about

My Personal Forum

My name is Amanda (or Manda - NEVER Mandy), and I'm 22 years old. I'm currently studying electrical engineering. Armed with a fairly odd sense of humour and a sunny outlook on life, I'll take on just about anything. I'm also cussedly stubborn, which has its ups and downs. Things get tough sometimes, and I've never been one to run from it.

In the last 5 years, I've gone from honours student to failing out of university (and getting back on top again!), from single to engaged, from tenant to homeowner.

I've also been struggling with a recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder and OCD, which had basically ruined my life over the last few years and taken just about everything from me. Never one to let things get me down permanently, however, I'm building a new life from scratch. I'm thankful every day for every experience I've had because of this ordeal, because it's helped to make me who I am today. Things like that really make you appreciate what you do have.

I won't necessarily give you the answers you want to hear, but I'll always be honest and do my best to help.

Feel free to contact me via my e-mail, MSN or AIM. I'm a computer addict, so I'm often available at odd hours.

advice

i have blue eyes and lighter skin, but its not pale. right now its dark blonde but i want to go brown. like a medium/dark brown? i think dark brown hair with blue eyes is so pretty. so are their any good dyes anyone knows of? (box dyes i can't afford to get it professionally done :/)and a specific shade would be nice if you knew it too:) thanks

I like using Natural Instincts, which is a semi-permanent dye. This way, if you change your mind, you can let it wash out over a month. It also means no roots or redying when you decide to go back to your natural colour.

I've got blue eyes and pale skin too, and I went with Chestnut.

http://www.wwbeautystore.com/shopping/color-perm/clairol_natural_instincts_hair_color_Roasted_Chestnut_Dark_Warm_Brown_28B.jpg

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What are some good TV shows?>

Examples of stuff I like = South Park, The Simpsons, The Office (current favorite).

Some of my faves: Dexter, Dead Like Me, Bones, Weeds, American Dad, Mad Men, Firefly, Battlestar Galactica.

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he hasn't talked to me in three days becuase he wanted a break.
and today I texted him and I'm like tell me if were broken up and he said yes.
and I'm like why? and he's like because were too far away I can't do this
and I'm like well thanks for not telling me. and he's like I just decided. and I'm like can we still be friends and he's like I was hoping we could be.
and I'm like yeah so I'm guessing I don't get to see you in march or when I come down there ( I have family who lives by him )
and he's like maybe if you really want to.,
and I'm like of course I do. and he's like well I don't know maybe.
and I'm like ok well just text me when you want to talk to me I guess :/
and he's like ok bye.

im heartbroken. I don't know waht to do.
i feel like I should say something to him. but I don't know whaat
help meee :[


i also just asked him if we will ever be together again and he said idk maybe
and im like dont forget about me and hes like never
and im like ugh why did you do this. im miserable and he never said anything back :/
idk what to do. im miserable. reallly miserable.
what should i say to him. i want like closure or something.

It really sucks when someone else makes the decision to end a relationship without any input from you.

First off, it wasn't necessarily anything negative to do with you. From the sounds of it, it was more the distance thing that bothered him rather than anything you were doing wrong. So short of moving to be closer, there wasn't anything you could do to change his mind on this.

Just because you're no longer dating doesn't mean you still can't be great friends. My first boyfriend from when I was 17-18 and I are still really good friends 5 years later! If you can put the dating past behind you, you can still have an amazing friendship.

It's all about pulling up your socks and carrying on with life. Consider the relationship done and gone. Don't wait around for him to call and take you back. If it happens, great, but don't depend on that. Throw yourself into your friendships, your family, and yourself! Take up new hobbies (a great way to meet new people) that you've always wanted to try.

Keep yourself busy. Time heals all wounds, as they say. There will be plenty more men in your future... it's just a matter of getting there.

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My boyfriend hasn't been tested for STDs in a few years. I think he was tested when he was 16 because he found out his girlfriend at the time had herpes. He tested negative for herpes and everything else then, I guess, because he didn't say anything came up positive.

Well, he's had sex with maybe like 5 girls since then and so maybe 7 girls altogether. I've had sex with 2 guys and have never had a STD test because I'm only 17 and the guys I've been with before told me that they're clean.

I have a few bumps on the inner part of my vagina lips though. I don't remember having them a year ago though. My boyfriend said it looks like a couple of the other girls he's been with and it's probably nothing to worry about. The bumps don't hurt or anything but they're pretty noticable and they aren't going away. My boyfriend doesn't have these bumps though and the other guy I had sex with didn't have the bumps. I saw my best friend's vagina before though (don't ask!) and she didn't have bumps like this.

