Just signed into blogger and it was in arabic. I forgot it's right to left so put the password in the wrong box. But figured it out - especially if you are reading this.
So am over in Abu Dhabi for work again. Having a good time. Of course, thought it would be a quiet trip as we are wrapping up a lot of things now, but then there is a curve ball thrown. But now, I've come to expect it, so not such a big deal. Which is good considering that I just went through threes:
1. Came over with a head/chest cold - under the weather on Monday and little sleep from flying
2. Jetlag hit me really really bad this time - barely functioning Tuesday as I got 2 hours of sleep
3. Bug came for a visit - don't know if it's something local or what but was nauseous and light-headed all day today - Wednesday.
So, as you can see, I'm hopping it's the case of threes and that's it. Nothing more for me tomorrow. I'll finally be good.
Unfortunately, I'm waiting for the third thing in the lost department:
1. Lost my absolutely favorite grey knit hat. The one that I always get compliments on and looks smart on me. I still have a cream one that I could use as a reference to make a new one, but already know it won't be the same. It's a sad loss.
2. On Monday at lunch I realized that one of my gold earrings had gone missing. Retraced my steps from the morning meetings, but nothing found. I loved these earrings - they were staples and Eli Tahari so not cheaply replacable.
3. ?? Hopefully not a favorite, but am afraid that's the pattern.
I have to say I'm still enjoying this trip though. Even though coming in late Sunday night, I found that the car reserved for me was manual and the hotel room for me was smoking. But it all worked out and I'm driving an automatic and sleeping in a smoke free environment. Granted, I do need to get a map tomorrow as I spent a half hour around midnight Sunday driving around Abu Dhabi tyring to find something I recognized so that I could make it to my hotel and check-in. That or leave an extra hour early for the airport - may get lost. I had more meetings than I thought so have had a packed schedule but still got squeeze in lunches and dinners with friends. Yesterday, I was enjoying lunch at Prego's and we were at a table outside, next to a small pond, with a small park between us and the beach. The slower pace of the tourists, and the soft breeze through the palms was very pleasent. Sharing good company with a colleague on the project from Chicago - he's always trying to live culturally vicarously through me. Fun to catch up while having a view of the project site in the back ground. The facade is going up on some of the towers so it's really looking really. Of course, we still need to finalize the design, but no problem. It all works out. Gotta love the challenges. Ok, must get to bed. Maybe I'll have time for pictures tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Dinner Party Dilema
So I have an ucky taste in my mouth right now. I’m having a dinner party at the end of the month for a group of friends from my old work and a few college friends from out of town that over-lap with the group. We haven’t seen each other for ages and I thought I’d take the bull by the horns and organize an event for us to get together. Except it back-fired on me. Let me note here that my recent dinner party experience playing hostess consists of just two dinner parties over the past four years. So you can see how I haven’t figured this out yet. The first time took forever because I kept trying to find a time that worked for most people and it was impossible. I finally got a party arranged and in the end it was me and one other friend, her boyfriend and his roommate. It was a strange dinner. Not what I imagined.
The second one was a bit more successful. I just picked a date, invited a bunch of folks and a fraction showed up. It was a bit crowded (18), but worked. The benefit being that I knew that my ideal cut-off number is 14 (maybe pushing it to 16). I had thought my limitation was chairs – I had 18. I bought more plates and glasses and food. But the day of, found that, besides not being able to get the couch out of my living room which ended up looming up-ended in a corner of the room, the living room was not long enough to accommodate 18 for a sit down dinner (my dining room is the size of a small bathroom – hard to sit even four). So as the guests started arriving I still had the tables haphazardly arranged, trying to figure out how to make it work. Some of my engineering friends took charge and we used the hypotenuse of the room to squeeze everyone in. It was really tight, not pretty, but it worked.
This time I realized not everyone would be able to make it, so did the same thing and invited folks. I put an RSVP deadline and everything. I was going to have 16 be my absolute top cut off number. But what does that mean really? It means that for number 17 I have to say, sorry, but you can’t come. So knowing that I made 18 work, although uncomfortably, I let my top number move higher. Except now I’m up to 20+ and I just can’t figure out what to do. It doesn’t work. Even if I forgo the whole sit down dinner thing which I desperately want, my place isn’t big enough period. I have seating in my apartment for a single person who lives on her own. This was made super obvious just a few weeks ago when I was entertaining family and folks ended up on the floor. We were only 4 adults and one kid! That’s not good.
So this morning I started sending the emails. What do you write? Sorry but you don’t make the cut. It’s not personal. There was no way to phrase it nicely. Rejection sucks. Granted, it’s for folks who RSVPd after the RSVP date so I have the hostess law on my side. But that’s really just crap. What do I do? Do I proceed to send emails to folks who didn’t RSVP to tell them they can’t come in case they were thinking of it which is silly. Do I move to a bigger venue like a restaurant to accommodate everyone, which is also crazy. Do I start casing empty houses for sale in my neighborhood to see if I could break in and use the bigger place for the night? I’ve really gotten myself into a muddle.
And, I don’t know if the folks who RSVPd ages ago remember and actually show up. That would also suck. Do I factor that possibility in too? And how? And I’ve come down with a cold. And I leave town in two days to fly off to Abu Dhabi for a week jammed to the gill with meetings, only returning Friday, the day before the big dinner party. Part of me is really tempted to just cancel the whole thing as it’s just gotten bigger than me. Gotten away from me. But that’s the cold talking. I should take heart how far I’ve come over the years that I now have more than one friend and two random guests wanting to attend my party. That I have a great community of friends, and this is only a fraction of the group I could have invited. I just need to breath and realize that these things happen and people understand. If feathers get ruffled, they get ruffled. I’ve learned and will do it differently next time. If there is a next time. Not sure how, but I’d like to think I’m wiser for the experience. Ok, I need to go make a run to the drug store and buy me some drugs. It’ll be a whole new world this time as I really think I’ve learned how to swallow pills finally. Tons more options.
Added later: I made a quick run to Walgreens in a gap between conference calls this morning. Wasn’t dressed and was having trouble thinking what to wear. Then realized, just throw sneaks and a coat on and I’d be fine in my pjs – yoga pants and no bra. I ended up chickening out and did buy some cold pills but also bought the regular liquid stuff. I’m a bit worried I might be a light weight in the drug arena.
The second one was a bit more successful. I just picked a date, invited a bunch of folks and a fraction showed up. It was a bit crowded (18), but worked. The benefit being that I knew that my ideal cut-off number is 14 (maybe pushing it to 16). I had thought my limitation was chairs – I had 18. I bought more plates and glasses and food. But the day of, found that, besides not being able to get the couch out of my living room which ended up looming up-ended in a corner of the room, the living room was not long enough to accommodate 18 for a sit down dinner (my dining room is the size of a small bathroom – hard to sit even four). So as the guests started arriving I still had the tables haphazardly arranged, trying to figure out how to make it work. Some of my engineering friends took charge and we used the hypotenuse of the room to squeeze everyone in. It was really tight, not pretty, but it worked.
This time I realized not everyone would be able to make it, so did the same thing and invited folks. I put an RSVP deadline and everything. I was going to have 16 be my absolute top cut off number. But what does that mean really? It means that for number 17 I have to say, sorry, but you can’t come. So knowing that I made 18 work, although uncomfortably, I let my top number move higher. Except now I’m up to 20+ and I just can’t figure out what to do. It doesn’t work. Even if I forgo the whole sit down dinner thing which I desperately want, my place isn’t big enough period. I have seating in my apartment for a single person who lives on her own. This was made super obvious just a few weeks ago when I was entertaining family and folks ended up on the floor. We were only 4 adults and one kid! That’s not good.
