Confession of a Lonely Hearter-The Single Girl Diaries

Starting on a high, I thought I would continue with my writing and become the official writer and blogger for LHC! :)

So in my quest for unrequisited love I seem to have hit speed bumps, pot holes and what can only be referred to as swimming pools based on the magnitude of the situation. But always a positive Sally I’ve decided to try and look on the brighter side of life and look for my fellow Lonely Hearters for support when things look rough. So I was checking out another blog the other day. I really like it and on the blog the writer decided to write a list of why guys should dater and I thought I should follow suit and tweak it a little. This list isn't focused on dating or relationships or why guys should want to date me but it just a list of reasons why I totally rock. Especially, being a single gal during the holiday season, it is important to think of all the good things that make you great rather than looking at all the couples making googly eyes at each other. Just remember your day will come but until then enjoy your simple life as it is, because relationships are very complicated and tend to be more hassle than their worth with the wrong person.

1) I am totally CUTE and BEA-UTIFUL. I am a very short, very adorable and very beautiful girl and I am sure most people would totally agree that I am really cute!

2) I am FUNNY. Did I ever tell you that I was a superhero? Well I am. And besides having dazzling good looks of a superhero, I have this amazing power to make people laugh. A few moments with me and you will be cracking up. Tee hee hee!

3) I am SMART. So I may not be genius or child prodigy smart but I am pretty smart myself. I do pretty well in school and I'm pretty aware of what's going on in the world around me so I make a great conversationalist.

4) I like SPORTS. This should totally be a turn on for guys who love sports. Not only do I like to watch sports but I'm not afraid to get down and dirty with the boys (even when I totally suck at the sport, it just makes me even cuter and even more attractive). I may not be the best athlete nor the fittest girl on the lot but it's pretty fun to play.

5) I am totally DOWN TO EARTH. I am not one of those girls with my head in the clouds or who is stuck up or snobby. I am a pretty cool chica and I pretty much am a great person to be around. I'm not saying that I don't have my ditzy moments but those just add to my charm and make me rock even more. Plus I am not afraid to laugh at myself, which definitely add to my awesome appeal.

6) I love to HAVE FUN. I love to go out, hang with friends, go to parties, dance, go to the movies, I am pretty game for having fun. So let's get on the fun-mobile and let the merriment begin.

7) I'm SHORT (ahem FUNSIZED). Now what significance does being short have? A whole lot I believe. I think people, especially guys are pretty attracted to the fact that I'm short. You know boys have that want-to-be your protector instinct that just draws them to me and overall people just enjoy my shortness. Sometimes I think they enjoy it a bit too much!

8) I am FUN TO BE AROUND. Are you having a bad day? Do you feel like no one in the world cares about you? Well you are wrong. With me around I will always be there to cheer you up and make you feel good. I'm totally fun to be around, you will be so drunk on merriment you won't know how you survived without me! :-) Being around me is guaranteed to be one big old bag of fun!

9) I am a GREAT FRIEND. I am definitely a great friend. Just ask any of my friends. I'm honest, trustworthy,  there for you in your darkest hours, will listen to your problems and give muy excellente advice. With a friend like me you know that you will always have someone who is there for you and cares for you. Trust me guaranteed short girl seal of approval.

10) I know HOW TO TREAT 'EM. I have respect for everyone, no matter the differences between us and as a result I treat people with the respect and dignity  they deserve. I am truly blessed and fortunate to live life as I do, but that does not give me the right nor anyone else for that matter to treat people badly because they are not as fortunate as I am or others are. This mantra has brought me through life and has made me the person I am today.

Plus I know how to treat the fellas great as well. Having me around is pure bliss! Not saying I don't have my moody days but with a love like this who will even notice! :-D

Well we've reach the end folks. These are only a few of the reasons I am totally AWESOME, totally ROCK and I am definitely HOT STUFF! As I always say, 'To know me is to love me!' :-D Have a good night and I hope you enjoyed it all! I implore you to write your own list too and just look at it every now and again to remind yourself of how great you truly are!!!!  Toodles!!!

Comments, feedback and suggestions are welcomed.

Lonely Hearts Club!!!

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day

Started on 1st December 1988 by the World Health Organization , World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education on the issue of the AIDS pandemic caused by the HIV infection. Observed on December 1^st each year, the World AIDS Campaign is the leading international organization which plans and implements the observance and provides governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations, and individuals with an opportunity to raise awareness and focus attention on the global AIDS pandemic. The Red Ribbon used is the global symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS.

The World AIDS Day theme for 2010 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. This theme is designed to encourage political leaders to keep their commitment to achieve universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support, recognising these as fundamental human rights. World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2009 some 2.6 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 1.8 million people died from AIDS. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children. The vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world. In low- and middle-income countries, less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services.

One of the regions of the world that is most affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic is the Caribbean. At the end of 2008, an estimated 240,000 people were living with HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean. Some 20,000 people were newly infected during 2008, and there were 12,000 deaths due to AIDS.

In two countries in this region - the Bahamas and Haiti - more than 2% of the adult population is living with HIV. Higher prevalence rates are found only in sub-Saharan Africa, making the Caribbean the second-most affected region in the world. Half of adults living with the virus are women.

Overall, the main route of HIV transmission in the Caribbean is through sexual intercourse. Much of this transmission is associated with commercial sex, but the virus is also spreading in the general population. Cultural and behavioural patterns (such as early initiation of sexual acts, and taboos related to sex and sexuality), gender inequalities, lack of confidentiality, stigmatization and economic need are some of the factors influencing vulnerability to HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean. As a result, AIDS is now one of the leading causes of death in some of these countries, with Haiti being the worst affected. An estimated 7,500 lives are lost each year to AIDS in Haiti, and thousands of children have been orphaned by the epidemic.

Estimated HIV/AIDS prevalence and deaths in the Caribbean, 2007

Population, 2008	41,000,000
People living with HIV/AIDS, 2007	230,000
Women (aged 15+) with HIV/AIDS, 2007	110,000
Children with HIV/AIDS, 2007	11,000
Adults and children newly infected with HIV	17,000
Adult HIV prevalence (%), 2007	1.1
AIDS deaths, 2007	14,000

* Statistics from UNAIDS

Estimated HIV/AIDS prevalence and deaths in the Caribbean, 2007

Country	Estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS (Adults and Children)
Bahamas	6,200
Barbados	2,200
Cuba	6,200
Dominican Republic	62, 000
Haiti	120, 000
Jamaica	27, 000
Trinidad and Tobago	14, 000

* Statistics from UNAIDS

Take Action

The AIDS pandemic is one that cannot be ignored and as such, we as teenagers need to respond to it and take some initiative to promote awareness and proper health practices in society. There are many ways you can take action in response to HIV/AIDS; these include:

o get tested for HIV

o practice safer methods to prevent HIV

o decide not to engage in high risk behaviours

o talk about HIV prevention with family, friends, and colleagues

o provide support to people living with HIV/AIDS

o get involved with or host an event for World AIDS Day in your community

Sources:

http://www.avert.org/caribbean.htm

http://www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/days/world/

http://www.worldaidscampaign.org

http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/global?page=cr02-00-00

http://data.unaids.org/pub/GlobalReport/2008/jc1510_2008_global_report_pp211_234_en.pdf

Baker's Dozen

More bakertastic goodies!!!!!!!!! :-) Poetry, stories and other writings coming soon!!!

More baker's genes!!!

Cooking and Baking Fever