11/23/2011

What are the Right or Wrong reasons for marriage these days?

I'll admit I'm confuse as to Why people rush into  marriage these days! 
I thought I knew the answer years ago.... Now I'm not so sure anymore. If you looked at the Kim Kardashian and Chris Humphrey's marriage which was over lightning-quick then you might look at these Wrong and Right reasons below and realize that you should take your time before jumping the broom. I've considered, Unfortunately,  getting married a few times after my first marriage ended.... simply because I like being in a long-term relationship, however the real test for me is if we can  make it as an exclusive  couple for  2 years or more.... this simply hasn't happened so far.... and that's the truth. So whether you're talking about your first marriage or a second or a third ...... these  (5) Wrong and (5) Right reasons may help you get a realistic picture as to why a strong percentage of all marriages fall apart. 


    Wrong Reason #1: Sexual attraction
    Too many people confuse sexual attraction with love and that can lead to a short-lived marriage (maybe a couple of years if you are lucky.)  The novelty of being with someone will turn  anyone on in the beginning.  But when the sexual attraction wanes, if there's no mutual trust and a joint view of the future, the marriage fades as well. Sexual attraction between two people is a good thing and energizes the marriage, but if the foundation isn't based on strong communication and shared values, the chances of a long-lasting marriage based solely on animal attraction aren't going to last.
Right Reason #1: You are good at working out your differences.
Research (not mine, because here is where I've come up short) indicates that one common theme among long-lasting marriages involves an ability to work out conflict. All relationships have conflicts.  The couples that can talk out their differences, surmount the conflict, and agree on a compromise  will outlast the couple that can't. The partners that trigger anger and resentment in one another or are unable to talk about their differences often can't sustain marriage, or even a conversation. So work on resolving issues. 



Wrong Reason #2: Escaping the family

Many single young women feel stuck living at home. When a potential mate appears, they often leap at the opportunity to extricate themselves from their parents' home and get engaged and run to the alter. Often it doesn't matter to them if their potential mate is a good match because of their need to separate from their parents. There are many ways to escape a family, start by working on getting  your own apartment and living alone for  awhile, be independent it helps you establish your life's goals. Making a lifelong commitment with someone who isn't a worthy partner isn't the best choice, so take  your time.  


Right Reason #2: Sharing common interests
If married couples share common interests, it cause engender closeness and mutual experiences. Experts say that couples don't have to share all common interests, but having enough of them encourages spending time together, a key ingredient to a successful marriage. Those commonalities can be as varied as spending time with their children, loving travel, following sports as long as they both appreciate something together. OK we guys have mixed feelings on sports, because we may have to explain the plays and can't enjoy the game without you interrupting. But if you can just sit and cheer when we cheer then we are happy to have you watch the game with us. 

Wrong Reason #3: The infatuation syndrome
Too many people confuse infatuation with love, you need to  Overcome the Myths that Hinder a Happy Marriage. Infatuation is for kids not Adults.  Infatuation is defined as a fleeting feeling for someone, whereas love is long lasting and is based on trust and commitment. Infatuation is instantaneous and some experts suggest can be hormonal.  Love has patience whereas infatuation has a sense of urgency and often that urgency fades. When marriages are based on infatuation, the zing is gone in less than no time, and you start  assuming you married the wrong person and start looking for a new relationship..... again.




Right Reason #3: Your partner fills your needs, not your wants

Way Too many people get married for what they want instead of what they need! For example,  many expert suggest making a list and  discussing your  fictional wants with your husband, except this genre doesn't interest him on less he is willing to contribute, so now you know what should be scratched of the list. If you are realistic about your needs he might listen.  To have a solid marriage your needs should be shared needs therefore shared with someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and willing to work hard towards common goals. Marrying someone who meets your needs will  enabled the marriage to last.

