I am a father of 2 young boys, and with boys they love their guns. The gun could be their finger, lego blocks or a toy gun. My ex-girlfriend revenge and I thought long and hard about purchasing them a practice rifle, like a 22 caliber, but saw many risks of owning a real firearm with kids.

After some research we found airsoft guns, they are replicas of real guns without the extreme danger. Of course, if not used properly they could get injured, but we're only talking about a welt or bruise like with paintball. The spring airsoft guns offer them the chance to learn the rules of firearm safety and hone their shooting skills without risk of bodily harm.

Even though the airsoft guns are not real, with the look and feel of real firearms, our boys don't seem to mind. It's something my boys and I can do and enjoy together, and that's the best part. It helps that it's an inexpensive activity unlike anything else kids like to do these days.

At the moment we only have spring airsoft cheap guns, which have a low rate of fire, but once the boys are more experienced I intend on getting some electric airsoft rifles and even a gas powered one as well. The gas guns interest me especially, my ex-girlfriend revenge likes them too. My eyes lit up when I read that many electric and gas guns are full auto fire.

Even though my ex-girlfriend revenge and I are in our 30's, playing with airsoft guns makes us feel like kids again.

Is your ex showing starting to show a little bit of interest, or seemingly more interested in spending more time and going out than before, or do you notice signs that your ex is trying to flirt with you? It's ok if you feel a little hopeful but you need to be careful and avoid "jumping the gun". If you're like me you'd probably be asking yourself "does my ex want to get back with me"?

If your ex is interested in getting back with you then these are definitely common signs. However, if you really plan to get back with your ex, don't just jump at the first opportunity. The best thing you can do right now is to play hard to get. You'll need to be careful to do this in moderation though. Your ex will probably respond better to this anyway. If you come on too strong then you may just end up pushing your ex away from you again. Ironically, if your ex is starting to give you clues that he or she wants you back then it could be that you were already playing hard to get and it's now led to them wanting you back.

Typically when you break it off with an ex, it's very natural to have the feeling of missing each another. You probably both feel like possibly getting back together. There may be a wall built up though that is holding one or both of you back. This is very true if you've been dating for a while. You are both probably going to miss each other no matter what because of all the time and memories that you shared. However, there are definitely also other varied emotions built up that might include past regrets.

I should warn you that it's possible the interest your ex is showing could be only a game. He or she might see that you still love them, and honestly they might just want attention and not actually want to get back together. If it seems like your ex is honestly interested in spending some time with you again, they might just be using you until another prospect shows up. In fact, it might just be a form of ex-girlfriend revenge for something you think you did to them. This is exactly why you don't want to rush in and act like nothing ever happened. You really need to think about the situation before diving in again.

This is a very common mistake and many people are left wondering "does my ex want to get back with me?". It's much better to weigh words and actions out before acting though. Ultimately your ex will respond much better if you play a little hard to get. Ideally it will also soften the blow if your ex isn't really serious about rekindling the fire again.

To learn more about this and other proven strategies and techniques to help you get your ex back and stop wondering "does my ex want to get back with me" go to Does My Ex Want Me Back.

What does it mean to conduct oneself as a professional?

Someone that is consummate professional in their career and in their life is essentially a strong leader. Years ago I was the drum major for my high school band, a position that I am proud to have held because of all that it taught me about communication and leadership. I learned many valuable lessons in this role and in the leadership seminar that prepared me for the responsibility of acting as a mentor, role model, and conductor for a group of peers. Someone that is considered to be a true professional has the ability to motivate people just as a leader must.

What qualities characterize good leadership?

• Humor
• Passion
• Creativity
• Energy
• Tolerance
• Sensitivity
• Attentiveness
• Enthusiasm
• Optimism
• Caring
• Self-confidence
• Graciousness
• Judiciousness
• Venturousness
• Mysteriousness
• Selflessness
• And, has a presence around which others find they like themselves more

Positive Presence

Someone that has a positive presence does not complain. Complaining, by definition, is the expression of "dissatisfaction, pain, uneasiness, censure, resentment, or grief" (Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc.). When I say that someone who is a professional does not complain, I do not mean that he/she cannot ever express displeasure, only that formal grievances deserve proper attention in the proper setting. Informal complaining (or whining, whinging, grumbling, if you will) is not constructive, particularly if it is out loud to anyone that has ears, and professionals seek to be constructive.

