I wouldn't say that I come from a family of long traditions. Since my son's father and I split when my son was only six months old, any traditions that I may have had, went out the window. Specific dates have absolutely little meaning or worth to me. It isn't about the day, it's about the event. Celebrating when you can in the way that you can, that matters most. Maybe that was my was with accepting that for the next 18 years holidays would be alternated.
I do enjoy spending holidays with family. And while I prefer spending with my family, I think over the many years, I've actually welcomed celebrating them with others families as well. Not being in a relationship has been a wonderful welcome - no houses to split our time and schedule with, extra presents to buy, no additional obligations. The Ex-Bf's parents are also remarried, so between the four sets of families as well as my son's dad's visitation, holidays were more than hectic. This year, I had none of that. None.
Merry Christmas!
Christmas Eve Day I spent wrapping gifts and catching up on movies. The guy that I'm spending time getting to know had asked if I wanted to get together after his family gathering. I really expected that it would be late and he would lose track of time, he didn't. Seeing that not much was open, he came over and we spent hours talking and watched a movie. It was nice. It was a Wednesday. No gift exchange. No pressure. Nice.
Christmas was spent at home with just my son. He opened his presents in a matter of ten minutes, if that. I even realized, not once did I consider getting out the camera and taking a picture. Seriously, what is wrong with me? It was just nice, pleasant and quaint. I made a decent dinner, but nothing too obscure or out of the ordinary - but my son did wish that I made the homemade stuffing instead of the Stove Top!
Today we will head to my parents to celebrate Christmas with family. Understandably, Christmas was almost a week ago now, but is it ever to late to celebrate with family? We won't be doing the midnight mass and opening one present or all of them before bed, Christmas Eve night. We won't be stealthily sneaking around the house early Christmas morn to see what gifts we were bestowed. Simple. Family. Love.
The one tradition that my son wants to do while we visit my parents, Costco. Yes, Costco. A few years back in November, my mom and son ran around Costco snagging samples and having a good time while I clothes shopped at a nearby store. My son treasures that experience. The one thing he asked for this year, another trip to Costco.
There is nothing like tradition. No matter how small, or trivial it may seem. It's always memorable and important.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Dating Terminology
I am by far a novice when it comes to dating. As my friends and family will vouch, if it can be done wrong, I likely will! I guess I missed the lesson on dating etiquette or forgot to read the blueprints.
For instance, I completely missed the chivalrous boat when out on lunch date. I arrived and my date was already there. He greeted me, I took off my coat. It wasn't until it was time to go that I realized I had ignored his chivalry not once, but twice. He stood up and said, "Let me help you with your coat this time."
Of course then I realized that he did attempt when I got there as well! But me, what did I do or say? "Thanks, but I got it."
I suppose the walking out to the parking lot and parting ways in the middle of the lot rather than allowing him to walk me to my car to say goodbye was probably a good indicator that we wouldn't see each other again, right? I actually didn't mean it that way, but in retrospect, that's the message I sent, wasn't it?
I was talking to the Ex-Bf yesterday. We were catching up over the past few days as I had been neglectful at returning calls. I cut the conversation short and told him I would call him back en route to the guy's house I was "dating".
He says, "DATING?"
Me, (I'm really not grasping the concept of what I said that was so outer space bizarre) "Yes."
He says, "So you are dating him now?"
(Mind you I'm completely out of it at this point. What was I doing before that was different then now? What was I suppose to say instead of dating? Is it really this complicated?)
Me, "Well dating, seeing, spending time with. What am I suppose to call it?"
He says, "I guess there is no chance for me then!"
Me, "Wait, what? There wasn't a chance to begin with, we are done. We can hang out as friends but we will never date again."
Dead silence...awkward silence....
So here's the thing, what is it that you call it when you date, see, spend time, go out with someone several times to get to know someone? I couldn't get the Ex-Bf to give me the proper terminology for it either.
The guy I had dinner with, fortunately, he was on the same page as me, so I guess that's really all that matters. Right?