So this morning I started sending the emails. What do you write? Sorry but you don’t make the cut. It’s not personal. There was no way to phrase it nicely. Rejection sucks. Granted, it’s for folks who RSVPd after the RSVP date so I have the hostess law on my side. But that’s really just crap. What do I do? Do I proceed to send emails to folks who didn’t RSVP to tell them they can’t come in case they were thinking of it which is silly. Do I move to a bigger venue like a restaurant to accommodate everyone, which is also crazy. Do I start casing empty houses for sale in my neighborhood to see if I could break in and use the bigger place for the night? I’ve really gotten myself into a muddle.
And, I don’t know if the folks who RSVPd ages ago remember and actually show up. That would also suck. Do I factor that possibility in too? And how? And I’ve come down with a cold. And I leave town in two days to fly off to Abu Dhabi for a week jammed to the gill with meetings, only returning Friday, the day before the big dinner party. Part of me is really tempted to just cancel the whole thing as it’s just gotten bigger than me. Gotten away from me. But that’s the cold talking. I should take heart how far I’ve come over the years that I now have more than one friend and two random guests wanting to attend my party. That I have a great community of friends, and this is only a fraction of the group I could have invited. I just need to breath and realize that these things happen and people understand. If feathers get ruffled, they get ruffled. I’ve learned and will do it differently next time. If there is a next time. Not sure how, but I’d like to think I’m wiser for the experience. Ok, I need to go make a run to the drug store and buy me some drugs. It’ll be a whole new world this time as I really think I’ve learned how to swallow pills finally. Tons more options.
Added later: I made a quick run to Walgreens in a gap between conference calls this morning. Wasn’t dressed and was having trouble thinking what to wear. Then realized, just throw sneaks and a coat on and I’d be fine in my pjs – yoga pants and no bra. I ended up chickening out and did buy some cold pills but also bought the regular liquid stuff. I’m a bit worried I might be a light weight in the drug arena.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Christmas is Offically Over
I just dropped off and posted the last of my christmas packages. Not too bad. Of course, it was the packaging up the gifts that delayed the whole thing. Every night I'd be so wiped by the time I finally got home. So this morning, woke up early for some reason and took the opportunity to finish this up once and for all. I picked cards that said "Happy Holidays". Vague enough that it could be Cheese Day (today, 1/20).
Talking of sleep, I've started reprogramming myself to wake back up at 6 am. I drifted into the 7 am/8 am zone over the holidays. Tricky with an hour commute for work. Of course, somewhat silly as I'll be flying to the other side of the world in three days, so my system is going to get messed up again.
Talking of sleep, I've started reprogramming myself to wake back up at 6 am. I drifted into the 7 am/8 am zone over the holidays. Tricky with an hour commute for work. Of course, somewhat silly as I'll be flying to the other side of the world in three days, so my system is going to get messed up again.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Snowy Tuesday Update with a dash of eerie
I enjoyed a long three-day weekend as my work recognizes MLK day. Funny side note, last week I was touching base with a new hire out of Vancouver (who is from France) and he was confused about some of the emails flying around talking about MLK. He thought it was some internal company thing. So just to be clear, I enjoyed taking yesterday, Martin Luther King Jr day, off. I wasn’t going to, but waking up with the beginnings of a cold and seeing the fresh snow storm, I decided to stay in and proceeded to watch a few episodes of LOST while still in bed, snuggling with the boys. I’m almost done with Season Two. I find I’m succumbing to the classic struggle I have with murder mystery books. You think to yourself, “ok, one more chapter, and that’s it” and you get to the end of the chapter and it’s a cliff hanger and you’re compelled to keep reading. Same with LOST, so I’ve started just stopping in the middle of the shows. So I’m in the middle of episode 20/24. Getting there.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t paying attention and one of my boys proceeded to chew through my headphones. I knew Winston was chewing on something but thought it was his chew toy. Nope – it was my non-chew toy. And just as I’m about to go on a trip and absolutely need headphones. Yet another thing to add to the list of things to take care of before I leave town. I really think I’m running out of time to do it all. And I’ve revised the list to be just the important things that need to be taken care of. I don’t want to sacrifice sleep but am just exhausted thinking of everything. In therapy last week, I came to the realization that I’m a worrier. I worry more than normal. I didn’t realize that, but it makes perfect sense. I guess it’s back to the whole needing to live in the moment thing – where there is no worry.
Always the multi-tasker, as I’m writing this, I’m also placing an order with Amazon. It’s funny seeing all the addresses I’ve lived at over the past several years – ok, decade plus, all listed in one place. A little eerie. Amazon doesn’t quite know what to do as my order was a bit random. I have a running list of items I want and usually wait and only order once or twice a year to group them altogether. So the “recommendations based on your order” is a bit weird. This is what I just got, my new finds:
1. Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs, performed by Andrew Bird. I had this title randomly written down on a scrap of paper from my Thanksgiving trip. I think he’s my new favorite artist.
2. American Dream: Three Women, Ten Kids, and a Nation’s Drive to End Welfare, by Jason DeParle. I read this book several years ago when visiting my brother in India and find I still reference it. He leant it to someone so figured it was time to get my own copy. Really easy read and follows the path of welfare from the Carter administration on up through the Clinton era.
3. Why the Long Face?, by Ron MacLEan. A friend recommended this book of “different” short stories. Perfect for subway reading. I just finished a collection of short stories that was a quick read, Pulitzer Prize winning, “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri. Many settings in and around Cambridge which was eerie.
4. The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future, by Vali Nasr. Recommended by the new guy as an easy read to understand more about what’s going on in the middle east. I don’t know about you, but I’m an “NPR news while getting ready for work in the morning” girl and it’s become a little hard to follow some of the “characters”. One of the new guys is studying International Relations focusing in the Middle East so I asked for a cliff notes lesson on the Sunni/Shia split.
5. Thrills, performed by Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire. This is Andrew Birds original band. Love this CD.
6. Dying Day, performed by Abbie Barrett. I’ve been meaning to get this CD since it came out. We have friends in common and have seen her perform, just not recently enough to pick up a cd at a gig.
7. The Atheist’s Introduction to the New Testament: How the Bible Undermines the Basic Teachings of Christianity, by Mike Davis. I was actually looking to buy “Good without God” after hearing a review on NPR but it’s still in hardcover which I’m not wild about. Stumbled upon this find. I have limited biblical knowledge, figured this could get me up to speed on some of the debatable issues.
I’m heading out of town this weekend for work. Let’s see if anything comes in time for the trip. Not counting on it though. This last weekend, I got to visit and catch up with some knitting friends. Amanda, Tarsha and I descended on Cece and demanded to be fed. Ok, just me, but it was nice breaking bread and enjoying a good lasagna. The two kiddos are getting cuter and cuter. Of course, I got no knitting done, but got to have a lot of play time with little Hulk. Super cute! Also enjoyed baby movie day at the theater in my town with Cec and her mom. It was weird seeing the theater I usually go to be packed to the gills with moms and babies and a few dads. It was super busy. Busier than the movies I usually go to. Eerie.
On the dating front, I had a second date set up for Thursday – sushi, and another second date for Friday. By mid-week I’d started losing my enthusiasm. I had rallied for the first round and both guys were really nice but it takes work. And I was tired. And it was the end of the week. And I realized I had been excited after the first dates mainly because they were interested. Having a string of semi/not-interested guys does that to you. But I didn’t cancel. Thursday was weird – mainly because of me. I was in a weird funk and tired. The guy was really nice but I just knew I wasn’t that interested. I struggled as the two voices combated each other. On one side, it takes time to get to know someone and like them. On the other, I just don’t see this going anywhere so why spend more time and energy on it. So Thursday night wasn’t that great. The whole night could have been handled better, on my part. Working on that. And I still had Friday. But we hadn’t actually confirmed a time or place and so I didn’t follow up – the ball was in his court. I actually ran into a friend at lunch and they were going out in Cambridge and I said I might go, if my plans fell through, which I was half hoping they would, less exhausting hanging out with old friends versus new friends. I should note here that I had my therapy session Friday morning and realize there is this strange correlation. I’m bad at first dates – had a session, worked on it and the first date goes wonderfully. I’m now bad at second dates – have the Friday session, and you guess it – my second date goes wonderfully. Even had a third date which it turns out I’m bad out – can’t wait until my next session to work on that one. But as my therapist points out - practice.
