This is strictly for people who know what they are talking about. So I decided as a really cute mommy gift, I would make a little book filled with tips for new parents. I know a lot of things are just instinctual but this is my brother and his girlfriends child and they are very young and aren't exactly rich so I a wanna make a book filled with tips on how to save money while raising a baby and what to do when the baby is sick and things like that, that aren't necessarily instinctual just to help them out perhaps. I am so excited for my niece or nephew to come into this world! I know there are tons of books to read but I am sure she would appreciate this one made by me and I am going to bind it and decorate it so it looks some what professional. :) So I ask of you what HELPFUL tips can you give as an experienced parent to young parents to be? thank you so much for your help! no smart ass comments please and thanks.
07/29/2010 10:21 PM
Okay, so it's in a week. Last year I drove out to Belgium to a mountainboard comp he was at to surprise him and he seemed pretty happy with that, but this year it's the big 21. He says he doesn't like his birthday, but I reaaaallllly want to get/give/make/do something special and he told me to surprise him, but it seems I really don't have any imagination atm, I've been suggested an experience present you know like driving a sweet as car or bungee jumping, wrapping myself up in a massive bow with edible body paint aha.. But I was just seeing if any of you lovely Yahooligans fancy giving a few suggestions :) he likes extreme sportsy type things as do I (skating, bmxing, mountainboarding, etc.) but anything would be appreciated, even a vague outline of something I can steal and twist into my own :) thankyou thankyou thankyou in advance :)
07/27/2010 09:22 PM
My husband is well-educated, but inexperienced. He got out of graduate school right as the job market hit rock bottom and his degree isn't very marketable so he's been sort of "adrift" ever since. But he's really smart and a quick learner. Here are his qualifications: 1. Bachelor's degree and master's degree in Religion. Both degrees are from very good schools, the master's degree is from an Ivy. 2. 1 year of part-time (20 hrs/week) experience working with a non-profit. He does internship and volunteer coordination and office management. Through re-direction of everyday funds, he's saved his organization enough money this year to pay his own salary and then some. He also does some policy advocacy for them. 3. 1.5 years of experience (some of it part-time, some of it full-time) working as a technical writer and basic admin assistant for a small company while he was in school. 4. A keen interest in occupational health and safety as well as public policy. 5. Interest in working for non-profits. 6. He doesn't want to sell anything and he isn't great at schmoozing anybody. He's just an honest, hardworking, super smart (he was incredibly gifted as a kid.....learned to read at the age of 2) guy. What should he do? He's had the hardest time finding full-time employment and he's very hesitant to go back to school for anything because he already feels like his first graduate degree was a huge waste since it can't really get him any jobs. Any ideas of how he can turn his education and experience into a good field for him?
07/25/2010 12:44 AM
My husband is well-educated, but inexperienced. He got out of graduate school right as the job market hit rock bottom and his degree isn't very marketable so he's been sort of "adrift" ever since. But he's really smart and a quick learner. Here are his qualifications: 1. Bachelor's degree and master's degree in Religion. Both degrees are from very good schools, the master's degree is from an Ivy. 2. 1 year of part-time (20 hrs/week) experience working with a non-profit. He does internship and volunteer coordination and office management. Through re-direction of everyday funds, he's saved his organization enough money this year to pay his own salary and then some. He also does some policy advocacy for them. 3. 1.5 years of experience (some of it part-time, some of it full-time) working as a technical writer and basic admin assistant for a small company while he was in school. 4. A keen interest in occupational health and safety as well as public policy. 5. Interest in working for non-profits. 6. He doesn't want to sell anything and he isn't great at schmoozing anybody. He's just an honest, hardworking, super smart (he was incredibly gifted as a kid.....learned to read at the age of 2) guy. What should he do? He's had the hardest time finding full-time employment and he's very hesitant to go back to school for anything because he already feels like his first graduate degree was a huge waste since it can't really get him any jobs. Any ideas of how he can turn his education and experience into a good field for him?
07/24/2010 11:21 PM
Let me give you the main storyline. I am 14 years old, Male. I have never had a girlfriend, or dated, or anything like that. In the eighth grade, this girl joined my class in September. The teacher instructed me to show her what to do in his classroom, Which I did. The next day she started to flirt with me, since this is the first time anyone has, I was a bit both of shocked and nervous. I didn't know what to say, she made me laugh once and then she told me that she liked my laugh. So we continued to flirt for about another 4 months, (yes that long). I would have asked her out but I am a very very shy person. ( Just to make sure were on the right page here, She is very beautiful, But that's not the the only reason I want to see her.) The first 4 months of flirting were basically just winks. the next 3 months were blowing kisses. The last few months of school were telling each-other "I love you" and yes, I know that it seemed to early to be saying that but you can hopefully understand that it was flirting, I also bought her some gifts and so on. On the last day of school, while walking back to go home, I saw her waiting for one of her friends, I just looked away and kept walking, I guess I was just ashamed of myself for not asking her out earlier. I ran back to that tree after I came to my senses and she was gone. I knew she was going to the local recreation center, most people were on the last day of school. I would have went there myself but I had to be picked up. Worst mistake of my life so far. I recently found out she had a Myspace, I checked her "Form spring" which is a site connected with other social networking sites that allows you're friends to ask questions about you. Anyway, I checked her form spring and one of the questions were "Have you ever been in love? Her response, "I thought I was but no". I knew that it was about me, Just by the sound of it. She apparently already has some experience, she has been with 35 or so people. I have been with none. Anyway, I would go on but I don't want to bore any of you with my life-story. But, I do care about her, and I really wanted to make things right, and since Myspace has this neat little thing where you can send messages to friends of friends. I decided to make a video, to show her that I still care about her, And that I think about her everyday, I miss her. I want her to know what I didn't tell her. I want to make things right, She is not going to the same school I'm going to next year. But I want to let her know that I would like to know her someplace other than school. And that I feel lost without her. I am a very sensitive person, so please don't tell me to let things go.. I'm planning on doing a commentary on the beginning of the video to tell her how much she means to me. And that I still miss her and I still think about her. then the next part I chose a song (That reminded me most of and how I felt about Her.) to add lyrics and music to the video at the end. The song I chose was, 98-degrees: I do (cherish you). But I was also thinking about, Jed medela: Only reminds me of you, or 98-degrees My Everything. But the main question is: Is this a good idea? What should I start off with in the commentary? What is the most appropriate way of telling her how I feel? When should I send her the video when I'm done with it? How long should I try to make the video? Do you think I should add one of her photo's and mine? I got her's from her unused Facebook Profile picture. NOTE: also, I don't have that good of video editing software, so I'm going to have to use Windows movie maker, Cheap, But it can get things done. So please don't suggest adding effects that I can't do, Thanks. And if you're going to tell me to forget about her and move on, I won't. 12 minutes ago - 4 days left to answer. I don't know where she lives or where go goes or in any way have any contact with her except Myspace which I haven't sent her a Friend Request yet. So please do not tell me to talk with her in person.
07/24/2010 12:00 AM
Although I have experience in retailing gifts and home accessories on line I am now looking to start a shop selling the sale items. Could someone please advise as to the possible turnover of a shop in a town centre location - size 6meters x 8meters selling gifts or home accessories. I am trying to put a business plan together and have no real idea what this type shop could or should take a week. Any help would be most appreciated. Regards AS
07/23/2010 02:37 PM
I posted this yesterday and wanted more feedback. Got any ideas? Please read. Job hunting problem. Any advice? 48 year old woman lost job in November of 2009. Found a job working for drug store. I have college experience in certain areas that is usually not needed in todays economy. I have been applying at the local hospital for anything from gift shop associate to house keeper or even patient transporter. Since Jan 2010 I have applied to 92 open jobs either part time or full time or even seasonal. In my resume I was honest and told of my previous employement as well as previous job skills and education. Not one call have I had. However a co worker of mine.. who is uneducated in any area except graduate of high school but she is 25 years old, put her application in for one of the same jobs I applied for and she got the job. WTF? I am not saying that because I have education that actually means anything. Was my honesty in putting my education listing on the application do me more harm than good.. meaning I was tossed out due to over qualified or is it just the age factor? I am happy for the co-worker but have a hard time understanding what has happened here. Anyone shed some light on this for me? 15 hours ago
07/23/2010 01:43 PM
I was watching this documentary by BBC Horizons about LSD, DMT and some other drug (forgot the name). There are towns in South America where they take the drug as a vaccine against cocaine or heroin addiction. Even alcoholism. Also the people who took it were alert even till an old age and had increased brain function. In the same documentary they interview one of the co-founders of Microsoft who tells the interviewer that LSD was one of the main catalysts that drove the computer revolution and kick started it. There were focus groups of problem solvers who were given the drug and came up with revolutionary ideas that change the way we use computers. They also talk to nobel prize winner Thomas Crick who discovered the double helix structure of DNA and another one who would replicate DNA. Both thanked LSD for their success. I know the good that can come out of these groups of drugs from first hand experience as well. They are gifted to us by nature to provide us with wisdom and perspective. Even recently doctors are bringing these drugs back into the main stream as a cure for depression, cluster headaches, drug addiction and mental illness.Great minds have been created out of the drug as it inspires true creativity. You must understand that the drug inspires us by reminding us of the beauty of very simple things like flowers or the wind. It does not create and is only a tool. Many LSD users who were atheists turn to believe in God when they see the Mandala. The Mandala is a representation of the universe that was drawn in many ancient religions and even in new ones like Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. It reveals itself at the 12th level of enlightenment through meditation. I have seen one myself under the influence of LSD but didn't know what it was until recently. I understand how things work and am a much better problem solver now than I was before. I am in the computer profession myself and see how useful such drugs are in providing insight and broader/different perspectives. I do it twice a year which I think is plenty. It has cured an addiction I had when I was 16-19. The addiction was towards heroin. It worked then and now the media is talking about it. Good I guess. I hope the whole world would just drop acid. PS there is a dark side. If you take LSD when you are alone feeling down, or in a bad setting it can be dangerous if you are an idiot. The PS mark mentions that in order to use psychedelics to change your life for the better the setting is very important. Maybe a garden with some soft music in the background with no responsibility. Not in a concert where there is a zoo of other drugs interfering with your LSD trip. Also don't mix other drugs in with it like marijuana or anything else for that matter.
