Me and Noodles

December 2014

Hair

Me before the salon

and me AFTER the salon

a happy girl :-D

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!

I heart you

He's bringin' booty back

Inspirational woman

I would have to say what defines me is (and I'm going to mix some not to flattering definitions in there) 

 My 
 -- determination 
 -- honesty 
-- morals 
-- vanity 
-- stubbornness 
-- fun-side 

 does it have to be just one thing? LOL!

I loved my new dress

Places to make friends

1. 1
   Know what your hobby is. Do you like to play a certain sport? Do you enjoy acting or singing? Whatever your hobby may be, try to join a club or school activity in which you will get to do it. Maybe you will be able to meet some people who share the same interest as you.
2. 2
   Ask the friends you currently have if they know anyone who has some of the same interests as you. If they say yes, ask if they could introduce the two of you. A good friendship may form out of this, and you would get to be meeting new people.
3. 3
   Do some volunteer work or get a job. Try to do it at a place where you know you will be getting to work with other people. Also, make sure the place where you plan on doing this requires you to do something that interests you. If you do this, you may meet some new friends while doing work.
4. 4
   Take a look at your family. Perhaps you have a cousin who has a lot of the same interests as you. Whatever the case may be, maybe you could try becoming better friends with any relatives you have. If they are distant, ask for their email or phone number if you don't already know it.
5. 5
   Go for a walk around your neighborhood. See if you notice anyone who looks around your age doing something you like to do. For example, if you like to play basketball and see someone shooting hoops, ask if you can play with them. Some of the nicest people can be in your neighborhood, so be sure to take notice of them.
6. 6
   Online can sometimes be a good place. But aware there are nutty people out there that will hurt you, so if you are going to meet someone in person, be sure it's in the middle of the day, in a public place. Don't tell anyone where you live and always meet where you would have help if things got weird. You could bring someone with you, to be safe

New pics :-)

Is Technology Killing Our Social Behavior?

Recently, there was a cinema advert featuring actor Kevin Bacon and a certain digital communications company. You may have seen it. It's the one where a family sat around a table at an English cafe are having breakfast. In so many words Kevin describes the choice of a full English breakfast over the continental option as a 'no brainer.' -Meaning it's the only choice.

While each member uses a different digital communications device, Kevin also makes comments with words to the effect that having a 'family contract' that covers all devices; a laptop, iPad, mobile phone... etc., is also the only choice to make because this contract, as advertised by the digital communications company, is the most economical...

While all this goes on I'm watching with amazement. I'm thinking did the makers of this advert see what's really going on here? How about the audience, do they see it?

While the family are sat around the table each member is so immersed in their communication device that nobody is interested in talking. This brings me to this: Have we as a human race become so immersed in technology that it is killing our social behaviour? Have we become a mutant race while technology slowly over time is killing our social behaviour?

Today, we know that it has never been easier to communicate with others. We have all these communications devices and social networking websites... but according to research carried out people have never been so lonely.

Although some can have many friends (so-called friends?) on social networking sites the relationships promoted there can be superficial, lacking the depth that face-to-face real live intimate friendship has, like seeing the funny side of things, spontaneous behaviour and silliness that brings laughter...

People online, withdrawn from real life, immersed in the virtual world, sometimes make up false versions of themselves, or perhaps they may end up simply being different to what they would normally be like in real life with others, or perhaps getting lost in trying to look good... Not having the satisfaction that they would normally get in real life in the company of others they then become lonely.

Some are 'trapped' in this virtual world through habit or addiction and find it very difficult to get out of, losing real social and familial connections, hence the term 'the innovation of loneliness' given to the invention of social networking.

It has been said that the world we live in today demands more of us and the idea of rapid and ready friendships, online romances... allows us to manage our time more effectively. However, in spite of this, having virtual friends and romances perhaps in numbers it can be a case of putting quantity before quality: Text messages, emailing... is safer and less vulnerable, but it has been said that it is a poor substitute for real live intimacy...

What would I tell my younger self...

Picture 1 - Pay attention in school, don't be sad that the world around you is kind of crazy, it's not your fault.

Picture 2 - Always laugh and smile, be silly. Don't give your heart away. Enjoy life and don't worry about guys so much.

