yet another memorable night

Last night I had an absolutely wonderful evening. Not only was the evening filled with fun and friends, a new gentleman caller is emerging onto my scene. This is the third weekend, the new suitor has joined us for our weekend shenanigans.

Edina has been quite the mastermind ensuring the new suitor, Bolt is included on the invite list and Bolt is happily attending. Last night, we did an art crawl. So much fun was had and Bolt was firmly planted by my side. At dinner, he sat near me. Then we headed on to a coffee house art opening near the restaurant. As it was within walking distance, our motley crew took to the street and Bolt walked with me.

Our next destination was a bit further and required carpooling. Edina ensured Bolt and I were together in split. We ended up at some industrial garages that house art studios. Some of the stuff was neat and others were bizarre, as was the mix of people. Bolt cozied up in the car a bit. At our next stop, we had a shot at the bar and then made cocktails in Edina's trunk before watching the outdoor show. The show was really cool - lightening arcs. Edina whipped out the camera and photo taking commenced and at one point Bolt laced his fingers in mine and squeezed.

After that show, our driver wanted to call it a night. So Bolt and I ended up jumping in with Edina and our 3 other friends. The back seat was filled and I had to lay across the three in the back. It was priceless. We wound up downtown and I am still amazed at how I laid/straddled across three people, including Bolt. Downtown we hit a few locations. Bolt was always with me. We danced, we laughed. Bolt was so delightful. I had such a wonderful time. I am fairly sure Bolt is into me. Hopefully this is the start of something good.

Coco meets SJP

For the first time in two weeks, I finally feel settled and calm. The insane roller coaster ride of emotions came to a stop and I got off the ride. I couldn't be happier and for icing, there are some percolating future develops that have given me a whole other side of hope. I missed ya, Goodness!

A few months ago a we had a new gal join our group. Edina went to a happy hour that I missed due to be in transit and upon giving her report on said happy hour, she proceeded to tell me that a wonderful new gal joined. As the new gal always carries her signature Chanel bag, henceforth she will be known as Coco. My first opportunity to meet Coco was during one of my little Sex and the City refreshers before the movie was released. From the instant Coco walked in the door, I liked her.

Our paths have crossed at various celebrations and happy hours and each time I enjoy her more and more. One of those people that I just click with. Last night we met up at a wine bar for happy hour. We were getting to know each other without the confines of the rest of the group - as in the group setting I am typically not so candid. Unbeknownst to me, Coco also invited our mutual acquaintance, Curly Sue - the gal who went to the Moose signing with us - which was a bit of a damper as Curly Sue's energy changed the dynamic... things went from relaxing and laid back to a nervous-ADD energy.

The topic of dating arose. Curly Sue lamented her latest on-line endeavors. Conversation turns to the fact I have not been on a date in 7 months and Curly Sue brings up my rigid list of must haves. Now Curly Sue does not agree with my list as she feels it is too unattainable and was seeking validation of that from Coco. Imagine the surprise on CS's face when Coco tells her that someone she knows had a similar list, laminated in fact that the woman would extract from her wallet and present to potential suitors... and the moral of Coco's story was that the woman got everything she asked for and is happy to boot.

We had to go to the other side of town for dinner at CS's insistence, rather than walk to one of the 83 nearby places. It was late and the wait was long so we merely had apps at the bar.

It was fun though getting to know Coco better. I think we could become very good friends. While my time here may be drawing to a close, Coco will definitely further spice things up as she has a wonderful spirit and sense of humor... oh and as we were leaving the restaurant, the waitress asked me if anyone has ever told me that I resemble Sarah Jessica Parker... I was a little taken aback as I don't view SJP as attractive, but Coco jabs me in the arm and says "Take that as a compliment!" Yeah, we're going to be fab friends!

Cheers, my lovies... have a great weekend!

friday night

Last night after work, I met Edina downtown. We muscled our way through a sea of people at a grand opening event seeking an alcoholic beverage to quench our thirst. Clicking our martini glasses, we tried our new concoctions - mine lavender and Eddie's green tea. The cocktail was just ok and the trendy youngens had become a bit too pushy, so off we went to find adventure elsewhere.

We settled on the tapas place. Wine and tapas - what more could two fab girls ask for?! As the wine arrived, the catching up on the events since last week commenced. From my pre-lake house aggravation to Edina's latest text message, we covered the full gamete in the time it took both of us to leisurely consume two vino glasses.

