WEEKENDS ARE FOR WARRIORS

If I was like my Kitty, who's life is eating, drinking, pooping, sleeping, and more sleeping, I'd wouldn't care about the weekends so much.  Every day would just kind of roll into the next.  Maybe I'd eat more one day, sleep more the next, vomit up a hair ball for excitement, etc.

But when you're single after a long relationship ends weekends can be looked upon with dread - starting from Friday Evening and working clear through Sunday after sunset.

My girlfriends who have been single for a long while say I'm a sissy.  Like them I need to get my "Nija on" and learn to enjoy the weekends like a warrior - keeping extremely busy so I have no time to think.  They say weekends are a time to get together with friends, family, do fun things, etc., but again, it's hard when those "get togethers" always included a partner.

So I've decided to come up with plan (at least for the next few months) to keep myself very busy on those days to turn them from the "dreaded three" into the "blissful triad."

Here's a list of a few activities that could keep me busy 
(Warning what follows can go from serious to completely absurd in 0 point 5 seconds)

Become a docent at the neighborhood museum on weekends. (Okay so I'm not 70, but I love art and could meet a creative guy, right.  Although this works for during the day mostly)
Help out at the public library (again works for during the day...)
Finish my great American Novel
People watch at the nearest mall
Movie marathon weekend
Movie marathon weekend with girlfriends
Movie marathon weekend at the theater (could take care of Friday night and Saturday night, but can be expensive)
Get a job working Friday and Saturday nights (What?  I must be losing it!)
Enroll in a weekend class - maybe learn to cook Greek food or make Sushi?
I could take up Fencing or the Tango?  There has to be a Saturday Class somewhere...
Or an online decorating course?
Work out so hard Friday Night that it takes most of Saturday to recover (that would leave only Sunday if I haven't pulled something) 
Sleep all weekend like my cat.

Hurray for me!  The new weekend Warrior!
(Uh, I think I need a little help...suggestions from all of you would be greatly appreciated!)

GETTING NAKED AGAIN

I really wish I could take credit for that title...isn't it great?  Actually it's the name of a book I'm reading right now about getting back out there on the dating scene after leaving a marriage (or being left from a marriage) after many years, or after becoming a widow. 
And I must say I find the info quite helpful...
Okay, so I'm not ready to do it, but I might be next week (or most likely next year).  And honestly after being married for fifteen years and suddenly single, I'm a little terrified of showing my middle-aged (albeit fit) body to anyone.  Right now can't imagine it.  But this book is showing me that it is possible, when I'm ready.  Jeeze, I'm just trying to find out who I really am after putting someone else's needs first for so many years.  Anyway, I'm enjoying the book and thought others might too.
Love and laughs...

LIVING IN HELL!

So it is hot as Satan's finger tips today in L.A...

Not that I'm complaining, but when you go from 60F to 100F in point 24 hours with no transitional weather in between it kind of puts everyone into a weird kind of funk, and people wander around asking, "How did we get from there to here so fast, and do I put the winter clothes away finally, or give it another week?" kind of conundrum.  

Even Shakespeare (my cat) and Marlowe (my dog) can't decide if they should sleep on the warm comfy blanket in their cat/doggy beds or cool cotton sheets on mine.

And when it's hot EVERYONE is out!  That's right.  If you think the freeways are bad on a regular day out here, just try getting through on a nice day - when everyone, including their mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, niece, nephew, and extended family of any kind feels the need to get on the road and DO SOMETHING for the halibut! fogetoboutit!

I do love sunny days, but not the ones where you literally get singed, and smell asphalt.  But hey all in all, I love L.A. and besides there are waaaaay more pressing issues then me burning up here.

BP Oil Spill anyone???

FIVE WORST THINGS TO SAY TO YOUR (MALE) DATE

Never, ever say these things to your date:

1.  Your hands look really small.

2.  Is that your real hair?

3.  You might want to wipe the shine from the
    top your head.

4.  What kind of car do you drive?

5.  How much money do you make?

What are the five worse things you can think of???

