No, don't get excited, I didn't visit the biker bar again! I am talking about the actual wilderness, far from civilization...or at least 20 minutes away from the closest Starbucks so that counts as off the beaten path for me. The kids and I went camping! Yes, actual camping...not just a Motel 6. And, guess what, we had fun.
Obviously, we did not go alone; I'm adventurous, not crazy! My sister, brother-in-law and family were camping for the weekend on the lake where they go boating and asked us to join them. We'd already planned on spending the weekend on the water with them so really, why not?
Yes, normally, I'd have plenty of reasons why not: it's dirty, you are sleeping in the same area as moles, gophers, lizards, snakes, did I mention dirt, you eat, sleep and relax in the same 30 feet of space, you cook outside and oh yes, there's dirt. But, the minute I asked my kids if they wanted to go, their faces lit up and their sleeping bags were instantly in the car. And, again, in this new world of independent living, I am already up for a new adventure.
My sister and I share the same feelings when it comes to living in the dirt...the way we look at it, if God had wanted people to stay so primitive, He'd have never allowed for places like the Four Seasons to be built, or for indoor plumbing to be common place or for homes to have plush carpeting and hard wood floors. However, spending hours each day on the boat reminded me of how happy I am on the water, and how I know, one day I will be living with a view of a lake and a boat parked at the dock.
We had an amazing weekend of sun, fun and, of course, plenty of Corona and I realized once again that, while I do think I'm ready to meet someone to share in this type of fun (love of camping is not a prerequisite), I am also very content and capable of enjoying life on my own with my amazing kids and wonderful family. I also confirmed that camping is something I can do but don't need to prove my prowess on a regular basis.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
You've Got Mail ...2011 style
As we all know, I decided long ago to expand my dating horizons to other time zones (yes, I realize that means not waiting for the multimillionaire UPS guy to knock on my door but hey, baby steps please!). I have even gone so far as to concoct fun little fantasy stories with my best friend about the nice VA guy I'm going to meet and have the most amazing long distance romance with. Like I said, it is my fantasy, just let me have it, please.
And, to add to the plus column of this new plan, over the past few months I have actually encountered a couple instances where this multi-time zone difference love affair is actually flourishing. And, with the perks associated with an email/text/Skype dating schedule, this could truly be the ticket! Think about it: don't feel like changing out of your sweats? Don't! Just put on a cute top because only the top 1/2 of your body is in the picture anyhow. Really don't want to go out once you get home from work? Again, bonus...your date occurs over a glass of your favorite wine as he is miles away at his computer. Trying to juggle basketball schedules, church plays, work and the dishes? Text or email him at halftime. He'll be thrilled you were thinking of him in the middle of your crazy day. Now when you go to a party alone, you aren't the poor single girl, you are the one with the oh so romantic far away boyfriend. See? This whole long distance thing has my name written all over it. The benefits of having "that person" without the trouble of actually dating him.
Before you can admonish me for the lack of intimate contact, let's remember who you are talking to here, the last time I kissed someone obviously scared or scarred him for life so maybe the celibate lifestyle should be explored for a while. And, again, the long distance aspect means I would have months in between visits to work out and try to be bedroom worthy again. Also, he'd be so happy to be finally "getting some", he wouldn't care if I were soft in places I'm not supposed to be. With my witty personality, I'd be really hot via email!
So, I've decided Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan really did have something going with the whole email romance...now, just to find a smart cowboy with a laptop in his oversized truck. Hmm....
And, to add to the plus column of this new plan, over the past few months I have actually encountered a couple instances where this multi-time zone difference love affair is actually flourishing. And, with the perks associated with an email/text/Skype dating schedule, this could truly be the ticket! Think about it: don't feel like changing out of your sweats? Don't! Just put on a cute top because only the top 1/2 of your body is in the picture anyhow. Really don't want to go out once you get home from work? Again, bonus...your date occurs over a glass of your favorite wine as he is miles away at his computer. Trying to juggle basketball schedules, church plays, work and the dishes? Text or email him at halftime. He'll be thrilled you were thinking of him in the middle of your crazy day. Now when you go to a party alone, you aren't the poor single girl, you are the one with the oh so romantic far away boyfriend. See? This whole long distance thing has my name written all over it. The benefits of having "that person" without the trouble of actually dating him.
