Single Ladies Small Talk

[zoebartlett]

Zoe, I met him on Match! He's the last guy I was talking to in my month-long flirtation with online dating. Mostly I hated it, but it did actually help me meet a nice guy. Pretty cool.

All it takes is one! I'm happy for you! Here's to the second date going really, really well. Cheers.

 

[princesss]

Aaaaaaand nice guy is not so nice. Total silence from him. So I'm voting him off the island, deleted his phone number and all texts, and am back in No Dating Land. Honestly, it's a lot more relaxing.

Except for the part where all of my friends suddenly get to critique the choices I'm making as far as dating. I don't particularly like that. Can I please just say, "Hey, I tried this and I'm giving up," without a 20 minute lecture on why you thought it was a bad idea in the first place and how you know soooooo much better than I do what I should do with my personal life? Please?

 

[GamerGirl]

Awww princess - he was sounding nice and adorable. Too bad the true colors didn't match!
how long was it silence? Strictly out of curiosity as I'm not sure what the current length of time is in the "write-them-off" area....
Sucks - I hate when people say one thing to your face and do or say something completely different when not in front of you. These stories are seriously strengthening my resolve that I am not ready to date yet!

Signed my lease this morning - Now I have to really buckle down and get all my stuff ready to move!

The EX emailed me again a couple of times -- first asking to talk more, then saying that he missed me as a friend, blah blah. Finally he requested a specific meeting date/time where he could "explain" some things. I didn't even know how to respond to that so I didn't for a few days and then I responded that there couldn't possibly be anything at this point that he has to say to me that would have a positive impact on my life right now and that if he really felt like he had something he wanted to get off of his chest he should find a counselor to talk to. He took a couple of days and responded that I was right and that he was just going through a lot of stuff and trying to figure out what was wrong with him -- but that he would try to respect my wishes and not communicate unless absolutely necessary for at least a few months.
That made me happy - not talking to him at all has made it easier for me to move on -- but then he emailed me on Friday to say that the local grocery store got their golden kiwi shipment in. Great, but HOW is that an absolutely necessary communication?? ugh.

And my best work friend got engaged last night -- we were originally on the same "timeline" for engagement and had perused ring styles together -- so I am super excited and happy for her (her ring is gorgeous - no idea on specs but it is at least 1ct. and super sparkly) -- but I'm also throwing a little pity-party for myself today - not that I would want to be engaged to the EX right now, it just brings back all that excitement and (false) happiness that I had been feeling at the beginning of the year.

Finally saw Bridesmaids yesterday -- I thought it was super funny. And that Public Market/ Art Museum they show at the beginning? That is about 1 block from my new apartment!! Some of the stuff was a little unbelievable for Milwaukee - Jon Hamm's house and his whole persona? I mean I guess there are guys like him in every city but he just didn't seem like WI. And our random british roommate pool is pretty low I would guess. But hey - it showed off the city a bit without boiling everyone down to be dumb farmers or cheese-heads so I liked it.

 

[princesss]

Ummm.

Wow.


So I got a text at 11 last night from my friend J, essentially saying "OMGyouneedtogetonFBnowandseethepicturesofButterball!!!!!!"

I ignored it last night and slept instead (solid choice). This morning I found that I couldn't see the pictures he was tagged in, but J can since they have a mutual friend. So J sent me the pictures. Of Butterball. Walking a runway. In his briefs. AND NOTHING ELSE.

And? Can I tell you something? He makes briefs look GOOOOOOOOOD.

 

[GamerGirl]

Well, my computer is freaking out right now so my internet access is a bit spotty.

I'm super excited to be beginning planning for Australia/NZ!! We have about 10 pages of thoughts of things we want to do/see and we will have to start whittling it all down soon - which will be hard, I don't want to miss anything!!! BEG - your thread on NZ was awesome, I SOOO want to do the glacier hike!! And I can't wait to hear princess report back in Oct.

I'm half excited and half annoyed to be moving in almost exactly a month. It seems like it has been forever that i started looking at apartments. I just want to BE there already so I can see how my existing stuff fits in the place and see what I get to buy new. Bedroom set for sure, but I might also need some more stuff. Not to mention that i haven't really started packing anything yet. Bit by bit.

Haven't gotten much of a chance to flirt with the work boy lately. Which is sad cause that was always fun, but maybe there will be a cute guy I get to flirt with at my new apartment?? here's hoping!!


princess - omg - butterball in briefs?? so have you seen him (in person ) since then???

nothing much going on - met my cousin's new BF over the 4th and she apparently met him on Match so I might ask her how her experience was seeing as she is local and somewhat around my age. Still not wanting to actually go on a date with anyone but thinking I might be ready to at least look around come fall once I'm all settled in my new place.