07/22/2010 01:31 PM
My sister lives OS and has told me that invitations her son's receive will often include this (either as a separate smaller page or on the bottom of the invite & will include an item the child would like and a store) I have NEVER heard of this being done (I'm in Melbourne Australia) and whilst admit I am unsure what I think agree in theory!! (particularly as children get older and have more 'junk' LOL to get one 'larger' item seems to make more sense then lots of smaller items) Has anyone heard of this/ experienced this??? What do you think of this idea??? How would you go about it/ Wording ideas??? Thanks :) My sister sent this from a recent invite:~ We are out for pleasure not for profit ~ However, if you would like to give (child's name) a gift he / she loves (eg Lego item #) a contributition towards this can be made at (Toy Shop) & would be appreciated! Hello....the point is NO GIFT ..... however, if they still feel they would like to give something then a small contribution towards X which child is saving $ towards might be nice!!
07/21/2010 05:02 PM
So one of my friends is moving off to boarding school in a few weeks so me and some of her other friends have decided to throw her a surprise moving away party at my house. I have a pool and pretty big yard and deck with horse shoe pits, volleyball, and basketball so it's mainly going to be an outside party on a saturday afternoon. We are getting her a memory cork board she can hang in her dorm room with a collage of pictures on it and a journal that people can write contact info and notes in. I was also thinking of making a video of people saying goodbye. What i need help with is party ideas. What type of food should we serve (she can't eat glucose or wheat). Any good party games. Is it inappropriate to ask guests to chip in a few dollars towards the gifts, decorations, etc. I just feel bad asking my parents to help pay and i don't have enough money to spend on all of the supplies. Also, i am sending invites by text. I know that its not inventive or anything but thats how everyone among my friends sends invites, and i don't have time to gather everyone's address. So if you have experience with this type of party let me know or any good ideas please answer this question. On last thing, the party is taking place in august, there will be approx. 20 guests who range from 15-17 years old. Finally, this is a party on a budget. I would like to keep the total cost of food, decorations, and gifts to under $60.
07/21/2010 01:37 AM
There is one of my friend's wedding. I have been invited. But, I can't participate to this occation. So, I need to send them a wedding wishes with a small note. I have written one. It is below. Can somebody tell me it is correct(grammer and spell) or not? Also I need to know it is good or bad. If you have any idea please tell me. How should I correct it and how to write it back. Please comment me. Thanks. Wedding Note is below... ------------------------------------ Dear Susi & Peter, Here you are celebrating the most important and happiest moments in your life. Nice smiles, heartiest wishes, memorable gifts, delicious foods and liquor may decorate this occasion. Everyone would like to experience the party. Unfortunately, I am not able to join with you because of some urgent matters. I am very sorry. Please be kind enough to accept my hot wishes & blessing. Although I couldn’t light your wedding candles, I wish to be the moon to light your whole night. From, James C.A.
07/20/2010 08:22 AM
It was the mailman's last day on the job after 35 years of carrying the mail through all kinds of weather to the same neighborhood. When he arrived at the first house on his route he was greeted by the whole family there, who congratulated him and sent him on his way with a big gift envelope. At the second house they presented him with a box of fine cigars. The folks at the third house handed him a selection of terrific fishing lures. At the fourth house he was met at the door by a strikingly beautiful woman in a revealing negligee. She took him by the hand, gently led him through the door, and led him up the stairs to the bedroom where she blew his mind with the most passionate love he had ever experienced. When he had had enough they went downstairs, where she fixed him a giant breakfast, eggs, potatoes, ham, sausage, blueberry waffles, and fresh squeezed orange juice. When he was truly satisfied she poured him a cup of steaming coffee. As she was pouring, he noticed a dollar bill sticking out from under the cup's bottom edge. "All this was just too wonderful for words," he said, "but what's the dollar for?" "Well," she said, "last night, I told my husband that today would be your last day, and that we should do something special for you. I asked him what to give you." He said, "F*** him, give him a dollar." The lady then said, "The breakfast was my idea." ________________________________________****____________________________________ Definitions Alarm clock: a machine invented to scare the daylights into you. Antique: an item your grandparents bought, your parents got rid of, and that you're buying again for twice times the price Argument: a fight over who can get in the last word first. Bargain: something thats so cheap, you cant resist it, even though you cant use it and dont really want it. Barium: what we do to most people when they die. Blackout: an abnormality of electrical power that turns a $2,000 computer system into so many paperweights. Business meeting: a time for people to talk about what they're supposed to be doing. Confidence: the human quality that comes before experience. Courtesy: the art of yawning with your mouth closed. Derange: where de buffalo roam. Discretion: the art of being wiser than anyone while letting no one know it. Encores: songs performers have to sing until they finally get one right. ECT: an abbreviation used to make people think that you have additional information. Experience: something you've acquired after its too late to do you much good. Expiration: the process of not breathing Goblet: a young turkey. Gossipers: people who believe anything they overhear. Hate: a special kind of love given to people who suck Impossibility: something no one can do until someone does it. Know-it-all: a person that knows everything there is to know about nothing. Love: something that happens when imagination overpowers common sense Low mileage: something you get when your car won't start. Misnomer: the correct word for an incorrect word. Money: a device by which parents stay in touch with their college children. Nail: what amateur carpenters replace with their thumb while the hammer is in motion. Nervous disorder: a hereditary condition parents inherit from their teenage children. Newscast: one place where good rarely triumphs over evil. Opportunity: something that knocks, but doesn't turn the door handle. Optimist: someone blithely ignorant of how serious a crisis really is. Pessimist: a former optimist Phonetic: an example of a word that isn't spelled the way it sounds. Quality Control: a corporate term for nagging. Rome: what buffalo do. Shanghai: the opposite of Shanglow. Steering Committee: a panel of individuals that aren't capable of driving by themselves. Subordinate Clause: the grammatically correct term for Santa Clauses assistant. Tact: that knack of knowing exactly what NOT to say. Teamwork: getting a group of individuals to do what one person tells them to. Venice: one of the planets. Wake-up call: the issue of mind-over-mattress. Wastebasket: a receptacle near which trash is tossed. Wide receiver: a twelve foot TV antenna.
07/19/2010 03:50 PM
Does anyone have some ideas on good gifts for men? My hubby is the best and I want to spoil him and make him feel special on his birthday. I've asked him a few times what he would like, but he has never really given me an answer. I think it would be better if it's a surprise anyway. He's more of a man's man, not that much into jewellery and style, but he likes adventure and gadgets and socialising with the guys. He also loves cooking! I was thinking along the lines of a gift experience like a day of tank driving/ race car driving or maybe something like a survival course or a day at a spy academy... Another option would be an Apple Ipad or a cooking course.... Any other ideas? What would you guy's out there consider to be an ideal gift?
