Did She Cheat Because I'm Not Good Enough?

While some men have egos the size of Texas other men suffer from the occasional bout of self doubt. It's nothing to be ashamed of but while some men are thinking their cheating wives and girlfriends are evil incarnate you may use this weak moment in your mental makeup to wonder if you might, by some wacky mistake of the cosmos be the reason for her discontent.

Hey! It's an incredibly enlightened thing to consider but you can breathe again any minute now because that is almost certainly not the case. You see, she loves you a lot. She probably loves you more than you realize. She doesn't love just anyone. She loves you. She might even think you're the greatest thing since peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were created or something just as wonderful.

She's not about ready to jump on over to some other man because you're not good enough. She's just managed to get you properly trained in the fine art of letting the seat down.

You see women generally cheat on their men not because he isn't good enough but because there is some need she has that isn't being met. It's not about the eyes or what she can see of you. It isn't about how much money the other guy is making (remember she's staying with you). It's about some deep need she has that isn't being taken care of at home.

That still doesn't mean you aren't good enough for her unless you are a very talented, dare I say, gifted mind reader in your chosen profession. Unless of course when you were just getting started as a couple she told you "oh yeah, there's this one thing I just can't live without. If I don't get it; I'll probably cheat on you. And that thing is (whatever the heck that thing is)." My money is on something along the lines of "that never happened" which kind of leaves you off the hook.

Now the only thing that remains is for you to figure out what she got from the other guy and how you can give it to her instead. The other thing you need to do is get a handle on your own personal insecurities. It's one thing to believe you are the luckiest man on earth to have someone who loves you by your side.

It's something else entirely to go through the relationship waiting for it to all fall apart because you are somehow unworthy of her. That's how good relationships go bad fast and is a complete and total recipe for relationship disaster and discord. You must understand your value to the relationship in order to make the relationship work for both of you.

Flathead Catfish Baits - Almost Anything Is Game for These Guys

There are so many alternatives and choices for flathead catfish baits that it seems that almost anything they can get into their big mouths they'll eat. These critters can grow to be 5 feet and weigh 123 pounds. No kidding almost as big as a teenager or large dog. Imagine hooking a large dog on the end of your line. Or a teenager! Wow.

These guys like to hang out in deep water and around submerged logs and old tires and such. A good time to go for them is in the early morning or late in the afternoon and evening. But the best times for these guys seem to be at night and you can sometimes use a lantern hanging over the water to attract bugs and other fish that the flatheads love to feed on.

Bream is one of their favorite foods but they also like perch and sunfish. But these guys are scavengers so really they'll eat almost anything they can get their mouths around. This includes trash and detritus.

The thing about these guys is that they are such voracious eaters that they have been known to decimate native populations of fish. And I say native because the flatheads originated in the waters of the Mississippi but have been transplanted to ponds and rivers all over the U.S. So some native species get threatened by these critters bottomless pit of an appetite.

I guess that's why when it comes to bait flatheads are not the picky. As long as it's yummy they'll eat almost anything. But it seems that they especially like baitfish. This is smaller fish you catch, cut up and put on the line to entice the catfish out of their hiding places to come make a meal of your hook.

Flatheads like to feed off the bottom. So that means you have to set your hook with enough weight to bring the bait to the bottom so it will just sit there. This usually precludes using a floater or a bobber. Without the bobber the weight carries the hook to the bottom, and sits on the bottom and the baited hook will usually float up a little bit above the bottom near the weight.

Even though their preferred foods are live or freshly cut fish, usually the fish that lives in flathead's environment, if these guys are really hungry they'll eat peanut butter, or cheese or popcorn. As long as it's edible they'll eat it. Would they eat lettuce? Hm. Never tried that one before. Perhaps if you wrapped the lettuce around some smelly shrimp they'll gobble it up in no time flat.

How about this: parboiling some carrot chunks so they're not too soft but easy enough to put on a hook and soaking the chunks in shrimp oil. That would be a really cheap alternative to buying fresh bait or those fake wiggler worms you get at the tackle shop.

Almost anything wild and crazy is game for flathead catfish baits. Just make sure their mouths are big enough for it.

7 Easy Party Ideas For Kids

It seems, these days, some parents have a way of getting carried away when it comes to planning a special party for their child. Sometimes, however, simpler is better, especially when it comes to saving a little money and lots of precious time. Furthermore, most children are happy just being with their friends, enjoying birthday cake, and - of course - opening presents!

A number of ideas can be easily executed with just a little effort and not a lot of money. Consider these simple party ideas next time you're planning a birthday party for your child.

