Open relationships need rules in order to be successful
College students and young people everywhere are entering into "open relationships" which are seemingly gaining more and more popularity. While the term is loosely defined and takes numerous shapes and forms, the absence of commitment is an underlying characteristic consistent throughout them all. The concept can be foreign and confusing to many, but also very understandable and reasonable to others. However, before young people decide an open relationship is for them, they need to establish strict rules and boundaries in order to maintain stability and keep emotional turmoil to a minimum.
Open relationships are common among college students because many crave the emotional security a significant other provides but also want to take advantage of the endless supply of available single students. Open relationships are not a recent phenomenon and have been around forever; only the label is new. Without a doubt the label gives your open relationship a better chance of lasting, but the underlying motives behind them will reveal a void in the relationship ultimately leading to its demise.
Open relationships satisfy the short-term goals of young people and provide a false sense of security. They allow for couples to "have their cake and eat it too." However, people involved in open relationships are often merely looking out for their self-interests and lack an intense level of connection found in couples in more traditional relationships. In open relationships, commonly one party does not completely satisfy the needs of the other; therefore, the lacking party feels the need to explore other options. Although short-term interests are being fulfilled, open relationships serve as a cop-out option to traditional dating experiences and should be pursued with caution.
Briefing examines relationships between high-levels of air pollution exposure …
Lance Waller, PhD, chair of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at Emorys Rollins School of Public Health, will present preliminary work that explores relationships between high-levels of air pollution exposure and health effects at a press briefing hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science on February 17, at 2 pm EST, in Boston.
During the briefing, Waller will summarize his joint work with the Southeastern Center for Air Pollution Epidemiology (SCAPE), funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. SCAPE tests air pollution levels in various areas of Metro Atlanta and their health effects, based on data from associated emergency room visits, in order to determine relationships to exposure. Wallers research will assess the general findings of SCAPE to identify spatial uncertainties in exposures.
SCAPE has identified geographically-referenced air pollution levels and health outcomes, explains Waller. Our work will analyze these data to determine whether the effects seen city-wide mirror those observed in local neighborhoods.
The team will also identify communities with higher risk levels and examine potential roles of behavioral connections such as prolonged outdoor activity and socio-economic status.
Satellite data -data collected by measuring light-will be collected to determine air pollution levels in areas where ground monitors-data collected by filters-- are not located. Assessments made on the associations between monitored levels and satellite levels will help observe relationships over a broader region.
A second part of the research looks at pollution levels and the association specifically with respiratory diseases, as certain communities show stronger associations with these outcomes. Waller hopes that his research will lead to improved understanding of the causes of these outcomes.
Each component of our research is essential because it generates potential solutions, says Waller. If we can identify areas that are healthier, we may be able to identify why they are healthier and use these solutions as models to implement in other communities.
Source: Emory Health Sciences
Building Real Estate Relationships in the New Generation: What the Rest of Us …
In this month's NAR Power Broker Roundtable, panelists from the Young Professionals Network discuss how they are conducting the business of real estate in today's tech-savvy world--and what we can learn from them.
Moderator: Jeff Barnett, Special Liaison for Large Firm Relations, NAR
Participants: Tamara Suminski, Keller Williams Beach Cities Realty, Hermosa Beach, Calif.; Imran Poladi, Harcourts USA Realty, Aliso Viejo, Calif.; Sara Jacobson, Red Baron Real Estate, Boise Idaho; and Erin Mandel, @properties, Chicago, Ill.
Jeff Barnett: Over the past few years, as some of us have sprinted to keep up with the latest time-saving technologies, a new generation of real estate professionals is changing the future of the business. They are connecting with each other and with their clients in non-traditional ways, sometimes ditching brick and mortar altogether in favor of cyber-business. The bottom line is they are tapping into savvy new resources that are making them successful. We call them the Young Professionals Network, or YPN, practitioners and they are a force to be reckoned with. Launched by NAR's REALTOR® Magazine in 2006, YPN was created to provide this new generation with a clearing house for their bold ideas and a stronger link to the rest of us. What are they doing that we should know about - and what are they learning from us? We've called on a panel of YPN pacesetters for what is sure to be a lively discussion. Tamara, you helped start the YPN network of the California Association of REALTORS®. Why don't you get us started?