Wrong Reason #4: You think getting married will solve your problems
If your mate easily gets angry with you and frequently loses control, it can be a telltale sign that problems in the relationship are right around the corner. But many people ignore the signs. They see signs of troubled behavior but think it will get better when they get married.  Often if this irascible or abusive behavior occurs in the engagement period, it will only get worse after marriage, even if  the person is in counseling or therapy, delay marriage until you see that things are getting better. Some people think they will fix it after they get married..... NOT going to happen.  
Anything that is mildly annoying will become extremely annoying after you say  "I do."


Right Reason #4: Your plans for the future line up

Talking about a couple's expectations of the future is one of the surest ways of making sure you're both on the same page and share common values that can sustain a marriage. Many couples don't talk about whether they want to have kids, (surprises in this area is not a good thing)  where they're going to live, whether they'll be a one or two career household. Some people think things will work out magically when they get married, but that won't happen. The more you discuss your common visions for the future, the greater the chances the marriage will last.


Wrong Reason #5: You're head-over-heels in love

Falling in love, too many people get blinded and don't really get to know their mate.  What really keeps people together is their friendship, intimacy and supporting each other. If you ask yourself, "If I lost my job or had a medical scare, whom would I go to for comfort and support?" that answer might reveal the real love of your life, if its not your mate..... then the answer is clear.

Right Reason #5: You make each other feel special

One factor in successful marriages is making your partner feel special and worthy, particularly for men. Because the friendships men establish often don't have the depth of women's relationships, men depend more on their spouse to feel special. When women say, "I love you, you make my life exciting," or make their mate their favorite dessert, it goes a long way to affirming their mate and contributing to a happy marriage. We men know that we do things in the beginning like bringing flowers and make plans for vacations and romantic dinners as part of the romantic stage. So we need to be encouraged to keep doing it continuously after a few years, that take effort and willingness. 

Honeymoon or Vacation for Two, anyone ?

11/15/2011

Common mistakes men make

Some men – not all – have been known to be clueless when it comes to dating a good woman and staying in a relationship with her.  No matter how sincere you are, good women will walk if a man is guilty of any of the common mistakes. Check them out. 
Before we deal with the "Do Nots" you may want to understand a few things.
Fellas: Are you a breast man? Butt man? Or do legs drive you wild? If you appreciate an hourglass figure, smoldering eyes, or humble breasts....... the following can give you hidden clues about your relationship style  based on Research.
Ladies you may also want to read this so that you understand what is happening and why!

If you like her Eyes

Their hidden meaning: You’re probably thinking of how her eyes say “I want you.” So subconsciously, you’re thinking about babies. For example: Men with blue eyes are more likely to be attracted to women with blue eyes.They want babies with blue eyes
Your stealth flirtation strategy: Once you catch her looking at you from across the bar, maintain eye contact for a moment longer than you would normally. If she holds your gaze it’s a good indicator she’s down for a drink or two.

If you like her Smile

The hidden meaning: You’re probably thinking of how her smile says “I like you too.” A woman's genuine smile is the one thing that will let you know if you can hold her attention. If you can get her to smile without any effort then you are on a level playing field. Obviously your approach is what will make the difference between her smiling automatically or not. So if she smiles when she sees you,,,, you can at least approach her.

If you like her Breasts

Their hidden meaning: If you like smaller breasts, you may be more likely to settle down. When men are shown pictures of breasts in five sizes ranging from small to extra large, researchers found that men who preferred larger breasts also had lax attitudes toward sex and favored short-term commitment. 

If you like her Curves

Their hidden meaning: When researchers tracked the eye-movements of men looking at photos of women, they found the majority of men looked to the torso first when judging the attractiveness of a woman. The reason: Subconsciously, you’re seeing if she’ll make a good mom. 

If you like Her Body—And Only Her Body

The hidden meaning: If you’re more concerned with her shape than her face, you’re not thinking about settling down. (Surprise!) OK, so you don’t need research to tell you that one. 