Is it normal to have bumps in the vagina?

I would recommend getting an STI test.

As the other posters have said, it can be any number of things. Thing is, if it is an STI, your chances of recovery without significant damage are much higher if you get in to a doctor right away.

You should never rely on word of mouth... In my dating days, I insisted upon a clean bill of health, in paper, from every boyfriend. You should also be tested before and after every partner yourself. Plenty of girls (and guys) under 17 end up with STIs.

Some STIs are forever; you don't want to let carelessness ruin your life!

That all aside, sometimes you can get pimples down there. If it looks like a whitehead sort of thing, that's probably what it is.

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we are in a long distance relationship by the way.

he won't talk to me.
he told me we need to take a little break because he's really stressed out.
and I don't understand why he is because everything between us has been fine.
he told me its not you at all, its me.
and I absolutely hate those words.

i understand if he needs a break or whatever but he just kinda left me hanging. he never told me why he stressed out or anything. he won't even talk stuff over with me and its been three days.
and its the longest three days of my life.
ive tried texting and calling him a bunch of times but i get nothing back and its frustrating me so much.
i wish i had the strength to move on and not bother him but i cant. i love him.
what should I do?

Unfortunately, what might be working for you may not be working for him.

He might need some time to decide whether it's worth staying in the long distance relationship. LDRs are really stressful, and even though you're willing and able, he just might not be ready for that. Hence the "It's not you, it's me" thing. He recognizes that you're happy with the way things are, and that he isn't.

Texting and calling him excessively is more likely to have a negative effect than a positive one. If he's really looking for a break, you need to wait at least a week before you contact him again. Give him breathing room so he can think about things.

In the meantime, pour yourself into your friends, your family and your hobbies. Find things to do that don't revolve around him... no one person should be your entire world!

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I've battled with severe and not so severe streaks of depression for what's going on to be 5 years. It started as small dips of sadness for no apparent reason, then when I found reasons- that's when the suicidal thoughts came. I haven't always been suicidal when I was depressed, it only appened about three times, and eventually I was able to stop thinking suicidal thoughts completely. Last year was my severest case of depression ever. I got addicted to pills, I was closed off, it basically was ruining my life and my relationships with family, friends, boyfriend. But I worked through it. It took a while, but I got alot better. I was truly happy for the first time in my life. But then I ended a serious relationship, I moved away from my closest friends, and basically the perfect catalysts needed to trip off my depression went into action. I need to know if what I have is deeper than just emotional, if the chemicals in my brain aren't normal. Should I seek medical attention?

I got to this question through your newest one, so I'll try my best to get both birds with one stone.

I'll let you know ahead of time that I have first-hand experience in this. I've just recently been diagnosed with Type 2 Bipolar Disorder after being misdiagnosed as having depression while in my teens.

First off, you do need to see a counselor at a minimum. A counselor can do many things for you:
- They can put you in contact with a psychiatrist if you do require medication.
- They can help you to deal with emergencies that may arise.
- They can help you recognize warning signs in yourself (things like alterations in sleeping patterns... stuff you wouldn't think of)
- They help you talk out your issues with a mature, unbiased perspective... not to mention that they are totally confidential. Nothing you say can get to your friends or family unless you want it to.
- They can help you to develop coping skills that prevent those dips from becoming too severe and unmanageable.
- They can help both you and your family learn to cope with your situation.

A stranger on the internet cannot diagnose you. A website cannot diagnose you. Only a mental health (or several!) can diagnose you. You most certainly should not self-medicate. Anti-depressants can cause nasty side effects (one big one is increased risk of suicide) and their use should be carefully monitored.

If you do go to a psychiatrist, they will work closely with you to find a medication regimen that works for you. Things like dosage increases, combining medications, dealing with side effects. You most certainly can get prescriptions underage without parental permission. That's only one part of the battle, though, as I can tell you first-hand.

It's all about tackling the issue from all sides. Medications do not by any means make things all better. What they do is act as a tool to get you back where you belong chemically, so that emotionally you can manage yourself.

So yes, you do need counselling. It's not a sign of weakness; rather, it's a sign of strength. Strength is being able to ask for help when you need it.

You can have these resources at your disposal... why struggle when you can use them? Your community may have a mental health clinic; you can contact your family doctor or your high school counselor to have them recommend a clinic.

In the meantime, develop a hobby. Several, if you need to. I took up crocheting like a fiend. Sports. Reading. Video games. Just pour yourself into it.

Try to avoid situations that make your emotional state worse. If a particular person upsets you, stay away from them.

