Calling all love stories: Undomestic Chica Part 2

Hi! It’s me again, Lindsay from Undomestic Chica. I know you’re all dying to find out what happened next in out love story. Where was I? Oh yeah, I came to the conclusion that B and Roomate were hooking up.
-You got the wrong impression. I was getting details about you.

But I didn’t know that. All I knew were you two talked quite a bit, laughed a lot and seemed to be pretty close.

One day in November, I went out for a co-workers birthday where he had a little too much to drink and told me he had a crush on me. Duh, he was constantly asking me to hang out. The next day at work, Roomate came up to me and said, “Dude, I’m your wing man.”

“What?” I looked at her confused. “Co-worker who got too drunk last night and who else?”

“B.” I was stunned. I had been kind of crushing on him this whole time and he had a crush on me?! No way. I, of course, had a big smile on my face. Roomate decided to play matchmaker when our company had a drawing for two pairs of Seahawks tickets and B won a pair! He’s off at noon every day so she called to let him know. She told him to ask me, but I remembered I was getting a deep peel that weekend and my face would be shedding like a snake - not the hottest look for a date.

About a week later, B finally asked me to hang out. He had seen on my myspace page that I had recently driven a golf cart (the guys I was with wouldn’t let me play)
-Didn’t we talk about that in the hall one day too? Before I asked you out we talked about whether or not you played?

Yes, and I told you the same thing: I was only allowed to drive the cart.
-And I said, that needs to change.

So we went to the driving range and dinner after. At dinner, B basically dominated the conversation but it was a nice change. It wasn’t quiet and awkward like most first dates. He told me his life story and about his family, asked me to tell him the story of one of my scars and he did that same. The scar thing really stuck out. It was an unusual first-date topic but I liked that he was kind of creative. Then the weirdest thing happened.
-Uh oh. What did I do?

I was talking about how much I suck at golf, but would get better because my Dad was getting me golf lessons for Christmas. He said, “Oh mine’s January 4th when’s yours?” Are you kidding me?! We have the same birthday. The rest of the night went fairly well. After a whole (shared) pitcher of beer, I was just about to ask B where the bathroom was when he said, “Well, I gotta get up early, ready to go?” Sure, I could hold it, it wouldn’t be too long until he dropped me off at my car and I was on my way home.

In B’s car, right before we were pulling into the driving range parking lot, B asked me about my peel. Finally, something I was comfortable with and knew a lot about. I could have gone on for a long time and my bladder was getting more and more full so abruptly I grabbed my leftovers, said thanks, and jumped out of the car.
-Yeah, ‘cause I made an attempt to give you a hug and I felt like I was blown off.

I really hade to use the bathroom!

On the way home, I did what all girls do: called a girlfriend and analyzed the date. I knew I left in a weird way, but I really had to pee. Once I had gotten home and gone to the bathroom, I texted him “Thank you, I had fun tonight.” I do not usually do that. I’m kind of old fashioned and make the guy do the chasing. I do not text first, call first or do anything first until we’re in a full-blown relationship. But I knew I had quite possibly blown it which is why I sent the text.
-And I thought what went wrong at the end because I thought it had gone really well and then I was blown off. I was like What the eff? That’s when I started talking to Roomate about what I did wrong.

A day or two later, I told Roomate my version of the date and that I would go out with him again if he asked. I am not normally so open about how I feel, but I knew Roomate would tell B. B waited another agonizing week until he texted me or mentioned us going out again.
-Yeah ‘cause I thought I had been blown off!

On our second date, we made Christmas cookies at his house. How cute is that?! I was still nervous of course, but things were more comfy. We hung out quite a bit and he was the perfect gentleman, in fact, it took him almost two weeks to kiss me!
-I was nervous. I didn’t think I could get someone like you. I get intimidated when it’s not related to work. I can talk to anyone at work or do anything at work but socially you’re intimidating. I’m just shy when it comes to that type of stuff.

That’s so funny. I’m not intimidating at all.
-Yeah, I know that now.