Before you can admonish me for the lack of intimate contact, let's remember who you are talking to here, the last time I kissed someone obviously scared or scarred him for life so maybe the celibate lifestyle should be explored for a while. And, again, the long distance aspect means I would have months in between visits to work out and try to be bedroom worthy again. Also, he'd be so happy to be finally "getting some", he wouldn't care if I were soft in places I'm not supposed to be. With my witty personality, I'd be really hot via email!
So, I've decided Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan really did have something going with the whole email romance...now, just to find a smart cowboy with a laptop in his oversized truck. Hmm....
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Didn't see this offered in my college catalog
"So, what did you do last night?" Usually that is a pretty innocuous question, asked by colleagues as you walk to get the daily Starbucks. And, more often than not my answer includes something about basketball, the dogs, maybe even a reality TV show. Truly, not stuff blogs are made of. However, today, if I were to receive that question, I’d probably blush and then start with “OH MY GOSH (yes, in all caps), you are not going to believe what I did last night!”
Since my transition from “in a relationship” to “single” (If I were to be a FB status updater) I have definitely found I really enjoy time with my friends quite a bit. I have an amazing group of girlfriends who could give the Sex in the City foursome a run for their money any day of the week so when one of them makes a request I try to accommodate whenever possible. And, more often than not, have quite the adventure.
I was chatting online with one such girlfriend the other day when she asked if I would go to this class with her. As she has been working very hard to lose weight I figured we might attend a nutrition seminar or training session – both of which I’d be all over at this point in my weight nightmare. She also is looking for a job so thought okay maybe it is a resume building seminar…I can be down with that. So, I checked my email as instructed and actually laughed out loud in my office when the class title came up Lola presents “Male Body Pleasures 101”. Really? Was this a joke? I haven’t been on an actual date in so long that to me male body pleasure meant standing too close to someone in line at Starbucks. But, after realizing she was serious, and after being married 23 years was looking for a little extra spark, I figured what the heck, Tuesday night TV is lame, I didn’t have the kids and really, why not?!
So, 3 women with good hair, nice pedicures and homes in the suburbs jumped into my friend's BMW and headed to Santa Cruz. If you are not from this area and are unfamiliar with Santa Cruz, it is a funky beach town where recycling old cans and bottles actually counts as an occupation and nice hair means you have more dreadlocks than your shopping cart toting cardboard box mate. But, it is also home to incredible restaurants, cute boutique shops and, of course, Camouflage, the upscale lingerie and "toy" store where the class was being held.
In we walk and down went my jaw. The room was packed! Granted, it wasn't an overly large room but nonetheless it was full...and, let's just go with very diverse. As we went around the room to introduce ourselves (really? Can't this be an anonymous visit...can't I just say I'm auditing the class like one does in college?) each person was to share their name and why they were in the class..."I want to be better in bed", "I want to spice up my marriage", "I have been coming to these classes for years and now I finally have a man to practice on" (who was she practicing on before? Wait, don't answer that as I seriously just saw a life size blow up Viking doll!), "I really want to get better at bj's". Oh my gosh!!! I'm guessing my answer of "Wait, I thought I was in a cooking class" didn't really go over well. But again, some of these women (and men!) were really trying to make their marriage exciting so I'm not judging.
Until....the 60 year old woman with the jean mini skirt and boy toy boyfriend asked how she could keep her teeth out of the way when she was giving blow jobs. How about "just take them out honey...they're dentures!" My bottom lip had teeth marks in it from my unsuccessful attempts to keep from laughing but I couldn't keep the giggles from escaping when the instructor (who made Granola Hippie seem like an understatement) reminded everyone this was an interactive class and she welcomed any and all questions and feel free to use the tactical examples spread throughout the room. Hold on! There are samples?! I don't want to picture most of these people in the room even thinking about sex; let alone actually seeing them handle the whole basket of love she had going on up there. And, really, please don't let them talk or ask questions...Aw man, someone just asked her how to put on a condom with her mouth. Okay, I'm now going to start cataloging my closet in my head...brown sweaters on one side...Really, I didn't go to that extreme but it definitely took all of my self control to not sigh out loud. Partly because I didn't want to be rude but also because I didn't want anyone to mistake my exhale as expression of interest over the masturbation sleeve she was passing around!
