10 ways to be a better wife

10 ways to be a better wife courtesy of MSN Lifestyle.com

1) Take care of yourself. Turns out that the best thing you can do for your husband is also good for you. Eat healthy foods, maintain good grooming, and exercise regularly. You'll look and feel better, and you'll continue to be the vibrant and attractive woman he fell in love with, no matter your age.
2) Say thank you, often. When researchers ask men what they want from their wives, appreciation always makes the list. Everyone likes to be appreciated, so remember to notice the things your husband does—for you, for the kids, for the house—and thank him. You'll put a smile on his face and a little joy in his heart.
3) Keep the romance alive. When was the last time you planned a romantic interlude with your husband? If you can't remember, you're way overdue. Be affectionate, write love notes, give him a backrub, plan a date, and initiate sexual play. Remind him that you still find him attractive.
4) Let him have "guy time". Everyone needs time for themselves—to relax, enjoy a hobby, or socialize with friends. If your husband loves football and you don't, don’t bug him about it. Encourage him to cultivate friendships with other men. He'll enjoy the companionship. Studies show that people with friends tend to live longer, healthier lives.
5) Make your husband a priority.With the everyday stresses of work, home, and kids, it's easy to take your husband for granted. Make time for the two of you to reconnect on a regular basis. Take an interest in his work and hobbies. Let him know he's important to you.
6) Don't try to change him.Are you outgoing, but your husband is shy? Do you like a clean house, but he leaves towels on the floor? Behavioral experts say you can't change others, you can only change yourself and how you react—so look for ways other than nagging to handle these situations. Compromise on social activities by making them shorter, or go by yourself. Place a laundry basket in the bathroom. And when he attends a party or puts dirty towels in their proper place, thank him. Positive reinforcement beats nagging every time.
7) Don’t make him guess—tell him what you want! It's easy to assume that the person who lives with you every day also knows you well enough to know what you want. Not true. Most of us view the world through our own needs and desires, so don't be surprised if your husband thinks that what you want is what he would want. If you want something specific—advice, a hug, or a red sweater for your birthday—let him know.
8) Cultivate friends and interests outside your marriage. Once you’re married, it's easy to shrink your social network to revolve around your husband. But no one person can meet all your needs, and it’s too much to expect your husband to be your partner, your lover, AND your best girlfriend. Make time for friendships outside your marriage. You'll have more fun and bring new energy to your relationship.
9) Let free time be free. Just as you need time to relax and unwind, so does your husband. He may not define it the way you do, though; while your idea of relaxing after work may be talking over a glass of wine, he may enjoy being quiet for awhile, reading the newspaper, or watching TV. Find a compromise so both your needs are met. And give him time to recharge by not over-scheduling weekends with home projects and shopping.
10) Believe in your husband, and let him know it. Men can display a lot of bravado, but like us they sometimes struggle with low self-confidence and feelings of failure. And because men approach the world as competitors, they sometimes end up feeling like losers. When he comes home, your husband needs to know that the person he values most in the world believes in him—especially when he doesn't believe in himself