Tamara Suminski: Glad to, Jeff, because this is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. I'm a third generation REALTOR®, actually, so I grew up with a grounding in the industry. But believe it or not, my REALTOR® mother was texting even before I was--so it was a natural step for me to gravitate to social media as a primary way of doing business. It works for me, and I see it working for others, but I think what's important for people to understand is that I look at Facebook and Twitter and other networking conduits for what they really are: a way to build relationships...and that's what real estate has always been--and still is--all about.
Imran Poladi: Social media is the best way I've found to get myself out in front of people--especially like-minded people who use it to make contacts, exchange ideas, and take care of business. Every day, I try to put my personality and my experience out there with thought-provoking, credible content. I want people to see me online for who I am and what I know--including what I know about real estate. The fact is, people do business with people they like. They might call me out of the blue to ask a question. Sometimes they find me through a friend who follows me on Twitter. So it leads to business. But I'm not out there to fish for customers. I'm just myself, and customers find me.
Tamara Suminski: I get calls all the time from old high school classmates and friends of friends who might otherwise never have known where I am or what I do.
Erin Mandel: I've been in real estate for eight years, and I've always been tech savvy, so it was no stretch for me to embrace social media as the best way for me to connect with people. I owned my own company at one time--a pretty successful company--and I learned that the process works. Now I work for the largest independent broker in Chicago, but not in a brick and mortar office. I use a virtual assistant to confirm showings. My files and photos are in Dropbox. All my contracts, offers, signatures, and communications are handled by phone or online unless someone prefers it another way.
Jeff Barnett: So there's a green aspect to all this as well.
Imram Poladi: Definitely. It keeps paperwork to a minimum. And it's a timesaver. When I'm out with clients, we're in the car and they're sending out photos and crime statistics.
Sara Jacobson: My focus is in new construction, and I gravitated to social media early in my career. I taught myself all the apps and the fun stuff, and now probably 50 percent of my business is done by cell phone. But as Tamara said, it's all about relationships. You have to interact with clients and agents in the way they prefer. I have no problem with the conventional methods if that's what a contact wants.
Tamara Suminski: You can't stereotype people, either. There are some traditional agents who look at social media as all flash and no substance--but more and more of them are embracing it. Seasoned agents contact YPN all the time, or seek us out at conferences and meetings, because they want to learn about and use the new media.
Sara Jacobson: There are REbar Camps going on all over the country, in fact, where real estate pros of all ages come together for the open sharing of ideas with no hidden agendas.
Jeff Barnett: So there's no huge divide out there--no competition to see whose methods work best...
Erin Mandel: Not at all. This is just the way the business is going, and there is definitely a meeting in the middle - because one thing we all agree on is that service, professionalism and commitment come first no matter how you choose to do business.
Can relationships induce stress?
New research published in the journal Diabetic Medicine found permanent stress at work or home to be a significant factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. Of the 7,000 men in the study, 45 per cent were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if they reported permanent stress.
The study was conducted at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. The men of the study had no previous history of diabetes, heart disease or stroke. Stress levels were rated on a six-point scale indicating no stress, periodic stress or permanent stress over a 35-year period.
The researchers taking into account other diabetes risk factors such as high blood pressure, age and physical activity level further confirmed the findings.
Self-perceived permanent stress is an important long-term predictor of diagnosed diabetes, independently of socio-economic status, BMI and other conventional type 2 diabetes risk factors, researchers added.
Stress increasing doctors visits
Stress can also play a significant role in the development of headaches, high blood pressure, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression and anxiety. 75 to 90 per cent of all doctors office visits are stress related according to WebMD. 43 per cent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress at some time in their lives.
However, stress is a normal part of life and cannot be avoided. Stress is the bodys reaction to any change that requires a response. Stress can be positive as well, keeping us alert and avoiding danger. One can experience physical, chemical, mental and emotional stress.
