Single in the City - ANOTHER 8 GREAT PLACES TO MEET SOMEONE (the summer edition)

A little while ago I provided a list of 8 great places to meet someone when you are “Single in the City.”  Well, I’ve decided to revisit that list and provide you with an updated version.  It appears I may have missed some spots, and with a couple months left of summer you will want to make use of these new additions. 

ANOTHER 8 GREAT PLACES TO MEET SOMEONE

1. Golf Course – Ladies if you haven’t teed off you are missing out.  Whether you are in the club house, driving range or on the green, working on your putting skills, the golf course presents an ocean of male counterparts.  And seeing a girl hit + 200 yard tee shot or a ball lost in the trees might make you appear instantly hot or adorable.  Either way you are definitely gaining some attention.  The best time to go might depend on the golf course and the age group you are fishing for.  My suggestion is arrive early and stay late, lingering in the club house and engaging in some small talks with the passer bys.  You never know who you might meet. 

2. Cooking Class – Even if you are a queen banana bread baker and chef like me ;), taking a cooking class might be well worth it, if not to learn cooking terminology.  A recent encounter with a chef who teaches cooking classes across various cities confirmed for me what I always thought – cooking classes is a great place to meet someone.   My source revealed that he usually has an equal amount of women and men that take his classes.  The benefit of course is that, if you do meet someone you can be assured that if they can’t cook at least they are ambitious enough to learn.

3. Running Group – This is speed dating meets exercising.  Joining a running group is a great way to get fit and meet various people. You can find a running group as simples as checking out your local running shoes store, like the Running Room. You can usually run at your own pace and through partnering up enjoy some good conversations with various people.  If you don’t like who you are running with or don’t feel that spark, than that might be your insensitive to run faster and start chit chatting with another person.

4. Beach Volleyball – Does this need any further explanation???  Just get out there… Please remember to wear sunscreen though… safety first. ;)

5. Beer Store – Ladies much like golfing, this is YOUR haven.  You are likely to be the only girl in a beer store at any given time!  If you are a beer connoisseur you may be able to use that as your angle to begin small talk.  If not, go for the dark beer and or ask for help with getting that 12 pack from the top shelf and you’ll definitely have conversations coming your way.  Please note a Beer Store is NOT the same as a liquor store in the USA…. In fact, a liquor store is definitely not where you want to encourage small talks with strangers. RUN!

6. Head North - Oh, the joy of cottage living – relaxing, fun and another great place to meet someone.  However, you cannot do this by staying inside your cottage all weekend.  Head into town to the local “hot spot.”  This might be where you get great burgers, lures, or it could be the local convenient store (ok, hopefully it’s not the latter).  Something about being at the cottage typically makes people friendlier.  Engaging in small talk you might find yourself the honoured guest later that evening at a cookout or BBQ or invited on a boat ride the next day.  If you don’t have a cottage, don’t worry, rent a cottage with friends for the weekend or just head north anyways (as if you have a cottage) and hang out at the “hot spot” all weekend (but without looking creepie)…

7. Visit an Exhibit – This you can do solo, but be sure to carry yourself confidently, looking good and approachable (wear a smile).  You don’t have to be an expert or even a lover of the exhibit you are attending.  Curiosity is enough.  In fact, with curiosity you might have the courage to strike up a conversation about an exhibit piece to a stranger.  You’ll be surprised how many people may kill a weekend afternoon at an exhibit. 

8. Cocktails – Especially on a Thursday or Friday this can almost be synonymous with a meet market.  But, if you are interested in brushing up on your approachability and small talk skills this is the place.  I do suggest limiting yourself to bringing only one other friend (of the same gender).  A big group can seem intimidating for any possible suitors.  Also, location, location, location is key.  So, grab a chair close to the bar where people will be placing orders and traffic is high.  And as always, look good, approachable and wear a smile.

At the end of the day it’s all about putting yourself out there, without the stench of desperation and appearing approachable.  You might not find “The One” but you’ll be surprised at the incredible and fascinating people you’ll meet, simply by engaging in small talk.  And don’t be afraid to be the one that starts up a conversation.  One suggestion to my male readers: if a girl is responding to your small talk and you like her, don’t let it fizzle.  Ask her out!  (You’d be surprise how many guys might wimp out on this last step… you snooze you lose.)

And last but certainly not least, enjoy your time being single.  Meeting new people is also a chance to get to better know yourself.

Your Relationship Non-Expert,
Nicole

Mission Style Coffee And End Table Set With Cool Little

Mission style coffee and end table set with cool little

LONDON 2012 Olympic Games, ARE YOU GOING??

With 1 year and 1 day to the start of the 2012 London Olympic Games the magic question we athletes can anticipate hearing (possibly daily) is “Are you going to be competing in the Olympic Games?”

It is a question that can conjure excitement and anxiety.  For athletes in an amateur, where attention may be limited to our pursuits every 4 years, it is nice to see this interest in our endeavors.  But, at the same time the road to getting to the Olympic Games isn’t nessarily as simple as a yes/no answer.  There is a little thing called selection, and depending on your sport may involve politics, standards and performance at a National Championship.

In Athletics (Track & Field) we are actually the last sport to name our team.  Which means, while our fellow athletes in other sports may punched their tickets to the big dance as early as October of this year, we have to wait until one month before the start of London 2012, before knowing if we will be going.