1. Jungle/Safari Party - Easily held in the backyard or at a nearby park, a Jungle Party is ideal for children who love animals. Decorations might consist of your child's favorite stuffed animals or even the inflatable kind. Balloons in jungle colors - like shades of green, brown, and tan - and palm fronds or other greenery also make great decorations. Games might include Pin the Tail on the Tiger (elephant, giraffe, etc.), a safari/scavenger hunt, and even the Barrel of Monkeys game. Craft projects can include making animal masks or a simple lesson on drawing a favorite jungle animal. Food can be simple as well, like animal crackers, trail mix, peanut butter sandwiches, and "jungle" juice.
2. Circus Party - What kid doesn't love the circus? Also best when held outside but suitable to a large recreation room or finished basement as well, a circus party is colorful, fun, and ideal for a girl or a boy. As with the safari party, decorations are simple and can include balloons, streamers, animal or circus posters, stuffed animals, paper clown faces and hats, and other similar items. Games might include jumping rope, ring toss, pin the nose on the clown, and learning to juggle. And kids can put on their own clown make-up or have a friend or adult help! Serve circus or carnival type food like hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and soft drinks, all inexpensive to buy and easy to prepare.
3. Doll Tea Party - This one, of course, is most suited to young ladies. A doll tea party generally includes a formal sit-down lunch with food suitable for kid's taste buds. Set up the dining room table or smaller table with fancy paper plates, fresh flowers, and enough room for the girls and their dolls (have the guests bring doll chairs or "sassy seats" if they have them). Serve small tea sandwiches like white bread with peanut butter or strawberry jelly, cheese and crackers, fruit kabobs, and small desserts. Some little girls might like tea but many don't. Instead, serve apple or some other kind of fruit juice. Encourage guests to wear their best party dresses and hats. For activities, make paper dolls, decorate photo frames (have smocks to protect their dresses), or decorate cookies that can be enjoyed later for dessert.
4. Superhero Party - Little boys (and some little girls) love superheroes and organizing a party around their favorite(s) needn't be too difficult. Start by choosing the hero or heroes and designing a color palette around him. For example, if Spiderman is the hero of choice, make sure all the decorations - like balloons and streamers - are blue and red. Batman? Go with yellow and black. For more decorations, choose iconic items that are peculiar to the character. For example, make skyscrapers out of construction paper for Superman and webs of yarn for Spidey. It's usually not too hard to find inexpensive superhero plates and cups as well. Food might include "power juice", "energy bars" (not the real ones!), "vitamins" for super strength (Skittles or M&Ms), and super-sized cupcakes or a superhero cake. Purchase some inexpensive t-shirts at the craft store along with some fabric markers and make shirts with the hero's insignia on front and do some face painting as well (webs, bats, etc).
5. Spa Party - This one is popular with late elementary and middle school girls and expense can be kept to a minimum if you plan accordingly. This can be an overnighter or just a few hours long. Decorations needn't be over the top and can be any color. Tea lights are appropriate and soft music should be playing in the background. On the invitation, guests should be asked to bring a comfortable robe and slippers for the "spa". It's best to organize this party in stations so no one is waiting too long for their spa service, and if you can enlist the help of some older girls or adults to man each station, it would be helpful. Ideas for stations include facials/masks, mani- or pedicures, and make-up application. Party favors might include a product from each station as well as other beauty products like a loofah or body lotion. Serve mostly healthy snacks like smoothies and cheese and crackers or veggies and dip but do have some junk food on hand for a little indulgence. If there's extra time, watch a PG-rated chick flick!
6. Casino Party - Casino parties aren't just for adults. Kids love them, too! Organize your basement or other large space into various game "booths" where kids can make the rounds again and again, playing card games (simple poker or blackjack), spinning the roulette wheel (you can make one out of cardboard or buy a cheap one at a toy store), or taking part in other simple games of chance. Decide on a pre-determined amount of chips for each win and let the kids spend their chips on prizes at the end of the party. Decorations can include playing cards, giant dice, balloons, streamers, and fancy casino signs. You can serve snacks and "drinks" (maybe Shirley Temples) at each game table or set up a buffet for all-night snacking. After everyone is done playing, enjoy some dancing and save time for cake and presents!

Buy It, and They Will Come - Select the Bird Feeder Seeds For the Birds You Love

Just like people, birds have particular tastes in food. You'd never find a vegetarian waiting in line at the hot dog stand any more than you'd find a goldfinch eagerly awaiting a dinner of milo. In order to attract the type of bird that you want at your feeder you need to adjust your bird feeder seeds. Sometimes several feeders are necessary.

Goldfinch lovers and mourning dove admirers should supply a feeder that contains thistle, also known as niger seed. This highly nutritious seed is rich in both protein and fat. House finches, redpolls, siskins, juncos and purple finches also love these seeds. The best way to serve the seeds to the birds is in a tube feeder. Cardinals, by the way, hate to eat from a tube feeder.

If you want a seed that is the favorite of most seed eating birds, try black oil sunflower seeds. The outer shells are soft enough so smaller seed eating birds can crack them, but the inside is the primary reason for the popularity. This meaty seed provides not only a high amount of fat but quality protein for the feathered friends. Bluejays prefer the black stripe sunflower for their bird feeder seed and goldfinches like a smaller black oil sunflower seed. Many times the smaller seeds are more inexpensive and last longer because there are more to the pound.

You can keep gackles and starlings away and attract cardinals, chickadees, downey woodpeckers, nuthatches and titmice with safflower seed. Most squirrels don't bother with this fare either so it leaves the feeder full for your feather friends.

Millet, often used as a filler in mixed wild bird feed, find praise from cardinals, juncos, doves, house finches and sparrows. Most of them prefer the white variety of millet and kick the red millet bird feeder seed to the ground. However, if you put out corn you'll get the blackbirds, bluejays, and the friendly squirrel back at the feeder.

If you love cardinals then try some shelled unsalted peanuts. They love it. Watch out though, you'll have a lot of squirrels competing for those nuts. Squirrel like peanuts almost more than sunflower seeds.

When you feed the birds, make certain that you keep the feeder clean. Clean it out once a month and dry it thoroughly. Seeds that get damp, mold. Bacteria grows on the feeder and spreads to the diners. Leaving your feeder dirty can cause a great deal of harm to the birds.

Keep a separate feeder for suet. You can use suet cakes or make your own treat for the birds. Melt down animal fat from the butcher and mix it with bird feeder seed. Another taste treat for birds that goes well at a suet feeder is a ball of peanut butter mixed with seeds. Birds love it and it's far more appropriate in the summer months than the heavy animal fat.

Regardless of the time of year, all birds need water. Water attracts as many birds as feed in winter months and hot dry summer weather. If you live in the Frozen North, get a heater for your birdbath to prevent the water from freezing.

My Love of Animals

I have learned a lot from people, but sometimes the lessons people teach you are ones we wish we could forget. For those of you who know me well, you know I love movies. Well I watched a movie just recently called "Marley and Me" and I want to share some things I saw in this movie that truly moved me.

For the first 105 minutes of this movie I found myself extremely amused at the antics of this dog. He tears the hell out of a garage, he howls at thunder, he mounts and violates the obedience trainer (sorry for the spoilers). Most of all, he has his owners running around like chickens with their heads cut off and it is great. I especially can relate because I have a Lab now that is 7 months old and does the same things that Marley did, and he can literally drive me nuts. He eats my socks, he attempts to eat the cat, he nips, jumps and does everything that a belligerent, energetic, puppy likes to do. And he must love to hear the words "bad dog" because when I say it he repeats all the things that got him in trouble to begin with. If I had a nickel for every time I told that dog I was going to kick its ass I would be a rich man. But all it takes is one sideways look from him and I am sold and frustration turns into laughter. Now if you haven't seen the movie, the emotions depicted are right on point, so watch it.

I can also say that all animals, not just dogs are special and fill our lives in different ways. I have seen my little girl treat her hamster like it is the most important thing in her world. Animals are such a blessing and we are so lucky that when god created something as imperfect as us he also, in his wisdom, gave us animals to be our loyal companions. I for one can tell you that without the animals I have had in my life, it would have been a much harder, and less rewarding journey than it has been. I feel a need to honor them and thank them for what they gave me, and what they still mean to me today.

