Meliss

nurse...(me)

Cahnge your mind about a tattoo? Read on....

TIRED OF YOUR TATTOO?

Get Rid Of It With A Hand Sander!

By Kip Lewis

SAUGERTIES, N.Y. -- A light went on -- along with the hum of a sander with fine-grain paper -- when 27-year-old Ed Melch was laid-off from a carpentry shop.

"Before I got downsized, a couple of the guys were complaining about the tattoos they got in the service and college," Melch said. "Y'know, 'Mary 4Ever' and 'Quiet Riot Rocks!' I was thinkin' about that as I drove home that day."

The next morning, it hit him. "I will become a 'detat-cher' and fix those youthful body design mistakes many people make," said Melch. "Instead of going through painful and expensive surgery, or time-consuming dermabrasion with those weeny little rotary wheels, I just sand the ####### right off!" Some of Melch's clients are big, tough guys who still flinch when they see the Stripper.

"I tell them to stop being babies," Melch said. "They let somebody stick a needle in them, like, a zillion times -- how can a 30- second sanding be worse?"

Melch's customers are not only satisfied with the results, some have viewed it as a rite of passage.

"I thought I was a he-man when I had barb wire inked on my arm," said construction worker Billy Dragon. "No, man -- this was the real deal."

Despite Melch's success, there is one tattoo location he is unwilling to tackle. "I don't do bathing suit areas," he said. "You ladies with your roses and butterflies -- you're stuck with them for now."

Published on: 06/01/2006

Did you say Cipro? Antibiotic? (if I'm correct) if it is....note- no milk products during the actual taking og the pill and for 2 hours before or after- it counter acts it- aswell any form of antibiotic taken will render birth control pills ineffective. Yup. totally ineffective. Look out. Good luck with the treatment- you'll be fine.

My favorite question is always - What would we do if we won the lottery, a million dollars! Opens up the conversation, as well as plans for the house when I get there! Good luck and chin up because think about the effort you are putting into this relationship- it makes for a solid strong foundation. More than most people work for to be in a relationship. Smile, it will happen.

Of course... but still an interesting read don't cha think? Plus I've been by myself for so long - starting to feel single some days. But of course I love my honey too.... relax.

Suddenly Single

Are you better off single?

By Dawn Yanek

Attention, unmarried people of America: You can splurge on a fancy new wristwatch without having to explain yourself. You can stay out till 3 a.m. without having to phone home. You can leave the toilet seat up. In fact, there are many, many ways that single life rocks, though you may forget that fact when your relatives are grilling you about settling down.

Not only do you have the freedom to do anything you want—it’s also the best time in history to be flying solo. The marriage rate has declined nearly 50 percent since 1970, according to the National Marriage Project at Rutgers University, and right now, there are approximately 100 million singles in the U.S. And there’s strength in those numbers: “Today’s choose-to-be singles differ from the poor-me singles of past generations; there’s less of a stigma attached to being single, ” says Jerusha Stewart, author of The Single Girl’s Manifesta. “Singles are traveling, buying homes and doing everything they want to—you don’t have to get married anymore to live your life with style.”

Want more specifics on why you should celebrate being single? Here, 10 fascinating benefits to being unmarried:

Reason #1: You have a better body.

We’ve all been there—you get into a relationship, and suddenly you’re trying out new recipes all the time and cuddling instead of exercising. Well, things tend to get worse with marriage. A recent Cornell University study found that women generally gain five to eight pounds in the first few years of marriage and unhappily married women gain an average of 54 pounds in the first 10 years.

For the unmarried, though, the motivation to stay slim remains: “Singles look at themselves through the eyes of others and want to be attractive to potential partners,” says Susan Davis, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in New York City, “so they’re still ‘working on themselves.’” In short, being single is way better than any New Year’s resolution or exercise DVD to motivate you to stay in shape.

Reason #2: You’re more likely to achieve great things.