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Is it possible to obtain a Masters in Aerospace Engineering if you have a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering?

It is very possible. Your Masters may sometimes have absolutely nothing to do with your B. Eng. I personally know a guy who did Mechanical Engineering and is getting his Masters in Chemical, and another getting his Masters in Computer.

It all depends on the area you choose to study.

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Hello,
I Am a Vegan and My Parents Don't Truely Understand Why. I Explain To Them About Animal Welare,Yet They Still Don't Understand. My Mother Belives That Being A Vegan Is UnHealthy. Is It Truely UnHealthy To Be A Vegan.

The choice to begin a vegan diet is one that should be supervised by a doctor.

If your mother is concerned, have her make an appointment to see a nutritionist. They can help you make good nutritional decisions in keeping with a vegan lifestyle that will prevent the health issues that can arise with them.

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Alright so I'm looking for nice plus sized skinny jeans, durible, wont rip in two days.

Last year a bought some from the Deb, and they are fantastic. But two of them recently got holes on the thighs somehow.
Anyway, I heard Torrid.com has really good skinny jeans, and I took a look at them.
They are nice, but I;m iffy about buying new jeans from a store I've never bough stuff from before.
Last year I bought ripped jeans from the Deb, and within a week they were ripped in the thighs horribley. So yeah.

Anyway, what are your oppinions on their jeans?
Thank youu.

I tried these on at Addition-Elle (a Canadian store) the other day, and they're the most fantastically comfortable thing ever! There's no button, and they're stretchy... I could live in them.

http://www.1-plus.com/mxm-bottoms-Chloe-dark-wash-pull-on-denim_stcVVproductId79486248VVcatId487090VVviewprod.htm

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yes, fifteen. as in tenth grade. as in everyone else started developing them six years ago. all other signs of puberty are apparent, but as far as my chest goes, it's as if my body forgot to produce hormones there or something. what is wrong with me?? if all i have to do is wait, why haven't i ever met or heard of a single person out there like me? i can't even go swimming because any flat-chested girl looks awfully unattractive in a bathing suit unless she's just a little girl still. and both guys&girls will stare and be so grossed out and know and just... don't act like this isn't a big deal. sorry to sound like a b*tch, but all people tell me when i keep asking this question is "just be patient, they'll come" so please don't say anything at all if you're just going to act like this is normal. what should i do? should i get surgery when i'm older if i still don't have them? is there any chance i WILL ever get them because i know there are some women in this world that never develop breasts and that terrifies me.

Unfortunately, there's no natural way to grow breasts. There are a few tips and tricks, though:

1) Worried about swimsuits? Get a bathing suit that will let you insert cutlets (silicone inserts). They're pretty natural feeling, and give the illusion of a cup size bigger.

2) Try working out. If you develop your pecs to be a bit bigger, they may help give you a boost.

There are guys who care, but there are those who don't. The whole "bum men" vs. "boob men" thing. Actually, there are a lot of guys who prefer tiny-breasted women.

One of my friends in high school actually grew from a AA to a B literally overnight in Grade 11. It was kind of freaky, actually. Another of my friends is a 22 year old A cup and she's perfectly happy with them (Personally, I'd trade her any day. She can have my E's!)

As for surgery, it's your personal choice. I would definitely wait until you're in your mid twenties at least; you don't want to get implants and then grow!

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I have been confused on how to write algorithms from day one! I am currently taking an online class and am so lost with this topic. We have an assignment due in a week where we have to write an algorithm for a certain problem and then create a program for it. Here are my problems:
1. Write a program to calculate the change in quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies when any amount from 1 to 99 is entered. The program should return the minimum coins that represent the amount entered. For example 37 cents should yield one quarter, 1 dime, and two pennies.
2. Write a program to find the smallest number, the largest number, and the average of any five numbers entered by the user. For example, if the five numbers entered are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the answers should be smallest =1, largest=2, and average=3. (Your program should handle any numbers from 1 to 1,000)

So far what I have for the first one is:
cin>>inputCoins
while(inputCoins > 0)
{
if(inputCoins >= 25)
Quarters ++
inputCoins -= 25
elseif(inputCoins >= 10)
Dimes ++
inputCoins -= 10
elseif(inputCoins >=5)
Nickles ++
inputCoins -= 5
elseif(inputCoins >=1)
Pennies ++
inputCoins -= 1
}
cout>> //print your coin totals out here.

Any tips? any help? SO CONFUSED!!!

Something I find helps when troubleshooting is going through verbally and putting actual words to the program.

Right now, if the amount is higher than 25, the number of quarters goes up by one, and the amount is decreased by 25, the value of a quarter. So far, so good.