Picture 3 - Your life isn't so bad. You have the ability to do or be anything you like. Don't listen to negative people. Take chances. See the beauty in yourself and don't be so down on yourself. You are special.

Picture 4 - There is still more to come in life. Don't give up. Be grateful for what you have in life. Enjoy your healthy body. If you want something, go and get it. Keep your chin up!

On the flip side of that --- What would I tell my older self...

Don't settle for less than you deserve in life. It's okay to be alone / single. Put yourself OUT there and make new friends and new experiences. Be more frugal with your money. Try EVERYTHING! Enjoy yourself.  

Happy Birthday

to me? My birthday is Wednesday and I'm going to VEGAS... wish me lady luck! ;-) ;-)

7 Ways To Fix A Failing Relationship

Are there ways to fix a relationship if you and your partner are going through a rough patch and neither of you can see a solution? All relationships have highs and lows, but if the lows are not handled carefully, they can cause feelings of resentment and bitterness and even lead to a break up or divorce. The essential thing to save your relationship is to keep the communication going between you and your partner.

If your relationship feels like it is monotonous, or if you are in a relationship that is having too many problems, it's likely that you are asking yourself how you got to this place. Listed below are 7 ways to fix a relationship so that you and your partner can get back to normal and be happy with each other just as you were when you first met.

1. Talk About Your Thoughts And Feelings

The first stage of how to save your relationship is being able to talk to one another without making the other person feel ridiculous for what they are feeling. You both need to be able to talk freely without having the other person roll their eyes or laugh at your opinions.

2. Discuss Your Differences

There will be always differences because it's a natural occurrence for all couples. When you are trying to fix a relationship problem, the key is to be able to talk out those differences and come up with some kind of middle ground. If one person wants one thing and the other person wants another, a compromise should be decided upon to meet each other halfway.

3. Take Time To Listen!

Being able to listen is one of the most important ways to fix a relationship. Listening to your partner when they need it encourages them to talk when they want to talk. Let them say what they need to say and then take your turn. Don't interrupt them when they are talking. If your partner feels that you are not listening to them, their lines of communication close down.

4. Develop Trust And Honesty

Lies will only build on other lies and will eventually kill any trust in a partnership. Tell your partner the truth about your feelings. When there is no trust between two people, the relationship will suffer and will most probably finish in a bad way.

5.Take Things Seriously

If your partner is worried about something, take it seriously. Don't brush it off as nonsense. If they concerned, it needs to be resolved, and you have to help support them in that matter. If you fail to take it seriously, they won't take you or the relationship seriously.

6. Stay Positive

Keep a positive attitude with your partner as much as you can. A negative attitude will not save your relationship. A positive attitude leads to more communication and lets the relationship grow.

7. Let Things Out

Don't keep thoughts or feelings bottled up inside you. If you do, your true feelings will come out in a torrent of anger, and the other person will be hurt.

HI!

Have a happy and safe Memorial Weekend

HI!

New picture :-)

How's everyone's weekend going?

Favorite Cowboy Boots

I was going to put all my favorite boots on here, but I'll just put the link! I want them ALL!

Click the link for the website:

http://www.glitzyshopper.com/must-have-shoes/

New pics of me :-D

Going to dinner 

Me and my buddy

Me and my faithful cat Noodles :-)

A few new pics of me :-)

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Have a great time with your family & friends and be grateful for what you have in life!

Happy Weekend everyone!

These boots are made for walkin'

I love my boots!!

Smoooochie!

Be safe everyone!

Rent a Friend?

This is a unique idea in making new friends. The website is called Rent a Friend. I'm hoping it isn't a dating site, because there are a LOT of people, like myself, who just want some friends to do things with and have a connection with. So I may give it a shot and see how it works. I see it does cost. But hey, it's worth a look!

Here is more information on Rent a Friend -

RentAFriend.com is a website that allows you to rent local Friends from all over the world. You can rent a local Friend to hang out with, go to a movie or restaurant with, or someone to go with you to a party or event. Rent a friend to teach you a new skill or hobby, or to show you around an unfamiliar town.

RentAFriend.com is strictly a platonic Friendship website. RentAFriend.com is NOT a dating website, and NOT an Escort agency. Services on RentAFriend.com are strictly for FRIENDSHIP purposes only.

