about

I'm a mother of 2 boys who are 13 months apart. Talk about a handful. I'm a wife to the best husband I could have ever dreamed of.
I'm one of the very blessed.


I have Bipolar 1 Disorder. I hate taking all these medications and always going to doctors appointments, but life is too short to let mental illness get the better of me.


Often times life is a challenge, and nobody knows that better than me. I wake up wondering if this is going to be a day my illness overpowers my meds, and either sends me flying like a bat out of hell, or leaves me laying on the couch like a wet dish rag.


Thank all that is good in the world that I have an excellent support system at home.
I'm one of the lucky ones.


I'm honest, and that can either be a perk or s flaw. Depends on how you choose to look at it.
I like to see it as a perk, because it's better to hear the truth than to be told candy coated bullshit.






advice

Is it true that wearing sports bras most of the time makes your boobs saggy after awhile? Because I wear sports bras whenever I can because I think they're more comfortable. Thanks for answering!

No. Age is what does that. Naturally, they will start to sag through time because of the laws of gravity, but no bra, including sports bras, will make them sag.
If you find them more comfortable, then wear them! No worries, ok? :)

ygs-29/f

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What makes you happy the most?

My son and my husband. Nothing makes me happier in this world. :)

ygs-29/f

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My new best friend is a paraplegic. We have
become really close but he never talks about
it.

I do know he had some kind of diving accident
but that is all. We get along great and talk
about everything but this one thing.

Would it be really rude of me to just ask about
it? I'm asking because he is my friend and I
want to know all about him just like he knows
about me.

I don't want it to seem like I am being nosy
or anything because I really am not. Its just
I'm always wondering things about it and it is
distracting that I do.

How would you approach the subject?

Thank you for your time.

Ok, so the guy is your best friend. Why should you feel as if you are being rude or nosey by being open and honest about everything when that is a big part of what makes a friendship?

If you are wondering things, or are just curious, say something. Ask him about it.
How do you approach it? Basically like you did here- Tell him you share so many things with one another, yet you don't talk about how he became paralyzed, and you are curious to know about what happened.

You will likely find the bond of your friendship strengthen as you discover what happened, the struggles he has faced, and the struggles he still faces, and as he discovers that you are a good enough friend to care about his struggles, and to try to understand what he has, and is, going through.

I'm sure he has been asked about it by perfect strangers, so you should have no worries about offending him by asking him as his best friend.

If he tells you he'd rather not talk about it, then just say "Ok, but I'm open to listen if you ever want to talk" and leave it at that until he is ready to discuss it.

ygs-29/f

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I recently bought a large potted plant.
The problem is with my cat. He now feels
that this plant is a good place to go potty.

He is an indoor cat and he has a litter box he
has used for years. Since I got the plant though,
he would much rather use it!

He is slinging dirt all over the place and
I am sure his digging in there isn't helping
my new plant.

Any suggestions on how to get him back
into the litter box without having to
get rid of my plant?

They make a spray. It is called Hartz Stay Off Training Aid. There is a link below to show you what it looks like.

What you want to do is spray it in the area around your plants (NOT in or on your plants!) to keep kitty away. Repeat the process every 24 hours until he stays away from your plants.

The dirt in the litter box trick works to a degree, but your cat will still be interested in your potting soil, since it is ok for him to use dirt in his box. But don't rule it out, because it can be effective. It just depends on the cat, really.

Aluminum foil does work at keeping cats out of places they don't belong, such as baby cribs before baby comes home, but I, personally, don't trust it in my house plants. Aluminum foil contains nasty chemicals that can seep into your plant's soil, considering the soil is damp.

Spraying him with water can be effective, but the downfall is, if he decides he still wants to use your plant to potty, he will continue to do so when you aren't looking, but he'll run like mad when he sees you with the squirt bottle.

The spray I told you about is what I found to be effective with my cat. He, too, was fond of our houseplants. The spray won't hurt him, and it has a strange smell. The smell is what keeps them away. It only took a few days to train him to stay out of the area where we keep the plants.

Which ever method you choose, remember: Consistency is VERY important with training your pet!

http://www.amazon.com/Hartz-Stay-Off-Training-Aid/dp/B0006M31AS

ygs-29/f

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Do meals made in slow cookers use a lot of electricity when they cook for 8-10 hours?

"Slow Cookers: Small appliances often use energy far more efficiently than full size ovens or cooktops. A slow cooker (or crockpot) running for 10 hours burns less than a dime's worth of electricity, or at California prices, maybe a quarter."