07/18/2010 03:46 PM
Im 2 months of being single. Ex girlfriend of 22 month finished me 8/9 weeks ago, she said down the phone that she didn't love me anymore, we have nothing in common, i don't know what the future holds ( If anyone could clear that up for me it would be of help).. I told her to tell me the what she wanted to down the phone because she lives 45 mins away, and i didn't want her to drive when she was upset, it would have been dangerous. She is at University and just broke up for the summer holidays. Now i like to think we parted ways fine and i was understanding on what she wanted. She is 19 and at Uni so obviously she has a lot of experiences coming her way. I was 21 a week ago =] im also looking for a Job so money is a struggle. Anyway after the break up my mind has been everywhere, which is normal i agree, i have been doing No contact with her ever since she broke up with me. ( I feel the last thing she wants it for me to ring her when it was a hard decision) So her Facebook has gone her pictures and gifts are stored out of sight and phone contacts and pics are stored away on my laptop. Now i have been keeping myself relatively busy since the break up. I have been going to the gym alot having lunch out with my best Girly friend and been doing my hobby climbing more, also been doing things with the family more to. What i want to know is what do i do today? How do i get by through the day. I was thinking more than anything this would have been a good day to send her an Email (Not mentoning the relationship but just to wish her luck and gain closure) Is that a good Idea? Or should i just leave this whole situation and keep going with what im doing. I just dont want my Ex to think that the actions i took after the relationship (NO CONTACT) would give her the feeling i dont care anymore, when it was for my/our emotional benefits without the stress. So should i Email her to say this and other things? Or just leave it and Move on without her? Will she ever try to contact me today? or ever?? Please give me some advice.
07/18/2010 11:59 AM
i have two relatives from Europe that came to the USA to visit us. It was the first time i have ever met them, and becoming a part of their world has been a life changing experience :) unfortunately, they are returning to Europe soon (Venice) and i want to get them really meaningful gifts to remember me by. (a small simple gift however). There is a girl who is 16 and a boy who is 17. For the girl, i was thinking about those bracelets where you keep one and give one to the other person? kinda cheesy but the idea is interesting. Or perhaps a giftcard to one of her favorite stores back home, but i dont know how i would get ahold of one. For the boy...i am clueless. His style is unfamiliar to me...i am lost when it comes to a gift for him! So i was thinking about a gift thats not necessarily a type of clothing/accessory.....but i dont know what i could possibly get him :( any help??!!
07/14/2010 04:26 AM
I got the idea after reading a Buddhist koan (story) telling how Emperor Wu achieved enlightenment. It also made me remember that as a child I was always imagining tremendous things around me & it made me feel wonderful. I've posted the story below if you want to read it & provide your interpretation. BODHIDHARMA'S VAST EMPTINESS Emperor Wu had two unusual experiences that changed his life. These essentially inward events led him to certain achievements that are remembered today, more than a millennium after his death. The first experience happened when his armies had to repel an invasion of horsemen from the northwest. The horsemen carried with them whatever they owned, and they weren't afraid to die. The emperor had himself ascended to the throne in the standard way, by overthrowing the previous, weakened monarch, and he believed that he understood the riders. To steady his troops he visited the front lines and sat in the firelight on a small hill. This is when the emperor had his first peculiar experience. Banners whipped loudly overhead and the wind felt as though it were inside his chest, tearing and banging. Something of the desert's tedious immensity was conveyed to him. The wind cleansed him of any anxiety and also took away other things the solidity of which he had never questioned before. It took away his august rank and his name. He stopped planning, and he also stopped thinking about the outcome of the battle. When everything he usually depended upon was gone, he knew immediately what to do. In the predawn, just before the nomads liked to attack, he sent horsemen into the center of their camp and immediately pulled them back again. As the pursuit came, the center of his line kept falling back. The nomads rode into the vacuum he had opened and he closed on them from both sides. After his return, while the ministers celebrated, the emperor went into the garden to be alone. On the hillside, he had felt quite certain that he was going to win. At that moment, in the wind and the vast land, he was small and unimportant, and this sense of his unimportance allowed him to be clear about what needed to be done. Being important now seemed to him to be just a prejudice that confined him. Once he forgot about having a special point to his life, he felt remarkably free for an emperor. There were some complications. On certain days he considered leaving his room but couldn't find a reason to. He still gave interviews at court before dawn but was sometimes beset by a sense of unreality. Shedding his old beliefs had not been so hard. He hadn't done anything to achieve his new way of seeing things; it was a gift from wind and war. Having opinions about life — ideas about being an emperor, about his own dignity and the motives of his ministers, having to dislike this person and admire that one — pained him now; he could feel these familiar attitudes as walls crowding around him. Yet some understanding, he was certain, eluded him. He did what was necessary out of duty and didn't mourn his old certainties, but he lacked delight. There had to be more to life than the freedom of pointlessness. The emperor sought hints from the world. He noticed that he had remorse about the murders involved in his ascent to the throne. His qualms, as he thought of them, were the beginning of a new curiosity about his own life. At the same time he began to entertain famous teachers who passed through. Sometimes they were helpful. They usually praised him and gave carefully bland advice, often involving diets. Sometimes it was even good advice, but the question he had was something like a feeling — a mingling of excitement and uneasiness hard to formulate — and advice didn't seem to touch it. Then the emperor heard of a sage from India. The man was himself a legend; it was said that it had taken him three years to make his way over the seas. The emperor knew nothing about the sea, but he imagined waves as the grass of the steppes in a high wind. He tried thinking of China as an ocean that he passed through, and nomads as pirates with horses. Though his own obligations prevented him from undertaking such journeys, he respected this kind of solitary accomplishment.
07/14/2010 03:38 AM
I am a middle school teacher. Each year when school starts, I try to do something different and/or unusual for my incoming students (homeroom). This year my thoughts were leaning toward providing a 'gift bag' of items for every student assigned to my homeroom. Each teacher has their own 'standing' theme for their class - mine is "WARD'S WINNERS!" It's a way to get the students involved, encouraged, and hyped about their own homeroom. I'd like mine to stand out this year. I have some ideas about what might go inside the bag (pencils, pens, other types of teen junk (NO CANDY)- but I'd like to know what the Yahoo Readers would like to have. Keep in mind - I'm looking at 25-30 students, and if I can get items at lower costs,(Kmart/Walmart/Cosco, etc) that would be helpful. What do you think???? I really want the first day of school and the last day to be rewarding, challenging, fun, engaging, and a lifelong learning experience that allows my students to know how much I do care about them personally, their happiness, as well as their progress, their education and their success in this world.
07/13/2010 04:08 PM
I have a friend whose husband joined the air force. In less than a month she will be moving nearly 20 hours away from me. We have been friends since high school and shared the wonderful experience of becoming a mom together. I'm a little upset she's moving, and just want to send her on her way with a little something she will remember and appreciate! Any ideas ? Thanks!!