If you like Nothing about her
The hidden meaning: If your buddies are drooling at the Tilted Kilt waitress but you’re just asking about the wings, that’s a sign you’re happy with your relationship you are in. (Or maybe you’re just whipped.)

I hope that gives you a little to think about..... NOW lets talk about the Don't.

10 Dating Turnoffs for Women !

Don’t be Overconfident and overbearing
Sometimes this is considered the hardest thing for any guy to do right. Being confident is very important, however if you  look her in the eye with that look that says "are you ready to get it on, right now" she’ll notice right away. Being overly sexed is a huge turn off to women; it either means that you have too much self-confidence  or that you are in a hurry to get her in bed.... before getting to know her first.

Don’t be overly Aggressive

If a Guy thinks a woman likes him he can be pushy at times if they’re looking for sex.  Especially if they are inept at reading the signals women send their way. If you know (not just think) the two of you are in agreement on the sex, then go for it, but leave room for "STOP, I'm not ready." Trying to get naked too fast is off-putting to many women. So, keep calm and carry on with the right moves, the rewards will be all the sweeter at the right time.

Don’t be a Slob, show some class.
Just because Ashton Kutcher and Charlie Sheen can get away with looking like hoboes doesn’t mean you can. Look presentable and have good hygiene. In other words, don’t go into this with bad breath and last week’s laundry or walk around with your pants hanging way below your behind. If your date sees that you’re not putting in the effort to make a good first impression, why should she bother with you?

Don’t be Rude
Be respectful not only to her, but to everyone you encounter along the way. If you’re treating the restaurant staff like trash and insulting them without reason, your date will assume that you’re going to treat her the same way. The last thing any woman wants is to be disrespected or talked down to. Don’t fake it either. If you are an A$$, it may work out for the first few times until she gets to know the real you. So, if you act like this in general, work on changing yourself first instead of looking for someone else to inflict your rude behavior on.

Don’t be Married
OK, I'm not player hating here. One of the worst things to do - EVER - is to lie about being married or separated. Typically, women don’t like being a home wrecker, or discovering that they are one. If you are currently separated, be up front about it. If you’re married, don’t even think about dating. However if you are separated you may be able to convince her that you weren't happy in your marriage so meeting knew people is your way of finding the answers to what you want.... Good luck she might just think you are confused and are not ready to move on! Smart women don't want to be rebound lovers.... 

Don’t be Stereotypical
If you’re on a first date and you say “Oh, so you’re that type of woman”, it’s pretty easy to assume she won’t be back for a second date. Jumping to conclusions about your date from the way she answers a couple of your questions is a 100% full fledged mistake. You have to let her answer the question in her own way before you arrive at any conclusions about her. However if you are stuck on stereotypes and those stereotypes lead to pretty much your stereotypical behavior, then I guess you will find yourself in the same situation, often. Where no matter what.... all women look and sound the same to YOU. 


Don’t be Distracted
Put your cell phone on silent or better yet, turn it off. Checking your cell phone every 15 mins sends the wrong message to your date. It says that you are not engaged in the conversation, which means you’re not interested in her. No one likes to have to fight for attention. Remember your manners. You have to tune out the Instant Mgs and focus on who you are talking to in person.

Don’t Be All Business
Some guys are fantastic salesman or great negotiators, which means they can talk about business 24/7. But, it’s not good to turn your dates into business transactions. There is a time and place to do business, and a time and place for leisure. If things work out with your date, it’s going to be better if she knows she can relax with you instead of being consistently uptight and focusing on the next big transaction. Let me explain.... Women want to know that you are success oriented, but talking about your latest business deals and where and how, can be boring to the lady she may not want to understand all that stuff, instead she may want to know about how you will sweep her off her feet...... 



