, but I am attracted to the beauty of other women — and they're so much easier to understand psychologically than men. We girls form deep relationships through friendships, which some say are the basis of love. And personally I believe that emotional connection and physical attraction are linked — i.e., guys tend to get cuter in our eyes if they're genuinely nice.

Experts support this view. "Women are encouraged to be emotionally close to each other," says psychology professor Elizabeth Morgan. "That provides an opportunity for intimacy and romantic feelings to develop." From talking about personal issues for hours to calling each other "lovers" (well, maybe that's just women in my generation), women's friendships are often barely distinguishable from romantic relationships.

When otherwise heterosexual women fall for other women, emotional connection is usually at the core. Lisa Diamond from the University of Utah points out that many people, with the right person or under the right circumstances, are willing to consider being in a relationship with someone who falls outside their usual "type" (think: the 2001 hit comedy Kissing Jessica Stein).

Does that make them bisexual? Not exactly.

"You can still be heterosexual and have interests, experiences or fantasies with the same sex," says Morgan.
And of course, the media plays a role in girl-on-girl attraction, only fueling the fire of our confusion. Not only have pop stars like Lady Gaga made bisexuality mainstream, but women can't help but ogle beautiful women — they are everywhere we turn. Neuroscientist Ogi Ogas, Ph.D., analyzed more than a billion web searches, half a billion search histories and millions of erotic websites and e-books, and found that women are just as likely to search for "sexy pictures of Ryan Gosling" as "sexy pictures of Jessica Alba." How about that. 

In addition, sexuality gets more, not less, fluid as time goes on — yet more proof that experimentation isn't just for college. In a study conducted by Diamond, the older a woman was, the more likely she was to choose "unlabeled" as her sexuality. "We have this idea that sexuality gets clearer and more defined as time goes on," says Diamond. "We consider that a sign of maturity to figure out who you are. I've seen it's really the opposite." 

"Women in the media are often sexualized and women constantly get the message that appearance should be important to them, so they're used to viewing women in a sexualized way," says Morgan. 

I wonder how much of the attraction to other women is based on appearance and messages from the media, and how much of it authentic and genuine. Should we even try to distinguish between the two?

What do you think about this study? Have you ever been attracted to another woman? 

Read more: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/sex/study-says-most-women-are-bisexual-2584654/

Thursday, October 13, 2011

8 Tips to Stop Procrastinating

How many times each day do you try to work yourself up to tackle some undesirable task? If you’re like me – several. Nothing is more exhausting than the task that is never started, so I've come up with some tricks to use on myself, to prod myself to get started:


1. Put yourself in jail. If I feel pressure to jump in and finish something in a rush, and therefore can't bear to start, sometimes I put myself in jail. If you're in jail, you have all the time in the world. You have no reason to hurry, no reason to cut corners or to try to do too many things at once. You can slow down, concentrate. You can take the time to get every single detail right.

2. Ask for help. This is one of my most useful Secrets of Adulthood. Why is this so hard? I have no idea. But whenever I have trouble getting started because I don't know exactly what to do, and I ask for help, I'm amazed at how much it...helps.

3. Remember: most decisions don’t require extensive research. I often get paralyzed by my inability to make a decision, but by reminding myself that often, one choice just isn’t that much different from another choice, I can get started. Also, I try to identify a knowledgeable person, and just follow whatever that person does.

4. Take a baby step. If you feel yourself dismayed at the prospect of the chain of awful tasks that you have to accomplish, just take one step today. Tomorrow, take the next step. The forward motion is encouraging, and before long, you’ll probably find yourself speeding toward completion. In the same vein...

5. Suffer for 15 minutes.You can do anything for fifteen minutes, and fifteen minutes, day after day, adds up surprisingly fast. That's how I finally dug myself out of my crushing (if virtual) load of digital photos. Fifteen minutes at a time.

6. Do it first thing in the morning. The night before, vow to yourself to do the dreaded task. Get everything ready -- any phone numbers of information you need, files assembled, everything ready to go. And the next day, at the first possible moment – as soon as you walk into work, or when the office opens, or whenever – just do it. Don’t allow yourself to reflect or procrastinate. This is particularly true of exercise. If you think you’ll be tempted to skip, try to work out in the morning.

7. Protect yourself from interruption. How often have you finally steeled yourself to start some difficult project, only to be interrupted the minute you get going? This makes a hard task much harder. Carve out some time to work.

8. Remember, work can be one of the most pernicious forms of procrastination. Don't kid yourself.
Note: Pay attention to the amount of time you spend working on tasks you dislike. No one enjoys getting invasive medical tests or preparing tax returns, but if you feel like your life consists of nothing but going from one dreaded chore to the next, you might be better off figuring out a way to avoid some of those tasks altogether.

Read more: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/8-tips-to-stop-procrastinating-2583182/

RIP: Frances Ann Hebert

Just as hard as it is to find the man of your dreams, it is pretty much equally hard to find someone that is your best friend. I'm blessed in having many wonderful friends to call upon, but there is the one that got away. I will never find someone that could light up my life like Franny. Not only was she the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, but she could walk in the room and literally light it up. She was a people pleaser and was always waiting to brighten someone's day, and believe me, she brightened up every single person she came in contact with. She came from a really great family, and she was known everywhere she went. She never met a stranger.

Like everyone we all have our struggles. I think Fran and I probably were a couple of those people that never really could figure out what we wanted to do or what we wanted to be, even though we had big dreams. We both wanted to be musicians. Fran was a flutist, and a great one at that. She could play the flute like an angel. We struggled with finding the perfect mates, and I believe that since we were both so passionate and people pleasing, we both needed things to help relax us in our lives. We both wanted to be perfect, and we both knew that we weren't.

Fran would tell me all the time that she knew that she would never live a long life. She said that she knew as a young child that she would die young. It always made me wonder how and why she could say this, but it never got her down. She simply knew her days were numbered. Was this a self fulfilling prophecy, I always ask myself? Maybe so. Every year that we spent for her birthday, my card would say, "You made it one more year! Here's to the next best year ever!" But unfortunately, my words did not come true the last year of her life. We celebrated her 24th birthday, and a month later, Fran was dead. She was found in one of her friends houses after partying entirely too hard and taking a mixture of uppers and downers. Fran died in her sleep with cocaine, oxycontin and hydrocodone in her system. I was mad at her for so long; I felt like she was so selfish that she did this to me. And, I knew I'd never get over it. I still haven't.

