Yo yo yo! I'm back, and have I got news for you, buddy boy (and girl). You are not special! Did you hear me? You. Are. Not. Special. And the sooner you realize that, the easier relationships will be. What? Did I hear you ask "Why Sarah, isn't everyone special?" Well as a matter of fact no. No one is special. Not you. Not me. Not your mom. Not your daughter. Not your brother. Not even that guy at the office that makes you feel a little dizzy when he walks by. We are all pretty much the same. Remind yourself of this when you look in the mirror and you think to yourself, "Self - you look very attractive today! Way to hang in there with those jump squats!" Instead, think to yourself , "Self, you are average. Average. And there is nothing wrong with average. Deal with it or be miserable forever."
And this, my friends, was the gist of my last therapy session. I walked out of the door in tears. Hot, angry, confused, frustrated, embarrassed tears.
Okay, I'll back up some. First of all, let me apologize for being a stranger. I've been busy making love. I mean shopping. Which is, in fact, my unhealthy substitute for the horizontal cha-cha. Which, in further fact, means I've sort of been getting more @$$ than a toilet seat. At any rate, I have been busy spending my new home buyers credit and involving myself in home-improvement projects. I have discovered that Sarah is a very creative girl! Custom crystal chandelier anyone?
So I'm spending money, and simultaneously mulling over what went wrong with my flirting strategy. Was it me? My methods? Was I going to the right places at the wrong times? Are there really just no available men in plain sight? I think the answer is all and none of the above. And I was discussing these dating difficulties with my therapist on Friday. I wanted to make it clear that I didn't think that the reason I wasn't having any luck was based on a belief that I wasn't good looking enough. It happens to be my opinion that I am pretty attractive. The older I get, the more comfortable I am in my skin. I like who I see in the mirror. Yes, my teeth are crooked, my butt is flat and I have mama tummy, but I see more pretty things in the mirror than I do un-pretty things. And, as anyone who has known me for very long can attest, that is something!
Meanwhile, back on the couch, I am winding out my session. I think we were talking about the importance of me expanding my social circle with both male and female acquaintances. Then, I was asked "Sarah, what if you aren't 'incredibly good looking?' What if you are actually just normal like everybody else?" Say what? "But I didn't --" "Oh, yes, you did. You called yourself attractive, and it isn't the first time. You have set up a scale with you up here and everybody else down here." "But I didn't - I don't think of myself as being better looking than anybody, I just mean that I don't think I'm a troll!" This gave even more evidence of my self appreciation. Me and John Edwards -- two peas in a pod.
We then partook in a small scale debate on the definition of special. According to the doctor, I am not special. No one is, in fact. So I should accept that I am just a normal person with normal looks and a normal personality and let go of the delusion that I am this extraordinarily beautiful, unique, 'special' woman who deserves something more extraordinary than plain ol' average people. Then I scheduled another appointment, laid my money on the table and walked out of the room with an "I'm fine, I swear" half smile on my face.
Now, if some of the events in this story were untrue, if the doctor had not gone to the trouble of actually looking up the definition of special in not 1, but 2 dictionaries, to prove her point that no one is special, or more blessed with certain qualities than anyone else, then I would have taken this admonishment to reflect on the idea that even if I didn't think that I was pretty, it wouldn't mean that I didn't deserve good love. That even if I were dull and boring, I would still deserve good love. Everyone deserves love. But instead, I heard her say that I had a somewhat narcissistic attitude that probably came through in my conversations and interactions with those around me, and that it was probably quite a turn off. She really said that. That's why I heard it.
It didn't hurt that my doctor doesn't think I'm a stunner. It hurt that she took my candid confession that I was pretty happy with my looks, added it to the fact that I have trouble meeting men and putting myself into social situations, and came up with a diagnoses of delusions of grandeur and conceit. I just don't feel like that fits. Maybe I'm wrong. If I am, let me know and I won't fire my therapist.
Now, in what may be my have been my last session with my heretofore esteemed therapist, I did come away with two very good homework assignments: 1) no impulsive or indulgent spending this month -- only groceries and necessary toiletries; and 2) get back on the internet dating wagon and ride like the wind! I am taking both of these assignments seriously because I feel them. It's time for big changes and bold actions on both of these fronts. It's time to get what I want instead of wrecking my finances trying to fill a round hole with a square peg. Shut up.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Love's Slow Mosey: A Completely Fictional Tortoise Tail
Once upon a time, in a land very far from here, there lived a quirky, uniquely attractive, often contrary, and singularly single tortoise named Lola. At 72, she was just entering her prime and possessed a genuine lust for life and the hope that, despite her several flaws, she would one day find the love that she had touched briefly, yet passionately, in the mysterious world of her dreams.
Love in Lola's dreams came complete with an intelligent and pampering paramour with a beautiful, yet rugged shell and strong, yet tender feet. He could make her laugh, oh how he could make her laugh. His wit and charm were his most gorgeous features. He liked all of the things that man-tortoises were supposed to like, such as waxing his shell, drinking fermented berry juice, and playing fantasy shell ball. Lola did not bother with tortoises that did not fit his description. Her unwavering stance on this left her very lonely, extremely discouraged and more than a little exasperated.
Every day she planned how she would meet Mr. Dreamy. She would often go "shell shopping," as she liked to call it. Though it seemed to Lola to be an exercise in futility, it was an exercise she refused to relinquish. Each time she stepped out of her nest and headed for one of the many establishments purported to be heavily occupied by the male of her species, she did so with hope and anticipation that this would be the trip that would make all the others worth the effort.
But each trip was a cookie-cutter version of the last. "Why are all the single tortoises so dopey and unworthy of my efforts?", she wondered. If one turtle had a nice beak, he had wimpy feet. If he had nice feet, he could barely organize a complete sentence. If he was intelligent and witty, he seemed to be in need of a 12 step program to deal with his apparent overuse of the food supply.
Why, oh why couldn't she find a man-tortoise who measured up to her specific, yet reasonable, standards?
On a particular Saturday in early spring, her sister Rose called to chat, as she did nearly every day. But this call took a surprising turn. Quite unexpectedly, Rose put Lola on the phone with Rose's old friend Burt. Rose had been trying to arrange a date for Lola and Burt for a nearly a year, but something always seemed to come up, and frankly, Lola just wasn’t comfortable with the whole idea anyway. In fact, this particular night, when Burt asked her out for coffee, Lola cringed just a little, dreading the awkward evening to come. Don't get me wrong, she had always thought Burt to be handsome and sweet, but she was pretty sure he wasn't her type.
Much to Lola's surprise and delight, she enjoyed her short date with Burt and was happy when he asked her if they could meet again the very next day. After their next get-together, to her great joy, she realized that his many unique interests were undeniably more attractive to her than the stereotypical prerequisites that only the day before she had held so dear.
Lola suddenly found herself spending an unsettling amount of her time thinking of Burt and their date. To get him off of her mind, she began the task of cynically analyzing the likely outcome of the situation. She made a mental list of their obvious incompatibilities and added to that all of the ways that she could end up looking like an ass (to tortoises, donkeys are thought to look rather foolish) if she allowed herself to crush on Burt only to find out that the attraction wasn't shared.
But Lola's large, steady, stubborn heart was dead set on staying the course. Her logic and reason could not convince her that this trip into the unknown wasn't worth the risks. Only time knows what became of Lola and Burt, but one thing is certain: Lola had found the courage to be vulnerable and, at least for a while, to bask in the exciting glow of life outside of her shell.
Love in Lola's dreams came complete with an intelligent and pampering paramour with a beautiful, yet rugged shell and strong, yet tender feet. He could make her laugh, oh how he could make her laugh. His wit and charm were his most gorgeous features. He liked all of the things that man-tortoises were supposed to like, such as waxing his shell, drinking fermented berry juice, and playing fantasy shell ball. Lola did not bother with tortoises that did not fit his description. Her unwavering stance on this left her very lonely, extremely discouraged and more than a little exasperated.
