ityMAGAZINEAGAMMMMMMAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMAMMMMCC

Eric MuehlhausenSenior Advertising Executive

Editor Camey Maldonado

City Magazine is published by Blend Media. Reproduc-tion of any material in this issue is forbidden without written consent. Anyone may pick up City Magazine at any designated drop location. Removal of copies for any other reason other than personal reading is subject to prosecution.

TO ADVERTISECall 806-231-9822 for advertising rates, information and closing dates.

E-mail us at camey@mycitymag.com

MYCITYMAG.COMFor more resources, articles and information online at www.mycitymag.com

TO SUBSCRIBENo subscription is necessary. City Magazine is a free publication that is distributed to over 200 locations. Anyone may pick up City Magazine at any designated drop location. We also reach thousands of readers via mycitymag.com

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONSYou may submit any unsolicited writing, articles or news information to our compliance department. We reserve the right to reject any material or advertisement without comment.Please include your name and phone number for any questions we may have regarding any information you may have submitted for print.

E-MAILcamey@mycitymag.com

FEEDBACKYour input is important to us. E-mail camey@mycitymag.com

For more information, please call 806-231-9822.To submit story ideas or feedback, email the editor at camey@mycitymag.com

To Advertise Call 231-9822

To advertise with us please call us at

806-231-9822www.mycitymag.com

Letter from EditorCITY MAGAZINE

August 2011

Contents

Camey

06 Backyard Campimg

09 Local Flavor

10 Snack Pack for Kids

12 Hoopla August 2011

14 Santa in Summer

16 Back to School

18 Fling

20 Super Hero

Dear Platform Shoes,

I have an issue that I need to resolve with you, but I want to do it in a sensitive and productive way so I’m going to try to use “I-statements.” Did you ever learn about “I-statements,” Platforms? According to my 7th grade health textbook, you can solve any problem by simply filling in the blanks to this sentence: “When you _______, I feel _______.” Example: “When you borrow my favorite sweater without asking, I feel sad.” Or maybe “When you talk about Justin Bieber, I feel old.”

So here it is, Platforms: When you are the only type of shoe available at every shoe store, I feel cheated out of my inalienable right to a wide variety of heels… and at this stage in my life after visiting the emergency room for being less then graceful and spraining my ankle not once but twice…maybe some flats.

Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with you personally. I mean, yeah, super high heel versions of you look a little stripper-y and you’ve helped turn Jessica Simpson into a billionaire, but you have a ton of great things going for you: you’re much more comfortable than normal high heels. You make legs

look long and shapely. You bring a cool ‘70s-style glamour to even the most boring outfits. I would wear you with sweats if that were a good fashion trait.

It’s just that your meteoric rise to dominance has left little room for other shoe types. I went to the “buy everything because I am on sale” store (not mentioning the name of said store is always best) last week looking for a basic pair of pumps and there was nothing but giant platforms to be found. You were just as ubiquitous throughout the rest of the mall. All I’m asking for is a little diversity. Where are the diminutive kitten heels? The sleek stilettos? The classic pumps? And once again the cute little ballet flats I am forced to wear. It seems like shoe designers are haphazardly gluing platforms onto the bottom of every shoe at this point. It’s madness.

So just give it some thought, Platforms. Maybe make like “Seinfeld” and quit while you’re ahead. Step aside and let some other shoes reign supreme—trust me, we’ll appreciate you that much more if you do.

Love,

The not so excited flat shoe wearer.

Backyard Camping Camp Under the Stars in Your Backyard

Getting StartedThought kids could only go camping in the woods? Pitching a tent close to home is a great way to have fun and learn new skills, and it's easy to "rough it" in the backyard. Kids can imagine they're in the forest as they pitch tents, cook out, and gaze at the stars, all within range of parents' watchful eyes -- and an indoor bathroom.

The EssentialsWith a pair of binoculars, a compass, and a trail guide, kids will be inspired to explore new terrain (in your backyard!), identify trees and birds, and scout out animal homes. Then they can record their discoveries in a camp journal.

Keep a CoolerWhen closed, it's a tabletop for chow time, and inside ice packs keep bottled water cold and milk and fruit fresh for tomorrow's breakfast.