Last night, I felt Edina was more open with me, more candid than she has been in the past year. Edina's candor eased my fears that she would distance herself from me. It made my heart sing as she is making a conscious effort to strengthen our bond before I leave.

mini-break fun

Ah, the fun and games this past weekend. Golly - it was quite a time.

Obviously there was a running theme from the month of June. The theme? Me ending up topless in the water. With people. This time specifically women on our girls celebratory weekend. I wonder what my unconscious is trying to tell me? Or maybe it is just that long since I have had any sort of relational activities that stripping has become an outlet in my intoxicated state. Never before have so many people seen my fully exposed boobies before. Wild.

Aside from the half naked adventures, I had a grand time. Beyond blessed is what I am to have such wonderful girlfriends. We were an eclectic group but we had a ball. Enough food to feed half of Africa for 10 days. Obviously rivers of booze flowed. Cigarette breaks were taken. Sweating to death in the Texas heat led to sticky butts on pleather seats. We played vicious games of Uno. Laughed. Sent dirty text messages. Cooked. Ate without counting points or calories.

It was sad to pack up and disband on Sunday afternoon. The mini-break was much needed and I could have stayed just one more day. I am over the moon to have found this fabulous group of women to call my friends. After living almost 32 years without a group of close girlfriends, I am delighted to have secure, caring women I can call 'friend', who accept me for who I am without exceptions.

I've lost my train of thought... it is getting sloppy now... so sayonara for today!

Bald Magnet

Another whirl wind weekend. Not as crazy as last month but definitely keeping me hopping.

Last night though. The Christmas party wine tasting extravaganza. Met a new man who was totally digging me. I don't know what it is with me and bald men. My abundance of hair must be a magnet to those follically challenged.

He immediately sought me out. We chatted for awhile, found out we work for the same company. He asked for my number which I happily provided. He wanted to see me for brunch this morning but I already had plans. He stated he wished he could change his plans for tonight - his birthday dinner with his children. Of course I get on the plane tomorrow morning and will be gone until after the first of the year. Boo.

Other than shaving his head to mask the receding hairline, he was well dressed - even had good shoes on -muscular, but not in the chubby sense, muscular as in the man works out. We talked for quite some time - the party moved from the kitchen to the dining room but I honestly did not notice as we were in our own little world, which was nice for a change. We continued chatting the rest of the evening until I noticed it was 1 AM! Yikes, I had an early morning so I downed my wine and headed for the door, lest I turn into a pumpkin.

He left with me. I got a nice hug good night complete with a kiss on my right cheek. I saw his little sports car zip away up the street. Yummy! a fun little two seater sports car - this definitely has potential fun written all over it.

We will see. He has my number. He seemed interested last night. Hopefully he will call. I could definitely use a little entertainment down here.

Color Me Exhausted

Internet, I am past tired, beyond exhausted, plum tuckered out.

It was quite a weekend down here in SxSW land. It started Halloween night and did not stop until about 2 PM yesterday afternoon. I was a zombie at work today. I had a fabulous time and as a result will have fabulous memories of the weekend before I turn 33.

Went to kickboxing tonight, which was good - I don't feel quite so zombie.

I am going to watch last week's episode of Pushing Daisies and call it a day.

Details of Man Magnet weekend tomorrow :-)

Saturday Insanity

Yikes! I got home late last night... then up at the crack of dawn... home only for small bite sized snippets today... off again... and it will not be a late night again... i keep repeating that to myself because I have to up yet again at the ass crack of dawn,,,, too busy a weekend but then again i will sleep when i'm dead!

man magnet powers... only took me like 15 years to learn how to use them but oh so yummy!

xoxo

Is that a pineapple on your head or...

I had yet another fabulous weekend in SxSW land. I got an unexpected invite to a Friday night Halloween party, which required obtaining a costume with lightning speed. At home, I could pull this last minute invite with ease; however, being 800 miles from home with limited resources, I had to hit the store, which was a total mad house.

The Friday night party left a lot to be desired. Most notably a party. For some time, the people I was with, well, we were the party. A few more people joined along the way but it was far from a par-tay...

Since it was not a late eve, I made it to the early Saturday morning walk. Six miles at top walking pace early in the morning was surprising easy. Although I did feel my leg muscles. New motto, "firm everything up so I look good nakkid."