That December, after hanging out two or three times a week for three weeks, B told me I should go home and get clothes and come back. I decided to do as he asked. He was the perfect gentleman, he didn’t even make a move on me. Much to my surprise, there was about four inches of snow when I woke up! Seattle hardly ever gets snow and I can’t drive in it so I basically was stuck at B’s house for two weeks while we braved out the harshest winter Seattle had in a long time. I think B kept me there on purpose, but at least he was still a prefect gentleman J
-It was a good chance to get to know eachother. I know you were scared of driving in the snow and it was nice to come home to someone. But dinner was never on the table so you’ll have to work on that. Kidding! That was the big step though. After spending so much time together we were basically dating.

Way more than you wanted to know, huh? Well, that’s our story as the both of us see it. Our first date was December 2nd, 2008 and we’ve pretty much been together ever since. Thanks for reading and congratulations, Laura, I hope you‘re having an amazing time on your honeymoon!

Calling all love stories: Emerald Dandy

There's always been something really lovely about mister Emerald Dandy and I am proud to say he has become one of my blogging friends. If you haven't seen his Seattle blog then please check it out soon. He has such a wonderful and fresh way of seeing the world. And he wanted to share with you his love story. Take it away ED...

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It all begins when I had first moved into my building nearly 2 years ago. I was busy unloading my car of my boxes and hiking them up the stairs, when I was startled by a man and his dog. The dog gave a little bark which set off my nerves, but the man himself was truly stunning. I was excited to move into my apartment, knowing that there was at least "one" attractive gentleman in the building.

Without too much work I was able to see that this man lived in our courtyard (which I had to walk past everyday to reach my apartment), with another man... most likely his boyfriend. It didn't stop me from always trying to catch a glimpse of this gorgeous man; I always hoped he'd see me, but I never seemed lucky enough. After about 6 months I switched to a different apartment in the building, so my daily hunt ended.

I didn't think too much of it, until I discovered that one of my close friends was moving into HIS apartment. Apparently, he had broken up with his boyfriend, and the boyfriend had moved back to Texas. He no longer needed that apartment, so he moved into something smaller within the building. I had no idea where he had moved, but liked the idea that he was still here (AND single!)

After a night out with friends and talking about boys, I was dared to somehow strike up a conversation with my apartment-crush. Since I hadn't seen him in awhile and hadn't a clue where he lived, I tried something borderline stalker-ish. I scribbled a quick note on a napkin which said "Hey, I think you're cute. Would love to hang out with you some time. Xoxo, your secret admirer." and left it on his car parked in the garage. I'm not sure what I was thinking, as this was a large complex and trying to figure out who his secret admirer would have been similar to finding a needle in a haystack.

Since my note was general, I attempted by writing another. This time I left my name, apartment, and phone number. I couldn't believe I went through with this, but I figured what the hell?! Within a few days I received a text from him, and before you know it we were chatting.

For two weeks we were texting back and forth so I finally said "So are we ever going to actually meet, or continue to play this game?" and he responded by setting a date. Simple and easy, a BBQ date up on the roof. I was a little nervous, but was excited to meet him. I didn't actually think I stood a chance with him, but was stoked to see what would happen.

The evening of our "date" was perfect timing for me. I had just ended a disastrous friendship/relationship so I was excited for some type of distraction. I'll never forget when Chace and I actually met. I opened the door to the rooftop, and there he was. The look on his face was priceless... it was as if I stopped him dead in his tracks.

The first date was slightly awkward, as first dates tend to be. I quickly discovered why he had initially reacted the way he had. Turns out I wasn't the only one that was doing some "stalking."

While Chace was living in the courtyard, he remembered seeing this cute guy walk by, and hoped to get his attention, but ended up unsuccessful. One night while he was out walking his dog he glanced up at his building and noticed this guy wearing nothing but a towel; he had just discovered where the boy lived and was intrigued. While he was in his apartment he was always hoping to catch a glimpse of the boy walking past the courtyard, and while he was walking his dog he hoped to see him in his apartment. Suddenly, the boy had moved away, and he had figured his fantasy was over.

Boy was he wrong, because he was having a BBQ with that same boy! The date went well and we've been together ever since!

Luxurious Romance Shots from Simply Luxurious

Not everyone can be in touch with their feelings of warmth as Simply Luxurious is and I love how she translates it into these luxurious romance shots. Thank you SL for all of your well wishes and I am in love with your love roll. Tell us sweetie, which picture is your favorite? I think I have two or three!
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There is something contagious about romance when one sits down to compose a piece with love as the centerpiece. I couldn’t help but smile a bit more, become evermore filled with hope, and reflect on wonderful memories I’ve shared.