Taken from Kate's Global Kitchen, link below.

http://www.globalgourmet.com/food/kgk/2001/0501/kgk050501.html

ygs-29/f

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I am looking for house cleaning solutions that are made from household items. And all natural, can you help me?

I'm not sure exactly what you are seeking because you didn't go into much detail about it, but I will try. :)

You can dilute vinegar in water to use as a glass cleaner. Same goes for ammonia (P.U. but it works...) and rubbing alcohol.

Also, rubbing alcohol is a GREAT disinfectant. You can wipe down your kitchen counters with it to kill germs from raw meats and the like.
But if you plan to place food items directly on your counter tops, be sure to wash again with soap and water. Even though the alcohol will evaporate, you don't want to risk your food acquiring that taste..

You can use it in your bathroom, too. It works well to prevent leaving water spots on your bathroom sink, tub, and faucets after cleaning.

Coca-Cola is not all natural, but dumping a can down your kitchen sink once a week will help prevent drain build-up which leads to clogs.

Also, when flat, add a can to your white laundry to help keep your whites staying bright. Bleach is good, but it damages and yellows the white material over time, or if over used.

Grinding a lemon, lime, or orange in your garbage disposal will not only make your sink smell good, but your whole kitchen will fill with the smell. Much nicer than air fresheners.

Baking soda makes an excellent abrasive cleaner. It isn't a harsh abrasive, either, yet works as well. Use it in your sinks, counter tops, in those crusty pans in need of scouring.

It also works great on absorbing foul odors on things like wooden cutting boards, which absorb odors such as onion.

A mix of a little water with salt and ice swirled about in your coffee pot will clean the brown coffee scum that builds up without scratching the glass. Water and rice work just as well.
This also comes in handy for baby bottles in need of scrubbing.

That's about all I can think of offhand. I hope this is what you were looking for.

ygs-29/f

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I always ache the day after jogging.
What am I doing wrong? I am new at
this by the way.

You are doing nothing wrong by doing something that is good for you! :)

The age old saying is "No Pain, No Gain." It hurts to build muscle and get your body into shape. We suffer a little bit now in order to feel great physically later.

Something you could try before you go to bed after your day spent jogging, is to soak in a nice warm Epsom Salt bath. It really does make those over-taxed muscles feel better.

If you don't have a bath tub, maybe fill your sink or a large dish with warm water and Epsom Salt, soak a towel, then wrap your legs (or the muscles that pain you) and let it set a while. The downfall to that is the wet towel will cool quickly.

Like said by those before me- it helps to do a few stretching excersises beforehand. Also, since you are new to jogging, it may help to warm up after a good stretching by walking a little ways.

Someone who would be of great help to you is Evolution. He is a Certified Fitness Trainer. If you don't hear from him, try posting a question in his inbox to get good tips on stretching and jogging, as well as questions regarding the pain involved after the fact. The link to his column is below:

http://www.advicenators.com/column.php?u=Evolution

ygs-29/f

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i dont really pay attention to ratings because i just started but i gave someone a detailed answer and he gave me a 3. its not so much his rating its his comment:
Thank you for your answer. I would give you a 4 but you didn't capitalize. Otherwise it was a good answer.
what does capitalizing have to do with anything?

Proper spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc are how you present yourself.

If you type as you would for, say, a thesis, you present yourself as someone who really cares about this site and it's appearance.

If you type how you would while, say, text messaging, for example, you come off as being someone who only half-assed cares, because you give half-assed answers. Detailed or not.

Personally? If I would have asked a question and got an answer such as you are refering to, I would have rated down as well.

Why you ask? Because why on God's green Earth should I take someone's advice seriously when they obviously don't take my question seriously enough to only give me a half-assed answer?

Proper spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, etc (or lack of) show intelligence, weather you like that fact or not.

So, now, how do you REALLY want to present yourself to others? If you want to be taken seriously, you need to present yourself accordingly.

ygs-29/f

By the way, younggrandma cares A LOT about this site! She has been here quite a spell, and dedicates a lot of time and effort into doing her part to make this a great place.

She is NOT trying to be funny, or piss people off. She is trying to TEACH you something. You should listen to her, rather than wasting energy criticizing her.



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FYI: I am a 20 year-old recent college grad. Both men I am referring to in this question are only slightly older than me and finishing their degrees.