How does RentAFriend.com work?RentAFriend.com is extremely easy to use. No matter where you live, all you have to do is enter the location you wish to search on the Friend search page. Once you choose the location of where you are looking to find a new Friend, you will instantly see available Friends that are located in that area. You can view their photos, read their profiles and see what they are interested in for FREE. If you would like to contact the Friend, you must register to become a member of RentAFriend.com by paying a small membership fee. Once you become a registered Member, you can instantly contact all of the Friends on RentaFriend.com.

How are people using RentAFriend.com?People are using RentAFriend.com for all different kinds of friendly activities. Here are just a few real examples that people are using RentAFriend.com for.

• People who travel to a new city can hire a local to show them around town.  It`s always good to know someone from the area who can give you first hand information about where to go and what to avoid.
• Someone might want to see a movie or go out to a restaurant but don`t have anyone to go with.  They could "Rent a Friend" to go along with them.
• Many Friends on RentAFriend.com have unique talents and skills.  They can teach you a new language, tutor you, share a new hobby, art, dance, and much more. It`s also a great way to meet people of different cultures and religions.
• People who travel often for business that are looking to find local Friends to go out to dinner with, go to the bar with, or watch a sports game with.  It`s always great to have Friends in different cities.
• People who have an extra ticket to a sporting event or concert and don`t want to go alone.  They can "Rent a Friend" to go along them.
• Someone may want a workout partner for the gym.  Renting a Friend to help motivate and spot you during your workout. It can also be a lot cheaper than hiring a personal trainer.
• Just looking for someone to give you personal advice.  There are lots of people who just want to get real advice about a situation and it`s always great to get an outsiders point of view.

How much do the Friends cost?Most of the Friends on RentAFriend.com start at just $10 an hour, but almost all of them are willing to negotiate or even waive their fees depending on the activity you are planning with them.

How do I contact the Friends?Once you become a member you can contact any of the friends by phone or message the Friend through our anonymous messaging system to negotiate your plans, price, and time.

How do I get started?The best part about RentAFriend.com is that you can view all of the Friend`s photos and profiles for free.  This will allow you to find a Friend you are interested in meeting before you join. To get started, click the green button below to search now.

Watch this !
 

How is everyone doing today?

New picture

Beautiful Fairy Picture

Hi friends :-)

I like this

A friend...

New pictures of your friend :-D

New pic :-)

Here is a new picture I created yesterday. I've been playing with the settings on my camera. What do you think?

What does being a friend mean to you?

For me it is someone who will listen with patience and understanding, someone to have fun and laugh with, someone who will be there for you when you need them. Someone to say, everything is going to be okay and you are wonderful just as you are.

Tell me what you think. Here is a picture of me from yesterday!

Are you having a nice weekend?

I went to Viejas and had some fun...

How to start up a conversation with someone...

