Showing posts with label dating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dating. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

7 Habits of Highly Effective Singles

The bad news, lots of singles want to know the "secret" to being a successful and popular dating partner.  Of course, there isn't a formula for creating world-class charisma, there isn't a pill that will give you a magnetic personality, and there is no magic wand to make you instantly irresistible.

The good news is that dating success comes from consistently incorporating positive attitudes and actions into your lifestyle.  These are "healthy habits" that ensure you become the most attractive person possible - and boost your chances of finding a fantastic partner!  So let's start with these productive practices...
  1. Keep growing and moving foward.  There is something enticeing about people who have identified their purpose in life, work hard to cultivate their abilities, and have goals they're moving towards.  And when people are passionate about where they are going in life, we want to go with them.
  2. Be proactive, not passive.  Many men and women want love, a relationship, and marriage - but they don't do much to make it happen.  (guilty!)  If you want to find a partner, you've got to be proactive and persistent.  Patience may indeed be a virtue, but when it comes to finding the love of your life, so are guts and gumption.
  3. Step out of your comfort zone and take risks.  Some people have no problem meeting, greeting, and forming new relationships.  Others have a much tougher time pushing themselves "out there" socially.  They/You/Me must summon courage, swallow anxiety, and plunge into social settings.  If you tend to be reserved (guilty!) and restrained, there's no point in trying to remake yourself into an outgoing, life-of-the-party type.  Be who you are, but be prepared to push yourself.
  4. Accentuate your God-given assets.  Everyone has strengths and weaknesses that they bring to a potential relationship.  The trick is to maximize your assets and minimize your liabilities.  Look for ways to develop and utilize your talents, and try hard to curtail your shortcomings.  The aim isn't perfection, the aim is to reach your full potential.
  5. Operate from a position of strength and security.  Self-confidence is contagious, and self-assurance is highly attractive.  You'll boost your odds of finding a partner if you become convinced deep down that you have a lot to offer.  Believe the best about yourself and your future.
  6. Become a skilled communicator.  There is an art to communication.  And these days it's largely a forgotten art.  The most average-looking person can be wildly attractive by becoming adept at listening, empathizing, asking questions, and making the other person feel completely understood and accepted.
  7. Remain steadfastly optimistic.  Not only are upbeat, hopeful people more enjoyable to be around, but they also make for far better romantic partners over the long haul.  Dozens of research studies have demonstrated that positive people are likely to achieve more goals, handle stress more wisely, overcome depression more quickly, and manage problems with far greater effectiveness.
So what have you learned?  Maybe that you don't need to rely on luck or an elusive secret.  Or that maybe when you have sound, sensible guidelines to live by you can count on dating success.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

How to Get Out of Friendzone

I'm one of those people that just about always has a crush on some poor dude.  It's a natural thing to crush on someone, right?  (Although, surprisingly, right now I'm actually not crushing.) Having a crush on someone is fun (the thrill of the unknown, butterflies in your stomach when he calls, emails, smiles at you), but it's also stressful. Not knowing if the object of your crush returns your affections.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Men's Intuition

This is for all you single ladies.  Or me.  So you know when you're interested in someone one and you send them 'signs' or 'signals', well, have you ever thought about how guys read those 'signs' or 'signals'?  I have.  And based on my track record I'm guessing I've got it all wrong.  Wrong I say!  I'm queen of receiving mixed messages, or so I think I'm receiving mixed messages.  So let's learn a little about men's intuition, or how they read our/my/your signals...

The Eye Line - It begins with the eyes:  if you’ve looked across a crowded room and held his gaze for more than five seconds, he thinks you’re interested.  Even if it was unintentional, like he looked familiar or had something in his teeth, but you held his gaze, and that’s enough of a signal for him to think about making a move.  Men also take it as they see it: if you’re fully engaged in conversation with your friends and not giving any of yourself to the room, he’ll most likely to think you’re not interested and stay away.  Good news if you want him to stay away; less so if you were hoping he’d pluck up courage and come over to talk.

Body Talk - Guys are looking for signs of interest.  If you are interested, this is when it’s best to stop being too cool and follow some of the conventional rules of the flirting game.  It may seem totally obvious, but laughing at his jokes and smiling while he's talks are signals he can read loud and clear. Take it a little further, reach out to him physically; touch his hand lightly, place your face close to his (um, like how close...?), and widen your eyes when he’s talking:  these are all signs he’ll have no trouble reading. Watch out though, if your eyes are wandering, glazed over or just plain dead while he’s talking, that won't go unnoticed either.  Most men have felt the distance of a disinterested woman, and know when they’re on a losing streak. Not all give up when they do, but many (especially the good ones) will.

To read the full eharmony article...

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Inside the Mind of the Single Guy

For all you single ladies, have you ever walked into a room full of (or with at least one) single guys and wondered "what's he thinking?"?  Well I have.  Many times I have.