Luckily I did not purchase my costume in vain as I had another last minute invite to a real party on Saturday. The location was perfecto - out in the woods by the lake, a shack like structure that contained the booze and a good live band outside where we danced under the trees amid the wind and stars... it was a scene straight out of a good horror movie - unsuspecting partying souls quietly picked off one by one by some psycho as they went back the pink and blue port-a-potties seeking a little relief. It was a good time. The trash can punch was mighty tasty. I preferred the red to the lemonade. The few jello shots were delightful. And I did not get overly tipsy, enjoyed a mellow buzz - yippee for getting my pacing down! Since losing weight and the resulting body composition changes, the pacing has changed.

But Saturday night was fun. Life down here is good. People are kind and welcoming. It was a good kind of party fun that I have not enjoyed since college frat party days.

Reason #648 why I love it here.

Whew! Somehow I am still alive

I am tired. Bone tired. Moving in slow motion. Thinking how deliciously tempting a nap sounds. How the industrial carpeting could be oh-so cozy.

ACL was good. Dylan was bad, bad, bad. He did not sing; he simply grunted things that I am assuming sounded like lyrics and a song in his head. His handlers need to take him off the road. Because, well, he didn't sing nor show his face. Overall, I'd rather listen to a CD and pretend that last night's debacle did not occur.

I am truly happy I did attend. But am paying for the days on end in the sun today.

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day here at the ranch. Meetings after meetings after meeting - all on-site meeting too - so I will be driving all about town. I am tired just thinking about it!

Early to bed tonight!

My life...

Only my life. I am beyond blessed and grateful on so many fronts. Yesterday - actually this whole weekend - is one of those moments when I find myself saying "damn you are one lucky gyrl."

This weekend is ACL Fest. For three days, I am surrounded by good music, good friends, and great experience/memories.

Life is grand! And it is only getting better with each passing year. What a wonderful change - tears of true joy and happiness as opposed to the despair that consumed me this time last year.

Yesterday - Queens of the Stoneage, Joss Stone, Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers, new friends, old friends, the Great ACL Fire, dancing like no one was watching...
Today - Blue October! Paulo Nutini! Muse! and more...

The Pretty Man in the Republic

Saturday night. My third journey to The Republic. I talked Sparkles into deviating from our norm with the young children downtown, especially since I am now on a mission (but more on that later), and head northward toward peeps our age. When Sparkles arrived at my house, she whined that The Republic was too far. I told her to get in the car because we were going to Marg-land. Remember – girl on mission. The Republic or Bust!

So we got to Marg-land, wandering our way to the roof top and settled into a drinks-only table. There were three drinks-only tables and two were steadily filling as Sparkles and I chatted at the third table. Eventually, we swap sides of our table because the two tables have overfilled and this big group wanted to sit together. We no sooner move seats and our table is filled.

Two men sit on either side of us. The man who sits next to Sparkles immediately locks eyes with me and the sparks of instant attraction are firing between us. Holy cow! He is beautiful and he keeps looking at me and looking at me while speaking. Ah, some days it is good to be a girl. He had beautiful blue eyes, a cute face, and oh! the smile! And the best part was he was intent on me. In speaking to these two, they were from the area of the Cali East Bay where I worked for a year. Boom! That blew one of the major criteria, so I knew the pretty man was not it. Still had a wonderful time chatting with them. Of course, discovering both were married was a not a disappointment (see not currently living in The Republic = bad). Sparkles and I bid them adieu and the pretty man pulls me aside to inform me that I am an attractive woman and he was very attracted to me. Talk about good for the ol’ bruised ego.

On the way back to the car and all the way home, Sparkles kept telling me how much she enjoyed The Republic and we need to go there all the time as opposed to downtown. Trust me, I will be in The Republic lots more.

Random Run-in

Found out that the older woman in the wheelchair that I met at the B-Scene event in June was no other than Lady Bird Johnson's best friend. Who knew?!

Lady Bird and Me

Austin truly has this magical charm about it. I have had adventure while working for money and emotional health. There has definitely not be a lack of wonderful events which have left an indelible impression on my soul.

Last night I got to participate in a once in a lifetime event. The UT clock tower was aglow in orange light. Unbeknown to me, the tower is rarely lit in the home town color. Last night the clock tower was ablaze in remembrance for Lady Bird Johnson.

