Update

Wow, what happened to Jenni-isms???!!!

I've never gone this long without blogging...and, ironically, there is SO much more to blog about! I've been busy and loving every minute of my life. I truly enjoy having a blog as a journal that reflects my thoughts, goals, ups/downs, and every day life. I'm going to do my best to get back to my most favorite blog ever and ALL of my fans :)

Here is what has been a-happenin' in the land of Jenni-isms:

1) I went for a run last night...first time since OCTOBER, people. It was exhilarating! I sometimes forget about my serious love affair with the pavement. But each time I step back out there I am reminded instantly of why I run. Mike the Trainer and I have worked out a nice new schedule of 1 hour sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. This leaves the rest of the week to work on cardio. I'm still determined to take up swimming eventually, but for now I plan to run at least 3 times a week, hit up the elliptical at the gym or a spin class a few times a week. Have I mentioned that I've lost 18 pounds since moving to Dallas??!! Yay, me!

2) I am falling hopelessly and happily in love with my handsome man. Since our very first phone conversation (he called me Nov 18) we have been together. It will be 2 months this week but it feels like longer...and that's a good thing. We are definitely in a "relationship" and it's the real deal, folks. We are committed to each other, to being open and honest, to enjoying every moment we're given, and we are hopeful for our future together. It's more than I ever thought it could be...and keeps getting better. He is my sweet boyfriend and I couldn't be more happy and proud.

3) I've been cooking up a storm. I mean a STORM. I hate that I haven't documented my adventures because the recipes I have tried are amazing and turned out great! I suddenly found myself wanting to cook for my handsome man all the time and have turned somewhat DOMESTIC. *shock* What?! Domestic?? Yup. And I'm loving every second of it! I love to cook and see satisfaction on the faces of those who experience my creations. I have a long way to go before I can claim to be a great cook (like Mom and my late Grandma Ruby). But I'm very comfortable in the kitchen (well, Handsome Man's kitchen as he has a great big house). The last month or so I've made Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Spinach and Bacon Mac 'n Cheese, Blue Ribbon Chili, Classic Pot Roast, Cinnamon Chocolate Bread, Shiner Bread, and Cookie Dough Truffles. Handsome Man is very content, indeed (and lucky!)

4) I get to see my besties in a month!! Karen, one of my oldest and dearest friends, is getting married on Feb 5! She is marrying her best friend and the love of her life, Jeff. Now, even though I have yet to meet this man, I have no doubt they will live happily ever after. I've never seen or heard Karen this way before...her relationship with Jeff has transformed her into an even more beautiful, loving, thoughtful person and she literally glows with love. I can't wait to introduce Handsome Man to Karen and Katie. It will be our first road trip as a couple and will be a great time!

5) Last Saturday I started a new volunteer gig. I researched some local animal shelters and decided to apply as a volunteer with the Frisco Humane Society (Handsome Man lives in Frisco and I LOVE, LOVE the town...plus I spend most of my weekends there). I met up with Angie from FHS at the Frisco Petsmart where they have the adoptions every weekend. They need help with the cat side of things and I am more than okay with that. I spent 2 hours there learning how to become an Adoption Counselor. Basically I try to help those looking to adopt a cat by finding out what they are looking for, what their living arrangements are, and let them interact with the kitties. It's actually quite a big responsibility as I decide ultimately who gets to adopt. You can only ask so many questions and use intuition, but you always hope and pray that an animal ends up in a happy, loving home. There are so many success stories and I am bound and determined to do everything I can for those furry felines! :) I've also been asked to help out with one of their computer databases to help keep things organized. I definitely feel this is where I am supposed to be and will dedicate as much time as possible to this cause.

6) Um, did I mention that I finally graduated???? Yup, back in December I became an official graduate of the University of Oklahoma. It was pretty awesome. I drove up to Norman to pick up my cap and gown, walked around campus, and reveled in the feeling of being a Sooner. Mom and Dad attended the small ceremony for my college and we celebrated with lunch afterward. I am considering grad school and have signed up to take the GRE, but we'll see...for now I'm enjoying my well-deserved free time.

8) College football season is over :( But I am starting to get more into the NFL so at least I get to stretch out football for a bit longer. I can't wait until next season because I plan to attend more Sooner games. And it's even more fun because now I am dating a Texas Tech Raider who will go to the games with me (I like to remind him constantly that we kicked their hineys last season 45-7).

7) For the Christmas holiday we drove down to The Woodlands to stay with my brother and his family. They couldn't make it to my graduation but they had a big congrats sign and an awesome cake for me! Plus, the kids all made me special cards and I felt like the most loved Aunt ever. We had a great holiday and I just adore my family. Oh, and I actually won the poker tournament for the first time EVER in the history of family game night. Vegas, here I come...

So that's it in a very condensed nutshell. 2011 has welcomed me with open arms and I am embracing every moment! Here are some pics of the last few months...

Mom and me, graduation day



My cake and homemade cards

Mom, me, Dad at their Christmas party



Me & Handsome Man at my company Christmas party

Me & Handsome Man celebrating his birthday

Aunt Jenni and her Rugrats

 

3-2-1...Happy New Year!!!



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 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! :)

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...

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. :)