So let's see what the pros say is "inside the mind of the single guy"...
  • Real guys like real girls
    Just be yourself! 
    The first thing you need to know is that real guys like real girls. You shouldn’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Guys consider phoniness a huge turnoff.
  • Independent women rule
    For the single guy, the great thing about being single is his ability to have a full and rewarding life independent of a relationship; so it’s important for you to have the same. Be strong, independent, and fully in love with your own fabulous single life.
  • It's okay for you to make the first move
    There are single guys out there who might prefer that you make the first move. In fact, apparently a lot of guys report that they like it when a girl makes the first move. It lets them know she’s interested (and it’s a real confidence boost!). Just remember though, after you make the first move, leave the rest up to him. Guys want and need to be part of the delicate dating chase. If you do all the work, they’ll just stop chasing.
  • Physical intimacy means different things to different people
    One very crucial thing to know about some single guys is that sex and intimacy can be two different things. Sleeping with someone does not necessarily mean they’re looking to get serious with her. If you’re taking your physical relationship to the next level, you might want to have a conversation first to make sure your intentions and his are clearly stated. (FYI, I do not support this bullet point or what it is implying)
  • Most single guys are not marriage-minded
    The sooner you understand that most single men are not on the prowl for a wife, the easier it will be for you to relate to your date. Approach dating with the attitude that they just want to have fun and meet a variety of interesting people until they meet someone worth committing to.
  • Commitment is not a bad word
    When the right girl does come along, most single men are comfortable committing. By taking their time and really getting to know the women they date, guys again have the right idea. Take a page from their dating playbook and just have fun dating and relating! That way, when you do meet someone truly special, you’ll not only know he’s The One, but you'll be ready, willing, and able to commit because you’ve successfully played the field.
So there you have it.  Insight (cliff notes version) straight from the sourse - the mind of a single guy (via this article). Next time you go out lookin' for a guy, try these tips and see if they work.

Then report back to me because I'm uber curious!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Single? How to Work a Wedding

Wedding season is here ladies! Me, well, for once in the past umpteen years I only have one wedding to attend so far this year. Which means that I have only have one opportunity to check out my options!

So here's some advice from a MSN Article...

  1. Plan Ahead - Yes, apparently there is homework to do before going to a wedding, especially if you're single and on the prowl.
  2. Work the Crowd - Time to break out of your shell little "Miss Non-Social, Outgoing Butterfly." I'm talking to myself here. Even if "he's" not there, his friend may be...
  3. Don't Wallow - 'Nuff said!
  4. Amuse Yourself - How many opportunities do you really have to get all gussied up? Now's your chance. Spend the extra time on yourself, go to the spa. Or just spend your evening at the kid's table entertaining them.
  5. Have a Little Perspective - Go. Enjoy yourself. Regardless.
So there you have it. Check out the article for more information.

Happy hunting!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Singledom

As a once again single gal, I'm always looking for and reading "advice". Sometimes it doesn't take much looking, it's right there on msn.com when I open the internet at work.

So I read it.

Cause I'm lame.

And I need help. Obviously I can't figure finding a guy or dating out on my own.

So yesterday had a pretty good article...

"8 Ways to Get Him to Notice You in 10 Days"

  1. Stop playing hard to get.
    I honestly don't think I'm playing hard to get. Really, am I playing a game at all?
  2. Be attentive.
    I am attentive. I've very attentive. How much more attentive do I need to be?
  3. Try something new.
    Ummm... Help a Sista out. I don't know what to try. HELP!
  4. Let your guard down.
    This one is a little hard. After being burned so many times you start to build a wall. I need someone to march around my little Jericho walls to knock them down. Someone that won't burn me after I let my guard down. I have a huge fear of rejection. Wonder why...
  5. Stop texting and no one gets hurt.
    I know when to leave my phone alone.
  6. Know the power of your outfit.
    Here's another help area. I need a personal shopper. Someone who knows what kind of clothes go good with my body type and skin tone and eye color. I just don't have a bajillion dollars to pay for a personal shopper person. Help!
  7. TMI is never a good thing.
    I'm reserved. Until my guard is down (see #4), I reveal very little about myself. At least very little of my heart and feelings. Sure, I can talk about the weather and the latest news til the cows come home. And I'll listen like no other at what he's saying, feeling, dreaming. But give me some time.
  8. Keep him wanting more.
    I first have to figure out how to get him to want anything (or me) at all. Then I'll work on the keeping him wanting more.
Obviously there's more to it then the 8 points, so visit the article.

This is hard stuff to figure out.

Seriously it is.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Update...

Alright, alright. So I know many of you are dying for an update on Dennis. And I've been meaning to post one for, oh, a couple weeks now. Life is happening so fast that I haven't had a break or a chance to breath.

More on that later.

