withholding

So I was thinking forward a week from now when the parental interrogation is to take place. You know - how the job is, what exciting is going on with the glamorous NYC life, if I am seeing anyone...

This made me grin, because now when I say, "I date on occasion…it happens!" I can even say "Just this past week I went out to dinner with hurry date guy"

Then of course they say "hurry date guy who?"

Oh crap. Dude, I so don't know this guy's last name! Not all that surprising, the whole speed-dating thing doesn't get much past what you do and where you live. Remembering more is a challenge. And to be honest even when I meet a guy at a bar I am lucky if I remember his first name at all when the night is over.

But it brings up another question - when do you give and receive last names? Hell, I haven't even given this guy my email address yet, we are communicating through the dating site still.

Honestly, I'm a little hesitant to give my proper name as of yet. What if this guy is a loony? Specifically not in a good way? But on the other hand, if you are going out on a date shouldn't you know more about them in CASE they are unstable and your friends need to track down them should something go awry?

Guess either way you could lose. It comes down to trust. Or luck. You choose.

In the meantime - if I'm still enjoying myself by desert I think I'll do the information exchange. Because that will clear the way for me to over theorize about the whole third date thing.

Lordy. It just keeps on keeping on.

back in the saddle

Dating just confuses me. It just doesn't make sense. You basically schedule a set of interviews to see if you want to fall in love.

How does that work? Look at the first date - you both are on your best behavior, doing your damnedest to make sure you don't let out too much of your crazy.

To be honest though, isn't it the crazy in people that really makes you like them? When you describe the people closest to you, it is what sets them apart that you think of first. And what you look forward to in them the most.

So I went on a date with one of my speed dating matches this week. It was surprising. Because it was FUN.

Yep, you heard me right. I went on a date and had a good time. I heard somewhere that this could happen, but thought it was some strange urban myth. You know, like waking up in a bathtub of ice with a kidney gone or being able to think yourself thin.

Anyhoo, so we enjoyed each other's company. But I just couldn't get a read on his crazy. We met at a bar for drinks, and because you know how I like to have a plan I had arranged it so I had to leave the bar after two hours. That way if the night was a bust I had a sure out. And if was to go well then I could get out while the getting was good.

It went well. I think. There weren't many lags in conversation, and he was interesting and pleasant. We had some laughs, and at the end of the date we did the whole good bye kiss thing. I had a smile plastered on my face the whole way home and for the rest of the night. Because he seemed great, and the fact that it was so shocking for me to enjoy dating. Who knew? Maybe I can do more of this?

But how long will it take until the curtain comes down enough to know if I really like the guy? He asked me out to dinner next, so I guess we'll see soon enough. What will it be, I wonder. What will it be...

firefly love

As if we didn't love Mal (oops, I mean Nathan Fillion) enough...

Just read this and you know that the romance will never die.

*Sigh*

speed dating

So my friend and I totally didn't bail, we were strong like bull and lived up to our plans.

Unable to go to work that day I was still able to meet up with Spaghetti in the subway and we traveled to the locale itself. The event was planned in the downstairs lounge of a bar on the LES.

We walked in and found our way down the stairs to find a very nice space. Low-lit and comfortable, it was decorated with couches, tables, and stools lining the walls. There were lettered tents on tables to indicate the 'dating' locations. First thing to do of course was to get some drinks. Then we had to sign in with the meeting organizer, who gave us a nametag with our first name and dater number as well as a scorecard. The scorecard was like a brochure, one page folded in half having the interior consisting of 50 lines with 'Y', 'N' and a small space for notes.

As the room started to fill up we did mingle a little with one of the guests. A Russian who had been born in St Petersburg who has a passion for the Argentinean Tango. He was nice but...no. After a LONG fifteen minutes talking to this guy the host announced for us to take our seats so we could begin.

This is how it plays out: Each woman takes a spot and remains in that location throughout the evening. A gentleman then joins you and a discussion ensues for four minutes, at which time the host blows a whistle and the men all rotate counter-clockwise one spot over to meet with the next person. And as the changeover everyone frantically scribbles notes about the person they just met, trying to document as much info as possible while not losing time with the next candidate. Shorthand would have come in handy.

Okay, this was the moment I had been studying for. I had my code words and general questions; most especially I had my ‘do not talk’ points.

Which of course all TOTALLY went out of the window. The laundry list was pretty much played out with most - what do you do for a living, where do you live, where did you grow up, what do you do for fun...ARGH!! It kind of made sense, my rules are for general mingling so that you don't get stuck in a situation that you are miserable in forever. Couldn't get stuck here.