Don’t Be a Showboat

Maybe you have access to the Company Jet and you just flew in from Italy helping them solve their debit crisis, or have a timeshare in St.Maarten/ St.Martin and you just received a huge annual bonus, don't flaunt your good fortune on your first date. While she might be impressed and all that does sound great, it’s not going to be enough if money is all you have going for you. Also, it’s not good to advertise your material wealth. In order to guarantee that second date, it’s best to let her get to know YOU and not what you own. But if You can afford to fly her to a exotic spot for dinner, she might be impressed to the max. Ask yourself this question however --- So what do you do for an Encore? 



11/10/2011

Where have you been all my life?

We go online these days for almost everything, even tips on finding that Special someone. From learning how to date, getting over fear of commitment, to first dating tips, here's where you'll find everything you need to know about  dating, selecting a life mate, and latching on and securing "Mister perfect," your dream husband in the real world. 

www.WeHaveTheAnswerForYou.com 
There is no such website, CD, video or book that will do exactly what you want, especially if you are in a  confused state of mind. 
Relationship experts cover topics for everyone in cyberspace. If you are  recovering from a divorce, or a breakup you are in a different state of mind. So why are you at the wrong place? No one is on this beach but you. Well, these sites offer a one-size-fits all dating formula. Their mission is to help a few get back into the dating game by just following their advice therefore making them successful Matchmakers of the very few. Hell they even have you covered, they pinpoint the ideal place where singles can meet to find friendship, romance, love, and even long lasting connections. Based on a Computer AppThey make it as easy as possible to get back into the dating game..... To start searching for Singles near you simply visit their website. Once you're on the inside you'll be able to take advantage of a wide variety of features, all for free! You can create a detailed dating profile, add up to 20 photos, view other singles their system matches you up  with others based on your profile, search for matches, or contact other members. I'm a Software engineer so I know how these Apps work. They match keywords that is about it. The Keywords you pick connects to others Keywords in a database, so you are matched up based on similar Keywords...... Rocket Science?... Not really ... but  Sometimes it works because people believe it. 
OKAY, here I go again. They don't know anymore about matching you up than you do..... If you have been in a relationship before, you did something right in the beginning of that relationship. I'm not an expert on you, your like, your dislikes, so I can't write a Application program that will pick a perfect mate for You!  But I am a man and I know what attracts me to a lady. Since most women believe that all men are alike.... then one man's opinion is all you need..... Right? So do you want to know a secret to attracting a wonderful man? 
Just Be seen in public in a JOYFUL mood. That's it? That's it! It sounds simple, doesn't it? But many single women have trouble attaining such a playful mood in public, and accomplishing it takes self-mastery and focused intent, which will immediately put you in a category apart from all others. A happy and spontaneous woman with a warm smile who's obviously in a leisure moment, and not too occupied to pay attention to social overtures, is much more likely to receive attention than a woman who's rushing somewhere on a vital mission, head bowed in anxiety, face stiff with the fear of an unwanted approach. 
He will react to your energy, if you are joyful. And most single women in public act as though they want to avoid what they actually wish would happen:  would make intriguing small talk with a man of Denzel Washington-like charm
Feeling confident in public places widens the range of eligible men to whom a single woman will be exposed. And it lessens the chances of being approached by the truly predatory, who are more interested in the wounded, fearful, and anxious. 
Click on Think Safety First

