18 February 2010

oblivious is my name

I tend to be rather oblivious to male attention. Until I started working on this life-draining vampire project, I had no idea how utterly and completely oblivious I truly am.

My work partner, Super Dad on this assignment has brought it to my attention just how much I miss. If we walk to get a coffee, he points out the men eyeballing me. One day I jokingly told Super Dad we needed a signal when I was getting checked out. And so our signal was born, he waves his hand obnoxious in front of my face.

Today, when Super Dad and I got on the elevator there was a man already in the car. Super Dad and I were talking and about half way through our trip up the elevator shaft, he waves his hand in front of my face. Our sign! I completely missed the other guy in the elevator ! Who was starting at me ! Intently!

However, as the days of Super Dad and I working closely together grows, I am beginning to think he is interested in me as well. When Super Dad is in town, we have dinner together at least three nights a week. He keeps inquiring if there is an office rumor about us. He has started asking about my time with Bolt. That little voice has started talking to me and I do think Super Dad has a bit of crush.

I will continue to keep things in check. We work well together. We enjoy each other's company. But it is nothing more than buddies on or off the clock.

14 February 2010

another saturday with bolt

Yesterday was another fabulous Saturday here in the ATX.

Lulu and I woke up early and walked Town Lake at high speed. Enjoyed a bit of lounging catch up time. As I was making my errand list, Edina sent me a text stating that some folks were meeting early and I should ask Bolt to join us. Of course, I am a big chicken when it comes to those types of things where the opportunity for rejection is a possibility. So, I did not ask Bolt.

Ran my errands, including an impromptu stop at DSW shoes where I found the perfect pair of cranberry red patent leather shoes. I made my way to the bar to meet up with everyone.

Slowly people trickled in for the official event, our social club’s rock-paper-scissors tournament – Edina’s brainchild. Of the brackets, I was the first to go. How terribly self-conscious I was as I have never played rock-paper-scissors before in my life. Somehow, I won my first round. I continued to win round after round until I made it to the finals. The guy I was playing against wanted to stand in my spot and want to throw much faster – none of which he got as it was all on my terms. Yes, I did win. Edina even had a trophy made.

We continued to hang out after my victory. Edina and I went to chat privately away from the crowd in none other than the bathroom of course. Turns out Edina’s boyfriend, Homey sent Bolt a text message telling him to come down here. Bolt responded, “Hey Pats – just got back from a bike ride. What’s going on?” You see, Homey and I both have mobile phones with CO area codes. I was tickled that Bolt assumed it was me based on the area code. Homey did clarify that it wasn’t me texting Bolt.

Later, Homey did get Bolt to come join us at the bar. Bolt does have a good sense of humor though because when he walked in and met us, he walked over to Homey and said “Hey Pats” and then called me ‘Homey’ to make light of it. We did Jaeger bombs to celebrate my big win. Somehow, Homey inquired when Bolt’s birthday is and since it is close, Homey started planning Bolt’s birthday. We also finalized that next weekend Bolt is also joining us for Carnaval.

Then we had a location change for dinner. We all piled into my car and headed down the road. Bolt remained close to me; asking if I wanted a cocktail while we waited for a table, sitting next to me at dinner. After dinner, the group split up as some had tickets to a burlesque show and some did not. As I did not have evening plans, I had purchased a burlesque ticket in the morning. The show was now sold out.

Edina and Homey went their way, Bolt got his car and he and I met at the burlesque venue. Because my name was on the list, we got to bypass the huge entry line. Bolt and I headed to the back where the show had already begun. We were stopped for wristbands, so back to the front to get our wrist bands. I told Bolt, ‘Just play along.’ I know he did not realize what I meant. We got up to the booth, and I act surprised when the gal informs me I only ordered one ticket. She then asks for my iphone to show her the receipt. I told her I am not that technologically advanced and my mobile phone is purely for phone calls. She then asks what my total bill was and I coolly reply $32. That was good enough for her and we both received wristbands.

The show was good. It was especially nice to turn my head to the left and see Bolt smiling at me. After the show, we enjoyed a few cocktails, chatted. Bolt was sure to wish me a Happy Valentine’s Day at midnight. The rest of the group left; Bolt and I remained laughing and talking until the venue closed. Always a gentleman, Bolt walked me to my car. I didn’t know where he parked and asked if he wanted a lift to his car. He said yes as he was parked behind the buildings completely opposite of where I was parked. We stayed in my car alternating between talking and making out until 3:45 AM.

And that is how the fourth Saturday in a row with Bolt went down. My giddiness continues.