Everyone has moments when they complain. It is human nature to want to get things off one's chest in that way. In keeping with what appears to be a theme, I'll now offer another marching band allegory. Band camp was always in early August which, even in Pennsylvania where I grew up, is HOT. We were never allowed to utter the words "It's hot" (or any variation of this) without consequences. Sounds like a stupid rule, so why? Because everyone already knew it was hot! If you are doubting the impact this has on a group, consider what happens in, for instance, a dance class (another situation with which I'm intimately familiar), when a dance teacher calls out something like "Feet!" Students immediately think through the litany of things they could be doing wrong with their feet and they almost unconsciously begin to make adjustments, regardless of the ambiguity of the comment. In the same way, when it is 90-plus degrees (Fahrenheit) outside, it is almost impossible not to zero-in on the heat when someone else says they're hot. Voicing this complaint only reminds everyone in earshot how miserable they are feeling. As a result, collective energy is spent focusing on the complaint rather than productively pursuing the task(s) at hand.

Even when someone is simply not doing his best, and even if it is negatively impacting oneself or others, it is not appropriate for a professional to publicly point this out. No one can truly walk in another's shoes, therefore it is helpful to remember the venerable Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." As a leader, one is often put in a situation in which they are responsible for the handling of another's time. As no one is perfect, occasionally things don't go as expected. In events such as these, probably each member of the group has their own ideas about what should be done. Knowing that it is not always easy to be the leader, however, professionals resist the urge to be negative and they don't "sweat the small stuff." Instead, if a problem has become serious or too often repeated, if someone is being hurt or an injustice is being done, they find an appropriate time to meet with those who have the power to improve the situation. In addition, when it comes to making improvements, true professionals (and true leaders) use their energy to solve problems, not just identify them. Therefore, it is a true leader that will, rather than just offer a formal complaint, approach someone with possible solutions to the issue at hand.

Work Ethic, Punctuality, and Excuses

A professional has a strong work ethic. They anticipate the needs of others or what needs to be done and they do it. They do it even before someone asks or they ask permission before going forward. Anticipating a need sometimes means that one must humble himself and do what is best for the group or someone else over what is best for him as an individual. When something is asked of him, a professional does not question the request out loud. Unless he is asked for input, truly wants to clarify and understand the directions given, or is instructed to do something which is against his core beliefs, a professional will adhere to the request and later find a private moment to question if necessary.

There is a saying that states, "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late." In other words, starting "on time" means that everyone is ready to go the very moment the class, rehearsal, or meeting is supposed to start. Being early ensures this. inevitably there is something that needs to be done just before beginning and arriving at the start time will put oneself and everyone else behind. Professionals get there well ahead of time to do what they know they need to.

Professionals don't make excuses. As with other requests, if they are offered ways in which they could improve or are reprimanded for inappropriate behavior, a professional accepts the correction (whether they agree or not), tries to apply the suggestion or do better next time, and then moves on. They do not blame unfortunate circumstances or other people for their mistakes.

Generosity

When I think of someone that displays ultimate professionalism, I see a person who is generous with their gifts, generous with their time, and generous in spirit. This person is easy to collaborate with because he/she communicates with kindness. This professional wants everyone around them to be their best and helps them to do so by being supportive and encouraging. When a colleague is struggling, this person does not belittle or put her down. He/she is aware enough to look for moments in which they can offer help that will not be embarrassing to the individual or interrupt the rest of the group. And, help does not always mean showing or telling another how to do something. Often an encouraging smile or a word or two to lighten the person's mood and frustration level is most helpful. Also, being generous does not mean that one must lie to make another person feel good. A professional offers straight-talk but avoids hurting other people in the process. A generous and professional collaborator or contributor brings out the best in others because instead of focusing on "I" and "me", a generous person concentrates on "we" and "us."