Not often enough do people take time to think what it means to an animal to be loved, animals live their lives around a set of rules much like we do. Except their rules aren't based on laws written by people who think they are smarter than we are. They live for things like, hugs, treats, fetch, sit, stay, lay down, roll over, give kisses, speak, come, heel, want to go for a ride, want to walk, etc. I have had a dog that smiled, I have had a dog that could sing, I had a dog that would bite gortex running pants whenever possible, and a dog that preferred cat food. Nahla refused to leave me every time I was sick. Rosco would howl when I would sing (shut up Jessica). Skeeter would chase my friends out of the house. Penny loved sweet bologna. Simon used to chase my neighbors' beagle. Lady sounds like a clucking chicken when she barks sometimes. Sable was a big fan of my cousin' cheese steak. Buddy love kongs stuffed with peanut butter. Sassy likes to put litter paws in people's faces (ewww).

Animals suffer just as much heartache as we do. Too often, they get abandoned when families break up. But the funny thing is they are the ones who never get sick of you. They are the ones who will love you at your best and worst. Maybe they don't hold a conversation with you, but you sure can feel the love they have for you.

I guess it is because all of these things that it is so worthwhile to open your heart to your pets. I have witnessed the death of 6 of the pets I named above 2 naturally, 1 accidentally, 3 euthanized. The one thing I can tell you is that the only thing that matches the sadness of losing them is the joy they all gave me. They are here for such a short time yet they seem to make the most of every moment. I know this, if I am lucky enough at some point in my life to have someone call me an "animal nut", then I been exactly the person I set out to be. Thank you John Grogan for inspiring me.

What Do Our Hermit Crabs Eat?

Have you ever stopped to wonder what do hermit crabs eat? Well you may be surprised to learn that they eat pretty much anything they can get their hands, or rather pincers, on! In the wild they are termed as foragers and live on a diet of fallen fruit, plants, grasses and tree bark. They also have cannibalistic tendencies and will eat small dead crustaceans!

If you long to own an exotic pet and are wondering what do your little hermies feed on, then you can rest assured that they are NOT picky eaters. In fact, if I was given the choice between feeding a fussy adolescent to that of feeding a little hermie, I would definitely choose the latter.

The hermies can be fed solely on commercially produced crab food which also contains essential supplements such as carotene, calcium and a variety of antioxidants, but because it is well documented that your new little buddy enjoys a varied diet, I would suggest that you combine this with a diet of fresh food. The hermie is naturally omnivorous, like us humans, which means they eat meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. So, in effect, you need never suffer a headache from wondering what do you feed your little hermie because you can pick up all of their requirements, when you do the weekly supermarket shop!

When feeding your "hermie" make sure to wash and rinse all of his food in clear water and then leave it to dry naturally. He likes to munch with a crunch so try not to let his food get soggy. Try giving him small pieces of meat or fish, but make sure they are not covered with any type of sauce, together with a variety of vegetables. You can follow this with a fruit dessert of may be mango, papaya or coconut, such as he would have in the tropics, although he will be equally as happy with citrus fruit. The great thing when wondering what do hermies actually consume is that the answer really is pretty much anything and you won't have to spend hours and lots of dosh, sourcing expensive special exotic food.

A baby crab will learn what do other hermies or adult hermies eat by watching his peers as well as using his antennae to sniff out food. You can have fun by serving up a new "dish of the day" and watching him rush to his food bowl with his antenna poised. Like many humans, your hermi would like an occasional junk food fix and is also partial to chocolate. Just be careful, though, not to over indulge this habit. He also loves peanut butter and popcorn.

If you are not using commercially produced crab food you will need to ensure that your crab is getting enough of both calcium and carotene. The latter can be found predominantly in carrots and corn and is vital to your crab's well being. A crab who is carotene deficient, will lose his lovely vibrant color and turn a mushy grey. He may also experience difficulties when next molting. Although calcium can be provided by offering a small amount of dairy produce, an easier way is to give your crab a piece of cuttlebone. This can be grated and added to your crab's food. You can source this in the bird section of your local pet store - so no problem there.

Homemade Catfishing Baits - How To Make The Best Bait For Catfish At Home

The best kind of bait for catfishes would be fish that they normally eat in their respective habitats. For example, if your location has more shad than sunfish, load your hooks with shad. If your place has more eels in the water, load your hooks with eel chunks. It's that easy.

It's fun to make a catfish bait recipe at home. You should give it a try before you pack for your fishing trip. All you need is a list of smelly stuff from your wife's larder or freezer. The catfish love smelly stuff. The scent of your bait should ideally carry itself through layers of water to the catfish hiding in the holes in the bottom. Only then can you expect a decent catch.

Making catfish bait is easy. Collect all the smelly stuff in the kitchen and make dough rolls out of a mix of everything. If the dough rolls aren't sticky enough, you can add any kind of flour to it. Here's a sample recipe. Grate some Limburger cheese and heat it in a saucepan to melt. Add garlic powder to the melted cheese. Add corn flour to the mix and keep it away to cool. If the mixture isn't hard enough after cooling, add some more flour. Roll the dough into small balls and use the balls as bait.

Bait that works almost all the time is chicken liver. You can also find ready bait made of chicken liver on the shelves. The cats just love their chicken liver; they just can't get enough of it. Just cut up chunks of chicken liver and use them as bait. You will get a lot of attention from the catfish.

Some fishermen spread blood or corn flakes in the water around their boat to attract the cats' attention. Also, peanut butter and corn flakes mix makes decent bait. You should also try peanut butter and jelly sandwich chunks as bait. I hear that you can get a big channel cat or two interested with that bait. Catfish also love ivory soap. It might sound a bit odd that they prefer ivory soap to food, but they do. You can even buy prepared ivory soap bait in some fishing equipment stores.

Larger cats like blue catfish, bullhead catfish, and flathead catfish prefer cut up fish for bait. You can use shrimp, crawdad, shad, minnow, or sunfish for bait. Now here's an idea: you should try dipping these baits in fish oil first to make them smelly. This will get you a lot of attention from the cats.

Flathead catfish prefer live bait. You can buy goldfish from your local pet store for this purpose. Buy the goldfish and put them in your fishing bucket. You should bait them just below the dorsal fins to bait them properly. If you can't find goldfish, you can bait your lines with live sunfish or shad. You can use the smaller cats for bait as well. If you are out fishing, save up all your smaller catches to use as bait for flathead.

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Zombie Strippers - Could This Low Budget Zombie Movie Actually Be Worth Watching?