Making a FireCampers need fires for many reasons, including cooking, light, and warmth. Prepare space for a safe backyard fire so you can make hot dogs.Collect large stones and arrange them in a ring with clear space around it to prevent the fire from spreading. Set a small charcoal grill in the center and pour a bucketful of pebbles around the base to stabilize it and to absorb sparks. A grown-up can light a fire in the grill.

DinnertimePrepare a hearty meal of grilled hot dogs topped with cheese and chili reheated over the fire. It'll give the hungry woodsmen all the energy they need to go exploring.

EntertainmentA vivid imagination (and maybe a deck of cards) is all kids need for entertainment. At sundown, shad-ows rule! Kids will find plenty of ways to play with them.Some More S'mores? No camping adventure is complete without making classic s'mores. Have an adult help make the gooey treats.

StargazingLeave time to look for the constellations. Use a rubber band to fasten red cellophane over the end of a flashlight; this way you won't have to readjust your eyes to look for Cygnus the Swan in the night sky.

Tent TimeMost regular tents are big enough for two sleeping campers. You can easily set up a second tent using some basic camping supplies: two waterproof tarps with grom-met holes (available at home-improvement stores), tent pegs, rope, and clothespins.

Stretch the rope between two trees (or other fixed points); tie securely. Drape a large tarp over it. Working together, pull out two opposite corners. At about a foot out from each corner, place a tent peg. Let go of tarp; hammer pegs halfway into ground; angle pegs out for strength. Repeat for other corners and slide the tarp out of the way.

Lay a smaller tarp on ground under rope; tie it to the pegs with rope or bungee cords. Reposition roof tarp; tie to pegs. Place clothespins along the roof rope to hold the tarp in place.

Light the LanternHang a low-beam lantern and a favorite stuffed animal neatly at the tent's entrance to dispel scary dreams.

Rise and Shine!Enjoy breakfast served crisp and cold in metal mugs -- a fitting ending to an exciting adventure.

Keep your next date night sweet and simple by creating a coffee shop vibe and enjoying homemade dessert. Keep it sweet and simple by indulging in a dessert and a home brewed latte.This take on bananas foster is easy and you don't have to light anything on fire.Bananas Foster EggrollsServes 2Ingredients:•2 ripe bananas•1 tablespoon brown sugar•1/2 teaspoon cinnamon•1 tablespoon rum•4 eggroll wrappers•1 teaspoon butter•1 tablespoon cinnamon and sugar mixture

Caramel Dipping Sauce:•1/2 cup sugar •3 tablespoons butter•1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half•1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:1.Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Cut bananas into small chunks and add them to a bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum. Stir together until combined. 2.Place a spoonful of the banana mixture in the center of each eggroll wrapper and roll them up. Brush the outside with some melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Poke a small hole in each roll to let the steam out while they cook.3.Bake the eggrolls in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are crispy. 4.While the eggrolls are cooking, make your caramel sauce. Get all of the ingredients ready and easy to access – caramel making is a quick and finicky process. 5.In a large saucepan, add sugar and melt on medium to high heat. You will need to stir this constantly to avoid burning the sugar. Once the sugar has melted completely, stop stirring or it will crystallize. When it comes to a boil and is amber in color, add in the butter. Stir until the butter is completely melted and then remove from the heat. Carefully pour in the cream and vanilla. It will likely bubble up so use a deep pan and use caution. Stir until it is mixed in. Pour into a glass container and let cool. 6.Serve eggrolls with warm caramel sauce.

Bananas foster eggrolls

The city of Amarillo has so many wonderful places to eat. We have everything from tasty BBQ to spicy Mexican food to fresh sushi. With so many choices how can one decide?

Are you one of Amarillo's best restaurants or Amarillo’s best-kept secret? Let us help advertise your restaurant here.

Give us a call at 806-231-0562.

