I've obviously been lacking in the blogging area. I've decided to try the whole dating thing again - and while I may have some great stories to share, I think I will keep them off here, unless...
Not to toot my own horn, I'm really not one of those arrogant, cocky, conceited people that think that I'm better than the rest, really I am not, however, I do believe that I'm a good dater. The reason I say this is because I care. I truly do care about other people. I believe in eye contact and engagement and sharing laughs and communicating. I figure if I've taken time out of my schedule and they have to, lets make the best of it and enjoy. Seldom do I have a date where I don't have fun and laugh, a lot.
So in regard to dating, I've received insight from several people. One is, you don't have to respond to every email contact you receive. I struggle with this, I think it's rude to not acknowledge if someone else took the time. Two, if you spend upwards to six hours on a date with someone, that means you are interested in them. Personally, I think that means that you either a) are having a good time, b) are making the best of it, c) have nothing else to do or d) refuse to return home to laundry, housework and an empty house. Having said that, me spending six hours on a date does not mean that I want to date the guy forever and plan my wedding on date two!
Having said all that, I really do enjoy meeting people and I may or may not tend to say some pretty upfront or off the wall comments. I would be the first to admit that I've been called a smart ass during first communications and dates. I also am quite sarcastic and definitely quick witted. Sometimes on dates, it's like hanging out with good old friends and maybe that means I cross the lines of making the date feel like I'm ready to procreate. I'm just sayin...
Last night I had one such said date. We had a great time and laughed a lot and I fear that I could easily break this guys heart, but maybe I'm giving myself more credit than I'm worth. Although him talking about vacations with me, getaway weekends, the first and fourth meals he will cook for me, me being his best date ever or at least in a very long time, may be indicators that he really was that interested. But here's a couple of my classic dating moments from last night:
After a few hours of walking the pier and talking, we decided to grab something to eat. During the dinner conversation he asked me if I was on any medication (his last significant other he later learned was an alcoholic and suffered from bi-polar and schizophrenia - so not so off the wall to inquire on a first date) which I replied no. He than asked about sleeping aids or sudafed. At which point I said, well actually, "Yes, I take birth control, although I don't have any reason to." Mind you, this was not an open invite by any means!
He then said, "Oh for your monthly friend?" I was instantly surprised to think that he would assume that I'm into friends with benefits and I said, "No, I'm not into friends with benefits!"
Of course having said this I realized he was talking about the "FRIEND", which clearly in my book my PERIOD (menstruation for the politically correct) is NOT MY FRIEND!
He then said, "Well what made you think that I was referencing that your friend was male?" Here's where I may or may not engage in inappropriate first date conversation but my quick tongue and wit just don't stay quiet! I said, "Well, if my friend were female I wouldn't need birth control, would I? Unless of course my friend arrives with a fully loaded turkey baster when she visits!"
Did I mention that I think I'm a good first dater?
While there were many other oddities and funny things about the date, the next would be that I would never admit that I've been known to stop traffic. Sure, the occasional stares, glances, honks of the horn, screaming of MILF out the window, but whatever boys will be boys. Arriving at a bar to play pool, I parked my car and got out. He then pulled his car into a spot in front of where I was standing and proceeded to drive, yes drive his car up on top of a boulder strategically placed at the end of the spot in front of the establishment door! He said that was a first! I had to laugh...not sure what it is with guys and depth perception, but the last three guys that have driven my car have all managed to park it over cement parking blocks as well!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Underwear Issues Part Duex
Seriously, I feel like I have been fixated on underwear the past day or two. If it weren't for the fact that I can't seem to put them on correctly, I still would be thinking about them.
The EX-Bf had a Victoria Secret's card. One of the benefits of being a proud member of a VS card besides browsing rights through the store, is an occasional post card in the mail for a free pair of underwear. Of course you have to drive to the store to pick them up and they package them in the cute pink VS bag with tissue paper and a spray of smelly stuff. Yes, all for your free pair of underwear. The ex used to think it was pretty cool and took care and interest in picking out his free pair and proudly "surprising" me with my gift (allbeit free gift) but it was the thought that counts.
I hate underwear shopping. Hate it. And not too long ago I actually missed not getting the free underwear from the ex. I recall many months ago, he said that he still went and got them, "just in case". Not in case we got together, but in case he wanted to give them to a new girlfriend. Which I found particularly odd. How long do you date someone before you give them underwear? And underwear that's been sitting in a bag collecting dust for say, potentially 18 months? (Yeah, that's what I thought too!)
