Great Googly-Moogly, give me some strength!

I am going out to lunch at least three times this week...the week I have dedicated to losing weight and tracking everything I eat.

Tomorrow isn't a big deal, because I have already decided on the salad, which is very yummy, and except for the cheese, which I have allowed for via my walk in the morning, low points.

Tuesday maybe be trickier. Don't believe me? Look at this!


Look at all of those desserts! And I am a sweet tooth if ever one drew a breath. And I am not sure what that strawberry thing is, but me want some! And what is that huge mound of nuts, presumably pecans in a pie crust???

Wednesday, day of rest, and hopefully some fasting.

Thursday, at it again...Here is the dessert list...

Mooncake – Named after the craters of the moon and similar to an openfaced eclair. Cream puff crust,filled with custard, then whipped cream and finally marbled chocolate on the top. Always a favorite 3.95
Cinnamon & Raisin Bread Pudding – An old recipe modified to perfection! Cinnamon bread, milk, eggs, and raisins baked just right! Served warm topped with cinnamon sugar and a zesty lemon sauce! 3.95
Old Fashioned Buttermilk Coconut Pie – Just like Grandma’s! A rich and creamy custard and coconut pie. Served warm. 3.95
Toll House Pie – A heavenly mixture very similar to a toll house cookie. Lots of chocolate chips and nuts served warm with a scoop of ice cream! 4.25
Triple Layer Cheesecake – Start with an oreo cookie crumb crust, then a chocolate layer, a praline layer and a plain cheesecake layer, all glazed with additional chocolate! Divine! 4.50
Sensational Sampler – Aimee’s choice of three favorite desserts and a fruit garnish. Tastefully displayed to please every appetite. 5.95
Coconut Walnut Cake – Moist yellow cake with shredded coconut & walnuts iced with cream cheese frosting & toasted coconut. Prize Winner 3.95
Tres Leches Cake (3 Milk Cake) – Pure and simple white cake, coconut milk, sweet milk & whipped topping. A Wonder In White 3.95
The Queen of Chocolat Cake – Legend says to feast on this culinary treat! Searching for the ultimate sweet chocolat ending. Indulge Today - recipe may change tomorrow! 3.95
Bowl of Seasonal Fresh Fruit – 4.25
Single Scoop Sundae (chocolate, raspberry, or caramel) 2.25
Double Scoop Sundae (chocolate, raspberry, or cramel) 4.50
Colossal Rhubarb Cobbler – A mixture of rhubarb and strawberries baked in the best batter ever! Served hot with a scoop of ice cream to melt just right! (Seasonal) 4.25
Chocolate Strawberry Pie – An award winner! An oreo cookie crumb crust filled with rich chocolate mousse and then completely covered with fresh strawberry slices and drizzled with chocolate again! Wow! (Seasonal) 4.50
Seasonal Special – Luscious new recipe we wanted to share! Try it today! Market
My Neighbor’s Peach Bomb! – Luscious whole peach carefully wrapped with pie crust. Baked & drizzled generously with almond butter glaze. Watch for the seed! (Seasonal) 3.95
New England Pumpkin Cheesecake – A graham cracker crust filled with pumpkin and spices, then generously topped with walnut streussal. Delicious! (Seasonal) 4.50
Bumbleberry Pie – Bumbling Blend of Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Apples & Rhubarb combined in a two–crust pie. Served with ice cream. Berry Berry Good! (Seasonal) 4.25
Apple Dumpling – A fall and winter tradition! Large Granny Smith apple peeled, cored and filled with cinnamon sugar then baked wrapped in pie crust. Served warm with ice cream.Delicious! (Seasonal) 5.95

And they don't even mention their lemonade--one of the most glorious concoctions known to man. Lemonade--you ask...but it is like the nectar of the gods, and full of sugar and, get this...milk. Yes, milk. Sounds disturbing, but I tell you, it is wonderful!

I could have a date or 2 over the weekend, which would lead to more food and drink, and I have been asked to go to play mini-golf and go to dinner Saturday--if no better offers come around.

We are kicking around a few ideas for Friday, too. I am thinking maybe I should save the day for one of those colon treatments when they flush out all the crud you have eaten. That would be a great way to wind down my summer vacation!

And that is just it...summer is ending, and Mom and I haven't made it to any of the places we wanted to because of babysitting.

The older niece and nephew are out of town, and my brother is on the Owls, so he can keep the baby during the day. So obviously we are going to pig out on this respite!

Send me the good vibes to NOT eat until I explode like that guy in Monty Python's Meaning of Life.

That thin line...

There is a thin line between being self-confident and being stuck-up. I cannot stand stuck-up people.

It is one thing to know you look nice, but quite another to think you are the hottest thing going.

It is one thing to know you are intelligent, but something else to be condescending to others and act superior.

It is one thing to tell anecdotes about yourself conversationally speaking, but it is obnoxious to make EVERYTHING about you, and assume people want every detail of your life.

It is one thing to think people are interested in you, but that is different than thinking people obsess over you. Although I guess I am obsessing over it all right now.

Don't even ask what just set this off. I just needed to mindlessly vent! :)

I am now stepping off of my soapbox and hoping not to trip.

Ethics be damned!