"Joe" and I began dating 2 1/2 years ago. Our relationship was generally good when last summer (1 1/2 years in)he decided that he didn't want a serious girlfriend. Nothing mean or ugly, he was just being honest. I tried all summer to change his mind but finally gave. (We remained close friends.)

After dating around for a little while, I began seeing "Michael". Our relationship was somewhat rocky because we had both come out of relationships and he had been hurt many times before. During this time, Joe began to develop interest in having a relationship. I thought it over and eventually decided to try things again with Joe. (I stayed in close contact with Michael.)

Joe and I have a really easygoing relationship, but he refuses to discuss a more serious commitment. When we discuss it, he says he doesn't see us going in that direction at this point but is always careful to avoid losing me entirely. In the past few months, Michael has attempted to see other people to no avail. He is convinced that I am the only one for him. We have been getting along beatuifully, and Michael has done everything he to prove to me that we belong together. (Both are fully aware of each other and the current status.)

Michael wants me to leave Joe and become engaged to him. (He's even looking at rings.) I am seriously considering this. I love both men very much (in somewhat different ways) and could she myself happily married to either (in 2-5 years). The difference here is that Michael is willing to commit and Joe is not. Both have treated me very well; although Michael is romantic (flowers) while Joe is considerate (fixs my car). Is there any point in continuing to wait for Joe or should I leave him and accept the proposal from Micheal?

Michael says you are the one for him. Who do YOU feel is "The One" for YOU? If you feel it is Michael, then stop torturing yourself and go to him.

Joe may be a commitment-phobe, but he also may just not be ready for such commitment. If you feel Joe is "The One", then are you willing to wait on him to make that commitment and risk the possibility of him not wanting to?

You are wanting to wait a few years on marriage, so you still have time to decide who is best for you, but if you truly feel Joe doesn't want to make the commitment, and he avoids even talking about it at all costs, then there is no sense wasting your time in a dead-end relationship.

ygs-29/f

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I was in an abusive relationship for almost
2 years. I won't go into details, I will say
it was physical abuse.

I was smart enough to finally say enough is enough
and get out. I do not intend to ever get back into
a relationship like that. So I don't need that kind of advice.

The problem is, it has been almost a year since
this happened. To say I am scared to get involved
in another relationship would be putting it mildly.

I am on my own, I have a decent job and many friends. But there is nobody "special" in my
life.

I cannot afford the expense of therapy, so even
though that would be a good suggestion, I just
can't afford it.

Is there anyone out there who has gone through something similar and would be willing to advise me on how to start dating and trusting men again?

I know they are not all like my ex, but how do I
begin again?


It took me over 4 years before I felt comfortable enough to start dating again. I won't go into details either, but I will tell you it was hard to pick up the pieces and move on with my life. It is no easy task. I will not tell you a lie and say it is. BUT. I did if I could do it, you can too.
I can't tell you how you can start trusting men again, we are all different in how we do things like that.
I can tell you from my own experience that I was VERY EXTREMELY ANGRY. For a long time. I was angry at him for treating me as he did, and I was angry with myself for staying around for as long as I did.
In the long run, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. (Don't just assume you have that- you have to see a doctor to know if that is truly your problem.) Like you, I couldn't afford therapy, so I didn't go.
I just ended up facing my past, dealing with it on my own (which is no easy task), and then LEARNING from it.
You have to just say to yourself "I allowed this man to control every aspect of my life while he was casting his shadow over me, I REFUSE to allow him to continue to control my life now that he is out of it." Yah, you think you stand up for yourself by leaving, but you REALLY stand up for yourself when you truly believe that when you say it.
When you are ready to let it go and not compare the other GOOD men who WILL come into your life, to him, you can then leave him dead and buried in your past, which is exactly where he belongs.

He is a ghost in your past. You just have to have patience with yourself to get past it and no longer allow him to haunt you.

How do you begin again? You have to find your place in this world first. You have to find yourself again.

I wish you all the best. :)

ygs-29/f

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I work in a convenience store and have to deal with some very difficult customers. It has almost become a daily occurrence.

I do my best to be helpful but some people are really rude. This is stressful, especially if we
are busy.

Do you think that people are just becoming more and more rude or could I be doing something better in dealing with my more difficult customers?

Ok, so I have worked in convenience stores off and on through my working past.
I understand where you are coming from about rude customers. Been there, done that.
Listen, something my mother taught me about working at a job, is that even if you make $5 per hour, you do your job as if you are making $100 per hour.
Not only does that include your shift duties, but how you deal with customers. Keep that in mind, because it truly does give your job a brighter atmosphere.