There truly is something intoxicating about love, and while Laura and Honey are away allowing themselves to be immersed in such an enthralling emotion, I thought I’d bring a little love to the blogosphere today by sharing a handful of photographs that made me grab my very own pair of rose colored glasses.









Here’s to the lovers, the dreamers and me! (View Kermit’s adorable version of the aforementioned song by clicking here.)

Calling all love stories: 2,776 Miles

Thank you Brandi for guest posting today and I am proud to call you a blogging friend. I love your pictures, honesty and pictures on your blog. And I also love getting your comments and feedback. We are ready for you to share your bliss with us. Take it away Brandi!
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Hi everyone! I’m Brandi from Not Your Average Ordinary and I’m so honored to be guest posting for Laura while she’s off on her honeymoon. I thought I’d tell you all a little about my love story.

My boyfriend M and I met in Astrophysics class. (Yes, we are that geeky.) He was working on his Masters in teaching; I was finishing up a second Bachelors degree.

I never expected to fall in love. At that point in my life, I had begun to believe that “being in love” with someone was something I’d only know in movies and books. I thought it was one giant mass hallucination. M proved me so wrong.

We’re currently in a long distance relationship: he’s on the East Coast, I’m on the West Coast. There’s 2,776 miles between us. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Last August, we drove that distance together, and I discovered not only America but how much he had changed me. I learned that even though what you do in your life is important, who you do it with means so very much.

What lessons has love taught you?

{first image from the is found photography, second image from flickr user avec fleur, third image via weheartit}

Calling all love stories: Undomestic Chica

Wow my first guest post! Hi, I’m Lindsay from Undomestic Chica. I love Love Stories. Since Laura’s on her way to getting married, I think it’s only fitting I tell you my love story.
-You mean our story. I’m the Boyfriend, Lindsay calls me B at Undomestic Chica, and this is our story.

I had been in a two year relationship that was…unhealthy to say the least. After I finally got out of that situation, I wanted nothing to do with guys. At 25, I had pretty much been in some sort of relationship since I was 20, and had been in a semi-serious (although completely wrong) relationship since I was 22. I was deliriously happy: I had just been hired at the radio station, I worked two other jobs, I had just met a really good girlfriend and was going out all the time, after dealing with guy’s crap for so long I wanted nothing to do with them.

And then came B. The first time we talked was at our Race for the Cure event in June. I was still an intern, he was a talent, my boss introduced us and that was that.
-That’s when I gave you my sweatshirt.

Yes it was. See, I was cold and he was leaving so he lent me use his sweatshirt. I noticed he was attractive but that was it, there were no I’m going to spend the rest of my life with you moments. I learned B didn’t actually work for my station, but one of our sister stations so I never expected to see him again; I only worked weekends.
- Ah but you did see me again because you had the sunglasses I left in the pocket. You still owe me a pair of sunglasses. Sucka!

By September I had not only gone from an intern to being hired part time at the radio station, but less than 3 months later I was promoted to the part-time office position. I was basically my bosses’ assistant. B had come to talk to somebody who sat on the other side of the doorway from me (she ended up being Roomate, but wasn’t yet) and we exchanged a few words. I remember noticing his sense of style. He was wearing a (Washington State) Cougar jersey and his shoes matched! That matters you know.
-I did? I don’t remember that. But the whole reason I was even going over to talk to Roomate was because I had noticed this cute, new girl that was suddenly there more often.

On Halloween I was dressed in this cute, hot, little bunny outfit when I ran into B and some of his friends at a club I used to promote. I may have been boldened by the drinks I had so without really knowing it was him, I tapped him on the arm and gave him a big hug when he turned around. Then I was a little embarrassed and rushed upstairs to VIP.
-Yeah, ‘cause you were in a cute bunny outfit with a plush ball in the back. I wanted to go up and squeeze it. It made me think of playboy. I talked about you to all my friends. I was telling them, “Oh my gosh, that’s the girl who works at the station!” I was totally bragging about you. You were always so quiet at the station, I never expected you to be so outgoing.

Great, now I remind you of a Playboy Bunny.-And that’s hot.