Now you move on to dimes. You say that if it's higher than or equal to 10, you up the number of dimes, and then decrease the amount by 10. Here's where I think an issue may be. Would you not need to say where the amount is greater than 10, but less than 25?

For instance: you enter 26.

For this, Quarters++, but ALSO, Dimes++ because it is greater than 10 as well as greater than 26.

For problem #2, I'm rusty on my C++ (it's been a few years). I believe what you would do is to assign each user-entered value to a variable as it is entered. You then need to check each variable to make sure it fits the parameters (i.e. has the person entered all five, is it between 1-1000). Now, just work bit by bit.

To find out which number is the smallest, create a variable called "Smallest". If variable 1 < variable 2 AND variable 1 < variable 3, etc, then Smallest = Variable 1. The opposite works for the largest.

As for the average, variable 1 + variable 2 + variable 3 + variable 4 + variable 5 divided by 5 will give you the solution.

Other than that, it's all the printouts and stuff you have to worry about.

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well I've been dating this guy for about 7 months & my mother knows about him but she doesn't want to let me go out with him because she says im to young ( im 13 ) & I think she's afriad because she thinks ima become out pregnant or something but at least I want her to meet him , my mother is the type of person that you can't have a serious talk with , & im scared of havinq a serious talk w| her she's always being sarcastic & im tired of lieinq to her bout hanqinq outt with him but I love him and I don't wanna losse him just because of her , so what do I do ?

You're probably not going to like my answer; just a warning. Keep in mind that I've been in exactly your situation.

You are only 13 years old. I know you feel like an adult, capable of making all your own decisions, but you're not. That's why you live with an adult. Your mom isn't there to feed you, she's also there to raise you. If she sets a "no dating" rule, you need to follow that rule. It is for your own good. You should be focusing on school, friendships and family right now, not on dating.

My parents did the same thing to me when I was in Grade 8. Yes, I was very upset with them at the time. Now, I'm wondering what the heck I was thinking, wanting to date when I was just a baby. You've got all the time in the world to grow up.

As for not wanting to lose the love of your life because of someone as silly as your mother, I think you need to readjust your priorities. How many relationships between thirteen year olds do you think last more than a year? More than 10 years? Not a whole lot. Your mother is one person who will be there for you through thick and thin, so long as you don't go losing that relationship because you don't value it. Never put a boyfriend ahead of your mother (at least not until you're living on your own). You're betraying her trust by dating this guy against her permission, and that could really hurt her.

Basically, what I'm saying is that you need to listen to your mom. You live under her roof, that means abiding by her rules.

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whats fun to do when ur high?

not lazy things like whats an activity, like muesium touring and that stuff. i live in nyc what shoudl i do?

You know what's really fun?

Go to the nearest police station and sell your excess product.

Seriously, though, this website clearly states that you aren't supposed to ask questions about illegal subjects (like, for instance... DRUG USE)

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I am a 22 year old female with a 25 year old boyfriend. I have a great boyfriend, who I know would never do anything wrong or do anything to hurt me, but I always find myself questioning what he's doing, who he is talking to, where he is going, etc. I torture him relentlessly every day, even though I know it's wrong. I don't want him to break up with me, because honestly he is the best thing in my life, and I will never find anyone who loves me as much as he does, but I can't control my behavior and the way my mind thinks so negatively. Can someone offer SOME kind of advice that might've worked for you?

Something nobody else seems to have mentioned is the possibility of depression. Suspicion of loved ones is a common symptom. I know when I was having trouble, I suspected every single woman my fiance talked to.

If you have access to counselling, I would seriously suggest that you take the opportunity. There may be more serious underlying problems than just "Stay away from my man, woman!"

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I'm engaged and thinking of getting married next summer. Both of us are 20 years old, will be in our third year of college. Both of our school costs are paid for except books, and we both make just minimum wage. Can we afford to get married now? Keep in mind our rent would be around $500, and min. wage here is $7.50; don't know what other costs to include that's why I'm asking?

I'm 22, and have been engaged for 3 years now. I'm also in university, not making a whole lot.

I take it that you haven't actually lived together yet? You should. Take a few months at least to adjust to that (and to each other!). Find out exactly what living together entails cost-wise. Expenses are different for everyone, depending on their lifestyles.

As for your question, weddings can cost as little as a couple hundred for a court ceremony (basically just signing the papers) or as much as $25 000 and up, depending on the level of extravagance.