So Fran, I know you've now been in Heaven with the angels and God playing beautiful music. I'm sure that you are still as beautiful as I remember you. Your memory will always continue to light up my life, and I thank God everyday that you were a part of it. You have no idea what you meant to me. You will never be replaced. And, I look forward to one day being able to see and hug you once again. This time I will never let you go. Happy Birthday, my angel and love! I can't believe it has been 9 years since we have celebrated this day together.

Your's Forever,
Aimee


Daily Comet
Submitted by: Chris Tidwell

Frances Hebert

Frances "Fran" Anne Hebert, 24, a native and resident of Thibodaux, died Nov.
18, 2002.

Visitation will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at
Thibodaux Funeral Home in Thibodaux.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral
home, with burial at St Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux.

She is survived by her parents, George and Sue Hebert; grandparents, Elizabeth
O. Hebert, Emile J. and Princess D. Borne; brother, Freddie Hebert; niece, Macy
Hebert; nephews, Alexander and Andre' Hebert; and sister-in-law, Lana A. Hebert.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Freddie Hebert.

10 Reasons Why You Rejected In Dating

There are a wide variety of reasons why people get rejected. For the most part there is a large overlap between why men and women reject each other. Of course men and women aren’t identical, but we are VERY similar.

Women don’t like to be treated like a piece of meat (sexually), just like men don’t like to be treated like a piece of meat (marriage). Now of course these 2 things are important and heavily desired by men and women, but we all want to feel like the person wants us, more than the goal of sex or marriage.

So, here are some of the major reasons why people are getting rejected.

1. Too outspoken

Now honesty is a great thing, in small bites. Think about your daily interactions and how things might go if you were 100% honest every minute of the day? Not pretty is it? But at the same time I’m not suggestion you lie to people either.

We just have to be careful about what we say, and how much we say. Typically a person who talks on and on about themselves will be a turn off to both men AND women. This also applies to being too crude or critical about others. It always comes across between when you try and put a positive spin on things.

2. “Nice guys finish last”

We’ve all heard this before. But what does it mean? If you’re thinking you have to be a jerk to get women’s attention, then you’ve missed the boat. Don’t worry ladies. This message applies to you as well. Nice in this context means someone who is too nice, a pushover.

Someone like this will do for others always before themselves and thus relationships are unbalanced. They are always the giver and never give an opportunity for others to give. These people also often choose needy people to interact with because they feel better about themselves by giving.

There needs to be balance. Women won’t respect a man who they can walk all over, and without respect there won’t be any chemistry. We’ve seen this happen many times before. There’s a guy who’s very generous and good to his friends and family, wonderful father, but for some reason the wife isn’t satisfied and wants to find someone else.

Giving only goes so far and if both aren’t giving, then things will fall out of balance. It’s only natural to take advantage of and abuse things when they make themselves too readily available. When was the last time you were thankful for a breath of air?

What does this mean for women? How can women be too nice? It’s great to laugh at a man’s jokes and make him feel like a man, but there is such a thing as too much. By giving a man everything and always being the giver, you may become his bread ad butter. But, eventually he’s going to say, “where’s the beef?”

3. Being direct (or lack of)

Being too direct can definitely be a problem. Women enjoy subtlety and being teased. If you’re too direct it can be off putting and appear too cocky or arrogant. Give a woman the time to consider the possibility before you step to the plate.

It may not always be best to immediately say how attractive you find a woman, and then ask for her number so you can take her out. She’s literally had no time to think about it, and you haven’t really left her with anything. So guess what? You will be getting a fake number, or none at all.

You want to have a light, humorous conversation. It always leaves a great impression when you have a conversation with someone you just met, and the two of you just click. This would be an ideal time to ask for a number or some way to contact her so you can get together some time.

You’ve already established some level of comfort and at this point things could lead to a friendship or something more. So it will leave her guessing.

A lack of directness can be something that women are at fault of. Things are always best when they follow a natural flow. But if the man you’re interested in isn’t quite following you, it will only help to clue him in. Sure a bit of subtlety and teasing is wonderful.

But if a man doesn’t meat your expectations because he isn’t aware of them, he’s more likely reject you. He may very well have love what you had in mind, but if you want him to read your mind, you’re better off calling the psychic hotline.

4. The initiative

Taking the initiative is something women always complain men don’t do enough of. Women want you to step up to the plate, have been paying attention, and make a good solid decision. Women want a leader, not a follower, and a good leader can make decisions as well as listen to the group, and show them that their input is valuable. The other side of this is being receptive and encouraging this behavior.

Like all things if someone is positive, receptive and encourages you to do well, you’ll put your best foot forward. The same holds true for men in this instance. If you find that men don’t take enough initiative then you should encourage them to do so.

Many men like to feel that they are doing right by their family. They want to support their women, and know they are steering the ship, and doing a good job. Now while a captain is important on a ship, what use is he without his crew?

So, if you want your man to take more initiative, you should be more receptive and supportive to it. People are only human and make mistakes. So when he leads and doesn’t get things right, you can still let him know you had a good time, while making sure he knows what you like and would want to try in the future.

Communication is key. When a leader, and those they lead are in constant communication, they are well aware of each other’s needs. This allows the captain to make well informed choices, and also allows the crew to support him even when his choices are not perfect.

So, if you find yourself getting angry or upset at men, when their leadership skills fall short, do you really expect him to get back up and do a better job? Remember, leadership (and initiative) is not just about the captain, but the ability of captain and crew to work well together, and have a balanced relationship.

5. Desperation

This comes as no surprise. Desperation turns everyone off, men and women. When desperate you’re more inclined to do whatever it takes to succeed. The qualities men and women find attractive in each other typically spell out a person who is in a situation to have or find many options, which is the exact opposite of desperate.

Desperation usually has the tendency to give someone a lack of confidence, extreme nervousness, being too nice (remember the nice guy?), and appear less attractive (among many other things. On the other side many overcompensate for these short comings, and this also is a turn off. When you’re at a place in your life where you’re happy and enjoying yourself people naturally enjoy being with you, because they want a taste.

If you’re feeling down because life is too harsh without a man or woman in your life, this will naturally bring others down as well. So learning about yourself and doing what makes you happy goes far beyond dating advice, it’s something that will enrich your whole life as well as those around you!

6. They’re taken!

Not much you can do in this situation. Sometimes the person you desire is already in a relationship. If you really liked the person your best bet would be to honestly get to know them as a friend.

7. Bad timing!

Sometimes the timing just isn’t good. The person may appear very attractive at first glance but could be having a lot of problems that day or just at that particular point in their life. This is definitely not a good time to start a relationship. Not only are they not ready for you, and the relationship, but you shouldn’t be too eager about starting one with someone in this situation either.