Every day she planned how she would meet Mr. Dreamy. She would often go "shell shopping," as she liked to call it. Though it seemed to Lola to be an exercise in futility, it was an exercise she refused to relinquish. Each time she stepped out of her nest and headed for one of the many establishments purported to be heavily occupied by the male of her species, she did so with hope and anticipation that this would be the trip that would make all the others worth the effort.
But each trip was a cookie-cutter version of the last. "Why are all the single tortoises so dopey and unworthy of my efforts?", she wondered. If one turtle had a nice beak, he had wimpy feet. If he had nice feet, he could barely organize a complete sentence. If he was intelligent and witty, he seemed to be in need of a 12 step program to deal with his apparent overuse of the food supply.
Why, oh why couldn't she find a man-tortoise who measured up to her specific, yet reasonable, standards?
On a particular Saturday in early spring, her sister Rose called to chat, as she did nearly every day. But this call took a surprising turn. Quite unexpectedly, Rose put Lola on the phone with Rose's old friend Burt. Rose had been trying to arrange a date for Lola and Burt for a nearly a year, but something always seemed to come up, and frankly, Lola just wasn’t comfortable with the whole idea anyway. In fact, this particular night, when Burt asked her out for coffee, Lola cringed just a little, dreading the awkward evening to come. Don't get me wrong, she had always thought Burt to be handsome and sweet, but she was pretty sure he wasn't her type.
Much to Lola's surprise and delight, she enjoyed her short date with Burt and was happy when he asked her if they could meet again the very next day. After their next get-together, to her great joy, she realized that his many unique interests were undeniably more attractive to her than the stereotypical prerequisites that only the day before she had held so dear.
Lola suddenly found herself spending an unsettling amount of her time thinking of Burt and their date. To get him off of her mind, she began the task of cynically analyzing the likely outcome of the situation. She made a mental list of their obvious incompatibilities and added to that all of the ways that she could end up looking like an ass (to tortoises, donkeys are thought to look rather foolish) if she allowed herself to crush on Burt only to find out that the attraction wasn't shared.
But Lola's large, steady, stubborn heart was dead set on staying the course. Her logic and reason could not convince her that this trip into the unknown wasn't worth the risks. Only time knows what became of Lola and Burt, but one thing is certain: Lola had found the courage to be vulnerable and, at least for a while, to bask in the exciting glow of life outside of her shell.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Gimme a P! Gimme an A! Gimme a T! Forget it, this is taking too long.
Have you ever set your mind to something, publicly announced your intentions, planned out how you were going to achieve your goal, put your best foot forward and then found that it wasn't working out the way you had envisioned? No? Me neither. If you'll excuse me for a moment, it seems that my pants are on fire and I should see about putting them out.
Okay, I'm back. And yes, I am feeling a little dejected and doubtful about the success of this particular venture. I am really trying to be creative and resourceful in manufacturing opportunities to meet men, but where are the men?! I can be pretty darn tenacious when I want to be, but I am beginning to question my intestinal fortitude when it comes to finding a mate. Unrewarded anticipation is not quite my bag.
But alas, as my good friend John Quincy Adams once said, "Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." Of course he was probably giving an impassioned speech before congress on the merits and worthwhile task of abolishing slavery in the face of much opposition. While that puts my life in perspective a little, I happen to liken myself unto a slave of sorts. A slave to loneliness trying to hop a train on the underground railroad to love.
Would you believe that right this very moment there is a really cute man in my house? No, I'm not referring to some tow-headed, bright-eyed toddler. A real man. He's hooking up my satellite tv service. I wonder how long I could keep him here under the ruse that I can't get the hang of the new remote. Maybe I could ask him to explain in detail how exactly the receivers pick up the satellite signal and whether he thinks we have secret spy satellites orbiting alongside the tv satellites. Then we can make tinfoil hats together.
I think his woman just called him.
Mr. Adams, I will not let this set back, or any other, keep me from the call of my mission.
God bless persistence, and God bless America!
Okay, I'm back. And yes, I am feeling a little dejected and doubtful about the success of this particular venture. I am really trying to be creative and resourceful in manufacturing opportunities to meet men, but where are the men?! I can be pretty darn tenacious when I want to be, but I am beginning to question my intestinal fortitude when it comes to finding a mate. Unrewarded anticipation is not quite my bag.
But alas, as my good friend John Quincy Adams once said, "Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." Of course he was probably giving an impassioned speech before congress on the merits and worthwhile task of abolishing slavery in the face of much opposition. While that puts my life in perspective a little, I happen to liken myself unto a slave of sorts. A slave to loneliness trying to hop a train on the underground railroad to love.
Would you believe that right this very moment there is a really cute man in my house? No, I'm not referring to some tow-headed, bright-eyed toddler. A real man. He's hooking up my satellite tv service. I wonder how long I could keep him here under the ruse that I can't get the hang of the new remote. Maybe I could ask him to explain in detail how exactly the receivers pick up the satellite signal and whether he thinks we have secret spy satellites orbiting alongside the tv satellites. Then we can make tinfoil hats together.
I think his woman just called him.
Mr. Adams, I will not let this set back, or any other, keep me from the call of my mission.
God bless persistence, and God bless America!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Vaccination, All I Ever Wanted
Howdy do! I hope everyone is doing fine this Thursday evening. This morning I was rather unsure how my day would play out, but it's been much more pleasant than I expected. I can now head into my weekend feeling relaxed and happy.
If I could shrink you and put you in my pocket all weekend, this is where you would go:
Saturday
10:30 am - take the dog to the vet for the first time since I got her 2 years ago. It was hard to admit to the girl who set our appointment that I had been so neglectful. She said not to worry about it. Boy was I glad to hear that! I was afraid I was going to get some sort of animal activist punishment, like maybe a letter with pictures of neglected animals smeared in dog poop and hand delivered by Sarah McLaughlin. The letter would be smeared in dog poop, not the animals, by the way. I guess I misplaced my predicate or something. Now, I'll bet you're thinking to yourself, "while this story is captivating, what does it have to do with bagging a man?" Funny you should ask. Remember the Dogtopia indoor playdate meetup group I joined? Well we can't partake in any of the fun until Maggie has all of her shots. Also, this fabulous weather has inspired me to try a visit to one of Raleigh's many dog parks. (Oh, now I get it! Vaccination, all I ever wanted. Like the Go-Go's song Vacation, except she said vaccination 'cause she's taking her dog in for shots! How clever. Where does she come up with this stuff?)
12:00 pm - get my hair done. I can't decide if I want to grow it out or keep it short. I like it short, but I need a change. I've been sporting this do for about a year now. Maybe I could just do short a different way. I'll look at some pictures online later. Whatever I choose, it must be sexy. Or at least super cute. Ok, I'll settle for not butch. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!)
2:00 pm - mother/daughter yoga workshop with my 14 year old. I can't believe she's dragging me to something so lame! Like, how totally embarrasing! What? Oh, that's right. I'm the one dragging her. Well, so what. She's leaving me in 3 short years. We need to bond a little. I think it will be fun!
7:00 pm - now we're off to my friend Tanya's house. Care for a little bitty cocktail? Here we shall prepare for an evening out on the town. This is my first time out since my divorce where there has been no mistaking that the mission for the evening is to talk to men. None of this "I swear, I'm only out to have fun with my girl friends! I am totally too secure and aloof to spend any time trying to get attention from boys." Nope. This time it's me and a couple of wing-nuts. I mean wing-women. There will be ring checks, accidental bumps, and no crossing of the arms, which I understand fom my studies is the universal sign for "back the &$*# off, buster, or you're liable to take one in the crotch." And not in a good way.
Sunday
2:00 am (actually 3:00 am - don't forget to spring forward this weekend!) - tumble into a cab and head back to Tanya's tosleep it off recap our night out over a nice cup of tea.
8:00 am - yeah right.
11:00 am - do a little internet refresher on Their Eyes Were Watching God (can you believe the library didn't have it?)
1:30 pm - head off to my very first book club meeting. It's at some Starbucks in Raleigh. Ahh, there is nothing quite as satisfying as discussing classic literature while sipping on a breve with an extra shot of here goes nothing. Maybe I should get an extra shot of positive thinking instead?