For a certain subset of zombie movie lovers, Zombie Strippers (Director: Jay Lee, 2008) was perhaps the greatest concept ever dreamed up for a movie. Just as folks who love peanut butter and chocolate were wowed by the marriage of the two ingredients into peanut butter cups, it would seem that the combination of zombies and strippers would be a home-run, slam-dunk, match made in heaven. What could possibly go wrong with such a movie? Well... what if the acting was terrible, the storyline was rough, and the humor was sometimes extremely corny - maybe even downright stupid?

To be perfectly honest, Zombie Strippers has every single one of those shortcomings - and more! In fact, if you live to be 100, it could end up being one of the stupidest movies you will ever see in your life. HOWEVER, it could also end up being one of the funniest, most memorable movies you will ever see - if you actually pay attention to it. The fact is, for those who watch carefully (as hard as that may seem!), you will find that there is a ton of rather subtle, surprisingly intelligent, intellectual humor being offered - not to mention plenty of political satire, and more well-formed female breasts than you will see in any dozen of your typical R-rated movies (this movie also carries an R rating from the MPAA).

Of course if you don't have a sense of humor about any right-wing political views you may have, or are a big fan of GW Bush, then you can forget about ever liking this movie. In fact the entire premise of the movie starts with GW being in his fourth term in office (after his having dissolved congress) with bloody wars raging against most of the Middle East (as well as France and Alaska - Ha!). The military is quickly running out of fresh troops to send to the many fronts and is experimenting with a zombie virus in an attempt to reanimate and make use of some of the not-so-fresh troops the wars were providing.

It just so happens that Ian (played by Robert Englund, of Freddy Kruger fame) is the owner of an illegal underground gentleman's club that is located near the army's secret lab. Kat (played by the one and only Jenna Jameson) is the star dancer of the club. Kat is both hated and envied by the other girls who work there resulting in an ongoing rivalry. When the virus escapes the army's lab, Kat is the first to be killed and reanimated as a zombie, after which she is endowed with "super-stripper" abilities. This only elevates the rivalry between the girls and causes the owner of the club, Ian, to have dollar signs in his eyes. Zombie stripper mayhem ensues and things, of course only go downhill from there.

All in all, Zombie Strippers is definitely what you would call a B-Movie (and C or D-Movie is probably an even more appropriate designation!). However, for zombie movie lovers, it is filled with lots of delightful cheesy gore and some surprisingly decent make-up effects. If you have a sense of humor and like to laugh, this movie has everything from subtle intellectual humor to "oh my god I can't believe that's happening" humor (just mention "golf balls" to anyone who has seen this movie, and you will certainly get a reaction!). If you can forgive some terrible low-budget acting, some blatant stupidity, and some jabs at conservative political agendas, you might just love this movie.

3 Blueberry Desserts

Blueberry Smoothie

This is a recipe you can make quickly in the morning. Put the ingredients together the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning put them in the blender and whip them up for a delicious breakfast treat.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

½ cup non-fat blueberry yogurt

2 Tablespoons pasteurized, liquid egg whites (you can get pasteurized eggs in the store).

1 cup vanilla whey protein powder

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 Tablespoons chopped almonds

½ cup water

Blend in the blender for 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour the smoothie into a large travel container. Makes one serving. This is a complete breakfast and includes your fruit and protein.

Granola Blueberry Muffin

You can make these muffins and store them in the refrigerator to be used as needed. Store them in a sealed container such as a plastic container with a lid.

The Sweeter Side of Amish Cooking

The Amish migrated to the United States in the early 1700s to avoid religious persecution, although they are originally from Switzerland. They brought their recipes and eating customs with them, although these have lost a lot of their ethnic qualities after three hundred years of American life. Modern Amish recipes, both savory recipes and desserts, tend to be a reflection of the simple, work-focused Amish lifestyle and a lot of these recipes are based on locally grown produce and tasty home cooking.

The Amish are thrifty and hard-working. They dislike wastage and are able to live off the land. They tend to shun modern appliances such as television, cell phones, water heaters and computers and they also prefer horse-drawn buggies over cars. Not all Amish live quite like this but a lot of them find that the simple life works well for them and would not want to live any other way.

A lot of Amish meals consist of meats and vegetables, which are grown locally, and they also love desserts. Typical desserts include snitz pie (which is made with dried apples), apple pie, funnel cake, apple dumplings, and faschnachts, which are similar to donuts and made from sugar, butter, and lard. These are served on Fastnacht Day, which is the day before Lent starts. They were originally a means of using up ingredients in the pantry, which are prohibited during Lent.

Pies are very popular and other well loved varieties include pumpkin pie, whoopee pie which is made of peanut butter or vanilla frosting between two pumpkin or cake wafers, and shoefly pie, which is made with crumb and molasses.

Comparing Old Fashioned Desserts with Modern Ones

It is not possible to say that all old fashioned desserts are better than all modern ones or that all modern desserts are better than their predecessors, because dessert recipes vary so widely. You can, however, combine the best of two worlds.

Think of jello recipes, for example. You might like to make a homemade funnel cake and coat it with a layer of jello for an interesting flavor and fruity texture, or use jello pudding instead of frosting to sandwich a whoopee pie together.

Recipe for Amish Jello Dessert

The following recipe makes enough to serve twelve people and it is easy enough for kids to make if they have some supervision. You can adapt the recipe, using another flavor of jello if you prefer. Strawberry or cherry would be nice, to make a Valentine's Day jello recipe. You can use walnuts or pecans in this recipe. Mixed nuts would work too.

100 Questions to Ask Your Girlfriend - Fun Questions to Ask Your Girlfriend

I very often see and hear guys looking for good questions to ask their girlfriend. There may be a lot of reasons, what is yours?

• Looking to get to know your valentine date better?
• Running out of things to talk to your sweetie about?
• First date jitters and don't know what to talk about?

Well, here are first half of 100 questions that can break the ice and get a conversation going. Check them out and then continue to my blog for the other half, agreed?

And, please, remember that the most important thing is to have fun! Although this might seem easy to sit and list all the questions before your girlfriend but she might freak out and run away from you and we wouldn't like that, would we? So make fun of it. Throw a couple of questions and talk about them, discuss the answers, enjoy the conversation.

You might be very much surprised by what you learn about the other person. People are fun and they are so different but also so alike. Finding out your new girlfriend to be like minded with you should turn your date into a celebration at the end. Be prepared!

Don't force anyone to answer a question they don't want to and don't pry deeper if they are not willing to talk about a certain subject. Good manners are a must when asking personal and intimate questions, especially if you are not too acquainted with each other.