I wasn't going to post any pics of my boy-toys, but since Marie asked, I will go ahead and post the pics I have actually taken the time to save! :)

First, Bald and Beautiful, who doesn't want to have anymore kids. Doesn't he have beautiful eyes and great teeth?



This is the IM guy. It isn't the best picture, but still, he looks cute.



Columbian Doctor...Here he looks a bit like a dark Matthew McConaughey, not so much in person, although he wasn't unattractive, either.



This is the 28 year old. He is out of town for another week or so, and I am not sure it is going to go anywhere, but doesn't he have a cute smile?



This is the daddy who wanted me to meet his son on our third date. I haven't heard from him since then, but he has had his son, and he hasn't been on Match anymore, either.



Oh, and here is B to the Power of 3. Haven't heard from him, but isn't he manly and hunky? I find him very attractive for some strange reason--maybe because he is sooooo not my norm!



Anyone else I've mentioned y'all want to see?

I soooo hope nobody who reads this (which is basically just the WW girls and Diane, so I am sure I am safe) knows any of these boys and alerts them to me posting their pics!

He's Just Not That Into You...And He Is Weird, to Boot!

IM guy and I are IMing each other fairly regularly. He is intriguing and surprising.

He tells me he wants to make-out with me, and he just really likes kissing. A lot.

He also feels the need to ask me about all of my online dates (and finds fault with them all) and tells me all about his and sends me their photos (all very pretty, or not VERY pretty, but have huge breasts spilling out of their very low-cut shirts). He tells me he is currently seeing too many women and is going to stop doing the online gig for awhile. He is looking for "the one" and wants to settle down, marry and have kids. Lots and lots of kids, because he loves them. He is definitely a one woman man, so he says.

He will be talking on the phone with one of these girls while IMing me. I always go when he tells me that, and wish him luck.

He pretends to like me, but always asks if I am jealous. I tell him there is no way I could be jealous about a guy I have never met or even talked to on the phone.

Then he will tell me that none of these girls are non-smokers, and he doubts he can be with a smoker. "Are you a smoker?" For the 20th time, no.

If he really were as interested as he says, he'd ask for my number, he would try to make plans with me. Hell, he wouldn't tell me about all the other girls and show me their pictures.

So, hell if I know why I am interested in him still. But I am playing him so cool, it is driving him nuts. I'll beat him at his own game--even if it means I run him off. :)

School Days...

Those who have known me for awhile know I haven't had the best of happenings going on there as of the last 2 years.

I am, evidently, not the only teacher having difficulty changing subject and getting a new job. The history teacher on my team has applied repeatedly to be a PE coach. Every year he is denied. This year he applied, AGAIN, and was denied AGAIN. Why? Because we have a classroom teacher in the district who SUCKS, and he also applied for the position. Of course the bad teacher got the job. You suck at your job, you get to get your way.
Parents contact the district to tell them you have made more progress with their child in 1 year than the child has made in the previous 7 years, you get in trouble for week-late paperwork. Because, as they will tell you, the paperwork is as important as the kids. Seriously.
Charming.
Oh, and hiring someone who is a bad teacher and hates his job and doesn't grade the students' work will win out if he can coach football. No lie!

My classroom I am moving into is incredibly small--and an interior room with no natural light. I walked into it yesterday to start unpacking, and broke down crying. Really. There were so many boxes, there was barely room for them--piled up over 5 feet--all of my desks pushed to the edges of the room. Not only that, they didn't bring over my personal 2 drawer file cabinet or my stepladder. The super doesn't want anything that isn't brand new. I tried to explain to my principal that it was mine, and they had no right (and no key for it) to keep it in the old building and that it is filled with my person classroom belongings. If I can't have it there, they were very low-class to not inform me or at least bring it to the new school and then tell me I would have to take it elsewhere. He talked to the super who told him I could personally pick it up from the old school, but I would have to put it in our storage closet. It is not allowed in my room. The principal said he would pick it up for me and bring it to school. (He thinks of me in a fatherly way. He always does his best, but as a new principal, he is very stressed, too.)

This room is so un-user friendly, I could pull out my hair. I have one dry-erase board, one 1/4 size bulletin board, and all of the cabinetry is wood, so I can't even hang anything from them using magnets, or anything! I am already in trouble for using double-stick tape on the walls. And the mirror inside my coat closet is to high up to be in my line of vision. Really, I can only check to make sure my hairline hasn't moved. I know I will get in trouble when I take it down and move it down remount it. Oh no! Screw holes on the inside of a door we cannot see!!!

Our science teacher said to me, "Oh, Bethie (she really does call me Bethie, BTW)I wish I could tell you that it will get better, but that room will always be too small. That can't be fixed." She then tried to console me by saying at least I had really nice student desks, at which time I wailed, "We all have the same desks! That isn't a selling point!"

I did decide that the only positive point I have is that since it is an interior room, should the AC or heat go out in my room in the brand new building, at least I will suffer less because I am insulated with the other rooms.

And as bad as it may be for me, it is 10 times worse for our Educable Mentally Handicapped teacher (retarded students) because she is in her room all day, where as I am only in mine in the afternoon. Also, she used to have a functional curriculum, meaning cooking, job training, etc. She had a microwave, mini-fridge, toaster-over, time clock, sink, and other things that help the kids get prepared for real-world living. Her room is the same size as mine, and I really, really have no clue what she is going to do. The storage closet is already half full with our special ed. materials that won't fit in our rooms.