It's all downhill from there. Every Sunday night I have to tell myself "at least I have my health" or "there are thousands of kids in China who would give anything for a Sunday night right now, so quit your bellyaching before I give you something to bellyache about."
So in conclusion, I encourage all of you to make the very most of your weekend. Do whatever you want, just this one weekend. Take lots of naps, eat an extra dessert, go for a run, catch a movie with your best friend, have one too many glasses of wine, whatever it is you want. It's okay, I am giving you permission and I don't know if you know this, but I'm a pretty big deal.
If I could shrink you and put you in my pocket all weekend, this is where you would go:
Saturday
10:30 am - take the dog to the vet for the first time since I got her 2 years ago. It was hard to admit to the girl who set our appointment that I had been so neglectful. She said not to worry about it. Boy was I glad to hear that! I was afraid I was going to get some sort of animal activist punishment, like maybe a letter with pictures of neglected animals smeared in dog poop and hand delivered by Sarah McLaughlin. The letter would be smeared in dog poop, not the animals, by the way. I guess I misplaced my predicate or something. Now, I'll bet you're thinking to yourself, "while this story is captivating, what does it have to do with bagging a man?" Funny you should ask. Remember the Dogtopia indoor playdate meetup group I joined? Well we can't partake in any of the fun until Maggie has all of her shots. Also, this fabulous weather has inspired me to try a visit to one of Raleigh's many dog parks. (Oh, now I get it! Vaccination, all I ever wanted. Like the Go-Go's song Vacation, except she said vaccination 'cause she's taking her dog in for shots! How clever. Where does she come up with this stuff?)
12:00 pm - get my hair done. I can't decide if I want to grow it out or keep it short. I like it short, but I need a change. I've been sporting this do for about a year now. Maybe I could just do short a different way. I'll look at some pictures online later. Whatever I choose, it must be sexy. Or at least super cute. Ok, I'll settle for not butch. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!)
2:00 pm - mother/daughter yoga workshop with my 14 year old. I can't believe she's dragging me to something so lame! Like, how totally embarrasing! What? Oh, that's right. I'm the one dragging her. Well, so what. She's leaving me in 3 short years. We need to bond a little. I think it will be fun!
7:00 pm - now we're off to my friend Tanya's house. Care for a little bitty cocktail? Here we shall prepare for an evening out on the town. This is my first time out since my divorce where there has been no mistaking that the mission for the evening is to talk to men. None of this "I swear, I'm only out to have fun with my girl friends! I am totally too secure and aloof to spend any time trying to get attention from boys." Nope. This time it's me and a couple of wing-nuts. I mean wing-women. There will be ring checks, accidental bumps, and no crossing of the arms, which I understand fom my studies is the universal sign for "back the &$*# off, buster, or you're liable to take one in the crotch." And not in a good way.
Sunday
2:00 am (actually 3:00 am - don't forget to spring forward this weekend!) - tumble into a cab and head back to Tanya's to
8:00 am - yeah right.
11:00 am - do a little internet refresher on Their Eyes Were Watching God (can you believe the library didn't have it?)
1:30 pm - head off to my very first book club meeting. It's at some Starbucks in Raleigh. Ahh, there is nothing quite as satisfying as discussing classic literature while sipping on a breve with an extra shot of here goes nothing. Maybe I should get an extra shot of positive thinking instead?
It's all downhill from there. Every Sunday night I have to tell myself "at least I have my health" or "there are thousands of kids in China who would give anything for a Sunday night right now, so quit your bellyaching before I give you something to bellyache about."
So in conclusion, I encourage all of you to make the very most of your weekend. Do whatever you want, just this one weekend. Take lots of naps, eat an extra dessert, go for a run, catch a movie with your best friend, have one too many glasses of wine, whatever it is you want. It's okay, I am giving you permission and I don't know if you know this, but I'm a pretty big deal.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Metaphorically Speaking
Okay, I admit it. I have had a lame week, at least as far as Club activities are concerned. On second thought, that might not be quite true. In this club, as I am its only member, I can't just show up for the party. I must also fill the roles of lead logistician and chief strategist. And today, as a result of my behind the scenes efforts, I officially went live with Operation Good Karma by attending my first Stand Up for Kids planning session.
I felt like a lioness on the prowl, keeping her senses on full alert for any sign of prey. Her ears twitching at the slightest rustling in the high savannah grass, a mere whisper to go unnoticed by the casual passer-by. But to her, the message is as big as the savannah itself -- "We actually have a lot more men, but they're probably all out playing basketball in this nice weather." Oh really? Now the lioness tenses her svelte musculature, unaware of her own power, and waits for confirmation; another rustle, a breath quietly exhaled, perhaps for the last time. And then it comes. "Outreach teams are generally in groups of two - one man and one woman." Fabulous. Her whiskers rise slightly into what might be called a smile, if lionesses could smile, and she thinks to herself, "Cougar, eat your heart out."
Oh, and I also volunteered my firm's conference room for outreach training. Upon approval, of course. Did I mention I'm a little impulsive?
Now that some of the heavy lifting has been done, I can get back to the lighter side of things. Tomorrow promises to be another beautiful day, perfect for a little power-flirting. I'm thinking a #1 with props, should a #2 opportunity present itself. A folder full of subliminal messages printed on plain white paper will do the trick.
Time for some beauty rest. Good night lads and lassies, and as always, feel free to talk back.
I felt like a lioness on the prowl, keeping her senses on full alert for any sign of prey. Her ears twitching at the slightest rustling in the high savannah grass, a mere whisper to go unnoticed by the casual passer-by. But to her, the message is as big as the savannah itself -- "We actually have a lot more men, but they're probably all out playing basketball in this nice weather." Oh really? Now the lioness tenses her svelte musculature, unaware of her own power, and waits for confirmation; another rustle, a breath quietly exhaled, perhaps for the last time. And then it comes. "Outreach teams are generally in groups of two - one man and one woman." Fabulous. Her whiskers rise slightly into what might be called a smile, if lionesses could smile, and she thinks to herself, "Cougar, eat your heart out."
Oh, and I also volunteered my firm's conference room for outreach training. Upon approval, of course. Did I mention I'm a little impulsive?
Now that some of the heavy lifting has been done, I can get back to the lighter side of things. Tomorrow promises to be another beautiful day, perfect for a little power-flirting. I'm thinking a #1 with props, should a #2 opportunity present itself. A folder full of subliminal messages printed on plain white paper will do the trick.
Time for some beauty rest. Good night lads and lassies, and as always, feel free to talk back.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
That's Just Crazy Talk
I have written and deleted about five openers to this post so far. Why? Because they have all started out so negative! For instance, I had a nice paragraph or so contemplating the possibility that all of Alice in Chains' songs were actually written by an unfulfilled, emotionally raw, single mom. That's not possible. Right?
Not to worry, tomorrow is therapy day! I'll be feasting on food for thought, and washing it down with tears I swore I wouldn't cry, come lunchtime. Then I'll pop in my Alice in Chains cd for the ride back to the office. It's all part of the healing process.
Okay, two really positive developments today as far as my romantical strategery is concerned. I have been invited by the organizers of Stand Up For Kids to attend a volunteer meeting this Sunday. I sat here for a minute after writing that sentence picturing how the meeting will be. Why does some Dave Matthews look-alike keep popping into the picture? My psyche has apparantely concocted an image of the ideal "volunteer guy," scruffy, handsome, brilliant, compassionate and open for business. See you on Sunday, hot stuff.
Also, the chair of Empower, ME-3's publication, has invited me to an Empower work session on April 8th. I'll be given an article/topic assignment! I can't wait to sink my teeth into this. I even get to take pictures to publish with the article.
Okay, so I'm not down in a hole as much as I thought, but I do still want to snuff the rooster in my neighbor's back yard.
Thanks for listening. You've been a fantastic audience.
Not to worry, tomorrow is therapy day! I'll be feasting on food for thought, and washing it down with tears I swore I wouldn't cry, come lunchtime. Then I'll pop in my Alice in Chains cd for the ride back to the office. It's all part of the healing process.
