From personal experience, being the traveler than I am:

GAMES- Dont forget, you can make all these into competitions!

1. Alphabet game. Directions: Start at letter A and go A my name is (a name that starts with A) Ex:Anna. I live in (a location starting with A) Ex: Albany. I work at ____ and sell ____. (a work place and something to sell starting with the letter "A") Ex: Applebees and sell Alfredo sauce.
Basically, you go through the whole alphabet and then you can start backwards. So you'd do A and your friend would do B, so on and so forth!

2. Liscense Plate Game. You're goal is to find a liscense plate starting with the begining of the alphabet to the end. However, the letter of the alphabet has to be the first letter of the liscense plate. Keep track of wins each round to make it competitive.

3. Color Game. Considering you'll have crayons to go with your coloring book, randomly pull one out and try to look for a car of that color.

4. Cash Cab Prank Game. If you've ever seen the TV show of Cash Cab then you'll know that the objective of the game is to put people in a random situation where they have to answer a question on the spot. They will recieve money for every question they answer correctly. They have things that are kinda like life lines. They can do shout outs to people on the street and call a person for the answer. Do caling a person. Get hyped up and start talking really quickly. Tell them that you only have 30 seconds to get an answer from them and you thought they'd be a good choice to call. ex " Hey ____! Im in the cash cab and i need your help! We only have 30 seconds to answer! The question is _____?"
A good question would be name the 9 planets in order! You can call all your friends and switch up the question to name them all backwards! This really gets people stumped and its super hilarious!

5. You can play I Spy. Thats always a good one.

6. You can count how many car you pass or semi's.

7. Make a Honk sign. Tally up how many car you can get to honk.

8. Cards! You can play 21, 500, go fish, or if your into magic try and get down your magic tricks!

9. Count the number of cars you see color wise or by model.

10. You can play hangman. Its a classic!

11. You can pick out words of exit signs and see how many other words you can make out of the ones on the signs.

This list should last you a good while in the car! Hope you guys enjoy your trip! :)

I think everyone can relate to feeling alone. Some more than others. I know that I can completely identify with that feeling because I felt like that most of my life. Sometimes it's so unexplainable but sometimes we never really get the answers to why we feel the way we do. I will say, for me, that the feeling has subsided with time. Highschool may have been the main culprit because there is a lot more emotional issues that come along with highschool than people realize.

Your friends and family should be the people who you turn to when you feel this way. When you go away to college or choose to live in a different township or area you learn to adapt to a new lifestyle, new friends, and independence. So in general you need to appreciate your time with them because it goes by a lot faster than you think. And you'll be able to maintain relationships with them as long as you are fully committed. Spending more time with your family and friends will help you realize that they are the people who will always be there for you through everything.

Ask yourself why you feel so lonely. Example: Maybe it's because you some of your friends went out and you weren't included. If you can't think of a reason why you feel this way that's completely normal. As I said before, sometimes we don't have answers for our emotions. My main reason why I feel so lonely was because I was constantly around people. And when I wasn't..even for like a few hours...I was like "Now what? Okay..I'm bored". Life has us surrounded by people so sometimes it's hard to break away from being away from people. And you know what? Alone time is actually a good thing. We need to feel like we are worth it to actually spend time with ourselves. I learned this through a very wise professor. He told me that artists ( that's my major ) need alone time to create amazing pieces. And if we don't devote enough time on our projects it's not because we didn't try hard enough...it's because we are not completely comfortable enough with ourselves to spend a decent amount of time alone.

Try an be comfortable with yourself and know that it's okay to be alone. But don't associate that with feeling lonely. You do have people in your life. And unfortunately, other people aren't so lucky. They don't have relatives, parents, and friends who support them. So consider the people in your life and appreciate that.

We all make mistakes and do things that we aren't proud of. I'm probably like the best model for that! Haha! Maybe you're not doing the things you want to do but eventually you'll be happy you did. All in all, you tried something at least once and it either made you accomplished or made you learn from it. It will add to your experience.

One more thing! You only have one life and you want to fullfill everything you can. Try not to think about what life you could be living, just live the one you have right now and try and make it so that you're happy with it. You can try new things or take up a class. Keep up with your goals but also add some fun and spontaneous things in your life so that you're not completely bored.