 

[GamerGirl]

So the ex has been texting and emailing lately. On Thurs he texted me (by accident or by way of crazy mind games?) a crazy text which sounded like he was texting some person he was dating - telling them that "she may still be the one". ugh. Then he emailed me yesterday saying how much he misses me and wondering if I missed him at all. On top of that he has said that if I go over to the house to clear out stuff and pack while he is there that he will probably come to "talk things over" -- which I have said I don't want to do but he says that he will probably do it anyway. Which is making just leaving all my crap at his place and forgetting about it sound better and better..... I don't really need my target tables or the couch really anyway do i?? It just feels like he is having some issues and doesn't want to be the only one that is messed up so he is trying to drag me down into the miserable hole I was in months ago....

So I went and drank a whole lot of wine at a friends house last night, managed a 5 mile run this morning (longest run I've done so far) and was still fuming so I had to post here.

Vent over

 

[Inkblot]

Just keeping tabs on everyone. Spent the week at Myrtle Beach and now it's back to real life. My tan is awesome, if I do say so myself. I've been very "blah" lately and going to specialist appointment after specialist appointment. I seriously do not believe I have any blood left to sample! A new endocrinologist is supposed to get back to me later on this week after my results come in. Though I hope nothing is wrong, I am looking for an explanation of what's been physically happening to me. I went on several lengthy runs at the beach; my only "treat" on vacation was 2 glasses of wine at a ritzy seafood joint. BF really just raised his eyebrows there--I was literally smashed after the first glass. I guess that's because I drink maybe once a year? It was a good move on my part, though. I'm a hard nut to crack emotionally, and BF and I have really been bickering lately. Control issues--both of us turn the littlest mole hill into a mountain, if only because we're afraid that if we give an inch now, it will be like that for ETERNITY. Instead of looking at each situation as unique, different, and requiring an individual reaction and response, I automatically freak out and come down way too hard on him. He does the same, but to a lesser extent. Thanks to the wine, we actually communicated about this issue and told ourselves to just CHILL and ENJOY. Stop over-analyzing, over-thinking, over-reacting.

That said, I wanted to let you Match-ers know that I had an absolute ball dating on the site. I found the key is to not be too picky. I forced myself to date outside of my comfort zone and be more tolerant when choosing a date. Everyone on there is looking to connect, and lots of the cockiness from the male perspective is derived from the desperate need to impress. Some of the best dates are the worst disasters! Except for the guy that pulled a joint out of his pocket at the dinner table. I left almost immediately, ha!

 

[princesss]

Hey ladies!

Not a whole lot to report over here. My life has been reduced to work, frisbee, climbing, and Insanity. I almost never go out and meet new people anymore. It's kind of sad, but at the same time, I'm spending pretty much all of my free time doing things I love with cool people.

Did have an...odd...encounter a week or two ago. A friend of mine just moved, and we were at her going away party. Her parties are always ridiculous, and a few of us ended up hanging out on the roof and talking. My friend I (who is dating my friend C, who was throwing the party) was a little drunk - not a lot, but slightly past tipsy - and started grilling me on what I look for in a guy, when I think I'll date again, what my "type" is, whether I'd ever hook up with/date an ultimate player...(for the record: wanderlust, ambition, drive, solid work ethic, good sense of humour; when I leave the States; tall, broad, dark hair/eyes, athletic; not one in my city, but ultimate players from other cities are fair game) Anyways, my friend CD was there with us, and would pipe up sometimes with "That's too bad" when I said something about not dating while I'm here or not considering ulti players from my city. So that was odd. And then I texted him to see if he wanted to climb Friday night, but he said he couldn't and then checked to make sure I was coming to the tournament this past weekend (umm, hello? I'm a single girl - one of two single female seriously obsessed ultimate players in town - and there were going to be multiple teams full of attractive, atheltic men). Then Saturday, he invited me out and said that a bunch of people were going to this one bar near my house. I agreed to go, assuming he meant a bunch of people from the tournament. Ummm, no. A bunch of his friends. That I didn't know. And then our friend J. And that's it. Sooooo...I'm not crazy thinking he might be just a little bit interested, right? Which has the potential to make things suuuuuuuuuper awkward, since he's not only an ultimate buddy, but a climbing buddy, too. He's a super-duper sweet guy, and cute, but just...doesn't do it for me.

BUT! Next weekend is a huge tournament! With many teams of men! Attractive ones! And free beer! Unfortunately it will be hot hot hot hot HOT, and nobody looks cute playing sports in that kind of weather. Luckily, there will be showers before the party. And did I mention the free beer? And the attractive men?