My next 2 weeks are going to FLY, and I am just dreading it!

I am looking for my bright side to come any day now! I need something positive and delightful to happen soon. VERY soon!

All about Chemistry...

There are many types of chemistry and as stated before, I experienced many forms of them Tuesday night. But I am not yet ready to rehash Tuesday night's date--it has enough issues without giving it the kiss of death that happens when I disclose too much here! ;)

There are guys I have chemistry with online, but not in person. There are people I am less than thrilled with online, but in person, they floor me, which is why I am willing to go out with guys I am not initially interested in pursuing.

Chemistry can be physical, emotional, intellectual, humorous, spiritual etc.

I had very good online/phone chemistry with the doctor in Columbia. I even hazard a guess that he thought there was at least a spark in person.

He called me at 9:30 in the evening and convinced me to meet him for a drink. He was in town and wanted to meet me before he headed back to Columbia. It was sexy and spontaneous.

Problem #1:
I had 2 Diet Cokes at work a scant 2 hours before meeting him.

Problem #2:
I don't drink much caffeine during the summer, so 2 Diet Cokes (16.9 oz bottles) can almost put me in a frenzy somewhat like Tom Cruise's on Oprah.

Problem #3:
Date had drinks at dinner before meeting me.

Problem #4:
Date had more drinks at bar before I got there.

Problem #5:
Date thought I was hyper, which I was, but hearing that made me feel red-faced and shamed, even though he insisted it wasn't a problem.

Problem #6:
I really think he was less than sober when we left...although he insisted he was fine--and I guess it is possible that he has an orthopedic problem that caused him to not walk straight.

Problem #7:
He didn't walk me to my car.

Yep--I'll go on the semi-planned second date with him--because it is what I do.
But no, I felt no click with him.

IM boy, on the other hand, while we click IMing, needs to actually CALL me. Well, first he needs to ask me for my number, and THEN he needs to call me. And we need to get together. And I would hate to disappoint, so if he really wants to make out with my "pretty face" (his words, not mine!)I would probably do that. Because not all chemistry is as pure and innocent as the ones I listed above.
:)

A-Ha!!! (No, not the Scandanavian one-hit wonder band that had that bitchin' video)

I am so glad I decided to be shallow and give the doctor a try! We talked today, and he is very nice!
I feel less shallow for some reason.
He is calling before he heads back to Columbia, and we may meet for drinks if I am out of work by then.
(I am looking rough, but with the recent ego stroking, I am feeling confident, too!)

I've got it bad--and that ain't good.

{WARNING: This post may ramble. I am a little discombobulated right now.}

I had a date tonight.
It wasn't the IM guy, nor it was it the doctor.
We'll call this boy--bald but beautiful, or BB (not to be confused with B3--although both have Harley's)
I thought he wouldn't find me attractive. I thought we wouldn't click.
Dang was I wrong!
The teeth--beautiful (he wore braces, although the bottom teeth have shifted a bit--not unlike yours truly), gorgeous eyes, wonderful sense of humor, well built, intelligent and same ethics/values that I have.
He told me I am "Damn gorgeous and totally sexy."
We couldn't help it. We made out like mad when he walked me to the car.
Shoot...I wanted to lean over when we were sitting at the bar and kiss him full on the lips--unannounced.
I haven't felt this giddy after a first date since the Art teacher, nor have I felt so let down.

If I told you he was in the military and in a week and a half leaves for 6 weeks for training somewhere, you may think--oh, that is the problem.
Sadly, no.
He is divorced.
No biggie.
He has 2 young daughters.
Not a problem.
He has sole custody of his girls.
Great.
He doesn't want anymore kids.
Maybe he would change his mind.
He's had a vasectomy to make sure that he remains the father of 2, and only 2 girls.

This is huge to me. HUGE.

He was so open about it, and so concerned about my reaction. He was up front and told me that he really has to work hard to be a great dad (his girls are 3 and 6) and decided after his divorce that while he would love to start over with a relationship and marriage (he is a hopeless romantic and knows his forever girl is out there), he knew he didn't want to start over with the family and kids, although those were some of his happiest times.

Part of me thinks to wait this out and see just how connected we are. I am usually very guarded, so to feel this instant chemistry is more than just raging hormones--although they were certainly on the job tonight, too.

What if he is the one, I let him go, and never meet anyone else?
Then I would not only be childless, but alone.
I am 35. I probably don't realistically have much more time to meet a man to fall in love, marry and have children.
Maybe it really isn't in the cards, and I am just meant to help my students, many of whom have bad parents, focusing on them, and not have kids of my own.

But then, part of me knows, at 7:30 tomorrow morning, I am going to see my niece, so beautiful, and perfect, and wonderful, and not be able to just give up on having my own kids. I would love to be a step mom if the guy, and the kids were right--and in both cases, they seem great. But I want to be a mom, too. I want that experience of birth, that bond that you have when you have carried the child. I want the baby experience. That holding, breastfeeding a new born. Teaching a baby to talk. Watching first steps.

Can he be so perfect and imperfect at the same time?

REDEMPTION!!!