8. You’re just not their type

You’re just not their type. We all have some sort of preference when it comes to the type of person we find attractive, that’s no secret. Women typically prefer men to be tall, or taller than they are (6 foot is a common desire for a man’s height).

Men are typically attracted to a woman with curved or an hour glass shape. Now the size of those curves can vary from individual to individual, but most men agree to finding attraction in those curves. There are a whole host of other things we find attractive in others. Many of these things you can’t do much about, while others we do have some control over.

9. Lost opportunity

This happens when we’re too scared or nervous to approach or make our intentions known to the person. This can be with someone we haven’t met, or someone we’ve known for a long time. But a HUGE reason for not finding someone is because it’s so much easier to chicken out, and walk away rather than put ourselves on the line and make an approach.

This is not something that just happens once in a while. It happens more often than not. Think 80% of the time or more. It’s no surprise women don’t approach as much as men. It’s just easier to let men do the approaching. We already expect and teach men to approach. So if a woman doesn’t have a date, it’s because men aren’t approaching anymore.

Well things have changes and women are now starting to realize missed opportunities by relying on men to take the initiative. And if you think about it, if men and women are both asking each other out with high frequency everyone would have a lot more opportunities to find someone. So even though it doesn’t feel like it at the moment. A rejection is often better than an opportunity lost. You can’t always win, but at least you tried!

10. Body Language and physical contact

This is as important as anything else. No one likes someone who comes on too fast, unless you’re just looking for a real good time tonight. However, no one likes a cold fish either. Men and women are both responsible for the amount and frequency of physical contact and the kind of body language they show. These things give us a clue to the kind of person you’re talking to, as well as how interested they are.

This is about listening, observing and responding. When we slowly ease our way closer to someone, it shows interest without being overzealous. This is the green light for both men and women. If the person you’re with is doing this and you’re interested, it’s time to reciprocate.

Something else that’s important to note is how nervous the person is feeling. Both men and women get nervous, but if you can tell the person likes you, and you’re interested in the type of person they are you will only stand to benefit by helping them relax and open up.

We always like others who make us feel more comfortable, so by helping someone come out of their shell will likely increase their attraction for you!

A lot of success can be had by listening and paying attention to people. A lot of times we give out signals that give simple hints as to how well things are going. Also, a lot of rejection and bad moments can be avoided if we simply communicate more, are more receptive, as well as supportive of the person we’re with. Think how it feels to be on the opposite side of the situation. A little encouragement can go a long way!

Above all relax, and have fun. When you’re having a good times, others want to join the fun!

Read more: http://gotacrush.com/10-reasons-why-youre-getting-rejected

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Chefs to cook up world-record gumbo at LSU-Alabama game

The World’s Largest Seafood Gumbo will be cooked on November 5, 2011 by Chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto along with former Alabama football All-American and All-pro Miami Dolphin legend Bob Baumhower and his executive Chef Steve Zucker. The chefs have created this charitable event to raise money for communities still suffering and rebuilding from the devastating tornadoes that ripped through Tuscaloosa last spring.
The culinary team will create a monster pot of gumbo, using a 300-year-old cast iron pot from the sugarcane fields of South Louisiana. The World’s Largest Gumbo recipe calls for 750 pounds shrimp, 450 pounds catfish fillets, 100 pounds claw crabmeat, 50 pounds white crabmeat, 200 pounds alligator meat, 25 pounds Louisiana crawfish tail meat, 10 gallons oysters with liquid, 200 pounds diced onions, 75 pounds diced celery, 100 pounds diced green bell peppers, 150 pounds sliced okra, 50 pounds dehydrated garlic and 20 pounds butter. After simmering for three hours, the delicious, steaming contents will be doled out to hungry football fans during the spirited pre-game tailgate at the University of Alabama.


On November 5, 2011 – the day of the much-publicized grudge match between highly ranked University of Alabama and Louisiana State University football teams – the chefs will kick off the first-ever LouisiBama Gumbo Bowl at the University of Alabama, next to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The 116-year-old rivalry between the two schools will be set aside temporarily, as Louisianians and Alabamians come together in friendship to raise money for Nick's Kids Fund and Caring Days Adult Day Care, two local nonprofit organizations that are working hand-in-hand with the greater Tuscaloosa community to restore areas and services that were hit hard by the tornadoes.

Read more: http://gumbobowl2011.ticketbud.com/tornado-relief

Serial Pooper Caught on Camera Taking Dump on School Steps

This has got to be the funniest story I have ever read! ~A
A Florida town can rest a little easier tonight -- the serial pooper has been arrested. Kenneth Martin Sorsony, a 23-year-old resident of Marion County, was identified by police as the man who defecated five separate times on the steps of Ft. King Middle School late at night. After the school reported that they found human feces on four occasions near their entrance, the cops set up a surveillance camera and caught Sorsony in the act during his fifth and final time fertilizing the concrete stairs. With a roll of toilet paper under his arm, the camera recorded him drop trou, and drop a deuce.


Officials asked residents to speak up if they recognized the dumper in the video, and lo and behold, someone identified Sorsony as the ghost-face crapper. So what did he have to say for himself?

He claims he had to launch his brown missiles at the school because of "bad spirits." Sorsony went on to explain that he "needs help." I can't say for certain when his moment of clarity arrived, but when you're kept in a jail cell overnight for laying logs in public, I would assume that reality has a way of creeping in.

Oh, and he also left notes with each one of his shit bricks, but authorities won't release what the little musings said. I wonder if they're the classic "you're welcome" notes that sometimes accompany gigantic Hershey squirts, or if Sorsony got a little more creative. He did, however, leave a woman's thong along with the note after poop number three. Very unusual. Color me intrigued.

Sorsony now faces five misdemeanor charges of trespassing on school property and has been released from custody. In other words, the fast freight to fudge city has left the station. Sorsony and his stool are back on the loose. But if another place in Ocala, Florida gets a visit from Mr. Shittz von Crappen, I think we know who might be responsible.

Hopefully though, Sorsony's learned his lesson about answering nature's call. When he needs to bake a loaf next time, let's pray it's in a toilet. And that he also gets the help that he needs. Any moms out there offering a 202 potty training refresher course?

Read more: http://thestir.cafemom.com/in_the_news/127246/serial_pooper_caught_on_camera

How to Clean Your House in 30 Minutes or Less

Cleaning house can feel like a gargantuan task, especially when you’ve let things slide for a few days too many. But it doesn’t have to be such a time-consuming undertaking. By incorporating these easy tips into your daily routine and prioritizing the areas that have a knack for getting the messiest the quickest, you’ll find that keeping the house in order is as easy as pie. The only drawback is that now you’ll have to figure out what to do with your new-found free time.