 

[princesss]

Ink, I hope you get some answers soon. It must be such a pain to keep waiting for the docs to figure this out.

I'm glad you got some quality time with the BF and were able to get the lines of communication working well again.

ETA: Also, I didn't realize you were in the Southeast, too! We're so close.

 

[platinumrock]

Just keeping tabs on everyone. Spent the week at Myrtle Beach and now it's back to real life. My tan is awesome, if I do say so myself. I've been very "blah" lately and going to specialist appointment after specialist appointment. I seriously do not believe I have any blood left to sample! A new endocrinologist is supposed to get back to me later on this week after my results come in. Though I hope nothing is wrong, I am looking for an explanation of what's been physically happening to me. I went on several lengthy runs at the beach; my only "treat" on vacation was 2 glasses of wine at a ritzy seafood joint. BF really just raised his eyebrows there--I was literally smashed after the first glass. I guess that's because I drink maybe once a year? It was a good move on my part, though. I'm a hard nut to crack emotionally, and BF and I have really been bickering lately. Control issues--both of us turn the littlest mole hill into a mountain, if only because we're afraid that if we give an inch now, it will be like that for ETERNITY. Instead of looking at each situation as unique, different, and requiring an individual reaction and response, I automatically freak out and come down way too hard on him. He does the same, but to a lesser extent. Thanks to the wine, we actually communicated about this issue and told ourselves to just CHILL and ENJOY. Stop over-analyzing, over-thinking, over-reacting.

That said, I wanted to let you Match-ers know that I had an absolute ball dating on the site. I found the key is to not be too picky. I forced myself to date outside of my comfort zone and be more tolerant when choosing a date. Everyone on there is looking to connect, and lots of the cockiness from the male perspective is derived from the desperate need to impress. Some of the best dates are the worst disasters! Except for the guy that pulled a joint out of his pocket at the dinner table. I left almost immediately, ha!

I've been following your stories, and I have to say, you have such a unique way of organizing your thoughts. I feel as if I am witnessing the events with you, like watching a movie, and I am anxious to see what will happen next. It's one of my guilty pleasures, and I'm bummed when it ends. Then I'm like, "That's it??!! Noo! More!!" lol

I curious to know how you ended up dating Bryan's best friend, and if you guys were even able to repair your relationship.

You have to update your tales, I've been dying to know what happened!!! You should definitely combine your stories and publish them in a book. I would not hesitate to buy it. Seriously.

ETA: Pulling out a joint on a date? Really? Wow...

 

[OUpearlgirl]

Just keeping tabs on everyone. Spent the week at Myrtle Beach and now it's back to real life. My tan is awesome, if I do say so myself. I've been very "blah" lately and going to specialist appointment after specialist appointment. I seriously do not believe I have any blood left to sample! A new endocrinologist is supposed to get back to me later on this week after my results come in. Though I hope nothing is wrong, I am looking for an explanation of what's been physically happening to me. I went on several lengthy runs at the beach; my only "treat" on vacation was 2 glasses of wine at a ritzy seafood joint. BF really just raised his eyebrows there--I was literally smashed after the first glass. I guess that's because I drink maybe once a year? It was a good move on my part, though. I'm a hard nut to crack emotionally, and BF and I have really been bickering lately. Control issues--both of us turn the littlest mole hill into a mountain, if only because we're afraid that if we give an inch now, it will be like that for ETERNITY. Instead of looking at each situation as unique, different, and requiring an individual reaction and response, I automatically freak out and come down way too hard on him. He does the same, but to a lesser extent. Thanks to the wine, we actually communicated about this issue and told ourselves to just CHILL and ENJOY. Stop over-analyzing, over-thinking, over-reacting.

That said, I wanted to let you Match-ers know that I had an absolute ball dating on the site. I found the key is to not be too picky. I forced myself to date outside of my comfort zone and be more tolerant when choosing a date. Everyone on there is looking to connect, and lots of the cockiness from the male perspective is derived from the desperate need to impress. Some of the best dates are the worst disasters! Except for the guy that pulled a joint out of his pocket at the dinner table. I left almost immediately, ha!

I've been following your stories, and I have to say, you have such a unique way of organizing your thoughts. I feel as if I am witnessing the events with you, like watching a movie, and I am anxious to see what will happen next. It's one of my guilty pleasures, and I'm bummed when it ends. Then I'm like, "That's it??!! Noo! More!!" lol

I curious to know how you ended up dating Bryan's best friend, and if you guys were even able to repair your relationship.

You have to update your tales, I've been dying to know what happened!!! You should definitely combine your stories and publish them in a book. I would not hesitate to buy it. Seriously.

ETA: Pulling out a joint on a date? Really? Wow...