07/12/2010 10:47 PM
(I'VE INCLUDED THE STORY IN ITS ENTIRETY, OR YOU CAN JUST READ MY SUMMARY OF IT) SUMMARY: An emperor has a revelation. He realizes there is no special point to his life, and now he feels free. Now, having opinions about life pained him - he saw them as walls. He did what was necessary out of duty and didn't mourn his old certainties, but he lacked delight. He KNEW there had to be more to life than the freedom of pointlessness. So, he sought hints from the world. He realized he felts remorse for murders, he also sought advice from great scholars, yet advice didn't seem to touch what he was looking for - he sought a feeling. The final lines read: "Then the emperor heard of a sage from India. The man was himself a legend; it was said that it had taken him three years to make his way over the seas. The emperor knew nothing about the sea, but he imagined waves as the grass of the steppes in a high wind. He tried thinking of China as an ocean that he passed through, and nomads as pirates with horses. Though his own obligations prevented him from undertaking such journeys, he respected this kind of solitary accomplishment." WHAT IS THE ANSWER? I feel exactly like the emperor felt right now, yet I don't have an answer. FULL STORY: "Bodhidharma's Vast Emptiness" Emperor Wu had two unusual experiences that changed his life. These essentially inward events led him to certain achievements that are remembered today, more than a millennium after his death. The first experience happened when his armies had to repel an invasion of horsemen from the northwest. The horsemen carried with them whatever they owned, and they weren't afraid to die. The emperor had himself ascended to the throne in the standard way, by overthrowing the previous, weakened monarch, and he believed that he understood the riders. To steady his troops he visited the front lines and sat in the firelight on a small hill. This is when the emperor had his first peculiar experience. Banners whipped loudly overhead and the wind felt as though it were inside his chest, tearing and banging. Something of the desert's tedious immensity was conveyed to him. The wind cleansed him of any anxiety and also took away other things the solidity of which he had never questioned before. It took away his august rank and his name. He stopped planning, and he also stopped thinking about the outcome of the battle. When everything he usually depended upon was gone, he knew immediately what to do. In the predawn, just before the nomads liked to attack, he sent horsemen into the center of their camp and immediately pulled them back again. As the pursuit came, the center of his line kept falling back. The nomads rode into the vacuum he had opened and he closed on them from both sides. After his return, while the ministers celebrated, the emperor went into the garden to be alone. On the hillside, he had felt quite certain that he was going to win. At that moment, in the wind and the vast land, he was small and unimportant, and this sense of his unimportance allowed him to be clear about what needed to be done. Being important now seemed to him to be just a prejudice that confined him. Once he forgot about having a special point to his life, he felt remarkably free for an emperor. There were some complications. On certain days he considered leaving his room but couldn't find a reason to. He still gave interviews at court before dawn but was sometimes beset by a sense of unreality. Shedding his old beliefs had not been so hard. He hadn't done anything to achieve his new way of seeing things; it was a gift from wind and war. Having opinions about life — ideas about being an emperor, about his own dignity and the motives of his ministers, having to dislike this person and admire that one — pained him now; he could feel these familiar attitudes as walls crowding around him. Yet some understanding, he was certain, eluded him. He did what was necessary out of duty and didn't mourn his old certainties, but he lacked delight. There had to be more to life than the freedom of pointlessness. The emperor sought hints from the world. He noticed that he had remorse about the murders involved in his ascent to the throne. His qualms, as he thought of them, were the beginning of a new curiosity about his own life. At the same time he began to entertain famous teachers who passed through. Sometimes they were helpful. They usually praised him and gave carefully bland advice, often involving diets. Sometimes it was even good advice, but the question he had was something like a feeling — a mingling of excitement and uneasiness hard to formulate — and advice didn't seem to touch it. Then the emperor heard of a sage from India. The man was himself a legend; it was said that it had taken him three years to make his way over the seas. The emperor knew nothing about the sea, but he imagined waves as the grass of t
07/11/2010 10:14 PM
Okay, this is going to be a lot of detail, because it takes place over a year or so span. I have had major problems becoming emotionally attached to other people. I will think I like someone, spend a bit of time with them, see I don't, but continue it because I like being liked. Then I crush the person for no reason. Once they tell me they like me, it is over. I have to like them first and more than they like me. If something doesn't work out with someone, all my friends tell me how sorry they are, but I really could care less. I increasingly feel as though no one is really my friend and that I can't trust anyone with anything about myself because they will just think that I am crazy. I feel as though everyone is replacing me and that I don't matter to anyone. I have a history of depression and self harm, though I no longer inflict injuries upon myself, I still think of it often. I no longer go to a therapist because I strongly felt as though mine was not doing a sufficient job of helping me, so I faked being better for my parents sake. I have never had a real relationship, for the reasons above, which leads to being teased and ridiculed often by my peers. I should probably add that I am 17. I feel very alone because I am aware that none of my "friends" share any of these feelings with me. I feel the need to fake emotions for the sake of others. For example, I hate Christmas for the mere reason that I do not like opening presents in front of others. I do not like having to act surprised and overjoyed at a gift, even if I truly am, I seem to come across as happy, but I could care less what I got. I struggle to find acceptance in school, social settings, and with my extended family. I feel the least loved by my grandparents, though that may be because I live 2 hours away from nearly all of my extended family. In school, as well as other social events, I jump from group to group of friends because I grow bored of people very quickly. Same with romantic situations. People often tell me that I am attractive, but I have never believed them, and I feel as though they are lying to make me feel better about myself. Throughout my younger years, classmates told me to my face that I was ugly, made rude comments about me that within earshot. This was not due to a weight issue or anything of the sort, I have always been very small, which also lead to rude nicknames. I hate being complimented now because I don't know how I am supposed to react, as everything I respond with is criticized by those around me. I pick out countless flaws in everyone around me to try and make myself seem better, but I never am able to. I do not feel depressed anymore, I am just worried about my mental health because this has gone on for some time. The only people that are able to keep my interest for more than a few days are those who treat me rather poorly and are not "good" people in the eyes of others. For example I am often attracted to guys who do multiple drugs on top of being alcoholics. So, guys do like me, I just never like them back for long enough for anything to develop. I find guys attractive, but I never have any feelings of wanting any relationship or anything of that sort with them. I am still teased because I do not like anyone ever. This may be due to lack of experience with relationships. I am by no means a whore or anything of the sort, I have had hardly any physical relations with anyone. Nearly zero. I just want to understand myself. Is there something I can do to fix myself? I am unsure as to if I need to talk to my parents about this (which is extremely hard for me, talking to anyone about this) and seek further help? Any ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
07/09/2010 08:11 PM
I'm wanting to make a few things for my boyfriend.. however I'm having a little trouble with making them not too cheesy, and trying to make them a little more manly, but keeping the personal touch at the same time :/ Does anyone have any ideas of what I could do? I'm thinking of making him a gift basket full of his fave sweets and a few more personal things too.. he loves my hugs and cuddles and so I've made him a ''hug box'' for when we aren't together.. it's a little box that you never open,but has a rhyme explaining what its for! .. but so far that's it :/ Guys, I would appreciate it if you have any experiences with homemade gifts, ones you really liked, and ones you didn't like.. just so I know what to go for!! Thanks in advance!!! xx
07/09/2010 03:08 PM
Alright, this is a little convoluted, but I've procrastinated too much and could really use some advice. I've been living in PA for a few years now and have a valid PA license. Over a year ago, my mom gave me her car, which was registered in another state. Not long after that, the registration expired, and while I did start looking into it, I never got around to actually re-registering the car in PA. The DMV told me that since the sales tax in the original state was lower than the the tax rate in PA, I would have to pay the difference upon registration (somewhere around $1,000, I believe), which I didn't think was right since the car was supposed to be "gifted" to me. I still don't know if I'll be expected to pay that upon finally managing to register; at the time, I had a copy of the title with my mom's signature signing it over to me, but since I never registered, that never went through officially, I don't think. Any idea of whether the DMV can legitimately make me pay for the difference in sales tax? Then, naturally, I somehow managed to lose that copy of the title AND my (albeit expired) registration. I've been lucky enough to not get pulled over in all this time, but I'm always very nervous about it. I do know now that I can request new copies of both, so at least there's that...but I imagine I'll have to get my mom to sign the title again before I can register the car in my name, right? And then now I've got a big move to yet another state in about a month, and it feels pretty silly to just now be going through the registration process in PA when I'll just have to repeat it in another couple months. Of course on the other hand, I'm pretty wary of driving across several states in a car with expired registration/safety tags, so unless my time frame is completely unfeasible, I'm still planning on trying. I know I'm an idiot for letting it go so long, and that my questions are all scattered and possibly vague or incoherent, but if anyone else has got any experience with this type of situation or any insight on any aspects of it, I'd really appreciate it - calling the DMV just seems to make things worse and more confusing every time...thanks!
07/09/2010 09:26 AM
I'm with a male, who has agreed with me that we should have a girl in the bedroom with us now and then. But lately it is rapidly becoming less and less of a fantasy of mine to have a "threesome." I've had nothing but negative experiences from the group thing and I just don't want it anymore. I haven't quite told him that, yet. I'm starting to dislike the idea of even discussing any of this with him. It seems like neither of us can really agree on anything. However, he has told me it would be unfair if he were not allowed to participate in my romps with another girl. My initial reaction, every time I flashback to when he told me this, I just get frustrated. This feels unfair to me, yet it also does not feel unfair. I can understand that he might classify me going one-on-one with a girlfriend "cheating." I know that same-sex sex requires just as much responsibility for one's actions as straight sex, so it's not like I feel that one is worse than the other. I can't live by that double standard. But I feel like I am alone in this relationship as the bisexual...he is straight and I swing both ways...I want female attention, in a very special way. I don't want to share any girl I would "hook up" with or whatever you call it, but I do my best to honor him in NOT wanting to share him, either. And I don't. I am in love with this guy. If he and I were to [hopefully never] part, I'd be done with men, period. He is the one I want to make my babies with. He is the one I would marry. He is the one whose hand I would hold until the end. I have literally lost interest in every other man on earth. He is my best friend and companion, and I just wouldn't feel right without him by myself. Love is not a big enough word for how I feel about him. And if he were attracted to men, my stance would be that he COULD have a one-on-one with another male if he wanted to [but he is straight as an arrow, also is not interested in femdom]. I wouldn't care at all. The one solid rule that I would like to agree with him on this is no outside relations with members of the opposite sex. I think he does agree, but I guess he's doing better with the monogamy than I am. I feel bad for wishing these things to coincide...but I've been with the guy for two and a half years and at this point I feel like I am missing out on the gift of female-to-female intimacy. It's difficult to explain, it's just something I need, I crave. To reach down inside and revive the womanhood in me I feel might be slipping away. Am I terrible for wanting this? What can I say to him, without hurting him? How can I tell him what I want in a way that will help him understand, maybe to realize that this is the way it should be done, it's just something I've got to do? If it helps, I don't want to literally date two people at the same time. Any relationship with a female in the context I'm hoping for would have to be agreed upon in the beginning that it would be strictly 'friends with benefits' and nothing more serious than that.
