I know they are given out freely and are suppose to protect us from a few different flu viruses (H1N1, H3N2 and Influenza B, for example), but I just don't feel comfortable getting a flu shot myself. I am not 100, I am not pregnant, I don't suffer any chronic illnesses, I am not around small children (a.k.a. carriers of everything), I don't live in a nursing home, nor am I around sickly people all day. My co-workers have so much allotted time off, they stay home for a sniffle. Doubt I'd ever catch anything from them.
My decision to decline the free flu shot is my personal choice. I don't peddle my opinion or try to sway others not to get a flu shot. By all means, if it makes you feel more protected, get one. Personally, I've never gotten a flu shot and I rarely get sick. I'm usually pretty lucky.
Last week, my office was providing flu shots to all the employees and a line was formed snaking several yards around the outside of the temporary clinic area. I was questioned as to why I wasn't getting my flu shot. My answer, which basically consisted of "I don't want one", was received with much concern. Frankly, if everyone else is getting the shot, I technically don't need one. Everyone in my office had some reason why I should get my flu shot.
1. It will protect me from several flu viruses -
Response: It doesn't protect from ALL viruses. I'm still at risk.
2. I will get sick from riding the bus-
Response: I've been riding public transportation for eight years and haven't caught the flu from this activity.
3. I'll get sick and then have to give up my vacation days -
Response: I intend to take all my vacation days as vacation days.
4. It might help me with my allergies-
Response: Since I have no idea what I am actually allergic to specifically, I highly doubt it.
5. I'll get sick and then infect my co-workers-
Response: If they've all gotten their shots, they're in the safety zone, right?
6. I might get a flu not included in the protection formula-
Response: Oy Vey. Think about that argument.
The office was full of energy as co-workers charged off to receive their shot. While getting into the elevator one man shouted out to a passerby as the doors were closing "going to get my flu shot!" The passerby cheerily shouted back "I got mine this morning!" They practically high- fived each other as the doors closed. I understand that getting a flu shot can reduce the possibility of an epidemic and spread of influenza during the winter season, but these people act as if they are doing the biggest community service they can muster. And I, on the other hand, was treated like a leper in the midst of it all.
I am somewhat skeptical about getting a flu shot, because I've heard many people actually get sick after the shot. A co-worker pointed out that wasn't true. There might just be a few symptoms which include, but are not limited to sore throat, fever, aches, fatigue and soreness. I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest these are--eerr--flu-like symptoms.
Why couldn't anyone just accept that I wasn't getting a flu shot, wish me good luck in not getting sick and carry on with their day? After all their badgering and warnings, I'm never going to hear the end of it if I should get sick.
I immediately sent emails to a few friends who study alternatives to western medicine and requested a list of seven herbs and spices to protect myself from illness. More than staying healthy for the sake of staying healthy, I have a point to prove now!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The Greatest of Ease
It's easy these days to feel like a complete failure much of the time, especially in Seattle. Seems everyone in this city has several degrees or is currently obtaining a Masters, PhD or Doctorate Degree. I just got back from an industry conference where most attendees had a multitude of letters following their name. I didn't even have a business card to exchange. I applied for grad school and was accepted, but haven't drummed up the money or serious ambition and drive to actually enroll after taking my pre-requisite course in January. I am almost a CPCU having completed 8 out of 10 courses, but not there yet. One man the keynote speaker at our conference referred to in his opening speech had 22 educational designations after his name. I turned to the woman next to me and whispered, "that guy must never go on vacation".
It never ceases to amaze me how driven and successful some people are. Seems at any given moment I might be watching Oprah or a similar program and there is some over achiever promoting his most recent book, the author some neurosurgeon who has five beautiful over achieving children, has founded a successful non-profit organization, travels to Africa regularly to save the starving and sick, and in his spare time enjoys spending time at his ranch outside Santa Fe. WTF? How does one do all of that? I can't even manage to go my meaningless office job, get to yoga and do my laundry all on the same day, much less actually achieve some greatness. I realize these individuals are more rare than not, and their stories should be inspiring and motivating. Instead, I tend to walk away feeling like a bit of a loser. I quit my corporate gig to go travel the world and seek my dreams and ended up right back where I started. There is a real success story the world is dying to read.
I think small achievements are the way to go. Rather than reach for the stars, maybe I ought to just reach for, say, a tall tree branch and see how that goes first? A couple of weeks ago, my cousin from Colorado was visiting me and I dragged her to an introductory trapeze class. While she was moderately worried about this chosen activity (mine, not hers), she was a good sport and went along with it. Keeping her calm and excited about trying this, distracted from any anxiety I may have felt.
Frankly, I was pretty sure due to my lack of upper arm strength and athletic ability, I'd be spending my time in the net below. The instructors spent adequate time coaching us prior to our first attempt at hanging from the trapeze bar from our knees. Our knees? How the heck is that suppose to happen? After showing us on a static bar, I figured I was doomed. My cousin's comment to me was "this is no way to treat your house guests!"
We each took a turn climbing up to the platform one by one as our classmates watched and rooted from below. Just climbing the wobbly ladder to the top and stepping onto a rather narrow platform was nerve racking, even though I was clipped to a safety belt. Once on top, our coach harnessed me in, I reached out and grabbed the heavy steel trapeze bar, he gave the commands as we practiced on the floor, "ready, hep!" and that was my cue to hop off the platform into the air with the 'greatest of ease'. On the command of Coach Katie below, I was to tuck my knees over the bar and let go letting my arms drop over my head, swing back and forth and then re-grab the bar, untuck my knees, and with straight legs kick 1, 2, 3, then tuck knees and do a backwards flip onto the net like a backwards cannonball. If all that sounds complicated, it was. At least at first. It took me three tries to actually do all that and on the fourth try I mastered it in the very short time frame we needed to accomplish all those moves in order to graduate to do a "catch". The catch involves doing the knee hang maneuver and then rather than re-grabbing the bar, Coach Dave hanging from the opposite trapeze grabs my wrists (and I'd better grab his) and we swing together as I let my knees release from the trapeze. What a ride! What a rush! I was amazed at how it felt. I was even more amazed that I could even successfully accomplish such a feat. At least it was a feat in my mind. Certainly, the others could achieve this too. This was, afterall, a beginner 'trick'. Even so, I was proud of my minor accomplishment.
I guess in the future when I'm feeling defeated by my failed attempts in life, and I see Dr. So and So spouting off all his achievements and do gooder deeds, I can ask the question, "Yeah, but can you do a Catch on a trapeze?"