Stress becomes negative when one faces continuous, long-term challenges without relief between the challenges. As the definition implies, stress upsets the normal equilibrium or balance in ones life and causes health conditions to develop.
Stress can be exacerbated and become extremely dangerous if one uses alcohol, tobacco, or drugs in attempt to relieve their stress. A poor diet and lack of physical activity can even take a further toll on ones body. Diet and exercise play an integral role in facilitating how one reacts and responds to stress.
How does stress cause disease?
Over-commitments to ones work responsibilities, dysfunctional family life, lack of time, financial pressures and difficulties in personal relationships can all be important sources of stress and disease. A persons response to stress varies tremendously and in large part depends on his or her own personality style, family upbringing and social support structures.
The body has a buit in system that is activated under any form of stress called the fight or flight response. Perceived threats activate a tiny region at the base of ones brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus communicates through nerve and hormone signals that activate the adrenal glands at the top of ones kidneys. The adrenal glands release hormones called adrenaline and cortisol.
Adrenaline is the hormone that increases ones heart rate and blood pressure. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone that increases sugars in the blood stream that can cause inflammation, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Cortisol also shuts down functions that would be nonessential in the fight or flight response. Nonessential functions can be essential functions in a relationship. An example of this can include erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a major side effect of chronic stress and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
The fight or flight response also alters regions of the brain that control arousal, mood, motivation and fear. The stress response is often cycical and causes health conditions that create further stress and additional complications.
The bodys ability to respond to stress is usually automatic and self-regulating. Hormones within the body return to normal once the stressful situation has passed. This prevents excessive stress on the heart, pancreas, brain and other vital organs involved in the stress response.
The fight or flight response is always activated under chronic, long-term stress. The resulting long-term exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can wrec havoc throughout the body. Health problems include heart disease, sleeping difficulties, digestive problems, depression, obesity, poor memory and a variety of skin conditions.
How to handle stress
Exercise is an effective way to maximise your response to negative stress. It will lower cortisol, balance insulin and trigger hormones that improve the stress response. Exercise does not combat stress or cure it, it simply allows the body to function at a greater level thus taking care of stress naturally.
An example is if ones house is on fire, one needs to move out of the house as soon as possible. Step out and re-group oneself if there is a lot of chronic, overwhelming stress. Go for a walk, relax and find something that takes you out of the negative environment. The solution is not to ever have stress; its to know how to respond to the best of ones ability.
We need to re-programme what obstacles, challenges and seemingly impossible situations mean to success, life and health. Certain challenges may require some effort but that effort makes you stronger versus weaker. Exercise and working out is an example of a positive stress, it makes you stronger.
Dietary factors are commonly overlooked in regard to the stress response and diabetes. Ones diet positively contributes to the physical and the psychological response of the bodys neurology and hormonal balance. Poor dietary factors will add unneeded chemical stress on the body and will contribute to the production of the fight or flight response that spikes adrenaline and cortisol.
The primary dietary factor that many people struggle with is the amount of sugar and highly processed food items that they have in their diet. Sugar is found in breads, cereals, pastas and nearly everything in a box, can or bag. Highly processed food items have hidden food colourings, preservatives and chemicals that are not natural.
Stressful events are a fact of life. One may not be able to change their current situation but one can take steps to manage the impact stress has on their health. Learn to identify what stresses you out, how to take control of some stress-inducing circumstances, and how to take care of yourself physically and emotionally in the face of stressful situations.
Everyone feels stressed from time to time. Some people cope with stress more effectively and recover from stressful events quicker than others. Work and personal relationships can be stressful but one can limit their effects by lifestyle management. In poor relationships, individuals can often exploit anothers health conditions and cause the individual to experience more stress, guilt, depression and anxiety. These can further exacerbate dysfunctional relationships.
The bottomline is that our health will impact our work, relationships and physical and mental wellbeing. Being proactive with our lifestyle will minimise the stress response that is associated with diabetes, erectile dysfunction and allow one to responds to the best of their ability.