Kitchen:
  • Do the dishes or place them in the dishwasher after every meal. (5 minutes)
  • Wipe down counter tops and stove with an all-purpose cleaner after cooking. (2 minutes)
  • Wipe up any spills and sweep up any crumbs after eating. (2 minutes)
Bathroom:
  • Keep sanitizing wipes under your bathroom sink so you can quickly wipe the countertop after each time you wash your face or brush your teeth. (2 minutes)
  • Once a week, wipe the toilet and seat rim and clean the toilet bowl. By keeping the cleaning products within reach, you’ll be more likely to reach for them even if you’re not doing a major cleaning  (2 minutes)
Bedroom:
  • If you’ve already started a load of laundry, don’t consider it finished until you fold and put away clean clothes. Doing it right away ensures you’re less likely to have piles of clean clothes on your bed. (5 minutes)
  • Each morning, clear bedside tables of dishes, books, and reading glasses from the night before. (2 minutes)
  • Get into the habit of making your bed every morning, the moment you get out of bed. You’ll be happy you made the time when you come home that night. (2 minutes)
Living Room:
  • Every few days, wipe the tables with a microfiber cloth to pick up dust while you watch TV. (2 minutes)
  • Break out the Dustbuster to swoop up crumbs on the floor and in the couch cushions. By doing this while you watch TV, you’re integrating the chore into your daily routine, instead of waiting for a deep-cleaning session. (2 minutes)
  • Before retiring for the evening put away all entertainment gadgets, DVDs, newspapers, and games that have been left out. (4 minutes)
Read more: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/how-to-clean-your-house-in-30-minutes-or-less-2580107/

Addicted to Diet Coke (and the woman with the 7-pint-a-day habit)

Ugh....I need to get rid of this too. This is awful! And now I feel bad that I'm having one. Baby steps....A

Her name is Claire Ayton and she's a Diet Coke addict. The 36-year-old mom of two had such a debilitating dependance on the soft drink it nearly ruined her life.

For the past ten years, Ayton's 7-pint a day Diet Coke habit has cost her over $2500 a year. ''It was an everyday thing. I'd have one coffee in the morning and nothing else to drink but diet cola for the rest of the day," Ayton told the London Telegraph. "I was always thirsty."

She was also exhausted and lethargic all the time and gaining weight by the day. Over time she put on 42 pounds, which she couldn't lose. After countless consultations with doctors, she realized her heavy soda consumption might be to blame.

In addition to a possible increased risk of stroke, the chemicals in diet sodas have been suggested to cause a lack of energy and impulsive short-term thinking. In other words, the need for another fix, be it soda or food cravings. One study of 1,550 people found diet soda drinkers to have a 41 percent increased risk of obesity.

Across the mommy blogosphere, Diet Coke is a written about like an illicit drug. "I'm back on the 'stuff'. Diet Coke that is," writes The Main Line Mom. "Last week I was really tired and I grabbed from the Diet Coke stash we keep for babysitters. It tasted good, too good; and just like that I'm hooked again. Now I feel like it might be physically impossible for me to get through the day without an afternoon Diet Coke break."

A blogger behind the site Mom and Wife has chronicled her love-hate relationship with the drink: "What I once started drinking because it was supposed to be better for me, turned into the cause of quite a few health problems. To name a few: brain fog, irritability, depression, weight gain. I stop drinking Diet Coke and began I feel normal again."For Ayton, a UK based teaching assistant, giving up the sauce required professional help. 

To break her habit, she turned to clinical hypnotherapist Russell Hemming, who called Ayton's addiction the worst he'd ever seen. Her early withdrawal symptoms mimicked those of a serious addict. ''I had headaches at first and on the third day I felt as though I had been beaten up," she tells the Telegraph.

Replacing her habit with water mixed with chunks of orange wasn't easy but she's begun to gain more energy. Now she feels more clear-headed and says she's saving hundreds on her grocery bills. She's also starting to lose the weight. She's dropped 5 pounds so far.

 ''I have noticed over the last year how a lot of my overweight clients come in with diet drinks in their hands because they see it as a 'no-calorie' sweet treat; whereas slim clients tend to drink water," says Hemmings who treats soda-addicted patients like Ayton with a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnosis.

For busy moms who want to quit the habit without professional help, experts recommend a creative combination of replacement beverages. Hungry Girl Lisa Lillien suggests the occasional Stevia Sweetened Soda for a low-cal fizzy fix, and vitamin infused drink tabs for an energy boost. Caffeinated teas and seltzer water are also natural alternatives that scratch the itch during detox.

For more information: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/moms-addicted-to-diet-coke-and-the-woman-with-the-7-pint-a-day-habit-2581241/;_ylt=AnfwuvoiUOTIeDTtLf39.u1abqU5

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Dating sucks way more than an Electrolux.

Dating sucks and nobody finds it easy. If most people hate it, then why do we do it? Is there another way to meet up with a life partner, other than going through the trials and tribulations of dating?

Here's a thought. Let's look at animals, as humans are really just a slightly more advanced form of animal. Take dogs for instance. They don't date at all. When the bitch is ovulating, she gives off a scent that attracts every randy dog in the neighbourhood. She lifts her tail, the dogs sniff her posterior end, get an erection, mount her and bonk away until climax, then leave, never to see her again.

Imagine, if we were like dogs. If some perfume factory managed to create a special scent called 'Ovulation Scent.' When a woman knew she was ovulating, she'd spray herself with Ovulation Scent and walk down the road. Soon, males from all over will be following her and only the strongest will get near her. He'd have to sniff her nether regions, whip out his erection and fornicate madly, before zipping up and going back to work. This could do wonders for the motel industry, in case people don't fancy just doing it on the street.

Physiotherapists and masseuses will also make a fortune as many men will put their backs out when bending at the waist to sniff a woman. All this increased business - perfume companies, hotels and physiotherapists, might also create more job opportunities and ease the global credit crisis. People will be more relaxed - women because they'll only be having sex when they're in the mood, and men - because they'll be getting plenty of action as they'll continually encounter women wearing 'Ovulation Scent.' This could be something to look for in the future.

Seriously, dating is not that great. There has to be another way not yet discovered. People shouldn't have to endure awkward uncomfortable moments, just to meet a partner. The fact that so many people hate dating, has to say something.  Dating sucks way more than an Electrolux.

Friday, October 7, 2011

The Stages of Love

Magnetism
When you first meet, you are attracted to certain characteristics that match your unconscious template of a partner. This includes personality traits, movements, gestures and attitudes. You may feel that you already know your "soulmate." In your delight and excitement, you are often oblivious to what else is happening. Your feelings of affection and sexuality are intense.