And this new guy I think will be great practice. That sounds really bad written like that, like I’m using him – not at all. But I realize I’ve been ruined by Hollywood recently. Do you know what I mean? I’ve been conditioned to see romance as black or white – all or nothing. Love at first sight, swept away at first encounters. But that’s rarely the case. That’s why I think I stumbled after our awesome second date. We had met up for drinks in Harvard Square to figure out where to go for dinner and hit it off right away. It was no work what so ever. Very engaging conversation, chemistry – it was like we had known each other longer then we have. Needless to say I was a bit distracted that night and found when I finally got home that I had lost a few things. I had met up after work and had been early so ran to a new favorite store in H. Square and lucked out and got a brand-new, not super cheap, great deal, winter outfit. I lost that bag, one of my scarves, and my favorite hat (just discovered the hat disappearance this morning). I’ve been able to recover the bag of clothes at one of the places (which I still can’t believe and am currently wearing) but still need to work on finding the other two missing items. So second date goes wonderful. Stay up late and everything. And then it’s time for the next move. Except we’re both super busy. He’s cramming for a conference and leaves for it today and is gone all week, gets back Friday. And then I’m out of town Saturday for a week. And yet, I just wanted him to drop everything and prioritize me, even though we still really don’t know each other that well – just enjoyed each other’s company. But that’s how it works in the movies. So I was disappointed and weird on our third date – plus I’m coming down with something and concerned about passing on the cold. Traveling with a cold sucks. I really hope it clears up before I leave. But he’s pretty cool and picked up on it. I think I’m a little off balance too from the last round of guys giving me a lot of mixed messages. This guy, not the case, he means what he says and I just need to readjust and not read things into it. And he’s interested. He’s said he’s interested and has followed through. It’s just scheduling. To be honest, if our schedules were flipped, I would have been the same way. I need to remember that. And this one I’m pretty sure is not “the one” which I see as progress. I’m not automatically jumping to the end game. He’s a nice guy but definitely set in his ways (as am I) – we’ll see. But still I’m excited. It’s fun having that buzz of initial chemistry and enjoying each other’s company and conversation. So much that on Friday night I suddenly realize that as we are eating dinner at the bar of this pub, it had become super packed. Hadn’t even noticed. Fun fun fun.
So that’s me for awhile with the dating scene. I’m focusing on the upcoming trip this week and am out of town next week. Who knows what February will bring though. At least I now have a clean house- which I’m going to desperately try to stay on top of keeping clean this time, and almost all my laundry done- red load is all that remains. Looking good- although I’m more tired then I should be after enjoying a three-day weekend. I guess a good sign that I really really enjoyed the weekend.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t paying attention and one of my boys proceeded to chew through my headphones. I knew Winston was chewing on something but thought it was his chew toy. Nope – it was my non-chew toy. And just as I’m about to go on a trip and absolutely need headphones. Yet another thing to add to the list of things to take care of before I leave town. I really think I’m running out of time to do it all. And I’ve revised the list to be just the important things that need to be taken care of. I don’t want to sacrifice sleep but am just exhausted thinking of everything. In therapy last week, I came to the realization that I’m a worrier. I worry more than normal. I didn’t realize that, but it makes perfect sense. I guess it’s back to the whole needing to live in the moment thing – where there is no worry.
Always the multi-tasker, as I’m writing this, I’m also placing an order with Amazon. It’s funny seeing all the addresses I’ve lived at over the past several years – ok, decade plus, all listed in one place. A little eerie. Amazon doesn’t quite know what to do as my order was a bit random. I have a running list of items I want and usually wait and only order once or twice a year to group them altogether. So the “recommendations based on your order” is a bit weird. This is what I just got, my new finds:
1. Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs, performed by Andrew Bird. I had this title randomly written down on a scrap of paper from my Thanksgiving trip. I think he’s my new favorite artist.
2. American Dream: Three Women, Ten Kids, and a Nation’s Drive to End Welfare, by Jason DeParle. I read this book several years ago when visiting my brother in India and find I still reference it. He leant it to someone so figured it was time to get my own copy. Really easy read and follows the path of welfare from the Carter administration on up through the Clinton era.
3. Why the Long Face?, by Ron MacLEan. A friend recommended this book of “different” short stories. Perfect for subway reading. I just finished a collection of short stories that was a quick read, Pulitzer Prize winning, “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri. Many settings in and around Cambridge which was eerie.
4. The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future, by Vali Nasr. Recommended by the new guy as an easy read to understand more about what’s going on in the middle east. I don’t know about you, but I’m an “NPR news while getting ready for work in the morning” girl and it’s become a little hard to follow some of the “characters”. One of the new guys is studying International Relations focusing in the Middle East so I asked for a cliff notes lesson on the Sunni/Shia split.
5. Thrills, performed by Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire. This is Andrew Birds original band. Love this CD.
6. Dying Day, performed by Abbie Barrett. I’ve been meaning to get this CD since it came out. We have friends in common and have seen her perform, just not recently enough to pick up a cd at a gig.
7. The Atheist’s Introduction to the New Testament: How the Bible Undermines the Basic Teachings of Christianity, by Mike Davis. I was actually looking to buy “Good without God” after hearing a review on NPR but it’s still in hardcover which I’m not wild about. Stumbled upon this find. I have limited biblical knowledge, figured this could get me up to speed on some of the debatable issues.
I’m heading out of town this weekend for work. Let’s see if anything comes in time for the trip. Not counting on it though. This last weekend, I got to visit and catch up with some knitting friends. Amanda, Tarsha and I descended on Cece and demanded to be fed. Ok, just me, but it was nice breaking bread and enjoying a good lasagna. The two kiddos are getting cuter and cuter. Of course, I got no knitting done, but got to have a lot of play time with little Hulk. Super cute! Also enjoyed baby movie day at the theater in my town with Cec and her mom. It was weird seeing the theater I usually go to be packed to the gills with moms and babies and a few dads. It was super busy. Busier than the movies I usually go to. Eerie.
On the dating front, I had a second date set up for Thursday – sushi, and another second date for Friday. By mid-week I’d started losing my enthusiasm. I had rallied for the first round and both guys were really nice but it takes work. And I was tired. And it was the end of the week. And I realized I had been excited after the first dates mainly because they were interested. Having a string of semi/not-interested guys does that to you. But I didn’t cancel. Thursday was weird – mainly because of me. I was in a weird funk and tired. The guy was really nice but I just knew I wasn’t that interested. I struggled as the two voices combated each other. On one side, it takes time to get to know someone and like them. On the other, I just don’t see this going anywhere so why spend more time and energy on it. So Thursday night wasn’t that great. The whole night could have been handled better, on my part. Working on that. And I still had Friday. But we hadn’t actually confirmed a time or place and so I didn’t follow up – the ball was in his court. I actually ran into a friend at lunch and they were going out in Cambridge and I said I might go, if my plans fell through, which I was half hoping they would, less exhausting hanging out with old friends versus new friends. I should note here that I had my therapy session Friday morning and realize there is this strange correlation. I’m bad at first dates – had a session, worked on it and the first date goes wonderfully. I’m now bad at second dates – have the Friday session, and you guess it – my second date goes wonderfully. Even had a third date which it turns out I’m bad out – can’t wait until my next session to work on that one. But as my therapist points out - practice.