In addition to awareness of one's surroundings and of other people, a professional must also be self-aware. Generosity can be extended to oneself by understanding one's strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. No one is perfect, and a confident and self-aware person does not expect perfection of himself or of anyone else, rather he does his very best, recognizes where the strengths of others can fill in the gaps, and allows them to shine as they do their part. It is alright for a professional to ask and expect others to do their best, but he/she will offer encouragement and lead others, through example, to fulfillment of their full potential.

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, the leader and director of that long ago drum major leadership training, is known for his statement that "you are only worth what you give away, and you can only give away what you have." In other words, to be an ultimate professional who is generous in spirit, improve what you have to give by taking responsibility for what you know and who you are, and then give it away.

When you've been wronged

Inevitably someone will disappoint you, hurt you, or do something that is unfair or unjust. It happens. And, sometimes the results are catastrophic, the pain is tremendous, and the offender seems to hold a "Get Out of Jail Free" card. Trust me, everyone faces this at some point in their professional career and/or personal lives. A professional acts with dignity in response to these situations. It is tempting to want to lash out or get ex-girlfriend revenge, but a true professional does not reduce herself to bad behavior because she knows that this is sure to backfire. For example, if a coworker complains and whispers about a peer at every opportunity and spreads rumors and gossip, they will earn a reputation for being untrustworthy. It does not matter if the complaints and rumors are true, I guarantee that even those that go along or participate in this slander do not trust this coworker. A person who goes about tearing down others is only opening themselves up to the same kind of scrutiny and backstabbing they distributed. No matter what has been done to her, a professional will always be the better person. He/she will take action through appropriate channels instead of dealing out their own form of justice.

When you're the one who has wronged

As I said before, no one is perfect. Even professionals have a bad day in which they do, say, or act in a way that is not only unprofessional but unbecoming. I am no different. Once in rehearsal for a musical, for which I was not only the choreographer but a leading character, I very publicly blew my top at a director. It was tech rehearsal, the cast and crew were tired from both building sets plus all the long hours of rehearsal, and we were running well-rehearsed scenes instead of jumping cue to cue (as is usually done during a technical rehearsal before the open of a show). Essentially my professionalism went out the window for a moment as I attempted to express the collective frustration that was reaching boiling level within the room. It was an outburst I immediately regretted, although it got results. As a professional, however, I recognized that I did not handle the situation well and that an apology was in order. After giving the director a few moments, I approached him and calmly apologized for my behavior and that it would not happen again. If I had not performed this simple act, the relationship would have been damaged, resentment would have set in, and I would have lost the respect he held for me. Being mature enough to recognize when one is out of line, apologizing, and then taking responsibility for the outcome is an important and necessary trait in someone that wants to continue to be viewed as a professional even when mistakes are made.

Final Thoughts

It is not always easy to conduct oneself as a professional but it leads to more positive and fulfilling experiences overall. A negative person creates a negative world around themselves. Positive and professional leaders have good things happen to them because they are prepared to take the bad things that happen in stride. They cannot and will not play the victim. Instead, they motivate others to join them in their outlook.

Also, age is not a factor in professionalism. I've met both very unprofessional people who have spent years and years in their career and amazingly mature children who act professionally whether they get paid to do so or not.

Fears and insecurities can damage a person's ability to think positively, act with generosity, and conduct themselves appropriately. When dealing with someone who is behaving unprofessionally, considering this helps me to deal with him/her in a more compassionate manner. I can more easily avoid behaving badly in reaction to their behavior without letting them take advantage of me or the situation.

The ultimate question to ask yourself if you are uncertain if you are conducting yourself professionally is...

Would YOU want to work with YOU?

If not, take responsibility for improving your actions and reactions to the situations and people in your work. I guarantee your new outlook will influence the actions of the people around you and their reaction to you. You will be regarded as the professional you want to be.