So things with Dennis were going along, smoothly too if I might add. We were back to texting and talking regularly. I did not initiate any of the phone calls might I add. I got back from the cruise, after 4 days of no communication with him, and I told him that I missed him. I really didn't expect a response of any kind, and I really didn't get one right away. The same night I got home I got a call. We chit chatted some, then he got serious and asked he we could talk serious for a few minutes, he had a couple questions to ask me. Alright... I honestly didn't know what to expect. Well, he asked/mentioned that maybe he'd come down in a month or 2. Or maybe we'd plan a trip with the kids to Florida. Because you see "the kids" really miss me. They ask about me all the time. Elijah thinks I'm still at the hotel I stayed at up there, and he wants to come see me and have waffles (continental breakfast) with me. How cute! But Dennis, do you miss me? Well, yea, of course I do; I think of you often. Music to my ears.

2 steps forward.

So I thought, let's not get my hopes up too much. Let's not look too much into it. Let's not worry, or get excited, or start planning. Let's let him take care of it all when he's ready. Yeah right! I, within a few days of trying to not plan and worry or get too excited, started tracking and watching flight prices during late March to April.

Things continued as they were. Talking and texting. But never talking again about this potential trip down here or cross country. It was starting to drive me crazy though, cause I'm a planner. I want to plan this. I want to know when to expect him, what he wants to do, what days I should take off from work, where this leaves us. Inquiring minds want to know!

So I finally broke down and asked. That conversation didn't go so well. Dennis thinks maybe he spoke hastily about coming down. He's still trying to figure things out. He thinks I should date 1,000 guys, and can't understand why I'm not taken because I'm such a amazing person. And... Let's not talk for a couple months to give him time to figure out his life and what he wants. Alright, we've tried this before, he cracks within a couple weeks. So the rule is we can only hi every so often. I told him that I'll leave those up to him. Because quite honestly my "every so often" would be every other day. That was about a week and a half ago.

Of course, just the Monday before, I had sent a package of homemade cookies to him and the kids as well as valentines. (I know, I'm too nice!)

3 steps back.

Skip forward half a week later. I sent him a text with a simple question about a specific safe topic. All I wanted, and expected, was a straight answer. Which I got, then he started to tell me about things that are going on. Alright, so he ended up calling because it would take too long to text it all. The next day I re-asked my question hoping for a different, updated answer. I got an answer, and then he started to tell me about something else that's going on. I finally had to put my foot down and tell him that I'd love to hear all about it, but I'm trying to respect his wishes of time and space to figure things out, so please help me help you. That was a week ago.

He finally picked up his package from the post office last Tuesday. After many thanks you shouldn't have, no you really shouldn't have. I got a thanks they're really good.

Since last week, we've been communicating. I don't initiate unless I have a question that needs an answer. These questions have nothing to do with us and a relationship. And he knows that we shouldn't be talking, and he'll even say, "Since we're not supposed to talk, I have a message for you to pass on to Izzie," then he'll proceed with what he wanted to talk about.

And from afar, he's been there for me the past couple days with Izzie's death. But again, I'm not initiating. I'm not prompting. I'm not expecting. I'm respecting.

1 step forward.

So what does one do? Do I need to completely cut off all communication from him? Let me tell you, that would be really hard. Do I just keep at what I'm doing? Do I never mention "us" until he starts it? Do I just be a friend? But how can I just be a friend when I have such strong feelings for him still? I just don't know. I don't want to cut off communication with him. But I'm trying to respect his needs.

But... But wouldn't you think by the fact that he is the one that can't cut it off that that means something...? Why does he not realize that?

I'm afraid of taking backward steps again. I only want to go forward.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Oh yea...

And it is 4 months ago today that Dennis first contacted me. I always considered it our "anniversary". I know, can you believe that it's only been 4 months. It feels like forever, in a good way.

Gotta love the timing of that!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Calling All Prayer Warriors

I need prayer. Dennis needs prayer. Together as a couple we need prayer.

Last night things started to come to a head. Dennis is overwhelmed in many areas of his life, which is causing him to pull back and distance himself from the relationship and from me. He feels as though he has no time for himself or for God, which is true. And I hate to admit, but I may be partly to blame for that. When he isn't at work, he has his kids, and when he doesn't have his kids his roommate is home. Therefore no privacy, no quiet time, no alone time. And of course, I want to talk to him every free second he has. There is a list of things that he is stressed and overwhelmed about. He also feels a heavy burden because of his past, being divorced with children, which I accept. His past has made him who he is today, and if I didn't accept it I wouldn't have gotten as involved as I have.

Things started last night that he doesn't know if we are working out or if we are going to work out. But of course he couldn't talk due to no privacy, so text messaging back and forth followed.

Last night I couldn't sleep. But everytime I woke up I went straight to God. I woke up, if you can call it that from not sleeping all night, with knots in my stomach. I almost called in sick, but I didn't. I told him in a text last night that I wouldn't text him unless I heard from him first. After sitting at work for over an hour, not texting him was killing me. We always start our morning off with at least a text and eventually a phone call. So I broke, I texted him. I told him that it's too hard not to text him. So a good morning, I hardly slept, I have knots in my stomach, I prayed all night, and that I love him. I honestly wasn't sure if I'd get a response, but I did. He's busy at work with big-wigs coming to visit this week, thanks for my words, he's overwhelmed with the kids and all and his parents' health isn't the best. He's going through a tough time.