For both IM guy and myself.
IM guy is a lot of fun to chat with. We just chatted for 3 hours! He is so not my type, but there is something sexy and primal about him. And he keeps asking when we are going to make-out, because my face is so pretty, he just wants to make-out with me for hours, and that he is a really good kisser. Flakey, but cool.

The Doctor sent me a really, really sweet e-mail and he is totally about helping others and charity work and animals.

Ladies and gentlemen--I may be moving to Columbia!

KIDDING!!!

I'm not moving to Columbia until after I make-out with IM guy!

Not a good start...

I was doing my usual multi-tasking, IMing one boy, when a second boy called. The second boy has sent great, informative e-mails, and I feel like I have gotten to know him as much as I can through e-mail. The IMing boy never says much in his e-mails and is still very much a mystery.

Phone-boy could hear me typing, and I wasn't paying as much attention to our conversation as I needed to, so I told IM-boy that I was on the phone with someone long distance (which is true. Phone-boy lives across the river in Illinois!)

IM-boy said that was cool, and waited patiently. Occasionally I would type, "Sorry you are waiting." "I should be off shortly," (because we are setting a date right now).

Well, after awhile, he got a little snippy and said I wasn't talking to him any way. I apologized, but said I haven't talked to this person in forever (again, true).

He then did apologize and say he didn't know I was still on the phone. He asked if we could talk in an hour (through IM). I said, "Sure". I made it a point to get off the phone, and I am now waiting for him to sign back on.

I just didn't like him being snippy with me. He apologized, but I don't like the idea that he would do that without really knowing me.

But y'all know me...I'll give him the benefit of the doubt until he proves me wrong completely!

Maybe I am a little shallow...

And I only say that because...
I had an e-mail from a guy, who was decent looking. We shared a few interests and ideas, and a few things we disagree about, which are some big things.

But I though, what the hell? He's a doctor, and he lives in Columbia, MO, so it isn't like I would see him all that often. But if something develops, he isn't so far away that I would call it off.

If he were a pig farmer or a factory worker, I wouldn't have replied.

There is a little flame in hell with my name already on it.

Isn't she lovely?

As you can see--my niece has inherited my sweet tooth. Hopefully she doesn't inherit my thighs and buttocks!






She is eating a Biter Biscuit and Cool Whip here, BTW.

My name is Miss Bethie, and I have a problem...

I am a pack-rat. I seriously have more clothes than I know what to do with, and here I am, shopping online! (But, dude! Land's End has a bootcut jean in my length! That is HUGE!)

I have run out of closet space--even with my various organizers and bins.

As I look for apartments to possibly move in this winter, after I check the price and location, I am looking to see how much closet space it has. It is a genuine concern.

And it isn't just clothes! It took me a full week to get all of my stuff in my classroom packed up for the move to the new building. I through a ton of stuff away, but it still won't all fit in my much tinier classroom. And I won't even mention all of the books and materials that I left at the elementary school where I once taught. (Which reminds me...I need to get a lot of those books for my niece. I need to run over there and do that!)

Shoes--too many. But my theory there is that while my pants size may fluctuate, my shoe size stays relatively the same. Besides--I have cute little feet I take very good care of.

I am genuinely trying to streamline. I have thrown out a ton of trash and have 2 garbage bags full of stuff to go to the Salvation Army. And even after finding that they recycle most of the clothes they receive--which kills me--I have some very cute, nice things that are just too big now (Go me!!!), I have left them in the bag. But I hate the idea of it being chopped up and made into something new. (Even though I am all about recycling and saving the earth!)

Anyway, I am trying, really trying, to get a handle on this sickness. Anyone have any suggestions? (And for the record, I ditched all of my larger clothes. I was keeping one size larger, "just in case", but have since decided that gives me a reason to cheat, so I just threw them in the aforementioned garbage bags.)

Finished the new Harry Potter book...

And OMG!!!
I can't believe J.K. Rowling did that!
I can't believe I cried over a "kids" book.
I am such a nerd.

There is a cutie on Yahoo with the title, "Nerds Need Love Too". I should probably contact him so we can watch The X-Files and read Harry Potter as a couple.

Silly boys...

So, 2 days ago I got an e-mail from a prospective suitor. He was hot, but not really my type. Still, I was intrigued, so I replied in my usually flirty, witty way. He responded to my response and wanted to take me fishing.
I said that maybe he should reserve fishing for something to do with the boys, although I am not adverse to lazily floating on the river as a weekend diversion.
He sends back the canned e-mail response that he has met someone else and wants to see where that goes.

That's great, because really, he is not my type. But he sends me e-mails for 2 days, then meets someone else? Maybe. Or he didn't like my last response.
Either way, what a dork.

NEXT...!!!

Sunday Girl...

So, I have had a date the last 2 Sundays with a guy who I will refer to as...
Oh, I don't know...Groper is too strong, geek is a little harsh, Divorced Dad doesn't really give him much identity. I'll call him The Engineer, I guess.

Same guy who had his hand on my thigh last Sunday. We went out and shot pool this past Sunday. It was fine. He was nice again. He is a nice enough guy, really. Earlier in the week, he said he wanted to make dinner for me, and I said it was a little too soon for that.