Okay, two really positive developments today as far as my romantical strategery is concerned. I have been invited by the organizers of Stand Up For Kids to attend a volunteer meeting this Sunday. I sat here for a minute after writing that sentence picturing how the meeting will be. Why does some Dave Matthews look-alike keep popping into the picture? My psyche has apparantely concocted an image of the ideal "volunteer guy," scruffy, handsome, brilliant, compassionate and open for business. See you on Sunday, hot stuff.
Also, the chair of Empower, ME-3's publication, has invited me to an Empower work session on April 8th. I'll be given an article/topic assignment! I can't wait to sink my teeth into this. I even get to take pictures to publish with the article.
Okay, so I'm not down in a hole as much as I thought, but I do still want to snuff the rooster in my neighbor's back yard.
Thanks for listening. You've been a fantastic audience.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Meetup or Shut Up
If I only had a day spa gift certificate for every time I've been told to "get out and do the things you like and then you're sure to meet someone who likes the same things as you!" (Looks like I'm not the only one reading Dating for Dummies, by the way.) But since I don't have a day spa gift certificate for every time I've heard it, it so happens that my time is freed up to give this sage advice the ol' college try.
Just tonight, I got dressed up and went with me and myself to a coffee shop I've never been to, armed with David Sedaris, my recently acquired lip gloss and a hip new black trench jacket (so cute - short, rain resistant, with a tie belt). I've never combined these things before into something I'd call a hobby or interest, but individually I enjoy them each. It's reaching. I know this. My interests include books, movies, art, diagnosing myself on the web, basically the same things everyone else likes; but parlaying these into match-making opportunities is easier said than done. Now I don't mean to say that there aren't groups I could join for people who like all of these things, but I am not convinced that they would be places to potentially make a love connection.
Knowing how cynical I am and how quickly I think I have it all summed up, I am willing to concede that I may be mistaken in my perceptions about interest groups, which makes it sound like I am trying to find a date among the oil and gas lobby. (Note to self: find out the demographic information of some local PACs.) Where was I, oh yes. So because I might just be wrong, I went to meetup.com to find some ways to "get out and do the things I like."
I chose three out of about a million meetup groups. My first pick was a book club that focuses on classic literature. I'm cynical, but I also believe in signs. The book they are meeting about next is Their Eyes Were Watching God. This is the book that opened my eyes to the world of classic literature. I could write a little essay right now about the virtues of this book, but I'll spare you except to say that if you haven't read it, read it. There seemed to be a nice ratio of women to men members of the group, but no indication of the single to off-the-market ratio. But at least I'll get to talk about the book.
The second group I chose is called the "I've always wanted to try that" group. They do all kinds of crazy stuff, from sky diving (no I won't be doing that) to paint ball (might be fun). I think this group, if I actually get into it, could be great for me. There are so very many things I've always wanted to do but never did because of my ridiculous timidity. Inside I am a mountain climbing, cliff diving, deep sea fishing, up the coast of Maine hiking wild woman.
The third group I joined is a once-a-month indoor doggy play-date group. This one doesn't need much explainin' but it looks really cool. It's free, too.
Each of these groups have events planned for March. I am going to attempt to make at least one event per group before March is over. I would also hereby like to challenge you to find yourself an interesting meetup group and step outside of your comfy lil' zone, too! Then we can swap stories. Deal?
Well kids, it's 3:00 am on Sunday morning. Must be a result of my coffee date with David, which by the way was fun but did not produce any interactions that could count toward my weekly exchange. Thank goodness for red shorts guy last Sunday. If it weren't for him, I would have already failed my challenge! Thanks, fella - wherever you are.
Just tonight, I got dressed up and went with me and myself to a coffee shop I've never been to, armed with David Sedaris, my recently acquired lip gloss and a hip new black trench jacket (so cute - short, rain resistant, with a tie belt). I've never combined these things before into something I'd call a hobby or interest, but individually I enjoy them each. It's reaching. I know this. My interests include books, movies, art, diagnosing myself on the web, basically the same things everyone else likes; but parlaying these into match-making opportunities is easier said than done. Now I don't mean to say that there aren't groups I could join for people who like all of these things, but I am not convinced that they would be places to potentially make a love connection.
Knowing how cynical I am and how quickly I think I have it all summed up, I am willing to concede that I may be mistaken in my perceptions about interest groups, which makes it sound like I am trying to find a date among the oil and gas lobby. (Note to self: find out the demographic information of some local PACs.) Where was I, oh yes. So because I might just be wrong, I went to meetup.com to find some ways to "get out and do the things I like."
I chose three out of about a million meetup groups. My first pick was a book club that focuses on classic literature. I'm cynical, but I also believe in signs. The book they are meeting about next is Their Eyes Were Watching God. This is the book that opened my eyes to the world of classic literature. I could write a little essay right now about the virtues of this book, but I'll spare you except to say that if you haven't read it, read it. There seemed to be a nice ratio of women to men members of the group, but no indication of the single to off-the-market ratio. But at least I'll get to talk about the book.
The second group I chose is called the "I've always wanted to try that" group. They do all kinds of crazy stuff, from sky diving (no I won't be doing that) to paint ball (might be fun). I think this group, if I actually get into it, could be great for me. There are so very many things I've always wanted to do but never did because of my ridiculous timidity. Inside I am a mountain climbing, cliff diving, deep sea fishing, up the coast of Maine hiking wild woman.
The third group I joined is a once-a-month indoor doggy play-date group. This one doesn't need much explainin' but it looks really cool. It's free, too.
Each of these groups have events planned for March. I am going to attempt to make at least one event per group before March is over. I would also hereby like to challenge you to find yourself an interesting meetup group and step outside of your comfy lil' zone, too! Then we can swap stories. Deal?
Well kids, it's 3:00 am on Sunday morning. Must be a result of my coffee date with David, which by the way was fun but did not produce any interactions that could count toward my weekly exchange. Thank goodness for red shorts guy last Sunday. If it weren't for him, I would have already failed my challenge! Thanks, fella - wherever you are.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A one, a two, a one, two, three, four!
Well hello again. I just slid into my bed and it feels so nice. I've caught a cold that I think my boss accidentally threw at me. But even so, I am excited about my post tonight. It was alot of fun to work on. Wanna hear it? Here it goes.
I thought it would be worth a try to Google "power-flirting" even though I had never heard those two words put together before. Sure enough, someone stole my word just that fast because I got lots of hits. Some people will stop at nothing to hog the limelight. At any rate, I found another lovely, vastly detailed guide just brimming over with inspiration. I was so inspired, actually, that I really did come up with four power-flirting routines that should eventually prove to be quite effective, that is if the guide is all it cracks itself up to be. I'm sure it will take quite a few tries before I can pull them off (the routines, that is) as naturally and smoothly as I'd like, but I'm cool with that.
I was also reminded that no matter what, I should be having fun with this. I think taking it too seriously has caused me to have way too much anxiety about the whole thing. But you probably knew that before I did if you read yesterday's post. Whew! Summer Donna!
So without further ado, here are my self prescribed power-flirting routines (feel free to use them if you'd like).
Routine 1:
Walk twice around the block during your lunch hour. Observe the men that are out and about and try to make eye contact with a few. The further away from you they are when you catch their eye, the better. This gives more time to smile and try any other flirtatious moves (i.e., raising the eyebrows). Try not to look shifty. Breathe deep and relax the shoulders. Put just a little extra something in your walk. To kick things up a notch, try incorporating Routine 2.