For instance, I completely missed the chivalrous boat when out on lunch date. I arrived and my date was already there. He greeted me, I took off my coat. It wasn't until it was time to go that I realized I had ignored his chivalry not once, but twice. He stood up and said, "Let me help you with your coat this time."
Of course then I realized that he did attempt when I got there as well! But me, what did I do or say? "Thanks, but I got it."
I suppose the walking out to the parking lot and parting ways in the middle of the lot rather than allowing him to walk me to my car to say goodbye was probably a good indicator that we wouldn't see each other again, right? I actually didn't mean it that way, but in retrospect, that's the message I sent, wasn't it?
I was talking to the Ex-Bf yesterday. We were catching up over the past few days as I had been neglectful at returning calls. I cut the conversation short and told him I would call him back en route to the guy's house I was "dating".
He says, "DATING?"
Me, (I'm really not grasping the concept of what I said that was so outer space bizarre) "Yes."
He says, "So you are dating him now?"
(Mind you I'm completely out of it at this point. What was I doing before that was different then now? What was I suppose to say instead of dating? Is it really this complicated?)
Me, "Well dating, seeing, spending time with. What am I suppose to call it?"
He says, "I guess there is no chance for me then!"
Me, "Wait, what? There wasn't a chance to begin with, we are done. We can hang out as friends but we will never date again."
Dead silence...awkward silence....
So here's the thing, what is it that you call it when you date, see, spend time, go out with someone several times to get to know someone? I couldn't get the Ex-Bf to give me the proper terminology for it either.
The guy I had dinner with, fortunately, he was on the same page as me, so I guess that's really all that matters. Right?
Online Dating
I would say a vast majority of people have tried online dating, at one point in their lives or another. If they haven't actually met someone, they are at least aware and have probably ventured to a site or two. I have to say that there is something about being able to interact with others at the touch of your fingertips, although, I'm not saying that you always come across the cream of the crop.
I have to share a recent first email invitation from a fellow online dater - because if it weren't for my prior engagement, I may have found myself, married or dead had I felt inclined to respond - maybe I need to be more of a risk taker! (Mom, I'm seriously SOOO KIDDING!):
Hi I’m XXXX. I live in Columbus Ohio and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a woman as attractive as yourself. Im a very easy going down to earth guy who likes spending time with friends and having fun. So you know little about mel, im a guy who likes having fun outside of work. I enjoy jogging (running races), and working out at the gym. I do cook on occassion (roasts, broil steaks, making cold salads, etc.). I make a mean chicken salad that has pineapple chunks and crunchy peas in it.I play the guitar and used to be in a local band. I practice on occasion to stay in tune (theres a pun !). I spend time with me 2 year old niece nad nephew every now and then. I love getting carryout (Chipotle, Long Horn Steak house ; there Sierra chicken is the bomb, Chinese, and Greek).
Im not a die-hard sports fan but like Hockey, Ohio State Football (go tailgating when I can) and golf. I play gold but am not very good at it.I have allot to bring to a relationship. Honestly, reliability, humor, compassion are a few qualities.
When asked why I haven't been married I just say my luck thus far, which is true. Course Ive been close, just hasn't happened, lol.I have an invitation for you that would be worth while and safe ! I told you about me because I’m certain one of the reasons you wouldn’t agree to the offer is because we don’t know each other, etc.. I wanted to break the ice so you would more likely consider the offer. I understand the holidays can be a busy time especially with kids etc. I believe arrangements can be made to accommodate this (Hopefully you wont feel I’m shallow suggesting it). There is a club in North Columbus that has gone back to it’s original name and it’s a hot spot with a great atmosphere and music. I would like for you to come join me this Friday evening there. I assure you it would be a trip you’l be glad you made and well hit it off great (im confident, if your wondering how im so sure).