10 ways to be a better husband

10 ways to be a better husband thanks to MSN Lifestyle.com

1) Take an interest in something your wife is really passionate about. This can be especially tough for guys, because we generally feel that if someone else has interests that differ from ours, they're morons. It's not an easy task, and being able to show interest in something that matters to someone you love shows growth—and that's terrifying. Good, but terrifying. Accomplish this and you'll make her feel better about herself, and you get better insight into what makes her tick.
2) Put the kids to bed. Once a week give her the night off and put the kids to bed by yourself. Let her take a hot bath, read a book, or check gossip on the Web and forget about the kids. I'm always amazed how happy this makes my wife. It ranks somewhere between low-end jewelry and a Hawaiian vacation.
3) Learn to apologize. This is the easiest one, and the hardest one. A marriage is a marathon, and we all fly off the handle too quick or let our temper get the best of us sometimes. When you're wrong, it's best to step up and apologize. It's amazing how fast "I'm sorry" can defuse a stupid argument about something you can't even remember.
4) Thank her for putting up with you. Every once in a while, just thank her for putting up with you. That's all you have to say. Don't launch into a list of your faults, or the story about coming home two days late from that Vegas bachelor party. Just thank her, and let her know that you understand that you're not the easiest person in the world to live with.
5) Clean up after yourself. Take care of that late night snack or morning cereal bowl. Setting them in the sink is one thing, but go that extra mile and actually put them in the dishwasher. After all, no one enjoys scraping bacon dip off a bowl that's been sitting too long or smelling the chili from the night before. A beer bottle on the counter the next morning is even worse.
6) Make time for just the two of you. Take her on a date once a month. Surprise her by arranging child care, ordering a pizza for the kids, and getting a sitter. She will be so thrilled at your ability to take care of the details that reservations at the best restaurant in town aren't even necessary. The fact that you love her enough to do this would make a Big Mac taste like cracked crab.
7) Groom yourself. Don't embarrass her when you venture out of the house. Check the ears, nose, neck and yes, feet for hair or other growths that shouldn't be there. She not only wants you to impress her friends by how you act, but also by how you look.
8) Get away from the family.Yep, you're getting a free pass. This takes a left turn from the others, but it's essential. Get away from all your responsibilities and go camping or on a golf outing with the guys. You'll laugh, relax, and recharge your batteries. And all three will make you a much better husband when you return.
9) Deal with your side of the family. Help your wife set expectations with your side of the family when it comes to making plans. Don't make her inform your parents that they won't be seeing their grandkids on Christmas this year—pick up the phone and do it yourself. Dealing with extended family can be a huge stress throughout the year, and you don't want the burden to fall entirely on her.
10) Don't lose your dating manners. Remember, she's your wife, not one of your buddies. Don't burp during dinner, or squeeze one out during the movie as she's reaching for the popcorn. You wouldn't have done that while you were dating, and you shouldn't do it now. Continue to try and impress her. Do everything you can to keep the fire alive, and fight the urge to let the passion die. Find the new, hot place to eat or take her to see a cool band that's in town. Have fun, laugh, and make sure you tell her how great she looks.

Hey guys - 10 signs that you are whipped!

10 signs that you are whipped, thanks to AskMen.com


10. She does not stop trying to reach youYou gave her your phone number, now she calls you 5 times a day at work; pages you until you get wet; spams your inbox; and even tries to track you down at your folks' place. You can't run, you can't hide... but once you begin to carry your cell phone into the bathroom to avoid missing her call, the time has come for your friends to intervene.
9. You're not the same person I know, people change when they are committed, some for the better. It's all about compromise after all, but then why is it that some dudes turn into a chameleon and totally change? Well, once you become a diluted version of your old self , your buds know that you're anwering to someone else.
8. You don't go out with the boys anymoreYour friends... remember them? Well, they remember you. The old you, not the one who no longer speaks his mind, and answers "how high?" when the ball and chain yells "jump!" You never go out with your friends anymore and they hardly call you, since they know the outcome.
7. You use terms that should be barredTerms like "smoochie", "angel", "buddy", "muffin", "bunny", and "pumpkin" suddenly sneak their way into your vocabulary. Colleagues and friends look forward to making fun of you when you use these words.
6. Your taste for the "arts" changesWhether you're always listening to Sarah McLachlan or you're suddenly passing up the R-rated movies for the CF ones (Chick Flicks), your taste has begun its transformation process. Before you know it, you start to replace Ozzy concerts with trips to the opera.
5. She has veto powerAny matters pertaining to scratching your head, going to see a movie, or buying something for your bachelor pad require her approval. Don't you miss the days when you could make a decision without having to call the wife? All of a sudden, your opinion never counts and you're nothing more than a messenger boy.
4. You have a curfewYou used to come home at sunrise, but now you must be tucked into bed by sunset. If you do go out with the boys, your curfew is suddenly 5 hours earlier and the 3rd degree awaits upon your return.
3. You're the house man Your mom is impressed with your sudden ability to wash dishes and do the laundry... and your girlfriend's mom is even more pleased. You "volunteer" to go lingerie shopping (and know the difference between Wonderbra and Victoria's Secret), shoe shopping, make-up shopping, and purse shopping with your girl.
2. Your girl friends are historyOnce upon a time, you would stroll into bars with a harem of women and all the ladies would ask, "who is that guy?" But now, you're committed and the wife gives you the death stare whenever one of your old lady friends calls.
1. You don't deliver the punchline -- you're the joke Bye-bye humor. You used to crack jokes and make everyone laugh. But with her around, you know that she will either get up in the middle of whatever you say, or start to walk away. But you aren't this lucky, you know that she will simply sit there and mope, raining on your parade.