After enjoying the UT Moonlight Prowl, I proceeded to the Lyndon B. Johnson Library to say hi to this dear town's Lady Bird. Even though it was late at night, the news vans were present in full force and there were many Austinites milling around. Made my way through the library and up the stairs where Lady Bird lay. The casket was closed and covered in a beautiful thick brocade blanket. The blanket consisted of an intricate design - very colorful, and everything was outlined in a thin gold thread.

I got to see a First Lady as she lay resting. What struck me most last night was that Texas is so steeped with presidential history and I have been surrounded by it, reminded of when out here. Last summer, every night I left the office, I drove past the DFW book depository and the exact spot where President Kennedy was assassinated. Now I was in the presence of the next phase of American history after President Kennedy died there in the LBJ Presidential Library.

Last night on my way home, I began to reflect on my life and just how extremely fortunate I am. I was a witness at President Clinton's first inauguration. I have been around the world - figuratively and literally. I have a job, house, and closet full of clothes and shoes. I am making my peace with the past transgressions and with each day am closer to being healed.

Now I can add to the list that I spent a little time with a former First Lady before she headed West.

Checking In

So much going on. I have been so busy. work. life. work. life. work. work.

I need to get my butt in gear and get going for the day but thought I'd check in on the old blog.

Work. I am down in Texas and even though I am super-duper busy, I am loving it down here. Some days moving to Texas sounds appealing. Most days I have this overwhelming feeling that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I have never felt this powerful compelling emotion, feeling, knowing... I cannot quite put words to it. Honestly, I just feel that I am right on track being here... deep down in my very being. It is weird.

Love life. Less than fulfilling right now. Harry is done but I was ready for that to be done. Montana Man is done as well but you know how he always tries to keep a finger in the pot.

I am ready for a new infusion of men, that's for sure.

I bought some new clothes last weekend. A lot of size 8 items, which makes me ever so happy. I have never been a size 8.

I am happy, truly happy these days out here in Texas.

I will not be so neglectful of you little blog. Work is calming down and I can give you the proper attention once again... because bloggy, I've missed you.

Where Afternoon Takes You

After work yesterday, I met up with my new gal pal, Sparkles for happy hour. We had a grand time. It is so nice to have that girl camaraderie. Of course, consuming drinks on a very empty stomach - not so good - not so good at all.

Later on in the evening, caught up with Harry G. I am really liking him. We had a few more cocktails and then headed over to his place since sobering up was very much necessary.

Harry G. lives in your typical male loft situation. He shared photos of his family and shared part of his story, shared some of life growing up. He seems to be a sweet man. The scary part is that Harry G. appears to be relatively normal. Of course we all have baggage but on the surface, he looks like he has it together. Things are not as complicated as there are no kids or ever present ex-wives to wrangle with. It is wonderful to have that level of normalcy and calm.

I lazily woke up which escalated to a start when I realized it was 6 AM and Harry was next to me. Drunk gyrl must have passed out on him. I did a quick check - all clothes were still on - breathe huge sigh of relief. I really don't want to fuck things up. Harry was genuine about it all and took it in stride stating we both were tipsy last night. He did not try to take advantage of me as he very well could have. Any man who speaks of his rabbi and her husband can't be bad.

When I left, he walked me out to my car. He held my hand every step of the way. The surprising yet delightful part was when he referred to himself as my boyfriend. Those words had a nice ring to it. For the first time in my life, hearing those words did not make me want to run away. I did not into panic mode. That has been such a powerful realization for me. Rather than wanting to run away immediately, which would be my typical response, I felt so much delight in those words and look forward to embracing that. The Shrink would be so proud of me.

Who knew that a little happy hour could turn into a happy place? Who knew that all the little quirky things that make me who I am - the little things Montana Man did not like - Harry G. would enjoying drinking them in? Who knew that one Jewish man I randomly met would help me to realize the depth of my growth?

The Sorta Blind Date and Turning the Page

Last night I had dinner with my mentor. After years of a professional relationship and subsequent friendship, we finally met each other face-to-face. She was no where near the picture I had developed in my mind, even though I had seen a few photos of her. It was very much like meeting a blind date as I cautiously walked toward the only woman standing outside the hotel lobby and asked her, "Is that you?" She was of course just as fabulous in person as she has always been on the phone.