It never ceases to amaze me how driven and successful some people are. Seems at any given moment I might be watching Oprah or a similar program and there is some over achiever promoting his most recent book, the author some neurosurgeon who has five beautiful over achieving children, has founded a successful non-profit organization, travels to Africa regularly to save the starving and sick, and in his spare time enjoys spending time at his ranch outside Santa Fe. WTF? How does one do all of that? I can't even manage to go my meaningless office job, get to yoga and do my laundry all on the same day, much less actually achieve some greatness. I realize these individuals are more rare than not, and their stories should be inspiring and motivating. Instead, I tend to walk away feeling like a bit of a loser. I quit my corporate gig to go travel the world and seek my dreams and ended up right back where I started. There is a real success story the world is dying to read.
I think small achievements are the way to go. Rather than reach for the stars, maybe I ought to just reach for, say, a tall tree branch and see how that goes first? A couple of weeks ago, my cousin from Colorado was visiting me and I dragged her to an introductory trapeze class. While she was moderately worried about this chosen activity (mine, not hers), she was a good sport and went along with it. Keeping her calm and excited about trying this, distracted from any anxiety I may have felt.
Frankly, I was pretty sure due to my lack of upper arm strength and athletic ability, I'd be spending my time in the net below. The instructors spent adequate time coaching us prior to our first attempt at hanging from the trapeze bar from our knees. Our knees? How the heck is that suppose to happen? After showing us on a static bar, I figured I was doomed. My cousin's comment to me was "this is no way to treat your house guests!"
We each took a turn climbing up to the platform one by one as our classmates watched and rooted from below. Just climbing the wobbly ladder to the top and stepping onto a rather narrow platform was nerve racking, even though I was clipped to a safety belt. Once on top, our coach harnessed me in, I reached out and grabbed the heavy steel trapeze bar, he gave the commands as we practiced on the floor, "ready, hep!" and that was my cue to hop off the platform into the air with the 'greatest of ease'. On the command of Coach Katie below, I was to tuck my knees over the bar and let go letting my arms drop over my head, swing back and forth and then re-grab the bar, untuck my knees, and with straight legs kick 1, 2, 3, then tuck knees and do a backwards flip onto the net like a backwards cannonball. If all that sounds complicated, it was. At least at first. It took me three tries to actually do all that and on the fourth try I mastered it in the very short time frame we needed to accomplish all those moves in order to graduate to do a "catch". The catch involves doing the knee hang maneuver and then rather than re-grabbing the bar, Coach Dave hanging from the opposite trapeze grabs my wrists (and I'd better grab his) and we swing together as I let my knees release from the trapeze. What a ride! What a rush! I was amazed at how it felt. I was even more amazed that I could even successfully accomplish such a feat. At least it was a feat in my mind. Certainly, the others could achieve this too. This was, afterall, a beginner 'trick'. Even so, I was proud of my minor accomplishment.
I guess in the future when I'm feeling defeated by my failed attempts in life, and I see Dr. So and So spouting off all his achievements and do gooder deeds, I can ask the question, "Yeah, but can you do a Catch on a trapeze?"
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Cynic To Believer
Yes, yes, I know it's been a month since my last post. I've been a little...eeerr, busy lately.
I promised not to post about Mr. X (now dubbed Mr. Wonderful) if he should ever actually ask me on a date. Well, he did ask me on a date, however, being the stupido I am, I did not realize it was an actual "date" until the end of the evening when he said "you do realize this was a date, right?" Good thing he clarified or I would have thought it was just us continuing with the friend thing. Admittedly, I am a bit of a hard head.
What's been interesting are some of my freinds' reactions to this new development. I told one person I wasn't going to blog about Mr. Wonderful and his reaction was "yeah, until it goes bad". Great vote of confidence. Another confidant inquired, "are you sure you just aren't attracted to the idea of Mr. Wonderful? I mean, if it's for real, great, but..." I could hear the skepticism loud and clear.
Then yesterday, I was on the phone semi-gushing and, again, I could hear the skeptical hesitant "hmmmm....really?" Long pause. "That's.....good." And then another "hmmm." When I called her on her doubtful tone, she just replied, "well, I've never heard you use the words 'great guy' and 'sweetheart' in the same sentence." She's got a point.
I think my past reputation of being a cold hearted cynic who despises red roses on Valentine's Day and prefers to see my dates two to three times per month at best, precedes me. My friends are right. I don't usually like the men I date all that much. I tend to date them for the sheer experience of dating and keeping myself "out there". And let's face it, they've made great fodder for my blog.
So far it's been nearly a month, and all is going swimmingly. I have to say that I, too, am a bit surprised by my reaction to this fella. In keeping with my promise, Mr. Wonderful will not be the brunt of my jokes, nor will I be posting pictures. Sorry, Lucky Mom!
I promised not to post about Mr. X (now dubbed Mr. Wonderful) if he should ever actually ask me on a date. Well, he did ask me on a date, however, being the stupido I am, I did not realize it was an actual "date" until the end of the evening when he said "you do realize this was a date, right?" Good thing he clarified or I would have thought it was just us continuing with the friend thing. Admittedly, I am a bit of a hard head.
What's been interesting are some of my freinds' reactions to this new development. I told one person I wasn't going to blog about Mr. Wonderful and his reaction was "yeah, until it goes bad". Great vote of confidence. Another confidant inquired, "are you sure you just aren't attracted to the idea of Mr. Wonderful? I mean, if it's for real, great, but..." I could hear the skepticism loud and clear.
Then yesterday, I was on the phone semi-gushing and, again, I could hear the skeptical hesitant "hmmmm....really?" Long pause. "That's.....good." And then another "hmmm." When I called her on her doubtful tone, she just replied, "well, I've never heard you use the words 'great guy' and 'sweetheart' in the same sentence." She's got a point.
I think my past reputation of being a cold hearted cynic who despises red roses on Valentine's Day and prefers to see my dates two to three times per month at best, precedes me. My friends are right. I don't usually like the men I date all that much. I tend to date them for the sheer experience of dating and keeping myself "out there". And let's face it, they've made great fodder for my blog.
So far it's been nearly a month, and all is going swimmingly. I have to say that I, too, am a bit surprised by my reaction to this fella. In keeping with my promise, Mr. Wonderful will not be the brunt of my jokes, nor will I be posting pictures. Sorry, Lucky Mom!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Maxim P.I.
