As a person who is short and played basketball, I have first-hand experience in this area.

With the possible exception of gymnastics and a few other sports, being short is usually looked at as a liability. However, short athletes everywhere have bucked this trend again and again.

In terms of basketball, athletes like Spud Webb and Muggsy Bogues had long NBA careers. And more relevant to you, Shannon Bobbitt at 5' 2" tall, played in the WNBA as did Debbie Black at 5' 2.5" and Temeka Johnson - 5' 3".

At you're age, it is still quite possible that you will grow a little more. However, if you don't all that means is you might have to work a little harder to achieve your goals but it can be done. the people listed above are living proof.

The bottom line is, if you love basketball, then make your best effort to play. After all, the most important thing is that you enjoy it.

It was quite a while ago that I was your age but I have a pretty good memory for the experiences in my life. And now, as an older, and hopefully wiser person, I hope some of my insight might be helpful.

First off, as cliche as it is, you really should just be yourself. Some people will like you for you, others won't like you know matter what. Don't concern yourself with them.

The friends you make may last for years to come, the people who aren't so friendly only need be in your life for a couple of years, tops. So, don't invest too much time and effort in the "haters" if you will.

Good luck and try to enjoy the experience. After all, you only get to have your youth once.

Yes, the behaviors you describe are classic examples of procrastination.

That being said, lots of people are procrastinators and get along fine in their day to day lives. Some even claim that they function well under the pressure of a looming deadline of sorts. While I'm not sure I'd agree with that, I can't say for sure because I myself am not the procrastinating type. There could be something to it.

The key is, so long as your procrastinating isn't either a.) keeping you from getting things done or b.) having a negative impact on other people, then it's really basically OK.

If either of those become a problem, or you just feel compelled to get out of this habit, I suggest you start off by creating a chart or spreadsheet and make yourself an organizational routine that you force yourself to stick to. Set up designated times for recreation and designated times for schoolwork and whatever else.

Hope that stuff helps.

One word - absolutely. Sure, we generally in modern society think of young children as the ones to make gifts. But, there is no reason your age should matter at all.

I've known adults who have made gifts for all sorts of occasions. Heck, I've even done it myself.

The fact is, it's nice to buy someone something, but it's significantly more thoughtful, and of course more personal, to create something for them. And the recipient of the gift might just be touched in recognizing that fact.

Go for it!

This is a complex question that can be given a complex answer. But, the short and sweet version is no, there is nothing wrong with it.

Sometimes we question whether something is weird or not just because some elements of society might have tried to tell us that it is.

For example, years ago it would have been considered weird for people of two different races to hang out or be a couple, that's certainly not the case in most of the civilized world today.

Perhaps you are discovering that you might be a homosexual. If this is the case, there's nothing weird about that either. It's just biology and who you are. If this is not the case and you are sexually interested in girls but just more intimate with guys, the same is true, still not weird.

In fact, I'm not even sure I like the world weird. It is based on something we cannot measure and is highly subjective. For example, some people might think girls with tattoos and blue hair look weird. But on the other hand, some find it interesting, fun and unique.

In the end, you are the only one who has to be comfortable with who you are. And being ok with yourself is anything but weird.

First off all, I am sorry for the difficulties you have faced in your life. Nobody should have to go through the horrors of sexual abuse.

It is clear that it has taken it's toll on you. You seem to be very down about yourself. That's pretty common for people having being through the type of things you've had to endure. But, no matter what you may think, you are not stupid. None of this is your fault. And you may feel scared but I can assure you that reaching out to people, even on a website like this one, is an amazing act of courage.

The process of healing is one that takes time and steps and by reaching out, you've taken a big one. Perhaps next you can reach out to a close friend, then possibly a school counselor and finally a mental health professional.

But of course to end his terror, you'll have to go to local law enforcement.

Please realize that it is OK to cry. It is unhealthy to bottle up emotions and in going so you are letting them out. The more your release them, the more free you will be and the better you will feel, at least in my humble opinion.

As far as the cutting goes, I would suggest you really try to look at another way to take out your frustrations. Perhaps taking karate lessons or getting involved in a contact sport might help from a physical standpoint. Doing something creative can also be helpful.

Last but not least, I can assure you that your life is more valuable than you realize. And I urge you not to consider suicide. Not only will you lose the chance to live a full and healthy life but you will also let the sicko who did this have the ultimate control over you. A real father doesn't do these things.

Be strong, you can get through this.

As tough as it can be, the foundation of any good relationship is honesty. And by honesty, I do mean full disclosure of not leaving out potentially important things.

For example, on a much more intense level, my brother's first wife was a woman who had been molested as a child. He never knew that and it impacted their relationship and very likely had ended up being the cause for their divorce.

I suggest that you ask him if he wants to know the whole story. If he says he doesn't, then fine. If he does, go ahead and tell him.

We all have skeletons in our closets of some sort. If he really cares about you, the past won't matter. If it is a problem for him, as hard as it may be to accept, he's probably not the guy that is meant for you anyway.

You hit the nail on the head in your question by saying "personal message." Considering it is personal, it should be something either more specific rather than general or just plain heartfelt. But ultimately, so long as it's done with sincerity, there is really no right or wrong thing here.

I would suggest something cutesy like a "welcome to the world little one," type letter telling him or her about the wonderful things in life and childhood including first steps, first words, learning to right a bike, starting school etc.

Good luck.

I'm so happy for you that you have such a special friend with such a great relationship that you care so deeply and want to do something so thoughtful and personal for her.

It's fine if you're not good with words. And the idea of doing the cover of a song is very creative and sweet.

Honestly, I think you might be so concerned about making it special that you could be over thinking things a little bit. Like whether or not it will seem like your making it all about yourself or that the song is cliche.

Being that you are as close as you are, I am sure she will understand that you are doing this because you care about her and that's all that really matters.

All in all, I think this is a good idea and I say go for it.

First of all, congratulations on earning your bachelor's degree. I'm sure your parents as well as other relatives and friends are proud of your for achieving this important accomplishment and reaching a life milestone.

I would venture to guess that your parents are trying to look out for your best interests. But just because that is the probable intent doesn't mean they are right about what those best interests might be.

That being said, your career choice untimely has to be yours. After all, no one else is going to be doing the job you will on a daily basis for possibly several decades to come.

I wouldn't rule out taking the CPA exam at a later date because who knows, maybe you will find out that it does suit you. However, for now your apprehension about it suggests that it does not.

For the time being, I would think your best option might be to focus on your interests and figure out what you want to pursue. Besides, if you just take the CPA exam to appease your parents, that will probably make it all that much harder for them to accept you not being interested in that career path when you choose not to go that route.

Good luck.

The truth of the matter is that relationships are hard. They take work. And it is natural and normal for couples to fight from time to time. That can be an indicator of you both being emotionally invested. However, if it seems like you are fighting far too often, that can be a problem.

I see that you feel like you both have changed. To some degree this might be true but it is most likely also the fact that when we first get into relationships and are in a state of infatuation, we tend to be blind to the flaws or less attractive qualities in our partners. Over time, we become more realistic about them.

A lot of people love each other but just cannot work together in a relationship. It isn't bad or doesn't mean you care any less about them.

Whether to try to work it out or cut ties is a decision only you can make. However, things like couples counseling or a temporary break may help each of you sort out your priorities and search within yourselves to find the answer that works best for you.

Good luck.

I've been using Wordpress for years and can basically tell you that it depends on what you want to be able to do with your site/blog.

If you are simply looking for a basic blog or site that will mostly just be periodic updates of either text, photos or video, it's really easy.

However, if you want to create a full site with much more functionality and things like control over the design and a custom domain, it's gets a bit more complex.

If you go with the first route, your site will have a URL something like "www.mysite.wordpress.com" and be completely free. All you have to do is create an account and start working with it from your dashboard. It's quick, easy and free but very limited.

If you want a top level domain like www.mysite.com and be able to add plugins, tons of different themes and several other things then you have to first buy a domain. Second, you have to get a host for it. This can be done through companies like Hostgator and Godaddy. The host should provide you with instructions on how to install Wordpress on your domain. Once you do that, you should be all set.

I hope that helps.

As a person who works with photography and thus also frequently shoots models, I have a bit of a different perspective that you may not have considered.

First off, you seem to be making the assumption that modeling is always a sort of useless, at least in terms of contributing to society, profession. Sure, this can be that situation in some cases but surely not all.

However, this can be the case with any profession. The teacher who is only concerned with his or her paycheck and not if the children are actually learning, or the doctor who spends five minutes with a concerned patient before he or she goes on their way are good examples.

And just because money can buy a world-class education doesn't mean that students who take advantage of that opportunity should have to be relegated to only a few specific professions that some might consider noble.

If that was the case, the world would be without poets, artists, actors, musicians, dancers and the like.

Like the jobs listed above, modeling can sometimes help contribute to society. Some such examples include the inspiring message of plus size models or ones missing a limb showing that weight or disability issues do not have to hold people back. Another is that they can literally model for a cause or to raise awareness about an important social or political issue. One more is simply that they can create beautiful art, something that can be appreciated across many cultures and languages.

I hope that might clarify things for you a bit.

Well, this is a bit of a complex situation. First off, you are 18 and thus technically an adult in most regions. That being the case, you (again technically) have the right to get tattoos, piercings, etc. just as you do to vote or buy tobacco products. However, as much as you may or may not like it, if you are living with your parents, even as someone several years older than you are, they do have the right to have ground rules for residing in their home.

Just for the record, the fact that your mother is a Christian shouldn't really factor in here. While the Bible actually has no prohibitions against tattoos and piercings (even though people mistakenly interpret that it does), sadly a lot of people have a problem with them, Christian or not.

My only suggestion is that you try to work something out with her, even if it means removing the piercings and promising you won't get any while living under her roof. She still has the final say though.

Once you are on your own, you can make these decisions for yourself.

Well, the first and most obvious one is unprotected sex with an infected person. This can be a way of transmitting any STD. However, other than that, it really depends on which STD you are referring to here.

For example, while HIV is surely the most feared of these conditions, it is also one of the most difficult ones to contract. It can only essentially be spread through a few bodily fluids like blood and semen or the female equivalent. It cannot be spread from kissing or anything that is casual contact.

On the other hand, HSV or Herpes Simplex Virus can much more easily be spread from contact with a person showing symptoms like cold sores.

Please take a look at the following link for a chart that gives a pretty good idea of how many of the major STD are spread - http://www.sfcityclinic.org/stdbasics/stdchart.asp

If this is indeed a case of writers block, don't stress out over it too much. While it can be incredibly annoying and frustrating, every writer gets it from time to time.

Think of it as a simple virus like the common cold. You can do some things to help you along the way but ultimately you just have to work though it until it is over.

Another good analogy would be that of a baseball player. From time to time, even the best batters get into slumps. How to they handle it? They just keep at it until they get back into their usual form.

I have noticed that the best thing to do for me and for many others I know and have talked to is to simply keep at it. Write anything, no matter how bad it turns out, just for the sake of writing it at all. Sooner or later, you will push through your barriers and get yourself back on the right track.

Well, I suppose it depends on your definition of cheap as well as what you intend to you the keyboard for. For example, does the keyboard have to be wireless? Do you want one designed for gaming?

I personally have a Labtec brand keyboard and mouse (both wireless) that i bought several years ago and they both still work great. I got them on a black Friday sale and they where super cheap.

If you don't mind a used one, I would check either Ebay or Craigslist but chances are you might have the inconvenience of either having to meet someone to pick it up or end up getting charged a lot for shipping. You can also find used items on Amazon which I believe would be more secure.

If you want something new, from a physical store i might suggest Walmart or something like Dollar General or Family Dollar if you have those in your area. On occasion, the grocery chain Aldi also carries some computer stuff.

If purchasing new online, I would either go to Amazon or try using Google Shopping to compare prices at different stores.

No matter what you do, I would suggest you try to find some type of review on the product you are thinking about purchasing before you buy it. Again, for this purpose, I would turn to either the reviews on Amazon or a Google search for product review.

As a published author myself, I think I might be able to help you out here.

First, you should know that there are basically three types of publishing options. One are traditional publishers like say Penguin, Doubleday or HaperCollins for example. A second is self-publishing. Last but not least, you can use a print on demand publisher.

Chances are, unless you are famous or have been previously published, traditional publishers are out. You can't even get a manuscript seen by them unless you hire and go through a literary agent.

So, of the two options remaining, I went with the on demand publisher because they seem to have more pull in bookstores and retail outlets. They also have options to help market and promote your books as well.

If you choose to go he self-publishing route, one of the better options in Lulu.com. As far as printing on demand goes, I went through iUniverse.com.

When it comes to editing, on demand publishers will often have packages that allow for an editorial review to help enhance your book. You may also want to seek out editors through services like Fiverr.com or find a literature student at your local university.

Nobody can guarantee your book will be a success but the best ways to try to do so are to get as much publicity as you can. Set up book signings with local books stores, interviews with radio or television stations, be active with dedicated social media accounts and create a website. Try to get people to write and post reviews for you as well, they go a long way.

Good luck.

It's a sad fact of life that we will always have some people that try to tear us down. You could literally be the best person that ever lived and some people would make it their mission to find something to insult you about. That seems to be the case with these people who are bashing you for getting any B grades.

One reason for the mean reactions is likely that they are jealous of you.

Historically and still today, in every single school system that uses an A-F scale, B has been considered to be an "above average" grade. As such, you or anyone else who gets Bs is anything but dumb.

I do applaud you for wanting to do better. Perhaps you can use their picking on you as a motivator to put yourself over the top and finally get those illusive As, But, if you don't reach that goal, the important thing is that you are making the effort.

Do the best you can and if it's not good enough for somebody else, that's there problem and not yours.

You are at an age and period in your life that tends to be a bit awkward for pretty much everyone, even those kids who might seem like that have it altogether.

Once kids your age and really all throughout the teenage years start to associate other kids with specific social groups, interests and yes, even fashions, a lot of them become a little like drones. They expect that this is what makes that person and that's just the way it is.

As you get older, you learn to understand that people can be more than one thing and ultimately quite diverse. But as a younger person, that can sometimes be hard to process.


I suggest that you just be you, whoever that may be. If that means changing your style from time to time, go for it. And don't worry about what others might think about it. They are going to think whatever they want anyway.

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