1. What was your best job?

2. What were your worst jobs?

3. Tell me all the places you worked

4. Tell me about your best friend

5. Tell me about your family

6. Tell me about your relatives

7. What was your first car?

8. Favorite movie star?

9. Favorite entertainer?

10. Favorite song?

11. What were your life changing moments?

12. First girlfriend/boyfriend?

13. First kiss?

14. What is the dumbest thing you have ever done?

15. Have you ever been arrested?

16. Political affiliation?

17. Have you voted for someone you wished you hadn't?

18. Have you used drugs?

19. Do you like to shop?

20. Best way to relax?

21. Favorite thing to do alone?

22. Ever had a one night stand?

23. Do you save money?

24. What hobbies to you spend money on?

25. If you found a $100 what would you do?

26. Do you want children/more children?

27. Are you a good parent?

28. What makes a good parent?

29. Are you romantic?

30. Ever loose a pet?

31. Dog or cat?

32. Pets growing up?

33. Sleep in the nude?

34. Favorite midnight snack?

35. Do you exercise?

36. Did you ever see your parents making love?

37. Peanut butter and what?

38. What is one food you will never give up?

39. What is a food you can live without?

40. Favorite drink?

41. Perfect day?

42. How many CDs do you own?

43. How many DVDs do you own?

44. Favorite thing to spend money on?

45. What is the weirdest thing about you?

46. What is on your bedside table?

47. Are you cheap or thrifty?

48. Ever been in love with 2 people at the same time?

49. Grades in high school?

50. Favorite teacher?

51. Relatives in jail?

52. Toppings on pizza?

53. Black or white?

54. Glass half full or half empty?55. Ever been to a food shelf?

56. Ever milked a cow?

57. Ever tipped a cow?

58. Bath or shower?

59. Mountains or the beach?

60. Plane, train or automobile?

61. Favorite all time movie?

62. Worse movie you have ever seen?

63. Best concert you have been to?

64. Beer, wine or coffee?

65. Best vacation?

66. If you could retire tomorrow what would you do?

67. Worse vacation?

68. Three places you would love to visit?

69. Worse boss?

70. If you could do anything what would it be?

71. Super powers you wish you had?

72. Ever had a massage?

73. Ideal romantic dinner?

74. Dumbest purchase you ever made?

75. Where did you find money when you were flat broke?

76. Ever sold blood?

77. What sporting event/concert/entertainment would you buy tickets to regardless of price?

78. Ever hit a jackpot on a slot machine?

79. Ever won the lottery?

80. What would you do with your lottery winnings?

81. Are you a neat freak?

82. Can't stand being around people who_________?

83. Crowds or small groups?

84. How old do you want to live to?

85. Loose your sight or hearing?

86. Ever had a crush on a member of the same sex?

87. Pet peeves?

88. Most annoying habit?

89. Sexiest parts of a member of the opposite sex?

90. Major turn offs?

91. Tattoos?

92. Bodypainting?

93. Piercings?

94. Plastic surgery-would you/have you?

95. Computer geek?

96. Trekee?

97. Play an instrument?

98. Been in a band?

99. Most embarrassing moment?

100. Nude beach yes or no?

What Do Rats Eat?

Rats eat a wide variety of food. They have voracious appetites and will eat almost anything. They are true omnivorous scavengers, but mostly prefer grain, livestock feed, and meat. Rats have also been known to eat soap, leather, furs, candy, milk, meat, vegetables, poultry, eggs, grain, seeds, fruit, nuts, snails and other rodents. A rat can eat a third of its body weight each day. The rat's main important consumption is water, as it cannot survive long without it. Rats need 1/2 to 1 ounce of water daily.

Two main types of rats, brown rats and black rats eat about the same things. But there are slight differences in preferences between the two. Brown rats or Norway rats eat nearly any type of food, but they prefer high-quality foods such as meat and fresh grain. These rats require 1/2 to 1 fluid ounce of water daily when feeding on dry food. Rats have keen taste, hearing, and sense of smell.

Roof rats or black rats generally prefer vegetables, fruits and grain, and consume 1/2 to 1 ounce food per day from various sources. They do not readily accept meat or fish. They like cereal grains, chopped apples, sweet potatoes, melons, prunes, pineapple, cookies, doughnuts, sweet chocolate candy, peanut butter, and tomatoes. They also consume an ounce of water per day.

Rats are nutritionally a little better than mice. Unlike the mouse that nibbles a little at a time, rats eat much more food in one sitting. Like mice, rats can live in freezers and they love to eat frozen food.

Rats have a habit of gnawing when they eat. Their chewing ability helps them to chew and gnaw through almost anything. They gnaw anything softer than their teeth. They gnaw papers, clothes, wood, plastics, water pipes, electric cables and other building materials. Their habit of gnawing causes immense damage to mankind such as fires, power shortages and flooding.

Peanut Butter Booda Bones - So Much More Than a Nutty Snack For Your Canine

Creamy peanut butter flavor is appealing to humans, but did you know dogs also love it? Provide your canine companion with a whole new flavor to add to his or her list of favorites with peanut butter Booda Bones. Not only are these tasty treats a pleasure to chew, they also offer your pet a number of healthy benefits. Your dog will have no idea that their rich, nutty snack is also good for them. Clean up after chewing is easy, especially considering how little will be let behind once your pet tastes peanut butter Booda Bones!

Health Overview of Peanut Butter Booda Bones

All Booda Bone dog treats are made wheat free, which makes them an ideal choice for pets with allergies. They are also designed to offer easy digestibility so a tender tummy can easily enjoy them. The dimpled design helps remove tartar build up to keep gums and teeth healthy. Booda Bones are ideal for adult dogs and should be given in moderation as an occasional special snack.

Manufacturer Snapshot: Aspen Pet

Aspen Pet was founded in 1979 and produced a line of pet accessories. Throughout the decades, this manufacturer gained popularity with its original products as well as the addition of the Booda dog treat line. Aspen Pet became a part of Doskocil manufacturing company in January of 2006. Doskocil is best known for the Petmate brand of portable kennels, feeding supplies, shelters and other pet care necessities. The combination of these two established pet supply manufacturers has created a reputable company well known throughout the pet industry.

TSA Rules - How Peanut Butter Could Get You In Trouble With The TSA

The first TSA rule: 

Of course you need to follow the 3-1-1 rules for carry-on luggage when heading on vacation, but there is more. For those who don't know the 3-1-1 for carry on luggage, it is what you can have in your carry on bag when you load the plane. You should place it in a bin when going through airport security:

• Ø 3.4 ounce bottle or less (100ml by volume)
• 1 quart size, clear, plastic zip lock bag
• 1 bag per passenger

Here are a few more things you may not have thought about, that just might get TSA to give you a closer look.