Cowboy Gelato is Amarillo's premier dining experience for gourmet Italian ice cream coupled with Cowboy comfort food like cheese stuffed hamburgers, steak and cheese Phillys, & pulled pork BBQ. Cowboy Gelato has over 130 flavors of

gelato including Numerous Cheesecakes, Pear, Coconut Lime, Strawberry, Blue Angel, Kiwi, Banana, and many more. You

may also create your own flavors with Cody Anderson, Gelato's in house Certified Gelato Chef, trained by master

Italian and Sicilian Gelato Chefs!!! For an amazing burger or sandwich followed with some tasty Italian ice cream, stop in

at Cowboy Gelato!!! Hours are Mon.-Thur. 11am-10pm,

Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm, and Sun. 12pm-11pm.

2806 W. 6th 376-5286

5106 S Coulter353-2992

&

3810 I-40 W359-5000

With nearly 30 years cumulative culinary expertise comes Dolly's Diner on Old Route 66. All meals are

fresh, homemade, and cooked to order with tasty favorites like tamales, burgers, patty melts, club

sandwiches, taco salad (made with a homemade tortilla chip bowl), and even an authentic Philly Cheese Steak

made using the original recipe straight from Philly! Try the $6.50 DAILY SPECIAL that includes both MEAL & DRINK. For good old fashioned home

cookin', stop in at Dolly's Diner today!

3209 S.W. 6th806-342-5701

When most people think of being hungry, it arises from running late to work and skipping breakfast or trying to meet that deadline on Friday working through lunch. These scenarios are common, but within a few hours, that hunger is fulfilled with the next meal. But what if there was no guarantee for that next meal? Hunger outside of the United States is a widely known problem, but most don’t realize that the problem is much closer to home than they may think.

Nationally, over 50 million Americans live in food insecure households (homes where there may be a fear of starvation due to lack of food resulting from insufficient household resources). Of those, over 17 million (over 34%) are children! In Texas, over 24% of children are residing in food insecure households. During the week, these children are able to obtain regular meals for breakfast and lunch at school; however, the weekends can pose over 48 hours of hunger for these unfortunate kids. Childhood hunger can cause not only the obvious problems of less energy and lower levels of health, but also anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, slower physical & mental growth, higher susceptibility to obesity, chronic illness, and inability to adapt and develop successfully in society. Luckily, our area has an organization that has arisen to help fend off hunger for these children, Snack Pak 4 Kids!

Snack Pak 4 Kids, sponsored by Panhandle Community Services, began in Amarillo ISD (Independent School District) in September 2010. Over the course of the next year, Panhandle Community Services expanded programs into Canyon ISD, Bushland ISD, and Hereford ISD (*affiliation with the school districts is strictly for the purpose of obtaining statistics and information to help recipients of the program and neither Snack Pak 4 Kids nor

Panhandle Community Services is funded by or sponsored through the school districts*). Snack Pak 4 Kids provides a pack filled with 8-10 healthy snacks that are sent home with children in food insecure homes each Friday of the school year. These packs typically include 1 shelf stable milk (non-refrigerated), 2 juice boxes, 1 trail mix, 2 packages of Pop Tarts, 2 boxes of cereal, 2 packs of peanut butter crack-ers, 1 beef stew, 1 applesauce, 1 pack of cheese crackers, 1 dried fruit mix, and 1 jar of peanut butter each month. Teachers, school counselors, and social workers come together to help determine which children may be at risk of living in food insecure homes. Snack packs are prepared by volunteers, delivered to the school, and discreetly placed in the children’s backpacks to be sent home each Friday. Children and families remain anonymous, with school counselors serving as the primary communicator to Snack Pak 4 Kids, with input from teachers and social workers to the counselor accordingly.

The Snack Pak 4 Kids program has helped roughly 600-700 children across the area stave off hunger since its inception nearly one year ago. Principals and teachers have shown huge support, citing real, positive results including improve-ment in grades, attendance, attention span, and overall attitudes of children receiving this help. Snack Pak 4 Kids plans to expand their program to as many elementary and middle schools as possible within the next year, with goals of reaching in upwards of 1300+ children in the area. The cost to ensure weekend meals throughout the school year is only $133 per child per year. Snack Pak 4 Kids is 100% donation funded and hopes to receive enough community support to follow through with their planned expansion into helping more children.

“On an Empty Stomach You Can’t Learn Anything!”