The last underwear I got was actually purchased by a girlfriend of mine, not like that. I have to admit it was the first underwear a female has purchased me since my mother or grandmother when I was younger, much younger. But seeing that I had forgotten to pack an extra pair of underwear when canoeing with JN a few weeks back and was "accidentally" tossed overboard when the canoe was being brought to shore, I didn't have much options. And me walking barefoot with only a bathing suit and towel through the store to buy my own underwear wasn't really an option either.
Now I'm finding myself needing new underwear. I know that the ex-bf could use the cash, so I asked him how many pairs of underwear he has stocked up and if he wanted to sell them to me. Of course I'm hoping to get a great deal. Afterall I suggested he could list them on eBay or Craigslist.
Was that wrong of me to offer my financial assistance for underwear to avoid shopping myself?
The EX-Bf had a Victoria Secret's card. One of the benefits of being a proud member of a VS card besides browsing rights through the store, is an occasional post card in the mail for a free pair of underwear. Of course you have to drive to the store to pick them up and they package them in the cute pink VS bag with tissue paper and a spray of smelly stuff. Yes, all for your free pair of underwear. The ex used to think it was pretty cool and took care and interest in picking out his free pair and proudly "surprising" me with my gift (allbeit free gift) but it was the thought that counts.
I hate underwear shopping. Hate it. And not too long ago I actually missed not getting the free underwear from the ex. I recall many months ago, he said that he still went and got them, "just in case". Not in case we got together, but in case he wanted to give them to a new girlfriend. Which I found particularly odd. How long do you date someone before you give them underwear? And underwear that's been sitting in a bag collecting dust for say, potentially 18 months? (Yeah, that's what I thought too!)
The last underwear I got was actually purchased by a girlfriend of mine, not like that. I have to admit it was the first underwear a female has purchased me since my mother or grandmother when I was younger, much younger. But seeing that I had forgotten to pack an extra pair of underwear when canoeing with JN a few weeks back and was "accidentally" tossed overboard when the canoe was being brought to shore, I didn't have much options. And me walking barefoot with only a bathing suit and towel through the store to buy my own underwear wasn't really an option either.
Now I'm finding myself needing new underwear. I know that the ex-bf could use the cash, so I asked him how many pairs of underwear he has stocked up and if he wanted to sell them to me. Of course I'm hoping to get a great deal. Afterall I suggested he could list them on eBay or Craigslist.
Was that wrong of me to offer my financial assistance for underwear to avoid shopping myself?
Monday, August 3, 2009
Reading & Stealing
I am ashamed to admit it, but other than Saturday, I can't recall the last time I actually read a book. I know it's been a long while. Taking the time to actually sit down to read a book through it's entirety has just been a rarity. Besides, I haven't found a book worth the time or effort either.
My brother left a book at our parents house, Dexter. Mind you, in addition to not reading, I don't watch television either. I seldom bother to turn it on, I just don't have the interest or ability to sit still that long. Besides, I don't want to feel trapped into watching a series and becoming "addicted" to a show that dictates my schedule and my freedom. Wow, is it really that serious?
I found myself reading Dexter on Sunday since I couldn't get my parents wi-fi to connect and surfing the television didn't sound remotely appealing. I even took the book down to the pool and worked on some much needed color as I was beginning to feel vampirish in my pasty coloring. I managed to finish more than half the book before I found myself teetering on being sunburnt and unable to sit still any longer to finish reading. While the book was mildly entertaining, I would have been OK having not finished it.
I also can't remember the last time that I have outwardly "stolen" something either. Maybe stealing is a strong word, but I knowingly and willingly, without permission, took my brother's book at my mother's prodding. She swore that he had finished the book, although I believe he misplaced it and therefore left it behind, to pick up later in the week. Which now is not possible since the book is in my possession. I truly hope that my taking the book doesn't cause a rift in our relationship! Afterall, I read Dear Abbey today and a similar story about a person loaning a book to a friend many years ago has yet to be returned. She found the book on her friend's book shelf and she wants the $20 book returned. Personally, get over it.
Rule of thumb...never lend out anything that you have to have back. But in my case, he didn't lend it to me or give it to me. I surely hope that the end justifies the needs. Otherwise, I may have to consider a visit to the confessional in my near future (the last one was so horribly heart wrenching twenty years ago, that I have yet to return. Can you imagine how disturbing a confessional must have been at 15? I can only say that I've likely saved many a priest by not confessing anything since!)