Anyway, that Monday, I was embarrassed when I walked around the corner and B was telling Roomate about running into me. I was embarrassed anyone from work had seen me in something so short.
-That’s when I started asking Roomate about your status…..and not because you were wearing something short J.

Every November, my station produced this huge, free concert. B emceed while one of our DJs spun in between the artists. Again, I remembered his sense of style, he was wearing the same thing he was wearing when I ran into him at the club: an argyle vest over a white dress shirt, white hat and white shoes. See, even though I’m always in heels, I have quite the Nike sneaker collection. I notice people’s shoes. I notice people’s style. I always match right down to my shoes and I notice when guys do too. It’s all about the attention to detail and the little things.
-Matching Jordans! I specifically bought those shoes for that night

“That night, I remember telling my co-worker, “Is it weird that I kind of think B is cute?” She shook her head no and said it wasn’t weird at all. B left before the headliner (Nelly) to help host the after party at one of the club nights the station does. He was talking to Roomate (before she became Roomate) when I accidentally interrupted to tell her something. He asked if I was going to the club. No, and as much as I want to see Nelly I also want to go to the club and drool over you….. I didn’t tell him this of course.

Shortly after, I started reading some book, I can tell you what it was about but not the title. I read so much the titles blur together eventually. It was about a women who lives in an old house; her employee is a guy living in the apartment over the garage who finds a baby on the doorstep and hides it from the woman and everyone else in the town. He struggles trying to hide the baby but still trying to take care of it at the same time. Anyway, the woman did not end up with the love of her life whose name was B. A sign? Quite possibly.

I remember one day when I needed to get into our auxiliary studio to record a commercial, B was in there. I opened the door, “Will you let me know when you’re done, I need to record a spot.” He made such intense eye contact and listened so intently. He fluttered his eyelashes and told me he would….and I got nervous.

-See, you didn’t seem nervous at all. You seemed normal to me. And I thought, Wow she talks! You were always so quiet. And always walked around staring at the floor.

I felt myself getting hot and kind of shaky as I turned around to walk back to my desk. He knows! He’ll think you’re a stupid, silly little girl. And I do look at the floor when I walk, remember how I’m always in heels? I gotta make sure I don’t trip on anything or step in anything gross. Remember that one time at dinner when my heel got stuck in the slats of the floor?
-Oh yeah! Haha. Even the people at the table next to us laughed.

Back to the story. B was stopping to say hello to Roomate pretty often. I never really listened to what they talked about, and tried not to give away that I was interested when I came to a conclusion: Roomate and B were or had been hooking up. Stay tuned for part 2 on Wednesday June 16th . And stop over to my blog and say “Hello sometime.”

Calling all love stories: True Beginnings

Introducing Miss Joanie who is going to guest post for us. I love how real Joanie is with her words and thoughts. I always feel like I know her and can imagine her stories. When she read that I was looking for "calling all love stories" while I'm away on my Honeymoon and she sent this right over. Thanx Joanie!
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Have I mentioned that John and I met on the internet? Well, we sure did! When my marriage broke up, I was a little bit insane. I was married 23 years and we were together a total of 27 years. I didn't know how to NOT be married. Some months after the break-up, when I was finally convinced that he wasn't going to "come to his senses and come home", I started joining online dating services hoping to meet someone. I met a few guys and I'm surprised I didn't join a convent!

I was resigning myself to spending the rest of my life alone. Then one day I ended up on this site, I found this one called True Beginnings. John and I exchange info about ourselves over the course of the next couple of weeks and we learn that we have so much in common it's scary! He's 4th of 7 kids, raised Catholic in Philly, graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1971. I'm 4th of 8 kids, raised Catholic in the suburbs of Philly and graduated from Cardinal O'Hara High School in 1973. He's retired military, 3 of my 4 brothers, my sister's husband and my nephew are all military, 3 of whom made careers in the Army and Marines. I have 2 girls, 1 boy; he has 2 boys, 1 girl, neither of us has grandchildren yet. The similarities just kept coming and coming.

We finally decided it was time to meet in person. So I told him where I worked as a waitress. So one Saturday, the hostess comes up and says you have a request and there he is!! John sat in my section and ordered food and asked me to go dinner and a movie with him.