DYing to hear the rest as well!

 

[iota15]

Just keeping tabs on everyone. Spent the week at Myrtle Beach and now it's back to real life. My tan is awesome, if I do say so myself. I've been very "blah" lately and going to specialist appointment after specialist appointment. I seriously do not believe I have any blood left to sample! A new endocrinologist is supposed to get back to me later on this week after my results come in. Though I hope nothing is wrong, I am looking for an explanation of what's been physically happening to me. I went on several lengthy runs at the beach; my only "treat" on vacation was 2 glasses of wine at a ritzy seafood joint. BF really just raised his eyebrows there--I was literally smashed after the first glass. I guess that's because I drink maybe once a year? It was a good move on my part, though. I'm a hard nut to crack emotionally, and BF and I have really been bickering lately. Control issues--both of us turn the littlest mole hill into a mountain, if only because we're afraid that if we give an inch now, it will be like that for ETERNITY. Instead of looking at each situation as unique, different, and requiring an individual reaction and response, I automatically freak out and come down way too hard on him. He does the same, but to a lesser extent. Thanks to the wine, we actually communicated about this issue and told ourselves to just CHILL and ENJOY. Stop over-analyzing, over-thinking, over-reacting.

That said, I wanted to let you Match-ers know that I had an absolute ball dating on the site. I found the key is to not be too picky. I forced myself to date outside of my comfort zone and be more tolerant when choosing a date. Everyone on there is looking to connect, and lots of the cockiness from the male perspective is derived from the desperate need to impress. Some of the best dates are the worst disasters! Except for the guy that pulled a joint out of his pocket at the dinner table. I left almost immediately, ha!

I've been following your stories, and I have to say, you have such a unique way of organizing your thoughts. I feel as if I am witnessing the events with you, like watching a movie, and I am anxious to see what will happen next. It's one of my guilty pleasures, and I'm bummed when it ends. Then I'm like, "That's it??!! Noo! More!!" lol

I curious to know how you ended up dating Bryan's best friend, and if you guys were even able to repair your relationship.

You have to update your tales, I've been dying to know what happened!!! You should definitely combine your stories and publish them in a book. I would not hesitate to buy it. Seriously.

ETA: Pulling out a joint on a date? Really? Wow...

DYing to hear the rest as well!

Yes, Inkblot. Your fans, like me, are waiting....

 

[platinumrock]

Just keeping tabs on everyone. Spent the week at Myrtle Beach and now it's back to real life. My tan is awesome, if I do say so myself. I've been very "blah" lately and going to specialist appointment after specialist appointment. I seriously do not believe I have any blood left to sample! A new endocrinologist is supposed to get back to me later on this week after my results come in. Though I hope nothing is wrong, I am looking for an explanation of what's been physically happening to me. I went on several lengthy runs at the beach; my only "treat" on vacation was 2 glasses of wine at a ritzy seafood joint. BF really just raised his eyebrows there--I was literally smashed after the first glass. I guess that's because I drink maybe once a year? It was a good move on my part, though. I'm a hard nut to crack emotionally, and BF and I have really been bickering lately. Control issues--both of us turn the littlest mole hill into a mountain, if only because we're afraid that if we give an inch now, it will be like that for ETERNITY. Instead of looking at each situation as unique, different, and requiring an individual reaction and response, I automatically freak out and come down way too hard on him. He does the same, but to a lesser extent. Thanks to the wine, we actually communicated about this issue and told ourselves to just CHILL and ENJOY. Stop over-analyzing, over-thinking, over-reacting.

That said, I wanted to let you Match-ers know that I had an absolute ball dating on the site. I found the key is to not be too picky. I forced myself to date outside of my comfort zone and be more tolerant when choosing a date. Everyone on there is looking to connect, and lots of the cockiness from the male perspective is derived from the desperate need to impress. Some of the best dates are the worst disasters! Except for the guy that pulled a joint out of his pocket at the dinner table. I left almost immediately, ha!

I've been following your stories, and I have to say, you have such a unique way of organizing your thoughts. I feel as if I am witnessing the events with you, like watching a movie, and I am anxious to see what will happen next. It's one of my guilty pleasures, and I'm bummed when it ends. Then I'm like, "That's it??!! Noo! More!!" lol

I curious to know how you ended up dating Bryan's best friend, and if you guys were even able to repair your relationship.

You have to update your tales, I've been dying to know what happened!!! You should definitely combine your stories and publish them in a book. I would not hesitate to buy it. Seriously.

ETA: Pulling out a joint on a date? Really? Wow...

DYing to hear the rest as well!

Yes, Inkblot. Your fans, like me, are waiting....