With the new school year coming and the goal increase to snack pack distribu-tion, Snack Pak 4 Kids-

Canyon will be hosting the Snack Pak 4 Kids First Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, September 9th at 1pm. The tournament will be held at the beautiful Palo Duro Creek Golf Course located just north of Canyon, near Hunsley Hills. The tournament will consist of 4-person teams com-peting in two flight divisions, with 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place prizes being awarded in each flight. In addition, there will also be prizes awarded for “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Hole.” For those businesses or individuals that would still like to help but may not be golf enthusiasts, Snack Pak 4 Kids is also accepting sponsorship for the tournament with Exclusive Hole, Shared Hole, and Registration Standee sponsorships available. Registration deadline for teams is September 2nd and sponsorship deadline is August 26th. For

more information about Snack Pak 4 Kids First Annual Golf Tournament, check them out online at www.snackpak4kidscanyon.org. You may also contact Meg Brown at 806-231-9517, or Sydney Stephenson at 806-683-1043 for more information. With hundreds of children that may suffer from lack of sustenance in our very own area, it’s uplifting to know that there is an organization that has come to aid these kids. To find out more about Snack Pak 4 Kids check them out on Facebook, or to help support the efforts of Snack Pak 4 Kids, send your tax deductible donations to: Panhandle Community Services Snack Pak 4 Kids- (School District) P.O. Box 32150 Amarillo, Texas 79120

Please specify the Snack Pak 4 Kids school district (Amarillo, Canyon, Bushland, or Hereford) that you would like your donation to be directed to.

August 2011SATURDAY AUGUST 68:30AM-1:00PMKIDS FESTAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERVARIOUS ROOMS

TUESDAY AUGUST 97:00PM-9:00PMSTARLIGHT THEATER“MR. NIZZI”SAM HOUSTON PARKFREE TO ATTEND

THURSDAY AUGUST 1111:00AM-2:00PMWOMEN OF DISTINCTION LUNCHEONAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERGRAND PLAZA

7:00PMMUSIC IN THE GARDENS“FIESTA NIGHT”BOTANICAL GARDENS$10.00 PER PERSON

FRIDAY AUGUST 127:30PM-10:00PMAMARILLO OPERAS “MUSICA VERIADA”GLOBE NEWS CENTER$20.00 PER PERSON

SATURDAY AUGUST 138:00AMTHE SOUTHWEST COWBOY POETSBREAKFAST MEETINGTHE COUNTRY BARN$7.00 PER PERSON

9:00AM-5:00PMCOINS & COLLECTIBLES SHOW

AMARILLO CIVIC CENTERREGENCY ROOM

6:00PM-11:00PMBATTLE OF THE BADGESAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERCOLISEUM

7:00PM-10:00PMRT 66 ROLLER DERBYAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERNORTH EXHIBIT HALL$13.00 PER PERSON

SUNDAY AUGUST 149:00AM-4:00PMCOINS & COLLECTIBLES SHOWAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERREGENCY ROOM

TUESDAY AUGUST 164:00PM-7:00PMCELEBRATING THE ARTSGLOBE NEWS CENTER

7:00PM-9:00PMSTARLIGHT THEATER“SOUTHWEST COWBOY POETS”SAM HOUSTON PARKFREE TO ATTEND

THURSDAY AUGUST 187:00PMMUSIC IN THE GARDENS“TENNESSEE TUCKNESS”BOTANICAL GARDENS$10.00 PER PERSON

8:00PM“FREUD’S LAST SESSION”AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE$17.00 PER PERSON

FRIDAY AUGUST 1912:00PM-7:00PMAMARILLO’S LARGEST GARAGE SALEAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERMULTIPLE ROOMS

7:00PMHPPR LIVING ROOM CONCERTHANS YORKHIGH PLAINS PUBLIC RADIO

8:00PM“FREUD’S LAST SESSION”AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE$19.00 PER PERSON

SATURDAY AUGUST 209:00AM-4:00PMAMARILLO’S LARGEST GARAGE SALEAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERMULTIPLE ROOMS

