...Out of the Mouths of Babes

"Boys are for girls enjoyment", by Missy @ 11 yrs old.

V Day...Many Happy Returns!

I thought I heard everything, but I was floored when this story was relayed to me. It’s Valentine’s Day, a woman gives her debit card to her boyfriend to purchase a gift for her. Uum, does he not have his own money? I digress. Apparently not or he’s just plain smart. He was at the store, attempting to make the purchase and was declined. The information was relayed to her but she didn’t want to know the amount or where her “beloved” was shopping.

One would hope that she received this impressive piece of jeweler, purchased at Zales and that she was wowed! We'll never know. But, honey get a clue. He's NOT WORTH IT!!!!

This tales reads all wrong! First she compromised her account. Secondly, she compromised herself. There’s not enough love in the world that should make someone this desperate. But there are endless stories of women looking for love in all the wrong places.

Sandwich Guy...Gone

There's always a story but I spare you the details. Sandwich Guy....you're outta here! Delete!

BTW..thanks to my bouncer buddy @ Tapa's for lending an ear and giving solid advice!

Sandwich Guy

I had the official phone call from "sandwich guy" this past weekend. Pleasant conversation and things seem to go well. But on Monday, I received 2 text messages around 6 a.m.; wtf! But to aggraviate the situation, I received 3 phone calls between 9-10 a.m. I actually answered one not knowing about the 1st call. We chatted for a moment, which was ok. But I was perplexed receiving another call 20 minutes later; I didn't answer!

Is "sandwich guy" socialy inept or a potential stalker? Friends are leaning towards the latter since the guy hasn't asked me out yet. T says to give him til this weekend and if nothing, consider him out the door. Tick tock!

...Aargh Countdown to V day

Only a few hours before the most nauseating day of the year occurs. I'm trying hard not to be a hater! Some acquaintances are having an "anti V day party" but I can't imagine how that going to be. Luckily I wasn't invited.

Cheer up ol' gal. I have a date with a girlfriend and we'll be dancing the light fantastic. Now that I think of it, I received "xoxoxo" text from a couple letting me they are thinking of me and I'm their valentine. And there's Missy too. Hhmm, maybe the day won't be so bad after all.

I just can't wait for St. Patrick's Day!!!!

...Say What?

Do you ever wonder why people tell you things that you may not want to hear? I’ve been questioning this phenomenon lately, since it happens to me often. Many would say that it’s because you have a kind face, a sympathetic ear and appear trustworthy. This may all be true, but with those credentials, does it warrant for others to share their dark tales and deep secrets to virtual strangers? Is there safety within anonymity? Baring their soul(s), as the confidante, are you a friend now?

Imagine my shock, while sitting with an acquaintance during a barbecue, he announces that he has one testicle. The conversation did not warrant bearing one’s soul but he felt the need, as he says, to be “honest and wanted me to get to know him better”. Uum, ok. Or how about during phone call with a colleague today, she blurts out the night before random meeting of an old boyfriend she hadn’t seen in 20 years. She share details that I didn't want to particularly want to hear.

The stories vary from the ridiculous to scary, but each participant tells it with such passion. I often look around my neck to see if I have a collar (sainthood should be just around the corner). I ask friends do they experience this kind bizarre storytelling. Each one shakes their heads, giggling...knowing that I'm the rare exception. Well, at least I have stories to share, names withheld to protect the innocent!

...Risk Adverse

Can you find love if your adverse to change?

I've observed a woman who has never been married but wants to have a successful long term relationship. Admittedly, she doesn't like to date and her laundry list of do's/don't for the ideal mate, in a word, is immense. Self described as very anal retentive, she can't really have roommates. By the way, she is resistant to change.

So I wonder as she is heading towards 40, with the limitations/expections set, can she find true love? If love is an everchanging dynamic and "working" relationships sway moment by moment, how does one propose to give and receive? If you dislike dating, the method in which one enjoys interviewing various prospect mates, how do get to the next level?

I guess I just answered the question. True love and the commitment of relationship(s) will elude you every time because it is all about "change". Relationships descend into the abyss because one of the partners is not moving at the same pace as the other. Maybe that's why this woman is perpetually sad, knowing that she'll what she is looking for will never come to be. She is standing in the way of her self.

Dippity..Dah

"How about lunch at our local sandwich shop around 2:30?" was the message I received from Bing. I was not prepared for the extraordinary circumstances of that lunch. Five unrelated people, in one location, connected, all because of a quarter dropping to the ground at said shop. This action led to meeting a man, discussing sandwiches, who in turn, took his back to his work, causing another to arrive shortly afterwards to order one for himself. Admittedly, Philly Steak guy had never been to this shop, but the sheer coincidence of meeting Bing & I was strange. Even more so for us as I realized he was sent by the quarter dropping man. The timing of the events were so uncanny that I couldn't believe it was occurring. Eventually, it led to phone number exchanging because the 2nd meeting was so surreal!

Oh Bing, I'm so glad you were there for the most surreal "Twilight Zone" episode. The exchange of looks between us, classic. I can never tell the story the way it unveiled, but it will remain in my memory as an "a-ha" moment. I'm not consciously aware of having such a serendipious moment like this before. Opportunities and possibilities.....