It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you have the time, the quiet and the lack of familial responsibilities. In fact, your premarital motivation to excel in life may be biologically programmed. According to a study conducted at the London School of Economics and Political Scientists, male scientists who stay single longer peak in their careers later in life and tend to be more productive than their married counterparts. Researchers theorize that men, in general, may show off their talents to win the interest of women and then, once they’ve won a wife, get comfortable and do less. In fact, studies have shown that testosterone levels, which boost action, decrease after a man gets married and has children. So single folk should know they are primed to achieve — whether that means turbo-charging their careers or honing their rock-climbing skills — and get out there and work it!

Reason #3: You do less housework.

You know that saying about a tree falling in a forest and there’s no one there to hear it? Well, if you leave a sock on the floor but there’s no one else there to see it, does it really need to be picked up? If you’re a single woman, you can contemplate deep questions like this one because you have more free time. According to one study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, women do less housework when single than when married. Men, on the other hand, do more housework when unmarried (that’s probably because there’s someone picking up after them once they’re wed…). So the message here is for unmarried women to enjoy their less chore-filled life; fill those free hours with classes, good books, blabbing with friends—whatever makes you happy.

Reason #4: You can do what you want with your money—including keep it.

Go ahead: Splurge on that pricey moisturizer or that obscenely large plasma TV you’ve been lusting after. You don’t have to justify your purchase to anyone but yourself. Once you mix money with marriage, though, things change—and fast. According to a survey by SmartMoney magazine, 40 percent of women and 36 percent of men have lied to their spouses about a purchase. “When you’re single, your finances are your own,” explains Phyllis Chase, a Los Angeles–based psychologist and co-host of the radio show Shrink Rap. “When you’re married, you have to deal with different styles of spending and saving, and you may take on your partner’s debt.” And a marriage that doesn’t make it for the long haul can also have a major negative effect on one’s wealth. According to researchers at Ohio State University’s Center for Human Resource Research, during a divorce, men and women generally lose three-fourths of their personal net worth. Double ouch.

Reason #5: You have better sex.

Married couples may have more sex (approximately 98 times a year vs. singles’ 49), but singles have better sex. According to a recent study published in the British Medical Journal, married women are significantly more likely to report problems with their sex lives than single women. “People who are dating have better sex because it’s novel,” says Davis. “Married people have to relearn how to play. It’s natural for singles because that’s the nature of a courting relationship—they tease, they experiment, they explore.” Nature lends a helping hand, too. According to researchers at the University of Pisa in Italy, raging testosterone levels in both men and women makes the sex hotter during the first two years of a relationship. After that, other hormones take over—most notably, oxytocin, a bonding chemical, kicks in. While getting connected and comfortable is a positive step in a relationship, long-term lovers have to work harder to keep things hot in the bedroom. Singles, however, sizzle just the way they are.

Reason #6: You’re better rested and smarter.

While snuggling up next to a warm body can be pretty fantastic, according to a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, your bedmate can cause you to lose an average of 49 minutes of sleep per night. Sleeping two-to-a-bed just isn’t as restful as snoozing solo. Other studies confirm that singles generally get more rest — seven to eight hours of sleep a night — than marrieds, which enhances memory, mood and concentration, as well as allows your immune system to recharge. And, according to scientists at the University of Luebeck in Germany, creativity and problem-solving may directly correlate with getting enough sleep. In the study, participants were given a math puzzle; those who’d had eight hours of sleep or more before tackling it were three times more likely to get the right answer than those who slept less. So, singles, revel in the fact that you’re alert, rested and have that extra brain-power edge.

Reason #7: You’re less depressed.