*Headbands: They are not banned, but the metal frames can trigger the detector. Solution; Take off any hair accessories beforehand and put on the X-ray belt

*Alcohol Bottles: TSA is focused on potential explosives, not on your personal traveling bar. Again not banned, but you must follow the 3-1-1 rule. Alcohol must be less than 3.4 ounces, bottled in original container, and fit in a one-quart sized bag.

*Keys, coins and other metal objects: Try to pack all unnecessary metal objects in your checked luggage. Make sure you place everything from your pockets in the bin BEFORE going through security and you will save precious time for yourself and all travelers.

*Snow Globes: The liquid in most snow globes exceeds the 3.4 ounce limit. So if you want to get that snow globe home, (the one that your daughter just couldn't live without); you better put it in your checked bag. Make sure you pack carefully and double bag in case of breakage during flight.

*Larger Liquids: Some amounts larger than the 3.4 ounces of liquid are allowed, but make sure you declare BEFORE inspection occurs. These items can include baby food and formula, breast milk and some medications. These items may need additional screening, but less time than if you did not declare and have to be detained even longer.

*Aluminum Foil: Even though most candy, gum and cigarettes are now wrapped in paper, there are still a few wrapped in metallic foil. So, when you get to security; empty your pockets completely before going through the metal detector.

*Inhaler: Although needed for medical reasons, inhalers can sometimes cause a TSA agent to take a second look. So the best thing to do is make sure that they are properly labeled and inform the TSA officer in advance that you have an inhaler.

*Underwire Bras: Yes, even bras can be the culprit. Even though TSA says this isn't a problem, there are still women who have had to go through a second inspection when that was the only issue. So you can either take your chance with TSA, or wear a non underwire bra and pack your questionable bras.

Thrive in This Economy - Smart Money and Marketing Changes to Make Now

Worried the economy will hurt your business opportunities? There's truly no need to feel powerless or like a victim just because things appear different than they did before. Certainly, for some, this has been a tough time. But for most of us, the opportunity to succeed in our business is as great now as ever. All you need is to know is how to do the right things right.

How can I be so certain? Because I'm experiencing the best year ever, this on top of last year, which until now had been our best year. Not only that, I'm witnessing my clients have their best year ever, too. In fact, every week, I receive emails from members of our coaching programs, reporting in a new business opportunity that's come their way, "woo-hoo'ing" getting a new client or celebrating successfully raising their fees.

But rather than keep what we're doing to achieve these kinds of results a secret, I prefer to share a few tips with you as to exactly what we're doing that's working in this economy.

Tip #1 Offer Creative Payment Plans

What's new and working brilliantly is to offer a sweet incentive for your clients to pay in full in exchange for a significant discount on their total package investment. Don't be surprised if you find more than half of your clients taking you up on this option. Clients love the savings and you'll love how much this strategy will increase your cash flow. Plus, this strategy helps guarantee your client's commitment to working with you.

Tip #2 Look For Collaborations To Leverage Your Opportunities

Just like peanut butter loves jelly there's tremendous opportunity in collaborating on a program, product or service with someone else who has something you need to give your business a boost. I recommend choosing someone with a bigger list, greater name recognition or the ability to market effectively. Women are natural collaborators so this idea often flows easily.

And don't worry if you don't think you "have anything of value to give." You'll be surprised at how often other women want to team up on a project instead of slogging it out on their own. So, think of someone you'd love to collaborate with then reach out via email or telephone and see what you can create together.

Tip #3 Offer A High End Service...Now!

What people want more than ever is personalized time and attention. They intuitively know that if they get focused help or preferential treatment they'll solve their problem faster and easier. People don't have time to waste so they're willing to invest in solutions that promise accelerated results. Think "magic pill" here rather than "all things take time."

Time Tested Suggestions for Healthy Living At This Time

As a result of a wide range of what exactly is regarded wholesome by medical professions and cultural differences, people typically have widely varying opinions on what is deemed a well-balanced nutritional eating plan. This short article discusses assistance, guidelines and tips which you is going to be in a position to make use of within a new or existing nutritional system.

You may be familiar together with the term "net carbs." Do you know what the term signifies? Specifically, net carbs are the total carbs within a serving of food together with the grams of fiber subtracted. As an example, if a granola bar has 23 grams of carbohydrates and six grams of fiber, then the net carbs are 17 grams.

Peanut butter tends to make for a healthy and nutritious snack. You may consume peanut butter with numerous fruits, breads and even celery. Proteins and heart-healthy oils make this food a tasty ally within your quest for robust skin, joints, and hair; reap the positive aspects by mixing it in with cereals, baked goods, and smoothies.

Educate oneself to understand food labels greater. Just because a food is labeled as fat-free does not mean that the calorie count is low in it. Also, low-sugar does not mean low-carb. The nutrition label should really offer you with the facts you will need.

It's important that your daily fiber intake meet the suggested quantity. Plenty of fiber is found in fruits, and specifically in vegetables. Other sources are whole grains like breads and pastas. If you aren't going to become in a position to consume 20-25 grams of fiber every day, take into account a supplement. Available choices for fiber supplements include capsules and tablets, and you are able to also get powdered formulations to mix into drinks.

Don't allow the hype regarding low-carb diets to enter into your mind; instead, concentrate on suitable nutrition as well as a balanced diet. Some carbs are in fact fantastic for the physique, and help to regulate it. Do not let this fool you and assume that all carbs are negative. It truly is about how lots of carbs you consume. Carbs will make your physique really feel full, and they are going to stop you from eating too much.

You could go grocery buying with your youngsters to assist them find out far more about nutrition and superior choices. As you go by means of the aisles, you could clarify to them about how you can make informed, wholesome decisions by reading the labels, and you'll be able to also show them how the food is organized inside the retailer.

When you are unable to send peanuts or peanut butter inside your child's lunch, substitute a spread made from almonds, soybeans, cashews or an additional type of nut. You'll be able to also use these option butters in cookies and candies.

Top 6 Vegan Muscle Building Foods - Become a Muscular Vegan

If you are a vegan, I am quite sure that a lot people have been asking you how vegan muscle building is possible, how you get your protein and if you won't get too skinny, etc.

But it is a huge misconception that it is not possible to get protein from a vegan muscle building diet. It can be easier to get protein from different sources when you do eat meat, but as you probably know by now, it is not very healthy to eat meat in general.