And this new guy I think will be great practice. That sounds really bad written like that, like I’m using him – not at all. But I realize I’ve been ruined by Hollywood recently. Do you know what I mean? I’ve been conditioned to see romance as black or white – all or nothing. Love at first sight, swept away at first encounters. But that’s rarely the case. That’s why I think I stumbled after our awesome second date. We had met up for drinks in Harvard Square to figure out where to go for dinner and hit it off right away. It was no work what so ever. Very engaging conversation, chemistry – it was like we had known each other longer then we have. Needless to say I was a bit distracted that night and found when I finally got home that I had lost a few things. I had met up after work and had been early so ran to a new favorite store in H. Square and lucked out and got a brand-new, not super cheap, great deal, winter outfit. I lost that bag, one of my scarves, and my favorite hat (just discovered the hat disappearance this morning). I’ve been able to recover the bag of clothes at one of the places (which I still can’t believe and am currently wearing) but still need to work on finding the other two missing items. So second date goes wonderful. Stay up late and everything. And then it’s time for the next move. Except we’re both super busy. He’s cramming for a conference and leaves for it today and is gone all week, gets back Friday. And then I’m out of town Saturday for a week. And yet, I just wanted him to drop everything and prioritize me, even though we still really don’t know each other that well – just enjoyed each other’s company. But that’s how it works in the movies. So I was disappointed and weird on our third date – plus I’m coming down with something and concerned about passing on the cold. Traveling with a cold sucks. I really hope it clears up before I leave. But he’s pretty cool and picked up on it. I think I’m a little off balance too from the last round of guys giving me a lot of mixed messages. This guy, not the case, he means what he says and I just need to readjust and not read things into it. And he’s interested. He’s said he’s interested and has followed through. It’s just scheduling. To be honest, if our schedules were flipped, I would have been the same way. I need to remember that. And this one I’m pretty sure is not “the one” which I see as progress. I’m not automatically jumping to the end game. He’s a nice guy but definitely set in his ways (as am I) – we’ll see. But still I’m excited. It’s fun having that buzz of initial chemistry and enjoying each other’s company and conversation. So much that on Friday night I suddenly realize that as we are eating dinner at the bar of this pub, it had become super packed. Hadn’t even noticed. Fun fun fun.
So that’s me for awhile with the dating scene. I’m focusing on the upcoming trip this week and am out of town next week. Who knows what February will bring though. At least I now have a clean house- which I’m going to desperately try to stay on top of keeping clean this time, and almost all my laundry done- red load is all that remains. Looking good- although I’m more tired then I should be after enjoying a three-day weekend. I guess a good sign that I really really enjoyed the weekend.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Skin growth, suicide and good-bye Christmas Tree
So how long does it take for your pierced ear to heal back up? There was awhile there in my early 20’s where I stopped wearing earrings for over a year. I was surprised when one day I was able to put them back in. Yes, the outer skin layer had healed over, but it barely took anything to “re-pierce” the ear. And, granted it was probably 10 years ago but, I don’t remember it really hurting.
I had stopped wearing earrings for a few weeks recently because my left ear hurt a little and thought it best to give them a break. This morning I go to put them in and the skin had healed over. It got me thinking and I know I wore earrings at Thanksgiving. So it’s been less than two months! That’s some fast growing skin, isn’t it? And my ears hurt a bit today. I’m keeping them clean, but just a little unsettling since I didn’t remember the hurt from last time.
Last night I brought the beloved Christmas tree out for pick up (and then took an hour cleaning up the needles in the living room, and on the stairs, and on the porch, and on the sidewalk – it was a dry tree). It seems like such a sad end for a tree. There’s so much work in selecting the “right” tree, decorating it and keeping it lit and watered. And then it gets tossed to the curb. There should be a ceremony or something to provide proper closure. At least this time I took a picture on my camera (instead of my phone where I have yet to get the pics out – years later).
Which reminds me of my list of strange things that I came across recently:
1. Christmas tree pick-up. Last week, I was on the bus, late at night, tired, thinking. Thinking, “I wonder when the Christmas tree pick-up is this year.” And then within a minute my eye rested on the road sign on the side of the road which read, “Christmas pick-up on your regular trash day week of 1/25.” Eerie, right? I guess the message could be eerier.
2. Empire State Building. I was looking up the square footage as a way to put into context a building project I’m working on. Reading through the Wikipedia entry I came across this line:
“On December 2, 1979, Elvita Adams jumped from the 86th floor, only to be blown back onto the 85th floor and left with only a broken hip.” Weird, right? I mean, did someone leave a window open? How did she get blown back in? I don’t get the logistics.
3. Vic Chesnutt. I was catching up on my Fresh Air podcasts this week and was listening to the special, “In Memoriam: Sweet, Sad Rocker Vic Chesnutt”. At one point of an earlier interview, Terry Gross asks him how many times he’s attempted suicide. He answers, “3 or 4 times”. Isn’t that weird? It’s not like she asked: how many times have you visited Chicago? You’d think you’d remember these life changing moments and have the number down.
Well that’s all for now, as I sit here in my fancy corporate uniform while wearing snowmen socks. I really really need to do laundry this weekend.
I had stopped wearing earrings for a few weeks recently because my left ear hurt a little and thought it best to give them a break. This morning I go to put them in and the skin had healed over. It got me thinking and I know I wore earrings at Thanksgiving. So it’s been less than two months! That’s some fast growing skin, isn’t it? And my ears hurt a bit today. I’m keeping them clean, but just a little unsettling since I didn’t remember the hurt from last time.
Last night I brought the beloved Christmas tree out for pick up (and then took an hour cleaning up the needles in the living room, and on the stairs, and on the porch, and on the sidewalk – it was a dry tree). It seems like such a sad end for a tree. There’s so much work in selecting the “right” tree, decorating it and keeping it lit and watered. And then it gets tossed to the curb. There should be a ceremony or something to provide proper closure. At least this time I took a picture on my camera (instead of my phone where I have yet to get the pics out – years later).
Which reminds me of my list of strange things that I came across recently:
1. Christmas tree pick-up. Last week, I was on the bus, late at night, tired, thinking. Thinking, “I wonder when the Christmas tree pick-up is this year.” And then within a minute my eye rested on the road sign on the side of the road which read, “Christmas pick-up on your regular trash day week of 1/25.” Eerie, right? I guess the message could be eerier.
2. Empire State Building. I was looking up the square footage as a way to put into context a building project I’m working on. Reading through the Wikipedia entry I came across this line:
“On December 2, 1979, Elvita Adams jumped from the 86th floor, only to be blown back onto the 85th floor and left with only a broken hip.” Weird, right? I mean, did someone leave a window open? How did she get blown back in? I don’t get the logistics.
3. Vic Chesnutt. I was catching up on my Fresh Air podcasts this week and was listening to the special, “In Memoriam: Sweet, Sad Rocker Vic Chesnutt”. At one point of an earlier interview, Terry Gross asks him how many times he’s attempted suicide. He answers, “3 or 4 times”. Isn’t that weird? It’s not like she asked: how many times have you visited Chicago? You’d think you’d remember these life changing moments and have the number down.
Well that’s all for now, as I sit here in my fancy corporate uniform while wearing snowmen socks. I really really need to do laundry this weekend.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
1 down 4 to go
I just now finished Season 1 of Lost. Only four more seasons to go. I have 3 weeks. Minus the week I'm overseas in Abu Dhabi. That's 2 seasons per week. And it just took me almost 3 weeks to finish the first season. Doesn't look promising. At least I don't have to wait all summer to find out what happens after the cliff hanger. I will wait until tomorrow though as I'm tired.
In other news, this week is calmer, and have the second dates lined up for later in the week.
In other news, this week is calmer, and have the second dates lined up for later in the week.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday Update (on monday)
I meant to post last night while still in the moment, but, I should make a note, crawling into bed ready for bed and taking out the old laptop only works if you’re not that tired.