11 February 2010

crates of number two

today was yet another day straight from the depths of hell. i am physically and mentally exhausted, with emotionally drained trailing closely behind. came home to find the dog poo'd in her crate. icing on the cake, indeed.

when is the cycle going to come to an end? i am tired of the constant stress and strain. when will everything fall into place? i've paid my dues.

now, to prepare to face another day.

07 February 2010

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.

30 January 2010

unbalanced

Tired.

Otherwise described as exhausted, weary, overworked, pooped out, taxed, and worn out.

These various synonyms of tired have taken over my existence. Working on a high profile project with an ominous deadline has consumed my life. Hopefully this schedule will cease within a month because I cannot take much more. But I am hungry and this demanding project has already and will continue to plunge me into the limelight. I want to shine, I need to shine.

My drive, my ambition have risen to the forefront of my being. This is my moment to take a leap forward. And I have to seize it. So even though I am tired, I will continue to work 70 hours a week for another month because I want to say that I have completed what others before me have not been able to do. Because one day I want the big corner office too.

25 December 2009

merry christmas

Christmas. A day of quiet filled with bubbly, hound lovin', and BBC.

This Christmas day lies in stark contrast to last year. A year ago today I was frantically getting ready for The Southern Gentleman's visit. Anticipation and hope were overflowing in my little corner of the Austin city limits. The Southern Gentleman's presence in my life has been reduced to the Bela Fleck holiday CD that arrived via the post last week. Quite the change.

But change is welcome here. I'd much rather be tossed about in a sea of change than trapped in the desert of stagnation.

So today amidst the bubbles and BBC, I look forward to the many changes, full of giggling excitement, lurking right around the corner.

20 December 2009

christmas card greetings

I live for mail that is not of the bill variety. Good, old school Christmas cards is the only Christmas-y thing I do for the holiday; other than that, I am the Grinch.

Today, I had a small collection of cards awaiting me. As I shuffled through the envelopes, I notice an oddly addressed one. Odd due to the names inscribed on the envelope - The Leech and Patsy - as if to be the ex-husband's name. To see that name; it looks so foreign, especially so near my own name.

Of course, it is the first card I open. My morbid curiosity is clearly steering the ship today. Christmas greetings from his aunt and uncle wishing us happiness and stating "would love to hear from you, it's been awhile." Duh!

In August, it was 4 years our divorce was final; in February, it will be 5 years that I moved him out of my home. That is an awful long time. Clearly, The Leech still hasn't informed his family that we are done.

Seriously?! A significant amount of time has passed; our divorce is no longer fresh. In fact, we have been divorced longer than we were ever married. So, why does The Leech continue to keep our divorce a secret from his family? Divorce was not an unusual event in his family as even his own parents were divorced. Why continue living under the veil of secrecy?

Since we split, I have maintained it is The Leech's responsibility to inform his family of our demise. However, that time has come to an end as I want to be free from these random surprises once and for all. I will be sending his aunt and uncle a proper Emily Post-esque note stating that they have not heard from us because there has not been an 'us' for quite some time. One less of Ghost of Christmas Past to stumble across in my future.

08 December 2009

the wrong kind of thinning

It is official.

My tough thick hot mountain blood has thinned due to my continual presence the ATX. I am cold! The thermostat is set at a constant 70 degrees F and I am still a popsicle!

I suppose it had to happen; after all, this is my third winter in TX. But that doesn't mean I have to like it! I want the fat resident on my arse to thin in the same manner!

If only Lulu would snuggle her warm bony canine next me at night, it may be bearable. Alas, I am on my own as she wants nothing with bed sharing or spooning. Silly dog, she doesn't know what she's missing!

Okay, am very punchy. Time to say good night !

07 December 2009

too

Long hours lead to long days. I see no end in sight.

Too much work.

Too little time.

Caring too much.

Wanting much more.

Driven to shine.

I hope one day soon, in some fashion, all these hours I put in (from before sun up until well after sun down) pays off in a spectacular way!

04 December 2009

are men like wine?

The Day Job has become all-consuming leaving me time or energy for much else.

My flying date for early November was canceled due to our friend, Mother Nature ensure a storm surrounded the city; instrument flying only. We all know what happened when JFK, Jr. decided to do a little instrument flying. The jaunt was rescheduled for mid-December.

Clearly, the planets are aligned such that I am an older man magnet. The pilot is a member of the older man club and it appears there is a second older man interested in my world. This second man, Trotter, is handsome and does not look as old as he is. I have decided to overlook the decade-plus difference in our ages and encourage his advances. I am sure this older man fandango will give me a fair amount of writing material.