So, we played pool. He is dorky, as many engineers are, but that isn't a huge issue. I do think he has sexy hands, and he has nice eyes. He was about the PDA again. I was able to brush him off much of the night, and I didn't mind the kissy-face stuff when he walked me to my vehicle.

He made me laugh when he said once again he wants to make dinner for me. I said I wanted to take things slowly and didn't think I was ready for dinner at his place. He answered, "I'll just make hotdogs, then. That's not too serious!"

So, he has his son the next 2 weeks. He wants us to get together. Am I wrong, or is that sort of pushing things a bit? I mean, if I were a parent, which I am not, I wouldn't introduce my child to anyone I wasn't in an exclusive, long term relationship with, and certainly wouldn't introduce him to someone I met online and went out with only 2 times.

Am I wrong to be slightly wigged out? Comments, please?

Incidentally, I realize, looking back, this post rambles, my paragraph breaks make no sense, and it isn't so witty or insightful. It definitely isn't thought provoking. I'll try better tomorrow!

Oh, DANG!!!

I just found out my new crush, Jabe from Joshua, TX, of I want to be a Hilton fame, was kicked off the last episode!!!



Okay, then...NEXT!!!

My new crush...

Yes--I found a man who has a lot of the important qualities I want in a man. He is hunky, a gentleman who loves his mama, he loves animals and works with horses and has a pet donkey. He has a sexy voice with an adorable southern drawl and is polite and uses the words "I appreciate it" and "Ma'am" a lot.

And he is on a reality show.

Okay--I have heard plenty of people fall for the various men on The Bachelor and Survivor and all the other reality shows. But I HATE reality shows--for the most part. I DO watch Queer Eye for the Straight Guy religiously, and I admit I get a chuckle out of the try outs for American Idol. But really, I cannot stand the thought of reality shows.

Yet, there I was the other day, with I Want to Be A Hilton on Bravo. And there he was...Jabe. A ranch hand from Joshua, TX. Beautiful, strong, polite, and HOT!!!

I am sure in reality he is a conservative republican and that we wouldn't agree on anything, but the beauty of reality shows, is that they aren't reality. In MY reality, he is perfect in every way. Except that I could never love a man who would give up living on a ranch with all of those beautiful animals to hang out in New York with Kathy Hilton. Or appear on a reality show.

Maybe I am not as smitten as I thought.

So, reality TV is a lot like my reality. I think I have found the perfect guy, and he fails to live up to my expectations.

Bragging on a friend

I have a friend who owns a Night Club that is going to be featured in Rolling Stone's back to college issue out this month.



It isn't my scene, but I am so happy for him! :)

Hot or not?

Tonight's date (yeah, I am home before 9:00, that right there is telling...) was cute in person, and the right height for me. (I swear every short guy on the site e-mails me just because I am shorter!) His pics were cuter, but still, I was not disappointed in his looks.

Our e-mails back and forth were funny and sassy. But, my first clue to tonight should have been talking on the phone. He was a man of few words and appeared to really struggle to have conversation. Not this he isn't intellectually capable, but that he is shy on the phone and not a big conversationalist.

When we met for dinner tonight, (Dear WW friends, I had smoked chicken salad and a fruit plate, thank you very much), he was extremely tough to get talking. I really had to work to get any conversation going. Once I asked a question he was interested in, he was fine. He thought I was funny, I could tell--and I am pretty damn funny--although it isn't always conveyed very well in this blog--but he just isn't a talker.

He is going out of town for 3 weeks Wednesday. He said we'd get together when he got back. I won't be surprised either way.

I swear I am going to make Frankenboyfriend and mix and match all of the various things about guys I go on dates with to make what would be the perfect man for me! (He can keep his beautiful long-lashed eyes and he love of sports and dogs. His smile was cute, but I may hold out for better.)

I may have to blog sometime of the various parts I am taking from various boys.

Why I am a kick-ass friend to my guy-pals...

I was out with a friend earlier this week--just a friend.
He is a super-duper nice guy, and I totally enjoy hanging out with him, but there is NOOOO attraction.

We were out, and a fairly nice looking guy came up and said it wasn't fair that all the biggest losers get the best girls.

Sure, I was flattered, but I was ticked that he just insulted my friend.
So, I decided to play the part of a vamp.

"If you had any idea what this guy does to me. I mean, he is hung like a draft horse. He makes me feel like no man before, and I do things with him I never in a million years I thought I would be doing. Don't let his geek-chic exterior fool you."

The guy looked both shocked, and a little jealous.

Dare I ???

Yahoo Personals are looking for people to be there new "faces".

Got a great smile? Love the camera? Do you dream of being seen by millions? This could be your chance!

We're at it again, looking for real people who use Yahoo! Personals to appear in our ads and on our web site. Last year we got a HUGE response to Project: Real People, and we'd like to invite you to join the excitement this year.

What happens if you're chosen?If you're chosen, you'll fly to San Francisco for a once-in-a-lifetime photo shoot with a master photographer. And you don't have to be a supermodel -- we're looking for single people from all walks of life!

It's easy to enter.
You just need a searchable Yahoo! Personals profile with at least one photo.

I doubt I will even be considered, but still, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Cancer sucks...

Jessica has passed away. Please send prayers to her family.
She was quite a character, and it saddens me any child has to not only pass away so young, but to have suffered through a terrible illness.