Dr Cory Couillard is an
international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous
newspapers, magazines,
websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organisations goals of disease
prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.
E-mail: drcorycouillard@gmail.com
Facebook: Cory Couillard
Twitter: Cory_Couillard
Cell phone usage does not hinder relationships
In today's world of ever advancing technology we are more connected with our peers than ever.
Through texting, constant access to the Internet and social media, we are never more than a "slide to unlock" away from any knowledge we so desire. Even in social settings where our friends are sitting next to us we seem unable to put down our phones. I am just as guilty, if not more so, than the next person.
However, is this constant connectivity a beneficial or malicious thing? I know when I travel abroad and am without the use of my phone, it is somewhat unsettling.
When I came within range of wi-fi, all my friends and I would whip out our phones and start talking to people back home. When I don't have the use of my phone, I feel like I am cut off from the world.
When I hang out at my friend's house, it is not uncommon for the four of us to be sitting on the couches, each with our phone out. Sometimes we are "GroupMe"ing each other, while other times we are texting friends who aren't there.
There is a running joke in our group that we come to our friend's house so we can text each other. Sure, this may stunt a little conversation, but is that really such a big a deal?
According to scientificamerican.com, just the mere presence of a phone can be detrimental to interpersonal relationships. The study it covered, which was conducted by Andrew Przybylski and Netta Weinstein of the University of Essex, claims just having a phone nearby without even checking it can be harmful to your relationships. But can this really be true?
While this may be accurate in some cases, I don't believe the majority of the population is so inclined to lose the quality of their relationships from having a phone in their pockets.
As a general statement, I believe this generation, more than any other, has come to be the ultimate multi-taskers.
An argument I have heard from English teachers, parents and grandparents is that texting is breaking down this generation's written language skills.
From my experience, I have found the opposite to be the case. Aside from my parents, I don't know anyone who uses texting lingo, such as "hey, wut r u up 2?"
If anything, my texts are just as grammatically accurate as my research papers I turn in to my professors. Also, if you are struggling with your spelling, autocorrect can be one heck of a spelling teacher.
One of my friends had the opportunity to study abroad this past summer.
While she was out of the country, she found the absence of her smart phone rather liberating. According to her, she now uses her phone much less than before. She realized how dependent we have become on having access to our phones at all times.
On multiple occasions, my friends and I have been eating at a restaurant and we all have our phones out. Farrah will look around at us and then attack. She steals all of our phones and holds on to them for a few hours.
By now, we have gotten used to these occasional thefts and have even come to expect them. There are times where I agree with my friend that we might not be having as stimulating a conversation as we could be. However, I think more often than not we are keeping up the same level of communication as there would be without the phones present.
I use my phone for more than just staying connected to my friends, though. Increasingly I find myself using my phone to stay informed of the world. One of the most frequently opened folders on my iPhone is the one containing all my news applications.
Besides avidly following the news, I am also a very curious person. One of my biggest pet peeves is having someone pose a question and then not being able to answer it. I'm the type of person who will immediately look up an answer I don't know. Some people have told me they find it annoying. I, on the other hand, feel the exact opposite.
Granted, some of the things I look up are completely irrelevant and I will probably never need to know them again. However, enough of the information I Google has some significance to my life so that I feel like I am expanding my knowledge.
If you were to ask me, I would say the introduction of phones into our lives has not harmed our relationships or communication skills. In fact, I believe just the opposite has occurred.
Not only have these gadgets become useful devices for staying in touch, they have become vital tools in our everyday lives. Whether you are using your phone to run a business or are attempting to use your phone as a GPS, there are many situations where I would find myself completely lost without my iPhone in my hand.
Now, I'm definitely not saying you should always be on your cell phone.
There is certainly a time and place for it. But I believe today's society has become increasingly stringent on when and where we can use our cell phones.
Just as the technology has changed to allow instant access to the Internet, so must society's acceptance of the use of cell phones.