Is that what this thing is called? Being a fan? Is sounds funny when you say it like that.

By the way, are married ladies allowed on this thread?

 

[GamerGirl]

By the way, are married ladies allowed on this thread?

I think anyone is "allowed"

 

[GamerGirl]

Just keeping tabs on everyone. Spent the week at Myrtle Beach and now it's back to real life. My tan is awesome, if I do say so myself. I've been very "blah" lately and going to specialist appointment after specialist appointment. I seriously do not believe I have any blood left to sample! A new endocrinologist is supposed to get back to me later on this week after my results come in. Though I hope nothing is wrong, I am looking for an explanation of what's been physically happening to me. I went on several lengthy runs at the beach; my only "treat" on vacation was 2 glasses of wine at a ritzy seafood joint. BF really just raised his eyebrows there--I was literally smashed after the first glass. I guess that's because I drink maybe once a year? It was a good move on my part, though. I'm a hard nut to crack emotionally, and BF and I have really been bickering lately. Control issues--both of us turn the littlest mole hill into a mountain, if only because we're afraid that if we give an inch now, it will be like that for ETERNITY. Instead of looking at each situation as unique, different, and requiring an individual reaction and response, I automatically freak out and come down way too hard on him. He does the same, but to a lesser extent. Thanks to the wine, we actually communicated about this issue and told ourselves to just CHILL and ENJOY. Stop over-analyzing, over-thinking, over-reacting.

That said, I wanted to let you Match-ers know that I had an absolute ball dating on the site. I found the key is to not be too picky. I forced myself to date outside of my comfort zone and be more tolerant when choosing a date. Everyone on there is looking to connect, and lots of the cockiness from the male perspective is derived from the desperate need to impress. Some of the best dates are the worst disasters! Except for the guy that pulled a joint out of his pocket at the dinner table. I left almost immediately, ha!

Ink - great to hear from you! Glad you were able to have a vacation and I hope you get some good news (or at least some answers!!) from the specialist. I'm hoping match (or whichever site I end up doing) ends up as positive an experience for me as you seem to have had - sounds like fun!!

and I agree - more stories!!!!!

 

[Inkblot]

Are you gals telling me I have FAN GIRLS?!

I feel like such a Backstreet Boy.

It just so happens that I've been working on a little something-something for your literary ladies. Vacation gave me some time with my laptop and my thoughts, so I did flex my fingers over the keys this month. The hard part is that since it's a memoir, I remember details after I write them and revise to keep it real. Time. Consuming.

Secretly, I also panic that Bryan will stumble upon this site, read the story, realize it's about him, call me up, and I'll be busted. Then again, if I ever publish the story he'd know it's him anyway, right? Did I mention he asked my BF to be in his wedding and that his fiance seems threatened by me? I appreciate all of the compliments on my writing; it's odd that my Bryan story has taken on a life of its own and that I've chosen to share it here! I promise the the next edition is coming soon...within days!

 

[Inkblot]

Ink Tales, Part VI
Copyright 2011

(Continued from when Parker wants to have a serious talk with Ink about their relationship, and she knows she can't divert the conversation much longer. She's right.)

**************************************


Parker took me horseback riding in the mountains for my birthday. Despite the early wake-up and looking completely dejected in Asics running shoes and a hoodie, I was bobbing atop a horse four trots away from the glue factory, who insisted on sampling every bramble and shoot of crab grass along the trail. Everyone else's horse had no problem ambling along the trail and jumping over puddles. Not mine. My horse thought every puddle was his personal bath, and he'd flick his filthy tail with just enough panache to splatter mud up the back of my sweater. I'd tug the reigns, he'd huff and toss his head. I'd want to go left, he'd pull right. I'd want to stay on the trial, he'd stand obstinately. After a brutal stand-off when he crashed into a pile of thorn bushes and refused to move, the trail guide eventually had to retrieve us, but not after asking if I was pulling on the reigns too hard. What?! From the trail head, Parker laughed his ass off. I am outdoorsy and love horseback riding, but I think a spa day and some cake would've been more birthday-ish.

Two weeks after, we woke up together and spent the early morning lounging in bed and fooling around before the rooster crowed. As we lay in the dark room, I used fading starlight to trace the contours of his face and felt an immense swell of love flood my throat. I choked a little and forced myself to breathe slow, and Parker turned his lips into my palm and cruised his hands up the skin of my back.
“What’s up?” he whispered, as if other occupants were sleeping in my empty apartment.

I stretched and closed smiling eyes, savoring the warmth and closeness that only a twin bed and pre-dawn time frame could provide. To me, there’s just something about the cool, quiet, untouched early morning that's magic.
“Nothing,” I murmured, sliding my left knee over his right leg in a gesture of intimacy. I felt Parker’s fingers tangle in my hair and stroke over the nape of my neck.