It helps a lot if you always greet them with a smile, and ask them "How you doin' today?". When they leave, you tell them "Have a good one, now!"

Call them by name, if you know it. Someone your own age group, you call them by first name, someone older you call Mr. or Ms.

If you don't know their names, Sir, or Ma'am. (Well, the "Ma'am" can be shakey ground, unless they are old enough to not be offended by being addressed as such. Women folk don't like to be reminded that we are old enough to be addressed as "Ma'am"! Safe age would be, say, 50's. "Sir" no matter what the age.)

You never want to put them off for some other duty, unless it is something that is impossible to put off, or unless you are dealing with a customer who was there first.

NEVER make them feel as if they are a burden to you. I know I would be rude to you if you came off that way to me!

They are likely being rude because they think you don't care about them, and they think they are just another face in the crowd.
Show them that you think they are somebody- they aren't just another face, and you DO care about them coming into your store. They would appreciate you so much more, and they would very likely warm up to you and seem less rude.

NEVER be rude to them. Even if they just want to act like a grump every time they come in. You have to remember that you are paid to do a service to the general public, and the general public is who pays your paycheck.

HOWEVER. If a person is just so amazingly rude that you wish for them to leave (yah, there are people like that out there...) you DO have the right to refuse service. There should be a sign posted that is visible to customers that says just that. But POLITELY ask them to leave the store. Don't get rude or nasty with them.

If they refuse, report it to the manager, and if they aren't there, call the police to remove them from the premises. (It seldom will ever come to such drastic measures.)

Put yourself in their shoes, and think of how you would want to be treated and talked to, ok?

I hope if you try this, it makes your job easier and more fulfilling. :)

ygs-29/f

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Is there really such thing where you can put a trackor on someones car and see where they went. I want to buy one but i dont know where? thanks.

The tracking devices are meant to be put on your car so the police can find it, in the event it is stolen.
Or for a parent to keep track of their children who are inexperienced drivers to keep track of where they are going and if they were speeding.
I hope one of the above reasons is your purpose in seeking such a device.

I see you post as a 16 year old. Are you aware they cost hundreds of dollars, plus installation, plus activation fee, plus monthly payments?

Below is a link to a place that sells them.

But beware: If you go and put it on, say a boyfriend's car without his prior knowledge and consent, for example, that is an invasion of privacy, and it is stalking, which is a crime.

Just the facts, Ma'am.

http://www.streeteagle-gps.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=30


ygs-29/f

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hi friends, well i am very much confused about certain things and that is....though i like girls and do enjoy their company, yet at the same time i also happen to get attracted to boys and men i.e. of my gender. i believe i am a bisexual! but sometimes i do feel like i am a lady and i do fanatsize me being that. this really does embarass me. i don't know what to do. I am CONFUSED!??. kINDLY advice.

If you are bisexual, then so be it.
You are embarrassed? STOP THAT. Don't EVER be embarrassed of who you are. There is nothing wrong with you, or your sexual preferences, ok? That's just a part of what makes you your own unique individual.

ygs-29/f

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Ok, you see I just hooked up with my ex-bf that I havent seen since I was 8. BUT, before we went out, this other guy asked me out at the pool, i said yes. But I know I'll probally never see him ever again. But I want to know if Im cheating because Ive never cheated in my life. If I am what should I do? SHould I break up with my bf I havent seen since I was 8, or forget about it because I know I'll never see the guy who asked me out ever again.

If you aren't going to see the guy who asked you out ever again, then I don't see how it would be cheating to get back with your ex.
Realistically, you aren't going out with that other guy. You have to be able to see each other and such to be an item. Right?

ygs-29/f

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I was babysitting this ten year old... he was bein a brat and wouldnt go to sleep... my girlfriend was there and we couldnt have any time alone... so we had coke n we did it cause we were gonna have to stay up to watch him... he said he wanted to try so we let him... he started running around and actin like an indian... we got a pipe and some pot and smoked... he wanted to try but when he did he coughed n said he didnt want to do it... i told him if he didnt he would die... so we smoked 3 bowls with him and he got sleepy and went to bed... I feel bad that i gave this kid drugs... His parents never found out... what should i do???

You know, I have to say it-

It could KILL a 10 year old CHILD to give them cocaine. That is HOMICIDE, buddy.

It would be considered intentional homicide, as well, considering you damn well KNOW it can kill an ADULT, and you gave it to a CHILD.