First, identify a public place and turn it into your personal parlor. Find a place where you feel comfortable visiting with friends, eating a meal, or having a cappuccino and reading the paper, alone from time to time. Get to know the staff and management, and become a recognized and welcome customer.This need not be a bar. 
But it does need to:
  1. Be within easy walking or driving distance from your home
  2. Be open as many hours a day as possible so that you can alternate times when you visit
  3. Have a social atmosphere congenial to you (your type of music, your type of food)
  4. Have a friendly service staff that you can joke with 
  5. Offer comfortable chairs where your feet reach the floor (if you're short)
  6. Have lighting soft enough to enhance your skin and strong enough to read by (you look intelligent  when you are reading something)
It may be a cafe, or a neighborhood restaurant that serves breakfast on the weekends, or a place where you can drop in for a double espresso and read the paper after Grocery shopping. Perhaps it could become  your favorite restaurant where you can eat a snack or a full meal, depending on your mood.
Consciously make this place your hangout (your spiderweb). Make this comfortable spot the place you have lunch with your girlfriend (preferably a married girlfriend, other wise she is your comp.) once a week,  or meet new acquaintances for a drink or coffee. You will look relaxed in your zone. Get to know the names of the service staff, and tip well, so that when you show up everyone recognizes you -- and they'll always note when you're talking to someone new. Joke with the staff which make you laugh.  Become a favorite customer. In particular, get to know the hostesses in such places because they are like the captains of the ship and watch everyone who comes and goes. You'll never fear being approached by a weird stranger once you feel surrounded by friends.     If you're going to be seen with friends, make sure they are a delight, so that you laugh and smile frequently. If alone, make sure you look around you frequently and make eye contact with someone occasionally. If you cultivate the right place, it will feel like a home away from home. And you will notice who comes and goes. Feel free to relax and be receptive to eye contact and smiles from people you don't know . . . yet.  Why not? You've created your own safe, public parlor.  
It beats chilling at home texting people you already know will not make the grade.
Certainly, at first you'll probably have to consciously create the circumstances in which to relax in public. Then, you can expand and similarly create other public spaces in which you feel "at home" enough to receive attention from men. Say, you branch out to a local bistro where you can listen comfortably to some music on a Saturday evening. Remember, you're in charge, not the space, not the people around you. When you do this, your face will relax enough to invite an approach from a man who is assertive enough to make a small overture, and healthy enough to choose a confident woman with whom to do so.
I recommend that any single woman who wants to meet more men practice the discipline of socializing where she can give and receive mild flirtations without endangering herself or feeling anxiety. Think of it as a discipline in public. Walk that razor's edge of being both relaxed and alert to the World around you, and you will never feel dis-empowered in a social situation. The end result? You'll meet a lot more of the kind of men you want to meet.  
REMEMBER: This is about you applying your own personal style, to the above suggestions. Do what makes you comfortable. But remember to become the best You, you can be. If you remember how that worked before, then it will work again. Someday, someone will walk into your life and make you realize why it never worked out with anyone else.
Who knows you will Possibly be asked:
"Where have you been all my life?"



Vacation for Two, anyone ?


11/07/2011

Lower your gazes...... It's all about r-e-s-p-e-c-t.


Most TV shows and movies portray women as conquests, ready to be submissive to the guy. Most hip hop lyrics involve the words “B****s and H**s when speaking of women. So what? This is the Western World "this how we do it!" But do we really like to see other men disrespect women, we admire?
Check out these 2 Videos from Dr. Drews Life Changers, with Paul Carrick Brunson
  1.  Instant DISRESPECT  
  2.  Resolving the Anger from Relationship Issues
Where am I going with this?
Ever heard the Lenny Kravitz song “American Woman.” It goes something like this: “American woman stay away from me…”. Well, I tend to think that the Western women are the ones who need to be concerned if they are falling for Foreign Muslim men. Why am I writing about Muslim men? Obviously, I am not a Muslim. So, I’m talking mostly about Muslim men who pursue Western women (non Muslims,) and have the audacity to get upset when Western men pursue the woman from their countries. I know non Muslim Westerners misbehave when it come to respecting women. Heck,  some Westerner men treat Westerner women like sexual objects often.
Men can always say "I'm sorry," after the fact, but the damage is already done. 
Many foreign born men do not respect Western women either and view them as some sort of plaything. The liberated women are viewed as promiscuous and even foul mouth Equals to Western men. Maybe this contributes to the way the Foreign Muslims views Western women, but this also makes Western women most desired by Muslim men (which is in contradiction to their religion.)
Dating Muslim Guy.. No Sex Before Marriage!  Why am I mainly talking about Muslim men? It all comes down to pure and simple lack of   R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Muslim men should know better! They should behave better! And follow the teachings of the Quran!
On to my point of though,  I can not fathom the rudeness that foreign born men  have shown to Western women and then dismissed it by saying “Oh, she’s a Westerner.” They say things to women that they would never dream of saying to a woman from their own countries ( maybe they do but we Westerners will not hear about it.) I know this because I have witnessed it first hand. I see Muslim men lowering their gaze in front of women from their country but looking at Western women as brazenly as they please. I have witnessed Muslim men opt to not even speak to a woman from their country but then turn to a Western woman and make an attempt at flirtation. Then, if or when they are scolded they respond with: “Oh her, she’s an American.”  Makes me wonder if they watched commercials for No tanning lines Bikinis.  Do they react with cat whistles...... bark like Dogs like Western men?
Another thing, foreign born Muslims are always  looking to marry Western women. Often they could care less if she is a Muslim or a non Muslim. They just want to marry an American. Why? I guess some of them want citizenship, money, or Permanent Residency status.  Actually I'm sure that is the main reason. Maybe some of them like the Western sisters and don’t care what her beliefs are (Not likely).