10 Things You Should Never Say To A Woman

1) "What did you do to your hair?"
2) "They both look the same to me"
3) "Relax"
4) "I've got it all under control"
5) "You're not one of those feminists, are you?"
6) "When are you due?"
7) "You're being emotional"
8) "You're acting like my mother/your mother/my ex-girlfriend"
9) "You complete me"
10) "Do you really think you should be eating that?"

courtesy of MSN Lifestyle

White Cane Walk

Click the following link for information on the White Cane Walk, the benefit Trapper's helping with, for the Cleveland Sight Center.

http://whitecanewalk.kintera.org/faf/help/helpEventInfo.asp?ievent=267234&lis=1&kntae267234=4478119B48934D66B30F25B131D66B5D

25 manly things every man should be able to do

The List: How to...
1. Patch a radiator hose
2. Protect your computer
3. Rescue a boater who has capsized
4. Frame a wall
5. Retouch digital photos
6. Back up a trailer
7. Build a campfire
8. Fix a dead outlet
9. Navigate with a map and compass
10. Use a torque wrench
11. Sharpen a knife
12. Perform CPR
13. Fillet a fish
14. Maneuver a car out of a skid
15. Get a car unstuck
16. Back up data
17. Paint a room
18. Mix concrete
19. Clean a bolt-action rifle
20. Change oil and filter
21. Hook up an HDTV
22. Bleed brakes
23. Paddle a canoe
24. Fix a bike flat
25. Extend your wireless network

18 Things A Grown Man Should Never Have

Here they are - the 18 Things A Grown Man Should Never Have


1. A black eye. Unless the rim hits your face mid-dunk, your peepers should remain unblemished. You're smart enough to talk your way out of any fight you're going to lose.
2. A witty e-mail signature. Quotes and song lyrics should be heard during toasts and karaoke performances, respectively. Don't let your electronic correspondence become the digital version of a motivational poster.
3. An empty refrigerator. Your larder should be amply stocked, your pantry provisioned. Always aim to be ready to create an on-the-fly, three-course dinner for her...along with breakfast in bed.
4. PlayStation thumb. When they're relaxing, grown men can behave like children. But if you devolve long enough to cause calluses or button-shaped bruises, you're assuredly missing out on life.
5. A key chain with a bottle opener. This bauble is both a gauche reminder of your college days and proof that you don't know how to apply leverage using available, impromptu bottle openers: a lighter, the back end of a fork.
6. A lucky shirt. Every shirt is lucky when worn by a man who knows that the harder he works the luckier he'll be.
7. An unstamped passport.
8. Olympic dreams. Exceptions: curling and archery.
9. Less than $20 in his wallet. Fiduciary nudity is negligence. A real man should always carry a business card and enough dough to pick up coffee, bagels, and the Sunday paper without whipping out the plastic.
10. A name for body parts. Even if it's a really clever name.
11. Any beer that costs less than $20 a case. And no exception for the grand-slam 30-pack that crosses that price threshold.
12. The need to quote The Big Lebowski/ Caddyshack/Superbad. Reciting someone else's lines reminds people that you haven't the wit to write your own.
13. A futon. Sure, beds are for sleeping. But such a meager, slouchy spread has never, in the history of sex, inspired a woman to say, "Take me on your futon."
14. Code words for ugly women. Actually, code words for anything.
15. A Nerf hoop in his living room. Keep the adolescent accoutrements where they belong: in the rec room or above the wastebasket in someone else's office.
16. A secret handshake.
17. Drinking glasses with logos. Especially those kitschy McDonald's Hamburglar ones.
18. A recent story with the phrase "So I said to the cop...

9 Words Women Use

9 WORDS WOMEN USE

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' -- that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' ... tha will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying @#*@ YOU!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Dumb Dad or Macho Man?

Is this dad macho, irresponsible, or just a terrific multi-tasker? Whatever the answer, his wife was probably really ticked-off when she saw this on TV.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT1DrLCzbfk

Git Fit

The exercise tests we used take in school, designed by the President's Council on Physical Fitness, are now being given to adults. It's the government's effort to fight the growing obesity problem in this country. Here's the link:
http://www.adultfitnesstest.org/adultFitnesstestLanding.aspx

Apology Pizzas: The Results

Papa John's served up about 170,000 pies on Thursday, May 8, for their 23-cent pizza deal. The world's third-largest pizza chain made the offer at all 86 Papa John's pizza shops in Greater Cleveland, Toledo and Youngstown and Columbus, following the outcry over the "crybaby" t-shirts a Washington, D. C. franchise handed out during the Cavaliers-Wizards series. The shirts were meant to deride LeBron James. Under the word "crybaby" was the number 23, LeBron's jersey number. Thus the promotional purchase price. Papa John's to donate the 23 cents everyone paid for their pies to the Cavaliers Youth Fund.

Softball Players Touch 'Em All

Follow this link to read the story about the college softball players who helped an opposing player run the bases:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/more/04/30/softball.sportsmanship.ap/index.html