Icky Ick

Did I mention that I hate being sick? Two days of being comtose and now crazy insomnia. But I have my favorite crime dramas with me tonight. "Without a Trace", "Law & Order: Criminial Intent" & "SVU". I'm hooked! Between those shows and "Miami Vice", I may not sleep for days. I guess if the powers that be would put "Mannix" on Dvd, I would be estatic!

2:25 a.m. and counting. Zzzzz!

It's a P Thang...

Prince is one of my favorite artists and when I heard the lyrics to this song moons ago, I didn't know that it would resonant in me at this moment. "It's been 7 hours and 15 days, since you took your love away." Well, it's been a bit longer than that, but you get the message. It's still questionable about how I feel about "lost boy", I guess that's what this period has been all about, getting to the bottom of things. Many have said, I'll look back with mostly good memories, only time will tell.

To all of you who've supported me through the good and lean moments, we have officially put this baby to bed. So on the advice of a good "peep" in the LBC, the final moments have been made. A great moment of love and laughter last week and the deletion of a phone number tonight!

To counterbalance, I thought about listening to Dr. Dre, hell yea, uumm maybe not. I'm supposed to be getting in touch with my feminine side. So to be hopeful, my Ipod led me to Sammie & Van Halen's "When It's Love". "How do I know when it's love? I can't tell you but its last forever." A bit optimistic, but I guess I can buy into tonight. Heck it's Sammie!

Ode to a Peanut Redux

The next day, I returned to the 4th step only to find that the "li'l buddy" had mysteriously disappeared. Fascinating!

I learned later, that others had witnessed the "peanut event" and wondered, as I what would happen. However, only 2 of us had witnessed the split, the main and the "li'l buddy". We'll never know exactly what happened, but it touched other lives just as it did mine.

A moment of silence for the "li'l buddy"........

Ickness

I'm usually really careful about washing my hands especially after nights of dancing. I've been alluding the flu for months, but if finally got me. Which one of those handsome salsa gents didn't stay home and has stricken me and possibly others to body aches and pains? Curses to you! That means I'm out of commission for the next couple of days. Sadness, but I'll be back with a vengeance.

Maven

"A person who has special knowledge or experience, expert".

The American Heritage Dictionary

Oh My..She Has A Blog Too...

Well shut my mouth, Missy created her own blog. Right on sister! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...she's a pretty good writer. I look forward to reading the adventures of a "tween".

Ode to a Peanut

It had been two weeks since I noticed the lone peanut sitting on the 4th step in the stairway at work. Nestled closely to the fold of the step, safely guarded from footprints and vacuums, it laid in wait. The first 10 days or so, the half was in tack, but one day, a small piece broke away, gaining its independence. Did they know they were separated? Did they miss one another or did they have a new found respect for each other? Each day afterwards, the two slowly distanced themselves from each. Amazingly, no one had crushed either piece. How long will they survive this existence?

As I approached the stairs, today, I was saddened not to see the "main" lone peanut. Had someone finally pick it up? Was it sucked into the nozzle of some vacuum and now circulating in an oblivion of dust, lint and gunk? There was no trace that it had succumb to any harm. Will the peanut be happier in its new home and did it miss the other peanuts from which it was separated from as well as its "li'l buddy"? Importantly, what will happen to the smaller of the two, that continues to lay on the step, boldy and bravely? A moment of silence....

Questions that we will never have answers. Tomorrow if the "li'l buddy" is there I will give it a new home. One day of separation in its current location is enough for it (or me) to bare.

I will miss the peanut; the joy it gave me each day being a part of its world.

HH Dancing

Tonight, I've returned from the 13th annual Hip Hop Dance competition; it was in a word amazing! Four years ago, no way would I have witnessed the beauty of so many dances had it not been for salsa. Introduced to people I never would have met otherwise, I've been exposed to various performances in Tango, Swing, Folklorico, Flamenco, Ballet, Tap and Salsa. Different dances but one common thread. People, music and the message. Dancing is one of the few things remaining in this world that remains pure! A world where one communicates thoughts and emotions without uttering a single word; the ultimate in self expression.

You can spot a dancer anywhere. They have a song in their heart and mind, not wallking but gliding with a 1,2,3 count. Rarely do they sit in their seats still and generally fingers are tapping rhythemically (da da dah dah da). And quite possibly, they're are choregraphing a sequence in their minds. If a group are together, more than likely they will break out and dance regardless where they are. Tonight, I certify, I am a dancer and darn proud of it!

Smiling tonight, I was more than thrilled to watch hip hoppers showcasing their talents. Of course, I had my favorites but they were all outstanding! Thank you Toy Box for extending the invite. And to those who've shared your passion of the dance with me, a hearty thanks to you also! Nuestro mundo, una canción y un baile!

Mystery and Matador

I'm sitting on the phone with my good friend, let's call him "Mystery" and I "Matador". We actually laugh about our code names because we "borrowed" them from the VH-1 reality show. You see, Mystery was the host of the show and Matador is his "wingman" teaching the "underdogs" how to be the ultimate "Pickup Artist".