Sunday was a lost day in the first half and yet still very full. I did manage to make myself a decent breakfast – homemade blueberry pancakes (local blueberries from a friend who bought 400 lbs of the small wild kind and shared a huge amount with me), and finished up the Niman Ranch Apple Smoked bacon - mmmm. And I did the dishes – well half of them. The counters are cleared but the dishwasher is at that awkward ¾ full where you hate to run it but you’re starting to need some of the stuff in it. I then proceeded to nap until running out the door to go down to Hingham to pick up a table from craigslist. It was a beautiful crisp, sunny, cold day – perfect for a Sunday drive down to the South shore. And so comfortable with the new car and the GPS leading the way. I’m still getting the hang of the directions it gives and could have sworn it told me to turn left several times when it was indicating turning right on the screen. I think it might be messing with me but haven’t actually caught it in the act yet. I’m watching.
After picking up the table I plugged in the dealership’s address to go get my fob programmed. I’m still using the old fashioned way of driving and locking my car – with a key. I think I have a system where I don’t have to use the key at all – the proximity kind. Well, I wind my way through Boston to Comm Ave and as I’m trying to find the place I think I should call ahead and let them know I’m coming. That’s when I notice on the back of the card that I had written down the hours and the place closed at 4 pm on Sunday and it was 5 after 4 and I couldn’t find the place. So I scratched it. It can keep. So called my friend D as he wanted to go check out guitars together. I made it to Guitar Center first and was trying out a few of the lower end nylon string kind (classical). Uninterrupted by staff in a small room off the main part. Of course, I had no clue what I was doing, but it was fun pretending.
D shows up with S and his 18 month old son which was a pleasant surprise. S and I went to college together way back when and haven’t seen each other for awhile. It was fun hanging out and trying out the different guitars. The ¾ guitar I was supposed to pick up from my friend to borrow was there, and sounded awful. It actually sounded so awful I contemplated buying a used guitar then and there. Turns out the one I picked out couldn’t be purchased for another two weeks. I guess the things can be “hot” so they need to hold them for 30 days so the police can do a proper check. Who knew. Worked out perfectly though.
While at the store I get a text from my girlfriend that I was going to go out with later that night and she wanted to reschedule. A little bummed, but also a bit worn out from the busy week, so didn’t mind. D and I ended up heading over to S’s and we all took his three older kids out for some nighttime sledding in Brookline. So we finally all get bundled up, van is packed with a slew of sleds, and I get squeezed in between two car seats and three very talkative kids. It was awesome. We drive through this residential neighborhood, up a hill and bam, there it is – this slope for sledding with an amazing backdrop of the Boston skyline from Fenway to the Hancock to downtown. It was a great setting for nighttime sledding. And we had the hill all to ourselves. Luckily we brought flashlights which the three kids held onto. Brilliant as you could always keep track of where they were anywhere on the hill. Needless to say, I wasn’t really dressed properly and my once roomy, now much tighter, jeans did not offer up much protection. After we stopped for hot coca and my underwear was so wet. But I have to say, there is something about being out in the winter enjoying the winter sports and hearing the unfiltered laughter of little kids enjoying themselves, screaming as they go down the hill backwards.
And by the time we got back my friends who I was picking up the guitar from were back in town. So we head over to JP and the guitar I’m borrowing sounds nothing like the crappy one in the store. I’m stoked. I had tried a Yamaha or something and this is a baby Martin. The guys had a good time sharing stories and stuff about guitars and hit it off. On my way back end up swinging by D’s place and he fixes the guitar up (well almost – need an allen wrench for one thing). All in all it was another surprising evening – wonderful and different then what I expected. It was a great way to close out the crazy week, with the comfort of familiarity of old friends and new experiences. And I found out that I can drive from Beacon Hill to my place in about 10 minutes if it’s really late at night (i.e. midnight).
And I get home and check email and there are a slew of emails from the boys. So no need to hop onto match quite yet – let’s see how this batch works out. This week will be busy with the round of second dates. I’m excited but more nervous as it gets into communicating better. Having been recently on the receiving end of poor communication I realized I can handle this better and be up front about the direction I think things are going. I’ve of course I’ve conveniently left out, that not all the emails were from the new guys. I’m still getting mixed messages from previous guys I had written off. So who knows? I sure don't. This whole thing is crazy but I’ve learned it’s healthier not to put all your eggs in one basket at this point in the game. We’ll see how it all unfolds. See, I’m learning. Still confused, but trying.
So now, I’m listening to the CD that came with the lesson book and all I want to do is cut out early from work and go home and get started. Of course, I’m now listening to the advanced stuff which looks complicated. It’s all finger picking – no chords and strumming. But I think it should work for me as it’s very similar to piano. I guess this week will be the test to see how much the years of piano actually come into play when picking up another instrument.
Sunday was a lost day in the first half and yet still very full. I did manage to make myself a decent breakfast – homemade blueberry pancakes (local blueberries from a friend who bought 400 lbs of the small wild kind and shared a huge amount with me), and finished up the Niman Ranch Apple Smoked bacon - mmmm. And I did the dishes – well half of them. The counters are cleared but the dishwasher is at that awkward ¾ full where you hate to run it but you’re starting to need some of the stuff in it. I then proceeded to nap until running out the door to go down to Hingham to pick up a table from craigslist. It was a beautiful crisp, sunny, cold day – perfect for a Sunday drive down to the South shore. And so comfortable with the new car and the GPS leading the way. I’m still getting the hang of the directions it gives and could have sworn it told me to turn left several times when it was indicating turning right on the screen. I think it might be messing with me but haven’t actually caught it in the act yet. I’m watching.
After picking up the table I plugged in the dealership’s address to go get my fob programmed. I’m still using the old fashioned way of driving and locking my car – with a key. I think I have a system where I don’t have to use the key at all – the proximity kind. Well, I wind my way through Boston to Comm Ave and as I’m trying to find the place I think I should call ahead and let them know I’m coming. That’s when I notice on the back of the card that I had written down the hours and the place closed at 4 pm on Sunday and it was 5 after 4 and I couldn’t find the place. So I scratched it. It can keep. So called my friend D as he wanted to go check out guitars together. I made it to Guitar Center first and was trying out a few of the lower end nylon string kind (classical). Uninterrupted by staff in a small room off the main part. Of course, I had no clue what I was doing, but it was fun pretending.
D shows up with S and his 18 month old son which was a pleasant surprise. S and I went to college together way back when and haven’t seen each other for awhile. It was fun hanging out and trying out the different guitars. The ¾ guitar I was supposed to pick up from my friend to borrow was there, and sounded awful. It actually sounded so awful I contemplated buying a used guitar then and there. Turns out the one I picked out couldn’t be purchased for another two weeks. I guess the things can be “hot” so they need to hold them for 30 days so the police can do a proper check. Who knew. Worked out perfectly though.
While at the store I get a text from my girlfriend that I was going to go out with later that night and she wanted to reschedule. A little bummed, but also a bit worn out from the busy week, so didn’t mind. D and I ended up heading over to S’s and we all took his three older kids out for some nighttime sledding in Brookline. So we finally all get bundled up, van is packed with a slew of sleds, and I get squeezed in between two car seats and three very talkative kids. It was awesome. We drive through this residential neighborhood, up a hill and bam, there it is – this slope for sledding with an amazing backdrop of the Boston skyline from Fenway to the Hancock to downtown. It was a great setting for nighttime sledding. And we had the hill all to ourselves. Luckily we brought flashlights which the three kids held onto. Brilliant as you could always keep track of where they were anywhere on the hill. Needless to say, I wasn’t really dressed properly and my once roomy, now much tighter, jeans did not offer up much protection. After we stopped for hot coca and my underwear was so wet. But I have to say, there is something about being out in the winter enjoying the winter sports and hearing the unfiltered laughter of little kids enjoying themselves, screaming as they go down the hill backwards.
