Chapter 1 - "Off to a good start"

I've read through chapter one and below are some quite hilarious prose by Evelyn Millis Duvall

When Girls Take the Initiative

"There is a thin line between being available and being too forward.  The girl who gets a reputation for being a flirt finds that many of the nicer boys and girls avoid her.  Yet, when a girl acts too demure or feigns coolness or disinterest out of fear, she may chase boys away and miss out on the fun of friendship and dating."

"Custom has it that a girl may speak first when meeting a boy on the street or in the hallway at school.  She doesn't have to wait for the boy to nod or address her.  A girl gets a reputation for being "fast" not because she's friendly toward boys but because of the way she behaves when they are around."

"In Grandma's formula, it's all right for a girl to 'chase a fellow until he catches her'."

Learning Social Skills

"In general, young people like members of the other sex who are (1) careful of their personal appearance; (2) courteous and thoughtful; and (3) fun to be with. A girl doesn't have to be a beauty to get a date.  She just has to dress appropriately, be neat and well groomed, and then try to forget her appearance."

Stay tuned for some jewels of wisdom in chapter two!!

The Art of Dating

When I checked my mailbox upon returning to work there was a book titled "The Art of Dating" in it.  My friend Mark found it in his attic when he was home for the summer in Ohio.  The note on the inside cover reads, "As much as I hate to give this up Nikki, you are truly deserving.  At least I know you know how to use it.  The section on 'school affairs' is especially relevant." - AFA, Mark. 

Now this book has a copyright of 1969.  My mission dear followers is to read the above titled book and summarize its wisdom for you each week.

Chapter 1 - "Off to a good start".  Stay tuned!!

I'm baaaack!

Hello my 12.3 followers!  I apologize for my absence and I cannot honestly believe it's been four months since my last post.  I will try very hard not to let that happen again.

I've been back to Laos after a fabulous summer in Canada.  My trip, as many of you know was a surprise and I enjoyed planning and coniving behind everyone's back - especially my mother.  I don't know if you realize how difficult it is to pull a fast one over on Lori Hutchison Hunter.  But, with the help of her good friend, Lori St. Dennis, my "ta dah" was of epic proportion!!

I had been in Toronto visiting my sisters (all but Ashleigh had no idea I was coming) and set up a Skype date with my parents.  I must say it's tricky to set these up with my folks because they have a very active social calendar.  I then convinced Mom to have a quick yack with me before she headed to work.  The best part of all is while we were skyping, I was actually on my phone in the back entrance of the house.  Confused why they couldn't see me on video, I clumsily pushed buttons as I made my way into the house and said "hmmm, I don't know what's wrong with Skype - maybe if I come into the kitchen you'll see me".  They were both speechless - which is harder for Mom than Dad!

I spent some great quality time with my sister and her fiancee.  They have recently planned a Destination Wedding for April 2013 in the Mayan Riviera.  I know you'll be surprised to know that there isn't a direct flight from Laos to Mexico! 

True love...

The groom - Patrick designed these!

The invitation for the big day!

Ashleigh and I "pre-Karen" surprise

A rare occassion that we're all together

With planning a surprise, there are disappointments.  I didn't get a chance to spend as much time with my dad as I would have liked as he was in Toronto for the majority of my visit.  I did however have the opportunity to indulge in his culinary masterpieces!

My Dad - aka "God Damned Gordy" doesn't cook much - but he makes a mean breakfast!

Delicious!

I rarely order a steak anywhere but Chez Hunter.  Dad makes THE best!

A whirlwind trip into Regina had me seeing many good friends.  Here are some pictures - apologies to Corby, Sejal, Lori, Jen, Ang, Lee, Angie for not snapping photos of you and I!!

It's always great to see Nancy!  We don't get to catch up too often but she is my oldest friend.  We met playing ringette when we were only in grade 7.  Now we have a new tradition of meeting bi-annually and enjoying memories, laughs, and sushi!

Two very special former students from FWJ.  We take a self portrait every summer!

My fabulous friend Marina.  We laugh until our belly's ache.  She makes one hell of a caesar and I'm so very excited she's going to be my date for Ashleigh & Patrick's wedding!!

One of the best surprises was 'getting' my Pumpkin.  Here we are at the beginning of a Girls Night in Lethbridge.  This was taken before we found our way to the bottom of several bellinis!

Reunited with the same group of girls who took me to the Moose Jaw spa two years ago for my "farewell".  Great to see Jestina, Rhonda, and Maryanne!

Absolute blast from the past!  I haven't seen Tina since we graduated and it was such a treat to catch up.  TBL, you're on my 'hit list' every summer now.  Beware!

I spent a week in Denver at a conference for international college counselors! It was great to see familiar faces and also make some new friends!

Here was my room for 5 nights. Nothing like sleeping on a rubber mattress and pillow!

Get a group of counselors together and this is what you'll see.  What happens in Denver, stays in Denver!

800+ counselors and admissions officers took over Coors Field

Was great to see my friend Pat.  We met at Georgetown University three summers ago when we were both internationals highschool counseling virgins!

Here's the view from the plane as I was coming back into Regina

I'm now back into the swing of things with work.  Looking at my schedule for the next few months I quickly feel like I haven't had a vacation.  Thank you to all who made my trip to North America fantabulous.  See you again next year....