COUPONS ON THE FIRST DATE???

Coupons on a first date? Hmmm...

So I understand that we're in hard economic times, but when you first take a guy out, or they take you out, I'm a firm believer of letting them know they're worth your time and money.  And when you, me or the guy/gal pulls out a coupon to pay for dinner - well, it says, not so much.

Ouch!

I say if the dating goes well, pull it out after the third or fourth date?

Just my opinion.  What do you think?

THE BIRD MAN

Well this is what I did...like I said before I'm new at all the stuff.  And he was nice looking, not really my type but hey he bought "Eat Pray Love," so he's the sensitive type, right?

So I invited him to sit down.  We talked for a little bit.  He seemed inhibited and intimidated - which is weird since I never thought of myself as intimidating.  Turns out he was a bird watcher.  That's right, a bird watcher!  As much as I love birds I have never had an interest in standing around (or crawling around) to watch them.  But as he talked on, and on, it turns out its a very social thing.  Who knew?   

Bird watching in California is big.

Anyway, he seemed nice so when he asked me for my number, I gave it.

 

btw, I know this looks like a cute little finchy bird, but this is a Bullock's Oriole 

Should I go out with the bird man if he calls?
To Be Continued...

A SWEET DATE

Ah, Dating...(or in my case, the 

lack there of)

Nothing fills up a dateless night like watching Netflix (TV shows you've always wanted to watch with no commercials, YAY!) and a big slice of red velvet cake.

Yes, tonight sweets (and wine) are my date.  And I'm not ashamed of it.  Red Velvet cupcakes are my favorite in the whole-wide world.  

What's your favorite??? 

Movie Star Crush

They don't make em like this anymore. 

SEX AFTER MARRIAGE???

Recently, I read this article in More Magazine about sex after divorce, and realized how terrified I am about ever having to do this again.  

I was married for fifteen years, and though I still have a libido, I can't imagine giving it up to just anyone.  Yes I am older and my body has changed, but more than that I just am truly terrified of getting intimate with someone else at this point in my life and being dumped by them.  

I love to date, but it seams after two or three with the same guy they are ready for a roll in the hay.  So far I haven't been.   I've only been separated for a few months.  Maybe I'm being to hard on myself.  What do you think?

http://www.more.com/2039/11603-sex-after-divorce

WIDGETS, TWITTER AND BLOGS, OH MY!

I sat down to the computer at 10 a.m. and it's now 3:36 p.m.  It's insane how obsessed I am with it right now.  Between scoping out new widgets, twitter backgrounds, and website templates for online social media stuff it's a wonder I ever get anything done.  

And I'm obsessed with blogs.  I love researching them and reading them.  Better than reading a book or watching TV sometimes.  

But hey, I guess if you're gonna have an addiction web surfing is better than drinking, smoking or drugs.  And cheaper by far...

BAGGAGE HOLDING

So I'm wondering where we all should go to find our own Mr. Middle-Aged Right??  The problem is, though I think most men look better as they age, they all come with some sort of baggage - as do most women.  I guess the thing is, how do you know how much baggage is too much baggage?  I mean, Kids and ex's are a given at this stage of most of our lives, but when is it too much?

DATING WARDROBE MUST HAVES!

Dating attire for a woman in her 40's is a little different than that of girl in her 20's.  

That said here are my picks for the top five dating wardrobe pieces:

1.  A pair of great fitting jeans.

I'm talking designer here, ladies.  And you know the ones.  We all have a favorite pair that fits us just right.  And if you don't have them, it's time to invest!  This is one piece of clothing that will last season after season.

2.  A Sexy Little Black Skirt.

Mine is a pencil skirt that fits right above the knees.  It can be more casual with a tight fitting sweater or more formal with a chemise and jacket, but it is a must for your closet.

3. A flirty Chemise.  Okay I'm a fanatic about these.  I have them in many colors from plain silk to sequined, but if you can only afford one, winter white in a clingy fabric is best.