What I do know is, there are many lovely sisters who are born in their own country and are being passed up for marriage simply because the Foreign Muslim men want to marry an American (again Muslim or non Muslim). After which she is forced to become a Muslim woman. Many Western women often get marriage proposals just by walking down the street or in a halal grocer. In other words, Western women are in high demand! Well, this is where it gets downright ridiculous they are being treated as an object and often that is the reality of how they are viewed. My reaction to Foreign Muslims is,
Find another “Match.”  I'm amazed that many Muslim men live in counties like South Africa that have Bikini Parades (see below) for worthwhile causes like Cancer, I guess they must freak-out on the days when a parade of women walk by them on the streets dressed only in bikinis.
If you’re Muslim and seeking your life partner, Muslima.com is an excellent place to start in your online search for the right one for you. If you’re looking for a site built by Muslims for Muslims, then Qiran.com is the place for you. MuslimFriends.com is devoted to helping you meet the perfect partner with whom to develop companionship and eventually marriage. One of the more frequently visited Islamic matrimonial sites; Muslims4Marriage.com has a number of options available to both its basic and premium users.
This isn't to say that all Muslim men behave disrespectful to Westerner women. In contrast, I have met several Muslims who are very respectful around women.  As with any other religion, or culture you are sure to find both good and bad in the bunch.

The fact is as I said before, Muslims should behave in accordance to their teachings. Those Muslims who do act disrespectful should fear Allah and treat all Women with the respect they deserve.  It doesn’t matter what a woman’s race or religion you are to lower your gazes (Muslim religious instructions from the Quran it doesn’t say “lower your gazes for women from Saudi or Egypt but look brazenly at the

Western women.” It says lower your gaze, period.  “(O’ Prophet!) Say to the believing men that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts - that is purer for them; surely Allah is aware of what they do. And say to the believing women that they cast down their looks…”

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things). Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.

I hope these suggestions will help Muslim men in their searches, this may prevent them and the Western woman's family from going on the war path....... Western families are not going to accept you disrespecting Western women no more than you would accept Western men disrespecting Muslims.





I don't think there will be many Muslim men walking around on St. Martin's topless and all Nude beaches this season....
 Rentals near beaches on St Maarten/St Martin

11/03/2011

Ask yourself this question, Would I have the guts to do this.


John Carlos was born in HarlemNew York on 5th June, 1945. A talented athlete he won a scholarship to East Texas State University. Later he moved to San Jose State College. In 1967 he won the gold medal at 200 meters at the Pan-American Games. In the 1968 Olympic Trials, John Carlos broke the world record when he beat Tommie Smith in the 200 meter finals.
In 1967, John Carlos became a founding member of the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR). Harry Edwards, a sociology professor at San Jose State College, tried to persuade African American athletes to boycott the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City to draw attention to racism in the United States. This campaign failed but some athletes did agree to wear black knee-length socks, while competing in their events.
Tommie Smith won the gold in the 200m final of the 1968 Olympic Games by setting a new world record.John Carlos, took the bronze. Both men decided to make a protest. While the Star-Spangled Banner played during the medal ceremony, Smith raised his right, black-gloved fist to represent Black Power, while Carlos's raised left fist represented black unity. Peter Norman, the Australian athlete who won the silver medal, joined the protest by wearing an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge.