I am a good host as I know the distance getting here could be much. It’s safe here and Id rather you not drive back after the evening is over due to how late it will be.I hope you’ll say you will come. My friends are sure to love you and well rise to a great dinner out somewhere (Bob Evans or something). If you wouldn’t mind at least discussing this with me so you can see from my voice that I’m harmless which would lessen your worries, please forward your number and ILL touch base (it’s a safe way to communicate).
Hope to hear from you soon.
Wow impressive, eh? For your enjoyment, other than the blocking of his name the text is in true format. I can only imagine how many other attractive women have received the exact same spammer email request. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one. But if he strikes your fancy, let me know and I'll forward contact information. I'm all about being a matchmaker!
I have to share a recent first email invitation from a fellow online dater - because if it weren't for my prior engagement, I may have found myself, married or dead had I felt inclined to respond - maybe I need to be more of a risk taker! (Mom, I'm seriously SOOO KIDDING!):
Hi I’m XXXX. I live in Columbus Ohio and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a woman as attractive as yourself. Im a very easy going down to earth guy who likes spending time with friends and having fun. So you know little about mel, im a guy who likes having fun outside of work. I enjoy jogging (running races), and working out at the gym. I do cook on occassion (roasts, broil steaks, making cold salads, etc.). I make a mean chicken salad that has pineapple chunks and crunchy peas in it.I play the guitar and used to be in a local band. I practice on occasion to stay in tune (theres a pun !). I spend time with me 2 year old niece nad nephew every now and then. I love getting carryout (Chipotle, Long Horn Steak house ; there Sierra chicken is the bomb, Chinese, and Greek).
Im not a die-hard sports fan but like Hockey, Ohio State Football (go tailgating when I can) and golf. I play gold but am not very good at it.I have allot to bring to a relationship. Honestly, reliability, humor, compassion are a few qualities.
When asked why I haven't been married I just say my luck thus far, which is true. Course Ive been close, just hasn't happened, lol.I have an invitation for you that would be worth while and safe ! I told you about me because I’m certain one of the reasons you wouldn’t agree to the offer is because we don’t know each other, etc.. I wanted to break the ice so you would more likely consider the offer. I understand the holidays can be a busy time especially with kids etc. I believe arrangements can be made to accommodate this (Hopefully you wont feel I’m shallow suggesting it). There is a club in North Columbus that has gone back to it’s original name and it’s a hot spot with a great atmosphere and music. I would like for you to come join me this Friday evening there. I assure you it would be a trip you’l be glad you made and well hit it off great (im confident, if your wondering how im so sure).
I am a good host as I know the distance getting here could be much. It’s safe here and Id rather you not drive back after the evening is over due to how late it will be.I hope you’ll say you will come. My friends are sure to love you and well rise to a great dinner out somewhere (Bob Evans or something). If you wouldn’t mind at least discussing this with me so you can see from my voice that I’m harmless which would lessen your worries, please forward your number and ILL touch base (it’s a safe way to communicate).
Hope to hear from you soon.
Wow impressive, eh? For your enjoyment, other than the blocking of his name the text is in true format. I can only imagine how many other attractive women have received the exact same spammer email request. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one. But if he strikes your fancy, let me know and I'll forward contact information. I'm all about being a matchmaker!
Directional Love
I'm finding more and more these days that I seem to be more in tune with my emotions. It seems like at every turn, I find myself loving something new or different. Maybe I've always been that way and I just wasn't in touch with my inner self. Like my new found love of dogs, babies, prescription drive thru's...
I am now officially in love with my GPS. I bought the 750 Garmin as my early Christmas gift to myself. Since I stayed pretty local for most of December, I didn't bother to use it, at all. I did use it when my son and I went to see the Grand Rapids Griffin Hockey game, our Christmas present from my brother and his family. Front row tickets to boot! Other than that, haven't really had the need to use it.
I found myself quite confused in the dark en route from a date's house. He had given me directions, four times due to the extreme water blocking roadways to his house. I managed to get to his house without any difficulty, but had to drive across a neighbor's side lot to avoid the lake otherwise known as his driveway. When leaving, I had my blue post-it trying to follow the directions backwards. I wish I could say I was successful. I wasn't.