Anyway, that's for another post. Back to Dexter...I'm actually hoping that I like the book well enough to watch the Season's television shows in it's entirety as my blockbuster movie selections are getting pretty weak as of late.
My brother left a book at our parents house, Dexter. Mind you, in addition to not reading, I don't watch television either. I seldom bother to turn it on, I just don't have the interest or ability to sit still that long. Besides, I don't want to feel trapped into watching a series and becoming "addicted" to a show that dictates my schedule and my freedom. Wow, is it really that serious?
I found myself reading Dexter on Sunday since I couldn't get my parents wi-fi to connect and surfing the television didn't sound remotely appealing. I even took the book down to the pool and worked on some much needed color as I was beginning to feel vampirish in my pasty coloring. I managed to finish more than half the book before I found myself teetering on being sunburnt and unable to sit still any longer to finish reading. While the book was mildly entertaining, I would have been OK having not finished it.
I also can't remember the last time that I have outwardly "stolen" something either. Maybe stealing is a strong word, but I knowingly and willingly, without permission, took my brother's book at my mother's prodding. She swore that he had finished the book, although I believe he misplaced it and therefore left it behind, to pick up later in the week. Which now is not possible since the book is in my possession. I truly hope that my taking the book doesn't cause a rift in our relationship! Afterall, I read Dear Abbey today and a similar story about a person loaning a book to a friend many years ago has yet to be returned. She found the book on her friend's book shelf and she wants the $20 book returned. Personally, get over it.
Rule of thumb...never lend out anything that you have to have back. But in my case, he didn't lend it to me or give it to me. I surely hope that the end justifies the needs. Otherwise, I may have to consider a visit to the confessional in my near future (the last one was so horribly heart wrenching twenty years ago, that I have yet to return. Can you imagine how disturbing a confessional must have been at 15? I can only say that I've likely saved many a priest by not confessing anything since!)
Anyway, that's for another post. Back to Dexter...I'm actually hoping that I like the book well enough to watch the Season's television shows in it's entirety as my blockbuster movie selections are getting pretty weak as of late.
Finances
Over the weekend, a discussion of depleted 401k accounts were discussed. Comparison of plummeting. Who lost more. Who was hit the hardest. A difference of generations and the ever lasting effects of the economy.
While I lost a lot in my 401k, being a mere 34.5+, I hardly shudder at the lower balances in my account. At first I did. A LOT. But then reality hit, in the scheme of things (maybe my perspective will change when I'm ready to retire), and the fact that I still have a job and I still have a 401k. I began my 401k on day one of my employment, almost 12 years ago today. As a single parent, I contributed what I could and took full advantage of the employer contribution and match. In my mind, the money was never truly mine. Had I put it into a savings account, it wouldn't have grown as quickly, nor lost as quickly. Like the housing market, it rose and it fell. Maybe it plateaued into reality.
I have to admit, that in looking at my 401k balance today and over the past few weeks, I'm happy to see an increase and not a decrease; however, I am not trustworthy enough to increase my contributions again to the past amounts which I felt I was throwing out the window as of late. But it is nice to see an increase of any kind, even if it will only get me a big mac on a park bench when I'm ready to retire!
I suppose that I should be more concerned about my finances. Lately I've been interviewing a lot of people and questioning them about theirs. I've been shocked by how little people actually know about their monthly expenditures. While mine are pretty consistent month to month, if I can't recite the amounts, my checkbook will verify them. I'm notorious for a balanced check book although I also admit that with automatic bill payment, it's typically only once a month that I actually write things in my check book! Fortunately, I don't live paycheck to paycheck.
Today I was pleasantly surprised that for the past month, my child support payments increased. They should remain at this current rate for the next year until his two months of underpayments of arrearages are caught up. Due to him not completing the necessary documents to review child support, FOC closed the case. Go figure (I swear he has inside information - heaven forbid something actually worked out in my favor!) Another three years we will be eligible for a review. And that my friends should be the last one before my son turns 18! Don't worry, I really am counting the days until then (ok, seriously I AM NOT, not really).
While I lost a lot in my 401k, being a mere 34.5+, I hardly shudder at the lower balances in my account. At first I did. A LOT. But then reality hit, in the scheme of things (maybe my perspective will change when I'm ready to retire), and the fact that I still have a job and I still have a 401k. I began my 401k on day one of my employment, almost 12 years ago today. As a single parent, I contributed what I could and took full advantage of the employer contribution and match. In my mind, the money was never truly mine. Had I put it into a savings account, it wouldn't have grown as quickly, nor lost as quickly. Like the housing market, it rose and it fell. Maybe it plateaued into reality.