So how did it go? You know what? It was TOTALLY FUN. Not even kidding. We had a great time. I gotta be honest, that four minutes really worked! Sure, if you were in a good conversation (and yes, believe it or not there were some) then it was too soon, but by god there were some moments I was craving that whistle to blow.

Yep, there was creepy invade your personal space Imus looking guy. And the scary dude who would talk to me but not look me in the eye - until I mentioned my job and he got excited about the concept of printing too many books. (Nobody but nobody gets excited about inventory management) There was a token new jersey ‘Guido’. Also, I have to admit, there was a dude with a kick-ass lazy eye. So movies and TV do tell a bit of truth, there are some skeevy ones to watch out for.

But there were some good guys! Most were pleasant enough, and there were even men that we really liked!

Craziest thing about the setup is that you so quickly forgot everything that was discussed. Spags and I kept trying to recall where the Aussie worked and anything at all about older guy.

Even though I took some notes having met fourteen people in one night really put them in a pot and distilled them down to their essential essence. You forget the specifics but the impression and aura of the person remains. In an effort to remember anything/everything Spags and I caught some quick tapas and compared notes.

We each liked four guys; of course to make things tricky there were two that we both liked. Because of course they were the most charismatic men in the room. Most likely they were the big winners of the evening in general. Once identifying our choices the next step was to go home and sign onto the website to which the party was arranged from and log our picks.

Twenty-four hours later we got our results. Who liked us and who did we like? Of our four three liked each of us back - only one of our mutual picks choosing us both. What is really interesting is that of the gentlemen who chose us and we didn't return the favor; four of them were the same. Do they like what we have in common as friends or did they just choose almost every woman?

So now the really tough part starts. Actual dates. Lordy what have I started???

the conversationalist

The big day is upon us, tomorrow I voyage into the world of the speed dating.

*insert collective oohs and aahs here*

Supposedly I will meet ten to fifteen men for five minutes a pop. On one hand five minutes sounds like nothing (also known as a new york minute, natch) but in the company of the wrong person it is an ETERNITY.

So I have been working on my strategies.

Don't
bring up the weather (snore)
inquire about their job (potential landmine - could upset them or me)
ask what they do for fun (c'mon)
allow Disneyworld into the conversation
mention Sex in the City (typically NYC men hate that show for obvious reasons)

Do
use the letter game (first letter of name = predetermined word I have to work into sentence. e=energy for example)
ask how they got 'here' (litmus test - literal, figurative, or playful)
inquire 'how's life treating you?' (good indicator of positive/negative tendencies)
ask about his drink (I'm Irish for god's sake, I can talk about alcohol for hours)

Questionable
bring up flight attendant past (potential inspiration of unwanted lecherous behavior)
mention the upcoming holidays
the marathon

Run Screaming
any inquiry as to a 'top 5' list comes up
professional wrestling is in any way mentioned
the word 'taxidermy' is used in conversation
safe words are discussed (okay, maybe I am a little intrigued...put under questionable)

Or of course if I have no interest in the five minute date guy at all, there is always "tell me about your mother." At least that one will result in a really great story.

Strike that, more likely a really interesting story. Interesting for YOU. Dammit.

inspiration

So I've been watching a lot of star wars lately.

It's because of the Wii. When I got it I also acquired the Lego Star Wars game. Basically you get to enact all six of the movies, broken down into several parts. So far I completed Episode I and Episode II. (And yes it is way awesome!!)

Even though I grew up with the series, really I've only watched the movies a handful of times. We didn't have cable or a VCR growing up, so it wasn't on constant replay like it was for others. Now that I get to be Obi-Wan and Yoda it comes in handy to refresh myself of the plot. So I can anticipate fighting Darth Maul or Count Douku.

Today I caught Empire on cable. And you know what? You really can tell the difference between the Jim Henson effect on Yoda. CGI ain't got a thing on his mad skills with the puppet.

Even more interesting? Seriously whomever wrote the Degoba scenes was heavy into shrooms and weed. SERIOUSLY. We are luminescent beings? You only will find what you bring with you? There is try not, only do or do not?

As a lifelong Henson fan I'd like to think it was him doing the doobies and adding the dialogue. I also wonder - did republicans hate Empire? Being so touchy-feely and whatnot?

Or did they just focus on the warfare? Oh yeah, that's probably it. A little something for everyone. Heh.

something new

Guess what. I'm doing something new this week.

Speed dating.

I knew you would be stoked. Because you are DYING to know what it is like.