What does  this  have to do with the current news in St. Maarten or the Wall Street protesters? From my point of view  the SxmPerspective is making a statement that history repeats its self in some form or another. As a guy who DOES NOT believe in "Kingdoms" I have a different  opinion on a number of things. for example: the Queen of the Netherlands visiting her Islands and causing poor people to scramble to make a big deal over her visit. My thoughts are as follows: St. Maarten is  no longer a Colony, and we are not the Queen's subjects, some will surely disagree with me on this. 
Let me say this, the Queen is a very nice lady, I have NO problem with her or her Royal Family. I have a problem with the structure. If the Queen of the Netherlands or England come to visit, let them pay for their rooms (suites)  food and transportation like any other TOURIST. They should Make a contribution to the Economy of an Island that is struggling. She can surely afford to pay for her visit herself. Treat her as "a Special Guest" based on what she pays for. The more They spends the better the service. It makes almost no-sense to me to go overboard for anyone who's EURO currency has greater value than the local currency, and expect the people of a little Island to sacrifice to honor her visit. Once again this is my opinion, and I have the Freedom of speech therefore I'm exercising my right to speak on the subject. 

I wonder what the reaction would be if a few Members of the siting Sxm Government would do what John Carlos and Tommie Smith did during  the "Dutch Anthem". LOL.  A few may be thinking it, but will not do it.. Since the Kingdom seems to have oversight control over two Ministries in particular, Finance and Justice, I would think that those two Ministers would not be happy with the way they are forced to deal with their Ministerial duties. I'm just a rebel, this is where I would draw attention to my arguments that the financial strangle hold is killing the Island in its growth, which affects us all. We are not a 3rd World Nation. A 3rd World nation could not afford to spend ANG 300,000 out of the already strict budget that is stretched to the limits for a 3 day visit. We are forced to live like a 3rd World Nation. Just for grins, Think about when you got your first job, and moved into you own home or apt.  I remember  my thoughts, My parents were still alive back them, BUT I was thinking this is my place and I make the decision under this roof. My Parents can visit but I decide when (No disrespect intended.) I thought to myself, I can seek their help, their advise, their guidance........ but in the end "I" make the final decisions about my household, my life and what I decide to do. I will follow the Rules and Laws of the place where I live, and I'm accountable to those within the community, City, County, State, Country of where I live. I can't Imagine Suriname going out of its way to invite the Queen of the Netherlands, and roll out the Red carpet at their expense. She may get that treatment if she pays for it "in Advance." Maybe not even then.  Suriname by the way received its independence from the Netherlands a few decades ago. Suriname is 4 times the size of the Dutch Nation that controlled it for centuries. Indonesia is another former territory the Dutch controlled that might not roll out the Red carpet either. NY was also owned by the Dutch which they swapped with the British for Suriname. NY has many Dutch names like Harlem etc..... Could you imagine NY as a Colony of the Dutch today? 
The A-B-C and S-S-S (6) Island in the Caribbean are the only territories that are still left within the Dutch Kingdom and are still being Ruled (with a remote control) by the Dutch. These Islands received their Autonomy in 1954 (57 years ago), BUT still have a status (even after all this time) that says "I can't run my own affairs" we have to stay linked to a Kingdom in Europe. The status of 3 Islands now labeled as the B-E-S are "Public Entities" they are Saba, Sint Eustatius and Bonaire.  I am sure members of the United Nations are scratching their heads wondering what the hell are "Public Entities?" They are not in the Netherlands so which Public are they talking about. The other 3 Islands Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten are now Countries within the Kingdom, which is also weird. no real FREEDOM to run their own affairs. 

