Special Olympics 2014!!

Thank-you to all the volunteers and organizers who put this year's special olympics together!! My students had an absolute blast!!

2 New Reasons Mama's Boys Make The Best Boyfriends (according to Cosmo)

They've gotten a bad rap for years, but recent research shows that guys who are close to their moms are super boyfriend and husband material. Here's why.

By Korin Miller
Between raving about her unparalleled cooking ability and rushing to her place whenever she needs something repaired, a man who is close with his mother tends to freak us out a little. But we're definitely gonna start giving these dudes another look thanks to a study from Arizona State University, which found that mama's boys have better communication skills and higher levels of empathy than guys who have cut the apron strings.

As a result, men who are close to their moms are much more likely to be in healthy, monogamous relationships than men who lack that connection, says New York City-based couples therapist Rachel Sussman.

So what exactly gives mama's boys such stellar LTR skills? These sweeties have been taking cues from their mothers for years. By observing how she relates to people and getting feedback from her while he was growing up, mama's boys are more likely to resist masculine stereotypes such as being aggressive and detached in relationships, explains study author Carlos Santos, PhD.

Mama's boys express their feelings more, are more tuned into our needs, and are closer listeners when women talk, says marital therapist Scott Haltzman, PhD, author of Secrets of Happily Married Women, all qualities that we crave in a partner. Even better, that openness and willingness to listen translate into awesome bedroom skills too.

Of course, mama's boys don't have a sucky reputation for no reason. Knowing there's another woman he's so connected to can grate on any girlfriend or wife's nerves. But you can deal with it by not viewing that bond as a threat or thinking that your guy has a limited amount of attention and love, and he's giving too much of it to her. Says Haltzman: "Thinking this way will only cause problems in your relationship."

Still, you have to set boundaries. If he chats her up on the phone while you're intimate or drops plans with you to see her, you've gotta step up and say something. Sussman recommends telling your guy how much you love that he's so attached to his mom, but that the two of you need to be a team and put your relationship first. Then, follow it up with a suggestion, like that he call his mom during his lunch break at work or telling her she can't come over when you're spending alone time together.

And while most of us are thrilled by a guy who will talk about his emotions, it can be a little too much if the mama's boy in him is always on display. When it gets too much, Sussman recommends encouraging his more masculine behavior, like telling him how hot it is when he changes the oil in his car. This sends the message that, while you love his sensitivity, you're equally turned on by his manly side.

Oh, and whatever you do, avoid the term "mama's boy." "No matter how in touch they are with their feelings, men still want to be men," says Sussman. "A lot of guys know that they're a mama's boy...and it's already embarrassing enough for them."

Thought for the day--Hold your own!!

For the past 3 days I have been going through a rough patch of emotional abuse brought upon myself I'm sure...but triggered by individuals whom I thought were genuinely good and trustworthy people in my life. I am now learning that there is a wolf hiding under sheepskin, even in the most trustworthy person you know.

I've learned that just because you treat people the way you want them to treat you...doesn't necessarily mean that they want to be treated the same way you them--perhaps ideally they want to be treated a different way (which produces conflict and distress).

Through these rough times I have been so lucky to hear from such supportive individuals who support me for being who I am---and nothing less. (Thank you especially to Gina, Larissa, Christine, Monica, Marina, Tatiana and Margot from Australia)

I will not lose hope that there are genuinely good people out there who think or feel the same way I do--it many not be EXACTLY the way I feel about love, life and relationships but they certainly don't judge me, ridicule me or chastise me for the metamorphasis journey I have been on since returning back from living in Australia and Asia. They have accepted the changes within me and dealt with all my bad and good times. I have found that the last 5 years of my life have been quite challenging. I wasn't sure about myself...about the changes I have made mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. However, I know that I am making them for a reason...I am crossing paths with people who will like and dislike me--and thats okay...life is what you make it and I choose to live the rest of my life making decisions and choosing paths that are right for me.

In the meantime, I find myself resorting to 'tangible hope'---I hold on to positive messages from family and friends as well as listening to restorative hopeful songs to inspire myself on this journey. One of these songs in particular I wanted to share with all my readers. It's uplifting and inspiring. Please take the time to read and listen to the lyrics. This song may send you a different message than it did me, but I hope you enjoy it!

Its called 'Details in the fabric' by Jason Mraz (Thank you Moniboo for introducing this song to me)---you are one of my most uplifting family members ever! xoxo

Most importantly I'd like to take this opportunity to count my blessings and thank all my wonderful supporters. I love you all!

I've got your back!

Wordless Wednesday- Tuesday Edition

Friendships

I am the RICHEST girl in the world when it comes to friendship. I truly would not trade my friends for the world. They are the reasons why I am who I am...and I appreciate all the love and support they have shown me throughout the years. If I don't say it enough, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!! (Note: not all my friends pics could be posted...if I did luckily, there would be a never-ending to this blog lol) Now how lucky am I?! ;)