Recently, I received a Maxim Magazine in my mailbox by mistake. It was addressed to a Roberto Figueroa who no longer lives in my apt. and hasn't for over four years. I dragged the rag up to my abode and decided to see just what this Maxim Magazine was all about. I assumed it was a magazine geared toward the male species based on the wet-t-shirt-wearing model on the front cover, so thought I'd indulge myself a bit and learn something of the male perspective. Enlightened, I was.
On page 13, there was an ad to "subscribe now". The ad enticed readers to subscribe to Maxim stating each issue was packed with:
"The World's Sexiest Women (often not wearing pants)
Heaps of Funny-Ass Jokes (sometimes not at all offensive)
Hot New Gadgets and Gear (plug into the latest blinking, beeping goodies)
Movies, Music and Games (if you can waste time with it, we've got it)
Cool Style (seriously, dude, put on a friggin' shirt already)"
At this point, I'm intrigued enough to read on. While the ads include scantily clad women and firm buttocks advertising Syntha-6 (a protein shake) and Tenagaxx (some sort of performance pill I was totally unaware of, but am now quite aware), there were also some quite interesting articles.
I was eager to get a grip on the male perspective. I mean men are often reading Cosmo and Glamour trying to figure women out, so why shouldn't I do the same?
One difference I noticed in the Maxim mag and, say, Cosmo, is the workout section. You know, the one or two page sketches of different moves and descriptions to go with it. While the woman's version just sticks to the facts, the male version keeps a bit of humor about it all.
For example, the "push-up drop set" goes like this: These gradually get easier as you grow more tired (who ever heard of such a thing?). Begin with feet on stair and hands on floor. Do as many push ups as you can until you approach near failure (I love the honesty here). Immediately move into a regular push-up and repeat until near failure. Next, place your feet on the ground and your hands on the step a few levels and repeat until near failure." I wonder how many push-ups constitutes "near failure" for most men?
An entire TWO pages were devoted to barbecue paraphernalia; the Rebel Range which boasts "while you salivate, your meat-spinnery makes crisp, juicy perfection", The BTU Bonsai, Smoke a Hog in a Hole How To's, Bad Aprons (you can just imagine), the pitt mitt, weber pizza stone, and the Steven Raichen Best of Barbecue Spatula. I always thought it was a bit of a joke that men were into the whole BBQ thing. Apparently, it's for real.
The best article, though, was the 'Bachelor Fridge Challenge' where some esteemed chef goes into a bachelor pad and makes a full course meal out of nothing. Really, nothing. The chef finds a old piece of garlic in the fridge, a can of three-bean salad in the cupboard, pasta shells, peanuts, a can of tuna, an old banana and a half eaten pint of Ben and Jerry's. With some creative flair, the chef comes up with a pretty impressive meal. I'm reading this article with particular interest because my bachelorette cupboards are not much different and I'd be curious just what this chef could do for me.
There were various features on a variety of size zero and double ott models donning skimpy lingerie and whatnot and a men's fashion segment involving a spread on sneakers, boxer shorts and sunglasses, i.e., menswear.
The latest issue (yes, I- Roberto- am apparently a regular subscriber now) had an article "Net Benefits- the web is crawling with horny women. Here's how to get them into your bed." Here, ladies, are the tips they suggest for the men out there: Pimp Your Profile (don't give a goofy grin right at the camera), Find the Easy Mark (sussing out the sure thing-- the somewhat attractive, but not the 10's), Woo Her (means write in complete sentences without use of emoticons and poor spelling), Diversify Your Portfolio (don't discount Face Book and Twitter as date finding tools).
This month's food section was all about the jerky- alligator jerky, gerald's sweet and spicy jerky, mountain America spicy turkey jerky, perky jerky (seriously? I hate to wonder what the heck this means?), private reserve sweet and spicy jerky, the list goes on. I can't tell you the last time I ate anything in the jerky family. In the back of most woman's magazines you'll find some recipes to try. This is no different in Maxim. Here I found The Sausage Fest and Hangover Helper recipes, which looked disgusting, by the way, and appeared to involve a lot of cheese, jalapenos, and Miracle Whip. Blech.
Several more pages of soft porn were thrown in for good measure, i.e half naked woman on a beach with a horse, one woman unnaturally climbing a tree, woman in panties and thigh high boots on the back of a Harley, uh huh. And finally, a gut busting guide to man-food. Oh, and if your friends show up unannounced, you just need to serve up some Silver Patron Tequila, opposed to a glass of chilled Chardonnay we women would present.
I love the differences between men and women. It's what makes life so humorous. How is it that God, The Gods, Buddha, Allah, Whomever, matched these two beings up as potential companions? It's completely insane, actually.
All and all, I found the magazine mildly entertaining and it confirmed a few of my ideas of how men think. Having grown up with five older brothers, I certainly had a clue, but this was just the nail in the proverbial coffin.
I'm kind of looking forward to next month's issue.
Best of luck out there, Ladies,
Roberto.
On page 13, there was an ad to "subscribe now". The ad enticed readers to subscribe to Maxim stating each issue was packed with:
"The World's Sexiest Women (often not wearing pants)
Heaps of Funny-Ass Jokes (sometimes not at all offensive)
Hot New Gadgets and Gear (plug into the latest blinking, beeping goodies)
Movies, Music and Games (if you can waste time with it, we've got it)
Cool Style (seriously, dude, put on a friggin' shirt already)"
At this point, I'm intrigued enough to read on. While the ads include scantily clad women and firm buttocks advertising Syntha-6 (a protein shake) and Tenagaxx (some sort of performance pill I was totally unaware of, but am now quite aware), there were also some quite interesting articles.
I was eager to get a grip on the male perspective. I mean men are often reading Cosmo and Glamour trying to figure women out, so why shouldn't I do the same?
One difference I noticed in the Maxim mag and, say, Cosmo, is the workout section. You know, the one or two page sketches of different moves and descriptions to go with it. While the woman's version just sticks to the facts, the male version keeps a bit of humor about it all.
For example, the "push-up drop set" goes like this: These gradually get easier as you grow more tired (who ever heard of such a thing?). Begin with feet on stair and hands on floor. Do as many push ups as you can until you approach near failure (I love the honesty here). Immediately move into a regular push-up and repeat until near failure. Next, place your feet on the ground and your hands on the step a few levels and repeat until near failure." I wonder how many push-ups constitutes "near failure" for most men?
An entire TWO pages were devoted to barbecue paraphernalia; the Rebel Range which boasts "while you salivate, your meat-spinnery makes crisp, juicy perfection", The BTU Bonsai, Smoke a Hog in a Hole How To's, Bad Aprons (you can just imagine), the pitt mitt, weber pizza stone, and the Steven Raichen Best of Barbecue Spatula. I always thought it was a bit of a joke that men were into the whole BBQ thing. Apparently, it's for real.