You often say that you have good "chemistry." And actually, during this time of attraction, scientists say you are producing various chemicals that cause flushed skin, quickening pulse, and heavy breathing.

Ecstasy
As you get to know your partner, you savor your time together. You have a feeling of oneness. You cherish the idea that your lover adores you all the time. This "falling in love" stage is sometimes referred to as limerence or passionate love. You're unaware that you've actually fallen in love with a fantasy (not the reality) of your partner.

During this time you notice various qualities about your lover and you, and will probably assume that your partner will always be thoughtful, kind, happy, agreeable, helpful, and caring. If certain traits are absent, you may assume they will be there if needed. Or, if you observe some negative traits, you may assume love will change your partner.

As you deepen your connection, additional chemicals are being released (including phenylethylamine, norepinephrine, and probably dopamine), producing a "natural high." Sharing all of yourself with your lover feels comforting. You feel elated, euphoric, and exhilarated. You can stay up all night talking and making love. You're sure that the two of you will "live happily ever after."

Unfortunately, over time (from two months to two years), your body tapers off its production of these stimulating chemicals and your euphoria wanes.

Reality
Although you're unaware that your chemistry is changing, you no longer feel as ecstatic nor passionate. You begin to see the reality of your lover, including the negative traits you overlooked before. Because your lover is human (and not ideal) you become disenchanted. You experience shock, confusion, disappointment, irritation, and fear. You may begin arguing. In the struggle for power, you may try to coerce your lover to change. You may "grit your teeth and bear it." Or, you may withdraw and sulk. You become resentful and bitter. You believe your partner has changed, that you've "grown apart" and that you have "fallen out of love." You may have even doubt your original love.

Although your partner may have changed slightly, in reality your perceptions and your feelings of affection have changed more significantly. At this point, with the loss of your fantasy and your dwindling euphoria, you relationship may end.

Loving
But, if you can adjust to the foibles of each other, you might be able to enter the phase of real loving in which you abandon abandon your fantasy and learn the truth about your partner. You also explore common goal setting, communication, and problem solving. Compassionate love is when we care for others as they are, as well as support their growth. In the context of real love, you can create a respectful, supportive, satisfying and sustainable relationship.

You notice there's room for individual differences, for personal growth, as well as for a connection. You can see that problems can be viewed as opportunities for growth.

As you learn over time to love the whole person of the other and feel reciprocal love in return, the brain releases endorphins, which are like edogeneous morphine. These chemicals produce a general sense of well-being, including feeling soothed, peaceful, and secure. Additionally, during lovemaking, oxytocin is released, producing feelings of satisfaction and attachment.

Although this final phase is not as stimulating and ecstatic as the first two stages, it can be extremely satisfying. As you learn more about the natural development of love, you can create and sustain a fulfilling and enduring relationship.

http://gettingtheloveyouwant.com/therapists/Articles/FallindsndStayinginLoveJoanMiller.htm

Day 16: Dating Detox

 Yesterday was a very good day. I got many things accomplished, and even did a little day dreaming with my head in the clouds. My mood is apparently elevating. Could it be all of the stairs I'm climbing at 10:30am or the weight training or the fact that I just want to get up and move? Maybe so I also started drinking 2 tablespoons of Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in 16oz of water before every meal. I tried it with honey and then without the honey this morning. Whichever way you slice it, I gotta down it either way, so I prefer not to have the added sugar in my water. The greatest thing about this is that it completely fills you up. And after tasting the vinegar, though you do want to rince your mouth out, you really don't want to consume anything. And since it regulates and evens out your glucose levels in the body, you stay full for a long time! Today's goal: hit the stairs and go one flight higher, which I've consecutively done for 3 days now; weight train legs, shoulders and abs; clean up around the house. Bring on the weekend! I'm excited to be watching the game tomorrow with my best friend Shannon and Tommy in their neck of the woods. Whoohoo!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Day 15: Dating Detox

Yesterday was actually a much better day then days I have had in a long time. I guess it was the talking to and playing of the golden tee that made me start the day with such good spirits. I got unresolved issues at work solved, and I even volunteered to do the safety minute in our meeting this morning. The moral to the safety minute, "Do not use electric trimmers to trim your eyebrows, as you might cut off several eyelashes, as I did, or hurt your eye!" Ok, it was more than several eyelashes, but moving on. I finally went to the doctor to talk about all of the issues surrounding my life at the moment, and I got some much needed prescriptions filled. I had a wonderful afternoon sitting outside in the glorious weather and had great conversation. I met a man named Joe, who shared some of his life story and talked about being in love for 30 years. All-in-all, I would say it was a lovely day. The only issue I had was waiting for over an hour to get my prescription only to find out that my doctor had to talk to my insurance company to get the drug approved for coverage. Oh well, I will make the best out of my day today! What's to come? Jersey Shore baby! 'Party's here!'

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Day 14: Dating Detox

I had a successful yesterday afternoon, and I actually found some of the old Aimee in doing it. It's hard to keep it all together after a breakup. I felt and still feel extremely lonesome. I have had problems taking charge of my life and doing the things grown up people have to do. Because of this, I have had consequences and ramifications that I am still having to deal with. So, to actually accomplish my goals yesterday, I instilled some confidence back into my life. I had a tough workout. I went home after work and did chores, had some food, took care of the animals, did several loads of laundry, and even got myself ready to go to meet my gorgeous man-friend to play some golden tee. I don't think Patti would have a problem with our flirtatiousness, but we did flirt most of the night. Who could have helped it?! But when we walked each other to our cars, our chemistry took over. Yes, we kissed, alright! I'm not even sure who started it, though he would say I did. And, we kissed so passionately that it so could have landed us in the bedroom. But, we went home like good little children. I have to say that it felt so good that I don't know how we stopped.

And then there was the rest of my night. When I get home I realize that the stupid ex-boyfriend has been blowing my phone up. I was supposed to send him a package with his mail, and he's threatening me that the IRS is going to come after me for not giving him the mail. I exploded. I text him that the IRS was not going to come back on me after he owes them from 2006, well before we started dating, and if he was so concerned that he should have just contacted them for the information he needs. That was so not my fault. He has been constantly contacting me non-stop all night and all morning, and I have continued to avoid him. Oh yeah wait, and he wants to come to see me. Idiot. I told him that I do not want to see him, and that I have mailed him his mail, and that I'm done. If I'm forced, I will block his number. So far, so good. UGH! Two steps forward, two steps back....isn't that what Paula Abdul taught us back in the early 90s?