Please pray that during this time in God's fire, that Dennis will be able to find clarity and peace. Pray that it's just the stress from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season working retail causing a majority of his overwhelmed feeling. Pray that his ex will give him a break with the kids and give him some time off. Pray that he will get rest, not only physically, but also rest in the Lord. Pray that he will still want to come down and visit in a couple weeks.

Pray for my heart, pray that it will be strong and supportive. Pray that I can give him the space that he needs. Pray that we will get through this and that it will make us stronger as a couple. Pray that Satan will not play on my insecurities, causing me to freak out and worry.

Pray for God's will in our lives individually but also together. Pray that our desires for each other will line up with his will. I want Dennis in my life, as a part of my life, but I also want God's will. And honestly I don't know what I'll do if they don't line up.

Pray that this is just a hiccup in our relationship and that we survive. That this will makes us stronger and communicate better.

Lord, these are my prayers. Heavenly Father let your will be done now and forever.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

1/4 of a Year

3 months ago I received a very random myspace message from a stranger. A message that I almost ignored, blew off. But for some reason I was compelled to respond. Or course, only after checking out that person's page. Who knew that 3 months later I'd still be talking to that person? That that person would have visited me. And that I would be going to visit that person in less than 2 weeks.

Here is the message that started it all...
Hi Courtney

No, you don't know me, but I saw your caption and love that quote. Anyhow, hope I didn't bug you. You are attractive too. Yes, that did make it easy to read your caption a few times as well. lol. Anyhow, at the very least I hope I made you smile. Maybe we can talk sometime. Bye girly


Dennis

So there you have it. Needless to say we did "talk sometime". The start to a relationship, albeit a long distant one. One based purely on communication and learning about one another without physical distractions.

The past 3 months have surprisingly gone by quickly looking back on it now. Wow, August was just 3 months ago. May was 6 months ago, and will be again in 6 months. I know that this upcoming trip to Alaska won't be the last. With a new year approaching there will be many more trips, and visits, and even a vacation is in discussion.

This is my prayer... That God will continue to be a focus in our relationship, that we will grow towards Him while we grow towards one another. I pray that God will bless the time we have together. I pray that when we do visit one another that we can see each other for who we are, not just the person on the phone; I pray that our visits aren't necessarily like vacations. Maybe it's too soon, but I also thank God for answered prayer; even though it took awhile to answer. I thank God for his faithfulness and His plan.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

I hate goodbyes

Today was the day that I've been dreading for the past 5 days. Today was the day that I had to take Dennis to the airport and drive away from him as he got ready to get on a plane to go back to Alaska. Today was the day that I cried just about the whole way home. The kind of cry that I haven't had in years. Today was the day, that when I returned to my parent's house my mom welcomed me with a hug and cried with me.

I took a 2 hour nap. My eyes look like a bee stung them and my nose is rubbed raw.

It wasn't a goodbye forever. Only a goodbye for a month or so.

But a goodbye, none the less, that makes my heart ache.

I'll post more either later tonight or tomorrow on how our time together went.

But for now I'm going to go put ice packs on my eyes to reduce the swelling...

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Women Speak in Estrogen, Men Listen in Testosterone

RELATIONSHIPS:

When a relationship ends, a woman will cry and pour her heart out to her girlfriends, and she will write a poem titled "All Men Are Idiots". Then she will get on with her life. A man has a little more trouble letting go. Six months after the break-up, at 3:00 am on a Saturday night, he will call and say, "I just wanted to let you know you ruined my life, and I'll never forgive you, and I hate you. But I want you to know that there's always a chance for us." This is known as the "I Hate You/I Love You" drunken phone call, and 99% of all men have made one at least once. There are community colleges that offer courses to help men get over this need; alas, these classes rarely prove effective.


MATURITY:

Women mature much faster than men. Most 17-year old females can function as adults. Most 17-year old males are still trading baseball cards and giving each other wedgies after gym class. This is why high school romances rarely work out.


HANDWRITING:

To their credit, men do not decorate their penmanship. They just chicken-scratch. Women use scented, colored stationary and they got their "i's" with circles and hearts. Women use ridiculously large loops in their "p's" and "g's". It is a royal pain to read a note from a woman. Even when she's dumping you, she'll put a smiley face at the end of the note.


COMEDY:

Let's say a small group of men and women are in a room, watching television, and an episode of the Three Stooges comes on. Immediately, the men will get very excited; they will laugh uproariously, and even try to imitate the actions of Curly, man's favorite stooge. The women will roll their eyes and groan and wait it out.


BATHROOMS:

A man has six items in his bathroom – a toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of Dial soap, and a towel from the Holiday Inn. The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 437. A man would not to be able to identify most of these items.