Did I mention that I broke all the rules with him? First, I told him where I work. Then, I allowed him to follow me home so I can get changed. I gave him a Diet Coke and I went upstairs to take a shower!!! So we go to Red Lobster and then a movie afterwards (we saw The Night Talker with Robin Williams). Afterwards, we went back to my place and he comes in and we watched a movie (V For Vendetta). This is where I made a BIG mistake.... I should have known better to introduce my teenager to my new "friend". And it didn't help much that she caught us smooching. If I had to do it all over again, I'd have kept John out of the house for a while before introducing them. Although I have a feeling it wouldn't have made a difference.

We have a lot in common and we also have many differences. He thinks the Catholic Church should still be saying Mass in Latin, I don't agree. I was in a bowling league for years, I like to play cards, he plays Dungeons and Dragons and Chess.

So there you have it! John and I have been together since August of 2006. We had some challenges, like when he was diagnosed with cancer less than a year after we met and I told him I wasn't going to leave him. And dealing with my youngest child not liking him. I had a cervical cancer scare (I didn't have it, thank God!) before he had his cancer and he stood by me.

I'm not sure if we'll ever get married, and it's me dragging my feet. I don't want to lose my spousal support (that's what they call alimony in PA) and I get it until Dec 2014 and I earned every single penny of that money! And I also discovered I'll be eligible for my ex's social security if I don't remarry before I turn 60 (which will be 9 months after my support ends), and my ex makes a LOT more money than either of us do! My not wanting to get married really surprised me! I was DESPERATE to be married, yet when the possibility arose, I said no way!
Go figure.

Puma is a cougar in training?

My three girlfriends and I were recently sitting at a coffee shop when the topic of our relationships came up. Doesn’t it always? I quickly realized that all three of us were all in different stages. One was living with her girlfriend, another engaged etc. Sure I made a joke about how my stock was about to go down, but it was my friend who needed the advice about her non-boyfriend that she’s been seeing for almost a year.

Yup her non-boyfriend that she sees every weekend, most nights, they spend weekend getaways together and have been each other’s plus one at work events. And then I laughed out loud when she called herself a cougar because of their age difference.

I suggested that, “She wasn’t a cougar, but a puma.” Don’t you agree? A cougar is a woman who is in there forties and hunting for twenty year olds. A puma is a (cougar-in-training) woman in her thirties dating a younger man. And I’m so glad my girlfriend laughed.

Why do we feel better with labels though?

With her new puma status she seemed to carry herself a little stronger and sit up a little straighter in her chair. Never mind she was caring for someone that wasn’t giving back the way she wanted.

'Puma' seemed to make her feel better. It seemed confusing to be seeing someone she cared about and yet they checked in periodically to make sure that the other one hadn’t fallen in love because of their ‘understanding’. I encouraged her to break up from her non-boyfriend and find someone who deserves her time, energy and care. Maybe she just feels the puma pull to being free and unattached. Or is this a myth as she seems attached to me?

Pumas are cougars in training, but where does the training come from if you have a broken heart. I hope she gets this non-boyfriend out of her system soon and see’s how wonderful she is. So lovelies do you agree or disagree with my advice? And just remember she’s probably reading this post…

Our love story: The proposal

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share with you our engagement story. I’ve been waiting to share this proposal story with you and I thought Valentine’s week was the best time. Don’t you agree? And not only did Honey want our engagement story to be wonderful, unique and romantic for years to come, but he told me it also had to be “Bloggable", for you lovely followers.

If you haven't already, you can click here to catch up on our love story. Be sure to scroll down sweetie.

Our engagement story began on an unusually warm August day. San Francisco is not known for its warm days and the city becomes very still. Most restaurants, stores and apartments do not have air conditioning as the Bay usually cools us down.

It was a random August Thursday and I was working from home. Honey called and said he was coming home early. And then he asked me out on a day date.

I was super excited and wasn’t sure where we were going.

He told me we were going to one of my favorite places to check out Coit Tower. I thought back to the last time we had been to Coit Tower years ago and our trip there hadn’t gone well. (Click here to read about our first date).

You see Honey and I were friends for a year before I discovered I was in love. During our friendship, there was one night where Honey set up a date night took me to Coit Tower and then to dinner. Over dinner he told he wanted to date and I told him I wasn’t ready.