The best article, though, was the 'Bachelor Fridge Challenge' where some esteemed chef goes into a bachelor pad and makes a full course meal out of nothing. Really, nothing. The chef finds a old piece of garlic in the fridge, a can of three-bean salad in the cupboard, pasta shells, peanuts, a can of tuna, an old banana and a half eaten pint of Ben and Jerry's. With some creative flair, the chef comes up with a pretty impressive meal. I'm reading this article with particular interest because my bachelorette cupboards are not much different and I'd be curious just what this chef could do for me.
There were various features on a variety of size zero and double ott models donning skimpy lingerie and whatnot and a men's fashion segment involving a spread on sneakers, boxer shorts and sunglasses, i.e., menswear.
The latest issue (yes, I- Roberto- am apparently a regular subscriber now) had an article "Net Benefits- the web is crawling with horny women. Here's how to get them into your bed." Here, ladies, are the tips they suggest for the men out there: Pimp Your Profile (don't give a goofy grin right at the camera), Find the Easy Mark (sussing out the sure thing-- the somewhat attractive, but not the 10's), Woo Her (means write in complete sentences without use of emoticons and poor spelling), Diversify Your Portfolio (don't discount Face Book and Twitter as date finding tools).
This month's food section was all about the jerky- alligator jerky, gerald's sweet and spicy jerky, mountain America spicy turkey jerky, perky jerky (seriously? I hate to wonder what the heck this means?), private reserve sweet and spicy jerky, the list goes on. I can't tell you the last time I ate anything in the jerky family. In the back of most woman's magazines you'll find some recipes to try. This is no different in Maxim. Here I found The Sausage Fest and Hangover Helper recipes, which looked disgusting, by the way, and appeared to involve a lot of cheese, jalapenos, and Miracle Whip. Blech.
Several more pages of soft porn were thrown in for good measure, i.e half naked woman on a beach with a horse, one woman unnaturally climbing a tree, woman in panties and thigh high boots on the back of a Harley, uh huh. And finally, a gut busting guide to man-food. Oh, and if your friends show up unannounced, you just need to serve up some Silver Patron Tequila, opposed to a glass of chilled Chardonnay we women would present.
I love the differences between men and women. It's what makes life so humorous. How is it that God, The Gods, Buddha, Allah, Whomever, matched these two beings up as potential companions? It's completely insane, actually.
All and all, I found the magazine mildly entertaining and it confirmed a few of my ideas of how men think. Having grown up with five older brothers, I certainly had a clue, but this was just the nail in the proverbial coffin.
I'm kind of looking forward to next month's issue.
Best of luck out there, Ladies,
Roberto.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Seeking Partner Who...
Sitting around our dinner table sipping on the best margaritas we've ever had, a few of us were discussing the internet dating scene and how it just didn't work for us. All the "resumes", the bragging, and verbage that requires an Internet Dating Translation Guide- it's just too much effort for very little (if any) payoff.
Having a sense of humor and seeking partner with a sense of humor seem to be high on the list of characteristics in most ads. Just posting in a dating ad that you’re seeking someone with a great sense of humor is not enough. Everyone thinks they have a great sense of humor. As a matter of fact, I’ve never seen an ad stating “I have no sense of humor, seeking partner who is as serious and dull as I am.” I, for one, think I am at least mildly amusing, but when a blind date began his phone interview with me, the first thing he asked was if I knew any jokes. Umm, eeerr…I felt put on the spot. I don’t know any jokes per se. I just belt out witty comments during appropriate moments and people often respond with laughter. He proceeded to launch into a couple of blonde jokes that generally make any listener (in this case, me) groan at the punch line, but not laugh out loud.
Besides, there are the different types of humor: dry, witty, slap stick, the practical joke, British humor or, what an old boyfriend used to refer to as “bathroom humor”. That’s the kind generally enjoyed by young (and old) boys and includes farting noises, whoopee cushions and burping the alphabet song.
So when advertising the sense of humor, be a bit more specific.
Here's an ad: "Like to meet woman who tries to stay in shape, someone who works out or is active, not too overweight, and is athletic." Anything else, Scott 47? How about just hanging out at your gym. Sounds like your mate might just be there since you have no other description of what you're after.
And then there is No Name. His header says, "Looking for Good Hearted Woman" and the ad goes like this: "I like kayaking, playing basketball, football, dancing, fishing and even snowboarding if you teach me." Apparently No Name has no one to play with him, good hearted or otherwise.
Tyrone is to the point. "My name is Tyrone. I'm 48 y/o, divorced, Catholic, non-smoker and don't drink or do drugs. I have a 20 y/o daughter who stays with her mother in Arizona here in the U.S." Thanks for the very straightforward and boring bio, Tyrone. And yes, although many Americans are crap at geography, I think we all know Arizona is in the U.S. No one is bound to confuse it with the ship.
Several men state they are "seeking a partner in crime". Original.
My favorite of all was a post from Mr. Wankan. "I like to do home repairs. It's very relaxing. There's no feeling like the one you get after a successful slab leak repair under the house." Wow, and I've been depending on my vibrator for such feelings. A friend was recently looking for a handyman to help her around the house. Maybe I should forward this ad to her. I'm pretty sure she mentioned something about a slab leak. She'll thank me later.
One guy says he's a gentle teddy bear with a kind heart. Well, I guess that's good news. Those gentle teddy bears with the nasty tempers can get so ugly.
And finally, here are some translations direct from The Guide.
Always curious and have a lot of energy for life = Type A (could be a jack rabbit in the sack).
Open Minded = Will fool around on you or suggest a threesome
Down to Earth or Easy Going = Lazy, lacks ambition, i.e. you'll have to plan all dates.
Trustworthy or Honest = Cheater. If a guy has to point out his trustworthiness upfront, it's probably a defense mechanism from a past experience in which he got caught.
I have a lot to offer = Has a good job, nice home, respectable car, but is impotent.
I love to cuddle and will tend to your needs = Has no job, but probably good in the sack.
I enjoy the simple things in life = Cheap. His first dates will include romantic and inexpensive activities like hiking, picnics in the park, a fire at the beach and before you know it, the simple things include watching TV and Netflix.
By now you're all thinking "no wonder WW has no boyfriend. She's a callus, cynical B&$#*". There is always that possibility.