Wednesday night. Me and Spaghetti and ten to fifteen men between 35 and 45.

Curious?

oh funny

This just makes me laugh. A lot.

Powerthirst

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living the dream

There is a clothing company I love called Life is good. One of the cool things about them is their litany of mottos.

Currently they are sporting the ideal:

Do what you love,
Love what you do

Totally easier said than done. I mean, I love drinking, but don't want to do it for a living! And if I HAD to socialize to pay my rent, wouldn't it be a chore?

Then the question of hobbies comes up. Sure, I could go get a job at the Apple Store. But at 35 I can honestly say I don't want to stand on my feet all day earning $20/hr to work my way up to store manager. If I really wanted to work for the fabulous Mr. Jobs I could try for corporate, but my love for living in NYC beats me moving to California. (Although I did apply for an Ireland opening without a problem.)

What is interesting at this point in my life is the constant interior dialogue about how nice it is to have money. Over the last year I have finally for the first time in my life been able to afford all those things I have denied myself for years. Clothes, computer, video game, travel, and finally now furniture. Once I get a new couch and chair my big-ticket items are complete. Money will be a luxury for a while and I can afford a pay cut if I decide on a career change.

Unless I want to buy a home. Is the security of real estate worth staying at a job that I kind of like sometimes?

Do what you love.... love what you do. Something to ruminate on.

a star wars life

Literally I have grown up on star wars. The first movie was in the theatres when I was five, and of course I saw it then.

Over time the movies haven't changed, but I have. This I can tell you:

When I was a child I was in love with Luke

As I got older I fell in love with Han.

Now? Well now I am in love with the true hero of the saga.

R2.

tough times

You know it is a rough week when you wake up and the first thing you think is:

"Wow, I can't believe it is ONLY Thursday. Feels like it should be Friday."

Then realize today is actually Wednesday.

Ugh.

age differences

Every so often my friends and I toss around the concept of speed dating. The concept that we should try it, that is.

Last year I checked out Hurry Date to see what it had to offer. Some TV show gave it rave reviews. I liked that it broke out several categories to choose from.

For instance, men and women 25-35. Or women 30-40 and men 35-45. Or men ages 24-32 and women ages 21-29. They also have categories for Jewish singles and African-American singles.

Speed dating came up in conversation again a couple of weeks ago, and I promised the Jeweled Hornet that I would follow through on all the talk this time and actually get us signed up. So I went online.

And discovered a new category.

Hmmm, what could it be?

Wait for it...

Women 35-45 and men 25-34. Yep, younger men and cougars. Or almost cougars, whatever. Ironically I am SO OVER dating men in their twenties. I am all about seeing someone my age or older for once. Spaghetti perked right up at this new category when it came up in conversation though. Guess we know what session she'll be signing up for. :)

changes of life

About six weeks ago I re-discovered running. After bailing on the NY half I was burned out, so tired of the damn sport. Didn't have any interest in doing fartleks or hills or speed repeats. And hell no I didn't want to go on any long runs.

That only lasted for about three weeks. Then as my aerobic ability rapidly disappeared into thin air I decided to hit the gym for a quick jog. Just for my waist.

Seemed my abilities had not deteriorated as quickly as I thought, and the run was terrific! In fact, it was absolutely awesome. I remembered how much I just enjoyed running to run. So I just went crazy. Down time be damned I started running every day and did a loop of the park on the weekend.

What was that about not putting on too much distance too fast? Oh yeah...injury. Basically I totally screwed over my leg in a totally new way. It hurt from my hip down past my knee to the top of my calf. My Iliotibial band. It hurt to sit, it hurt to lay down, it hurt to squat. And actually do any bouncing move at all was a joke.

Argh! With the weather getting cooler not being able to go for a run has been a bit of torture. But after running once again too soon and backsliding a bit I am close to being recovered. So I am fortunate in that I will be able to take up the sport again soon. Albeit slowly and carefully putting on the miles.

The most expected side effect of my down time has been interesting. Yes, I gained seven pounds. *Sigh* But not on the same old standby locations of my hips or thighs or torso. Oh no, my body put it in ONE SELECT LOCATION.

Right below my belly button. Only on the front of my body. For a couple of days I was concerned that I had gone and sprung another hernia (I have been doing core work while not running) because the strange way my midriff felt. But after careful consideration of my abdominal wall I discovered that I hah, in fact, gained like a half inch layer to an inch layer of fat on my belly. The lower half of my front now has a whole new roll when I sit down.