And by the time we got back my friends who I was picking up the guitar from were back in town. So we head over to JP and the guitar I’m borrowing sounds nothing like the crappy one in the store. I’m stoked. I had tried a Yamaha or something and this is a baby Martin. The guys had a good time sharing stories and stuff about guitars and hit it off. On my way back end up swinging by D’s place and he fixes the guitar up (well almost – need an allen wrench for one thing). All in all it was another surprising evening – wonderful and different then what I expected. It was a great way to close out the crazy week, with the comfort of familiarity of old friends and new experiences. And I found out that I can drive from Beacon Hill to my place in about 10 minutes if it’s really late at night (i.e. midnight).
And I get home and check email and there are a slew of emails from the boys. So no need to hop onto match quite yet – let’s see how this batch works out. This week will be busy with the round of second dates. I’m excited but more nervous as it gets into communicating better. Having been recently on the receiving end of poor communication I realized I can handle this better and be up front about the direction I think things are going. I’ve of course I’ve conveniently left out, that not all the emails were from the new guys. I’m still getting mixed messages from previous guys I had written off. So who knows? I sure don't. This whole thing is crazy but I’ve learned it’s healthier not to put all your eggs in one basket at this point in the game. We’ll see how it all unfolds. See, I’m learning. Still confused, but trying.
So now, I’m listening to the CD that came with the lesson book and all I want to do is cut out early from work and go home and get started. Of course, I’m now listening to the advanced stuff which looks complicated. It’s all finger picking – no chords and strumming. But I think it should work for me as it’s very similar to piano. I guess this week will be the test to see how much the years of piano actually come into play when picking up another instrument.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Saturday Update
So writing this I realize I think I’ve shifted, at least temporarily, where my craziness in my life is on the personal side and not the work side. Finally. Last night was wonderful, again surprising and not what I expected, although I was expecting it to be good. It was even better. James Gate in JP is a really cool place – dig the atmosphere and the beer. I walk in and who do I notice first but the boy from New Years Eve. Which was perfect as I didn’t think we left things really cool. So the night was good in hanging out with him in a very plutonic way and with the friends that appreciate your quirkiness (and I am the first to admit I’m fairly quirky). It was just a good vibe the whole night, tons of laughing and silliness. We even snagged a table in the corner where the dozen of us crowded around and proceeded to play silly games like telephone. Granted, I took advantage of the one night that I wasn’t driving and using public transportation and enjoyed my fair share of drinks.
Today I was a bit lethargic and really didn’t accomplish much – other than making a dent on watching episodes of Lost. Which I guess counts for something. I finally drag myself into action late afternoon and get ready for my date this evening. I always have trouble with Saturday nights as I’m happy to just stay home and the thought of getting ready and heading out is not always appetizing.
Well, I’m glad I did. I do the chore of getting ready and being presentable, yet again, the third time this week. And of course am running late. I was late to almost everything this week. And this time, I get there early which is fine as parking can be a bear, and I get the spot right in front of the door. Right in front of the door! Even after having to turn around and come back, no one took it.
Ended up going to PJ Ryans. Cool bar even if they have way too many tv screens. Good beer on tap and nice vibe. Not as cool as James Gate, but still decent. Well the date shows up and he’s pretty good looking in person, carries himself well. (And I think I have a thing for beards, I'm starting to see a trend). Had a great time chatting over beers and fries. Tons in common – we’re both super atheists which is rare to find. Different in some ways but very similar in other ways. We both aren’t crazy about things that are fads. And the best part, he wanted to know when we could get together and have dinner next – sometime next week. I have to say this guy has a lot of potential and won tons of points by not playing the game and just wanting to do the next thing. He’s cool but doesn’t play the cool game. So I was giddy on my way home tonight, and if nothing else that’s wonderful. I’ll take it.
So I think I’m doing well. Granted I really don’t want to log on to match to set up the next wave of dates, but know I should. It’s just such a bear of an exercise. And one always hopes that this round was good and it’s not needed. We’ll see after tomorrow night – I’m going out with some girlfriends to try yet a different approach with guys. I think this will be the least likely to succeed but will be tons of fun being with friends. It’ll make for some good stories.
The house remains unpresentable although I did sort the laundry tonight for the various loads – five – that’s from having guests and not doing laundry since october. I haven’t done the loads, but it’s sorted. It’s a start.
Today I was a bit lethargic and really didn’t accomplish much – other than making a dent on watching episodes of Lost. Which I guess counts for something. I finally drag myself into action late afternoon and get ready for my date this evening. I always have trouble with Saturday nights as I’m happy to just stay home and the thought of getting ready and heading out is not always appetizing.
Well, I’m glad I did. I do the chore of getting ready and being presentable, yet again, the third time this week. And of course am running late. I was late to almost everything this week. And this time, I get there early which is fine as parking can be a bear, and I get the spot right in front of the door. Right in front of the door! Even after having to turn around and come back, no one took it.
Ended up going to PJ Ryans. Cool bar even if they have way too many tv screens. Good beer on tap and nice vibe. Not as cool as James Gate, but still decent. Well the date shows up and he’s pretty good looking in person, carries himself well. (And I think I have a thing for beards, I'm starting to see a trend). Had a great time chatting over beers and fries. Tons in common – we’re both super atheists which is rare to find. Different in some ways but very similar in other ways. We both aren’t crazy about things that are fads. And the best part, he wanted to know when we could get together and have dinner next – sometime next week. I have to say this guy has a lot of potential and won tons of points by not playing the game and just wanting to do the next thing. He’s cool but doesn’t play the cool game. So I was giddy on my way home tonight, and if nothing else that’s wonderful. I’ll take it.
So I think I’m doing well. Granted I really don’t want to log on to match to set up the next wave of dates, but know I should. It’s just such a bear of an exercise. And one always hopes that this round was good and it’s not needed. We’ll see after tomorrow night – I’m going out with some girlfriends to try yet a different approach with guys. I think this will be the least likely to succeed but will be tons of fun being with friends. It’ll make for some good stories.
The house remains unpresentable although I did sort the laundry tonight for the various loads – five – that’s from having guests and not doing laundry since october. I haven’t done the loads, but it’s sorted. It’s a start.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Friday Update
I’m happy it’s Friday. I’m tired, but in a good way, not in a “I’m going to lose my shit” way that my friend Cece is going through right now. I realize, busy evenings that go late is good. Early morning conference calls with the Middle East is good. But back to back? Not so good. So getting home at midnight and needing to make it into the office for 7:30 am calls (with an hour commute) just doesn’t work well for this 9 hour a night girl. But that was the beginning of the week. I’m feeling a bit more rested now, but still happy that when I get home tonight I can just collapse into bed and wake up when I want to tomorrow. Be it 6 am or more likely 11 am. Ok, probably somewhere in the middle.
So quick recap. I had a surprisingly good time each night. Which is weird as I was expecting to have a good time, but each night surprised me of just working out better than I anticipated. Not anything in particular, just that good buzz from a happy life kind of feeling. Tuesday was bluegrass with Dave that I went to Spain with a year+ ago. There’s something about traveling with someone that moves the relationship to a different comfort level which is nice. We hadn’t hung out for awhile and I got to grill him about guitar advice. I didn’t realize he plays every day. And that I miss bluegrass. I hadn’t heard good bluegrass in awhile.
Then Wednesday was an energetic session with my therapist. I’m so used to more passive analyst types from my brief fore ray (is that right?) with the field. She’s a cognitive therapist (I think) and started to get to the route of things and working on how to change things, especially in relationships. I even have homework and already feel a shift on my outlook and approach to thinking about things that is much healthier.