Having a sense of humor and seeking partner with a sense of humor seem to be high on the list of characteristics in most ads. Just posting in a dating ad that you’re seeking someone with a great sense of humor is not enough. Everyone thinks they have a great sense of humor. As a matter of fact, I’ve never seen an ad stating “I have no sense of humor, seeking partner who is as serious and dull as I am.” I, for one, think I am at least mildly amusing, but when a blind date began his phone interview with me, the first thing he asked was if I knew any jokes. Umm, eeerr…I felt put on the spot. I don’t know any jokes per se. I just belt out witty comments during appropriate moments and people often respond with laughter. He proceeded to launch into a couple of blonde jokes that generally make any listener (in this case, me) groan at the punch line, but not laugh out loud.
Besides, there are the different types of humor: dry, witty, slap stick, the practical joke, British humor or, what an old boyfriend used to refer to as “bathroom humor”. That’s the kind generally enjoyed by young (and old) boys and includes farting noises, whoopee cushions and burping the alphabet song.
So when advertising the sense of humor, be a bit more specific.
Here's an ad: "Like to meet woman who tries to stay in shape, someone who works out or is active, not too overweight, and is athletic." Anything else, Scott 47? How about just hanging out at your gym. Sounds like your mate might just be there since you have no other description of what you're after.
And then there is No Name. His header says, "Looking for Good Hearted Woman" and the ad goes like this: "I like kayaking, playing basketball, football, dancing, fishing and even snowboarding if you teach me." Apparently No Name has no one to play with him, good hearted or otherwise.
Tyrone is to the point. "My name is Tyrone. I'm 48 y/o, divorced, Catholic, non-smoker and don't drink or do drugs. I have a 20 y/o daughter who stays with her mother in Arizona here in the U.S." Thanks for the very straightforward and boring bio, Tyrone. And yes, although many Americans are crap at geography, I think we all know Arizona is in the U.S. No one is bound to confuse it with the ship.
Several men state they are "seeking a partner in crime". Original.
My favorite of all was a post from Mr. Wankan. "I like to do home repairs. It's very relaxing. There's no feeling like the one you get after a successful slab leak repair under the house." Wow, and I've been depending on my vibrator for such feelings. A friend was recently looking for a handyman to help her around the house. Maybe I should forward this ad to her. I'm pretty sure she mentioned something about a slab leak. She'll thank me later.
One guy says he's a gentle teddy bear with a kind heart. Well, I guess that's good news. Those gentle teddy bears with the nasty tempers can get so ugly.
And finally, here are some translations direct from The Guide.
Always curious and have a lot of energy for life = Type A (could be a jack rabbit in the sack).
Open Minded = Will fool around on you or suggest a threesome
Down to Earth or Easy Going = Lazy, lacks ambition, i.e. you'll have to plan all dates.
Trustworthy or Honest = Cheater. If a guy has to point out his trustworthiness upfront, it's probably a defense mechanism from a past experience in which he got caught.
I have a lot to offer = Has a good job, nice home, respectable car, but is impotent.
I love to cuddle and will tend to your needs = Has no job, but probably good in the sack.
I enjoy the simple things in life = Cheap. His first dates will include romantic and inexpensive activities like hiking, picnics in the park, a fire at the beach and before you know it, the simple things include watching TV and Netflix.
By now you're all thinking "no wonder WW has no boyfriend. She's a callus, cynical B&$#*". There is always that possibility.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Old Dog, No Tricks?
The older I get, and somehow it does seem to keep happening, the older the men who are attracted to me get. Sure I still get hit on by the 'Cougar Hunter'. You know, the young bucks who think any woman over 40 is a Cougar and willing and eager to put out for a young piece of meat. Those days have passed. I've sowed my oats during my Eurotramp years after my divorce. While those trysts were fun at the time and served their purpose, now I'd like an actual relationship of a sort. If I'm going to be with someone, I'd like to dig him, have some things in common and still keep my independence in fairly full-form.
That being said, I still require a healthy and active sex life with said partner. Unfortunately, the reality is that most of these older men (and by "older" I mean basically my same age) either lack sex drive or just simply can longer perform (I'm assuming they once did anyway).
One friend of mine has a theory that since older men no longer have the sexual drive, they also lack the drive to even approach women. A man's desire to meet and approach a woman stems from his sexual desires. We witness this phenomenon all the time in bars, clubs, and other venues where there are loads of 20-30 year olds looking to "hook up". On the contrary, if the desire isn't so strong or is absent altogether, the men tend to stick within their own group of guys barely even noticing women, no less approaching them. They may want to meet a partner to spend time with, but the drive to make much of an effort certainly doesn't seem to be present.
The older boyfriend of another friend was joking around with his buddies about having such a low sex drive at his age (early 50's), that sometimes he has to weigh out whether he'd rather, say, eat a Bratwurst (fully loaded with Sauerkraut), or have sex? He admits, for many men, the Bratwurst often wins out. This is a depressing thought. Do I need to start hanging out at hot dog stands to get a man's attention? Maybe I need to own a hot dog stand. I guess that would only get me close to men who choose the dog over sex. Never mind.
This may explain why a very glamourous friend of mine was recently trying her hardest to flirt with the hot dog stand guy at an event and could not, for the life of her, get his attention.
According to several articles, there are some positives to dating men over 40. One bonus noted was that what they lack in quantity, they make up for with experience and quality. The friend with the over-fifty Bratwurst boyfriend would concur. I suppose I'll need to keep experimenting with that theory.
I don't know what the answer is here. Hope for an older guy who's still got it? Have a serious relationship with the mature guy and keep a sexually satisfying young thing on the side? Or just buck up, be a big girl and face the reality? This dreamer is still adjusting to the reality of going back to her corporate gig. Let's keep these life realities to a minimum. It's rough to squelch all my fantasies at once.
That being said, I still require a healthy and active sex life with said partner. Unfortunately, the reality is that most of these older men (and by "older" I mean basically my same age) either lack sex drive or just simply can longer perform (I'm assuming they once did anyway).
One friend of mine has a theory that since older men no longer have the sexual drive, they also lack the drive to even approach women. A man's desire to meet and approach a woman stems from his sexual desires. We witness this phenomenon all the time in bars, clubs, and other venues where there are loads of 20-30 year olds looking to "hook up". On the contrary, if the desire isn't so strong or is absent altogether, the men tend to stick within their own group of guys barely even noticing women, no less approaching them. They may want to meet a partner to spend time with, but the drive to make much of an effort certainly doesn't seem to be present.