I've said it before, I say it again...
CANCER SUCKS!!!

More Boy Blogging

So, Sunday's date is obviously smitten, which makes me feel crappy that I am not feeling as thrilled.
He e-mail's and calls just a tad too much.
And he calls me "Hon".
After one date.
It is almost easier for me to be the smitten one than the one trying to decided the best way to say I am interested, but not THAT interested.
Suggestions?

I have a date tomorrow, and I am excited about the conversation, but only mediocre on physically meeting, just because I am not sure I am his physical type.
Oh, and he made a reference about is masturbating, which, I think was said in an effort to assure me that he isn't looking for a girl simply for sexual pleasure, because he can, ummm...well, you know. Strange, but the rest of the conversation was great, so, I'll keep my open mind opened.

And I have a date Friday night. Cute, young, and again, I am afraid that physically he won't be too interested, but he called me a sweetheart.
Must be something in the water.

Is it so wrong that I want some strong manly-man to think I am sexy, sassy, saucy and wants to get make out like mad with me and sees a slightly naughty side of me?

Okay, well, I have a cute mani and pedi, so now I need to try and figure out what to wear on these dates!

Catch y'all later!

Call for some prayers, please!

Okay, okay, okay. I recently said, I mean, posted, that I want this blog to be light-hearted and goofy, much like the blogger herself.
The thing about this blogger is, I am also very caring and concerned person who worried tremendously about those I care about.

There are some kids from the annual ski trip that really could use any thoughts and prayers that can be spared.

I don't want to get into specifics here, but, if you could keep Jessica, who is now in hospice care, Boe and Chelsea, who are both improving but still have a long road ahead, I would appreciate it.

I have been so busy with the other organization I volunteer with, that I am just now letting some of the info sink in, and know I am going to shed a few tears a little later tonight.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the thoughts and prayers for these kids, and thank those of you who have inquired about the kiddos. I really can't get across to you here what fantastic kids they are!

And now for something completely different...
(See the next post)

Sunday's Date...

Part of me wishes he would have stood me up, too, and part of me thinks he might have potential. The part that wouldn't have minded him standing me up thinks the part that thinks he might have potential has really lowered her standards.

He was by no means a hottie, but he had gorgeous blue eyes with long thick lashes (why do guy always have the lashes women yearn to have?). He was very nice and there was never a lull in the conversation.

I think, however, he had too much wine at dinner, and went on to have 2 unnecessary beers at dinner. He got really clingy and kissy-facey with me. I mean, total PDA. I was shocked and slightly embarrassed. But he was slurring a little bit and just seemed buzzed.

So, I am thinking the wine made him hold my hand, rub my knee and thigh, massage my neck and kiss me way too often. Which makes me think that he deserves a second, and sober, chance.

On the plus side, he thinks I am a total hottie (maybe those beautiful eyes are a little far-sighted) and told me how sweet I am. (Evidentially a theme, since a date the week before last told me the same thing. Maybe I should be dirty and naughty and meet boys that way, instead.)

After the date, I had a three hour conversation with a boy and we are having lunch Wednesday. Cool beans! We are aligned on our views of politics and religion, but he is a workout fiend who is an avid bicyclist. These types generally are not physically attracted to me, but it will be good conversation if nothing else.

Hopes Slowly Ascending

Well, there are still a few viable prospects on the horizon for me. One is actually too young for me--well, seven years younger than me--and looks like a manly version of Carson Daly. We are trying to find some time to meet this week. He wanted to meet tonight, but I have a date with another prospect...

Who is more age appropriate. Father of a 4 year old he seemingly dotes on. He talks more than me {GASP!} and is talking about a future date with me when he gets his helicopter license--in 4 months or more. DUDE! Let's see how our first date goes, then we can plan ahead! He is sort of handsome in a nerdy engineering kinda way. (Of course, I like guys who are slightly nerdy, and engineers, I kid you not--are attracted to me. I have by far dated more engineers than any other profession. Maybe any other profession combined! Maybe there are just a lot of engineers in the Lou.)

Mr. Here's my body, Here's my SUV guy from an earlier post is also interested in getting together. I think he is looking for a girl to do extreme sports with, and he seems a little jaded on dating, so I am not putting any eggs in that basket, but again, he's a bit on the hot side, so why not???

There are approximately 5 or 6 other candidates out there. All I can do is cross my fingers, fluff my hair, polish my teeth and go out and have fun...either with them or in spite of them.

In other hopeful news...
I lost 2 pounds since Friday! Now--I did just start my period on my weigh-in day of Friday, but still. I am pretty excited. This means my okay weight loss of 1.4 pounds last week is AWESOME now. I wonder if it is possible to drop an entire size before I meet the 28 year old. hmmmmm.... KIDDING!!!

I am also very flattered because I have been asked to be the PR person for my equine therapy group. The director thinks I have both the personality and knowledge for this and approached me about doing some presentations.
I said I would love to.
She said, "Great. There is one this Thursday."
What??? But I am not too worried about this one.
We have one later, though, for the top player on the Cardinals team to get his foundation to help us out with money and publicity.
I guess I am not too worried. The other foundation I volunteer for is through a former Rams player, and he is a nice guy. I am sure the baseball player is, too. And he is very personally involved with the charities his foundation currently works with, so it could potentially be a very good thing for us.