5:00PM-12:00PMCENTER CITY BLOCK PARTYDOWNTOWN AREA 6TH TO 10TH TO POLK$15.00 AT GATE

8:00PM“FREUD’S LAST SESSION”AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE$19.00 PER PERSON

ityMAGAZINEMMAAAMMMMAAAAAMMMMMAAAAAGMCC

SUNDAY AUGUST 212:30PM“FREUD’S LAST SESSION”AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE$17.00 PER PERSON

TUESDAY AUGUST 237:00PM-9:00PMSTARLIGHT THEATER“INSUFFICIENT FUNDS”SAM HOUSTON PARKFREE TO ATTEND

THURSDAY AUGUST 256:00PM-8:00PMAN EVENING WITH MISSY BUCHANANPRESENTED BY THE CRAIGAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERGRAND PLAZA$20.00 PER PERSON

7:00PMMUSIC IN THE GARDENS“LONESOME GOAT”BOTANICAL GARDENS

$10.00 PER PERSON

8:00PM“FREUD’S LAST SESSION”AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE17.00 PER PERSON

FRIDAY AUGUST 266:30PM“AS THE CANNON ROAR” BY DWIGHT MURRAYBOOK SIGNINGBARNES & NOBLE

8:00PM“FREUD’S LAST SESSION”AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE$19.00 PER PERSONSATURDAY AUGUST 279:00AM-5:30PMHIGHER FOCUS 2011JOHN STIFF PARKFREE TO ATTEND

9:00AMWALK FOR THE CURE OF

JUVENILE DIABETESST THOMPSON PARK

7:00PM-12:00AMSANTA IN THE SUMMEREVELINE RIVERS WORKSHOP4TH AND SOUTH JEFFERSON$40.00 AT THE DOOR

8:00PM“FREUD’S LAST SESSION”AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE$19.00 PER PERSON

SUNDAY AUGUST 282:30PM“FREUD’S LAST SESSION”AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE$17.00 PER PERSON

TUESDAY AUGUST 306:00PM-9:00PMAMARILLO READS WITH CONSTANCE SQUIRESGLOBE NEWS CENTER

HOOPLAwww.mycitymag.com

ityMAGAZINE

NDAYAYAYY AAA AUUGUST 0PM

MMMMMAAAAAMMMMMAAAAAGMMCC

The primary mission of the Eveline Rivers Christmas Project is to improve educational outcomes and supply basic childhood needs to economically disadvantaged children during the Christmas and winter season. This organization, which has been operating for over thirty years, is unique to Amarillo and the surrounding area. It serves primarily children, adolescents and teenagers in the Amarillo/Canyon and surrounding areas.

During the 2010 Christmas season the Eveline Rivers Christmas Project placed over 14,000 books into homes where books are considered a luxury. Because of the Eveline Rivers Christmas Project children wake up on Christmas morning with a special gift just for them which could be a doll, truck, electronic game, basketball, and stuffed animal.

Many children do not have paper, pencils, crayons, coloring books or reading books. There are several organizations that provide school supplies prior to school starting in August, however this project is primarily the only organization that distributes school supplies for the second semester of school. It is also essential to the growth and development of young children that they have educationally appropriate materials available to them at home. These children come to school better prepared if they have had these experiences at home. The Eveline Rivers Christmas Project does more than provide toys; it provides the basic tools for learning that so many times are missing from home environments.

This project has grown from serving 43 children in 1979 to providing 9,543 children and adolescents with Christ-mas gifts and 3,022 children with warm coats in 2010-2011. Of all donations received approximately ninety-two percent of the funds are spent directly on goods and services for children and families. The Christmas project employs two part time staff. There are no other salaried positions within this organization. The balance of the work is done by a huge volunteer base.

The goals of the Christmas project are as follows:• Promote literacy by placing appropriate books in homes where books are considered a luxury. In the past five years the Christmas project has placed over 96,000 books in the hands of economically deprived children in the Amarillo and Canyon area.• Provide warm coats to children in Amarillo and surrounding communities.• Enhance the spirit of giving during the Christmas season by providing toys, books, personal hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo and deodorant), and school supplies (notebook paper, spiral notebooks and pencils) to economically deprived children in the Amarillo area.During the Christmas season more than 1,500 volunteers in a collaborative effort from schools, churches, busi-nesses, community organizations, and individuals give of their time to organize, box, wrap, deliver gifts, and fit children in coats.