Awkward…

So three years later, we went back to Coit. According to Wikipedia “Coit Tower is an art deco tower, 210 feet (64 m) of unpainted reinforced concrete, that overlooks the entire city. The tower, which stands atop Telegraph Hill in San Francisco's Pioneer Park, offers fantastic views of San Francisco including the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park ("Aquatic Park"), Alcatraz, Pier 39, Angel Island, Treasure Island, the Bay Bridge, Russian Hill, the Financial District, Lombard Street, and Nob Hill.”

OK,e back to the story, Honey was very calm and playful. He made sure I had my camera because he knew I love to document. What he didn’t realize was the usually not busy Coit Tower was filled with tourists that day due to the warmer weather.

We walked around the base of the Tower to look at the views of the Golden Gate Bridge. And then Honey suggested we take the elevator to the top of the Tower to see the entire city. Now the story starts to become a little blurry for me. What I do remember is after he bought us the elevator tickets, he handed them to me to keep. And I’m so glad he did because I still have the tickets in my wallet today dated the day we got engaged. (Such a romantic)...

Little did I know that I was going up the Coit Tower elevator a single lady and coming down engaged.

Can’t wait to find out what happens next…then come back this Wednesday sweetie for the rest of our proposal story. Happy early Valentine’s Day! Do you have plans yet for V-day?

Older women with a younger man?

Do older women and younger men relationships work? Trust me they do. In fact, I'm marrying a younger man as Honey (click here to read more about our love story) and I are one of those couples. Shocked? Sometimes it's hard to not care what others think of our age difference. Sure I've seen the raised eyebrows, but I am happy and that's all that matters to me!

In every relationship we ask ourselves about the deal breakers. I had to ask myself if I was ready to be with someone that wasn't established in life yet and be there as he goes to Business school. Honey had to ask himself if he wanted to be a young father as I/we want to have children.

Picture from CBS show Accidentally on Purpose

Do we notice the age difference? I notice how much we laugh together. Yes sometimes it's funny when I quote a movie and Honey has no idea what I'm talking about. But we teach each other so much. Plus we have so much in common. We want to travel the world, spend time with our family and friends, cook together, become a family and continue to always learn.

I ask you, why it looks like older women with younger men know a secret that others don't. There seems to be a twinkle in their eyes. A twinkle that many of us wish we could bottle. When I was last in L.A. visiting my family, we went to the beach for my father's birthday. A woman from the party walked up to me to congratulate the engagement. She asked me how many years apart we were. I told her 7 1/2. She laughed because she was 13 years older then her husband. And she had such a twinkle in her eye...

Picture from ABC show Cougar Town

Am I attracted to his energy or his hopefulness for the future. I think it's a little of both. So now its your turn to weigh in. Do you think a relationship between an older woman and a younger man can work?

Wishful Wednesday: summer love

On this Wishful Wednesday, I'm feeling the warmth of summer love. Whether your in love with someone wonderful, the beginning stages of getting to know someone or enjoying the search, I hope you feel the summer love too!



Although, I'd also like to read the 'How to live with a woman and love it' book. I think I just came up with the topic for our first book. Do I have any takers?

You know your in love when you can sit with someone and not have to say a word...

Why do sunflowers always make me smile?

I love this picture. In relationships, we can come to a crossroad and it can take some soul searching to find the way.



I know couples can dress alike, but matching his and hers zippers?

These summer shots are so light and fun...

I hope you enjoyed these summer love pictures. Which picture is your favorite? Mine is the couple on the car. Happy Wednesday!

Girls and guys can’t be friends!

I was in the sixth grade, when my best guy friend asked me to be his girlfriend. I’m embarrassed to tell you this shocked me. I went home and asked for advice from my father and brother. They told me, “Girls and guys can’t be friends.” Although they were right, I still asked them to remind me of this throughout the years.

For example, there was the one time my childhood guy friend came to visit me in Newport Beach from Toronto. Growing up ‘Mark’ and I lived one street away and rode our bikes together. My brother and father, yet again, reminded me that girls and guys can’t be ‘just’ friends. I still didn’t believe them.

My friend arrived the next day with gifts for all of us. He brought flowers for my mother, a business card holder for my father and a diamond bracelet for me. Ah yes the 'friend curse’ had struck me again.