Routine 2:
When you’re running errands, grocery shopping, etc., and you are in close proximity to an attractive guy, literally do the bend and snap, minus the snap. Make sure you always have something droppable in your hand, be it a pen, credit card, grocery list, the entire contents of your purse (make sure you have strategically chosen what is in there!), you get the idea. Be sure you practice at home. Try to keep both feet on the ground with one foot slightly in front of the other. Bend just enough at the knees to be able to reach your item. Keep the back flat and chest out. Do not snap up and place your wrists at your waist ala Legally Blond! Your style will have to be modified if you spill your purse. This move is really to invite that certain fella to come over and help pick things up. Taking a knee would be called for here. Make sure to say something to get his attention, unless he is already looking at you when you look up to see if he's looking at you. Keep things light. Smile and shake your head and resume picking up your things. The more things you have, the greater the chance he will help you pick them up. If he doesn't, stay cheerful. Not all men are nice. It's kind of like he has told you all about himself and you can now say "um, no thanks." A single-item-drop won't be as dramatic, but it should get you noticed and give you an opportunity to make eye contact and smile.
Routine 3:
If you see someone you would like to flirt with and you are somewhere relatively crowded or close quartered, “accidentally” bump into him. Gently, but not too gently. You want to get his attention, but you don’t want to knock him over. Look him in the eye, smile and apologize. If he spills even a tad of a beverage, offer to buy him a fresh one. Don't try to wipe him off!
Routine 4:
When dining out or doing any other activity where you are seated around one or more prospects who are also seated, begin doing the following: 1) sit up straight; 2) if you have a drink, swirl your straw a little; 3) smile as you talk with your friend(s), unless you are alone, in which case do not talk to your friends even if they are talking to you; 4) if you are alone, try to keep your face as pleasant as possible; and 5) if you have room enough to comfortably do so, cross your legs and then uncross and recross them the other way. Not too fast, then you will just look like you've gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now! Do the leg thing a few times. After you have done these things, scan the area for activity. Hopefully you have been noticed. If so, look that person in the eyes for a second or so, smile, then look away and go back to what you were doing.
Pretty good, huh? If I am not miserable and/or contageous tomorrow, I'll try routines 1 or 2.
Good night, everybody.
I thought it would be worth a try to Google "power-flirting" even though I had never heard those two words put together before. Sure enough, someone stole my word just that fast because I got lots of hits. Some people will stop at nothing to hog the limelight. At any rate, I found another lovely, vastly detailed guide just brimming over with inspiration. I was so inspired, actually, that I really did come up with four power-flirting routines that should eventually prove to be quite effective, that is if the guide is all it cracks itself up to be. I'm sure it will take quite a few tries before I can pull them off (the routines, that is) as naturally and smoothly as I'd like, but I'm cool with that.
I was also reminded that no matter what, I should be having fun with this. I think taking it too seriously has caused me to have way too much anxiety about the whole thing. But you probably knew that before I did if you read yesterday's post. Whew! Summer Donna!
So without further ado, here are my self prescribed power-flirting routines (feel free to use them if you'd like).
Routine 1:
Walk twice around the block during your lunch hour. Observe the men that are out and about and try to make eye contact with a few. The further away from you they are when you catch their eye, the better. This gives more time to smile and try any other flirtatious moves (i.e., raising the eyebrows). Try not to look shifty. Breathe deep and relax the shoulders. Put just a little extra something in your walk. To kick things up a notch, try incorporating Routine 2.
Routine 2:
When you’re running errands, grocery shopping, etc., and you are in close proximity to an attractive guy, literally do the bend and snap, minus the snap. Make sure you always have something droppable in your hand, be it a pen, credit card, grocery list, the entire contents of your purse (make sure you have strategically chosen what is in there!), you get the idea. Be sure you practice at home. Try to keep both feet on the ground with one foot slightly in front of the other. Bend just enough at the knees to be able to reach your item. Keep the back flat and chest out. Do not snap up and place your wrists at your waist ala Legally Blond! Your style will have to be modified if you spill your purse. This move is really to invite that certain fella to come over and help pick things up. Taking a knee would be called for here. Make sure to say something to get his attention, unless he is already looking at you when you look up to see if he's looking at you. Keep things light. Smile and shake your head and resume picking up your things. The more things you have, the greater the chance he will help you pick them up. If he doesn't, stay cheerful. Not all men are nice. It's kind of like he has told you all about himself and you can now say "um, no thanks." A single-item-drop won't be as dramatic, but it should get you noticed and give you an opportunity to make eye contact and smile.
Routine 3:
If you see someone you would like to flirt with and you are somewhere relatively crowded or close quartered, “accidentally” bump into him. Gently, but not too gently. You want to get his attention, but you don’t want to knock him over. Look him in the eye, smile and apologize. If he spills even a tad of a beverage, offer to buy him a fresh one. Don't try to wipe him off!
Routine 4:
When dining out or doing any other activity where you are seated around one or more prospects who are also seated, begin doing the following: 1) sit up straight; 2) if you have a drink, swirl your straw a little; 3) smile as you talk with your friend(s), unless you are alone, in which case do not talk to your friends even if they are talking to you; 4) if you are alone, try to keep your face as pleasant as possible; and 5) if you have room enough to comfortably do so, cross your legs and then uncross and recross them the other way. Not too fast, then you will just look like you've gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now! Do the leg thing a few times. After you have done these things, scan the area for activity. Hopefully you have been noticed. If so, look that person in the eyes for a second or so, smile, then look away and go back to what you were doing.
Pretty good, huh? If I am not miserable and/or contageous tomorrow, I'll try routines 1 or 2.
Good night, everybody.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Hump Day, Schmump Day
Argh. Not a great week for getting out into the big wide world of romantic possibilities. I've been busy and rather stressed, but I imagine those are just excuses to avoid jumping into that eternal game of double dutch called "the filtering process of dating and mate selection." That sounds fancy doesn't it? I learned that phrase just today in my Sociology of the Family class. I also learned the phrase "late-life dating." Good times.
Here's the deal for me. The idea of flirting is pleasant. The planning is enjoyable. The doing is quite a different sort of animal. Creative thinking gives way to autonomic physical reactions such as blushing just in my left ear, talking too fast, and not having the wherewithal to realize that the bank I walked into 20 minutes ago didn't have sliding glass doors, so it probably still doesn't.
I have a theory I'd like to test. Fitness experts say that if you can fit three 10 minute spurts of exercise into your day that you get the benifit of having worked out for 30 minutes. I wonder if this also holds true for flirting fitness? To find out I'll need to do some serious brainstorming and come up with some power-flirting routines These would be short but intensive sessions geared toward little things like getting over the feeling that my eyes are being gouged out with a hot poker when they meet someone's gaze.
In addition to my own ideas, I must also beseech thee, my little group of faithful readers, to give me some of yours. Surely you also have learned to get over a fear or two. (That sentence was so Sarah Palin!) How did you do it? How do you feel when someone you don't know says hello to you? When you're walking down the sidewalk and the guy (or girl) coming the other way makes eye contact with you does it freak you out or make you feel happy? Even if we've never met and I have no idea who you are, HELP ME! I am not good at this and my nerdy researching skills can only get me so far!
Thank you in advance for your time and attention to this matter.
Here's the deal for me. The idea of flirting is pleasant. The planning is enjoyable. The doing is quite a different sort of animal. Creative thinking gives way to autonomic physical reactions such as blushing just in my left ear, talking too fast, and not having the wherewithal to realize that the bank I walked into 20 minutes ago didn't have sliding glass doors, so it probably still doesn't.
I have a theory I'd like to test. Fitness experts say that if you can fit three 10 minute spurts of exercise into your day that you get the benifit of having worked out for 30 minutes. I wonder if this also holds true for flirting fitness? To find out I'll need to do some serious brainstorming and come up with some power-flirting routines These would be short but intensive sessions geared toward little things like getting over the feeling that my eyes are being gouged out with a hot poker when they meet someone's gaze.
In addition to my own ideas, I must also beseech thee, my little group of faithful readers, to give me some of yours. Surely you also have learned to get over a fear or two. (That sentence was so Sarah Palin!) How did you do it? How do you feel when someone you don't know says hello to you? When you're walking down the sidewalk and the guy (or girl) coming the other way makes eye contact with you does it freak you out or make you feel happy? Even if we've never met and I have no idea who you are, HELP ME! I am not good at this and my nerdy researching skills can only get me so far!