The older boyfriend of another friend was joking around with his buddies about having such a low sex drive at his age (early 50's), that sometimes he has to weigh out whether he'd rather, say, eat a Bratwurst (fully loaded with Sauerkraut), or have sex? He admits, for many men, the Bratwurst often wins out. This is a depressing thought. Do I need to start hanging out at hot dog stands to get a man's attention? Maybe I need to own a hot dog stand. I guess that would only get me close to men who choose the dog over sex. Never mind.
This may explain why a very glamourous friend of mine was recently trying her hardest to flirt with the hot dog stand guy at an event and could not, for the life of her, get his attention.
According to several articles, there are some positives to dating men over 40. One bonus noted was that what they lack in quantity, they make up for with experience and quality. The friend with the over-fifty Bratwurst boyfriend would concur. I suppose I'll need to keep experimenting with that theory.
I don't know what the answer is here. Hope for an older guy who's still got it? Have a serious relationship with the mature guy and keep a sexually satisfying young thing on the side? Or just buck up, be a big girl and face the reality? This dreamer is still adjusting to the reality of going back to her corporate gig. Let's keep these life realities to a minimum. It's rough to squelch all my fantasies at once.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sex and the City--Positively
After eight years of unsuccessfully running through the dating mill, I thought it might be interesting if I put my friends on the assignment of finding me a good match. After all, who knows you better than your best pals? They probably have a better idea of your type than you do. I was just about to put out an APB advising my girlfriends about town to start the hunt. I'd be up for meeting anyone they thought fit and suitable. This was all just a thought, a plan in my unconventional fantasy world, when a friend said she went out on an eHarmony date recently and thought he was better suited for me. Mid-date she asked her supposed match if he'd be agreeable to meeting a friend of hers. Personally, I probably would have waited until the end of the date, but not my friend. When she sees a possible opportunity to hook two people up, whether professionally or personally, she wastes no time! I think the guy was a little taken aback at first, but he was game. And, of course, so was I.
I asked my friend what it was about this guy that made her think of me. He's a skier, rides motorcycles, and well, she couldn't really put her finger on it, but there were just several things he said throughout their conversation.
After a few email exchanges, we met last Friday at my favorite little neighborhood spot. Within an hour he made a comment about once being in a position of seeing a very large woman in a thong and he'd wished he could erase that vision from his memory. After a comment like that, I had to ask just how that came about. I imagined he'd say he was on a nude beach in Europe or the Caribbean or someplace equally "free". What I didn't expect, was for him to tell me he belonged to a Sex Positive Club. "What the heck is that?" I'm wondering. So I ask. Yes, it's a member's only sex club. Sex rooms, bondage, S&M, torture and the like. Turns out this place is not that far from my apartment. Is that why he offered to meet me in my neighborhood? Or is that coincidence? I ask a few more questions and can tell he's answering a bit more conservatively not to frighten my somewhat conventional self, but I can tell he's feeling me out here-trying to get a sense of just what I'm into. I make it very clear what I'm into and what I'm not into. There's a place for good old fashioned monkey sex and all, but this is way outside of my comfort zone.
Possibly with the hopes of warming me up to some new ideas, he continues with the date anyway. We finished out the evening by heading over to a dueling piano bar, having a few laughs and then calling it a night. I think he may have gotten the impression that since I was having a good time, it meant I was having a good time with him. Men I go out with often get that mixed message.
The next day I was at the ever popular and now famous Fremont Solstice Parade, which sports a lot of nudity and craziness. While standing line for a drink, some character who reminded me of a bad Jim Carey impersonator, begged me to let him buy me a drink. I told him I was "unavailable", but he insisted on buying me that drink anyway. We chatted a bit, but he just reinforced our incompatibility.
Later I was talking to a friend about my ability to reign in the Mr. Wrongs, and her take is that I'm sending out a message to the universe that I'm not ready for a "real" relationship yet, because I'm having far too much fun being free and single. I think this insightful friend may be right. I cannot come up with any other logical explanation.
That being said, I am still open to my friends setting me up. It does make my life interesting.
I asked my friend what it was about this guy that made her think of me. He's a skier, rides motorcycles, and well, she couldn't really put her finger on it, but there were just several things he said throughout their conversation.
After a few email exchanges, we met last Friday at my favorite little neighborhood spot. Within an hour he made a comment about once being in a position of seeing a very large woman in a thong and he'd wished he could erase that vision from his memory. After a comment like that, I had to ask just how that came about. I imagined he'd say he was on a nude beach in Europe or the Caribbean or someplace equally "free". What I didn't expect, was for him to tell me he belonged to a Sex Positive Club. "What the heck is that?" I'm wondering. So I ask. Yes, it's a member's only sex club. Sex rooms, bondage, S&M, torture and the like. Turns out this place is not that far from my apartment. Is that why he offered to meet me in my neighborhood? Or is that coincidence? I ask a few more questions and can tell he's answering a bit more conservatively not to frighten my somewhat conventional self, but I can tell he's feeling me out here-trying to get a sense of just what I'm into. I make it very clear what I'm into and what I'm not into. There's a place for good old fashioned monkey sex and all, but this is way outside of my comfort zone.
Possibly with the hopes of warming me up to some new ideas, he continues with the date anyway. We finished out the evening by heading over to a dueling piano bar, having a few laughs and then calling it a night. I think he may have gotten the impression that since I was having a good time, it meant I was having a good time with him. Men I go out with often get that mixed message.
The next day I was at the ever popular and now famous Fremont Solstice Parade, which sports a lot of nudity and craziness. While standing line for a drink, some character who reminded me of a bad Jim Carey impersonator, begged me to let him buy me a drink. I told him I was "unavailable", but he insisted on buying me that drink anyway. We chatted a bit, but he just reinforced our incompatibility.
Later I was talking to a friend about my ability to reign in the Mr. Wrongs, and her take is that I'm sending out a message to the universe that I'm not ready for a "real" relationship yet, because I'm having far too much fun being free and single. I think this insightful friend may be right. I cannot come up with any other logical explanation.
That being said, I am still open to my friends setting me up. It does make my life interesting.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Motorcycle-itis
Yup, that's all she wrote. I have complete motorcycle-itis after my weekend on a fairly teeny weeny, yet still dangerous, machine. When I came back from Europe all I wanted was a little 50cc Scooter. Something to just zip around town, pick up some groceries, no motorcycle endorsement or insurance required. Something simple and cute, maybe even in pink. Yes, definitely pink.
Then my previous freaky boss buys the 150cc Vespa (Bright yellow. Is it a taxi cab or a scooter?) and we have to take the motorcycle test and get our endorsements. After the 150cc I no longer wanted to go back to the 50cc. The power of the 150 is substantial and quite noticeable climbing any of our steep Seattle hills. However, the price difference of the two is also quite substantial. So I've been getting around just fine on the lovely, somewhat dependable, Metro.
