Future Beautician

This is what happens when little girls try and cut their own hair!

Thank goodness there is still enough left for a pony tail! (Don't worry I've done it too!)

Valentines Dance

Believe it or not I was asked to the Valentines Dance this year by Aaron. I would marry Aaron except I am old enough to be his mom. I will have to ask him how he feels about that. The good news is I was able to borrow a very Cheery valentines dress from the Kirkham's dress up closet. (The poofier the sleeves the better!)

Aaron also dazzeled the night with a home dyed pink suit.
Friday the 13th, Full moon and a man named "The Wolf" for my roommate to go with.
(No it wasn't a girl, thou girls would die for that hair)
Group photo time...

I think this one shows everyone's true personalities:
We had an attack by a vicious bird with deadly talons (only reenactment, not an actual event, at least this time...)

And of course a Sasquach(sp?) sighting:
And the evening would not be complete without the Kirkhams, who make all things possible!

Think You're Having a Bad Day???

This is a picture I took of a picture on my Grandmothers wall, which leads me to believe I am somehow related to this cheery looking clan. However this does serve a purpose; if you think you are having a bad day, well at least you aren't in this family photo!

I really hope the 70's come back, and soon!

Frost at "The Farm"

I was able to go to "the farm" last weekend. Since my grandparents lived on a farm, there house is "the farm". It was foggy and frosty and that equals beautiful pictures.

How To Get a Date

Valentines is just around the corner and since some of you might be worried How To Get a Date, I have been doing a little research and would like to share my findings. It starts with four easy steps.

1. Find someone you like. Keep in mind that there is a difference between thinking some is cute and actually liking that person
2. Get to know them. You want to make sure you actually like this person before you ask them. Have small conversations with them and compliment them every now and then. Try not to make it too obvious.
3. Pop the question. (I like how asking someone out is as serious as proposing) If you talk enough with them and become good friends with them, then they'll be more interested in you than if you didn't talk to them at all. Then say something like "Well, I really would like to get to know you. You seem like a really interesting person, so I was wondering if you'd like to go to the movies on Friday night." This is simply a guideline but you should actually have something worked out to say so you don't fumble for the words.I would like to advise you not to follow this guide line as you might look like an idiot!
4. If they say yes, then don't literally jump for joy. Say something like, "Cool. I'll see you there". Don't forget to arrange a meeting place and time. (This is probably my biggest problem, I always ask people on dates but forget to pick them up!)
   

But wait, there's more. You've asked someone out, now what do you say??? Here are some more useful guidelines on what to talk about.

• Talk a lot and freely. The things you say don't have to be impressive. You just need to have energy and describe your life with enthusiasm, and to encourage them to describe their life with enthusiasm.(I find this most effective by adding a Hallelujah at the end of every statement)
• Do not say or do things to try to impress the person. They will see through this and lose interest in you. The most impressive person is someone who doesn't try to impress.(easier said than done, try not mentioning your cage fighting skills, or how you beat up Chuck Norris)
• Don't swear, pick your nose, spit, or engage in other behaviors generally regarded as antisocial or just plain old gross. Crude behavior may eventually be tolerated by your date, but it will never be appreciated.(again, easier said than done!)
• Be nice! People notice how you treat other people. If you go for coffee with your date, be nice to the person behind the counter or your server. Tolerate his or her friends (to a degree of course). Smile, remember names, and don't embarrass yourself or your date. The moment you're out of their sight, they're going to talk about you. Don't let your poor behavior or hygiene be the main subject.(I love that hygiene was thrown in there, apparently most people reading this forget to shower)
• You may wish to ask a friend to help out if you are a little nervous.(preferably not your cousin)

Do you feel like this is helpful but need just a little more step-by-step instruction so you don't blow it? Say no more!

1. Start with a "hello," and simply tell the new person your name then ask them theirs. Offer your hand to shake, upon his/her responding to you. (If you go to other countries, greet the person in tune with the particular culture, e.g. in Spanish-speaking countries greet the person with "Buenos dias" or "Hola, como estas"). If you already know the person, skip this step and proceed to step 2.(note: if they do not speak your language just knowing how to say "hi" is not going to be much help)
2. Look around. See if there is anything worth pointing out. Sure, talking about the weather is a cliche, but if there's something unusual about it--shablam!--you've got a great topic of conversation.(what the crap is "shablam?" Did you see that shablamin stratus cloud?! Yep it works)
3. Offer a compliment. Don't lie and say you love someone's hair when you think it's revolting, but if you like his or her shoes, or a handbag, say so. A sincere compliment is a wonderful way to get someone to warm up to you. But be careful not to say something so personal that you scare the person off or make him or her feel uncomfortable. It is best not to compliment a person's looks or body.(your hair looks like a bald eagle made a homing nest in it, but I sure love your eyes!)
4. Ask questions! Most people love to talk about themselves --- get them going. "What classes are you taking this year?" but don't talk about yourself too much that makes you seem full of yourself. "Have you seen (Insert-Something-Here)? What did you think of it?" Ask open ended questions that will get them talking. For example, a good question would be, "That's a nice handbag, where did you get it?" and then they can talk about the day that they went shopping and all this funny stuff happened, as opposed to, "I like your handbag." "Thank you." and then its over.(really, the funniest things that have EVER happened to me is when I go shopping, particularly for hand bags.) Again, keep the questions light and not invasive. Do not ask too many questions if he or she is not responsive to them.
5. Jump on any conversation-starters he or she might offer; take something he or she has said and run with it. Agree, disagree, ask a question about it, or offer an opinion, just don't let it go by without notice.
6. Look your new found friend in the eye, it engenders trust (but don't stare). Also, use the person's name a time or two during the conversation; it will help you remember the name, and will draw the person's attention to what you are talking about. Smile a lot, and laugh when any quip (I may not be the smartest person, but I just don't know what a quip is, so how will I know my que to laugh?) is made by the other person.
7. Don't forget to smile and have fun with your conversation!
8. So, you should just be yourself and ask the question that you would think be the right thing to say but, give yourself some time to think about what you say before you say it.(However, really long breaks in silence seem like you are mentally challenged, not a real man/woman pleaser!)

May this valentines be the best one yet!