Total awesome-ness

The last week has been a true success filled with total awesome-ness!

1) Mom and Dad came down to stay with me for the holiday. We had so much fun...we missed the rest of the family but the three of us enjoyed our time together. I think they were very pleased to see their little girl doing so well for herself! :)

2) The weather turned colder and I love it! It was pretty warm there for a few days and I have welcomed the "sweater weather" with open arms!

3) I talked to my nieces and nephew on Thanksgiving...they couldn't make it up here for the holiday and I miss those little goobers!! But we have made plans to visit them for Christmas. I can't wait!

4) The new man in my life is something special...very special. He and I are going strong. It's been a week and we have either talked on the phone or texted every day. We've been on several dates and are enjoying each other's company so much. My heart is aflutter and I feel safe, comfortable, excited, content, and hopeful.

I hope everyone is feeling as lucky, happy, and blessed as I am at this moment in my life.

Gobble, gobble

Happy Thanksgiving!!


Family, friends, good food, beer, football, cold weather, love, laughter, and being lazy...I am grateful for so many things!


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I think I'll stay in this roller coaster ride after all...

It's amazing what a difference a few days (and a few prayers) can make. I was definitely feeling blue after the K incident last weekend. And I've been confused and a little frustrated with the whole dating thing since Date #1!! :)

I realize I haven't been in the dating game very long. It just takes some getting used to after being out of it for so long. But I am grateful for this last month because I have learned so much about myself. Once I got over the initial crushed ego and self-doubt of why I never heard from C, and then why it didn't work out with K, I realized it was all for the best. Of course, this was with the help, love, and support of my friends and family. As Mom commented on one of my lastest posts, "The best is yet to come." And I truly believe that. (love you, mommy!)

As last week wore on, I became my happy self again, enjoying work and the people around me (AND some not-so-sappy music!). Then out of the blue a coworker/friend (Steven) came up with the idea that he was going to try and set me up with one of his good friends...there's a story there but that's for another post someday. Needless to say, Steven's friend called me Thursday night--we had a great conversation and he asked if I'd like to get together sometime.

Last night we went out and it was really nice. No pressure, no tension...just easy, comfortable, and relaxing. We talked over dinner and drinks for almost 4 hours and the time flew by. I'm not expecting anything at all...I like him, and would very much like to see him again. I found this morning that I'm not worrying about whether he will call or not...sure, I'd like him to, but I'm simply carrying on with my daily life and enjoying it. I'm okay with ME and my life right now, no matter what boys may come and go. I am more certain than ever that He is looking out for me. Being happy and self-content totally rocks. :)

On another note, there are only a few more weeks of college football left!!! I can't believe this season is almost over. And I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week!! Mom and Dad are driving down to stay with me and celebrate the holiday. I can't wait to see them and show them around my new digs. My brother and his family won't make it this year because my sis-in-law's mother had surgery and they will be staying with her. But we're all planning on being together for Christmas. Have I mentioned this is my most favorite time of the year??!! Family, holidays, football, beautiful Fall weather...this girl is smiling!

Arg...I'm at the office working today and hope to get home in time for the OU game. BOOMER!!

Have a fabulous weekend my friends...

Edited to add: The new guy called this afternoon, asked if I had a good time last night, and asked me out again tonight. Once again, the conversation was easy and fun. All I'm going to say is I'm happy he called and I'm looking forward to seeing him again. :)

I'm a cool kid now

Today I bid farewell to my beloved Crackberry and bought an iPhone. Finally!!

I have to admit this thing is hella cool...I can blog anytime, anywhere!

It has certainly brightened this sullen week...




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

One last thing...

...why can't every guy think like Griffin House?? THIS is what I want...too much to ask???

A long week...

Sigh. Looks like it's going to be a long week filled with sappy love songs...please bear with me and enjoy the tunes.

BOOMER!

On a much lighter note...can I just give a "Hell Yeah!" to my Sooners???????

I took my friend and coworker, Karlie, to the OU/Texas Tech game on Saturday in Norman. We met Mom and Dad for lunch and it was so good to see them. The game was awesome and as Karlie said when we left, "OU schooled Tech." For sure!!

It was a beautiful day and I was absolutely ecstatic to be there, supporting my team. And they were OUTSTANDING! Final score??? 45-7.

One of the best days I've had in a long time...

Ooooooooooooooo....U!

And yes, Karlie is wearing her Cornell sweatshirt...I allowed it because it was cold and she is my friend. :)

I am soooo not a pro

This dating thing is just not in the cards for me...I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for it. Is it me? Is it something I said? Is it them? Who knows.