And last night, I had a great time emailing during the day with another friend who is into guitars and is excited about me picking up the instrument. Tons of advice and he’s even going to let me borrow one of his guitars he doesn’t use. Which is awesome as guitar’s really aren’t that cheap if you want to do it right and not get some cheapo thing from Wal-Mart. So I stop by my local music shop on my way home from work and the store clerk was really helpful and spent a ton of time teaching me about the different kinds to choose from and trying them out. I didn’t leave with a guitar (which I’ve been told to shop around first), but did leave with a thick lesson book which I’ve already read half of. Tonight I should be able to pick up the guitar – yay! I won’t have a tuner but think I have everything I need to get started.
I rushed home and grabbed the car to head to Porter Square for my first date. He wasn’t what I expected but really, how can you know what to expect if you haven’t actually met the person. We had a great time and there was good energy. He even bought the same exact car as me at about the same time (except his is newer). And I don’t know if it’s the progress in therapy or the guy or the timing, but he doesn’t fall in my normal categories. In the past it was all or nothing for me. I either felt the electrifying chemistry and was into the guy, or I didn’t and was looking for an exit strategy. With this guy, it’s somewhere in the middle. I think it’s the living in the moment thing that had eluded me in the past. Progress! So who knows about this one, I’ll keep you posted.
And the other first date I have for tomorrow I wasn’t really digging at first. But the emails back and forth trying to coordinate time and place has piqued my interest and I’m really looking forward to that date now too. I have to say these two guys were much better in the correspondence than some of my past experiences. It’s hard to get your personality to come across in email, especially in the beginning – so kudos to them.
Oh, and looking forward to tonight. I invited another friend to join us at James Gate in JP. Nothing like good friends and good beer in front of a fire, on a snowy day (yes it’s snowing as I write this). Of course, getting home will be interesting. I usually drive as public transportation is kind of tricky (and long). But the friend joining is from the same side of town as I am, so it should be a fun adventure tonight.
Next week, not much planned. Only have one thing planned, but am excited as it will be my first Boston Symphony experience. I’m going with a friend on Thursday for the Mozart and Elgar production. I’ve always enjoyed Mozart’s Prague Symphony and think I’ll really like Elgar although he’s new to me (at least by name).
Of course, not being home much, my clean house from having guests has reverted back into a chaotic mess. I really need to clean the place this weekend. I was supposed to clean it last weekend. Maybe by writing it here it will happen this time. One can hope.
So quick recap. I had a surprisingly good time each night. Which is weird as I was expecting to have a good time, but each night surprised me of just working out better than I anticipated. Not anything in particular, just that good buzz from a happy life kind of feeling. Tuesday was bluegrass with Dave that I went to Spain with a year+ ago. There’s something about traveling with someone that moves the relationship to a different comfort level which is nice. We hadn’t hung out for awhile and I got to grill him about guitar advice. I didn’t realize he plays every day. And that I miss bluegrass. I hadn’t heard good bluegrass in awhile.
Then Wednesday was an energetic session with my therapist. I’m so used to more passive analyst types from my brief fore ray (is that right?) with the field. She’s a cognitive therapist (I think) and started to get to the route of things and working on how to change things, especially in relationships. I even have homework and already feel a shift on my outlook and approach to thinking about things that is much healthier.
And last night, I had a great time emailing during the day with another friend who is into guitars and is excited about me picking up the instrument. Tons of advice and he’s even going to let me borrow one of his guitars he doesn’t use. Which is awesome as guitar’s really aren’t that cheap if you want to do it right and not get some cheapo thing from Wal-Mart. So I stop by my local music shop on my way home from work and the store clerk was really helpful and spent a ton of time teaching me about the different kinds to choose from and trying them out. I didn’t leave with a guitar (which I’ve been told to shop around first), but did leave with a thick lesson book which I’ve already read half of. Tonight I should be able to pick up the guitar – yay! I won’t have a tuner but think I have everything I need to get started.
I rushed home and grabbed the car to head to Porter Square for my first date. He wasn’t what I expected but really, how can you know what to expect if you haven’t actually met the person. We had a great time and there was good energy. He even bought the same exact car as me at about the same time (except his is newer). And I don’t know if it’s the progress in therapy or the guy or the timing, but he doesn’t fall in my normal categories. In the past it was all or nothing for me. I either felt the electrifying chemistry and was into the guy, or I didn’t and was looking for an exit strategy. With this guy, it’s somewhere in the middle. I think it’s the living in the moment thing that had eluded me in the past. Progress! So who knows about this one, I’ll keep you posted.
And the other first date I have for tomorrow I wasn’t really digging at first. But the emails back and forth trying to coordinate time and place has piqued my interest and I’m really looking forward to that date now too. I have to say these two guys were much better in the correspondence than some of my past experiences. It’s hard to get your personality to come across in email, especially in the beginning – so kudos to them.
Oh, and looking forward to tonight. I invited another friend to join us at James Gate in JP. Nothing like good friends and good beer in front of a fire, on a snowy day (yes it’s snowing as I write this). Of course, getting home will be interesting. I usually drive as public transportation is kind of tricky (and long). But the friend joining is from the same side of town as I am, so it should be a fun adventure tonight.
Next week, not much planned. Only have one thing planned, but am excited as it will be my first Boston Symphony experience. I’m going with a friend on Thursday for the Mozart and Elgar production. I’ve always enjoyed Mozart’s Prague Symphony and think I’ll really like Elgar although he’s new to me (at least by name).
Of course, not being home much, my clean house from having guests has reverted back into a chaotic mess. I really need to clean the place this weekend. I was supposed to clean it last weekend. Maybe by writing it here it will happen this time. One can hope.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Urban Outdoorsman
I headed over to Copley Square area to meet up with someone from FHLB for lunch. On my way there I passed an old veteran of panhandling. She had definitely been around the block a few times. She was rattling her cup and what struck me was the way she phrased her request: "Financially embarrassed". It reminded me of the first time I saw someone literally "fishing for money" - the sign on the end of stick on Telegraph Ave in Berkeley. Funny.
And then on my way back, I passed another person sitting in one of the corridors in the T at Park Street asking for money. Except it was his sign that was doing the asking while he was chatting away on a cell phone. Not what you'd expect.
I originally titled the post bums, but realized that's not a very PC term. Who knew it's "Urban Outdoorsman" or I guess "Urban Outdoorswoman" depending.
And then on my way back, I passed another person sitting in one of the corridors in the T at Park Street asking for money. Except it was his sign that was doing the asking while he was chatting away on a cell phone. Not what you'd expect.
I originally titled the post bums, but realized that's not a very PC term. Who knew it's "Urban Outdoorsman" or I guess "Urban Outdoorswoman" depending.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
The Big 2-0-0!
So it only took me 3 years and 8 months to make it to my 200th post and it is nicely timed to usher in the New Year. The new decade even. What a milestone. And boy has this past year been full of major milestones. Except they weren’t really mine. Births, marriages and death. I was very fortunate to be able to share in all of these with my dear and close friends and family and I thank them for that. Don’t get me wrong, 2009 was a good year. I logged more miles under the ol’ travel belt and enjoyed the sites in Abu Dhabi, Germany, and Sweden. I ended a 15 year relationship, of which 12 years we had been going steady. We travelled cross country many times and was with me each time I moved to a new city. I felt bad ending it but know it was time to move on. I still miss my little Saturn, but am slowly falling in love with my new Infiniti. On a side, did I ever tell you about the pattern I found with the cars I’ve owned? I discovered it after I had decided on the Infiniti but hadn’t signed the papers yet. I was starting to second guess if it was the right decision and then it hit me. I’ve always enjoyed math, art and astronomy. My very first car was Darling, an old Corolla. Doesn’t that sound like Crayola? Well, it does to me. So there you go: Art (Corolla), Astronomy (Saturn), Math (Infiniti). The clincher was the final piece – cats. If you know me, you know I love my cats. And my ultimate cat? The Jaguar of course! A nice old estate car like an XJ6 or XJS. Which is funny as I thought I would have had a Subaru or Volvo sometime in my life, but don’t really see how they fit into the pattern. So I guess not.