And on another positive, sometimes blogging can be as beneficial as talking to a counselor! It feels really good sometimes to just get things off of your chest.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Day 13: Dating Detox

After a long, great conversation with someone I love so much, he knows who he is, we have formulated a plan for me to take baby steps in the right direction. One of the biggest problems I face, in being a social butterfly, is that my first thoughts in the afternoon are not going straight home from work. I work with some great people, but in order to just focus, I have headphones on all day listening to either recorded tv or music. Consequently, when I leave work, I know I have things to do at home, but I put them off for some interaction with, who I thought for a while were, my "real" friends. Sadly, in the past weekend I had a hard lesson to learn, and I now know who truly stands behind me. So, as my great friend pointed out, I need to spend time working on my physical body by being active, go home in the evenings to take care of business, and if I need to later on in the evening, go out to see friends. Plus, on the weekends, I need to continue to sorround myself with the people that love me the most, my family. I feel good about this. I feel good about taking back my life, stop feeling sorry for myself, and learning to be a responsible homeowner again. Time to get my hands dirty and accomplish some positive things in my life!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Day 12: Dating Detox

So, I have had some rough days this weekend. I'm not in the greatest of places, and I find myself wondering how it is that I'm going to get out of my funk. The one really great goal I have right now, besides the obvious, is my 90 eating/workout plan. My BFF is motivating me to just work though today and give it all I've got. I still feel like nothing is in order: mentally, physically or emotionally. So, it looks like my projects for today will be working on my physical body through proper nutrition (I didn't eat anything pretty much over the weekend due to depression), physical exercise and cleaning out a portion of the house. That ought to make a girl feel better, right?! One can hope. Hopefully tomorrow I will be back to my wonderfully cheery self. Guess we will have to see.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Day 9: Dating Detox

Today begins an entirely new journey for me. Though I have been working out, my best friend came to me and told me that she found a contest on bodybuilding.com. It's a 12 week program, where you workout, leanout and post progress pictures along the way. Every week they give away cash prizes, and after the 12 weeks, if you win for the best transformation, you win a 7 day trip to Sandals in Jamaica. I will be going there next May to attend the same friend's wedding, and it would be so cool if I could either use that as my trip or get to go again. Who doesn't want to sit on the most beautiful beach in the world in there brand new bikini body?! I'm pumped.

The contest allows you to follow whatever diet/exercise program, so Shannon and I will do the plan I'm currently on, Jamie Eason's plan from bodybuilding.com. And as an added bonus, because all of the foods on my plan are clean, I'm going to see if I can also incorporate the "Blood Type Diet" and work extremely hard to lose as much weight as I possibly can. I so want to win this trip!

So, I'm still plunging away at dating myself, and now I'm about to get in the best shape of my life. Shannon is really competitive, so now that I have a challenge, I'm going to kick some ass!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Day 8: Dating Detox

Well, I have officially made it a week. I'm still reading the book, and it is very interesting. Patti makes valid points, and the phases of the plan make complete sense. I've been doing lots of stuff alone, which is not really a rarity for me, and for whatever reason, I have been getting hit on more than usual. Is it because I don't care about being hit on right now? It's almost like when you finally get into a committed relationship, and men flock from everywhere just to get next to you. Maybe in both situations, there is a contentness, confidence and aura that is being transmitted causing the man meter to rise. Lol

Anyway, here's a list of Patti's dating commandments.

1.  Thou Shalt Return Calls Promptly
2.  Thou Shalt Honor Thy Dating Commitments
3.  Thou Shalt Let The Man Take The Lead
4.  In the Beginning, Thou Shalt Leave the Past in the Past
5.  Thou Shalt Be Engaging
6.  Thou Shalt Not Drink Too Much On A Date
7.  Thou Shalt Not Be A Gold Digger
8.  Thou Shalt Act Like A Lady
9.  Thou Shalt Express Sincere Interest and Appreciation
10. Thou Shalt Not Become Intimate on the First Date
11. Thou Shalt Not Wear Too Much Bling

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Sometimes in life....

people in life tell you things you don't want to hear but need to hear. I was told tonight that I'm a beautiful woman, and I'm so loved by many. But a lot of times I'm loud and curse like a sailor. Though it's more acceptable for men to do it, women should refrain from being assholes and learn to be ladies. I always find this offensive, as I am, what I consider to be very lady-like.

But this one person, that I love so much and respect completely made a very valid point. Though I am a very outspoken and an extroverted person, I can choose my words wisely and still get my point across. Do I really think I need harsh man-words to prove a point? And, who do I think I'm impressing anyway? It's not like I'm still in college and don't know any better, I'm 33 and proud of the woman I've become. There really is no use for my absurd loudness or harsh words. I can be even more beautiful on the outside as well as the inside with more cautious words. And do I really need 4 letter words for emphasis? Doubtful.

What do you think? Do women get judged for profanity? Should women be able to get away with it? After all, I'm still a traditional girl that likes doors being opened for her and a man that plays the manly part!

Day 7: Dating Detox

Next, Patti says it is time to make a dating wish list. Write a list of fun activities you've always wanted to try, the sky is the limit. Here's mine.

concerts
traveling to new places
sky diving
creating music
wine tastings
sporting events
helicopter touring
visiting beaches
spa treatments/weekends
painting
hot air balloon ride
shopping for ME
scheduling a trip that neither of us have been
ghost tours
exploring a nearby city

Now it's time to write down the names of all the restaurants you've wanted to try, ranging from the hole in the wall to the most posh five-star in town. I'm not going to say that I haven't been to some of these, because I have, but I would like to have another experience there.

Maison Lacour French
Ruth's Chris
Sullivan's Steakhouse
Flemming's
Gino's
Mansurs On The Boulevard
Nino's Italian Restaurant
Magnolia Grill
Juban's
Stroube's
Doe's Eat Place
Brandt's Maisonette
Latil's Landing at Houmas House Plantation
Camelot Club
Lafitte's Landing
Zea's Rotissarie and Grill
Enoteca Marcello Wine Bar and Cafe
Bistro Byronz
French Market Bistro
Di Giulio Brothers
Beausoleil Restaurant and Bar
Carrabba's
Brunet's Cajun
Galatoire's Bistro
Le Creole
Asian Pearl - Zachary
Pinetta's

The purpose: Once you have these lists of activities and restaurants, you'll be fully prepared when a man asks you, as he inevitably will, "What would you like to do? Where would you like to go? What kind of food do you like to eat? When a man asks you what you would like to do, he wants to please you." I always thought that when a man asks me what I would like to do it is because he has run out of original ideas. Why is it that I enjoy being taken around town not knowing where we are going or thinking about what I want to do or where I want to go? I'm used to that Type A personality, which I like, but I need to keep all of my options open. After all, one day I'm going to want to do something that I want to do and if I'm with Mr. Type A, I will only be along for the ride.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The Pregnancy Pact

I am one of those people that has to be listening to some dialogue when working (mostly due to my ADD), so sometimes, I will find a movie on YouTube and listen to it while completing various tasks at work. I usually make sure that it is upbeat, funny and PGish, in fear there might be some steamy sex scene and get busted. I finally finished listening to Mean Girls 2, which was pretty boring unlike the first one, when I stumbled along The Pregnancy Pack. At first thought it seemed it might be something deeper then comedy, and after a few minutes realizing it was true, I had a feeling that it was something that needed listening. I am astounded that this is a "based on a true story." So, If you haven't seen it, it is certainly worth watching, particularly if you have female children. Let me see if I can come up with some press about it.....