I think what gets me the most annoyed and frustrated is the lack of closure. As a Type A and a "planner" I like things to be put nicely in their place. If you don't like me, let me know. If you do not want to see me again, you should probably tell me. I don't do the dilly-dally thing. It doesn't take me long to realize whether I like something...and I will always be up front with you.

Needless to say, I'm 99.9% sure I will not hear from K again. Disappointing, yes. Sad? Very much so. I was not prepared for this, and am still shocked at how much it hurts. He is a amazing guy...and someone I easily could have gotten serious with. I was picturing so many things in my present and future, and he was part of all of it. I know it may seem strange after only 1 date and some texting/emailing...but for me it was almost love at first sight. And I have no idea what happened in all honesty. Maybe it was something I said. Maybe he had his guard up. Maybe I'm not what he's looking for. I highly doubt that last one...not because I am overly-confident...but I felt it and I know he is interested. So, I will most likely never know if I did something wrong. The truth?? If I did something that upset him, he should tell me about it. We had an very real connection and immediately hit it off...I thought it was the beginning of something phenomenal.

Even if I did say or do something wrong...The One wouldn't let that stop him from pursuing me. The One won't let anything stop him from winning my heart.

Sigh. I'm through with match.com for awhile. I don't have it in me to go on another date right now. I have other things to concentrate on anyway. I was so sure this thing with K had potential...and if I'm that wrong about something then perhaps I have no business putting myself out there!!

I want love...I want the real deal. And I think I deserve it...scratch that, I DO deserve it. And I know I am so willing to give it as well. I sure hope The One is on his way to finding me...I'm finally ready and want to share my life with someone.

Sorry to disappoint the readers in that there won't be any dates or boys to chronicle on the blog. But I'll try to keep you entertained somehow! :)

The constant roller coaster

When life is good, it's great. When life gets tough, it's lousy. And then there are those times when life is simply in-between the two...and the roller coaster is just cruising along. You don't know whether you will go up or down, but you know a change is coming soon.

It seems I've had many up's and down's the last month. I'm not complaining...after all, I'm learning more about myself and those around me with every moment that passes. I've experienced a plethora of emotions in just the last 5 days. Such is life I guess. As my mom reminded me tonight, "feelings" are what remind you that you're alive! I was having a tough time today trying to figure out and work through a situation, and Mom was full of supportive words and advice. She sent me a quote from my late Uncle Danny...he had emailed it to her more than 5 years ago when she herself was struggling with her prayers to Him and what the right answers were for her. Here is what he told her:

"You just stay with that notion that God is not against you, but for you. He knows best, that's for sure. Just increase your trust for Him and things will turn out for the best."

My uncle Danny was a wise man. He was also one of the most generous, affectionate, and loving people I've ever known. His faith always amazed me, as he was certain of God's love and will, and he was always content in knowing the Lord would guide him, love him, and live through him.

Sometimes I wonder if He hears me...and I long to be confident and sure of His love for me. I asked Him several times today to help me make the right decisions in my life. I am willing to do what it takes to be a better person and live the best life that I can. So many things in life take a leap of faith...falling in love, trusting in God. We may have to step out of our comfort zone, close our eyes, and put our trust in someone else. It may be scary, and it may even cause pain in the long run...or it could be the most rewarding and wonderful thing we've ever experienced. But we'll never know unless we jump, right?

I'm still a happy girl and the subject of my last post is still alive and well in my mind (and heart). I don't know what the future will bring...but I do know that He is with me and I'm holding on to that faith with everything I have.

Right next to the right one

That is where I was tonight, sitting right across from (and eventually next to) the right one. Perhaps it is too early to call him The One, but he's pretty darn close.

What a difference a week can make...those close to me know that I have been through somewhat of a tough time, emotionally and spiritually, the last few weeks. Boys in general played a large part in that rough patch. But I'm glad I endured the wreckage since it meant that I would eventually meet K, and my life would be permanently changed...for the better.

It was a simple date. I was not expecting much more than maybe a friendship to come of it. It's not that I wasn't attracted to him...I wouldn't have agreed to meet if I wasn't. But I was getting used to the idea of "casual" dating in that I wasn't going to LOOK for love anymore. The emotional turmoil of the last few weeks threw me for a loop, and I was starting to doubt if the real thing was out there. I thought I would go on a few dates, meet some new people...and continue to be disappointed. But as it turns out He had other plans for me.

Yes, I believe certain people enter and leave our lives for reasons we may not ever understand. I don't know about fate per se, but K...K is my own little serendipity.

Tonight, with K, everything felt good. Everything felt natural. Everything felt exciting. Everything felt...promising. It was all there in one little room upstairs at a pub. It was all there in those eyes when he looked at me, and when he smiled.

