Icky Flashback

Today I actually did a little basic stitching which was surprisingly successful, considering that I couldn't really remember the proper way to tie the knots with needle and thread. I don't even know if that was the proper terminology. Anyway, it reminded me of another man from my past. We'll call him John. We went out once, maybe twice. during my first month of college. He was not bad looking and an excellent violinist. The relationship didn't go anywhere, but we remained friends. Several months later, we were having lunch together in the Dining Center and he asked me if I knew how to sew on buttons. Then he proceeded to ask me if he would sew on some of his shirt buttons that had fallen off for him. Ew, ew, ew.

Later on that year, he went on and on in praise about some girl who found his laundry in a dryer that she wanted to use, so she took out his clothes and folded them for him. Ew, ew, EW!

I have never regretted not dating him extensively.

I like to take this day—any day—and go to town with it.
--James Dickey

I know it's just another one of my "live life to the fullest" type quotes, but I just love the"go to town with it."

Abstract Concept Stores

I've shopped in boutiques for so long that I am at a bewildered loss when I try to shop at a department store. There's no problem as long as I'm looking for cosmetics, handbags, or shoes. But trying to find some sort of clothing is another tale. Since when are departments called Individuality or Sophistication or other similarly abstract concepts? Truthfully, I'm all for creativity. I don't mind the crazy color names (Passionate Plum, anyone?) or the ever changing PC renaming of everything. But really, what if I want a raincoat that is both sophisticated and representative of my individuality?

Thankful for the Ordinary

In the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, my family feels very fortunate that my parents' house escaped any damage.

My mother commented on how interesting it was for her to talk to me and my brother in California about our lives which were carrying on as normal, while she and my dad were preparing for the storm.

No one should live in a bubble, completely unaware of the hardships in the world, but there is something to be said about enjoying the ordinary.

It's not the women....

I am currently part of a sales team that usually has a lot of fun together. A few of us have been together for many years. In the past year or so, our staff has nearly doubled in size and our sales numbers have followed accordingly. It's great, but it's interesting to observe the slight change in dynamics. The sense of easy cooperation is shifting and the competition, albeit friendly, is thick in the air. We have some very talented sales reps with very different styles and very strong personalities which inevitably leads to some misunderstanding. Add in a Bulldog (that was an actual nickname that we gave her) of an A/R girl and emotions are running high... Rumor has it that two of the guys (both over 6 ft tall and NOT small) were cat fighting today.....

ReeeOW.

Inside the Party

Parties, especially one where I get to meet a lot of new people give me such a rush. I went to a really fun party last night, sponsored by one of our clients. It was at the Frisco Baseball Stadium in the Founders Club Dining Room which is a really great venue that I never knew about. There wasn't a game so they had a slideshow of photos from a digital camera showing their employees and some of the guests down on the field, not on the jumbotron (sp?), but where the sponsors names are shown in front of the bleachers. (I don't know what you call it). The first thing I asked the hosts, of course, was why my picture wasn't up there. They promised next time. Maybe they can get the jumbotron next time...

The party had all the typical elements of attending a social event alone as a single, outgoing girl. I prefer to attend parties and social events alone. Generally, I have more fun when I am free to mingle without a date. Of course this comes with the usual guest reactions.:

The Straightforwards
These guests are usually well-intentioned men. Last night, the main host said to my boss, "I kept asking her if she was going to bring someone and she just kept telling me no." To which I honestly replied, "I don't like bringing people to parties." Another man came up and just asked me flat out, "So since you're here alone, does that mean you don't have another half?" Again, I honestly replied, "I'm a whole." I don't really mind people asking me these questions, but I find it puzzling that my being alone there so deeply bothers them. "But you're so pretty and outgoing..." Uh, and that means whaaat?

Married Matchmakers
I never really know if they just feel the need to match all singles in their life together or if they just really like me. Most of the time, the best response is a polite "no, thank you." Last night, I was having a really great time with them and they seemed to really like talking about this fantastic man they had in mind for me, so I just kept veering the conversation to other topics.

Territorial Women
Lastly, are the girls who are there with their significant others and treat me like a potential man-stealer. Here is what I have to say about them: puh-leeeeeeeeeze.

I can handle the starightforwards and the married matchmaker. And thankfully, for every territorial woman, there are at least 2 other women who are with their signifcant others, but cool with me. Nothing can ruin a great party for this girl!!

Amen Sister!

Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you’ll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.
--Mary Schmich

Reason #1 to Choose Your Confidantes Wisely...very wisely

Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead.
--Benjamin Franklin

Maybe, just maybe...

...my dad was (is) right in his assertion that anybody can learn to do anything if he/she really has a desire and willingness to try. As optimistic as I am, I always took this with a grain of salt because, come on... I learned soon enough in my short life that some of these "anythings" remain beyond my grasp.... time after time.

However, I suprised myself when I purchased Tivo about 4 months ago. Just the thought of figuring out how to hook up the tv, Tivo, Cable, telephone, etc. was already making me hyperventilate. As I took my Tivo out of its box with all its cables, I told myself to calm down and take deep breaths.... Surprise! I was able to hook it up to all my equipment in one try. So this past weekend, I bought what they call a "Master Video Switching Center." My TV is at least 20 years old (bless her little heart) and only has one output (input?) thingie in the back so new device was the only way I'd be able to hook up my DVD player and my Tivo to the TV at the same time. And guess what? Yup, I'm now happily able to switch between my DVD and TV once again.

Father knows best!

What? Rain?

My ticket to London is now officially purchased and I plan to spend lots of the long weekend coming up, poring over my new book/travel guide, Top 10 London.

I guess I have to get a raincoat. I haven't worn a raincoat in at least 5 years. I'm so lost...

Looking to Help?

A coworker of mine plans to spend the weekend collecting clothes, toiletries, every day items, etc. to take to the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Dallas which is helping to house victims of Katrina. She told me that they have set up one of their meeting rooms with donated clothes. They are sorting them and hanging them up. If there's one thing I have to give, it's extra clothes. I came home for lunch and spent about 15 minutes bagging clothes to give.

My mom who lives in the Houston area went grocery shopping and found out that you can buy groceries and designate them to be given to help the victims. She didn't have to deliver them herself either. The store takes care of it.

Just a couple of small, practical ways to help...