Do you think I learned my lesson from 'Mark'? Oh no, not yet!

Here’s another example. When I was eighteen, I made ‘pen pal friends’ with a boy from Kansas City, MO. We wrote ‘friendly’ letters to one another. Before he graduated high school, he invited me to visit him and go to his sister’s wedding. I flew to Kansas City to find, I was actually apart of the wedding and sitting at the head table as his date. Quickly I found a pay phone and called my brother to ask for his advice. He only laughed on the other end of the phone and said, “What have I been telling you for years!”

And sadly I must admit that I did this ‘just friends thing’ to my Honey as well. For a year and a half we were the best of ‘friends’. My father had to remind me about this curse and open my eyes. Why did I believe with all my heart that my guy friendships were the same as my girlfriends? Tell me do you think my father and brother were right? Looking forward to your reading your comments.

*(On a side note, I'm excited to receive a great piece of luggage to review soon for my blogging friends. Actually, CSN provides online shoppers with over 200 sites where you can find anything from a mattress to a new sink for your bathroom! Check them out sweeties!)

Mad Men reviews: Call me Don Draper!

How would I get ready for a date with THE Don Draper? I would set my hair, press my pencil skirt and get my cigarette case ready for a night out on the town. And you may be wondering why does Don Draper make me feel weak in the knees? Well because he’s masculine, always dressed to the nines and a bad boy that seems to have a heart of gold.

“Mad Men” is the kind of T.V. show I was waiting for. It’s the kind of show that once you’re invested into the characters lives, then you’re hooked for the entire season. Believe me when I tell you, the ‘boys club’ feel at their Madison Avenue ad agency is something that still exists in today’s world.

“Mad Men” captures the early 1960’s era with office sets in muted colors, drinks offered at 10 in the morning and pregnant women smoking throughout their pregnancy. The actors have a charm and sophistication well beyond their years. And yet everyone seems so sad and holding back how they truly feel.

It took me several episodes before I was hooked on this show. “Mad Men” episodes have those 'I’ve dropped my mouth and can’t seem to find it anywhere' moments. (I also could have felt connected because I worked for a 600 people advertising agency).

The “Mad Men” wardrobe and set designers should be proud of themselves. These period scenes can simply be created because of their clothes, before a character even says one word. In the new episode last night, the bar scene was staged and dressed so perfectly that I wished I could set my hair like those women, put on a pointy bra and wear my cats eye reading glasses.

(Photo taken of a New York subway)

Recently I read that this season of “Mad Men” will be about shaking up the lives of the characters. Marriages change, companies are bought, promotions are given and then taken away and more affairs will be had. I’m so excited to see what the characters will do next. So, tell me are you hooked on watching Mad Men? Not yet? Can I help change your mind if I tell you I have an in with Mr. Draper…

Disney ruined it for everyone!

My bedtime story would usually end…and then the prince reached out his hand, helped the princess onto the horse and they would ride off into the sunset. I can’t remember my bedtime story ever ending with…and then my prince reached for the remote, turned on the ESPN channel and he stayed sitting on the couch for hours. In this day and age, isn’t this ending more realistic?

I recently met someone at a cafe for a networking meeting. We both had a friend in common and he felt we could help each other in business. We connected over coffee and after a half an hour of chatting about work, our conversation turned personal and we compared notes on relationships, men and women, marriage and families. One of his comments has still stayed with me.

He said, “Disney ruined how women date and look for their mates. Women are still waiting for their prince on the white horse who can’t seem to find them.”

(photo from the upcoming movie Prince of Persia)

Shouldn't we be taught that relationships can be rewarding and difficult all at the same time? When I was a little girl, it never occurred to me that my Disney prince could have faults. If I wanted to be with someone exactly like me, then I should have dated myself!

Disney teaches a fairytale image to little girls. Women tend to be focused on the magical wedding day and not as much on the marriage. It’s usually takes maturity and getting your heart broken, to learn that faults in a person can be a good thing. I believe there’s a problem when you don’t love that person, warts and all.

In college, I was given the best dating advice: ask yourself if you would leave your new puppy with your guy for the weekend. If you say no, ask yourself why you’re leaving the little girl in you, with him. Leave comment and let me know if you agree. Did Disney ruin it for everyone?