Of course, a 90 minute class really does end and no one even tried to force me to buy a toy or even the cute sundress I saw in the window. And, it really was amusing...with stories to tell, obviously. I am just chalking it up to new experiences I continue to have in my 40's of fun! And, who knows, maybe I even learned something.
Since my transition from “in a relationship” to “single” (If I were to be a FB status updater) I have definitely found I really enjoy time with my friends quite a bit. I have an amazing group of girlfriends who could give the Sex in the City foursome a run for their money any day of the week so when one of them makes a request I try to accommodate whenever possible. And, more often than not, have quite the adventure.
I was chatting online with one such girlfriend the other day when she asked if I would go to this class with her. As she has been working very hard to lose weight I figured we might attend a nutrition seminar or training session – both of which I’d be all over at this point in my weight nightmare. She also is looking for a job so thought okay maybe it is a resume building seminar…I can be down with that. So, I checked my email as instructed and actually laughed out loud in my office when the class title came up Lola presents “Male Body Pleasures 101”. Really? Was this a joke? I haven’t been on an actual date in so long that to me male body pleasure meant standing too close to someone in line at Starbucks. But, after realizing she was serious, and after being married 23 years was looking for a little extra spark, I figured what the heck, Tuesday night TV is lame, I didn’t have the kids and really, why not?!
So, 3 women with good hair, nice pedicures and homes in the suburbs jumped into my friend's BMW and headed to Santa Cruz. If you are not from this area and are unfamiliar with Santa Cruz, it is a funky beach town where recycling old cans and bottles actually counts as an occupation and nice hair means you have more dreadlocks than your shopping cart toting cardboard box mate. But, it is also home to incredible restaurants, cute boutique shops and, of course, Camouflage, the upscale lingerie and "toy" store where the class was being held.
In we walk and down went my jaw. The room was packed! Granted, it wasn't an overly large room but nonetheless it was full...and, let's just go with very diverse. As we went around the room to introduce ourselves (really? Can't this be an anonymous visit...can't I just say I'm auditing the class like one does in college?) each person was to share their name and why they were in the class..."I want to be better in bed", "I want to spice up my marriage", "I have been coming to these classes for years and now I finally have a man to practice on" (who was she practicing on before? Wait, don't answer that as I seriously just saw a life size blow up Viking doll!), "I really want to get better at bj's". Oh my gosh!!! I'm guessing my answer of "Wait, I thought I was in a cooking class" didn't really go over well. But again, some of these women (and men!) were really trying to make their marriage exciting so I'm not judging.
Until....the 60 year old woman with the jean mini skirt and boy toy boyfriend asked how she could keep her teeth out of the way when she was giving blow jobs. How about "just take them out honey...they're dentures!" My bottom lip had teeth marks in it from my unsuccessful attempts to keep from laughing but I couldn't keep the giggles from escaping when the instructor (who made Granola Hippie seem like an understatement) reminded everyone this was an interactive class and she welcomed any and all questions and feel free to use the tactical examples spread throughout the room. Hold on! There are samples?! I don't want to picture most of these people in the room even thinking about sex; let alone actually seeing them handle the whole basket of love she had going on up there. And, really, please don't let them talk or ask questions...Aw man, someone just asked her how to put on a condom with her mouth. Okay, I'm now going to start cataloging my closet in my head...brown sweaters on one side...Really, I didn't go to that extreme but it definitely took all of my self control to not sigh out loud. Partly because I didn't want to be rude but also because I didn't want anyone to mistake my exhale as expression of interest over the masturbation sleeve she was passing around!
Of course, a 90 minute class really does end and no one even tried to force me to buy a toy or even the cute sundress I saw in the window. And, it really was amusing...with stories to tell, obviously. I am just chalking it up to new experiences I continue to have in my 40's of fun! And, who knows, maybe I even learned something.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
My version of a bad trip...
If you have read this blog for any amount of time, you know alcohol is the only recreational drug I know from 1st hand experience (no, prescription medication like Xanax so doesn't count) but have often thought I may be missing out on something by going organic. Well, I thought that until tonight....