Okay--of to sniff out some more positive happenings. I also have a killer headache going on, but whatever. That is just a temporary condition. It won't get me down. Maxalt--here I come!!!
(Ummm...that is my headache medication, in case you were wondering).

Just had to get this out...

Even when things go badly, such as being stood up by some clown, I try to have a sense of humor and keep this blog light.

Tonight, I am going to change the atmosphere for a post.

Earlier this week, Tuesday, a police office answered a call about some kids shooting off fireworks. He scolded the boy. The boy went into his house, collapsed and died. The boy, as it turns out, had a congenital heart defect. He had a heart attack, evidentially, after being scared that the office had approached him.

His brother went outside, got the policeman's gun, and killed him. He fled the scene.

The office is the same one who did the composite drawing when I was held up at gun point. (Those who know me know the story).

It was actually a computer program, and he was the guy who used it most. He was working out in the precinct gym, and apologized for being sweaty and smelly, but he was supposed to be off duty when I came in. He was nice and funny and put me at ease. He was shocked by the amount of detail I had. It just creeps me out that I had contact with him.

He left behind a wife, and 3 children in first, fifth and eighth grade.

The funeral was a few blocks from my house. It was absolutely packed and they actually had to close of a few streets.

Today I drove past it an hour or so before the procession.

The street was lined with people.
But I felt it was a little disrespectful.
It was like the atmosphere of a parade.
People were standing around in their flip-flops and shorts, eating snacks and drinking sodas.
I know they think they were showing their respect, but it just felt very wrong to me.

I am happy to say, the shooter did turn himself in. A stand off would have been ugly and his parents already lost one boy. (Although being a death penalty state, I am sure there is a good chance he will be put to death).

Okay--back to sunshine and happiness...
Or at least dating stories that make you chuckle and mom stories to which you can relate.

I Can't Believe This!!!

I know--what the heck am I doing home on a Saturday night. In fact, if you could see me through this computer screen, you'd say, "Why are you made-up, with gorgeous hair and a bit of cleavage showing and sitting in front of the computer on a Saturday night?"

Well, ladies and gentlemen, for the first time in my online dating career (and it does feel like a second job, quite often), I have been stood up.

Here's the weird thing, when I was getting ready to walk out the door, he calls and asks what I am doing.

"Getting ready to walk out the door to meet you. Why?"

"Well, I'm already here."

"OH! Did I say we'd meet at 6:30? I thought I said 7:00!"

"No. You said 7:00."

"Well, I am walking out the door as we speak, and I'll be there in about 20 minutes."

So, we were meeting in front of a rock climbing wall at a sports store, so I thought, maybe he is just browsing. He is, after all, a boy loose in a sports store!

I called his cell and left a message that I was there.
I waited.
A half hour later, I called again, and said I was getting strange looks, so I was going to walk around a bit, call when he gets to the wall. Finally at 7:45, I walked around the wall one more time, called him, left a message that I was leaving, and assumed I was stood up and that I would just talk to him later...Maybe.

Okay, there could be a good reason, but unless there was a blood transfusion needed, or he is hailed as a hero on the 10 o'clock news for saving the life of a child who was about to be abducted, I'm not interested.

It is bad enough to have them not call after you meet, but another altogether to not show up!

And why do I have a feeling he saw me and just thought, "I am NOT going out in public with her!" and scrammed?

I have a date lined up for tomorrow--wish me luck! And hope that he shows up!

Pearls from Miss Bethie's Mama

My brothers and myself were all slackers back in school. (I know...and here I am, a teacher. Isn't ironic, dontcha think?)
While trying to inspire us, we constantly hear Mom say, "And I was in National Honor Society!" Really, as teenagers, it probably made us even lazier. I mean, don't most teens try to be the antithesis of their parents?

Anyway, for someone who is always proclaiming her intelligence by showing us her NHS pin and certificate and whatever else she has a memento, (and yet, she threw away her wedding dress after a year of marriage), she has said and done some real boneheaded things.

I bring this up, because yesterday, while we were watching my niece, mom broke out this new teething ring for Laurel. It is in the shape of a star, and when she bites down on it, it vibrates. She has one at her house and really likes it, so my mom went out at got one to keep at "grandma's house". So imagine the look on my face when Mom proudly proclaims, "Look! I got Laurel a vibrator for over here, and she really enjoys it!" I think I was even more mortified when she realized what she said and laughed. I know deep down that my mother knows what a vibrator is, but to admit aloud that she know...{shiver}. (By the way, I refer to my folks as Ward and June Cleaver. Really, they are that goody-goody, which is nice, but still...)

That brought to mind the time I had returned from my trip to England and Scotland. I was showing the family my pictures, and had a photo of the art school where Sean Connery got his start as a nude model.
Here is Mom's gem from that one...
"Sean Connery. Now there is a man who's well endowed [pause] the arts of Scotland."
Right on the heels of me saying he was a nude model. I am surprised that the dining table where my dad, brothers and myself didn't crack from our collective jaws falling onto it.
She naively said, "What did you think I was going to say???"