Let me know if you need more advice. I hope everything works out for you. I know it's easier said than done!

Love,
Shannon

No, I don't pay to personalize my column. Everything that I do on it is free. However, you can recieve higher features on this site if you are a gold-star member. Information is located in the FAQ. :)

-Shannon

-EDIT-
I'm sorry. Here is the link: http://www.advicenators.com/paidaccounts.php

Haha! Thank you! :) I didn't photoshop my dog into the picture. (I have a little shih tzu.) It was a web cam at my friends house and one of the options were to add little photos that they provided onto your picture. I just happened to like the dog. Haha!

-Shannon

Yes, that is fine. You are going to need your identification and travel document though. Having these items will allow you to board on your flight.

This link may be helpful for you! :)
http://www.rotterdam-airport.nl/en/Homepage/Inchecken/Kinderen

-Shannon

Your hair is absolutely gorgeous! :)

I think you would definitely be able to pull that off.

It is a going to be a bit dramatic because you have such dark hair. Maybe I would go a shade or two lighter than the blonde for your highlights. And then gradually get lighter. I actually was a blondie for awhile. My natural hair color is dark brown and I had to go to a medium blonde first. Once a month I got my hair dyed lighter and lighter and the color changed to a nice light golden blonde

BUT if you want to do it just like it is on the picture that would work to. Make sure you can have someone who knows what they're doing or a professional do your highlights. Sometimes going light over dark does not work especially if you attempt it by yourself. I know from experience! Oh, and layers would be good too! They'll give it more edge and frame your face a little bit. Plus it will also add volume.


It's scary going lighter but it's hair. It grows back and you can always dye it again. :)
-Shannon

What you're thinking of is Low by Flo Rider ft. T-Pain. Good song! =)

In America, 4/20 is national smoker's day! Many people will be baked tomorrow because they're going to be smoking marijuana. All stoners love this day and they're definitely going to be celebrating it. lol

The red shell is actually wax. If you were to eat this, it probably would not have any taste except a waxy base. You are not supposed to eat this, it just helps protect the flavor and freshness of the cheese. I would just throw it out and not eat it. :)

My favorite brand of makeup is MAC.

I love their eyeshadow because it lasts for a very long time, you can combine colors, and it blends very nicely. MAC eyeshadows have various colors, so you can choose any without having to worry about glitter problems.

MAC eyeshadows generally cost about 14 dollars, but I truly think it is worth it. :)

http://www.maccosmetics.com

They definitely look at jobs you had. In fact, that's probably why I got into college in the first place. By working, it shows that you have experience working with people and you're active within your community. I worked as an art camp counselor over the summer, and I'm going into art education. So that helped me out tremendously. Even if your job doesn't relate to what you want to do in the future, you still show that you're building skills and responsibility as well as time management.

Extra curriculars wouldn't hurt, but if you honestly don't have the time, you don't have to do it. Unless it's a strict college. But for many colleges just keep up with your grades, do good at work, and get a letter or recommendation from teachers and bosses if you want.

Don't worry, you'll be fine!

Hey, thanks!

I part my bangs by the middle of my eye. To give you an idea of how far over to the side. Blowdrying is key. Always start blow drying it while it's wet and do this first. I use a comb to keep my bangs in place to the side as I blow dry it over.

When I cut my bangs ( because I do it myself ) I always cut them on an angle, always. If you're going to do this you need to make sure that you don't cut too much off. Keep it past your eyebrows. ( It's much better to cut a little bit off, rather than a lot because you can always go back to it) After your bangs on cut on an angle, sometimes I use a razor to feather it a little or add more layers.

After it's donesometimes, I put a little pomade in it and gather my bangs and push some of my bangs to the side that it does not cover. You may not need pomade! I suggest you try it without first. Almost like your letting your bangs fall straight in your face.

I like to use got2b defiant define + shine pomade. Don't use a lot of pomade or else it will get greasy. I barely dip my finger into it. Keep in mind, you won't need to use pomade all of the time, because the more you part your bangs like that, the more it's trained to do so on its own.