When I signed up for the motorcycle course, it was simply to learn how to ride a motorcycle. I knew my goal was to someday take longer rides, meet other riders, and hopefully take some motorcycle trips. Another female classmate (there were just the two of us after the first day along with five men) was only taking the class to learn the safety skills for riding a two-wheeled vehicle in the city since she had just purchased a 50cc scooter. By the end of day one on the bikes we were both abandoning the idea of scooters and considering what kind of motorcycles we wanted to buy instead.
As usual with me, I bonded with that woman, we exchanged numbers, planned to ride together and will probably be friends for life. Only I would go to a motorcycle class and meet and befriend the only other woman in the class. If I died tomorrow, my funeral would be like a
attending a Celine Dion concert or Storm game. Not that large of a crowd, of course, but definitely 90% women. Wonderful women nonetheless!
For the past two days a co-worker who is an avid rider has been sending me craigslist ads of various bikes and scooters that would be ideal for a novice rider and within my budget (no, neither of us is getting any actual work done for the company we work for). My brother has sent me a lengthy two part email describing bikes, features, what I should look for and look out for regarding motorcycles. I'm on information overload. I am hoping to buy some sort of motorized two-wheel bike thingy soon. However, I think I have some time as I'm sitting here with my freshly pedicured toes, hopeful for sandal season to begin, listening to the rain pour down in sheets outside my window on this 9th day of JUNE!
Then my previous freaky boss buys the 150cc Vespa (Bright yellow. Is it a taxi cab or a scooter?) and we have to take the motorcycle test and get our endorsements. After the 150cc I no longer wanted to go back to the 50cc. The power of the 150 is substantial and quite noticeable climbing any of our steep Seattle hills. However, the price difference of the two is also quite substantial. So I've been getting around just fine on the lovely, somewhat dependable, Metro.
When I signed up for the motorcycle course, it was simply to learn how to ride a motorcycle. I knew my goal was to someday take longer rides, meet other riders, and hopefully take some motorcycle trips. Another female classmate (there were just the two of us after the first day along with five men) was only taking the class to learn the safety skills for riding a two-wheeled vehicle in the city since she had just purchased a 50cc scooter. By the end of day one on the bikes we were both abandoning the idea of scooters and considering what kind of motorcycles we wanted to buy instead.
As usual with me, I bonded with that woman, we exchanged numbers, planned to ride together and will probably be friends for life. Only I would go to a motorcycle class and meet and befriend the only other woman in the class. If I died tomorrow, my funeral would be like a
attending a Celine Dion concert or Storm game. Not that large of a crowd, of course, but definitely 90% women. Wonderful women nonetheless!
For the past two days a co-worker who is an avid rider has been sending me craigslist ads of various bikes and scooters that would be ideal for a novice rider and within my budget (no, neither of us is getting any actual work done for the company we work for). My brother has sent me a lengthy two part email describing bikes, features, what I should look for and look out for regarding motorcycles. I'm on information overload. I am hoping to buy some sort of motorized two-wheel bike thingy soon. However, I think I have some time as I'm sitting here with my freshly pedicured toes, hopeful for sandal season to begin, listening to the rain pour down in sheets outside my window on this 9th day of JUNE!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Bucket Lists and More
Many of us have our "List" of things we want to accomplish before we "kick the proverbial bucket". This list generally includes fun, adventurous and daring feats. Things we'd like to do, but either don't have the funds, time or guts to follow through- at least not until the end is nearing.
We also have the list of things every woman should own. You've all seen the email that has made the circuit....more than once. It starts with a black lacy bra and ends with a power drill.
A friend once gave me one of those little gift books "What Every Woman Should Do Once".
1. Dye your hair blonde and see if they really do have more fun (I have and they don't)
2. Date a guy you met on the internet (who hasn't done this now-a-days?)
3. Own something leather, besides a coat or gloves (does a pair of shoes or a belt count?)
4. Invent an interesting past (better yet, live an interesting life so you don't have to invent too much.)
5. Head to the airport and fly anywhere (now they're talkin' my kind of language!)
I decided a long time ago I wasn't about to wait until I possessed those three crucial things: funds, time or guts, before starting to check items off my Bucket List. Besides, we never really know when the end is nearing, so why wait? I learned to scuba dive, bungee jumped on my 40th birthday, lived and traveled abroad-solo, lived on a houseboat thanks to the generosity of a dear friend who helped me out of a jam. I had the privilege of living on a Greek Island where everyone rode a Vespa, worked in an art museum and a bridal shop. Eeerrr, okay, the bridal shop was definitely not on my bucket list. But it turned out to be an enlightening and entertaining experience none-the-less.
In conjunction with my Bucket List, I have a "Things I must learn how to do" List.
1. Speak a second language fluently. It's the "fluently" part that keeps this from being checked off my list.
2. Travel alone (check)
3. Learn to Tango
4. Learn to sing. I took a class many years ago called "Anyone Can Sing". After working with me for a few months, the instructor had to rename the class "Almost Anyone Can Sing". Sometimes you just need to accept your limitations. I scratched this off my list entirely.
5. Learn to change a car tire. The fact that I don't own a car is irrelevant. I borrow them plenty.
6. Learn to ride a motorcycle.
Although I have plenty of experience riding a Vespa, I have always had the dream of learning to ride a "big girl" bike...a Harley even. So this weekend, I'm taking the motorcycle riding training course. Unfortunately, it's suppose to rain all weekend, but the course is held rain or shine. So I shall don my big girl rain panties and go for it.
If I am able to get through the course with out killing myself, I'll attack that tire changing goal next.
We also have the list of things every woman should own. You've all seen the email that has made the circuit....more than once. It starts with a black lacy bra and ends with a power drill.
A friend once gave me one of those little gift books "What Every Woman Should Do Once".
1. Dye your hair blonde and see if they really do have more fun (I have and they don't)
2. Date a guy you met on the internet (who hasn't done this now-a-days?)
3. Own something leather, besides a coat or gloves (does a pair of shoes or a belt count?)
4. Invent an interesting past (better yet, live an interesting life so you don't have to invent too much.)
5. Head to the airport and fly anywhere (now they're talkin' my kind of language!)
I decided a long time ago I wasn't about to wait until I possessed those three crucial things: funds, time or guts, before starting to check items off my Bucket List. Besides, we never really know when the end is nearing, so why wait? I learned to scuba dive, bungee jumped on my 40th birthday, lived and traveled abroad-solo, lived on a houseboat thanks to the generosity of a dear friend who helped me out of a jam. I had the privilege of living on a Greek Island where everyone rode a Vespa, worked in an art museum and a bridal shop. Eeerrr, okay, the bridal shop was definitely not on my bucket list. But it turned out to be an enlightening and entertaining experience none-the-less.