1. Introduce yourself if necessary. If you don’t know the person, breaking the ice is very simple: look approachable, tell the new person your name, offer your hand to shake, and smile. 
2. Remark on the location or occasion. Look around and see if there is anything worth pointing out. Examples of location or occasion comments: "This is a gorgeous room!", "Such incredible catering!", "I love this view!", or "Great dog!" 
3. Ask an open-ended question. Most people love to talk about themselves; it's your place as the conversation starter to get them going. An open question requires an explanation for an answer rather than just a simple yes or no. Open questions tend to begin with who, when, what, why, where, and how, whereas closed questions tend to start with do, have, and is/am/are. Closed questions: "Do you like books?", "Have you been to university?", "Is spring your favorite season?", "Am I intruding?", and "Do you come here often?" Open questions: "What sort of books do you like?", "What did you study at university?", "Which is your favorite season? Why?", "What are you doing right now?", and "Where's your usual watering hole?" 
4. Know how to combine general remarks with open-ended questions. Since either one of these might be awkward or out-of-place on its own, combine them for maximum effect. For example: "That's a nice handbag, where did you get it?" This lets the handbag owner talk about the day that they went shopping and all this funny stuff happened, as opposed to: "I like your handbag!" "Thank you." (The end.) "What an amazing buffet! Which is your favorite dish?" Asking an opinion is especially useful, as it can be followed up with the classic open-ended question: “Why?” "Fantastic turnout! Which of the lecturers is your favorite?" "I love your costume. Which are your favorite sci-fi movies?" 
5. Keep the conversation going with small talk. This keeps the conversation light and simple, which is especially useful for people who are still getting to know one another better. Use small talk to establish rapport and similarities rather than set each other up for an opinionated argument. Small talk encompasses such topics as your blog or website, the purchase of a new car, house renovations, your kids' artwork prize, vacation plans, your newly planted garden, a good book you've just read, etc. Small talk is not politics, religion, nuclear disarmament or fusion, or criticizing anybody, especially not the host or the event you're both attending. Although talking about the weather is a cliche, if there's something unusual about the weather, you've got a great topic of conversation. 
6. Synchronize. Once your partner-in-conversation has started talking, follow his or her cue to keep the conversation going smoothly. Use active listening to reflect what they're saying and to summarize their possible feelings. Say the other person's name now and then. Not only does it help you to remember them but it's a warming sign of respect and mutual like. Give encouraging feedback. You don't even have to say things a lot of the time; you can nod, say “ah-ha” or “wow’ or “oh” or “hmm,’ sigh, grunt convivially, and give short encouraging statements such as "Is that so?" and "Goodness!", and "What did you do/say then?" and "That's amazing!", etc. Keep your body language open and receptive. Nod in agreement, make occasional genuine eye contact without staring, and lean in toward the other person. Place your hand on your heart now and then, and even touch them on the upper arm if you're a touchy, feely person. Keep good thoughts going through your head. Stay interested in the other person and focused on them. Keep your curiosity piqued rather than withdrawing back into yourself. Note each time a similarity or common goal pops up in the conversation to remind yourself of the worth of continuing to connect with this person. Smile a lot and laugh when the other person makes a funny comment. Don’t force laughter, as this is cringe-inducing; smile and nod instead. 
7. Use words of a sensory nature. These are words such as "see", "imagine", "feel", "tell", "sense", etc., which encourage the other person to keep painting a descriptive picture as part of their conversation. For example: Where do you see yourself in a year's time? Tell me about the time that the boss sold your car without realizing. What's your sense of the current stock market fluctuations? How do you feel about the new plans for renovating downtown? What do you imagine he was thinking when he asked for a pay rise higher than the boss's salary? 
8. Be aware of your internal monologue. When you suddenly feel that you're not able to engage in conversation with another person, it's likely that you're telling yourself a few negative things, such as worrying that you're boring, not good enough, too unimportant, intruding, wasting their time, etc. You might also be worrying about what the other person is thinking about you, causing yourself to feel tongue-tied. Feeling self-conscious when carrying on conversation with others is not unusual but it's also not productive. Try to keep in mind that everyone has these self-doubts from time to time but that it's essential to overcome them in order to engage with fellow human beings. Reassure yourself that the other person is not judging you. Even if they are, think "So what?" and don't give them the upper hand in your life. 
9. Respond thoughtfully to someone who remains awkward or uncomfortable in your presence. If your conversation partner appears withdrawn and uninterested in sharing information with you, don't persist too much. Try a little more before making a decision to move on. Keep your questions non-invasive; be sure you're not asking them questions they'd rather not discuss. For example, some people might be very uncomfortable discussing issues that they feel touch on them personally, such as weight, lack of having a degree or qualifications, lack of having a steady date, etc. Try to be as thoughtful as possible even though you don't really know them yet. Don't ask too many questions if your conversation partner continues to appear unresponsive. 
10. Maintain the equilibrium. As the person who started the conversation, the responsibility initially rests with you to maintain the momentum. So what happens when the other person starts practicing active listening and open questions back on you? You have several options: Relish it as their cue to let you start talking about yourself. Just don't overdo it; remember to keep engaging them back with open questions and active listening at the end of your own recounting. Deflect it if you'd rather not be the center of conversation attention. Say something like: "Well, I like Harry Potter books, and I especially loved the last one. But you don't want to hear about me all night! What were your favorite moments in the Harry Potter series?" Answer questions with a question. For example, "How did you manage to get away so early?" could be responded to with, "Well, how did you?" Often the other person will be so intent on filling you in on their side of the story that they'll forget they asked you the question first! 
11. Practice getting conversations started. You may feel a little clumsy at first, but with practice it can become easy to start good conversations. Every time you're in a situation where you're called upon to converse with others, see it as part of your ongoing practice, and note how you're improving each time that you try it.