He sighed and spoke softly. “You know, I am really close to telling you…well, you know.”
My heart stuttered a little bit, and I opened my eyes to find him watching my face. His hand tightened on my neck as I tried to pull slightly away, creating unconscious space.
I chose my words carefully before speaking, tracing the muscles of his abdomen with my index finger.
“Parker,” I began hesitantly, “I know. I feel the same; I just don’t want to rush anything. I don’t want to ruin anything without being absolutely sure.”
I trailed off and felt him tip his head back into the pillow and draw away from me. My well-planned response was a pebble in the worn shoe of our relationship.

“It’s okay,” he said darkly. “I really didn’t expect you to respond.” He paused. “You never do.”

Instead of expressing outrage or lurching from his arms at his assumption, I stared blankly at the ceiling, uncomfortable at the distance I just created between us. The bed cooled as we waited in silence for the alarm clock, all vestiges of intimacy absorbed by the rising sun. I showered and sipped my coffee, pausing to watch him as he dressed and styled his hair. Clad in a towel, I leaned against the bathroom doorjamb and scowled at him.

He glanced at me, razor poised an inch from a lathered cheek. “Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked, a trace of surprise and annoyance in his voice.
“Because you’re irritating and unfair, and have...expectations.”

The only sound in the room was the scrap of his razor against fresh stubble. Parker set down the razor and wiped his face with a hand towel before turning his body to face me. I barely noticed the ice creeping into his unusual eyes.
Their winter blue locked on my face, and my heart gave a sickening thud at his impassive expression. Although Parker’s voice was usually joking and warm, I was poorly prepared for his measured response.

“My expectations are normal expectations for a relationship, Inklyn. I don’t know what you’re f*cking scared of, but I feel like I’m marking time. I mean, sh*t." Parker shoved his fingers in his hair and left it standing on end. "We’ve been spending practically every waking moment together since the end of May, and it’s November. Seven months, Ink! And yet, you’re totally unwilling to even throw me a bone.”

Parker’s words echoed through the bathroom like quick, individual slaps. I jerked back slightly, coffee slopping over the lip of my mug, fingers digging reflexively into the short protection of my towel. I was not only stunned by his unnaturally articulate response, but the cool edge of venom in his words. I felt exposed and very, very foolish.

Oh, why couldn’t I just let it go? Why did I have to prod and instigate until I heard answers I didn’t want to hear? Why couldn’t I just say I loved him when he needed me to, when the time was right? Why could my inner monologue speak the words and
my tongue and lips could not?

Parker and I got ready for our workday in near silence, offering mundane trivialities to break up the snowy tension in the apartment. He could shield his feelings as easily as I could, and that mutual ability to harness dispassion terrified me. Although he came home from college to see me on the weekends, I was frightened that he’d return to school and over-analyze our entire conversation.
I fervently wished time would spiral back to our dawn reverie, but I knew all of my wishing and hoping wouldn’t magically conjure Doc Brown’s Delorean.

When Parker gave me an absent kiss and roared down the gravel drive without a good-natured honk goodbye, I knew things had irrevocably changed.

******************************************************************

 

[platinumrock]

Are you gals telling me I have FAN GIRLS?!

I feel like such a Backstreet Boy.

It just so happens that I've been working on a little something-something for your literary ladies. Vacation gave me some time with my laptop and my thoughts, so I did flex my fingers over the keys this month. The hard part is that since it's a memoir, I remember details after I write them and revise to keep it real. Time. Consuming.

Secretly, I also panic that Bryan will stumble upon this site, read the story, realize it's about him, call me up, and I'll be busted. Then again, if I ever publish the story he'd know it's him anyway, right? Did I mention he asked my BF to be in his wedding and that his fiance seems threatened by me? I appreciate all of the compliments on my writing; it's odd that my Bryan story has taken on a life of its own and that I've chosen to share it here! I promise the the next edition is coming soon...within days!

Eeeeeek!!! Yay for updates!!

I'm like you, when I try to describe an event in writing, I try to recall the details as vividly as possible. I want the reader to experience what I experience. The only problem is that it's so time-consuming, like you said. I'd have to lock myself in a room the whole day just to get through 5 pages of acceptable material. And what would I write about? You, on the other hand, have a saga going on, and we want to know more!

I'd be more concerned about your boyfriend stumbling on this site, and I hope he'll be okay with hearing your tales. I wouldn't worry so much about Bryan. He should be flattered that he had such an impact in your life, and he holds a special place in your heart. If it wasn't for him, you wouldn't be with your man now, right? Things happen for a reason. It would be different if you still had feelings for him. But that's not the case. You're merely recalling the events that led to your present life.