This New Year’s eve, I was excited. I had a party to go to. Close friends to share the momentous night with. And a cute boy. It was all falling into place so perfectly. There was even going to be the beautiful light of the full moon, a blue moon even! (That only happens every 19 years – a blue moon on New Year’s Eve). In the end the moon and the boy were a no show. Well not literally. The boy was there, but it went south throughout the night. Cuteness can only take you so far. And to be honest, I was more enamoured with the idea of him than the actual thing. On the upside, the reason the moon didn’t shine is because we were graciously blanketed with a foot of snow. It was so beautiful and peaceful. And by the end of the night/year I was pleasantly surprised with another guy asking me for my number. Not exactly how I was expecting to ring in the New Year, but it seems like there is always an upside.
But I’m going to be better this year about not just pulling the old Pollyanna routine. It’s good to look on the bright side of things. Give me some crappy situation and I can find the silver lining. But that only gets you so far. Don’t get me wrong, the glass will still be half full for me but I’m going to make sure I like what’s in the glass too. I remember this old quote that struck me back in my college years, “Life is what happens while you’re waiting for the train.” It was written by a colleague of mine on the newspaper staff. And seems more relevant these days, while I literally stand at my subway stop waiting for trains. I think I pursue certain things but let other things come to me. There are benefits to both ways. I’m not sure there is a right or wrong way. But this year I’m going to mix it up some. I’m going to pay attention while waiting for my trains now. And on the very first day of the very first month of this year, I had a great day of just doing a lot of nothing. Not sticking to my plan and aforementioned list (from the previous posting). Instead I hung out with some girlfriends (one who was one of the few remaining singletons I know) and we dissected the mysterious world of boys and dating and finding a good guy. It was so helpful. Especially hearing my inner voices that second guess stuff being voiced by someone else who is experiencing the same things. It really isn’t me, it’s the situation. Dating sucks. Boys can suck. You can be an awesome person but in the end you still get the short end of the stick. But this time I’m going out and looking for a longer stick.
And I haven’t found the stick yet, but this week just fell into place. It goes to show you that mindset has power. When I woke up Monday, my week was empty. By mid-day Tuesday (today), it was full (still have to firm up two things). Crazy isn’t it? That’s less than 48 hours. I pursued some of it and got invited to two things randomly which was a bit unusual. I’m so proud of myself, I have to list it:
T: Music in Central Sq. w/ D. Can boys be wingmen for girls?
W: previous commitment, not boy related
Th: Drinks in Porter Sq. w/ A. First date and he’s f-u-n-n-y.
F: Drinks/dinner in JP w/ friends.
S: Drinks in Davis Sq. w/ E. First date. He’s Canadian.
Su: Drinks in Boston. On the prowl w/ my gal friends. Who knew it’s better to go to lounges to pick up boys and not bars. I didn’t even know they existed.
That’s five nights of opportunity there. A pretty good list to start off the year. Speaking of lists. I’m back to not writing them anymore. The “to do” type at least. I was right before. Lists and procrastinators susceptible (wow I really didn’t know how to spell or, to get the root of the issue, say that word) to guilt just don’t mix. Guess how many things I got done on my list. Yup – zero. But I have something more to add. I surprised myself this year and made a New Year’s resolution. We were going around and sharing them Friday night. I said I didn’t make them anymore. But later in the night when asked again, out popped “I’m going to learn how to play the guitar”. Surprise! Granted, half the night was spent enjoying live music and there was a roomful of guitar players. I’ve been starting to listen to lyrics more these days and have wanted to play particular songs. I’d love to be able to play Naked by Ben Lee. I just stumbled upon it in the movie Rage in Placid Lake. Which I recommend if you like quirky indie films from down under.
Right now, I’m listening to a local band, Thick as Thieves whose lyrics pretty much sum it up for me: “here’s to waking up on a Sunday morning and pull your head out of the ground.” So that’s me right now.
In case you haven't figured it out, I was trying to post this last night but ran out of time.
This New Year’s eve, I was excited. I had a party to go to. Close friends to share the momentous night with. And a cute boy. It was all falling into place so perfectly. There was even going to be the beautiful light of the full moon, a blue moon even! (That only happens every 19 years – a blue moon on New Year’s Eve). In the end the moon and the boy were a no show. Well not literally. The boy was there, but it went south throughout the night. Cuteness can only take you so far. And to be honest, I was more enamoured with the idea of him than the actual thing. On the upside, the reason the moon didn’t shine is because we were graciously blanketed with a foot of snow. It was so beautiful and peaceful. And by the end of the night/year I was pleasantly surprised with another guy asking me for my number. Not exactly how I was expecting to ring in the New Year, but it seems like there is always an upside.
But I’m going to be better this year about not just pulling the old Pollyanna routine. It’s good to look on the bright side of things. Give me some crappy situation and I can find the silver lining. But that only gets you so far. Don’t get me wrong, the glass will still be half full for me but I’m going to make sure I like what’s in the glass too. I remember this old quote that struck me back in my college years, “Life is what happens while you’re waiting for the train.” It was written by a colleague of mine on the newspaper staff. And seems more relevant these days, while I literally stand at my subway stop waiting for trains. I think I pursue certain things but let other things come to me. There are benefits to both ways. I’m not sure there is a right or wrong way. But this year I’m going to mix it up some. I’m going to pay attention while waiting for my trains now. And on the very first day of the very first month of this year, I had a great day of just doing a lot of nothing. Not sticking to my plan and aforementioned list (from the previous posting). Instead I hung out with some girlfriends (one who was one of the few remaining singletons I know) and we dissected the mysterious world of boys and dating and finding a good guy. It was so helpful. Especially hearing my inner voices that second guess stuff being voiced by someone else who is experiencing the same things. It really isn’t me, it’s the situation. Dating sucks. Boys can suck. You can be an awesome person but in the end you still get the short end of the stick. But this time I’m going out and looking for a longer stick.
And I haven’t found the stick yet, but this week just fell into place. It goes to show you that mindset has power. When I woke up Monday, my week was empty. By mid-day Tuesday (today), it was full (still have to firm up two things). Crazy isn’t it? That’s less than 48 hours. I pursued some of it and got invited to two things randomly which was a bit unusual. I’m so proud of myself, I have to list it:
T: Music in Central Sq. w/ D. Can boys be wingmen for girls?
W: previous commitment, not boy related
Th: Drinks in Porter Sq. w/ A. First date and he’s f-u-n-n-y.
F: Drinks/dinner in JP w/ friends.
S: Drinks in Davis Sq. w/ E. First date. He’s Canadian.
Su: Drinks in Boston. On the prowl w/ my gal friends. Who knew it’s better to go to lounges to pick up boys and not bars. I didn’t even know they existed.
That’s five nights of opportunity there. A pretty good list to start off the year. Speaking of lists. I’m back to not writing them anymore. The “to do” type at least. I was right before. Lists and procrastinators susceptible (wow I really didn’t know how to spell or, to get the root of the issue, say that word) to guilt just don’t mix. Guess how many things I got done on my list. Yup – zero. But I have something more to add. I surprised myself this year and made a New Year’s resolution. We were going around and sharing them Friday night. I said I didn’t make them anymore. But later in the night when asked again, out popped “I’m going to learn how to play the guitar”. Surprise! Granted, half the night was spent enjoying live music and there was a roomful of guitar players. I’ve been starting to listen to lyrics more these days and have wanted to play particular songs. I’d love to be able to play Naked by Ben Lee. I just stumbled upon it in the movie Rage in Placid Lake. Which I recommend if you like quirky indie films from down under.
Right now, I’m listening to a local band, Thick as Thieves whose lyrics pretty much sum it up for me: “here’s to waking up on a Sunday morning and pull your head out of the ground.” So that’s me right now.
In case you haven't figured it out, I was trying to post this last night but ran out of time.
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