For the rest of my hair I just dry it and use pomade on it and shake my hair. It creates a messy look. Not sure if you care about that part, but just in case! :)

Sorry, I'm too good at explaining hair stuff, but I tried. Haha

No one honestly knows with Britney Spears anymore. Last night I was watching E and they had a clip of her getting it done and a discussion on why she did it. There answer was more of an opinion though. All she really said was that "her mom would kill her" ( for shavign her head apparently) and when the stylist or owner of the hair salon refused to do it, Britney picked up shears and started cutting off and shaving her own head. Later she was found getting two tattoos but these tattoos were not on her head as I know of.

Britney Spears is probably going through a crisis up until the time she married that guy for a day. If you look back, you can see the steps indicating that she's certainly having a break down.

For more info, check out CNN.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/02/17/britney.bald.ap/index.html

No, the two differ in a couple ways. They deliver the same fragrance but their base is different.

Perfume oil is based in oil, and perfume generally has an alcohol base. Perfume oil scents and fragrances usually last longer than perfume itself. Perfume oil - Six hours to more. Perfume - Three to six hours.

Designer fragrances may be rare to find in perfume oils, and they tend to cost more because of their lasting scent and base.

The website below will explain a lot of differences among the two:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Differences-Between-Perfume-And-Perfume-Oils&id=39531

Unless it is a serious problem that interfers with his life, I don't think it's necessary to ban him from the show. I know you have heard "boys mature later than girls" and that may be why he still likes the show. But it is his preference and it's something that he finds entertaining. Eventually, he may not like it anymore, but until then you'll just have to let it go. I guess if you really wanted to you could ask him why he watches it or what he like about it.

Think of it this way, how do the other people feel when you don't look at them. Your eyes are one of the most expressive features you have. You can tell someone is listening to you when you give them contact. You may not be shy, but looking down while talking to someone is certainly giving off that impression.

I had a bit of trouble with that too. But I was shy. I kind of thought of it as a contest. Who will be the first person to look down? And it gradually progressed. And now I enjoy looking at people while I speak to them.

Maybe having a focal point could help too. For instance, try to look at see what their eye color is.

Or you can tell yourself "Okay, I'll look at this person in the eyes for one sentence" and start doing it gradually.

I think it become more of habit. You just got to keep trying, and at times maybe even force yourself. It really is important to look at people when you talk to them.

Good luck!

Just like any hard habit to break, you need to start by saying to your self that you're going to stop this. Habits are always formed mentally, which in a sense means that your mind picks up that you always bite your nails and it becomes almost automatic.

If you buy a polish with a bad taste to it, it's going to be harder for you to bite your nails. You could try "control-it" nail biting cream or treatment. *Found at stopbitingnails.com* Or you could even go to your local drug store and chose a nail polish which has a bitter taste. Another option could be putting oil or lotion on your hands.

Chew gum. When you already have something in your mouth, you won't be able to bite your nails. Chewing gum will give you something to chew at rather than your nails.

Keep busy. Make sure you can keep your hands busy. For instance, if you are at school you can start writing or drawing.

If you want, you can try the rubber band trick. And everytime you feel like biting your nails, flick the rubber band.

It's a hard habit to break, but you can do it!

Ouch! I know how badly it hurts. I've been burned in the past year so many times. (I keep telling myself, I'll never use a hot glue gun anymore.)

Well, as much as you are in pain right now, it's great to know which degree your burn is. If you follow the instruction on what specific burn you have, you'll be able to treat it properly which will allow more time for the healing process to begin.

I doubt you have third degree burns. I assume yours is probably first degree, or possibly second degree. The burns that I had were all second degree. The pain continued for some hours. Below is information that I got from a site which will help you determine what kind of burn you have.

*Taken from www.mayoclinic.com*
-------------------------------------------------
First-degree burn
The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is burned. The skin is usually red, with swelling and pain sometimes present. The outer layer of skin hasn't been burned through. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint.

Second-degree burn
When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is termed a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.

If the second-degree burn is no larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, get medical help immediately.

For minor burns, including second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, take the following action:

VERY IMPORTANT

Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes, or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cold water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn.
Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, which may irritate the skin. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burned skin, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Never give aspirin to children or teenagers.
Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.

Caution

Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause frostbite, further damaging your skin.
Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are vulnerable to infection.
Third-degree burn
The most serious burns are painless and involve all layers of the skin. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.