WTF?? My body is becoming some kind of freak show. It totally is laughing at me. As we all know my body hates me. A new injury and a specialized layer of fat? God, can't wait for what it throws my way next.

On the bright side if anyone threw a punch at my gut I'd be insulated. Oh, and my intestines will definitely be warm enough this winter. At least until I can shake this damn layer. Will the weight come off my body in the same order it came on? Hope hope hope.

lofty ambitions

What is that thing where you volunteer abroad for a couple of years? You know, do good works to help the world and such? Doesn't that sound like a nice new direction for a rockstar to head in?

But would they let me take my macbook and iphone....hmmmmm.

Portland!!

The trip was awesome, we had a great time. I'm still trying to catch up on rest and get back to east coast time, but here are some pics to tide you over in the meantime.

If we are lucking my sis will get hers online soon too. :)

upper west

Going to Portland tonight. Oregon, not Maine. Everyone asks that distinction.

My cousin CC moved out there a year or so ago. It was one of those irresistible drives, she felt she had to move, that Portland was supposed to be her home.

So I'm going to the land of coffee and brew pubs for a long weekend with my sister. A much needed vacation. Next year I'll have a tad bit more vacation time, so I'll be able to go away once for A WHOLE WEEK from work. One can only dream.

original

Seriously, have you checked out Pushing Daisies yet??? It is brilliant!

The colors enchanting, the story charming, the actors alluring, the musical interludes (hello Kristin Chenoweth Tony award winner!!) thrilling, the writing delightful, the comedy endearing, and by god the voice over absolutely winsome.

Gee, can you tell I love this show? That and thesaurus.com.

not a very good year

First the Boston Marathon is almost cancelled because of freezing storm conditions, and then the Chicago Marathon IS actually called off due to heat?

Wow, crazy weather year. You know the Boston start had actually been moved up a couple of hours because of the trend of warmer days as of late. Then people are running with hypothermia.

Wonder what NY will be like this year...Kinda wish I was going to run it. Kinda glad I'm not though.

off-kilter

Like most jobs, mine is thankless. And no this is not a bitching post. Really.

For gods sake, I'm middle management. My employees demand more of me and dislike when I demand more of them. My bosses demand more...and demand more. As middle management you learn complaining is a self-centered exercise.

Don't get me wrong, people do on occasion say thank you. It goes like this:

Them: OMYGODOMYGOD THE WORLD IS FALLING

Me: Okay (my signature beginning statement thank you Spags), everything is okay. I can fix it by...

Work work work work work

Work work

Work

Them: Oh. Okay. Will this happen again?

Me: No, we put this new system into place which will add many more work hours to us, but don't you worry.

Them: Okay. Thanks.

C'est la vie.

I say thank you to my employees all the time. Thank you! That's great! Awesome! We're golden! As you all know I am an enthusiastic person. They don't remember that though. One stiff comment and yes I am the tough boss.

Middle management. Such is life. I took the frickin job, my problem.

Today I had a very awkward moment. Regular meeting where I do my tap-dance for the whole division. Have my prep work done and on hand; answer all questions that are put my way. Do what I do.

At the end of today’s meeting I stood up. (As you have to do in order to leave the room) Everyone who does not need to stay for the following meeting is clearing out. Second highest paid guy in the division then says:

“Rockstar, thank you for all your hard work”

Shocked for the actual call out I smiled and said an awkward “thank you.”

THEN

Sitting next to him, the highest paid guy in the division said

“Yes, Rockstar, thank you for all your hard work.”

Now I am COMPLETELY unsettled. I smile a little less and say thank you again.

Awkward…

Seriously, I almost walked out of the room backwards, afraid to turn my back should the axe fall.**

Now looking back I laugh at the fact that two people complimenting me on my job (which in case if you wondered I do work very hard at) threw me for such a loop. But for heaven's sake positive accolades come few and far between when you get to this point.

At least at this company. Last job? Heh, every day compliments and songs of praise. Each week was littered with "thank god for you" and "you are the best” Once a month at minimum I would get props and glowing praise from some form of a higher up.

So what does that say about me that I left such a Rockstar-friendly company for one that I get beaten down so hard that a grain of sugar puts me into diabetic shock? (Or the company in which they were that desperate to give one person such accolades at such a rate?)

Guess we'll find out over the next couple of months.

**Do keep in mind that with recent CEO changeovers many things (jobs) are unsettled

signs

What does it mean if you break every single one of your favorite drinking glasses within one month?

I had five. They were special. One was with me for twelve years.

It took me like five years to break that many glasses in the past.

Okay, maybe three years.

But what does it mean???