GROCERIES:

A woman makes a list of things she needs and then goes out to the store and buys these things. A man waits till the only items left in his fridge are half a lime and a beer. Then he goes grocery shopping. He buys everything that looks good. By the time a man reaches the checkout counter, his cart is packed tighter than the Clampett's car on Beverly Hillbillies. Of course, this will not stop him from going to the 10-items-or-less lane.


GOING OUT:

When a man says he is ready to go out, it means he is ready to go out. When a woman says she is ready to go out, it means she WILL be ready to go out, as soon as she finds her earrings, finishes putting on her makeup…


CATS:

Women love cats. Men say they love cats, but when women aren't looking, men kick cats.


OFFSPRING:

Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and soccer games and romances and best friends and favorite foods and secret fears and hopes and dreams. A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.


DRESSING UP:

A woman will dress up to: go shopping, water the plants, empty the garbage, answer the phone, read a book, get the mail. A man will dress up for: weddings, funerals.


DAVID LETTERMAN:

Men think David Letterman is the funniest man on the face of the Earth. Women think he is a mean, semi-dorky guy who always has a bad haircut.


LAUNDRY:

Women do laundry every couple of days. A man will ear every article of clothing he owns, including his surgical pants that were hip about eight years ago, before hi will do his laundry. When he is finally out of clothes, he will wear a dirty sweatshirt inside out, rent a U-Haul and take his mountain of clothes to the Laundromat. Men always expect to meet beautiful women at the Laundromat. This is a myth perpetuated by re-runs of old episodes of "Love, American Style."


WEDDINGS:

When reminiscing about weddings, women talk about "the ceremony". Men talk about "the bachelor party".


SOCKS:

Men wear sensible socks. They wear standard white sweat socks. Women wear strange socks. Socks that are cut way below the ankles, that have pictures of clouds, that have a big fuzzy ball on the back.


NICKNAMES:

If Gloria, Suzanne, Deborah, and Michelle go out for lunch, they will call each other Gloria, Suzanne, Deborah, and Michelle. But if Mike, Dave, Rob and Jack go out for a brewsky, they will affectionately refer to each other as Bullet-Head, Godzilla, Peanut-Head and Useless.


EATING OUT:

…and when the check comes, Mike, Dave, Rob and Jack will each throw in $20 bills, even though it's only for $22.50. none of them will have anything smaller, and none will actually admit they want change back. When the girls get their check, out come the pocket calculators.


MIRRORS:

Men are vain; they will check themselves out in a mirror. Women are ridiculous; they will check out their reflections in any shiny surface: mirrors, spoons, store windows, Joe Garagiola's head.


MENOPAUSE:

When a woman reaches menopause, she goes through a variety of complicated emotional, psychological, and biological changes. The nature and degree of these changes varies with the individual. Menopause in a man provokes a uniform reaction – he buys aviator glasses, a snazzy French cap and leather driving gloves, and goes shopping for a Porsche.


THE TELEPHONE:

Men see the telephone as a communication tool. They use the telephone to send short messages to other people. A woman can visit her girlfriend for two weeks, and upon returning home, she will call the same friend and they will talk for three hours.


DIRECTIONS:

If a woman is out driving, and she finds herself in unfamiliar surroundings, she will stop at a gas station and ask for directions. Men consider this to be a sign of weakness. Men will never stop and ask for directions. Men will drive in a circle for hours, all the while saying things like, "Looks like I've found a new way to get there." and, "I know I'm in the general neighborhood. I recognize that 7-11 store."


ADMITTING MISTAKES:

Women will sometimes admit making a mistake. The last man who admitted he was wrong was General George Custer.


RICHARD GERE:

Women like Richard Gere because he is sexy in a dangerous way. Men hate Richard Gere because he reminds them of that slick guy who works at the health club and dates only married women.


MADONNA:

Same as above, but reversed. Same reason.


TOYS:

Little girls love to play with toys. Then when they reach the age of 11 or 12, they lose interest. Men never grow out of their obsession with toys. As they get older, their toys simply become more expensive and silly and impractical. Examples of men's toys: little miniature TV's. Car phones. Complicated juicers and blenders. Graphic equalizers. Small robots that serve cocktails on command. Video games. Anything that blinks, beeps, and requires at least 6 "D" batteries to operate.


MOVIES:

Every actress in the history of movies has had to do a nude scene. This is because every movie in the history has been produced by a man. The only actor who has ever appeared nude in the movies is Richard Gere. This is another reason why men hate him.


SPORT ARENAS:

Simply put, men can always find their way around stadiums and arenas. The women usually end up following men.


TIME:

When a woman says she'll be ready to go out in five more minutes, she's using the same meaning of time as when a man says the football game's just got five minutes left. Neither of them is counting time outs, commercials, or replays.


CONVERSATION:

Men need a good disagreement to get talking, e.g., "Wow, great movie.", "What are you, nuts? No REAL cop would have an Uzi that size.", "Well, maybe he got it because he knew about those Mafia guys", etc. Women, not having this problem, try to initiate conversations with men by saying something agreeable: "That garden by the roadside looks lovely." "Mm hmm." Pause. "That was a good restaurant last night, wasn't it?" "Yeah." Pause. And so on.