If someone gave my 10 year old CHILD cocaine? Woo, buddy.

I'd have the police knock down their door the minute my child told me about it. I would see to it that they were tried and convicted of attempted homicide. They'd be spending their youth behind the bars of a women's prison, not juvie.

And you FORCED him to smoke pot.

What an asshole you are.

I sure hope you are kidding, and even if you are kidding, you are still a seriously warped individual to even consider making such a sick joke.

ygs-29/f

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okay my first question...
Why are the moderators on this webite so rude?
and
My next question...
How was more helpfully to the world?
Princess Diana or Mother Thersea (sp?)?
Also which ones death was more tragic???
Thanks

Cody*

Hey! Thanks a lot for globalizing us all and saying I'm rude! You are sweet as a sugar pie...

ygs-29/f

**EDIT**
Hey! Thanks for the 1 and the comment "Ur welcome"!
It's so nice to be told your rude, AND appreciated for it! ;)

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Yesterday I went to a funeral for a friend that recentley died (june 16, 07) Its so unreal, I cannot believe that it had happened.
Our whole school was basicly at his funeral, or thinking of him and his family.
It was so unexpected and random, why him?
I'm having sucha hard time grasping the fact that he's gone, and I could cry and cry,
I wasnt even that CLOSE to him, like some others, and I seem to be showing so much more emotions about it.
What do I do? Have any of you ever lost any friends?
he was only 16.

A friend of mine was killed in an auto accident 3 years ago. He had just turned 22. I thought the same as you- Why him? He was such a wonderful guy! He was a wonderful friend, to me and everyone. It was a big tragedy. He was well liked by our entire community, and he is dearly missed.

The best thing you can do is to go ahead and grieve, and soon the hurting will stop and the good memories will begin.

Just because you weren't close to him doesn't mean you shouldn't be effected by the loss. He was still your friend and someone you cared about.
Also, everyone shows their grief differently, so don't feel bad about how you show yours.

ygs-29/f

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So hi! I am having a sleepover with my best friend when she gets back from vacation and I need some really good ideas to take her mind off of things. I've got a pool so we can swim and of course we'll watch movies, but, thats all I can think of. She has been through alot with some other friends and she complains that her summer sucks. I wish I could take her on a trip with my family but we can't afford it. So, anyone have any ideas of things we could do together to maybe cheer her up a bit?

I don't know if it means anything but we're both 16/F and she has her license already. But don't be so quick to suggest we drive somewhere because my mom may not be up for that. But feel free to list anything you think of, even if it involves driving.

Thanks Alot!

Maybe you could have other friends come over and get into some kind of pool game? Like water volleyball or something? (Of course not with the friends she's having problems with...) And then you can have the rest of the night to just yourselves, watching movies, doing your hair, and what not.

Below is a link to a page of swimming pool games. I think they were written there for things to do with younger kids, but I thought some of them looked like they would be fun for all ages.

Maybe you will see something that would be fun to do with some friends. (The 'Get Dressed' game sounds like it would probably be hilarious! I think I would want to have a turn as the judge, camera in hand... LOL)

http://www.thesource4ym.com/games/swim.asp

ygs-29/f

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is masturbating a sin (im christian) if yes, why?

From the religious stand point it is. Because like it has been said before me, it is a sin to do lustful things before marriage.
Will you go to Hell if you masturbate? I very highly doubt that, in a world full of murderers, pedophiles, and rapists.
From the Christian belief, I cannot judge, but I would be willing to guess that one would be forgiven the sin of self love...
Personally, I just don't see how it could be realistically considered a sin. And I'm a Christian.

ygs-29/f

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Be honest. Okay, so when I meet a guy that i've been talking to for a while, i like him, but then when i see what he looks like i start seeing things that starts making me not like him, and more and more driven away. I'm not to hip on this, but I think that it could really help me if someone gave me some really good advice. Becuase i have a date with him soon, and i'm afraid how thats gonna turn out if i already picked the stuff i don't like about him out.

Yah, I think physical attraction is important to a degree, but for some messed up reason, the people of this world think it is among the most important things in a relationship.

Think of it this way- You marry some hot guy, but through the physical laws of time and aging, he isn't so hot in 10 years. Would that make a difference to you? Could you love a guy unconditionally? If his looks would make a difference, then I would say, yes that's shallow.

I think that emotional attraction is far more rewarding in this life than physical attraction.

I just don't get it. If he's a good guy, why nit-pick his looks to make him out to be a bad one?

ygs-29/f

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