~~~ SO TOOTSIE ~~~

Fiction (Scenario): Larry and Silva have been married for 5 years and have one child. They both have very busy work schedules. They have not been spending the time that they used to spend together since the birth of their son 2 years ago. Tonight is the night that they both are looking forward to; getting back into the swing of how things used to be.  SILVA: Do you still think I'm beautiful? LARRY: Yes, you are a natural beauty. You know that's what I like! Why do you ask? SILVA: I just wanted to know what you think that's all. You know just to see where your mind is! SILVA: L-Larry! LARRY: Huh, what did you say? Silva just caught Larry starring at another woman. What do you think is the moral of this story?

Learning to love your body type is more than just how you look on the outside. I believe health and confidence are two important factors. When I speak of health I am referring to psychological and/or physical. Yes, there are many different body types that exist but we should all be confident in our skin and the body that we possess. Just know that jealousy does not help; it only fuels unhealthy practices!  If you happen to not like something about yourself, work towards changing it in a healthy fashion. Again, I want to reiterate that this may not mean making physical changes but psychological changes or, perhaps, both. Your cognitions and perspective on who you are as a person matters in helping you move towards making healthy choices and lifestyle changes. So, with that being said, what is your single best physical feature?

Merry Christmas and greetings to all! I thought it would be fun to list my top 4 Christmas pet peeves; so here goes! Fruitcake with those jellied candies. What are they? (yuck!) Forgetting to buy aluminum pans and remembering as soon as all the stores close! When I was younger, blinking outdoor Christmas decorations shining through the windows as well as the curtains. I was not waiting up for Santa....I really couldn't sleep! Radio stations that play every slow Christmas song ever invented...song after song after song! As much as I love to eat certain types of wild game; I don't like it to be cooked in my house....can't stand the smell!!! Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!!!!!!

It is not always easy seeing eye to eye in a relationship or marriage but you have to learn to agree to disagree. What does this mean? It means that we all have our differences in opinion but it doesn't have to become an outright brawl in the Bronx!

Understanding the power of forgiveness is a key component of living a healthy life. This includes forgiving yourself as well as others. God says in Matthew 6:14, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you". This verse is powerful! It tells me

Buck's hair stands at attention as his eyes turn red while glaring. His lips begin to peel back exposing his gums and beast like sharp teeth. The foam spilling from his mouth is white and frothy. He begins to growl deeply and barks uncontrollably with furry as he walks towards Samantha. This is the kind of scenario I envision when people refer to themselves as being mad instead of angry.

The amount of time you spend with your spouse or partner is an important factor in your relationship. Although financial, work, familial and other stressors may exist; it is important, between the two of you, to create quality time. Two people in a relationship or marriage who both work and/or go to school can sometimes find it difficult to spend quality time together. I know and I am speaking from past experiences. Furthermore, in my personal observation, it seems that older couples spend more time doing, what seems like, everything together. I don't really see that in younger couples as a whole. I am not saying that younger couples aren't spending time together; I just haven't seen many!