Thank you in advance for your time and attention to this matter.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sliding Glass Doors and Other Short Stories
Previously on Man of the Week Club:
Second, my mission to B&N was not as successful as I had anticipated, but it was not completely in vain. There weren't many people there (I'll have to experiment with finding the hours for optimal flirtage), but there was this one guy. He was just your average Joe, but my friend Tanya and I had been there for quite a while at this point and the time for pussy-footing around had passed. I walked over to him, eyeing his red shorts with mild curiosity. I stood beside him waiting for some inspiration when I saw a book about adding custom decks to your home. I actually want to remodel my deck, so I grabbed the book. The pictures were beautiful but way out of my budget. I put the book back and said "I wish they'd make a book about adding a deck to a $120K dollar house instead of a $500k house!" He looked at me and chuckled. He might have said "yeah" or something polite along those lines. I can't rememeber if we made eye contact, but he did do a double take and checked me out before I walked away. I'll take that!
Well, that story was longer than I thought it would be. I hope I didn't bore you! I would end here, but I have to tell you about what happened today. It became necessary to run to a local bank and open up a new checking account over my lunch hour. I wasn't crazy about the idea of having to leave the office while it was raining outside but then I saw a glimmer of sun. Not real sun, just the figurative sun that shines its light on a world of possibilities. I had talked earlier to a nice young man at the bank over the phone, and I began to envision that this guy might be my soul mate and that fate had arranged this situation to bring us together!
I didn't get to see the man I had spoken with, but another assistant branch manager, who happened to be kind of cute, welcomed me into his office. His last name was Boone. My grandmother is a Boone. I thought that this might be an interesting ice breaker, then decided against it. Insinuating that we might be kinfolk would have been devastating to any chance I might have had. I didn't think we really were related. There are lots of Boone's you know. Putting the possibility out there, however, would have just shut things right down. Don't you think?
Instead I smiled and tried to act as single as possible. He gave me his busines card. I made an instant decision that after I got back to the office I would email him to let him know what a pleasure it was to meet him and to thank him for all of his help. We finished up our business, stood and shook hands, and I walked out of his office with a sultry, yet subtle, sway. I sashayed up to the sliding glass doors, and to my surprise they didn't open.
I studied them up close for a second, why I don't know. Then I backed up and tried again, thinking that maybe I had come in at the wrong angle. Still nothing. I backed up once more and turned around to see if anyone would offer an explanation. One odd glance was all I got. I turned back around to the door and then remembered that they weren't sliding glass doors after all. I quickly pushed the door open and walked out to my car, this time without the sway.
I'm not sure if Mr. Boone saw me trying to will the doors to open with my mind. I have not sent that follow up email.
- I made my first attempt at talking to a stranger, it was quite saucy.
- I took the first steps on the journey to (voluntary) community service.
- I paid a Sunday morning visit to Barnes & Noble to exercise my flirting muscles.
- I opened my eyes to opportunities for interaction where they would not have otherwise occured to me (I didn't write about that one, but it happened and it's important to today's quasai-adventure).
Second, my mission to B&N was not as successful as I had anticipated, but it was not completely in vain. There weren't many people there (I'll have to experiment with finding the hours for optimal flirtage), but there was this one guy. He was just your average Joe, but my friend Tanya and I had been there for quite a while at this point and the time for pussy-footing around had passed. I walked over to him, eyeing his red shorts with mild curiosity. I stood beside him waiting for some inspiration when I saw a book about adding custom decks to your home. I actually want to remodel my deck, so I grabbed the book. The pictures were beautiful but way out of my budget. I put the book back and said "I wish they'd make a book about adding a deck to a $120K dollar house instead of a $500k house!" He looked at me and chuckled. He might have said "yeah" or something polite along those lines. I can't rememeber if we made eye contact, but he did do a double take and checked me out before I walked away. I'll take that!
Well, that story was longer than I thought it would be. I hope I didn't bore you! I would end here, but I have to tell you about what happened today. It became necessary to run to a local bank and open up a new checking account over my lunch hour. I wasn't crazy about the idea of having to leave the office while it was raining outside but then I saw a glimmer of sun. Not real sun, just the figurative sun that shines its light on a world of possibilities. I had talked earlier to a nice young man at the bank over the phone, and I began to envision that this guy might be my soul mate and that fate had arranged this situation to bring us together!
I didn't get to see the man I had spoken with, but another assistant branch manager, who happened to be kind of cute, welcomed me into his office. His last name was Boone. My grandmother is a Boone. I thought that this might be an interesting ice breaker, then decided against it. Insinuating that we might be kinfolk would have been devastating to any chance I might have had. I didn't think we really were related. There are lots of Boone's you know. Putting the possibility out there, however, would have just shut things right down. Don't you think?
Instead I smiled and tried to act as single as possible. He gave me his busines card. I made an instant decision that after I got back to the office I would email him to let him know what a pleasure it was to meet him and to thank him for all of his help. We finished up our business, stood and shook hands, and I walked out of his office with a sultry, yet subtle, sway. I sashayed up to the sliding glass doors, and to my surprise they didn't open.
I studied them up close for a second, why I don't know. Then I backed up and tried again, thinking that maybe I had come in at the wrong angle. Still nothing. I backed up once more and turned around to see if anyone would offer an explanation. One odd glance was all I got. I turned back around to the door and then remembered that they weren't sliding glass doors after all. I quickly pushed the door open and walked out to my car, this time without the sway.
I'm not sure if Mr. Boone saw me trying to will the doors to open with my mind. I have not sent that follow up email.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Bingo!
Today slipped past without lending itself to making any new acquaintances. My girls had commitments today that I was obliged to help them keep. I, too, had a commitment to keep that I almost forgot about -- babysitting my sister's kiddos so she could have a very rare night out with her middle school sweetheart turned husband. Yeah I know, awwwww. Whatever. Just kidding!
Determined to not let the day go by without advancing my cause, I once again took to the information superhighway in search of the ultimate how-to-flirt advice. I scored big time. If any of you are like me and prefer exhaustive amounts of information regarding whatever subject you are currentlyobsessing over interested in, then you will understand. What I found is a serious journal article authored by Kate Fox of the SIRC (Social Issue Research Centre). As far as I'm concerned, this is the bible on how to flirt. It has no advice even remotely similar to this gem I found in an article a few days ago:
If you or someone you know may be suffering from PID (personal interaction dysfunction) you should read this without further delay. Seriously, don't finish my post, just click on it. Now.
If you are symptom free, then stick around. You won't want to miss this. My 10-year-old told me yesterday that she was a "guy magnet" and had been since kindergarten. I would have been remiss not to pick her brain for her best kept, guy magnetizing secrets. Here they are, verbatim.
Tomorrow morning I'm off to Barnes & Noble to take my newly acquired knowledge for a test drive. Until then, sweet dreams.
Determined to not let the day go by without advancing my cause, I once again took to the information superhighway in search of the ultimate how-to-flirt advice. I scored big time. If any of you are like me and prefer exhaustive amounts of information regarding whatever subject you are currently
"If at all possible be a tall blonde. If not, try being a buxom redhead. In special cases, you may try to be either buxom or a redhead but it is not sufficient to be just blonde or just tall."Yes, that was really in one of the articles I happened across last week - sickening isn't it? Of course it was meant tounge-in-cheek, but nonetheless it was no help at all.
If you or someone you know may be suffering from PID (personal interaction dysfunction) you should read this without further delay. Seriously, don't finish my post, just click on it. Now.
If you are symptom free, then stick around. You won't want to miss this. My 10-year-old told me yesterday that she was a "guy magnet" and had been since kindergarten. I would have been remiss not to pick her brain for her best kept, guy magnetizing secrets. Here they are, verbatim.
- Don't be desperate but be friendly.
- If you ever hear that they do like you, don't act crazy around them.
- Don't give them too many things to tell them that you like them - just be yourself.
Tomorrow morning I'm off to Barnes & Noble to take my newly acquired knowledge for a test drive. Until then, sweet dreams.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Red My Lips
So I haven't heard back from either of the volunteer organizations I emailed yesterday. Maybe they need more volunteers on their getting back to people staff. I'll contact them again on Monday. I'm working on my follow-through.