FRIENDS:

Women on a girls' night out talk the whole time. Men on a boys' night out say about twenty words all night, most of which are "Pass the Doritos" or "Got any more beer?"


RESTROOMS:

Men use restrooms for purely biological reasons. Women use restrooms as social lounges. Men in restrooms will never speak a word to each other. Women who've never met will leave a restroom giggling together like old friends.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Weekend

WOW! I survived!

The weekend started with a drive to Pleasanton Friday to pick up my cousin at BART, and ended with mini golfing this evening. In between all that... Well, 1 big party, 1 birthday party, and 1 dish network set-up.

More on all those events later...with pictures.

For now though. I'm freakin' out because Dennis is IN CALIFORNIA! In the bay area even. And where am I? In Hilmar. 1 more full day, then Tuesday late afternoon I'm off to meet this man that I've gotten to know so well.

Pray for my nerves. Although I'm still not all that nervous, and I'm definitely not worried. Pray for God's will and following it. Pray for a good time with a new friend...and maybe more than just a friend. Pray for safe travels.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

How To Make Women Happy...The Point System

(advice according to women)

In the world of romance, one single rule applies: Make the woman happy. Do something she likes and you get points. Do something she dislikes and points are subtracted. You don't get any points for doing something she expects. Sorry, that's the way the game is played.

Simple Duties:
You make the bed (+1)
You make the bed, but forget to add the decorative pillows (0)
You throw the bedspread over rumpled sheets (-1)

You leave the toilet seat up (-5)
You replace the toilet paper roll when it is empty (0)
When the toilet paper roll is barren, you resort to Kleenex (-1)
When the Kleenex runs out you use the next bathroom (-2)

You go out to buy her extra-light panty liners with wings (+5)
In the snow (+8)
But return with beer (-5)

You check out a suspicious noise at night (0)
You check out a suspicious noise and it is nothing (0)
You check out a suspicious noise and it is something (+5)
You pummel it with a six iron (+10)
It's her pet (-10)

Social Engagements At a Party:
You stay by her side the entire party (0)
You stay by her side for a while, then leave to chat with a college drinking buddy (-2)
Named Tiffany (-4)
Tiffany is a dancer (-6)
Tiffany has implants (-8)

Her Birthday:
You take her out to dinner (0)
You take her out to dinner and it's not a sports bar (+1)
Okay, it is a sports bar (-2)
And it's all-you-can-eat night (-3)
It's a sports bar, it's all-you-can-eat night, and your face is painted in all of the colors of your favorite sports team (-10)

A Night Out With the Boys:
Go with a pal (-5)
The pal is happily married (-4)
Or frighteningly single (-7)
And he drives a Mustang (-10)
With a personalized license plate that reads GR8 N BED (-15)

A Night Out:
You take her to a movie (+2)
You take her to a movie she likes (+4)
You take her to a movie you hate (+6)
You take her to a movie you like (-2)
It's called DeathCop 9 (-3)
Which features cyborgs that eat humans (-9)
You lied and said it was a foreign film about orphans (-15)

Your Physique:
You develop a noticeable potbelly (-15)
You develop a noticeable potbelly and exercise to get rid of it (+10)
You develop a noticeable potbelly and resort to loose jeans and baggy Hawaiian shirts (-30)
You say, "It doesn't matter, you have one too." (-800)

Communication: When she wants to talk about a problem:
You listen, displaying what looks like a concerned expression (0)
You listen, for over 30 minutes (+5)
You listen for more than 30 minutes without looking at the TV (+100)
She realizes this is because you have fallen asleep (-20)


The Big Question: She asks, "Do I look fat?"
You hesitate in responding (-10)
You reply, "Where?" (-35)
Any other response (-20)

Friday, September 26, 2008

Mr. Alaska, part 2

So I've gotten a couple "What's up with Mr. Alaska?" questions lately. So maybe it's time to share some more.

If you'd like to read part 1 to get caught up (like I'm going to real quick to know where I left off), then please do so before reading more.

Ok, so the latest. Guess what? We're still talking! Shocking I know! It's really quite cute, we act as one another's alarm clock. He's really good at "hitting the snooze button", groggily asking if I can call back in 10 minutes. We talk throughout the day. And when we're not talking we're texting.

What do we talk and text so much about you ask? Everything! The meaning of life, world peace, the weather (not kidding!), his kids, my family, his upcoming trip, life in our respective locations, God, what we're looking for in a future mate, etc. And I think we've almost solved world hunger. But we talk about the same stuff you would if you were on a date.

Did I mention his upcoming trip? Oh, look at that I did. Did I mention before that he's coming to California? Coincidence? Fate? Part of God's plan...? Hummm....not sure, I'm leaning more towards the latter though.... This Sunday, Dennis flies into San Francisco for work. He'll be in meetings for 2 days. Tuesday I'm ditching work a little early, I'm taking 3 days off, and I'm driving to San Francisco to meet him, hang out with him, and see how we click. We'll be staying there for a night then coming back to Hilmar. He leaves the following Sunday.