Mollie King Talks Relationships with Cosmopolitan UK March 2013
Taking a break from rocking it with The Saturdays, Mollie King graced the cover of Cosmopolitan UK March 2013 issue.
The 25-year-old singer looks picture perfect in her photo spread while chatting about everything from handling breakups to what she looks for in relationships.
"Time is right for new relationships with Asia churches" – Melbourne Archbishop
From the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne
The time is right for the Church to enter into new relationships with our sister churches in Asia, in particular with the Church of the Province of Myanmar, said Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne Dr Philip Freier, as he began a two-week visit to Myanmar, starting in Yangon.
The first day started with a visit to Archbishop Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of Myanmar, who visited Australia only last month, and then time with the Churchs national staff in development programs, youth work, Christian education, womens and mens work and communications.
Saw Kenneth, General Secretary of the Church of the Province of Myanmar, discussed how many Christians felt second-class citizens because they were a minority in a Buddhist country.
Archbishop Freier said after the meetings with Archbishop Stephen, Saw Kenneth and the team: Can you imagine what it would be like to have a national network of schools and hospitals among the best in the nation and have them suddenly nationalised in 1962 with no price paid and no right to regain? This is what happened to the Anglican Church in Burma.
But even after 60 years, the Anglican Church has never lost its sense of mission to the whole community. We visited in Yangon the Compassion Clinic, newly re-opened after being closed for decades, and now busy with medical and dental patients from people right across the nation, and from every ethnic and religious background, no questions asked. Their fortitude is remarkable.
Medical director of the Compassion Clinic, Dr Isaac Mark, who formerly worked in refugee camps in Thailand, voiced his hopes for future renovation of the building, a former school, and employment of local doctors, nurses and midwives, as he conducted a tour of the clinic for the team.
The Archbishop of Melbournes team which includes Mrs Joy Freier, Ms Denise Nichols, Mr Brad Chapman and Canon Alan Nichols spent an hour with the Australian Ambassador to Myanmar, Ms Bronte Moules, who outlined Australias aid approach to Myanmar and discussed support for capacity building projects in Myanmar.
Dr Freier said: From the briefings we have received, and now from the first few days on site, you can feel the sense of movement in the air political, social and spiritual. What was not possible in terms of public protest, or the involvement of civil society groups like the churches, is happening day by day.
Of course we understand that even in a climate of hope, some are sceptical of a military government which has ruled the country for 50 years, but just this past week there have been many statements on Union Day about the country pulling together towards a democratic future.
Union Day here celebrates the signing of the Panlong Agreement in 1947 where the ethnic minorities signed a peace agreement with General Aung San, liberator of the country from both the Japanese and the British.
It is Aung Sans daughter, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is now the focus of peoples democratic hopes. The Anglican Church here, along with other minority groups in the country, wants to share as a full member of civil society in nation-building which gives expression to hopes for a democratic future, and the Melbourne Church is very happy to develop deeper partnership with them in this process.
Archbishop Stephen said: We are people of Myanmar first, then Anglican Christians. We are a legitimate part of civil society and we want to play our part.
Melbourne Anglicans have for over 25 years supported the refugees in camps in Thailand, which have housed more than 150,000 Karen and Mon refugees. Many refugees have moved to Melbourne, particularly in the Werribee area. Other Anglican support from Australia over the past 20 years has been for small development projects inside the country, including income generation and womens health.
On this team visit, the group will visit both Toungoo and Paan, two towns where Karen live, and to which many refugees will return in due course.
6 Part plan for teens in abusive relationships
http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/21133521/is-there-abuse-in-your-teens-relationship
February is teen violence awareness month, and with Chris Brown's recent court date following abuse charges from his girlfriend Rhianna, it draws out attention to the topic of abuse and dating. A recent study among college students reports that more than one out of three teens was a victim of dating violence with more than one partner. This abuse included physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. The ages of the abuse were typically 13 to 19 years of age. Overall, nearly two-thirds of both men and women reported some type of abuse during their teenage years. According to the study, this number was derived from the fact that more than one-third of all the kids who had one abusive partner dated another abusive partner. This suggests that teens may become locked into certain behaviors and attract that same type of characteristic or person again. Possibly due to the young age they were while dating, what they were experiencing between their parent's behavior at home, and what they saw among other friends.