07/08/2010 02:17 PM
will try and make this short and sweet. Ex girlfriend of 22 month finished me 7 weeks ago, she said down the phone that she didn't love me anymore, we have nothing in common, i don't know what the future holds ( If anyone could clear that up for me it would be of help) She is at University and just broke up for the summer holidays. Now i like to think we parted ways fine and i was understanding on what she wanted. She is 19 and at Uni so obviously she has a lot of experiences coming her way. I was 21 a week ago =] im also looking for a Job so money is a struggle. Anyway after the break up my mind has been everywhere, which is normal i agree, i have been doing No contact with her ever since she broke up with me. ( I feel the last thing she wants it for me to ring her when it was a hard decision) So her Facebook has gone her pictures and gifts are stored out of sight and phone contacts and pics are stored away on my laptop. Should i send her a poke on Facebook+ just to let her know im not ignoring her in anyway? Im not ready to talk just yet. Or do you think its a bit silly because after all she finished with me, and the best thing i could do at the moment is just keep being myself and wait to see if she ever tries to make contact in a small way with me again.
07/08/2010 09:24 AM
I've been looking for information on seeing object's shadows move. I don't mean "shadow people," but if I focus on an object's shadow and the object is stationary whether living or nonliving, I can see movement. I have seen the shadows of flower petals bend and undulate, the shadows of bultos (small, wooden, carved statues of saints) move, sometimes doing actions that seem impossible (like the hands of a carved statue moving slowly up a the shadow of it's wooden staff; I can see each delicate finger carefully moving though the hand of the statue is roughly carved and fingers in the wood are not distinct), the shadow of a chain slither like a snake, etc. This is not new for me, and maybe just a visual phenomenon, but not exactly fitting one I've seen described. I don't imagine myself to have "powers" or "gifts," I am curious though and doubt I'm the only person who experiences moving shadows. *If I focus on the pages of a closed book they also "breathe" with me, undulating and making gaps that open and close as I watch. It's not frightening in any way, more of a peaceful, hyper-awareness and stillness, but finally not very productive way to spend an evening either, a bit like watching an apple brown :-) I've tried to control the movements I see, and I can't, so I don't think this is me or my imagination. If it was my imagination, then it seems only logical (and fair) that the shadows and book pages would at least do what I'd like them to! Any thoughts or ideas about these phenomena and if they are inter-related would be appreciated. Thanks!
07/08/2010 07:46 AM
will try and make this short and sweet. Ex girlfriend of 22 month finished me 7 weeks ago, she said down the phone that she didn't love me anymore, we have nothing in common, i don't know what the future holds ( If anyone could clear that up for me it would be of help). This came as a sudden shocked because my Feelings had not changed. I knew something was wrong with her for a while before we broke up (like she was hiding something or hiding feelings).. She is at University and just broke up for the summer holidays. Now i like to think we parted ways fine and i was understanding on what she wanted, even though it was a huge shock to me. She is 19 and at Uni so obviously she has a lot of experiences coming her way. I was 21 a week ago =] im also looking for a Job so money is a struggle. Anyway after the break up my mind has been everywhere, which is normal i agree, i have been doing No contact with her ever since she broke up with me. ( I feel the last thing she wants it for me to ring her when it was a hard decision) So her Facebook has gone her pictures and gifts are stored out of sight and phone contacts and pics are stored away on my laptop. So at the moment im still doing no contact, the only time i had any acknowledgment from her was on my birthday when she texted me just to say Happy birthday hope your all ok. Soon as i saw it i started to panic and thoughts where going through my head (she still got my phone number, she must be still thinking about me).. I left the text for a while then decided to text her back just to say, thanks J**** where all good. Now i didn't want to get back together with her, even though sometime my head speaks more than my heart. I know now im 21 that i have my life ahead of me and i don't want to move backwards to progress forwards in life if you get me. I would though maybe if it isn't hard for me to be social networking friends with her only again in the future.I think seeing her in person would be to emotional. What would be the best way for me to handle this situation? Should i keep doing no contact with her and just leve the whole being friends thing? I dont want to think that my Ex girlfriend has gotten the wrong idea with me doing the whole No contact thing (her thinking that her Ex boyfriend has just forgotten about all the memories we had together) because i havent. But then at the same time i dont want to make the situation sour or worse by sending her a random message to see how he is and what she is up to over facebook. What would be the best option for me? I hope you can understand what im trying to say. Its hard to think of what oyur going to say when your confused over a situation, so i could really use some help Thanks.
07/07/2010 03:34 PM
i'm lookin to get my boyfriend an amazing gift for his 21st birthday. I live in northern ireland so most experience days are out of the question. anyone any ideas?
07/07/2010 12:59 PM
She's not a girl I've known for a long time, so please give me gift ideas that are generally appreciated. If you are a teenage girl xD maybe you could speak from experience ? anyway, gift cards or vouchers are out of the question (please dont ask why) So thank you guys for all your suggestions : D
07/07/2010 01:49 AM
whats a good gift for somebody whos going backpacking to australia? my buddy is going travelling just with a backpack for 4 months in thailand, then 6 months in australia. I am just looking for a small, something not too expensive just a going away present that he can actually use while hes over there.....anybody have any experience or ideas? thanks!
07/05/2010 06:03 PM
Im making a VN, before I REALLY get into it I want to see what you think. I knew I was different. I wasn't the same as other kids. My mom always had something special, but that it was a gift and a curse and that one day I would understand. She was right. July 19, 2008 I finally understood. Julia the love of my life was murdered. I went to grab her to get one last grasp and It happend. The world started to spin and everything went black. I saw shadows, heard screams. They were...Julias. By touching her I saw her death, I felt so much pain the pain of my own sorrow but something else I was experiencing her death too. Ever since then I found my gift. And ever since then I've always been looking for her murderer. What do you think good material for a VN?
07/05/2010 05:12 AM
I was trying to single-handedly do a church project that they had all agreed on with paper mesh and I don't think I told anybody about the project that I had initiated and tried to complete. When I was done a lady from church told me that they couldn't use my project because golf courses required special calculations of great precision in order to be put into place and that I had to use a baseline of measurements composed of a thin white sheet of paper with linear and triangular cut marks on it (the triangular cuts were at the bottom of the thin paper mesh) I was supposed to build my paper mesh based on that so I abandoned the project. Then an old male church leader created what looked to be like a Chinese dragon by cutting together some red pre-made patterned paper cuts that he had received from a bunch of 14 year old children and putting them together in an aesthetic form and completed the project. And I wandered how 14 year old children could create such beautiful artwork. Then I was in this group and the teacher said that he had a competition for us. We had to read as many books as possible and write as many critical reviews as possible about the books that we read. Whoever read the most books won. I thought about using simple children's books which were sometimes only 20 - 30 sentences long but then I had a better idea. I would write about chapters in the bible and I asked my teacher when using the bible, did he count biblical books as books Such as Deuteronomy --> one book. Genesis --> one book. Lamentations --> one book. Or did he count individual chapters within the bible as books? Was he looking at the big books of the bible or the subsets of each book as one book? I asked him this question twice and he didn't answer. He didn't know what I was talking about because he never read the bible. Then finally he gives me an answer. I then proceed to tell people about the 7 pursuits of Persia which I think are the 7 hills of Babylon, and then the ten distortions of Artemis which I think are the ten heads of Babylon... I also talked about the 7 abominations (bigotry, pride, exclusion, hypocrisy, manipulation, idolatry, possessiveness) and went into a discussion about that... all interpretations that I had made of different parts of revelations. Then I woke up. The paper mesh symbolizes how I'm trying to mold, shape and reform the gifts, and powers that have been given to me into potential and possibility for me, by using them in a creative circumstance disassociated from the circumstance I understand them to be in. The relationship that I initiated with Kyle was one sided because he never resplied or responded to my e-mails... and I was trying to create a relationship with him that was completely based one an one individual's initaite and effort. It was my intention to marry Kyle but I didn't tell anybody about that. When I had matured to the point where I could carry out this plan, a beautiful person of stature that I idolize and objectify came up to me told me that my relationship was useless because I didn't conform to social norms. In order for my personality to be accepted by others I had to market myself in a way that was communicable with other people's psychological standards and social expectations of conformity and intelligence was the most insignificant portion of that, the most valuable qualities were strength, charm, beauty, power, and observation. Instead of trying to conform to both social standards and biblical standards at the same time... I just abandoned the idea of chasing after this guy at all. Then an underlying humanistic nature within me that was stubborn and also dominating created ambition and passion out of a philosophy which was made by trying to delicately carve a path for myself that is appealing to others and this path was generated by the experiences that I had when I first received God with open arms and a pure heart. And I wandered how a mature person who had lived such a short time could live out such a beautiful vision. The teacher substitutes quantity with quality. And he subsitutes analyses with observation. When quality is neglected, quantity becomes useless. When observation is neglected, analysis becomes useless. The teacher is trying to build the latter which is the tithe, cummin, and dill and yet neglects the weighter provision of the law which are justice, mercy and faithfulness. The reader is also shallow because he is trying to study, create, judge and declare provision, rather than claiming and utilizing the provision he has already been given by applying it into his life. The student is impatient and doesn't take care of detail, or engage in the full process necessary to acheive the results that he wants. Instead he tries to cut corners and take short cuts. He tries to stick with things that are familiar to him and alien to others rather than embracing things that are necessary though not
07/03/2010 06:04 AM
I'm going to Australia in 2 weeks from People to People. Well I'm going there for 3 weeks and out of those 3 weeks I'm staying with a family for 2 days to experience their life. I wanted to take a gift for them and I have no idea what to get them. I'm not getting them clothes because Ive never seen them. They have kids also. What would be a good present? I was thinking Silly Bandz?? Haha I live in Florida guys.