Can I admit? I'm not one bit worried about this. Not at all. Nervous, yes! Excited, definitely! Anxious, yep! But not worried or concerned. We get along great on the phone. Now it's just to see if we get along great in person. Every now and again though, a little butterfly does flips in my tummy.

So you know what that means...? Any guesses?

None. No, come on you guys!

That means that next week I'll have pictures to share! I know that some of you are super excited about that.

Note to family... I'll leave every contact number, itinarery, driving route, etc. with numerous people to calm your concerns. Please understand that with meeting guys online, like was pushed on me for so long, that eventually you have to meet them. Just pray for God's will.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Dating Ad Translations

Want to know what the person is REALLY like behind those "nice" 

descriptions in Singles Ads?  Here are some translations.  


 

DANDY LITTLE HOUSE KEEPER: 

She has been married three times and kept all the houses


 

FINE CHARACTER

She's an ex-hooker


 

KNOWS HOW TO HANDLE MONEY:

She's a spend thrift and great at spending yours


 

STRONG FAMILY TIES:

She's a Mafia Princess


 

LOVES CHILDREN:

She's pregnant and needs a husband


 

WONDERFUL PERSONALITY:

She's fat


 

GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR:

She's fat and will laugh at anything you say


 

THE OUTDOOR TYPE:

She hunts, fishes, chews tobacco, just like the guys


 

READY TO SETTLE DOWN:

She's thirty-five, in a state of panic, and dying to marry


 

LIKES TO HAVE A GOOD TIME:

She gets drunk every time she goes out


 

LOTS OF FUN AT PARTIES:

Often makes an ass of herself


 

MATURE WOMAN:

She's at least thirty, but looks at least forty-five


 

HAS THE APPEARANCE OF A YOUNG SCHOOL GIRL:

She's at least thirty-three, but dresses like a teenager


 

CASUAL:

She dresses like a slob


 

DECORATED HER OWN PLACE:

Her apartment resembles a pig sty


 

A GREAT DANCER:

She's a Stripper 


 

NOT OVERLY EMOTIONAL:

She only cries twenty-seven times a day


 

DOESN'T CHASE MEN:

She's more of a mousetrap or a black widow spider type


 

SELDOM DATES:

She's a lesbian who needs a male escort for something


 

UNDERSTANDS MEN:

She's been married and divorced four times


 

A GOOD SPORT:

She knows two hundred jokes & can drink you under the table


 

LOOKS AND DRESSES LIKE A MODEL:

She's five eleven and weighs seventy-three pounds


 

BEEN IN SHOW BUSINESS:

She's a former porn movie star


 

KNOWS A LOT OF INTERESTING PEOPLE:

None of whom would marry her


 

So what are you? What would you claim in your ad?

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Distractions

The last few weeks of golfing my game has gone down hill. I blame the heat. I blame the fact that we golfed the bottom 9 holes on the 11th. The others blame a certain "distraction".

'nuf said. I received this via text (duh!), but I golf with Devon. So she knows about this "distraction". Anyone wanna guess who or what my distraction is?

I keep threating my "distractor" that this "distractee" is going to leave her phone in the car. But it never happens.

What can I say? I like being distracted.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Social Styles

Last week I participants in a leadership boot camp. It was an intense 2 1/2 days. Mentally draining. Challenging. Well worth it!

One of my favorite exercises that we did was figure out what social style each of the 14 participants fell into. There are 4 quadrants: Analytical, Driver, Expressive, and Amiable. And within each of the 4 quadrants it breaks down further into sub quadrants with the same categories analytical, driver, expressive, and amiable. What you are depends if you ask/tell and how you control/display emotions.

So who would like to guess what I am? Come on, I know you want to. Fine! I'll tell you. I am a Driver Amiable. Which means that the main quadrant that I fall into is amiable, and sub quadrant is a driver.

So what does that mean you ask? I know it's all confusing and Greek I'm sure. Below is a list of my working style strengths...

  • People-oriented; sensitive to others
  • Concerned about others
  • Encourages cooperation
    -serve as harmonizers
  • Consensus-seekers
  • Involve others; attend to group process
  • Patient
  • Good listener
  • Team builders
  • Good coaches/counselor

and potential blindspots...

  • Too indirect, too nice - beat around the bush
  • Passive-agressive (may not speak up to someone directly, but whine to others)
  • Seem wishy-washy (too easily influenced) try to agree with everyone to avoid conflict
  • Don't say no when they want to/should
  • Overly seek consensus and others' approval
  • Overly sensitive

Ding ding ding! We have a winner! The only thing I don't agree with...patient. If you know me, then you know that all of that is true. Can I get an AMEN?

So that is what I am, amiable. But I also tend to be a bit of a driver when I need to be. So what are the driver working style strengths you ask...