I make it a habit, almost a rule, that I do not go out on the weekends I have the kids as I've always felt like I don't get to spend enough time with them as it is so why cut into that time any more. However, I was feeling the need to get the cute on (I'll explain later) so changed my no RSVP to a yes to go to a restaurant/bar in town to hear a local band with a group of great friends. After arranging for a favorite friend to come hang out for a couple of hours I broke out the Vegas purchased white halter style tank top, black pants and high heels thinking that 1/2 the work of feeling good is looking good and off I went.
The band was great, the friends always a blast but my concern over the ability to meet someone who met my novel of requirements increased exponentially...heck, this evening the chances of meeting someone with all his teeth, didn't smoke weed with no mullet was going to be pushing it. Granted, we were listening to a band who played several 80's cover tunes so really the fact many of the patrons (using that term loosely) looked like they still lived in the 80's shouldn't have been surprising. The only thing missing was a contingent of fanny pack wearing, super cool looking Magnum, PI wannabees. Yes, it was that bad. Even the fan behind our table made the hair of my friend and I fly around like we were auditioning for a White Snake video (again, a band covered tonight). I definitely was not meeting any potential dinner partners...unless dinner consisted of magic brownies and a plate of potato skins. Ego boost it wasn't.
My ego isn't broken anyhow, just bruised. I try to avoid being a total chick by saying that I really can do casual with no expectations and I truly can. But that doesn't protect me from the 8th grade girl habit of saying your names together and picturing how much fun you'd have going to the prom (or in the case of a 40+ year old woman, boating)....even before there is even a hint of a first date. Yes, this is the roundabout way of saying I've heard nothing from Hot Electrician. I didn't even get a response to one of my famous breezy but quippy texts that I sent on Friday. Am I really not a catch? And, why is it that I seem to always be attracted to the guys who don't get what I catch I obviously think I am?
I knew this was a possibility when I kissed him...hello, I do remember the days of "Will he or won't he call?" and hated them then! But, really, at age 42 shouldn't I have at least outgrown them or is it like my occasional face break outs, that part of adolescence NEVER goes away? If so, I'm pissed. Clearasil works for the break-outs but what do I do about the school girl crush disappointment? I know...replay the "I Want to Rock and Roll All Night" KISS song that was covered and wonder if that is why my fellow bar goers tonight never left the 80's...everything was better with MTV and a Coke.
I make it a habit, almost a rule, that I do not go out on the weekends I have the kids as I've always felt like I don't get to spend enough time with them as it is so why cut into that time any more. However, I was feeling the need to get the cute on (I'll explain later) so changed my no RSVP to a yes to go to a restaurant/bar in town to hear a local band with a group of great friends. After arranging for a favorite friend to come hang out for a couple of hours I broke out the Vegas purchased white halter style tank top, black pants and high heels thinking that 1/2 the work of feeling good is looking good and off I went.
The band was great, the friends always a blast but my concern over the ability to meet someone who met my novel of requirements increased exponentially...heck, this evening the chances of meeting someone with all his teeth, didn't smoke weed with no mullet was going to be pushing it. Granted, we were listening to a band who played several 80's cover tunes so really the fact many of the patrons (using that term loosely) looked like they still lived in the 80's shouldn't have been surprising. The only thing missing was a contingent of fanny pack wearing, super cool looking Magnum, PI wannabees. Yes, it was that bad. Even the fan behind our table made the hair of my friend and I fly around like we were auditioning for a White Snake video (again, a band covered tonight). I definitely was not meeting any potential dinner partners...unless dinner consisted of magic brownies and a plate of potato skins. Ego boost it wasn't.
My ego isn't broken anyhow, just bruised. I try to avoid being a total chick by saying that I really can do casual with no expectations and I truly can. But that doesn't protect me from the 8th grade girl habit of saying your names together and picturing how much fun you'd have going to the prom (or in the case of a 40+ year old woman, boating)....even before there is even a hint of a first date. Yes, this is the roundabout way of saying I've heard nothing from Hot Electrician. I didn't even get a response to one of my famous breezy but quippy texts that I sent on Friday. Am I really not a catch? And, why is it that I seem to always be attracted to the guys who don't get what I catch I obviously think I am?