07/02/2010 07:45 PM
I will try and make this short and sweet. Ex girlfriend of 22 month finished me 6 weeks ago, she said down the phone that she didn't love me anymore, we have nothing in common, i don't know what the future holds ( If anyone could clear that up for me it would be of help) She is at University and just broke up for the summer holidays. Now i like to think we parted ways fine and i was understanding on what she wanted. She is 19 and at Uni so obviously she has a lot of experiences coming her way. I was 21 Yesterday =] im and looking for a Job so money is a struggle. Anyway after the break up my mind has been everywhere, which is normal i agree, i have been doing No contact with her ever since she broke up with me. ( I feel the last thing she wants it for me to ring her when it was a hard decision) So her Facebook has gone her pictures and gifts are stored out of sight and phone contacts and pics are stored away on my laptop. Anyway if anybody has read my other questions i have been wanting to know if i should Email her or contact her Before my Birthday, or just wait until today if she did.. And guess what she did, she basically sent me a text saying (Happy Birthday, hope everyone is ok) Now at first i didn't want to reply to the text, but in the end i just ended up texting (Thanks *Name* . Where all good =]) and that it. Why has she still got my number on her phone when we haven't talked in 6 weeks :S and i have deleted her contacts but still have them. I really thought she wouldn't contact me on my Birthday but she has. I know the text was short but what does this mean? Now yesterday being 21 i woke up a new man and realized that the past is the past and i don't want to move backwards to enable me to move forward in life from now on. SO what should i do?. Hear i have a list of numbers of ideas that i have. Please choose one or help me out more. 1. Move on with Life the text was nice but forget about her, carry on with what im doing. 2. Move on with life, if she tries to Add me on Facebook or try to contact me tell her im not ready to talk just yet. 3. Contact her in a weeks time to see what she is up to and how she is doing. Start to slowly be friends. 4. Keep being me and slowly build foundations of a friendship in 2/3 months time with her but just Social networking friends. 5. Just look at it as a Nice memory. and enjoy being 21 and single ;-). Any more help would be fantastic please. Im off out to go have a good 21st birthday. I cant wait to see what the future holds for me =] Might i just add i wish my Ex the best of luck in life and i hope she finds the one for her and lives a happy life. We didnt finish on a sour note i was just upset. History is History from now on!!
06/30/2010 09:22 PM
Hi. I'm looking for tips & ideas for a Hawaiian honeymoon. My best friend is getting married in December and I'm funding her trip as a gift and they've never been there before. I'd like to know: 1) Where to look for good deals (websites, agency, etc.) 2) Which island/hotel offers the best sight-seeing/best service. I'm eyeing @ Honolulu. 3) What is around that would be cool to see in December. Good weather?? 4) Anyone has experience & could recommend where they liked? I'm looking to spend no more than $4000 for this honeymoon trip. Thnx for your help !
06/30/2010 03:42 AM
my husband and i just had our 25th wedding anniversary and he gave me a strange gift. he knows that i've been fascinated about being with a younger man--it's just a fantasy, the whole cougar thing sounds erotic to me. anyways, he said if i wanted, he'd let me have a one night stand with a younger man. just me and the boy, he wouldn't participate or watch, etc. i'm really intrigued by the idea, but i'm worried it might damage my marriage. he doesn't want to sleep with anyone else himself and he says he'd be ok with it, does anyone have any thoughts? similar experiences?
06/29/2010 01:37 AM
My worst: Once I was shopping at Bath and Bodyworks for a gift to my friend. I couldn’t find the one I wanted, so I asked the closest sale person. Guess I shouldn’t have. When I asked her, she immediately smiled fakely and said, “I’m sorry, honey bear (I’m 16!!!), but we don’t have it right now. Is that ok, princess?” and so I smiled and said thanks but when I was just about to leave, she literally grabs me by the arm, and says: “But wait kitty cat, we have a new *forgets name* made of *ingredient* and *ingredient* that isn’t tested on animals and all natural. It was really expensive so I said no thanks and leaves but then the salesperson grabs me by the arm AGAIN (my arm is bruised by now literally) and says “come here, little one (arghh!!). We have another new one!” she says, pulling me (not kidding), and shows me it. “You wanna try?” she asks and without even waiting for my answer she slabs it onto my hand. And then she asks me: ‘Like it, little angel?” And then FINALLY she doesn’t talk for 1 second so I say: “Um, I’m just looking around, I’ll ask when I need you, thanks.”, and dash for the door, but then she exclaims: “Sweetie Pie, aren’t these lip gloss amazing? Come here and try!” And I look back and she’s smiling fakely at me. I smile but made the no signal but then she says: “Just try! It looks amazing on you!” when I didn’t even wear it yet. Oh yah, I forgot to mention. Her breath smells like crap and she spits every 2 words. I mean, if you’re a salesperson at least get a mouthwash or gum. And so I get a call from my crush, and before I could answer the stupid salesperson says: “Just 5 minutes, girly girl, I’ll show you the on-sale hand sanitizers! They’re so cute, just like you (SO CHEESY AND IT RHYMES) and she actually interrupted my phone call! How stupid is she?! And my crush gets mad and ends the call, all because of her. And then she says, “You sweet little girl, want to see our pretty fragrances?”, and sprays it into my faces without permission!!! And you get the idea. After 5 more minutes I get so mad I scream: “Just let me go, ok?!” and run out with her shouting: “Pumpkin, check this out before you go!” I know this is extremely rare and the most annoying salespeople aren’t this annoying, but this was definitely a nightmare at Westfield Mall. Sounds like a horror movie, almost is. What about yours?