4. A Tailored Jacket.  I don't know if you're seeing a pattern, but everything listed here can be worn in different ways.  The cute little tailored jacket is mandatory...for skirts or jeans.

5.  The Clingy Sweater

This is a fun piece that when worn with a large necklace, can take center stage.  Again it works with the jeans as it does with the skirt.

You can't go wrong with any of these and you'll look hot on your next date if you wear any one of them.  These are my picks but I'd love to hear what yours are.

MILLIIONAIRE MATCHMAKER - WHAT A CROCK!

I watched this show last night called, Millionaire Match Maker or something like that and I was appalled at how tacky the match maker woman and her motley crew looked.  I mean tattoos, mohawk hair dos and people dressing waaaay toooo young for who they are, Patti!!!  Jeeze you're over 40! (or 40 - whatever!)  You're not 16 Honey.  You can't pull off those looks anymore. 

No wonder the millionaires that come on her show don't trust her judgment. And, it really didn't look like she knew what she was doing either.  No wonder the dates didn't work out.  What a crappy show!  Won't be watching that again!!!

WHAT ARE SOME FUN IDEAS FOR A FIRST DATE?

What's a fun date? 
Check the link for suggestions
http://bit.ly/82dXpF


Do you agree with him?

If so, tell me why and if not tell me why.

THE COLD THAT WOULDN'T LEAVE

So from stomach flu to head cold.  Really getting rediculous now.  I feel like I can't walk outside for fear of picking up some new and unknown virus.  What's a girl to do?  Does anyone have any suggestions for making a cold go away quicker???  Would love to hear it.  oxox (cough, cough)

This website tells you how to know a cold from the flu.  Good info...  

http://bit.ly/8lNj8o

LOVE THIS, LOVE THIS, LOVE THIS!

I'm feeling much better thanks to this...

http://www.raincitystory.com/flash/screenclean.swf

copy and Enjoy!

STARTING OVER...

Is not fun and I'm not good at it.  Whether it's saying good bye to a fair weathered friend or telling someone you really like that you're not ready for that kind of relationship.  Either way you loose something and have to be Okay with that.  But, what you're gaining is setting boundaries for yourself and in the process defining what self respect really is. And that's a good thing. 

UH-OH, NOT AGAIN...

I know, I know...I shouldn't have gone on this blind date but it was from a reliable source so I thought, "What the hey!"  

I have never felt so interrogated in my life!  Everything I said this guy argued with.  Not a great way to try and get to know someone, not to mention get on someone's good side.  And he was kind of smug, you know, like what he said was the only thing that mattered.  

Now, my poor friends who set me up were there too (thank God!) playing referee most of he night and buffering this guy's questions/inquisition towards me.  But I'm a big girl and did relatively well.  That is until I decided I didn't want to "Play" anymore.

I left after an hour or so, and you know what?  The guy actually called me the next day telling me how cute I was and how he wanted to take me out.  Uh, No!!  Don't think so.  Mr. Interrogator can go batter someone else, thank you very much!  

Any thoughts, girls?

KNOW THYSELF???

So a new year and a new life!  It's funny but I'm so not in a hurry to rush into anything with anyone.  For the first time in years I am going to get to know myself.  Yeah, scary...  

What do you do to get to know yourself?  Do you know yourself?  Do any of us really know ourselves?  For so many years my likes were based on someone Else's "likings" that I wonder what I really do like.  Okay I'm confusing you, I know, but really what do I like and what makes me happy?  I will ponder this question and get back to you.  In the meantime feel free to comment.  :)

THE SPA THAT NEVER WAS...

Well I had a great time with my ex but it turns out I got Food Poisoning the very next day so the spa weekend is all a blur amongst the vomit, nausea, body aches, etc. As a matter of fact I've been down for the last five days, just now climbing out from under the rock. This year, "Out With The Old" took on a whole new meaning let me tell ya!