Pregnancy Boom at Gloucester High



As summer vacation begins, 17 girls at Gloucester High School are expecting babies — more than four times the number of pregnancies the 1,200-student school had last year. Some adults dismissed the statistic as a blip. Others blamed hit movies like Juno and Knocked Up for glamorizing young unwed mothers. But principal Joseph Sullivan knows at least part of the reason there's been such a spike in teen pregnancies in this Massachusetts fishing town. School officials started looking into the matter as early as October, after an unusual number of girls began filing into the school clinic to find out if they were pregnant. By May, several students had returned multiple times to get pregnancy tests, and on hearing the results, "some girls seemed more upset when they weren't pregnant than when they were," Sullivan says. All it took was a few simple questions before nearly half the expecting students, none older than 16, confessed to making a pact to get pregnant and raise their babies together. Then the story got worse. "We found out one of the fathers is a 24-year-old homeless guy," the principal says, shaking his head.

The question of what to do next has divided this fiercely Catholic enclave. Even with national data showing a 3% rise in teen pregnancies in 2006 — the first increase in 15 years — Gloucester isn't sure it wants to provide easier access to birth control. In any case, many residents worry that the problem goes much deeper. The past decade has been difficult for this mostly white, mostly blue-collar city (pop. 30,000). In Gloucester, perched on scenic Cape Ann, the economy has always depended on a strong fishing industry. But in recent years, such jobs have all but disappeared overseas, and with them much of the community's wherewithal. "Families are broken," says school superintendent Christopher Farmer. "Many of our young people are growing up directionless."

The girls who made the pregnancy pact — some of whom, according to Sullivan, reacted to the news that they were expecting with high fives and plans for baby showers — declined to be interviewed. So did their parents. But Amanda Ireland, who graduated from Gloucester High on June 8, thinks she knows why these girls wanted to get pregnant. Ireland, 18, gave birth her freshman year and says some of her now pregnant schoolmates regularly approached her in the hall, remarking how lucky she was to have a baby. "They're so excited to finally have someone to love them unconditionally," Ireland says. "I try to explain it's hard to feel loved when an infant is screaming to be fed at 3 a.m."
The high school has done perhaps too good a job of embracing young mothers. Sex-ed classes end freshman year at Gloucester, where teen parents are encouraged to take their children to a free on-site day-care center. Strollers mingle seamlessly in school hallways among cheerleaders and junior ROTC. "We're proud to help the mothers stay in school," says Sue Todd, CEO of Pathways for Children, which runs the day-care center.

But by May, after nurse practitioner Kim Daly had administered some 150 pregnancy tests at Gloucester High's student clinic, she and the clinic's medical director, Dr. Brian Orr, a local pediatrician, began to advocate prescribing contraceptives regardless of parental consent, a practice at about 15 public high schools in Massachusetts. Currently Gloucester teens must travel about 20 miles (30 km) to reach the nearest women's health clinic; younger girls have to get a ride or take the train and walk. But the notion of a school handing out birth control pills has met with hostility. Says Mayor Carolyn Kirk: "Dr. Orr and Ms. Daly have no right to decide this for our children." The pair resigned in protest on May 30.

Gloucester's elected school committee plans to vote later this summer on whether to provide contraceptives. But that won't do much to solve the issue of teens wanting to get pregnant. Says rising junior Kacia Lowe, who is a classmate of the pactmakers': "No one's offered them a better option." And better options may be a tall order in a city so uncertain of its future.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1816486,00.html#ixzz1ZBf9d3vo

Monday, September 26, 2011

The 11 Most Annoying Things Single Women Don’t Want to Hear

11. Use this time to work on you. Anytime’s a good time for self-improvement. I know some women need to decompress following a really bad or hurtful relationship, but singleness need not be the sole reason to chase a dream or chip away at a personal flaw. Shouldn’t that just be a part of life, hitched or not?

10. Stop being so picky. A woman wants what she wants. But if expecting a man to have a job, his right mind, some manners, and all of his front teeth — and not the gold kind — makes a gal picky, then guilty as charged.

9. Just pray about it. With tsunamis and floods, hurricanes and storms, and the presidential election coming up, too, I refuse to bother God with the deets of my love life anymore. Unless He just needs a good chuckle.

8. Is that what you’re wearing to go out? No, actually it’s not. I was just about to change into my man-magnet lace bra top and hot pants.

7. I envy you. I wish I was still single. Can we be honest with each other right here? If you really wanted to be single, boo, you would be. It’s free and available to anybody who wants to have it. Plenty of it to go around. So don’t feign envy at my marital status. 

6. It’s his loss. That might’ve made me feel better when I was in the fifth grade. Maybe a scratch and sniff sticker to go along with the advice would help heal the hurt.

5. Have you tried [insert online dating site here]? I know the commercials are convincing. Just pay your little membership fee and love pops into your inbox. But I can count on one hand how many people I personally know who’ve scored dates with reasonably compatible dudes on those sites, much less a whole relationship. And besides, the guy in the eHarmony commercial is creepy. Talking about he might not be single after their second date?! Yikes.

4. Let me introduce you to my nephew/son/cousin/brother/co-worker/personal trainer/mechanic/dentist/lawyer/butcher/bail bondsman. There are times when two people seem like they would just so totally hit it off that it’s almost stupid to not try to at least introduce them, then sit back and watch the sparks from your romantic handiwork fly. But sometimes folks get desperate — even if you’re not — and all it takes for some lucky dude to become their single friend’s next date is the fact that ... well, he’s a dude.