06/25/2010 03:49 PM
Okay guys, I need some advices from experienced people.. I have found a girl, that meets all my requirements and I want to ask her to go out with me... She is really special and I REALLY don't want to screw up, because you don't get a second chance to make first impression :) So can you give me a few tips, how should I act during our first date? I have a few questions: 1. What should I wear? Clothes with long sleeves or short ones? Dark or white colors? Should I wear my accessories (such as gold necklaces, watches, rings etc.?) 2. Where should we go? My town is not very big and doesn't have lots of attractions, it's quite peaceful and quiet.. It doesn't even have a cinema (weird huh).. But it has many bicycle paths, who go through woods, a few cafés, skate park, stadium and a few big shops. 3. What should we talk about? I have absolutely no idea how we should start our conversation.. From what should I begin? Do I let her talk first? 4. Should I tell her that I like her or she will find that out eventually? 5. How should I act? Do I have to be arrogant & cool or nice & reliable? 6. Should I bring her something at the beginning of the date? Should I bring her some flowers or a small gift or absolutely nothing? 7. How should the date end? Should I give her a kiss, or a hug or just say 'goodbye'? That would be all... I'd be really thankful if You could help me out.. You have no idea how much this means to me... She is really special :) I just know it.. I can't wait to see Your answers... Thank You P.S. Don't forget, it's FIRST date :)
06/23/2010 08:07 PM
Ok, i will be finalizing my adoption of a foster child that i have been caring for since may of 2009. My experience with NJ DYFS has been a great one, and i would like to show my gratitude to the social workers who have helped me by giving them a nice gift. I was planning on giving them a personalize portfolio or something of that nature (you know something that would be put to use) i just didn't know what to have it personalized with... i want something that sounds nice- something to let them know how appreciative i am for having them place such an awesome baby boy with me. ps- i am open to other ideas it does not have to be a portfolio- it can be anything good. also the personalizing website only allows 40 characters (that's including the space between words)
06/23/2010 04:21 AM
Warning: This is not fiction, this is something I wrote about myself a few years ago (like a mini autobiography) not because I think I'm interesting enough to warrant any sort of autobiography at all that anyone in their right mind would care about, but because I suck at coming up with new and creative ideas, and I wanted to just... write. I know it probably gets boring at times, but this was just practice for me, so let me know what you think and how my writing and tone can be improved. :) The day I turned 18 presented itself as a crossroads for me. It was the first birthday where I ever responded affirmatively to the question, “Do you feel older than you did yesterday?” I was 6 months away from graduating high school, and my whole future was lying in pieces in front of me, waiting to be properly assembled. My biggest fear was that I would put it together the wrong way—this was the thought that had been keeping me up at night for as long as I could remember. I was never any good at puzzles. I had an obsession with life—the unbiased, raw, organic experiences that make up our time on earth, given to us as vital gifts. And I was terrified at the thought of wasting even one opportunity. I clung to my naiveté with a steel grip, so that I could look back one day and call myself a damn fool. Because I knew I’d rather be a fool than sit back and watch things slip by in an effort to be cautious. My focus was to do anything and everything, to have every experience I could before I died. And to do that, I knew that I had to preserve the anonymity of my self. With that anonymity, I thought I might get the time, the chance, and the freedom to do something truly amazing, without expectations to hinder my progress. No strings attached. And so became the theatrics, the way I existed those days—assuming role after role, imagining cameras and directors to create something so fake that it became absolutely real. I realized my talent for this when I discovered that, after 18 years, the people who were with me most were the ones who know me least. I was convincingly manipulative when it came to who I truly was as a person, molding the apparent essence of myself to fit whatever the situation called for, and I understood all too clearly that that was indisputably my only talent. The fact that I could perform this talent professionally only crossed my mind when searching through college options. USC had the best Cinematic Arts program in the country, and probably even in the world. I was drawn to Los Angeles like a newborn to her mother, almost compelled to seek it out. It was something about the way the city lights turned the sky plum at night, and the way the landscape alone offered me everything I could ever want, and the way I could fade so easily into the masses of people just living their lives. Just a number, that’s what I wanted to be. One of millions, unnoticed and unnamed until I could do something that deserved recognition. If I failed to do that, I didn’t want acknowledgment of any kind. In my mind, acknowledgment was something a person should earn, not something that should be simply handed out. Part of me felt that I had a responsibility to myself to take a chance and see what I could accomplish if I could find the opportunity to try. Acting was the most extreme form of self-expression I could think of, but it didn’t have to be revealing. I could reflect on what was inside myself while portraying someone completely different. The audience would be swept up into the story, if I did my job, and no one would take another look at the girl behind the character. I felt, rather egotistically, like this career path was created for me. It was what I felt I needed to do for myself. The more significant part of me, however, felt I had this responsibility to God, or some dominant power that people slap a name to. I considered it my duty to use what I was given by forces beyond my control… To take my single talent and to change someone’s life with it. Thanks for any answers! No, it doesn't have a plot - that's why I put the warning at the beginning :P It was just an exercise. I want to focus on improving my personal "voice" and description, not necessarily my ability to flesh out a plot just yet.
06/18/2010 05:07 AM
My mom is turning 50 this year and I want to get her something big and something really special (doesn't have to be both). I was thinking a new TV but it doesn't seem to be something she's too excited about. I think she might like something more like an experience gift. Unfortunately most "experience gift websites" mainly have thrill seeking things and she's not really into that. She might be more into a pottery or cooking class. Any suggestions for something like this would be hugely appreciated! Thanks! Things I have thought of so far: pottery class- maybe though she's never expressed great interest in this glass blowing- can't do, the smoke would aggravate her asthma cooking class- possibly a great idea but I don't want to offend her wine tasting- really great but quite possibly expensive -we live in MD by the way-
06/17/2010 06:41 PM
There's a female that I went out with some months back but for some reason I can not stop thinking about her and her ways and everytime I think about things and the way things were and how we split up it just makes me more stressed as I can not communicate with her at all.Oh,god I miss gher.How would you think it would be possible to just get her on the other end of the phone because when I call the place where she lives they say she get's too upset talking to me and I just want a conversation with her which will put my mind more at ease.I have been braking up nearly every day thinking about her and I even speak to a psychologist about it but for dome reason I cannot getr rid of this strong feeling I have for her-it won't go away.Moving on is not possible as she is the one for me and many other girls just don't have her quality!What would a women apppreciate as a gift and will always remember the gift! Please don't be judgmental and please be gentle on your advice.Thank You.I'm also 200 miles away and she didn't have a full explanation of ehy she was splittuing up with me except she did say some minutes after telling me that she had found someone else she said "I like you better"-What's that suppose to mean?It was such a quick split up and it just didn't make that much sense and even now I am thinking I wonder what she is up to and doing back home.I am not in my home area at the moment.She use to be obsessed with me before i even went out with her and she was always in high mood whilst in my company even when I wasn't going out with her.She does have mental disorder schitzophrenia aswell.Putting the illness aside she is a fab person,full of life and never seems depressed and she lightens up my life in so many ways.I just want to talk to her.I feel sick on the idea that another man might be touching her up,another man might be sleeping in bed with her.Yeah,my normal instincts is that I want to kiil him but obviously this won't happen on reality.She also said "i do love him but Iv'e got a boyfriend" to a friend of mine.She also said amongst other things.Is it just me or do other people not like to be totally blanked or ignored in their life even if it's still was a relationship-Wouldn't most people send a hint or give a once every 2 months quick phone call (maybe a funny mess around phone call)?I believe this experience might have mentally scarred me and made me scared of even going into any new sort of relationship.I always liked her as afriend and I always treated her well before we went out and it's a shame because I also remmber the parts before we went out and I would just like to have them moments again.She get's upset in receiving gifts and talking to me and I think the place where she lives at is encouragfing her to avoid me as they sort of bring out "it's okay,you are not doing anything wrong!-youve told him you need to move on and that you have found someone else! and so maybe because of her sweet little ways she can't see the hurt and the trauma on the other end.I might also be too sensitive and maybe I can't handle it like other people.Syhe does have a history and a tendency to ignore people and when it comes to a man (boyfriend) that takes over more important thatn friends and family and any other aquaintances and then she avoids them.Okay also I have been in amental health hospita under section 3-I have now left (been discharged) from the hospital.I was ill,stressed and angry at one point in my life and I have been through thereapy,met with doctors and all of this was done whilst I was detained under the mental health act.Will she be diferent after seeing my progress after reovering from treatment-I am much more calm and stable nowadays.she can't see or hear me or communicate or anything like that as I have no contact with her!!!!!I feel trapped!!! Im miss her!Your help is really appreciated on this matter.Love is Deep-you cannot just leave love-I adore her and there is no better than HER!(well,I can't see any better at the moment!) Thank You.
06/15/2010 07:34 PM
It's our 2 year anniversary in a few weeks, and I want to do something special. We're the sort of people that like to get out and do things and have an adventure. I'm a heaps big fan of "experience gifts".. . for example, last year for his bday I took him camping and quadbiking. This year I don't have too much money to spend but want to do something special so he knows how much I care about him. So does anyone have any original ideas??? Please don't suggest sex and bjs etc... as we already do that most days ;) We're too old for coupon books, and have already done the photo thing, i've given him a watch etc... Thanks!
06/14/2010 08:42 AM
I found a website that delivers a gift in your room the day you get there. I wanted to do this as a surprise for my family, since it's my grandmothers first time, and my mom, brother and I have never been without family members that stress us out. I figured something small, since I'd be paying for it myself (I'm a teen and have no source of income). I just thought it would be nice to do to make the experience more... magical (: Thank you !!