I'm getting the popcorn ready.

 

[platinumrock]

By the way, are married ladies allowed on this thread?

I think anyone is "allowed"

Whew.

 

[GamerGirl]

Ink fangirl here checking in for yet another AWESOME chapter. Seriously - you need to publish this all at some point.

 

[princesss]

I swear, this story should have its own thread! I hate having to search through for the last installment to make sure I know where we left off.

 

[platinumrock]

I swear, this story should have its own thread! I hate having to search through for the last installment to make sure I know where we left off.

I know, right? This story actually had me swooning. Seriously Ink, if you were a guy, you'd have girls stalking you. And a panty or two hurled at your direction. lol

 

[athenaworth]

Random pop up here - but has anyone heard from B.E.G. since she made it to Cali?

 

[GamerGirl]

Last I saw her on here she posted her NZ itinerary in my Australia trip thread - last week I think??

maybe princess has heard from her?

 

[princesss]

BEG is doing well - she's crazy busy with school but seems like she is having a blast.

 

[athenaworth]

Coolness. Thank you!

 

[princesss]

Morning, ladies!

Thought I'd give you a bit of an update as life has gotten beyond ridiculous and I can't think of anybody better to share this with. I'm going to have to do this chronologically, because there's a whole lot that has happened in a very short period of time. But first, you need some history.

2 1/2 Years Ago
I went out to a bar with a few of my friends, and had a bit to drink. They saw this very tall guy in a hat that they thought was super cute, and they started posing and trying to get his attention. I, being rather inebriated and very fearless (I had a boyfriend and I was never going to see these guys again, what did I have to lose?), told them I'd be their wingwoman and get them a chance to talk to said cute guy. I marched them over to the bar, stood next to Tall Cute Guy (TCG from now on) and his friends, and ordered a drink. While I was waiting for it, I said to TCG's friend, "Hey, are you Brad?"
"No."
"I'm sorry, you look just like my friend's brother. I've been trying to figure out where I know you from all night."
"We work together."
My stomach dropped.
"At [my company], right?" he asked, smiling.
"Oh. Yeah."
At this point I look up at TCG and realize he is, quite literally, THE ONLY ATTRACTIVE GUY IN MY OFFICE.
So drunk me decides I made a promise, and I was going to keep it, so I keep talking. And talking. And I can barely stand up straight without supporting myself, so I am positive I made a fool out of myself. In front of the only cute guy in my office. Who I then proceeded to see EVERY DAY at lunch FOR A YEAR. Awesome.

Friday:
Friday afternoon I was working on a project with my friend, A. We couldn't get a report to pull, and A said that she had a friend that might be able to help us figure it out. So she sends him an IM, and he agrees to come help us out. She says that she'll meet him at the elevators, and we wander off to meet him. On the way, she tells me that I need to tell her what I think of him, because he asked her if she had any cute, single friends that she could set him up with. She's new in town and moved here to be with her boyfriend, so I'm pretty much her only female friend, haha. So we're chatting,and the elevator doors open, and there is TCG! And he walks towards us! And smiles! So they're talking with a friend of theirs, and I'm trying to secretly check him out, and he comes into a conference room and helps us figure out the report for over an hour. A solid half hour of that was just sitting and waiting. And he stayed long past the time he was supposed to be going home. And we were joking around and chatting, and I was hoping against hope that he was flirting. Because even though I generally do not do the whole office flirting/romance thing, ummm....well, rules are meant to be broken sometimes, right? Even though it's a terrible idea....oh well.

So he finally leaves (and tells us we owe him a beer and a half for his help) and A asks me what I think, and I tell her that he is OMG SO CUTE (yes, just like that). And she laughs, and says that she thinks he likes me. And I smile and am happy and start plotting how to hang out with him. That night he texts A's BF, and asks if he "and A and princesss" are going to a local restaurant for dinner. But I had plans, and they stayed in, and nothing happened.

(BTW - BEG will back me up on this. TCG is SERIOUSLY cute. Like...crazy cute. And TALL! So tall! Maybe 6'5"? BEG can't confirm that, not having seen him in person, but she can confirm the cuteness.)

Later that evening
I met up with two of my friends, D and J. The three of us call ourselves the Amazons, because we're all 5'10 and love heels and can't go anywhere without comments - "You're so tall!" "Have you ever dated a guy taller than you?" etc.

The first bar? Dead. Second bar? Dead....well, there were several guys shrouded in a cloud of cologne. D went to buy a round of drinks, J started talking to somebody in the cloud, and I kind of float between the two of them. Then J pulls me back and says, "They're a European soccer team."