Mystery and I go salsa dancing quite a bit together and try not to "c-block" each other, a very delicate balance. Yes, we do really dance, but every so often, one of us becomes the pickup artist and the other the wingman. Interesting enough, he's been very successful with the "game" having a female as a wingman than a guy. Yeah, I'm just that cool!

But now we're chatting about the Chino Hills reception, it was his family's event. The question, which one of us will remarry first? I say, Mystery, you'll be saying "I do". Although we're both the quinessential commitment phobes, women look at Mystery and think, "how can I make him mine?" He doesn't know that I'm privy to conversations among women checking him out when we're out on the town. It'll be a matter of time before one of the "targets" snags you, Mystery and then I guess, I'll be your "best lady" handing you the ring. Wow, think about the bachelor party. Ah, yeah, the Love Jones is calling ya, mi hermano!

In the meantime, we'll be our goofy selves, dancing and pondering the meaning of life.

Baile!

Loverman, Where Can U Be?

In the pouring rain, last night, I travelled to Chino Hills to a wedding reception. It was a family friend, so I knew there would be merriment, comfort and joy. Music and sweet aromatic smells of the Latin world; hugs and kisses with my extended loved ones filled the air. Salsa dancing took place immediately con mis hermanos. Viva bailar!

Almost immediately, I met him,"loverman". The onyx and platinum band circled the left finger like a badge of honor; he wore it well. Did he think I didn't notice? Smiling politely, I danced our one song, but he had something else on his mind. A barrage of questions fired at me to "get to know" quickly as he held me close, breathing in my perfume. The song could not have ended fast enough. Hey, bubba, thanks but no thanks! Uumm, isn't your wife standing in the corner waiting to dance with you next?

Loverman was transfixed on his prey. It does not matter how many times/ways you say no, he has to have you. The pursuit relentless; the rejection heightens the game. I had to cut the evening short, loverman wasn't giving up and the wife's eye was spying. Cold cocking a guy at a reception, so not chic!

Driving the 91 Fwy, thinking, this is something I'll never understand or get use to. It's peculiar because it just occurred with another "loverman" a few days prior. EZE said he was inspired by my fishnet stockings...he's been thinking about me for a long time; could we meet to "know more about each other?" Steady EZE, how would you Mrs. EZE feel about this liaison? "Ah, why do you have to bring her up", he says.

I've asked why does this behavior exist and why is it happening to me fast and furious? Am I wearing a sign around my neck, "Vivacious single seeking lovers of committed nature...husbands and boyfriends apply here". It's been said that lovermen has everything to gain and nothing to lose. If the lucky woman says yes, bonus, but if she smacks him in the face, no harm no foul. As EWF sings, "that's the way of the world", but it perplexes me and I don't want to accept that answer. Don't they know, I lost my spouse to a "lovergal" so I'm not buying the arrangement. But I guess as long as "interested parties" continue to play, all's fair.

Mental Feng Shui

We all get circulated reading(s) via email daily. Sometimes one catches my eye like this one, it's nice words to live by. Thanks, K Nunez for sending this one to me. As the reading suggested, I did pass it on to others so not to have bad luck!

1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
2. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversatial skills will be as important as any other.
3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have, or sleep all you want.
4. When you say "I love you", mean it.
5. When you say "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.
6. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
7. Believe in love at first sight.
8. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who have dreams, don't have much.
9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
11. Don't judge people by their relatives.
12. Talk slowly but think quickly.
13. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "why do you want to know?"
14. Remember that great love and great achievements involves great risk.
15. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
16. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
17. Remember the 3 Rs: Respect for self. Respect for others; and Responsibility for your actions.
18. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
19. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
20. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice
21. Spend some time alone.

Author Unknown

Everytime I Turn Around...

I was enjoying my drive home, thinking about all the things I wanted to do. The last person I wanted to see at my casa was him...Spock! We've been apart for over 4 years and I remember those last few years of our marriage when I could count on one hand how many times he was at home.I believe he was with her. But now, it seems every time I turn around (sing Jeffrey Osborne), the man is "hangin' and chillin' at my crib! Sure, it's always under the umbrella, that he's helping Missy with something, but does it take hours to do it?

Believe me, I have had cordial conversations in the past about not spending time here. It's simply inappropriate! He smiles and gives some excuse why it occurred "this time". Hey, buddy...this isn't your home!"

Friends have told me, Spock simply is comfortable here. How can that be; we didn't share this home together. Ah you see, part of it is reminscient of the past or that he just hasn't let go of "us" completely; and he never will! He may not have liked the marriage, but he enjoyed the benefits and enjoys the fruit of my new labor.

I am amused and frustrated by the whole affair considering he can do this but can not tell me, thusfar, that he's marrying this summer. Comfort and joy mixed with suspicious behavior. It really is all too much! So the question is, will the "extended visits" continue or will the "new found religion" called the envious new wife will put a stop to it? I suspect she doesn't know now and she won't in the future. Maybe I'll hang out at his house now!