06/14/2010 03:34 AM
I have been with my partner for nearly a year and a half. I met him through a friend. We hit it off straight away and I trusted him. He told me he wanted a baby with me. As i trusted him so much I agreed with him, as I am getting a bit older now. I fell pregnant very quickly. About 3 weeks ago I found out he was on lots of dating sites ranging from sex sites to genuine dating sites. I would take a guess at at least 10 sites; that I know of. He has been emailing these women. I do not believe he has met any of them. However the intent is there as far as I am concerned. He started these sites about 6 months into going out with his ex (2 yr relationship) and it has progressively got worse. Some sites have my name as a password, some have hers etc etc... He has constantly apologised and seemed genuinely upset. In genreal he is a nice person. I've had no present to say 'this doesn't make up for what i have done, but you deserve to be treated nicely,' he's not taken me out for a meal or done anything nice. (Instead he bought my sister an expensive bunch of flowers for falling pregnant, even I didn't get anything. I am the woman who will be carrying his baby for nine months, going through all the discomforts and then labor. I don't expect but why buy for someone else.) Anyway literally before I found this out we moved in together and signed contracts etc... When we split for a few days after I found out about his indiscretions he was persistently asking for the contract agreement. In my opinion this was to see if he could back out of the agreement and as far as I am concerned, leave me in the lurch with his bump. At the moment we are still together and he has moved back in, however he gets angry if I ask questions about it. He gets nasty if i talk to my mum about it. He wants to forget about it however its a bit harder for me. I could understand if we weren't having sex but we were having loads, he pretty much gets what he wants in that department. I could understand if I had cheated or I was constantly arguing, but I've been really nice to him. I've made him nice meals, bought him little gifts etc, he very rarely does this so I stopped doing it as i didn't want him to take me for a ride. He is bad with money, now I think I have an idea where it is going.... on these sites that he has to pay for. I do not want this baby at all now. I was very happy about being pregnant before all of this, but now I feel nothing. The reason i stay is because I am happier being with him than without, and must say generally pregnant women need looking after as they are very vulnerable at this time. I moved to the middle of nowhere for him and his job and im stuck here with no family and no car. The shops are miles away and soon I wont be able to carry much, I struggle now and i am only 20 weeks pregnant. Does anyone have any experience in this?? Can anyone offer any advice. I know the obvious answer is to dump him but everything changes when you are pregnant. My brother tells me to stay with him and get back the money he owes me, then dump him. I don't know but would like other people advice and experiences. Thanks
06/10/2010 04:49 PM
A friend of a friend is getting married, and she can't afford a professional makeup artist. My friend asked me if I would be willing to help her out. Now I'm not a makeup artist, technically, but I do have a lot of experience and I am pretty darn good at it. I told her, worst case scenario, she will get some ideas of what she does and doesn't want for the big day, best case, she will like it and ask me to do it for her. We did the initial consultation, and she loved it. Then she informed me that I would be doing her maid of honour (my friend) and her mom as well... Then she said that as much as they loved it, they think I need to cake the makeup on to make it more photogenic. I wasn't going to charge her, but this is a lot of my time, and to save money I am using as much of my own products as possible. I had originally said that a gift certificate for Sephora would be payment enough, that way I could replace some of my makeup. How much do you think the gift certificate should be for? How much would a makeup artist charge to do 3 people? Also, do you have any tips to make her more photogenic? I plan to eye and face primers, waterproof eye makeup, and setting sprays. Probably going with a lip stain so it won't come off. And we are going with a very natural look, peachy gold/pink and brown. She wants me to darken it, but as a super pale blonde who rarely wears more than mascara, I am hesitant to use black to make the look more dramatic. Any tips that any makeup artists could provide, that would be great!
06/09/2010 09:26 PM
Well I am going to a Cobra Starship and 3OH!3 concert on Friday. I am most likely meeting 3OH!3 because of the whole gold thing. I don't want to be just another boring fan that doesn't talk and just meets them for a pic and an autograph. I am kind of shy when it comes to meeting someone but I just really want to stand out and be my regular self. I know I'll regret it if I don't really talk to them. If anyone knows what would interest them, or start up a conversation please let me know. If you've had a person experience meeting 3OH!3 please let me know or if you know what to say. Also, if you have an idea of something I could maybe get them as a gift?Thanks a lot! Oh and if you know anything to say to Gabe, Nate, Ryland, Alex and Victoria from Cobra Starship please help. Or a gift to get each of them. I already know that Ryland loves spongebob :D. Well thanks all answers are really appreciated and sorry for writing so much!
06/08/2010 02:38 AM
Well I am going to a Cobra Starship and 3OH!3 concert on Friday. I am most likely meeting 3OH!3 because of the whole gold thing. I don't want to be just another boring fan that doesn't talk and just meets them for a pic and an autograph. I am kind of shy when it comes to meeting someone but I just really want to stand out and be my regular self. I know I'll regret it if I don't really talk to them. If anyone knows what would interest them, or start up a conversation please let me know. If you've had a person experience meeting 3OH!3 please let me know or if you know what to say. Also, if you have an idea of something I could maybe get them as a gift?Thanks a lot! Oh and if you know anything to say to Gabe, Nate, Ryland, Alex and Victoria from Cobra Starship please help. Or a gift to get each of them. I already know that Ryland loves spongebob :D. Well thanks all answers are really appreciated and sorry for writing so much!
06/08/2010 01:50 AM
Well I've kinda had myself a little "Dear John" experience and have met an amazing person. We knew each other before hand but didnt start dating until he came home for 2 week leave. We live in Texas...but he is leaving in 2 days to go to California. I've never been with anyone who is in the service so this is all kinda new to me...I want to get him a gift, but i don't know what. It was pretty cute cause he gave me a stuffed animal that is a pretty blue jellyfish he got from North Carolina before he left for leave. He always calls me his "squishy" lol off of Finding Nemo...so it's kinda our little thing...so it was cute when he gave it to me today. Any ideas?
06/07/2010 01:31 AM
On one hand or more precisely on one finger (I have more fingers than hands) I’m proud of my little D-Day June 6, 06/06, I wished I’d been born in 1966. On another finger, birthdays are really a reminder that you’re one year closer to death…I don’t want to celebrate that. On another finger, nobody is throwing an annoying surprise birthday party for me, and it really annoys me when people act annoyed because somebody is throwing them a surprise birthday party and they don’t even realize that they have friends and family who care. On another finger, I’m to blame since I’m always in charge of parties so nobody else is, and I won’t throw a party for myself so nobody else does and I’m left in the dust. On another finger, I’m pretty sure I would enjoy a gift...I never had that, but I’m pretty sure I could enjoy the experience of opening a gift package that I don’t know what it it…surprise! I believe in karma, but how many surprise gifts do I have to give to people before I get one myself? Anybody? Really? Anybody? My ex-husband never gave me surprise gifts because I had a credit card and could buy whatever I wanted. But I don’t like shopping and like surprises…bummer! On another finger, I want all of you girls and guys to wish me a happy birthday, because I’d do the same for you if you ask me and you’ll surely feel better if you make me feel better. On another finger, I’m now older than my father when he died…that is depressing. On another finger, I’m as old as my mother when she died, that is scary, but I’ll make sure to wear a helmet while biking. On another finger, I want to eat cake. If only I did not have to bake it, which I won’t because it’s a little desperate, baking a cake for yourself. On another finger, I just watch the Lost Horizon movie where that very wise old guy is telling about celebrating birthdays as adding one more layer to your idea of aging which is in your head… I think I ran out of fingers.
06/06/2010 08:18 AM
K so the book starts out with this girl named Ellie who has just turned 16 and has noticed some strange things happening. Like she will see a very faint redness in the air and feel heat and suddenly feel angry for no reason. Soon she realizes she is sensing other people's emotions and the colour, feeling, and emotion she experiences depends on the person's emotions. It gets worse and worse until she can barely see through the swirling colours and her mood swings are driving everybody nuts. That's when she meets Finn. Finn is in a somewhat similar situation. He has just discovered his supernatural abilty to control what other people want to do. He is having some trouble with making other people make bad decisions though. Ellie starts hanging out with Finn because his constant frustration stabilizes her mood. After awhile though, she becomes genuinely interested in Finn and her curiosity gets the better of her. She asks why he's so frustrated all the time and it ends up with them telling eachother about their powers. They decide to do some research and stumble across a webpage that gives them all the information they need although it claims such humans do not exist. A couple days later, they are kidnapped and brought to a remote area in the middle of nowhere. They soon learn that they are at Leo's Academy for the Supernaturally gifted and accessing that webpage gave them reason to believe they had supernatural powers. Ellie and Finn are enrolled in school and everyday are bussed out to the school so they can learn to control and cope with their powers as well as learn new abilities they posess. After about a month of Finn and Ellie going to Leo's Academy, the school is burnt down and a group of scientists who attempt to kidnap the students and teachers. They get away, but the scientists continue to pursue them. They have been secretly watching them for years and know most of the students' gifts inside out and use their weaknesses against them to capture them. The scientists explain that they can't have "freaks" running around so they have to try and disable their supernatural abilities. The students and teachers manage to escape and report the scientists for kidnapping. By now, all of their talents have been exposed so they build a new school that isn't hidden out in the middle of nowhere and dozens of new students of all ages come clean about their gifts and enroll. So here are some I have already(besides Ellie and Finn's gifts) •Can transfer physical discomfort (such as pain, hunger, or sickness) from one person to another. •Can morph into another person •Can tell everything about a person (name, age, hopes and dreams, childhood memories, etc.) just by taking one look at them. •Can freeze time and everything in it except people he wants to be unfrozen. When time unfreezes, everything goes back in the position it was. •Can control the weather with their emotions. (Sadness causes rain, happiness causes sunshine, loneliness causes cold, anger causes blistering heat, confusion causes wind, etc.) •By touching a clock, can tell everything that has happened in that room since that clock was placed there. If the clock is moved even the slightest bit though, everything it's seen is erased. I need a bunch more though. What are some ideas? I need ones that are both useful and ones that are pointless or even annoying (like with the emotions controlling the weather, the girl who has that gift will be making it thunder the whole time there locked up and can't make it stop.) thanks. Names for these gifts And the ones you suggest would e helpful too please! Thanks a bunch! Xxoo!
06/03/2010 07:25 AM