Well, HELLO, boys!

We ended up hanging out with them and dancing the entire night. They had a table at a club, bottle service, and were generally a whole lot of fun. I maaaaaaaaay have ended up promising to maybe marry one of them? Under a whole host of improbable clauses, of course. It was just a ridiculous night, easily the most epic Amazon night we've ever had.

Sunday
I decide to consult Mr. Google about our new friends to see if they're actually a soccer team or not (they seemed legit, but you never know). So I use what little information I know (the first name of the guy I was talking to and his position), and suddenly I find information on trades, the team website (completel with pictures and full names), the whole thing. A few of the guys (including the one I had talked to) have played in the Premier League, one guy played in the heartbreaking Ireland-France World Cup qualifier....so yeah. Going out on a limb here, but I'd say they're legit. Did I get contact information? Of course not! My friends are so exasperated with me right now, because apparently I was supposed to trust that they were an actual team and get their contact info? Besides, he was very sweet, but not the brightest. D got an e-mail address for one of them, though, so I guess we can always contact them if we wanted to.

Monday
TCG sends me an IM to see how the report worked out for me, and how my weekend went. We chat for a bit, and I ask for his help, and he comes down to help out. He gets out of the elevator and is all smiles (he has such a cute smile). He tries to help out but can't get it to work, and has to go back to his desk. So I send him an IM and tell him that even though he didnt' fix it, we'll still round up to 2 beers. His response? "YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Give or take a few "!!!"s. So I tell him to let me know when he's free, and....nothing. But A says he's really shy, and to not take that like he's not interested. So last night I was at her house working on a project, and we plotted ways to get us all together, and then for her and her BF to leave if things look like they're going well. So the plan is to go out Friday night since our city has this cool bar/gallery crawl thing on the first Friday of the month, and have her BF mention it to him and then I'll IM him and tell him that we're going and he should come so that I can get him his beers. Gah. I hope it works!



How's everybody else doing?

 

[GamerGirl]

Hi princess - wow that sounds exciting! keep us updated - I need to live vicariously through someone right??? And European soccer team?? yum!


as for me: I supposed to get the keys to my new apartment on Monday, although I am having some difficulty getting a hold of the apartment manager to confirm and set up a time. He's been kind of flaky so far so I'm starting to get nervous. Once I have the keys I'll start making small trips to dump all the non-furniture items over there and then I'll wrangle friends and family to move what little bit of furniture and whatever else is left over on the 13th. And I have to set up delivery of my nice new bedroom set / mattress.

I totally have the shopping bug and I am desperately trying to put a damper on it - at least until I am in the apartment and can figure out what I TRULY need and what are just nice-to-haves. I need to get a big poster of Australia and hang it up in constant view to remind myself why I shouldn't be spending. We have a pretty awesome itinerary set up so far and I don't want to be worrying about paying for anything while I'm on the trip. I know it is MONTHS away but I am so excited!!

Absolutely nothing exciting on the guy front. They are redoing our floor at work so I don't get to see cute work guy to flirt anymore. Still trying to keep up the random conversations with strangers but nothing interesting there either.

I have to horse-sit starting tomorrow for about a week and a half so my schedule will be tight with that plus moving but hopefully that will stop me from having time to stress out about stuff.

The ex is still being kind of a jerk - emailing and texting and wanting to talk. "I miss you so much" seems to be the most common phrase at this point. I haven't responded to anything thus far and am trying really hard to resist writing back an angry email until after I have all my stuff packed up and out of his house. Then I may be tempted to tell him where he can stick it.

 

[princesss]

Oh, and a fun new development.

So, TCG is proving hard to pin down. But Soon-To-Be-Ex-Coworker has suddenly decided to get chatty. We IM at work sometimes, and we decided to hit a roach coach last week, but the timing didn't work out. So today I get an IM saying, "Hey, I'm not blowing you off, Mini Taco is closed right now." So we were chatting, and he brought up that there's another one nearby, and we should go. Oh - but he doesn't know if they're open for lunch, so we'll have to grab dinner after work sometime. So we start talking about our schedules (next week is his last week), and we can't figure it out. And then I have to leave, but I tell him I'm going to hold him to hitting up a roach coach. So he says to text him, and gives me his number.

About 15 minutes later, I realized that he has now gotten my phone number AND has me locked down for dinner some night soon. Sneaky.

Also, I'm going to lose patience with TCG and end up asking him out. I just know it.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Hi guys!!!!!!!!!

Thanks all for thinking of me! I'm doing super well, but as Princesss said, I've been ridiculously busy. BUT - I have some downtime this coming week and I WILL catch up with all of you guys soon in the next couple days.

Miss all you ladies!