Santa in the Summer

Aug 27, 2011 Saturday Night

7PM – midnight

Very casual dress

Tickets 35 in advance 40 at the door

Includes dinner by the Coors Cowboy Club

Beer Wine Cokes Water

Music by Insufficient Funds

Live Auction

Silent Auction

Casino

As the summer days inch - or speed! - closer and closer to the start of school, more than one child and parent is feeling wistful for the lazy days of summer even while there is still some lazing left to do. More than one child has lamented the end of vacation, and more than one has uttered an, "Ugh!" as the first day of school becomes larger and larger on the horizon. Even kids who really enjoy school need to make emotional preparation for putting the slower, less structured days of summer vacation behind them and really prepare for the academic year. Preparing for the start of school emotionally is a process, and goes hand-in-hand with acquiring school supplies and new outfits. As a parent, you may be excited about the start of school because it gets the family back to a normal routine or you may be missing summer already, just like your kids. No matter your point of view, you have to help you kids get ready for school emotionally -- as much as by buying pencils and notebooks.Acknowledge mixed emotions

As summer days wind down, and kids express disappoint-ment about the end of summer or anxiety about what the school year will bring, it can be easy to fall into one of two categories of responses, either, "Oh, you don't mean that! School is so wonderful!" or, "I don't want it to be over either! I'm dreading it, too!" It's a time of transition for all of you, and dismissing or validating only one side of the set of emotions that comes in to play doesn't acknowledge the complete picture.

Acknowledging all sides of the emotions - anxiety for the start even though there are parts of it they are really looking forward to, and missing the summer fun even while there is still more fun to be had - helps all of us put the emotions of transition in perspective.

Lead by exampleWhen your kids talk about the emotions they are feeling about this transition time, do more than just let them talk and express their emotions. Try to draw out specifics about what they have enjoyed most during the summer season and what they will miss, what they may be nervous about in the school year, but also what they are looking forward to. Offer the same of yourself: talk to your kids about how you feel about the transition, how you remember feeling at their age, and what you did then and do now to get yourself ready for the school year mindset.Show them in your actions and conversations how you are preparing mentally for the start of school for yourself and for all of you. It may not seem like a lot, but it's the kind of preparation that will help all of you be really ready when the school bus pulls up.

Offer support and reassuranceYour kids need fairly specific support and reassurance during the start of the school year. It's a new year, full of possibility - but also full of unknowns. They need reminders and reassurances that it will all be okay, and they have your support no matter what. Even kids who love school and do very well can use this kind of reassurance. It's a reminder that the family "team" is behind them ...and there will be summer fun again.Getting ready for back-to-school is more than back-to-school shopping. It's an emotional process, too - and one that can help you enjoy and appreciate summer fun all the more.

The Countdown Is On!

Summer flings can be one of the best things about the humid, hazy months ahead, but what if your hot hook up starts to feel a little more like the real thing? If you think your sexy summer lover could have some post-vacation potential we have some words of wisdom for you. Check out our tips for keeping your new guy close -- without being labeled a summertime stalker. Don't push itYour hot, new love needs time to grow so the last thing you want to do is smother the flame by getting too close, too early. This means avoiding the temptation to over-text, resisting the urge to phone him all the time, not sharing too much personal info right away and not expecting him to spend every waking minute with you. For now it's a fling, hot, carefree, more about sex than meeting for coffee or going shopping together, you get the idea. So rather than trying too hard and hoping to turn your hook up into dating material right away, slow down and have fun.

Keep things freshSummer is the perfect time to keep things fresh when it comes to seeing someone new. There's SO much to see and do so boredom is really not an option. Beach days, pool parties, baseball games, BBQs, the fun in the sun is endless. Plus as the summer- and your hook up really heat up, think about taking a road trip. Nothing is sexier than packing up and driving out of town with your summer fling for a hot weekend away. It may get serious, but the best way to make that happen is to take it one fun, fabulous day at a time.