That's all for now. But I can't wait to see him again. :)

P.S. Even though he doesn't deserve to be in the same post as K, I just want to say that "C" did call...and pretended like he didn't spill his life story the night we went out or basically attack me the moment we walked into my apartment. That was just a bizarre experience altogether. And I'm glad he never called again.



P.P.S. K texted me within minutes of saying goodbye to me. Be still my heart...

The weekend in one picture

Girl's Night 11/6/10

(Karen, Melissa, Jenni, Andrea, Michelle, Natalie, Katie, Susan)

No Boys Allowed Weekend!

It's time to forget about men, the stresses of work and daily life...and focus on some serious girlfriend time. I'm leaving the office around noon to drive to my hometown for a much-deserved and highly-anticipated Girl's Weekend. No need to worry about dating, deadlines, laundry, or the gym...I plan on enjoying every minute of relaxation, laughter, reminiscing, gossiping, watching college football, and all in this beautiful weather.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

P.S. "C" called last night and I will give you an update when I get back...

Date #1: "C"

Taking a cue from my somewhat virtual mentor, Single Blonde in the City, I will be referring to my dates simply by their first initial (or clever nickname if they deserve one).

Tuesday, Nov. 2
Date #1 (and first blind semi-blind date ever since I only saw a picture)
"C"
Brown hair, brown eyes, 6'3 (A+, A+, A+)

Initial connection:
He winked at me, I winked back, he emailed me. (A+)
We emailed and texted several times, he called me Monday afternoon. We had a great phone conversation and discussed meeting for dinner on Tuesday. We really had a neat connection and I felt totally at ease talking and laughing with him. We talked Monday night for 2 straight hours. He also texted me after the phone conversation that he was really excited about our date. This is a big plus. I don't know about other women, but I love this kind of thing. Let me know you are interested...it's a good thing.

He texted me first thing Tuesday morning just to say hello. Another plus. He called around lunch to discuss our plans. He said he would pick a restaurant and make the arrangements. Plus, plus. He texted me the place, the address, and asked if 6:30 would be ok. I texted back that I would "be there with bells on." He texted back a big smiley face. I start to get *warm fuzzies*

I called him on my way to the restaurant...being new to Dallas, I have no clue where anything is. On top of that, it was pouring rain. He said he was waiting with an umbrella and offered to walk to my car, but luckily I found a spot up front and told him not to worry about it. He was standing outside the restaurant and I was VERY pleasantly surprised at his appearance. He was every bit of 6'3, dressed casually but sharp, and was all smiles. I decided to give him a hug. At this point I realize I am very nervous and shy (NOT like me). I try to keep cool and we make our way into the place. He had made reservations and we were immediately seated. The restaurant was amazing...cozy and warm, not too loud. He was a total gentleman, concerned with what I wanted to eat and drink and whether or not I was comfortable. He compliments me several times. I am feeling good, but overwhelmed at how attracted I am to him and how I am probably coming across as a shaky, goofy-smiling mess. But if I am he doesn't seem to care. The conversation flows naturally and we are laughing and being our sarcastic, witty selves. Throughout the meal he is affectionate...I can feel him looking at me, smiling, and he seems pleased with what he sees overall. I probably blushed the whole time, but luckily the place wasn't bright. At one point he laughs at something I said and reaches for my hand, wrapping a few fingers around mine, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. I am touched (literally) and find that I enjoy this confident, straightforward move. More laughs and great conversation ensue and right after he pays the check, he leans in and gives me a kiss. Now, some of you may think this is too fast or inappropriate. But not me. It was just the perfect moment. And it worked...and it was nice. I asked if he would like to come back to my place. It was a chilly, rainy night and we didn't want it to end yet. He said he would love to and off we went. I'll end the date description here, but I will say that we talked even more and shared more kisses, and laughed a lot. He left at a decent time and said we would definitely talk soon. Overall, I was pretty pleased with my first date in who knows how long.

After he leaves I'm hoping for a text that says he is happy to have met me or that he had a great time, but I'm not expecting it. And he doesn't do it. My girlfriends are immediately texting me wanting details. I go to bed feeling pretty good, but honestly wondering why this guy seemed so interested and was texting, emailing before we met but fails to send me the message afterwards that he is excited about this? I wonder if I am expecting too much too soon?

The next morning I am certain he will call or text or something. The entire day goes by and I hear NOTHING from him. I get on the site during lunch and respond to an email from another guy who seems interesting. I'm secretly hoping that "C" is just very busy and wants to contact me but hasn't been able to. Yet I know deep down that if a guy is interested, he will find a way to let you know.