Pretty incredible, eh?  But, this is a reflection of the selction process in Athletics demanding fitness and competitive level demonstrated closer to the start of the games.  A LOT can and will happen within a year.  My 12 years as a professional athlete has taught me that.  So, by the time May 2012 roles around that question “Are you going to be competing in the Olympic Games?” can be met with a lot of stress, because the real answer is most Athletic athletes don’t know for certain. 

Yet, at the same time, as athletes we must prepare as if we KNOW we are going.  Because if you can’t see it happening than your chances for its occurrence is unlikely… I believe. 

For some athletes being an Olympian is all that they may strive for, but for many the journey doesn’t end there.  It is all about performance AT the Olympic Games.  Not, surprising once someone finds out you are going to the Olympic Games, their next question is “Are you going for gold?”  Clearly, not everyone who goes to the Olympic Games will medal, but in an event which gathers the very best athletes across various sports, whose every fibre is about competing, I have to believe most athletes share the goal of going for the gold.  That’s what championships are about, to see who can perform on THAT given day.

The saying “success isn’t about the destination but rather about the journey” never meant so much to me, until in 2008, after failing to make the Olympic Games three times before I finally was named to the Olympic Games team.  And even now has I prepare for London 2012, this journey for success has taken on a brand new meaning… But, that's what success is all about, I guess.

One last note, we should never forget those who come up short with qualifying for the Olympic Games.  Most Olympians, at one point have worn those shoes. Indeed, it is also apart of the journey, and only breathes more life into the term perseverance. 

The Summer Olympic Games happens every 4 years and for 2 weeks the world seems to stand still.  But, for us the athletes, this journey to the Olympic Games is one taking longer than 4 years… maybe more than a decade for some of us.  And we look to the Olympic Games with appreciation, excitement, determination and courage to display our passion and ability to the world on the grandest stage of all, the Olympic Games.

London 2012, I’m coming for you,

Nicole

Mission Style Side Tables In

Mission Style side tables in

Sorry, I Can't Be Anymore Real Than I am - ACHTUNG, Baby!

“Measure your success not by comparing your achievements to others, but by how close you approach your own potential. You may discover you’ll surpass exceptional along the way."  ~ Nicole Forrester

Last week, I wrote a blog about being real, and as I anticipated I was challenged about my own authenticity.  It was from someone who didn’t know me, nor followed my blogs to know of the various tell-all blogs I’ve shared.  Just someone, who probably looked at a profile picture of me and assumed I was filled with self-conceit.

What I took from that comment, was the importance to impress upon all that I do not wish for anyone to envy my life.   I wish only to be an example of the different cards life can hand us and what is possible, in spite of setbacks or rare beginnings. 

I've been deliberate in my use of social media to show all sides of myself, while also daring to discuss those taboo topics.  It's actually a tough line to tow sometimes, because of the various hats I wear, but at the end of the day I don't want to be shackled by a false version of myself.  I just want to be me... outspoken, silly, humerous, academically minded, consummate multitasker and whatever else that includes.

Some stuff I’ve shared have been good and some of it bad , including going to the Olympic Games, finding a lump in my breast, being diagnosed with 20 brain lesions, my struggles with the high jump, my love of track and field, my hot dates with Mr. Dissertation, taboo topics/opinions and most recently my challenge with overcoming a serious foot injury and the list continues to grow.  My quest is not to be envied or declare my excellence, but just to be REAL.  This is me. 

In fact, the vice of envy and feeling not enough irritates me to no ends.  It is for that reason, (I’m ashamed to admit it, but) I am actually not fond of beauty pageants and anything that evaluates beauty.  Particularly, because of the message it sends to young girls… wishing they looked a certain way.  I know this, because I was one of those little girls. (This is actually an interesting story, I’ll have to blog about another time… especially considering I use to model.)

I don’t wish to create an image of myself that I can’t live up to.  Nor do I wish anyone to ever put me on a pedestal, because I will certainly be knocked off it at some point.   I wish only for people to recognize the sky is the limit and that anything is possible for anyone.  I mean if I can be discovered working at McDonald’s and go onto becoming an Olympian, who knows what is possible for anyone else.  And make no mistake, all that I have achieved and I am achieving I’ve had to work hard for. 

I cannot express enough my belief that we are each equipped to do amazing things in life.  No one should ever look upon another and wish they had their life.  Your life is amazing, and may be on the verge of blossoming. And if anyone makes you feel less of yourself or that you should envy them, DON’T!  They are probably far from being authentic and happy with whom they are. 

Any confidence you desire must come from the inside – by you recognizing how truly amazing you are, while also remembering to not compare yourself to others. Indeed there is room for the spotlight of success to shine on everyone.  You don’t have to put out someone’s light to make your's brighter than theirs.

It is my hope that my actions may inspire others, cause no harm and demonstrate my authenticity; for I am certainly far from perfect.

Measuring myself against myself,

Nicole

P.S.  Ok... Well, there may be one thing I'll stand on a soapbox and proclaim my excellence for... and compare it to Perdita Felicien's dry bread... My incredible Banana Bread...lol  :) You might have to taste it to believe it!   ;)

A Good Size For End Table,

a good size for end table,

Sunday's Lyrics - PAID IN FULL

Something to make us think... 

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited  signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning  of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and  told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, "With all your money you give me  a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book. 

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at  his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart.

He began to search his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears,  he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. As he read  those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible.

It  had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports  car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

~Author Unknown