-----------------------------------------------

As said, don't break the blister if it is second degree. I have learned from experince that it will scar and healing will last much more longer. It also may increase sensitivity to that part of the burn.

I hope you feel better soon, and if you have any questions do not hesistate to ask me.

Happy New Year!

Color my silly?

I think the best possible way to solve this problem is by observing each color individually. When you look at each color decide what you feel for each one. For isntace "Hot pink is a bright, cheery color, so it makes me feel happy and awake".

But in all honesty, I'd go with mac-and-cheese because it's not a color. =)

Let me ask you this: Why did you quit dance? I don't know how passionate about dancing you were but sometimes when we stop doing something that we're used to doing for years you sort of feel empty. I know that was my case with art. After doing art for four years, my ninth grade year, I discontinued any type of art. And I always felt that something was wrong or that I didn't know what to do with myself. The reason was that I was so passionate about art, take when it was finally taken away I didn't feel complete. It took me the whole year to realize that.

It seems like you're one of those people who must be doign something and be very busy. You know, all this free time wouldn't be the worst thing ever. You get time to hang out with your friends, you can get involved in a new activity. You have time to work on whatever it is you'd like to accomplish. Now believe me, someone will hire you but you need to be patient. I felt that no one would hire me when I first applied for my job. Do you know how long I waited until I got the position offered? Four months. Additionally, you're going to need to start off somewhere. Having any job experince is better than none at all. Half the people who are millionares didn't start out that way. You need to work your way up. And if that means that you'd have to work at a fast food place for starters, that's pretty damn good. At least you'll know what to expect. My suggestion is to keep applying to places where you'd want to work and wait a few weeks to see if you get a call. If you're pretty sure by this point that you're not going to get the job, apply somewhere that is looking and could hire you more easily. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. And you're not going to be looked at as being lowered. I think if anything you'd be respected because sometimes the jobs who don't pay as well are one of the hardest to take on. And you seem like the type of person who could handle it, so I don't see it as a problem. You'll be fine. Please don't stress over it! I'm sure many places would love to have you working for them.

"Having one good friend is better than having 10 fake friends" are words I strongly believe in. Many people have all these friends but they don't really know them. Tons of people are fake out there. And that number is increasing every day. If you have just two friends who are genuine, you are way better off than having 100 friends who are two-faced and fake. I know you probably have many of people you talk to but I'd be really appreciative of those two friends. I'm going through the opposite situation right now where I'm trying to get past some of my friends who are acting really fake right now. All I can really tell you is to appreciate what you have. If you see people who seem like they are real and would be nice, meet them. It's always good to have a variety of people in your life and there are still many people who are worth meeting. All you would need to do was meet them and give them a chance.

Here's one of my favorite quotes, it always make me happy. And I thought it might cheer you up too!:

Life is too short
Grudges are a waste of perfect happiness
Laugh when you can
Appologize when you should
And let go of what you can't change
Love deeply and forget quickly
Take chances, give everything
And have no regrets
Life is too short to be unhappy

You have to take the good with the bad
Smile when you're sad
Love what you got
And always remember what you had
Always forgive but never forget
Learn from your mistakes
But never regret
People change, and things go wrong
But always remember
That life goes on

LOL! Hope that helps a little. If you need anything else let me know. Good luck!

-Shannon

I'm back! 6 years on this site and counting! Let yourself be known for something. It may not be perfect but imperfections are so much more interesting and fun!

I'm well known from my high interest in people. I thrive off helping others.

A lot of people say they have been through a lot. And well, this is true for almost everyone, including me. Rather than let past harm me I embrace what I've dealt with and use it to my advantage in the future.

I'm 20. Turning 21 soon enough. Been there, done that but cetainly have much more to learn. No, I do not know everything and I wouldn't claim. I do know that I am dedicated, educated, generous, motivated, and ambitious. I give all my time and heart into each answer.

I specialize in art, education, communication, psychology, massage therapy, health, travel and destinations.

I know information regarding school, college, abuse, neglect, personalities, relationships, friendships, little bit of info on cars, licit and illicit behaviors and or subjects. But I will be willing to answer anything!

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