3. Do you go out to places where you can meet men? Where exactly are these fabled places where I can just pluck men like fresh produce off the trees, ripe and ready for commitment? Gimme an address to plug into my GPS. Rare is the woman whose main dating problem is that she’s holed up in her home. We’re out there but, short of having an experience that would make prophets out of The Weather Girls, it’s not necessarily raining men.

2. Stop focusing on it so much and let it happen. Ah, you got me. Here I was doodling “Janelle loves Anonymous” all over my notebooks. I’m a single mother, I own a business, and I’m not lamenting the absence of a husband in my household. It would’ve been nice to be married, yes. But my life’s work is not unfulfilled because I never had an engagement ring slipped onto my left hand.

1. Gasp! You’re so great/wonderful/amazing. Why are you still single? Even I can never think of an answer snarky enough for this one.

Read more: http://thestir.cafemom.com/love_sex/126396/the_11_most_annoying_things

Day 6: Dating Detox

So, here's the kicker...next assignment: Take the 25 qualities that are important to you in each category and pick the 10 traits that are the most crucial. Ugh! This was REALLY hard for me to do, most of them seemed to be deal breakers, but I think I did my best in making my list. In no particular order....

1. Tall/Dark/Dark Hair/Handsome/Big Upper Body
2. Adventurous
3. Loving
4. Smart/Computer Genius/Wants to Learn New Things
5. Social/Life of the Party/Extrovert
6. Funny/Humorous/Makes Me Laugh
7. Financially Blessed
8. Spends Money Wisely
9. Spoils His Mate/Himself
10. Looks for New Ways to Make Money

Now, apparently, you're supposed to narrow them down to the top 5 non-negotiables. Really? Lol. It was tough enough to get down to 10....they are in order this time....

1. Loving
2. Social/Life of the Party/Extrovert
3. Funny/Humorous/Mkes Me Laugh
4. Financially Blessed
5. Spoils His Mate/Himself

Day 5: Dating Detox

When I'm interested in my reading material, I can't help but read too much too soon. So, now in Chapter 4, when I really should be just focused on Chapter's 1 and 2, I have found another assignment, which really does go along with my current phase of the program. It is basically to analyze the first two homework assignments to come up with a list of 5 most important in the categories: spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and financial. So, here is what I've come up with as most important to me. Notice, the spiritual category is probably the least of my concerns and therefore has only 4 listed.

Spiritual:
spiritual not religious
law of attraction/power of universe
open to exploring spirituality through meditation
positive spirit and energy

Physical:
tall/dark/dark hair/handsome/big upper body
would try anything once
attention to detail/dresses well
adventurous
wants to workout and have a healthy lifestyle

Emotional:
loving
attentive
wants to spend time together
matches me sexually/wants to make love all the time
loves and gets along well with his family/has no or older kids

Intellectual:
smart/computer genius/wants to learn new things
musically inclined
social/life of the party/extrovert
funny/humorous/makes me laugh
in depth conversations about everything

Financial:
financially blessed
has a home/owns property
spends money wisely
spoils his mate/himself
looks for new ways to make money

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Day 4: Dating Detox

I so love Sunday Funday! I almost always hang out with mostly singles, though two of our own are currently dating themselves. It was not so hard over the weekend in hanging with the fam, but I have to say that today is more difficult. In football season, women are forced to look really cute in a jersey, though I'm wearing a dress, hoping someone will want to talk to me, but as we all know, football is way too important. But, as I am dating myself, I look forward to the game being over and Gossip Girl beginning.

Of course I have many chores and other Sunday things to accomplish, I know that my time with the singles will soon be done and the work week and heavy workout and healthy eating regime will begin! As a matter of fact,before GG, I have to get some groceries to cook many healthy meals that I will consume over the next week. Till I get home, I may as well try to pay attention to the game and make myself seem cooler.....

On the next note, can the saints just win so me and my BFF just speak again. Ugh? And maybe then can everyone all just have a good time. Lol.

Finally, the music has resumed and the shopping is about to begin....happy singledom!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Day 3: Dating Detox

The next exercise that I worked on is dealing with your values, what's important to you and what do you need in a person.  The five categories are: spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and financial.  This is what's important to me.

Spiritual: spiritual not religious, knows the law of attraction and the power of the universe, open to exploring spirituality through meditation, positive energy and spirit about him

Physical: tall, dark, handsome, dark hair, big broad (fit but not necessarily huge muscles) chest, dresses well, wants to workout and have a healthy lifestyle

Emotional: loving, attentive, someone who wants to spend time together, make love all of the time, matches me sexually; loves and gets along well with his family, has no kids or older ones

Intellectual: smart, funny, life of the party, wants to continuously learn new things, gramatically correct, musically inclined, wants to have in depth conversations

Financial: financially blessed, has a home of his own, spends money wisely, budget conscious but likes to have fun, looking for new ventures and investments

Everything is going according to plan. I feel like I've made a good decision, and the book is such a great read that I can't put it down! I look forward to more days to come!!!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Day 2: Dating Detox

First Assignment: Take 5 of your significant relationships and list 5 reasons that attracted and kept you with them and 5 reasons you needed to end the relationship. I did my best to only have 5, but sometimes there is more that needs to be added. The bold lettering means another person had the same trait, which is important in determining any patterns, etc. Due to the sensitive nature of the lists, I have renamed these men, just incase.  Lol

AttractedTerminated Relationship
Mr Spit Mouth: Best Oral Sex EVER                             unattractive
always cleaned up everythingcouldn't take him anywhere
cooked for me every nightyucky spit in the corners of mouth
nurturingwas in love with all of his friends
loved me when I was fatalways wanted to do drugs
Mr. X:loved me unconditionallyput family/friends first
amazing in bed played computer games constantly
smart/computer geniusalways high
always there for meconstantly corrected me
beautiful baby blue eyesnever spent time with me
masturbated in public
Mr. Left His Wife:wanted me so bad/had to be with meno personality
PhD/super smart/techieABC's on the wall (for his kids)
big upper body/handsomewould never take me anywhere
would admire the moon with me nightlyquick to cum
would try anything sexuallynever introduced me to his family
Mr. Canola:gorgeous blue eyesentirely too old
said anything/didn't care what people thoughtwomanizer
musical genius/pushed me musically"the club"
freak in bedcheater
loved to go out and have funcanola oil/ass fetish/addicted to porn/alcohol/drugs
Mr. Storm Chaser:blue eyes/big upper bodyvagabond/own's nothing
attention to detail: clothes, ironing, house….either had money or didn't
taught me to be a grown upalways running tabs with people for money
adventurous/never a dull momentalcoholic
life of the partygrill
loves travelingbeauty not brains
singer/songwriteronly cares about himself/womanizer