Nichelle Strzepek lives in Houston, Texas and balances careers as a dancer, instructor, writer, and mother. She holds a bachelor's degree in dance and has been teaching in private studios for over 15 years. Her training and professional credits also include acting, singing, and choreography, all of which she has been doing since childhood. Nichelle is the author of Dance Advantage, an educational blog for dance students, teachers, and parents. She enjoys being able to share her passion for dance and "teach" outside the dance studio through her writing. Dance Advantage presented its inaugural post in April 2008 and has grown rapidly in that short time. Growing up in a small Pennsylvania town, Nichelle wanted nothing more than to be a dancer one day. She is grateful each day that she has achieved that and more.

BRAVEHEART (1995) won 5 Oscars including the Best Film and Best Director awards for Mel Gibson. It was also nominated for 5 more Oscars including the Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, penned by Randall Wallace.

William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson, is a "reluctant hero" from 13th century Scotland in the classic mythological mold described by Joseph Campbell in his Hero With a Thousand faces.

All Wallace wants to do is marry, become a farmer like his father and carry on in peace. He is a reluctant hero. But things change after his wife is slaughtered by the local men of King of England Edward the 1st -- Edward the Longshanks.

His fate forces Wallace to take on both the King of England and the Scottish landed nobility who flip sides at the drop of a hat. His desire to take his wife's ex-girlfriend revenge and set Scotland free sets him on a war path that leads to his eventual capture and public death under torture. (For trivia fans -- the COMPASSION OF CHRIST is NOT the first movie in which Gibson is stretched across a crucifix.) Yet Wallace's legacy survives his beheading and sets Scotland free in the 14th century.

Fantastic musical score with irresistible bagpipes, married to equally fantastic scenery and battle scenes jarring in their ferocity and realism, make it a good watch indeed. Wallace's last word under torture is a long scream -- "Freeeedom!" Who can remain impartial to that?

The gravel-voiced Patrick MacGoohan who plays Edward 1st is as good as Gibson since he makes a very credible foe to whip the dramatic tension nonstop throughout the film. Without a nemesis as amoral, tricky and dangerous as Edward Longshanks, Wallace's goodness and integrity would not stand out in such high relief.

Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases and hi-tech documentation.

He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 companies for the last 7 years.

You can reach him at writer111@gmail.com for a FREE consultation on all your copywriting needs.

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The last book he has edited: http://www.lulu.com/content/263630

When you have had a fight with your ex-girlfriend revenge, you already know that nothing is going to feel right again until you apologize, but there may be some things holding you back. In the first place, you may have some sort of idea that being in love means never having to say that you're sorry, and nothing could be farther from the truth. A good relationship is like any good compromise and unless you can admit when you are wrong and take responsibility for what may have happened, you are better off on your own!

There are a surprising amount of things that can be soothed over with an apology. You may find that even things that are major and difficult to wrap your mind around can be soothed over, or at least a solution can be found much quicker if you apologize. An apology is not just admitting that a mistake was made, it is saying that you are aware that a mistake was made and that you are willing to do what you can to make it right. This is what an apology means to a woman, and you will find that if you can execute it properly that your relationship has a much better chance of chugging along!

The first thing that you need to consider when you want to apologize is that you need to think about getting it right. It is not enough to just say sorry and to promise that you are never going to do it again. Remember that you should always know what you are apologizing for. In the first place, you will find that it is not making the woman in your life angry, or for the fact that you "got caught!" What happened that made her angry and why did it make her angry? Why did it hurt her or why did it make her life more difficult. Take some time and make sure that you are going to be able to move forward and get the right kind of response through understanding what you are apologizing for.

The second thing that you need to think about is that you should not wait too long to deliver your apology. If something has happened where an apology is necessary, you are going to discover that the longer you let it fester, the more problems you are going to have later down the line. This is something that you should keep in mind, so make sure that if you are going to be apologetic that you do it soon.

Finally, mean it. An apology means that you are willing to do better in the future. If you apologize for something but then go right back around and do it again, you were better off not making the apology at all. There are a number of different things that you can do when you are looking at moving forward and this can help you get where you are going.

Make sure that you are getting the results that you need when you are looking at making an apology, so take some time and consider what your options are going to be and what you need to know.

So you want to get your ex back. What do you need to do?
Click here for a step by step guide to getting your ex back.