I wonder what my attitude would be, if I still had to check with someone (who don't live with me) on how  I should deal with my own household, trust me, I wouldn't be rolling out the Red carpet to Welcome them. 






11/01/2011

You can have the best of both Worlds.

The Judge says: "you will have the kids every other weekend, sir. Starting with the 2nd weekend and then the 4th"  What does this really mean. First, Avoid getting angry, then start thinking outside the box...... 
When a father is away from the stress of a failed marriage, he can be more relaxed and more reflective and as a result enjoy being more fully involved with his children. Well, here is where we Dads have a problem. Lets start with the "Fully involved" part. How can he do this in just two weekends a month?
Maybe I'm thinking a little rebellious again, but bear with me! In many families, mom is the center of everything and the husband is the supporting player. But with divorce, the Father needs to have more one on one time with his kids in ways he  never did before. This can certainly be true, and some father-child relationships do improve after divorce, but it takes work. As a general rule, however, divorce is often what drives fathers and kids apart. 

Iphone, Ipad, Xoom, Blackberry, Samsung and other devices make it easier for Dads to stay in contact with their kids.
Technology to Help Divorced Families
Technology can  prevent or reduce what is called parental alienation where in the past the residential parent may - consciously or unconsciously - block contact either out of her resentment towards the father or because she has remarried and is protecting the stepfather relationship. Fathers can get around the road blocks by giving their kids pre-paid cell phones to insure contact. Divorce contracts are also often written to permit contact through email accounts.
Example: J.D. a divorced dad to two girls, admits to using Facebook to keep in contact with his kids. Checkup on them daily checkout their friends. “Sometimes when we speak on the phone I can tell if Mom is standing there and then later my daughter will contact me on Facebook,” he said. “A lot of Dads complain that moms could stand in the way of communication but now it’s almost impossible because kids are so tech savvy.” Therefore if Dad puts forth the effort your kids will enjoy the continuous contract.In fact, J.D, who had a contentious divorce with his ex-wife, says that email helps divorced parents diminish “the nastiness in our dialogues” which the kids would overhear on the phone. Now he can email what time he’s picking up the kids and delivering them without any verbal warfare…

So lets get back to where Fathers can do an end-around the roadblocks. Use the technology to make your kids feel your presents. Every other weekend is not enough time to do all that you can do with them or for them.
Start by telling them...... DAD will play a fun game with you, online. Dad will call using Skype.com, Dad will place a comment on your Facebook pictures, Dad can send gifts to you using Facebook apps. Dads can even check your homework and help you when you are struggling. If your kids need Dads advise, they just need to poke you and you can respond. Kids can use the pre-paid phone to call Dad. You can call them back if you missed the call. These are things that are available. So use your every other weekend for personal contact, like hugs. 
To answer the question which is hanging like a dark cloud over the Afro-American Community. Do Good Black Fathers Still Exist?
The answer is "YES", but Fathers need to get past the obstacles and do whatever they can, within the lines of the playing fields. Which requires a little extra effort. Let me put it is sports terms. We practice and prepare for the big game. Football, Basketball, Baseball, Golf, Tennis and even Chess requires you to overcome obstacles to meet the challenges. Fatherhood is no different it's all in the way you approach the challenges. MAN UP and reach out and tough your kids REGULARLY. 

On the upside:

Italian Wool Flannel Two-Piece Suit
The 1st and 3rd weekends are now YOUR to do with as you please. 
You can go out and get your Mack on. 
No longer having to account for your time. 
No need to Answer questions and have your kids look at you as if you are betraying them. 
- No more "who is She?" 
- No more "why can't you just stay home with me." 
- No more having to say "I'm sorry for whatever."  
Enjoy your new found freedom and enjoy quality time with your kids, too.



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