I have to admit, that in looking at my 401k balance today and over the past few weeks, I'm happy to see an increase and not a decrease; however, I am not trustworthy enough to increase my contributions again to the past amounts which I felt I was throwing out the window as of late. But it is nice to see an increase of any kind, even if it will only get me a big mac on a park bench when I'm ready to retire!
I suppose that I should be more concerned about my finances. Lately I've been interviewing a lot of people and questioning them about theirs. I've been shocked by how little people actually know about their monthly expenditures. While mine are pretty consistent month to month, if I can't recite the amounts, my checkbook will verify them. I'm notorious for a balanced check book although I also admit that with automatic bill payment, it's typically only once a month that I actually write things in my check book! Fortunately, I don't live paycheck to paycheck.
Today I was pleasantly surprised that for the past month, my child support payments increased. They should remain at this current rate for the next year until his two months of underpayments of arrearages are caught up. Due to him not completing the necessary documents to review child support, FOC closed the case. Go figure (I swear he has inside information - heaven forbid something actually worked out in my favor!) Another three years we will be eligible for a review. And that my friends should be the last one before my son turns 18! Don't worry, I really am counting the days until then (ok, seriously I AM NOT, not really).
Marvin
Many of you are well aware of "Marvin". Marvin has become increasingly more popular. He has friends and enemies alike. He likely receives more phone calls than you or I could ever imagine or dream of on a daily basis.
Marvin is afterall the automated phone man that those receiving unemployment need to call weekly. For some, Marvin is their most important phone call of the week.
I have never (knock, knock) personally had the opportunity to call Marvin; however, I am well aware of Marvin. Many of my friends and loved ones haven't been as fortunate and they obviously know Marvin on a first name basis.
A good friend of mine, CH received a call when I was with him on Sunday that he was laid off. While the news wasn't entirely shocking, it was upsetting nonetheless. Later that evening at my parents, with my brother we were talking about unemployment and Marvin. My brother had never heard of Marvin. He said that he is a government employee and all of his friends and associates are employed. I found it more than surprising that in today's economy he has not known anyone to be personally affiliated with Marvin.
Likewise, on Saturday at LL's daughter's birthday party it was entertaining how freely people talked about Marvin as the majority of the men are employed in the automotive industry. There is even "Marvin Monday" discount golf days!
Maybe Marvin is only a Michigan icon of unemployment. Maybe had I mentioned "Veronica" my brother who lives in Vermont would have been able to relate! Maybe Not.
Marvin is afterall the automated phone man that those receiving unemployment need to call weekly. For some, Marvin is their most important phone call of the week.
I have never (knock, knock) personally had the opportunity to call Marvin; however, I am well aware of Marvin. Many of my friends and loved ones haven't been as fortunate and they obviously know Marvin on a first name basis.
A good friend of mine, CH received a call when I was with him on Sunday that he was laid off. While the news wasn't entirely shocking, it was upsetting nonetheless. Later that evening at my parents, with my brother we were talking about unemployment and Marvin. My brother had never heard of Marvin. He said that he is a government employee and all of his friends and associates are employed. I found it more than surprising that in today's economy he has not known anyone to be personally affiliated with Marvin.
Likewise, on Saturday at LL's daughter's birthday party it was entertaining how freely people talked about Marvin as the majority of the men are employed in the automotive industry. There is even "Marvin Monday" discount golf days!
Maybe Marvin is only a Michigan icon of unemployment. Maybe had I mentioned "Veronica" my brother who lives in Vermont would have been able to relate! Maybe Not.
Underwear Issues
The other day I was talking with JA and she mentioned that a co-worker of her's expressed that she doesn't wear underwear. She sees absolutely no purpose for it. This of course entailed a somewhat lengthy discussion of the purpose of underwear.
Needless to say, I'm not going to go into any details of that, today and preferably not any day. However, I do have to say, that after again realizing that I managed to put my underwear on inside out after I got out of the shower and dressed this morning, that...
maybe going sans underwear isn't such a bad idea. At least that way I won't continue to have issues of putting them on backwards and inside out. Sigh...
Needless to say, I'm not going to go into any details of that, today and preferably not any day. However, I do have to say, that after again realizing that I managed to put my underwear on inside out after I got out of the shower and dressed this morning, that...
maybe going sans underwear isn't such a bad idea. At least that way I won't continue to have issues of putting them on backwards and inside out. Sigh...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)