Is He More Than A Fling?

Be spontaneousKeep your hot hook up interested all summer long (and hopefully beyond) by being spontaneous. Nothing keeps a guy on his toes more than a girl who knows how to surprise him. Trust us, he'll keep coming back for more if you play your cards right and come up with some interesting ideas that will make him stand up and take notice. Sur-prise him and do something totally kitschy but perfect for summer like going to the drive in (mega make out oppor-tunity), having a romantic picnic in the park or suggesting an evening of skinny dipping.

Play a little hard to getOne of the best ways to prolong your summer fling is to play hard to get. Don't give him the cold shoulder or confuse him by being completely into him one minute and then not returning his calls for a week. Be subtle about it and just don't be at his beck and call. Instead, have other things to do some of the time, rather than being willing to drop everything every time he texts. You're going to want to spend a lot of time with him but if you want make it last, try to keep things hot by being a bit hard to get hold of.

Enjoy yourself – its summer!If you're genuinely having fun, and not worrying about how to keep your summer guy on the hook past Labor Day, your enjoyment will show and be contagious. He'll pick up on the fact you're a carefree, fun loving person, two things that guys really gravitate towards, and ideally he'll start thinking of you as more than just some hot weather fun. The key is to avoid over-thinking the great time you're having (right now, in the moment) and just enjoy your-self. The rest will follow if it's meant to be.

Every boy dreams of being a superhero, and knows that donning a cape or Spiderman costume is hardly just for Halloween. But as we get older, we realize we don’t possess the supernatural powers of Spidey (or Batman’s primo cache of gadgets). And we notice the absence of the kind of other wordly arch nemeses that plague our comic book heroes in the real world. The idea of being a hero is gradually put aside as “kid’s stuff.”

But while evildoers may not appear in the real world painted up as sadistic clowns or riding on the Goblin Glider, the world has never ceased its need for heroic men who are willing to come to the aid of those in danger and stand up for what is right. But for many of us, engaging in even this kind of heroism seems as difficult as running faster than a speeding train.

Below are the traits that will strengthen your heroic imagination and propel you into heroic action.Maintain constant vigilance for situations that require heroic action. Every day we have opportunities to take a stand and be heroes. Sure, we probably won’t have to land a plane or fight off a ruffian, but we can be heroes by sticking up for a student being bullied by one’s peers, blowing the whistle on a supervisor who is engaging in shady and unethical business practices, or stopping to help a stranded driver. The more you develop your ability to spot situations to be heroic, the more chances you’ll get to take heroic action.

Learn not to fear conflict because you took a stand. When you see a situation that requires action, don’t wussy out because you’re afraid of what other people will say or do. A real man doesn’t give a damn if some people get upset or uncomfortable with doing the right thing. Don’t be afraid to stand by your principles and live with integrity.

Imagine alternative future scenarios beyond the present moment. We often fail to act because we’re too short-sighted. We think about the immediate consequences rather than the long-term ones. Sure, you might lose your job because you blew the whistle on unethical practices by your company. But think about the long-term consequences if you don’t act. How many more people will be hurt if you don’t out your employer? Will you be able to look yourself in the mirror 20 years down the road knowing you didn’t do the right thing because it would have caused a couple of months of financial hardship?

Resist the urge to rationalize and justify inaction. Inaction is easy because it’s so easy to rationalize. The “bystander effect” is a perfect example of this. The bystander effect occurs when an emergency situation occurs in a large group of people and no one takes action to remedy the situation because they rationalize that someone else will take care of it.Don’t be that person. Instead of looking for ways to rational-ize inaction, train yourself to rationalize action. Instead of thinking, “I won’t do anything because someone else will take care of it,” start thinking “I must take action because no one else will.”

Trust that people will appreciate heroic (and frequently unpopular) actions. In point number two, we’re told not to fear the conflict that might arise from doing the right thing. Conversely, we should also develop a confidence that people appreciate and honor heroic action. While your action may be unpopular at first, people eventually come around and appreciate and recognize true heroes.

Amarillo’s

Market Place

Shop Locally At One OfThese Great Merchants Place your ad here for only $100 per month

806-231-0562