I wake up this morning and am admittedly disappointed and a little peeved. I like "C" and was surprised last night to find myself really looking forward to hearing from him and seeing him again. Am I so clueless that what seemed like such a good date was really nothing special? I mean, I wasn't expecting to get serious or for him to claim me as his girlfriend, but we both seemed smitten. I am confused...am I wrong to be making a decision after a mere 24 hours? Or is it A-OK to have these expectations? And if he does finally contact me, how do I handle the situation?  Do I let him know that I am unhappy with the post-date behavior? Stay tuned.

First date with "C" (and first date of the season)
Initial connection: A+
Actual date: A+
Post-date: F

The Crazy Dating World

So...I finally took the plunge.

Exactly 4 days after my birthday, I joined match.com. I vowed that if I hadn't met a great guy by the time I turned 3- (wait, you don't need to know that), "a certain age" that I would try the online dating world. I went through the obligatory membership rigmarole which entailed answering many questions about myself and my ideal mate, and coming up with an interesting byline. In a way it was nice to stop and think about how to describe myself and exactly what I'm looking for in a mate.

Once my profile was complete and I had loaded recent, honest pictures of myself, I was ready to start searching. Let's see...what should I put in the age range? How far away from my zip code am I willing to search? Do I really care if they have been married or have kids? I decided to be more 'strict' at first and that if I didn't find anything I would gradually lessen my demands (standards?). This was all new to me but I had to start somewhere.

Initial (negative) discoveries:

1. There are many, many of you (i.e. men) who do not know how to take a picture of yourself, nor do you know which photographs best suit your overall look. I don't know any women who want to see a profile picture of you, laying across your bed propped up on one arm...nor do we want to see you flexing your arm muscles in the bathroom mirror while taking a picture with your phone (let me assure you there are plenty of these). I also do not find "model" pictures attractive whatsoever. You know the kind...a man standing or leaning on a bent knee with his jacket 'casually' slung over his shoulder. Gag me.

2. Improper grammar and spelling apparently run rampant in this world. If you cannot even spellcheck your profile description then I am at a loss for how you know how to use a computer, much less carry on an intelligent conversation. Oh, and please understand that no woman is interested in reading a profile in which you ARE SCREAMING IN CAPS THE ENTIRE TIME AND NOT USING ANY PUNCTUATION BUT INSTEAD JUST KEEP TALKING ABOUT THINGS YOU LIKE AND WHAT MUSIC YOU LISTEN TO.

3. If you have kids, you should be honest in the standard "about me" section. Several men had "No" listed next to "Have children" yet mention in their description that they love spending time with their 10-year-old son. ???

4. Men apparently think that WE think it's cute when they refer to themselves in the third person or advertise themselves as "a catch." The reality? No, we don't. Just give me a brief description of yourself, how you like to spend your free time, what interests you, and what you hope to find in an ideal match. I don't need to hear how "Super Dave" is "the one" I've been searching for or how "Mikeluvsu" is "more than a girl could ask for and then some."

Initial (positive) discoveries:

1. There are quite a few men my age who have never been married and have no kids. I'm not saying I am not open to falling in love with someone who has been married and/or has kids. But of course I would prefer to share those things with someone who hasn't already. I also like the fact that so many of them put "definitely" next to "Want children."

2. There are some cute, single guys out there! I realize that a picture is merely a moment in time and does nothing to really tell me about a person. But come on, a nice smile is enough to get me interested! And so many of the profiles have made me laugh and smile. It's a good thing.

3. At first I thought the "wink" feature was cheesy (you can wink at someone if they catch your attention and you are interested, but perhaps not quite ready to send an email). But it really makes sense. I see the wink as an equivalent to "smiling from across the room" when someone catches your eye. And, yes, I have winked at several men on the site!

4. When you pay for a membership, you can see who has viewed you. I totally dig this feature. Call it an ego boost, but I enjoy logging on and seeing who stopped in to peruse my profile. :)

All in all, this experience so far (it's been exactly one week) has been fun, interesting, and eye-opening. I've been emailed several times and even had my very first date on Tuesday night. [see next post]

I will admit that my friend, Karlie, and I have spent a few lunch hours trolling the site and checking out the lame, the cheesy, and the clueless. But for the most part, there are some pretty decent fellows out there. So hop along for the ride because I'm about to become a pro at dating. :)

Things I should do more often #5

Take heed of the things people in my life say to me.

Last week I took the sentiment and/or advice given by 3 persons dear to me...and it's been one of the best weeks I've had in a long, long time.

An old favorite that always rings true:

"Be who you are, and say what you feel because those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter."