http://www.funadvice.com/my/advice/amandasarnes en-us neosporin works with a band aid also. amandasarnes Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:55:56 -0700 http://www.funadvice.com/q/how_do_i_get_rid_of_a_zit_fast 306756 Years ago my husband and I bought a home from people who didn't have an agent-they sold it to us $29K under market value because they didn't have the market knowledge and negotiating skills to get what they should've been asking. As an agent, I understand that those "quick sales" sometimes feel like easy money to the seller-who is responsible for commissions. However, there are many that aren't "quick sales" and each transaction holds heavy liabilities. It definitely pays to have a knowledgable representative who can make sure that you are protected througout the transaction. Keep in mind, a listing agent splits their commission with the buyer's agent, so they don't get the entire %. There are times, I suppose, if you feel like you'd rather chance it and decide not to use a listing agent to save money, well-I can understand wanting to not have to pay someone. HOWEVER! As a buyer, it makes no sense not to have an agent-it's a free service and it really pays to have an agent who knows the market and can be a tough negotiator on your behalf. Also, understand that outside of the research we agents do, and the showing of houses, and of course contract negotiation-there are lots of things after putting a home under contract that we take care of dealing with legalities and your investment. You wouldn't take out your own tooth would you? You need a professional to get the job done right. amandasarnes Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:48:57 -0700 http://www.funadvice.com/q/do_you_think_realestate_agents_really 306734 I'm a white woman. It's what it is-just an adjective, no biggie! It doesn't define me, it doesn't affect me, because in life, you create your own happiness, you make your own dreams come true-wherever you come from, whatever color you are, whatever shape you have, whatever "thing" you get into. If the majority of people would understand that these adjectives are just descriptive words like, "the plush purple chair" or whatever, then perhaps they wouldn't be so offended. One way to break strereotypes is to truly accept people for who they are-good, bad, and otherwise. It's that need to "change" people that creates problems. Love and acceptance really are wonderful tools to feel good-about yourself and about others. amandasarnes Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:24:00 -0700 http://www.funadvice.com/q/labels 306706 I'd fight fair-address the situations, tell them what you said if you said anything, and if you didn't-tell everyone that ex boyfriend obviously on a mission for destruction. It's not a crime if you don't want to get back together-people break up! Tell him to move on and please stop dragging your name through the mud. It's totally immature and a waste of time. If he spent 1/2 as much time loving himself as he does hating you...wow, his life would be wonderful! It's time to grow up a bit. amandasarnes Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:19:38 -0700 http://www.funadvice.com/q/my_ex_has_caused_everyone_to_hate 306700 I doubt it's a personal attack against you or anything. I'd extend the olive branch-call or visit and say how much you miss them in your life-then, perhaps together you can set up a schedule that works for you all. Lots of families are like this-it's a hectic world. You just have to make an effort. If they deny you then-well, just relish in your friendships. You are capable of making yourself happy-don't let the situation tear you up. Be pro-active. amandasarnes Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:16:12 -0700 http://www.funadvice.com/q/what_would_you_do_if_your_family 306698 Be honest with them. If you feel you're "grown" enough to smoke, then be "grown" enough to man up about it. amandasarnes Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:10:51 -0700 http://www.funadvice.com/q/what_should_i_tell_my_mom_or_dad 306696 One thing that comes to you as you get older is that while your parents are your parents, they are still their own people with their own opinions, and those opinions are not always going to be cohesive with yours. It's a tough pill to swallow as a parent, that your kid might not need your opinion-or rather, might not choose it. Don't go into teaching if you don't want to. Find whatever it is you have a passion for (art is vague-figure out ways to channel it) and just go for it. If you want something in life, work hard and make it happen! Your mom will come around when she finds that you have acheived happiness, which, in turn, becomes success. You'll probably change your mind quite a few times prior to actually figuring out what you want to do. Just let your mom know you love and respect her and you're also loving and respecting yourself by trying what works for you-not her. ;) amandasarnes Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:09:09 -0700 http://www.funadvice.com/q/between_art_or_mom 306694 It's unfortunate that she has that many kids if she cannot communicate with them more productively. I'd wait on the marriage. If you feel you want to have the baby, then work together with the father and help each other attain your goals-marry later, when you know that you're marrying for the right reasons, not just for the pregnancy. Either way, though, the best you can do for your baby is to work hard to acheive your goals, never give up, and be the best mother, woman, and person you can be. amandasarnes Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:03:31 -0700 http://www.funadvice.com/q/my_mom_never_listes_to_me_what_do 306685 A beautiful woman is one who is, the vast majority of the time, ok with who she is inside and out; laughs whole heartedly; works hard; hugs like she means it; and allows herself to be vulnerable from time to time. She has no specific shape or size; no hair or eyecolor requirements; but is glowing with a true pride in her person and her contribution to the world. amandasarnes Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:58:38 -0700 http://www.funadvice.com/q/beauty_tips_1380 306676