Not only can a vegan muscle building diet add more numbers to your life, it can also keep you away from diseases and make you live a healthier and energetic lifestyle.

Vegan Muscle Building - Nutrition List

-Muscle Food #1 - Beans: 

Beans are a great source of protein and taste delicious if you make them the right way. Not only are they rich in protein, but also in fibers. They contain complex carbohydrates, which is the total opposite of what is in sugar and cakes. Complex carbohydrates allow our body to work with energy for a longer period of time.

-Muscle Food #2 - Tofu: 

Tofu is an excellent source of protein and of the healthy fat that is essential in our diet. Furthermore, tofu is rich in a lot of essential vitamins and minerals that helps our body function in an optimal way. Don't take the benefits of this vegan muscle building food lightly because it can make an incredible change in your body.

-Muscle Food #3 - Almonds, Cashew Nuts and Mixed Nuts: 

Nuts are rich in protein and healthy fat. A lot of people use them as snack or mix them together with a meal. However, avoid roasted nuts because we want them as unprocessed as possible.

-Muscle Food #4 - Peanut Butter: 

Some love it and some don't. Peanut butter is a great source of protein and should be in every vegan muscle building diet. It also contains a good amount of healthy fat, which will make your body store less fat because it is continually being provided from the outside.

-Muscle Food #5 - Tempeh: 

Tempeh is a great source of protein and is very rich in fibers. Fibers are essential for a well-functioning digestive system as well as other benefits.

Living in America

I've been privileged during my life, to travel and see a lot of the world. During a series of articles I will share my experiences with you - both good and bad. The first I am going to share is my relationship with America.

I love America, I love Americans - one of my best friends is American and I have been over there on 7 or 8 occasions. I love the American way of life,their attitudes, their hospitable nature, and I love their petrol prices - £1.20 a gallon last time I was there!!! On top of their lifestyle, they have some spectacular scenery and some awesome theme parks - not to mention maple syrup and peanut butter and jello!! Plain and simple I want to be American, and one day I would love to live there.

My first experience of flying was in 1983 when my parents took me to Malta. It was sunny, warm, a little disconcerting but VERY exciting. I found although I did not know where I was,I was capable of easily orienting myself and therefore became very comfortable very quickly. Malta, I found a little boring, but it gave me a need to travel. A longing that 15 years later I would have the financial security to fulfil (although a few years ago I had to put my travelling shoes away and my suitcase in the loft - a whole new article:)).

The first place I flew to in America was Texas. This was in August 1999. The reason for going was...erm...complicated - a whole other article again! I landed at around 2pm after 7 or 8 hours, but I love flying, so it really wasn't a problem. My first adventure in America, but I'd already decided it wouldn't be my last. I flew into Dallas, but needed to be in Paris - a 2 hour taxi ride away. By the time I had cleared customs - nowhere near as scary or intimidating an experience as it first seems - I got into the taxi outside the airport at about 4pm. The taxi driver was Mexican, and spoke very little English, but he was a nice guy and gave me the best price for a ride. The ride was long, but comfortable - long straight highways cutting through field upon field of high corn, in the sun of a hot arid Texas summer afternoon. Everybody I met in the short time I was there was polite, friendly, accommodating - not my first experience of the American people, but re affirming my already high regard for them. When I got back to the airport, I really didn't want to leave - I had fallen in love with the place - I wanted to continue journeying through this wonderful country. And, whilst waiting for my flight home, I was looking at a drinks machine, but had no US coinage left, and a stranger just walked up to me and bought me the drink I so desperately wanted! Does that happen in the UK? Nope!

My second foray, was into upstate New York - the state not the city. This was to be a totally different experience. My reason for going was to attend the wedding of my best friends. I flew into JFK airport and was driven to my destination by my friends. The wedding was in a beautiful town, in the middle of the Catskill Mountains. Oh my God, I had never seen such scenery! I visited in the middle of Fall (Autumn) and all of the trees in the mountains were different shades of browns, reds, yellows, oranges - I had been told that the town got very busy with people visiting to see the changes. My guest house was a beautiful old wooden structure at the top of a hill just outside town, and painted in sky blue. The eating space, was a conservatory built on the side, overlooking the mountains - my comfortable traditional room was above and gave me beautiful panoramic views every time I looked out of the window. Beauty does not even begin to describe what I saw. The couple that ran the house were so friendly it was unbelievable, and could not do enough to make me feel at home. Everybody else that I met over those few days, just blew me away - obviously all friends and family of the couple, but I felt like I belonged. The American people are so hospitable and warm that you really never want to leave the country. It was on that visit that I decided, one day I would live in America. I would certainly recommend upstate New York as a holiday destination - Sleepy Hollow, Syracuse, Buffalo, Lake Ontario and if you really feel like driving and experiencing something special - Niagra Falls!

My visit to New York, allowed me to experience shopping in American malls (briefly) - the bargains are unbelievable. It also allowed me to properly experience American delicacies - Oreo cookies, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, the great American breakfast (so much nicer than an English one), Wendy's burgers, Krispy Kreme donuts the list is endless. Nothing, however, would prepare me for Florida!!!! I went to Florida on holiday, and then I bought a condo over there, and I kept going back!!! All gone now (yet another article) but none the less a hell of an experience.

Florida has everything - beautiful hot weather, excitement (theme parks, Daytona Raceway, Space Shuttle, alligators, manatees, dolphins), outlets galore, shopping like you've never known, buffet eateries (all you can eat pizza places at £2.50 a head, and all you can eat steak restaurants at £5 a head), beaches (beautiful golden clean sands, warm clear seas) and the beaches are all pretty private as there are no "proms" like in the UK, just a cul-de-sac with a beach at the end!!! Beautiful and solitary! In Florida, there are obviously a lot of tourists, but the locals are all so fabulous. The epitamy of niceness - I have never met an American yet, who made me think twice about my impression of the people. I love them all! Florida is the only place in the USA that I have driven in, and I love driving there too - it really isn't a big deal that their cars are large and that they drive on the "wrong" side of the road, you soon get used to it. And the fuel is so cheap, that it doesn't matter how many miles your car does to the gallon!!

Making Your Own Easy Dog Treat Recipes

Sure, you can find many dog treat recipes, in books and online, but making your own doggie snacks allows you to get creative, it also allows you to add or delete ingredients to suit your dogs taste, or special diet requirements.