Although the media often perpetuates the image of single people being down in the dumps, overall unmarried people tend to be happier than their married counterparts—if you’re a woman, that is. One report by the World Health Organization indicated that married women, especially ones with children, have a higher risk for depression than single women, and researchers at the University of London found that single women generally have fewer mental-health issues. “Marriage, in many ways, seems to benefit men more than women,” says Davis. “For women, there’s more of a loss of self.” And, of course, today’s women often feel like they need to do it all—have a career, take care of the kids and perform other traditionally “female” responsibilities. “People who aren’t married are still investing in themselves,” says Davis. “It’s not selfish—it’s giving to yourself, and that’s something married people can learn from single people.”

Reason #8: You have better friendships.

Significant others are a wonderful thing, no doubt, but friends count, too. And on that front, one study found that, when women get married and have children, they spend much less time with their friends—less than five hours a week, down from 14 hours. Singles, however, often have the greatest sense of friendship and community—which can actually decrease stress levels, according to researchers at UCLA.

Here's another way to look at this: “Singles don’t rely on just one person to meet their needs. You don’t automatically know who you’re going to spend Friday night with,” says Sasha Cagen, author of Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics. “The plus side is that you have a lot of different people in your life and potentially a greater sense of social possibilities.”

Reason #9: Your travel tales are enviable.

Marrieds take the most vacations, dominating the market with 62 percent of all trips taken, but singles arguably go on more interesting trips. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, singles corner the adventure-travel market, engaging in activities like whitewater rafting, scuba diving and mountain biking. Being single and relatively footloose certainly allows you to expand your geographical — and personal — borders. “I have lived abroad, backpacked for close to a year, have been in love three times and much more,” says Courtney Davis, 27, a media-relations manager in Boston. “With every place and every person, my world has expanded.”

Reason #10: You know yourself—and what you want out of a relationship.

You’re a better catch now than you were at 20. You may have signs of, ahem, experience etched on your face, but that’s OK because you’re more interesting and more self-aware. Not only have you grown as a person, but you’ve probably been through the ringer a few times in matters of love and now know what you want—and what you don’t. Experts say that bodes well for future marital success and may actually decrease the likelihood of divorce. “When people get married young, they often feel like the other person will complete them, and they have trouble moving past that Hollywood myth,” explains Chase. “But maturity brings so much, because if you’re able to communicate who you are and what you want, the better your chances of having a successful marriage.” And that’s a wonderful message: Your single self is great... and should you find the right person and decide to marry, you’re more likely to thrive in that stage of your life, too.

Dawn Yanek is the author of How to Find the Right Person in 90 Days and Women’s Best-Kept Secrets. She frequently appears on VH-1, MSNBC, and other networks as a commentator on relationships, celebrities and lifestyle trends.

Well went for my medical with Dr. Al L. in London ontario, fun times, if you are a girl be prepared for the exam - no PAP - (yay) but he either does have wandering hands or needed to do a pelvic exam, not internal, but he examines EVERY thing else. (Plus you have to strip down) A little weird....any way parking was $ 3 bucks no worries, had the x ray there in the same building and waited 1 hour to pick it up. Spent the extra $20 bucks to have results sent to me rather than come back in a week to pick it up. The total cost of the exam- $435 dollars- ouch, for me and 2 kids. They had to have tentus shots but nothing else. It was fast like 1/2 hour and went shopping after. He has a tiny office on the second floor- 1 staff member and his office was really not on the very clean side. Anyway it is done, and I never have to go back. Not really a bad experience but not the way I would want to spend the day. Bye.

You could always work on getting your immunization records, police certificate check and fingerprinting if needed, those passport photos that you will need for medical etc, make sure your passport is not expiring soon, lots of planning stuff. Start a file folder and remember to make copies of everything. Welcome to the waiting, no way to speed it up, I am pretty much addictited to stalking the mail box.....have fun.

Congrats on the interview, wondering what is the # for montreal? I had it can't find it thanks, hrs too- between when and when? That would be cool.

Go to

www.theknot.com

It's a cool site that gives all sorts of wedding advice and links. Find anything local to your area (in U.S.) and plan away, I mean we have to have something to do while we are waiting.....and waiting....and waiting...Have fun!