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Well i got myself an a class loser who has wrecked my car stoled money from me lived off my disability check broke my finger threatens to burn my house down shoot me destroy my property hurt my family and what few friends i have left he has been in prison for most of his life and of course he was never guilty ha ha. the police wont help until he hurts me, my house and belongings are up for grabs unless they catch him in the act of destroying them, believe me i have known him for 9 yrs and he just dont give a damn, oh yea im in a wheelchair so running is kinda out of the picture. by the way i have 2 teens at home that adore the hell out of him, they have no clue. so let me hear something good guys please.

Your first priority should be your safety and the safety of your children. You need to get to a womens' shelter. Take the kids if you can; they're old enough to have the situation explained to them. Many shelters can come and pick you up, especially if you have a disability.

Shelter staff will have the resources you need to get your voice heard and get the help you require. It won't be counted against you for running. He is not legally entitled to your things because he abused you out of your own house.

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I have been having the strangest itchy place on my hand. I really don't know what to do about it or what it is so I thought I would ask and see if it is something that has happened to anyone else? Does anyone know what it MIGHT be?

Thank you for any advice!

Sounds a lot like eczema to me! I get it on my palms and fingertips. It tends to flare up in cold, dry weather.

If you go to the drugstore, you should be able to get Hydrocortisone cream. It's a steroid that helps keep your skin moistened.

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17 f
My brother and I share a wii, he is 17 too. What are some fun games that we can both play together, or (for girls) what are some fun games that girls would like to play. I dont necessarily mean fashion stuff, just fun games in general. Thanks! :-)

My favourite games for the Wii are Rayman: Raving Rabbids and Boom Blox.

Raving Rabbids has really funny minigames, and great multiplayer.

Boom Blox is like Jenga on steroids. There are games where you remove blocks from a tower, and games where you try to knock a tower over. It's really fun.

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Someone told me I needed to stop this eating disorder because it could kill me but I don't believe them. Then today someone else told me the say exact thing! Can being bulimic kill you or are these people just jealous cause I am a size zero while they are like size 2 or size 3 fat chicks? I think they are fatties who are hating on me.

I'm a size 16... the real kinda fat chick.

Bulimia can definitely kill you. It can cause cardiac arrest, kidney failure or even death by starvation.

Not only that, but it ruins your teeth (how sexy is gum disease? You may be thin, but at least those fatties have all their teeth!) and causes ulcers and ruptures in the esophagus.

You've got a problem, and you recognize it. It's called a disorder for a reason. You have a messed up way of looking at your body and the bodies of others. Not only should you work on your eating disorder, you should get psychological help for your body image issues.

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Why is obama considered a socialist by the majority of people? I'm not trying to down him, I'm just asking because I'm trying to understand politics better, without forming a biased opinions. I don't wanna hear "he's not a socialist"... I just wanna hear why people may believe he is one. If that makes sense. i wanna understand socialism better... and his supposed connection to it.

Thanks a lot.

Socialism, when you boil it all down, basically means spreading resources based upon work an individual does. Cuba has an extreme socialist economy. Everyone who can work has jobs, and everyone also has access to education (both elementary and post-secondary), health care, food and housing. Nobody is rich, but nobody is destitute either. And boy, does that annoy wealthy Americans (which is what your government is made up of!).

People say Obama is a socialist because he's trying to break down the enormous divide between rich and poor. Poor people go to poor schools, so they don't get a good education and they stay poor. Even if they do, by some miracle, succeed moderately, they can't afford university. Have you ever heard the phrase "The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer"? The US is that concept in action.

The health care issue is the main thing that's causing people to say that Obama has socialist views. He wants to make health care a national industry, like it is in the UK or here in Canada, neither of which are communist countries!

Here's how the health care thing works; you get sick and need to go to the hospital. Good thing you have health insurance! What's that? You work for minimum wage and can't afford it? You have a pre-existing condition that the insurance companies refuse to cover? The people who have money either can afford to buy insurance, or pay for health care emergencies, or they have jobs with great benefits. The poor, on the other hand, who really NEED the security of health coverage, go without. I'm not talking people on welfare; they get it. It's the people who work hard for little pay who get screwed in this arrangement.

Rich people don't like this idea. It means taking away their money and giving it to other people. It makes no difference to them whether there's accessible health care to everyone, because they'll always have access.

Pure communism has an impact on your home life. Socialism doesn't necessarily mean that the government is trying to take over all aspects of its citizens. Then again, that's what your government is good at, right? Look at the bans on gay marriage. That's a case of the government walking into the bedrooms of its citizens. You can have both; you can have social freedom and financial jurisdiction.

Keep in mind that your Democrats are still more conservative than Canadian Conservatives!

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