In conjunction with my Bucket List, I have a "Things I must learn how to do" List.
1. Speak a second language fluently. It's the "fluently" part that keeps this from being checked off my list.
2. Travel alone (check)
3. Learn to Tango
4. Learn to sing. I took a class many years ago called "Anyone Can Sing". After working with me for a few months, the instructor had to rename the class "Almost Anyone Can Sing". Sometimes you just need to accept your limitations. I scratched this off my list entirely.
5. Learn to change a car tire. The fact that I don't own a car is irrelevant. I borrow them plenty.
6. Learn to ride a motorcycle.
Although I have plenty of experience riding a Vespa, I have always had the dream of learning to ride a "big girl" bike...a Harley even. So this weekend, I'm taking the motorcycle riding training course. Unfortunately, it's suppose to rain all weekend, but the course is held rain or shine. So I shall don my big girl rain panties and go for it.
If I am able to get through the course with out killing myself, I'll attack that tire changing goal next.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Oscars and Razzies
Several award winning movies are out there right now that I'd love to see. I recently saw Sandra Bullock's award winning performance in 'The Blind Side' On Demand at the home of my pet client de jour. I've seen 'Up in the Air' which I found better than expected and thought provoking.
I haven't seen most of the other winners, though. I'd still like to view 'Avatar' (in 3D, of course), 'Precious' (also listed On Demand right now), and 'The Hurt Locker'. 'An Education' and 'Young Victoria' are other notable films that warrant a visit.
Although it's gotten mixed reviews by friends, I'd like to see "Alice in Wonderland" at the IMAX. One friend said it was a fun, entertaining and a great movie, another said he walked out on it. Very mixed reviews.
There are lots of great movies to choose from right now. So what, pray tell, possessed a group of educated and savvy urban women to fork over $10.50 each to see 'The Bounty Hunter' last Saturday night? We chicks just wanted to indulge in a light, romantic comedy. Something predictable and easy on the eyes. Apparently, we weren't in the mood for the Oscar films that night, a.k.a. the worthy films. We were in classic chick flick mode and figured this one would be fun and entertaining.
We aren't a bunch of stupid broads by any means. We knew full well going into this movie that it wouldn't be any Oscar nominee. And we even were pretty sure it might be kinda bad. We had no idea, however, just how bad. It was baaaad. It was beyond bad. If it weren't for the fact that I was with other people, and one of those people was my ride home, I might have walked out. I never feel the urge to walk out of a movie. I always need to know how it ends. I've only recently been able to give myself permission to give up on a book I can't get into. I'm one of those optimistic sorts who is sure the plot will get better, something great is going to happen at the end, or there will be an interesting twist.
Our current book club book is just one of those books. "Rapt" by Winifred Gallagher argues that your life success is the sum of what you focus on. While the subject matter sounded interesting - Attention and the Focused Life- it felt like reading a text book. I've read text books that were less dry. I made it to page 35, but just couldn't ....well...focus. I jumped toward the end of the book to see if things seemed to pick up. They didn't. The book was due back to the library the other day. Rather than renewing the loan, I gave it back. I might be missing something, but I'll take that chance.
In many ways, I wished I'd given up on 'The Bounty Hunter'. Nearly two hours of watching Jennifer Aniston (who really is hot) run around in a skimpy outfit and 4" pumps like Erin Brachovich was exhausting. The acting was lame, the plot unbelievable, and the comedy non-existent. A "Razzie" nominee for sure.
You may be wondering, knowing my financial state, "why, why, why, WW, would you spend your limited hard earned dough on this trash"? Luckily I had a movie gift certificate, so it wasn't my own hard earned cash. However, I do feel a little guilty spending someone else's hard earned cash in such a careless and unappreciative manner.
I haven't seen most of the other winners, though. I'd still like to view 'Avatar' (in 3D, of course), 'Precious' (also listed On Demand right now), and 'The Hurt Locker'. 'An Education' and 'Young Victoria' are other notable films that warrant a visit.
Although it's gotten mixed reviews by friends, I'd like to see "Alice in Wonderland" at the IMAX. One friend said it was a fun, entertaining and a great movie, another said he walked out on it. Very mixed reviews.
There are lots of great movies to choose from right now. So what, pray tell, possessed a group of educated and savvy urban women to fork over $10.50 each to see 'The Bounty Hunter' last Saturday night? We chicks just wanted to indulge in a light, romantic comedy. Something predictable and easy on the eyes. Apparently, we weren't in the mood for the Oscar films that night, a.k.a. the worthy films. We were in classic chick flick mode and figured this one would be fun and entertaining.
We aren't a bunch of stupid broads by any means. We knew full well going into this movie that it wouldn't be any Oscar nominee. And we even were pretty sure it might be kinda bad. We had no idea, however, just how bad. It was baaaad. It was beyond bad. If it weren't for the fact that I was with other people, and one of those people was my ride home, I might have walked out. I never feel the urge to walk out of a movie. I always need to know how it ends. I've only recently been able to give myself permission to give up on a book I can't get into. I'm one of those optimistic sorts who is sure the plot will get better, something great is going to happen at the end, or there will be an interesting twist.
Our current book club book is just one of those books. "Rapt" by Winifred Gallagher argues that your life success is the sum of what you focus on. While the subject matter sounded interesting - Attention and the Focused Life- it felt like reading a text book. I've read text books that were less dry. I made it to page 35, but just couldn't ....well...focus. I jumped toward the end of the book to see if things seemed to pick up. They didn't. The book was due back to the library the other day. Rather than renewing the loan, I gave it back. I might be missing something, but I'll take that chance.
In many ways, I wished I'd given up on 'The Bounty Hunter'. Nearly two hours of watching Jennifer Aniston (who really is hot) run around in a skimpy outfit and 4" pumps like Erin Brachovich was exhausting. The acting was lame, the plot unbelievable, and the comedy non-existent. A "Razzie" nominee for sure.
You may be wondering, knowing my financial state, "why, why, why, WW, would you spend your limited hard earned dough on this trash"? Luckily I had a movie gift certificate, so it wasn't my own hard earned cash. However, I do feel a little guilty spending someone else's hard earned cash in such a careless and unappreciative manner.
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