Good news: I just went to pick up a prescription for my daughter and I impulse bought some new shiny red lip-gloss. I came right back to my cubicle and put it on. It's sooo sassy! Now I am motivated for my weekend assignments.
To wit:
PS: I changed my comment settings so that anyone can leave comments and they don't have to be approved by me before they are posted. Unless I start attracting the crazies, I see no reason to be so selective. Now that I think about it, having a few crazies might even be fun!
Good news: I just went to pick up a prescription for my daughter and I impulse bought some new shiny red lip-gloss. I came right back to my cubicle and put it on. It's sooo sassy! Now I am motivated for my weekend assignments.
To wit:
- Smile at everyone I see - man, woman, dog, pigeon, it doesn't matter. Smiling is the number one signal that a person is open for business. I really need some practice in this area. I've been told more than once that I tend to look pretty uptight when I'm out among the masses. That is not good.
- Grab a friend and go to Barnes & Noble. In order to solidify my purpose, I hereby set a goal of talking to at least three men. I won't limit them to datable men. I won't even do a ring check first. Oh, who am I kidding, yes I will. But I won't let unavailability stop me from practicing saying "hello."
PS: I changed my comment settings so that anyone can leave comments and they don't have to be approved by me before they are posted. Unless I start attracting the crazies, I see no reason to be so selective. Now that I think about it, having a few crazies might even be fun!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Ways and Means
This morning, after several internet searches in pursuit of some sound how-to-attract-a-man advice, I finally found some stuff I could use. Specifically, step number 3 of How to Easily Attract the Man of Your Dreams prescribes "volunteer[ing] yourself to a charitable organization." Not a bad idea, really. Two of the most important traits I value in a man are charity and kindness. What better way to find such a fellow than in the very act of being kind and charitable?
Finding volunteer opportunities in Raleigh that were both well suited to my skills and had potential as a means to meet interesting single men was much easier than I thought it would be, thanks to a little site called volunteermatch.org. Within 10 minutes I came across two organizations that suit me perfectly: Stand Up for Kids and ME3.
Stand Up for Kids is a group committed to the help and rescue of homeless and street kids. I applied to help them out in two possible capacities: working one-on-one with the kids as a "street counselor" and/or soliciting celebreties to donate hats to be auctioned off on eBay, a fundraising campaign they call Hats Off for Kids (sort of odd, but intriguing just the same).
ME-3 is a volunteer-run organization that promotes volunteerism in general in the Raleigh area. They are looking for people who like to research (✓) and write (✓) to be part of their publication that features volunteers, volunteerism, and different non-profit groups. Since I would pretty much be perfect for the job I emailed them for more information.
Do you think this could work? Do you know anyone who has met their husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend doing volunteer work? What is the appropriate attire for philanthropic flirting? Is one really a philanthropist if she is only donating her time? I would truly love some commentary on each and every one of these questions.
Tomorrow I hope I'll have some news to report vis-à-vis responses from the aforementioned volunteer organizations. (Read that sentence again. It was really fun to write and I don't want it to be overlooked.)
I encourage you give me some feed-back. I know ya'll are looking, I see you. Sound off like you've got a pair (of hands to type with)!
Finding volunteer opportunities in Raleigh that were both well suited to my skills and had potential as a means to meet interesting single men was much easier than I thought it would be, thanks to a little site called volunteermatch.org. Within 10 minutes I came across two organizations that suit me perfectly: Stand Up for Kids and ME3.
Stand Up for Kids is a group committed to the help and rescue of homeless and street kids. I applied to help them out in two possible capacities: working one-on-one with the kids as a "street counselor" and/or soliciting celebreties to donate hats to be auctioned off on eBay, a fundraising campaign they call Hats Off for Kids (sort of odd, but intriguing just the same).
ME-3 is a volunteer-run organization that promotes volunteerism in general in the Raleigh area. They are looking for people who like to research (✓) and write (✓) to be part of their publication that features volunteers, volunteerism, and different non-profit groups. Since I would pretty much be perfect for the job I emailed them for more information.
Do you think this could work? Do you know anyone who has met their husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend doing volunteer work? What is the appropriate attire for philanthropic flirting? Is one really a philanthropist if she is only donating her time? I would truly love some commentary on each and every one of these questions.
Tomorrow I hope I'll have some news to report vis-à-vis responses from the aforementioned volunteer organizations. (Read that sentence again. It was really fun to write and I don't want it to be overlooked.)
I encourage you give me some feed-back. I know ya'll are looking, I see you. Sound off like you've got a pair (of hands to type with)!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Deep Thoughts
What I'd really like to do right now is just laugh off my little experiment and go back to believing that this is all just a silly exercise in futility. But I can't. Not when I'm just getting started.
When I lived in Oklahoma and decided to move to Raleigh I must have faxed or emailed at least 50 resumes to Raleigh area law firms trying to land a paralegal position. Days, weeks, months passed without even 1 response. It was a pretty quick trip to "it's just not going to happen for me" land. I seem to always have my bags packed and ready to go.
Then I got a break. A week or so before I was to leave for North Carolina I got a phone call from a law office manager asking me to come in for an interview when I got into town. I was extatic. I called the number back, confirmed the name of the firm with the receptionist, researched it and decided that it was the firm for me. I was golden. I interviewed the week after I got to town and felt great. I was on it, man. I was charming and confident and had on a fabulous dress. I definitley brought my A game.
I got a call 3 or 4 days later telling me that it had been a close decision but that they had decided to go with someone with more experience. Crash. What now? I immediately got on the bus back to "not gonna happen" land prepared for a permanent vacation. Nobody wanted me because I was too inexperienced, too divorced, too single mom, too Sarah. I could really have used a drink, but all my sister had in her house (where me and my girls were living) was some ol' peach moonshine (or was it white lightning?) that her husband had procured from somewhere or another. I mean I tried it. I was that desperate. But it was a no-go. So I went and filled out an application for employment at Starbucks instead.
You won't believe what happened the next day. I was driving back to my sister's house from her neighborhood pool and my cell phone rang. It was Wendi, the law firm office manager. The person they had decided to go with had second thoughts about committing herself to a full time job and the firm wanted to know if I was still interested in the position. Duh! So here I sit right this very minute in "the firm for me" almost three years later. This job was mine before I even applied for it. I didn't know it was coming. It was one of many faceless positions that I applied for. It took me on a rollercoaster ride for sure. But I wanted it, I worked for it, I went for it and I got it. Then I drove to it, decorated my cubicle in it, snuck in after hours to use the bathroom in it . . .
So I am going to plan my next man-meeting-mission this afternoon, knowing that there is stuff that I can't see or predict and that anything can happen at any time. I'll let you know tomorrow what I come up with.
When I lived in Oklahoma and decided to move to Raleigh I must have faxed or emailed at least 50 resumes to Raleigh area law firms trying to land a paralegal position. Days, weeks, months passed without even 1 response. It was a pretty quick trip to "it's just not going to happen for me" land. I seem to always have my bags packed and ready to go.
Then I got a break. A week or so before I was to leave for North Carolina I got a phone call from a law office manager asking me to come in for an interview when I got into town. I was extatic. I called the number back, confirmed the name of the firm with the receptionist, researched it and decided that it was the firm for me. I was golden. I interviewed the week after I got to town and felt great. I was on it, man. I was charming and confident and had on a fabulous dress. I definitley brought my A game.
I got a call 3 or 4 days later telling me that it had been a close decision but that they had decided to go with someone with more experience. Crash. What now? I immediately got on the bus back to "not gonna happen" land prepared for a permanent vacation. Nobody wanted me because I was too inexperienced, too divorced, too single mom, too Sarah. I could really have used a drink, but all my sister had in her house (where me and my girls were living) was some ol' peach moonshine (or was it white lightning?) that her husband had procured from somewhere or another. I mean I tried it. I was that desperate. But it was a no-go. So I went and filled out an application for employment at Starbucks instead.