Some dogs "not mine" are actually very finicky when it comes to eating. My mom's dog Barron is very picky when it comes to what he will and will not eat. This is great for me, as Mary gets all of the treats that her dog won't touch. She spends large amounts of time, effort, and money finding Barron just the right snacks and when she has found the perfect one, he gets bored of it and turns up his nose. I don't actually believe in giving a dog that much power, but Barron is her baby and I think pleasing him makes her happy, so live and let live.

Guess what, dog snack recipes are pretty simple, anyone can take a basic treat recipe and change it to suit their dogs taste. Take your basic peanut butter dog biscuit recipe then add cheese. You may be saying peanut butter and cheese (yuk) but the truth is dogs actually seem love some combinations you would never think of eating yourself.

How about making dog biscuits to solve a problem. Lets say, even though your dog has good dental hygiene. He or she is normal, happy and healthy, but always seems to have foul breath; try adding a little mint or parsley to your dog biscuits. Fenugreek seeds have been proven to reduce bad breath, try adding a few of these seeds to your dog treats or food.

Choose the Best Ice Cream Flavors for Losing Fat

Whether it's chocolate, peanut butter, mint or strawberry, you simply love the taste of ice cream. Sometimes it's a cone of some thick selection, while other times you consume a large glass full of soft ice cream without a moment's hesitation. Either way, you are consuming more calories than if you ate a Quarter Pounder. Unfortunately, your undeniable love for the cold treat in bright packaging does nothing for your efforts in losing fat. Wouldn't life be marvelous if you could eat all of the ice cream you wanted and still manage to lose weight? Fortunately, consumers can now choose from a variety of diet ice cream flavors with reduced fat.

To begin, you have to learn what makes certain flavors more fattening than others. While you will be out of luck in restaurants and most parlors, you can always check nutrition labels on the cartons in a grocery store. Just carry the knowledge with you the next time you are ordering dessert in a restaurant. When shopping for the best options to slim down, nutritional experts teach people to make sure their choice is no more than 120 calories. It should also have 4 grams of fat, if not less. Most sorbets, sherbets and low-fat ice cream choices contain 3 grams or less. Meanwhile, your flavor should not contain more than 15 grams of sugar, or 10 milligrams of cholesterol.

The key to enjoying any potentially fattening treat is to watch your portion sizes. Take small servings. Do not put more than a quarter of a pint, or the size of a tennis ball, of any kind of ice cream in your dish. The more you serve yourself, the more calories you will consume and the fatter your belly will grow. Always scoop your cold treat into a bowl, rather than grabbing it directly from its container. Put back the tablespoon, and scoop up your delicious snack with a teaspoon in order to avoid overeating. Meanwhile, enjoy everything just as it is, free from any whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and candy toppings. Otherwise, top off your treat with protein-filled nuts, as well as nutritious fresh fruit. If you insist on adding chocolate to your dish, use a vegetable peeler to shave a minimal amount over your treat.

Many diet flavored ice creams on the market are made with artificial sweeteners. They are less fattening than ordinary sweeteners, but they can have bad effects on your body. Consuming too much of an artificial sweetener can cause chaos in your stomach. At the same time, eating nondairy selections may contain less saturated fat than ice creams made from milk. However, they can be more fattening due to oils added in order to give the products a smoother texture. All ice creams give your body a fair amount of calcium, but you're better off getting your calcium from milk. Regardless, it still tastes better to protect your bones with fat and calories from ice cream.

Strong On Our Own

The world is made for couples. Double-occupancy hotel rooms, restaurant tables set up for an even number of patrons, even invitations to single people politely add on, "and guest." We grow up in this paradigm that makes lifetime couple ship the goal, complete with the assumptive future that carries us into our old age and "death do us part."

When circumstances change beyond our control, the expectation of partnership puts negative labels on us like "widowed" or "divorced" if we fall off the standard. If you choose to go through life alone, there's an unspoken social stigma attached to people who opt to go solo. Just a generation ago, women were labeled "spinsters" or "old maids" if they never married. Men who are single for long periods of time conjure the belief that "there's a reason he's been single for so long."

In the grief recovery work we're doing, the most difficult concept we're trying to get across is getting people to see themselves as happy, whole, complete and thriving on their own. People can understand logical concepts like things will get better over time and grieving is a natural part of love but seeing themselves as strong and capable on their own is like seeing themselves as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without the jelly.

Since high school, I've never had an extended period of time without a wife or a girlfriend or at least a "person of interest" until now. I've always considered myself to be at my best in a partnership (and I still do) and felt less than complete without an active partner in my life. But when I made the decision to work in grief recovery as a profession, I began to see that the fundamental blockade in bringing people back to life after the catastrophic loss of their partner is trying to overcome a lifetime of conditioning that we need to be in coupleship to feel complete and viable.

That realization got me looking inward to re-examine how much of my life was truly a reflection of my own thinking and beliefs and how much of it was largely affected by my partner at the time. It was a stark awakening to find that I really didn't know because I've never had to perceive life through just my own eyes since I was in high school. It's been a year since my last serious relationship and a wonderful time for self-discovery because I don't have to worry about being judged, ridiculed, opposed or laughed at (of course I don't get to experience the love, support and encouragement that comes from a great partner). Life is very different when you don't have to "consider" anyone's opinion about anything you think or do.

I found out that I like listening to live classical music. I like to dance so my preferred mode of exercise is Zumba. I don't enjoy golf as much as I enjoy the camaraderie of brothers so I stopped keeping score. Though I enjoy social situations, I get a lot more these days from just sitting quietly alone and letting my mind focus on what I'm thankful for. Most of the relationships I've had put a lot of focus on food and sex, but now the "Big O" is more about being organic than having a mind-blowing orgasm. Left to my own devices, I found out that I'm more of nerd than I thought and I can actually function on very little. It's taken awhile, but I'm coming to a point where I'm OK with who I am and where I've landed in life.

I don't think we were put on this world to be alone, but I think we can function just fine if we see ourselves as complete on our own and start looking at our partnerships as something we want but not something we need. The reality of every relationship is that it will end, someone will leave or someone will die, there's no getting around that. Love and grief are actually a package deal. It's a fact of life that the person that brings you the greatest joy, is the same person that will bring you the greatest sadness. It happens this way because we believe a relationship is what we need to be complete as a person.

Chances are very good (especially if you're a woman) that you will end your life without a partner. Women seem to do much better at it than men (the average age of an American widow today is 56 and two-thirds of all women are widowed by age 75) because they tend to have closer relationships with their children, friends and family. Most men don't function as well on their own and need the companionship of a woman to feel safe and secure emotionally.