by Julie Bergher

The New Year is right around the corner.  Time to update our list of resolutions, refine our priorities, and focus on making those changes in our romantic lives we’ve always dreamed of.
I believe it’s true that you can’t find a person of quality to share your life with until you become a person of quality.  We can always find a relationship, but the great ones are the ones that stand the test of time, not just six months or six years (which doesn’t sound all that bad right now!)  But let’s focus.  It’s a New Year!  It’s time to make changes and take chances!  There are so many ways to meet someone amazing, even here in Santa Clarita!
Tried and True – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Advertise!
One way to meet your soul mate is to let the world know that you’re looking!  Telling friends is essential.  You never know which friend has a friend who’s looking for someone exactly like you!  And don’t forget the Internet.  My friend Burt met the girl of his dreams this year on eHarmony.com.  They married two months ago.  Check out all the dating sites.  Find one that focuses on your interests and post a current picture.  Have a friend help your write an introductory paragraph that’s upbeat and happy.  Most sites have tutorials to help you compose the perfect profile.  Take the time to read it.  There’s also www.meetup.com.  It’s a way to meet other singles in your area who share similar interests.  Go to this site and enter your city, then choose an activity that interests you.  They range from charitable events to sport activities, or just a night with margaritas.
Better Yourself to Find Better People
Here in the SCV we have tons of activities dedicated to self-improvement.  As you enjoy yourself while learning something new, you’ll likely meet others with the same goals or interests.  If you don’t meet someone special, you’ll still have spent your time in a more meaningful, fulfilling manner.  I’m always meeting people at one-day classes or seminars.  Make it a point this year to sign up for classes and activities that truly interest you.  Most of these are offered short-term, so there’s really no huge commitment of time.
Here are some suggestions:
1.  COC offers great one or two-day fun classes that run three to six hours for a nominal fee.  The current online catalogue offers things like: Culinary Arts, Dance, Music, etc.    Go to: www.canyons.edu/offices/com and look under “A Class For Everyone.”  There are also classes in fitness and recreation and personal interest in their community education classes: canyons.communityext.net, click on “Browse Courses.”
2.  Santa Clarita Parks/Recreation offers adult classes such as sports photography, eBay made easy, just once guitar, sushi making (you might see me at this one), oil/acrylic painting 101, Latin club dance (no partner required!), Tai Chi, yoga, and golf, just to name a few!  Go to: www.santa-clarita.com/cityhall/parks/seasons/ and get started!  If you’re shy about doing these things alone, grab a friend (of the same gender) to go with you.  What a wonderful use of time!
If you’re so inclined, visit our SCV Senior Center located at 22900 Market Street.  You can call them at 661-259-9444 or visit scvseniorcenter.org to learn more about what they have to offer.   There are fantastic activities there to keep you busy and involved.
Finally, as I’ve mentioned before, go to Facebook and request to be on the friends list of SCVSingles.  Every month they’ll update you on the time and location of each local mixer for SCV singles 45 and over.  It’s a great way to meet someone in the area!
The New Year is almost here.  Make changes!  Take chances!
Write to Julie at writelove@sbcglobal.net