I found my tires skidding all over the roadways, apparently black ice since they didn't look bad. Then I thought (first mistake - I thought) I went the right way, and not really sure, I continued, with a car on my tail down a hill and found myself seriously in a large pond in the middle of the street! I wish I could say I have some large monster truck that can drive through water with ease, but well my neon just isn't. Fortunately for me, it was dark and my instincts said to keep going, which I did make it through the abyss without too much damage other than the reoccurring screeching of the now wet fan belt! Completely lost and in towns I had barely passed through and completely unable to pronounce, I pulled over and hooked up my GPS. I silently hoped that I would be averted from any further water driving.
The GPS navigated me home! Amazing. I seriously could have spent hours trying to figure out where I was. I even trusted the GPS to go left when I would have swore I should have gone right. But knowing that I'm completely directionally incompetent, I am learning to trust. Trust in the small things in life that will get me where I need to go, and maybe even on time!
I am now officially in love with my GPS. I bought the 750 Garmin as my early Christmas gift to myself. Since I stayed pretty local for most of December, I didn't bother to use it, at all. I did use it when my son and I went to see the Grand Rapids Griffin Hockey game, our Christmas present from my brother and his family. Front row tickets to boot! Other than that, haven't really had the need to use it.
I found myself quite confused in the dark en route from a date's house. He had given me directions, four times due to the extreme water blocking roadways to his house. I managed to get to his house without any difficulty, but had to drive across a neighbor's side lot to avoid the lake otherwise known as his driveway. When leaving, I had my blue post-it trying to follow the directions backwards. I wish I could say I was successful. I wasn't.
I found my tires skidding all over the roadways, apparently black ice since they didn't look bad. Then I thought (first mistake - I thought) I went the right way, and not really sure, I continued, with a car on my tail down a hill and found myself seriously in a large pond in the middle of the street! I wish I could say I have some large monster truck that can drive through water with ease, but well my neon just isn't. Fortunately for me, it was dark and my instincts said to keep going, which I did make it through the abyss without too much damage other than the reoccurring screeching of the now wet fan belt! Completely lost and in towns I had barely passed through and completely unable to pronounce, I pulled over and hooked up my GPS. I silently hoped that I would be averted from any further water driving.
The GPS navigated me home! Amazing. I seriously could have spent hours trying to figure out where I was. I even trusted the GPS to go left when I would have swore I should have gone right. But knowing that I'm completely directionally incompetent, I am learning to trust. Trust in the small things in life that will get me where I need to go, and maybe even on time!
Drive Thru Drug Access
While I wish that I had some exciting new development into the accessibility of drugs, I don't, well unless you are me in my small world.
Every three months, I find myself in the exact same situation. I have no idea why I'm such a slow learner in some areas, and not in others. Sunday I realized that I was out of my prescription medication. I called in the refill, but didn't have time to pick it up when it would be ready.
This morning en route to work, I decided to swing by Meijer and run in to pick up my prescription. Meijer recently added a drive through prescription window, so I decided to give it a try. I even managed to pull in the drive in the correct way!
I am now officially in love with the convenience and easy access of refilling my prescription! By no means does that mean that I won't find myself out of them in another three months, but at least I know that I can drive through and grab them on the go and still be early to work!
Every three months, I find myself in the exact same situation. I have no idea why I'm such a slow learner in some areas, and not in others. Sunday I realized that I was out of my prescription medication. I called in the refill, but didn't have time to pick it up when it would be ready.
This morning en route to work, I decided to swing by Meijer and run in to pick up my prescription. Meijer recently added a drive through prescription window, so I decided to give it a try. I even managed to pull in the drive in the correct way!
I am now officially in love with the convenience and easy access of refilling my prescription! By no means does that mean that I won't find myself out of them in another three months, but at least I know that I can drive through and grab them on the go and still be early to work!
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