When my brothers and I were teens, we were sitting around with the news on, Mom contently staying abreast of current events. The story was about the rampant drug use in professional sports. As the reporters says, "Statistics show that 50% of athletes..."
At this point, my brothers and I start arguing about something. (Probably something earth shattering, like who had more talent...A-HA or Corey Hart, or which car was cooler, KIT from Night Rider, or the General Lee from Dukes of Hazzard.)
Anyway, Mom blows up--
"OH! Great! Now I don't know if 50% take drugs or don't take drugs!"
My oldest, and ballsiest brother said, "Ummmm, Mom. Think about it...you know what percent takes drugs, and what percent doesn't."
My other brother and I broke up laughing.
Mom walked out of the room.

Ah, yes. While Mom has a couple of gorgeous pieces of jewelry that will someday be mine, these are the jewels that the family treasures most!

And just to prove...

That I am not so shallow, and that my tooth fetish doesn't run so deep, I winked back at a guy who has David Letterman teeth.

He coaches youth soccer. He loves kids.

And he has a cute little soccer player butt!

Oh, maybe I am shallow!

What the???

So, I often hear men complain that they think women go for bank accounts, expensive cars and six-pack abs. I pride myself on NOT being that girl, erm-uhhh...woman (damn 35!) and actually read the profiles first and THEN look at pics and income bracket. (First I checkout if they want kids, age and if they smoke or not. That is just who I am!)

So, how do you respond to a profile where the pics are of a new, expensive SUV and a Cosmo-like "guy without his shirt" picture of him? (And he does indeed have six-pack abs, thank you very much!)

I just think it is funny. He has a fun profile and his e-mail was nice, but I bet you he wonders with every reply, "Is it my personality, my bank account, or my rock-hard abs?"

Yes, I am going to reply later tonight. :)

A little creeped out.

Actually, I am getting very creeped out.

The guy who e-mailed last week and I posted that I was going to be the bigger person and not respond, is stalking me.

You may think that I am overstating this, but let me assure you that he is.

I decided to block him from being able to e-mail me or send any "winks". He is still always checking out my profile. (There is this neat little button where you can look at everyone who has looked at your profile).

He keeps changing his ID, so my blocking is not working.

I contacted Match about the issue, and they sent me an e-mail saying they have dealt with him.

Guess what, he STILL keeps looking at my profile.

This is the first time I have been truly wigged by one of these guys. And considering eHarmony sent me out with a guy on drugs, this is truly saying something!

It has been close to 2 years since we went out!!! Why couldn't B3 or the Saturday night guy I was digging be the ones stalking me?

OY!

Trying to remember I am the adult here...

So, last week, I was trying to keep up my status as Super Aunt. It is a tough gig, but one I truly love.

A family friend has this gorgeous pool with more toys and games Madonna--although her games and toys are of a completely different nature. I had planned on taking the kids over there one day. Many things happened, including my brother calling the night before, when I was at the evening job, to change things around, and then my nephew getting grounded that morning and now being allowed to go. It was also almost 100 degrees that day.

Eventually, we make it to the friend's place at 9:30am. She had ice cream for us, beverages and had her 9 year old grandson over to play as well. She threw coins for them to dive for, had the waterslide going and generally made it very hospitable for us.

I told her we would leave at noon so we could make it home for some lunch. At 11:30, I reminded her she had a half hour. At 11:45 I told her to wrap it up. At noon she got out and dried off and we said our "thank you's" and left. After sitting in the heat for 2 and a half hours, I was beat and had a throbbing headache, but I didn't mind, just so long as my niece had a great time.

She then decided to not talk to me for the rest of the day. While at my parent's house, having lunch, she didn't talk or make eye contact. While mom and I fed the baby, she said with her back to us and stared at the wall. When my brother picked her up, she gave my mom a hug and said good-bye, and I got completely snubbed, and never thanked for taking her swimming. (She did thank my friend, luckily, or else I would have beaten the snot out of her).

I was so mad, I could have spit nails.
I am the one who takes the kids out for fun all the time.
I am the one who finds activities, tutors for free on my own, very precious time, and I am the one always trying to get their mom to lighten up on them.

I am just not used to pouty girls. That wasn't my style at the age of 11, and my mom would have slapped me silly if I have ever treated an aunt that shabbily.

Oh well, she'll come around...and then I may just be too busy to take them out for fun for a week or two. ;)

Last Wednesday's Date

Ummm...yeah. NOT a love connection. Nope.

He had Billy-Bob teeth. I can't deal with that. It may sound shallow, but there you have it. They can be a little overweight, bald, average-at-best looking, but you have to have decent teeth. Not even perfect, but nice.

Second--the mole. He had one of those crazy, freaky, ugly big-ass moles in the middle of his forehead. Seriously, it had me wigged-out! I think it had a life-force of its own.

He used incorrect grammar all night--including the word "ain't".

Many references to "Blacks" that were not very flattering were made.

The worst part, he told me that I am the sweetest thing he has ever met and that he thought I was really pretty.

I hate when that happens!

But not as much as when they say stuff like that, and you think you could have a little spark, but then he doesn't call again. (Referring to the Saturday night date I didn't want to jinx).

Further, on the same issue, I called him the following Monday and we talked for a fairly long time, and about personal stuff, yet I was the one to end the call. Thought is was going well.

DANG!