For many teens in the above study and everywhere the biggest problem with abuse is the isolation that keeps it going. Teens do not have the dating experience or the understanding of how dangerous this person can become. Teens also have an attitude that they know more than they do, and that they are invincible. Their distorted thinking at the time becomes more and more distorted as the abuser degrades them with lies, and yells at them. If you are a parent, teacher or teen who recognizes any of these behaviors in someone your child dates or you date, it is time to make changes.
1. Has he/she ever trapped you in a room and not let you out?
2. Does he/she make gestures that are aggressive, such as raising a hand or putting their hand over your mouth?
3. Has he/she ever thrown anything at you?
4. Does he/she hit walls or slam doors?
5. Does he/she rage while driving or when you are telling them how you are feeling?
6. Has he/she ever hit anyone you have seen or hurt an animal?
7. Has he/she ever restrained or held you down?
8. Has he/she ever shoved, hit, or grabbed you?
9. Does he/she talk with anger and swear frequently?
10. Has he/she ever threatened you?
Abusers use a tactic to keep you under control. This tactic isolates their victim and makes them feel depressed and worthless. No matter what they tell you or why they say they do this, it is important that you recognize it isn't normal. No one who loves you will want to do things that make you feel lonely or sad. Below are tips to help you plan your breakup and escape. You do need to escape from teen dating abuse. There is no way you can love the person through this. They need medical as well as psychological attention.
1. Remind yourself that this person is not being honest with you. He will tell you it wont happen again or he was under stress, etc. No matter what degrading names he calls you do not let yourself believe these things. He is trying to humiliate you so he can control you further.
2. If you are a teen, tell your mom or someone you trust. It is better if you tell an adult. This is not something you can fight on your own. If you are over 25 or a mother, tell your doctor. They will help you report him.
3. Make a plan with your mom, teacher, or a best friend and make sure everyone knows what that plan is and where you will be. Make sure you can escape quickly. Have your things packed (if you have a child, pack their things as well) and store them in a safe place. Do not tell the abuser where you are going.
4. Do not look back. He will tell you that it is your fault, but remember that no one can cause another person to hurt you. He has a problem managing anger and the only option for him is to get help.
5. Recognize this person has led you to believe you are nothing without them. You actually will be so much better without him. The road to recovery is not easy, but there will be people to help you. Just dont go back!
6. Counseling is so important for your healing. It will be important to find out why you thought you ever deserved this sort of partner and to begin rebuilding your self-esteem.
It is important that parents talk to their tweens and teens about healthy relationships. Explain to them what healthy relationships are and are not. Below are a few suggestions to begin the dialogue for parents.
* You feel good about you. You know you are in a healthy relationship because you feel good about yourself when you are around this person. This person builds you up and makes you feel positive about yourself. They dont lie to you or distort the truth, but they reframe your negative comments about yourself in a way that encourages you to admire yourself. Unhealthy relationships, on the other hand, make you feel guilty, angry, scared, and/or worried.
* Healthy relationships involve give and take. There is a balance, and it must feel equal. Unhealthy relationships may feel like you are giving the other person more attention than they are giving you.
* Healthy relationships make you feel safe. You feel like you can completely be yourself. You dont have to try to be something you are not. Your partner understands your mood and your need for alone time. You can trust this person with your secrets. If you cannot trust the person with private thoughts, or this person makes fun of you or teases you about things you hold sacred, then you may want to rethink if this person is someone you want to have a relationship with.