  • Barrier buster - get results
  • Have a sense of urgency
  • Efficient in their work
  • Appear confident...sure of themselves
  • Clearly communicate expectations
  • Willing to express their opinions
  • Concise - direct and to the point
  • Like challenges
  • Willing to take charge/impose control
  • Able to make decisions/take calculated risks
  • Have high expectations of themselves

and potential blindspots...

  • Push too hard with their own ideas
  • Don't ask for or appear to listen to ideas from others
  • Expect too much too fast from others
  • Insensitive to concerns of others
  • Intimidating...impatient

Yeah, I can get that way sometimes when needed.

Ok, so what does this all mean you ask. It means that I'm a people pleaser that can get a little bossy at times.

I also learned that we tend to be attracted to what is opposite of ourselves. Hummm...this made me curious. So I decided that I needed to ask Dennis (Mr. Alaska) the questions to find out what he falls into. I think it took him all off a minute to answer the questions as I read them off to him. Everything was one side or the other, no middle ground answers. See, now I've got your attention. Now you're curious. I'll report back another day with what Dennis falls into.

Just kidding! That means I'd actually have to remember to post a continuation to this blog. Too hard! So here you go...

Dennis is an Expressive Driver. So his main quadrant is Driver and the sub quadrant is Expressive. You already know what the driver strengthes and blindspots are, so I'll quickly tell you what they are for expressive, working style strengths...

  • Energizing
  • Motivating
  • Upbeat - enthusiastic - positive
  • Offer reinforcement
  • Generate enthusiasm
  • Visionary...often initiators of change
  • Create excitement and involvement
  • Share ideas and dreams
  • Good brainstormers
  • Fun

and potential blindspots...

  • Too much, too high energy; can be draining
  • Too big picture - don't provide enough details
  • Too open to change (scope busters on projects)
  • Move too quickly for others and/or without checking out assumptions or attending to details
  • Like to work more on fun stuff vs. routine work
  • Easily bored by slower paced communicators

From what I can tell, yes, that is Dennis! He's spontaneous, while I'm more thought out and planned.

Sorry this is long. It's good stuff. Really!

That means read it! I know, lots of words. Just do it!


For more information on social styles go here, or google it.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Mr. Right Rejection Form Letter

Dear (____rejectee's name here____ ),

I regret to inform you that you have been eliminated from further contention as my Mr. Right.

As you are probably aware, the competition was exceedingly tough and dozens of well-qualified candidates such as yourself also failed to make the final cut. I will, however, keep your name on file should an opening become available. So that you may find better success in your future romantic endeavors, please allow me to offer the following reason(s) you were disqualified from the competition:

[Check all those that apply]

___ Your breasts are bigger than mine.

___ Your last name is objectionable. I can't imagine taking it, hyphenating it, or subjecting my children to it.

___ The fact that our finest dining experience to date has been at McDonald's reveals a thriftiness that I find unappealing.

___ Your inadvertent admission that you "buy condoms by the truckload" indicates that you may be interested in me for something other than my personality.

___ You failed the 20 Question Rule, i.e., I asked you 20 questions about yourself before you asked me one.

___ Your legs are skinnier than mine. If you can FIT into my pants, then you can't GET into my pants.

___ Your "Putting on a few, aren't you babe?" comment, given the 9-months pregnant size of Your Own beer gut, was inappropriate.

___ You failed the credit check.

___ I find your inability to fix my car extraordinarily unappealing.

___ The fact that your apartment has been condemned reveals an inherent slovenliness that I fear is unbreakable.

___ The phrase "My Mother" has popped up far too often in conversation.

___ You still live with your parents, and attending night classes to get your High School diploma, are slight negatives.

___ You mention your ex-wife's name more than you mention mine.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

What Women Need to Know: 20 Things Men Find Irresistible

Listen up, ladies! Men love it when you:
  1. Have the ability to tease, be playful and take a joke
  2. Know that men are not, in fact, from Mars, and women are not from Venus
  3. Wear our T-shirts and boxers
  4. Call us out of the blue (if we're dating; not if we're practically strangers)
  5. Kiss creatively
  6. Have a social conscience and enjoy a good debate
  7. Have an easy-going attitude about watching or participating in athletic events occasionally
  8. Are comfortable leading the whole way in bed
  9. Ask for advice about non-stereotypically male stuff (yes, guys usually know what CD player to buy, but we like to be taken seriously about other things too)
  10. Are charming and thoughtful to his mother
  11. Can hold up your hair using only a pencil
  12. Are sexy and smart at the same time -- for example, you do the Sunday crossword wearing a pair of flirty pajamas
  13. Have the ability to remind us what gifts you like, without implying an obligation
  14. Have a spirit of independence, but one that doesn't make the man in your life feel unnecessary
  15. Know the difference between flirting and just "being friendly"
  16. Eat a big meal and fearlessly order dessert
  17. Take naps next to us
  18. Send us flowers (believe it or not, men like getting flowers, too!)
  19. Know what you want
  20. Know what you want to do