Upon arriving back home after a heavenly dinner, I was disappointed to check the caller id and see that no one had called while I was out. Harry Goldenblatt had said he'd call on Monday and I was sad to see he hadn't. I was disappointed because I thought I must have misread our date. I had thought he had a great time.

I was home about 20 minutes and the phone rang. Much to my surprise, Harry was on the other end of the phone. He was having a busy day at work but wanted to sneak away for a few minutes to give me a call because he "said he would." A man who keeps his word - bonus points.

Because he was sneaking away, we spoke briefly. He said he had a great time the other night and hoped we could go out again. I affirmed this and I could hear the happiness in his voice resulting from my answer. I honestly did have fun. Harry seems to be genuine. But everything I see right now is superficial and I recognize that - so not placing stock in anything yet.

So, we'll see where the Harry story goes next... I don't know about you, but I am definitely ready for another good story.

Stampede

Wednesday night was my big night out this week. It was a slow week on the social front. But as is usual here, it is feast or famine; you see, next week I am booked Tues, Weds, and Thurs.

In my new be social and get out there mindset, I went to drag queen bingo with the group. I was so proud of myself for being there on time. woo hoo. Of course, I end up sitting down and get joined by an older man waiting for his blind date to arrive. I have switched cocktail of choice from vodka tonic to rum and diet coke - have to save calories somehow and I justify it with diet coke.

Drag queen bingo was a disappointment. This troupe was no where near as good as my hairdresser and his buddy who ran drag queen bingo at another nearby bar. However, there was a huge bright point - a Brit gal who moved here this spring and she brought a ton of Cadbury with her - heavenly curly wurlys to be specific - nirvana, heaven and much needed as I am in full press PMS mode. Needless to say, I am now craving UK Cadbury goodies. I feel an order will be placed next month.

After Drag Queen Bingo, I joined two other gals for ladies night at a country bar. I'd never been to this place but decided to go because what the hell. After Montana Man exposure, I have learned of this thing called country music. Expanding my horizons, plus the stock show is still in town so there was the added bonus of real cowboy encounters.

But this is my life. Do any hottie cowboys hit on me? Of course not. But who hits on me immediately - BORAT! Story of my existence - first to get hit on of the girls - but it is fucking Borat - swear - absolutely no lie - and Borat is all up in my personal space. I shot that down instantaneously. Get in my face and ignore the one foot personal space rule and you don't have a chance. Blatant rudeness is something I cannot tolerate.

Had fun getting to know a new gal pal - I am excited at the prospect of actually acquiring new friends. On the way home (approx. 1:30 AM), I decided to call up MM. No, I was not drunk dialing or drunk driving for that matter. When MM used to travel for work, he'd always call at 1, 2, 3 AM to talk after he'd been out boozing. Well, I decided it was time for a little pay back. Even though it was a short conversation, it felt empowering.

Of course, getting up a few short hours later wasn't so much fun but I survived.

Happy Tuesday

I cannot wait until this afternoon. It is acupuncture Tuesday! and I really need it. It is getting progressively harder to get out of bed in the morning. Motivation is minimal. A few needles and I will be queen of the world again!

Also it is shrink Tuesday! I am covering all my depression fronts today. But all that truly matters is I am feeling better. Slowly but sure, I am getting back on track.

It is getting chilly and gray here. The snow is coming. I hate snow.

Tonight - last knitting class! Mark that off the list.

Revenge of the Wallpaper

Today's mini-project - remove the wallpaper border in the kitchen.

Armed with my mixture of water and fabric softener, I thought it would be a slam dunk. Easier than the easy removal of the family room. So much for those thoughts. It has been an absolute bitch getting it off. I have given up for the evening and so far the wallpaper is winning - damn!

Tomorrow the wallpaper border will be but a memory. I will defeat it. It will be a sneak attack after the gym!

Oh yeah - I was at the gym by 9 am this morning. Why? Because I slept excellently again last night; waking at 6:50 AM bright eyed and bushy tailed. Thank you very much acupuncture!

Another day of no tears. A few times I felt sad but no tears came flowing out of my ocular region. It is such a different state of being and I am liking it.

I am heading to trivia tonight with some friends as part of my birthday celebration. Not quite my idea of birthday fun but it will still be fun. Hopefully I will have a few tales to tell in the morning.