You won't believe what happened the next day. I was driving back to my sister's house from her neighborhood pool and my cell phone rang. It was Wendi, the law firm office manager. The person they had decided to go with had second thoughts about committing herself to a full time job and the firm wanted to know if I was still interested in the position. Duh! So here I sit right this very minute in "the firm for me" almost three years later. This job was mine before I even applied for it. I didn't know it was coming. It was one of many faceless positions that I applied for. It took me on a rollercoaster ride for sure. But I wanted it, I worked for it, I went for it and I got it. Then I drove to it, decorated my cubicle in it, snuck in after hours to use the bathroom in it . . .
So I am going to plan my next man-meeting-mission this afternoon, knowing that there is stuff that I can't see or predict and that anything can happen at any time. I'll let you know tomorrow what I come up with.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Winging It
She entered the dimly lit market, her eyes darting around in search of her target. She crept stealthfully over to the chilled single-serve fruit juice/smoothie section, being careful not to let anyone on to her mission. After choosing a tropical fruit flavored protein shake, she made her way to the deli. That's when she spotted him. He was looking at chicken wings, so she too looked at chicken wings. She had infiltrated his territory and now it was time to make the hit. She had no choice - the point of no return was behind her now.
"Hmm, have you ever tried their wings?" she asked, looking first at the (not really handsome, but single) stranger and then into the glass deli case. "No" he said, "but I'm thinking about it." The intensity was rising. The air was thick with anticipation and the aroma of honey barbecue sauce. She studied the chicken wings again and said "me too, but there are so many flavors to choose from." He tried to play it cool, pretending to send a text, but his trembling hands betrayed him. She said the only thing left to say. "Chipotle bacon, that can't be good for you." Then she crept away, just as mysteriously as she had appeared.
"Hmm, have you ever tried their wings?" she asked, looking first at the (not really handsome, but single) stranger and then into the glass deli case. "No" he said, "but I'm thinking about it." The intensity was rising. The air was thick with anticipation and the aroma of honey barbecue sauce. She studied the chicken wings again and said "me too, but there are so many flavors to choose from." He tried to play it cool, pretending to send a text, but his trembling hands betrayed him. She said the only thing left to say. "Chipotle bacon, that can't be good for you." Then she crept away, just as mysteriously as she had appeared.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Plan B: A reserved, secondary plan, in case a first plan fails
As in: Guitar Guy is only 24 years old, so it's on to Plan B.
Yep, that's right. He was born over a decade after I was, and is actually closer to my 14-year-old daughter's age than mine. How do I know this? Because I looked him up in an online public records search, of course. Don't you do that?
Okay, so on to Plan B. I was doing a little research on everyday places to meet men, and not suprisingly, the grocery store (or "market" as many urban bloggers seem to call it) is at the top of the list. Guess what day is allegedly the best for man trolling? Monday. Today is Monday, and it happens to be a pretty good hair day, as well. I wish yesterday's headache wasn't back. Is it meaningful that I have only been getting these headaches since I've started to think about talking to men? You decide. I'll just pop a couple of Advil (circle with an R in it) and I'll be just fine.
I usually shop in Garner, which as most of you reading this know, is a suburb of Raleigh. Now, maybe I'm wrong, but it is my thinking that the suburbs are chock (chalk?) full of married men who are just crazy in love with their wives. I think that if I am going to do this, I should find a "market" closer to downtown. There is a Fresh Market (another circle with an R in it) just around the way from my office. Sounds like a good place to try this out. Everything in there is overpriced, sort of healthy, and mighty tasty; a set of facts that could lead one to believe that the shoppers there are likely to have a good job, a good body, and good taste.
Now for the pièce de résistance: what do I say to Mr. Handsome with the stuffed flounder for one in his cart? Do Iram bump into him with my cart? Wait, I won't have a cart. I can't really afford to shop there, so I'll just have one of those little baskets. Maybe I'll ask him if the flounder (organic soda pop, whole grain doughnuts) that he has in his cart is any good. Ooooh! I know. I could grab a dozen uppity brown eggs and carry them around in my basket and then (this is an all or nothing trick) when I see Mr. Handsome I can accidentally drop my basket and my eggs will break and it will just be a mess. Who wouldn't come over and help me, or at least look my way and chuckle at my misfortune? Maybe I should think about it a little more.
I'll let you know what happens tomorrow.
Yep, that's right. He was born over a decade after I was, and is actually closer to my 14-year-old daughter's age than mine. How do I know this? Because I looked him up in an online public records search, of course. Don't you do that?
Okay, so on to Plan B. I was doing a little research on everyday places to meet men, and not suprisingly, the grocery store (or "market" as many urban bloggers seem to call it) is at the top of the list. Guess what day is allegedly the best for man trolling? Monday. Today is Monday, and it happens to be a pretty good hair day, as well. I wish yesterday's headache wasn't back. Is it meaningful that I have only been getting these headaches since I've started to think about talking to men? You decide. I'll just pop a couple of Advil (circle with an R in it) and I'll be just fine.
I usually shop in Garner, which as most of you reading this know, is a suburb of Raleigh. Now, maybe I'm wrong, but it is my thinking that the suburbs are chock (chalk?) full of married men who are just crazy in love with their wives. I think that if I am going to do this, I should find a "market" closer to downtown. There is a Fresh Market (another circle with an R in it) just around the way from my office. Sounds like a good place to try this out. Everything in there is overpriced, sort of healthy, and mighty tasty; a set of facts that could lead one to believe that the shoppers there are likely to have a good job, a good body, and good taste.
Now for the pièce de résistance: what do I say to Mr. Handsome with the stuffed flounder for one in his cart? Do I
I'll let you know what happens tomorrow.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Day 1: Valentine's Day
It's Valentine's Day morning. Well, technically it's morning, but it's actually almost noon. I'm sitting in bed with a headache, a cup of coffee and my laptop. The irony of this scene on the day I officially start to write about my adventures on "getting out there" does not escape me.
But even though I am sans-valentine, I am quite comfortable. It's so very cozy in here and so very unpredictable out there. To be perfectly honest, I have no idea how to go about this and am therefore not especially looking forward to it. I do know that this experiment/adventure/safari will be completely free of online dating sites and virtual pick-ups. I vow that I will meet men in real life situations.
Wow, guess what just happened this very second? My sister Madeline called and she is telling me all about a man she met (he was her sales person) at The Guitar Center who she thought I would really like. Kind of edgy-retro she says. Cool glasses, side burns, good personality. Plays the guitar, obviously. I kind of play the guitar. So now what? How do I meet this man? This stranger? Do I stalk the guitar shop looking for him? Follow him around town to see where he hangs out and then start frequenting those establishments? Really, how does one do this?
Aha! I have an idea. My nephew sold me his old electric guitar last weekend for $25. It's missing the 6th string. Me thinks I will take it into the shop this week to get a new string and browse around a bit for a certain edgy, side-burned accessory for myself.
I'll keep you abreast of my developing scheme. Tips and suggestions are always welcome.
But even though I am sans-valentine, I am quite comfortable. It's so very cozy in here and so very unpredictable out there. To be perfectly honest, I have no idea how to go about this and am therefore not especially looking forward to it. I do know that this experiment/adventure/safari will be completely free of online dating sites and virtual pick-ups. I vow that I will meet men in real life situations.
Wow, guess what just happened this very second? My sister Madeline called and she is telling me all about a man she met (he was her sales person) at The Guitar Center who she thought I would really like. Kind of edgy-retro she says. Cool glasses, side burns, good personality. Plays the guitar, obviously. I kind of play the guitar. So now what? How do I meet this man? This stranger? Do I stalk the guitar shop looking for him? Follow him around town to see where he hangs out and then start frequenting those establishments? Really, how does one do this?
Aha! I have an idea. My nephew sold me his old electric guitar last weekend for $25. It's missing the 6th string. Me thinks I will take it into the shop this week to get a new string and browse around a bit for a certain edgy, side-burned accessory for myself.
I'll keep you abreast of my developing scheme. Tips and suggestions are always welcome.
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