Healthy relationship are about feeling good about who YOU are and feeling SAFE. Dont settle for less, because deciding who to have a relationship with is one of the most precious gifts you will ever give yourself. You have everything you need to create healthy relationships, and can experience one by paying attention to who you are inside and what makes you happy. Get to know yourself first, and then identifying what you want in another will be easier. As with all relationship matters, the most sacred of all relationships is the one we have with ourselves. -Mary Jo Rapini
For more information or you FREE MONTHLY RELATIONSHIP TIPS: www.maryjorapini.com
Podcasts:
http://ustre.am/PLWS Struggling with low libido in your relationship
Married with small children at home and keeping your relationship close http://traffic.libsyn.com/sexandintimacy/MJR_ep_01.mp3
Improving your body image http://traffic.libsyn.com/sexandintimacy/MJR_ep_04.mp3
Talk to me on my fan page: http://www.facebook.com/maryjorapini
Tweet me: @ Mary Jo Rapini
Join me weekday Mornings for "Mind, Body, Soul with Mary Jo" on Fox 26 Houston at 9 A.M
The Museum of Broken Relationships and HeARTifacts
Like most people, I trashed just about everything my boyfriend had given me after we broke up. What was personal I dumped in the garbage, what was possibly meaningful to someone else, I gave to Goodwill.
Thats the way it usually goes when two people part, because when relationships end, they are usually deemed failures, and we move on, eager to forget. However, the Museum of Broken Relationships seeks to change that outlook.
Being a Foster Mom Leads to Lasting Relationships for Port Chester Woman
Theres no doubt for Margaret Adamson of Port Chester that becoming a foster parent has permanently changed her life for the better.
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Having been a Westchester County foster parent for more than five years, Adamson, a nurse technician, has adopted two of the children who first came to her as foster kids, Journey, 5, and Faith, 4.
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Its the greatest thing you could ever do for such a little person, said Adamson, noting that she tries to keep in touch with the children - and families - she has helped as foster parents. Even if you have kids, being a foster parent is a great thing.
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Adamson and her daughters are among the families saluted by Westchester County over this Presidents Day weekend. The county, in conjunction with an advertising partner for the Westchester bus system, Titan, has provided more than 100 tickets so foster kids could see performances of the Royal Hanneford Circus at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
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Adamson, Journey and Faith, got a chance on Friday to meet circus clowns, Ringmaster Billy Martin and even one of the circus elephants, Viola.
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Westchester County Department of Social Services Commission Kevin McGuire said more than 550 children are currently in foster care in Westchester.
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Adamson said she became a foster parent after talking to a friend who had been a foster parent for many years. Adamson, who was unable to have children of her own, said she took classes required for becoming a foster parent and after a few months found herself with her first foster child.
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She said she found the experience so rewarding it led her to the decision to adopt Journey and Faith.
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Some FAQs on foster care in Westchester:
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What is foster care?
Foster care is temporary care for children who are unable to live with their birth families.#13;
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Who are the children in care?
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- Foster children represent all ethnic groups and may be infants through teenagers.
- When brothers and sisters come into care, the county tries to place them together.
- Some children may have handicapping conditions and need special care.
- Teenage mothers also need homes for themselves and their children.
- Foster children, like all children, need love, affection and guidance.
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What foster parents do
A foster parent is someone who can provide temporary care and love for children who are unable to live with their birth families. A foster parent should be someone who:#13;
- wants to make a difference in the life of a child
- can make room in their home and heart for children who need temporary care
- is flexible and capable of handling stressful situations
- can work as a member of a team with social workers and other professionals
- can help prepare a child for return to their birth family or to be adopted
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Who can become a foster parent
You can apply to become a foster parent if you:#13;
- are at least 21 years old. There is no upper age limit
- are married, single, or living with a partner
- have sufficient income to meet your own family's needs
- are able to provide each child with his/her own bed although children can share a bedroom
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Foster parent obligations and training
To become a foster parent with the Westchester County Department of Social Services, you will need to:#13;
- attend an orientation session
- attend our training classes
- participate in a home study
- complete an application, a child abuse clearance form, and some other paper work
- provide personal references and current medical reports
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How to start the process:
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To begin the foster care process or to receive more information, call the United Way at 211 or (800) 899-1479 or answer the following questions and a United Ways 2-1-1 Representative will contact you.
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Click here to check out profiles of children in Westchester County who need adoptive families.