High

Is it possible to open a bank account in the US before moving? I am always changing money etc.. before travelling, would be nice to have my own credit card or check card- my debit does not work in the states. Or any banks have cross border accounts or something? What about when you actually move? Transfer funds or just bring your money accross? I don't know, I guess it could all go in HIS account....thanks

I've heard horrible things about animal cruelty from the IAMS company....animal testing etc. I suggest going to a Natural Pet Food store- or find a small local company who can order holistic food for you.

Congratulations to you both!

I've never had any stamp put in my passport - and I go across monthly, probably passed you on the highway this time! What kind of stamp are they putting in?

Is it true, I'm sure I read it around here some where.... Montreal only sends out packet 4 interview dates the first 2 weeks of every month? If so, does that mean I'm out of the running for another month? This whole waiting thing is making me nuts. i know I've checked everyone elses time lines - and see the approx 2 month wait for packet 4 - then another 1 month wait until the interview but seriously I'm losing my mind. Thanks for the help.

The cost never ends, I had to do my photos the kids photos, (passport and medical) etc etc, police check, passports for the kids rush of course! But all worth it in the end right? (don't forget about moving costs!) I had my photos and the kids done at the local photo shop in the mall, they stamp the back for passport issues, anyway done right the first time and it is authentic - better to be right than make a mistake I had 3 sets for me and 2 for the kids done for like $ 70.00 ouch. Good luck.

Okay, I understand the 90 day to get married after a K1 visa. But- and i know you should'nt start a question with BUT..... what about after? I think I've heard 6 months with no leaving the country - what if there is a emergency back home...is there a permit I can apply for as soon as I get there (to US) or at least have paper work in hand to send to the right people just in case? Let me know about your experience, and fill me in on the details of travel after marrige... thanks Bye.

I Travel all the time back and forth between Canada and US. No worries at all, I keep a letter of employment in the car, but alway fly out of Buffalo. Peace bridge border no problems at all. I am always honest tell them I am seeeing my fiance and show my return ticket. I always say I have to be back at work...date etc. But seriously - it does worry me, but I've even gone down with the kids in car and never had one problem...knock on wood.... so far so good. Good Luck!

Hello there, Check your box, I PM'd you. I'll be moving so close to you.

Thanks and I just read every one elses comments on the whole check thing I trust you. XOX

Hello there again... okay now this question, my laywer recommends bring the kids to the interview, but no bags allowed no electronic devices OMG, they will be bouncing off the walls, How long did it take from the minute you walked in the door untill you were done the actual interview? I will have to figure this out, my packet 3 said nothing about bringing the rug rats, just all the paper work of course! thanks again...

Sorry, above interview in Montreal office.....

My fiance and I wer travelling back and forth before the engagement weekly untill he moved further away, since the engagement it's been monthly and I've had no problems and I've been truthful about everything....I always show my return ticket and have a letter from my employer just in case. Good luck, I always fly out of Buffalo N.Y., via the Peace Bridge.

Thank guys, now I can buy new shoes......You are sure I should'nt get one set just in case so I could be prepared???

Just so I don't spend $50 bucks on fingerprinting....it could be spent on shoes!! Criminal check is a mandatory thing I get it, no problem but when I got the packet 3 it tells you to go to a website (RCMP) and then proceeds to tell you if you live in Ontario etc etc etc need 2 sets of fingerprints??? I went to the station, have a appt for tomorrow and need some advice. From what I read I will have one set done and sent off to the RCMP for precautionary reasons, I don't want to have to wait any more after the interview.....help me out. I appreciate it. Any advice????? LOL, p.s. - I sent off my packet 3 today YAY!

Found out today my laywer was sent my packet #3..... is now forwarding it to me, YAY. And you are totally right, there is way more info here-- but my fiance wants me to quit bugging him with the comparing of time lines.....I can't help it I'm addicted.