I knew this was a possibility when I kissed him...hello, I do remember the days of "Will he or won't he call?" and hated them then! But, really, at age 42 shouldn't I have at least outgrown them or is it like my occasional face break outs, that part of adolescence NEVER goes away? If so, I'm pissed. Clearasil works for the break-outs but what do I do about the school girl crush disappointment? I know...replay the "I Want to Rock and Roll All Night" KISS song that was covered and wonder if that is why my fellow bar goers tonight never left the 80's...everything was better with MTV and a Coke.
Monday, July 4, 2011
A little fireworks of my own...
What is about pool parties that make you feel like a 15 year old again? First, you are nervous about what you look like in a bathing suit (think 40+ year old mom who doesn't look like Courtney Cox) and you have me. But then the water feels good, the games of chicken start and you are laughing as you do relay races with the other moms who look just like you! It couldn't have been a more fun day.
Of course, I will be honest and say, some of the excitement didn't come from the fact it was a celebration of our nation's independence but more from the fact that 365 days to the date later from the first few texts telling me I really ought to meet and hang out with Mr. Hot Electrician, we both were feeling the same flirty feelings at the same time.
What started out as an innocent game of chicken (as I mentioned above) eventually led to a kiss (yes, I realize I'm 42 and a kiss shouldn't mean that much). A kiss that, as lame as this sounds, was actually worth the year long, multiple misses, wait. But, then again, if we all remember back to our teenage years, kisses in a pool also seem more exciting somehow.
Now, I'm not expecting anything to come of this...hello, it took us a major league baseball season, an NFL season, an NBA season and several holidays to even get us to this point. And really, the dilemma is getting Mr. Hot Electrician to understand that I'm not looking for Mr. Forever right now...if it happened, great...but I am just more interested in someone fun to hang out with when I don't have the kids, a few more of those kisses (and heck, more wouldn't be bad either) but not expecting us to create the Brady Bunch any time soon.
Guys have it easy where that is concerned. Most women think that is their motive from the beginning so already expect nothing but if a woman comes across saying she just wants casual, guys are immediately suspect. They think we are either trying to trick them with our feigned indifference or we must be a slut then. And, really, it is neither where I am concerned. I just know I've made one too many mistakes in the male choice department so I am taking my time.
So, while I am not sure I will be seeing any other sparks caused by Mr. Hot E (and, yes he is hot!), at least I can be happy with the knowledge I do still have "it" a little and that my instincts (and those of our friends) weren't wrong...we were kind of good together.
Of course, I will be honest and say, some of the excitement didn't come from the fact it was a celebration of our nation's independence but more from the fact that 365 days to the date later from the first few texts telling me I really ought to meet and hang out with Mr. Hot Electrician, we both were feeling the same flirty feelings at the same time.
What started out as an innocent game of chicken (as I mentioned above) eventually led to a kiss (yes, I realize I'm 42 and a kiss shouldn't mean that much). A kiss that, as lame as this sounds, was actually worth the year long, multiple misses, wait. But, then again, if we all remember back to our teenage years, kisses in a pool also seem more exciting somehow.
Now, I'm not expecting anything to come of this...hello, it took us a major league baseball season, an NFL season, an NBA season and several holidays to even get us to this point. And really, the dilemma is getting Mr. Hot Electrician to understand that I'm not looking for Mr. Forever right now...if it happened, great...but I am just more interested in someone fun to hang out with when I don't have the kids, a few more of those kisses (and heck, more wouldn't be bad either) but not expecting us to create the Brady Bunch any time soon.
Guys have it easy where that is concerned. Most women think that is their motive from the beginning so already expect nothing but if a woman comes across saying she just wants casual, guys are immediately suspect. They think we are either trying to trick them with our feigned indifference or we must be a slut then. And, really, it is neither where I am concerned. I just know I've made one too many mistakes in the male choice department so I am taking my time.
So, while I am not sure I will be seeing any other sparks caused by Mr. Hot E (and, yes he is hot!), at least I can be happy with the knowledge I do still have "it" a little and that my instincts (and those of our friends) weren't wrong...we were kind of good together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)