Dating MissAdventures

Mamma Mia!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Sunday was pretty awesome (not IT awesome, but really great).

First we went to a romantic Indian restaurant and had some amazing food.

Then Tex revealed his surprise: tickets to see Mamma Mia!

That kid sat through 2.5 hours of ABBA music just because he knew how much I wanted to see the show.

He really just sweeps me off my feet :)

Secret Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:09:00 +0000

Okay, I have a confession to make. I have been a little wedding crazy lately. Looking at dresses online, planning my colors, thinking about location, and yes, even picking a date.

Do I have a ring on my finger yet? Of course not.

But now, there's Secret Sunday. Tex has made plans for us on Sunday and won't tell me what they are. It's a secret.

Naturally, my mind first jumped to what I had been obsessing about all week.

But I think I'm missing the point. He planned an entire day, just for the 2 of us. That takes serious dedication (and stealth). I'm so excited. I have no idea what we're doing and even if we end up just renting a movie at home, I'll be happy because I know he planned it all by himself, with no prompting from me, and just because he wanted to make me feel special.

Damn, he's good.

And yet... I can't help but hope...maybe a little bit... that this Sunday will be IT (despite the fact that he told me IT definitely wouldn't happen until the summer at the earliest).

I love surprises :)

Dumpster diving for food is cool now?

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:25:00 +0000

I'm all for decreasing the amount of food wasted by grocery stores and bakeries. And there are many alternatives, such as donations to local food shelters, composting, and apparently...

Dumpster diving

I admire the point the people are trying to make, but...picking food...out of a DUMPSTER?

The breeding place for rot, rats, and the bubonic plague? (Okay, the last one might be an exaggeration.)

They clearly have a stronger stomach and weaker sense of smell than I will ever have.

Carolina in my mind

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:42:00 +0000

In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
It hit me from behind
Yes I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind
- James Taylor

As the seasons change, my mind keeps turning towards the summer plans: drive the state of North Carolina to find our new settling place.

The more Tex and I talk about this move (approx. 1.5 years from now), the more we get excited. I think the trip will be a good intermediary and a nice dose of reality.

We have a lot of conjectures about what it's like down south. And driving the roads, becoming acquainted with the neighborhoods, and experiencing the culture of a new place will be an eye-opening experience for sure.

I'm hoping to get a good map of the state soon so we can start plotting out the days spent in the various towns. There's a possibility that we'll rent a house on the beach for a week outside of Wilmington, or just jump around a lot. Who knows?

The best part = the possibility.

Human and dog relationships

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:04:00 +0000

Just finished reading an absolutely amazing book:

The Tale of Edgar Sawtelle

It was gripping, lyrical, moving, and one of the better books I have read in a long while. It centers on a boy and his dog, but it goes a really long ways beyond that (so that even if you don't like dogs, it's a worthwhile read).

While investigating the author's website, he suggested reading a Malcom Gladwell article from his book:

What the Dog Saw (links to the article)

Gladwell describes the poetry of movement and presence that is Caesar Milan, the now-famous "dog-whisperer." Like him or hate him, Milan is one effective dude. Gladwell explores why Milan is so talented and connects the dots between words, touch, facial expression, and body posture.

I spent an hour in the book store today, picking up and putting down books, and generally reveling in the lack of human interaction that books afford. Amazingly, I only bought 1 book (although I had at least 2 or 3 others I had impulsively decided were my next reads), but I think I will have to go back and pick up Gladwell's book. If only to have a copy of that essay/article on hand.

Change is good

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:03:00 +0000

A really good piece from the NYTimes Magazine about Barack and Michelle Obama:

The First Couple

It's in the vein of he's a strong man because he has a strong woman behind (and sometimes leading) him. It's great to see a good example of marriage these days when the press seems otherwise obsessed with failure (hello John and Kate, ugh!).

What would you do with a do-over?

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:32:00 +0000

A good friend passed this article along from CNN.com:

5 things I'd do differently as single do-over

It's by a woman who has recently married but reflecting (20-20 hindsight style) on her former life as a single person.

She covers some of the basics like: get out of toxic relationships sooner, cry less, etc... But it got me thinking about my somewhat former life as a singleton and about what I would add to the list:

- Don't beat yourself up for the one-night stands, they are learning experiences. But try not to get so drunk the next time...
- Go out and dance more, have more confidence. You are one damn fine catch.
- Date more, try out men you wouldn't normally pick on first glance.
- Enjoy being alone. You can take yourself to the movies, to dinner, and to wherever just fine.
- Travel more, don't wait for the romantic trip of your dreams (also in the author's list).

But again, hindsight is always 20-20 and nostalgia adds a distinctly rosy tinge to most any situation. I hope though, should I become single again, that I will take this advice to heart. Who knows? The future is a lot harder to see.

Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly - Mae West

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:47:00 +0000

Caught this article from huffingtonpost.com (random, I know):

In Praise of Slow Sex

First reaction/thoughts through my mind: next weekend Tex and I have no real plans other than video games, a vet appointment for the kitten, and watching movies. Why not also stay in bed for more intimate reasons?

In other words, I was sold on the idea but it's the follow-through on these types of things that really counts. What if I'm feeling moody/fat/sad/blah/distracted, will I still want to do it?

As the author points out, the modern mood of people changes as rapidly as a tv channel or an Internet ad. So how can we really commit to slowing down?

Maybe you just have to give it the "ol' college try." Anyone else willing to experiment over the weekend with their partners? It'd be interesting to get a post going with various reactions (successful or no).

Oh Spanx

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:07:00 +0000

Found this random article and was laughing quite a bit as something very similar happened to me lately.

The Surprise Spanx Make-Out

Spanx is glorious. With an extra 10 lbs on my frame right now, Spanx has enabled me to look svelte and like my formerly more skinny self. It's clutch at weddings (wore it under every bridesmaid dress) and for those nights out when you want to look extra sexy.

But you know what's not so sexy about Spanx? Aside from the fact, as the author of the article points out, "It's like binding your midsection with an Ace bandage," what's not sexy is when your boyfriend is doing the laundry and has to fold your Spanx for you.

Yeah, that must have been a turn on for him. Amid all of my little thongs this huge, beige, girdle-like contraption. Yep, good stuff/DOH!

Got to love those little moments when the girly veil drops. It's like when you know they can hear you fart and poop in the bathroom. Not that girls fart... or poop.... but you know what I mean.

Can't go home again

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:35:00 +0000

Most of my writing attention has gone to the class I'm taking this fall since I'm required to keep a professional journal and write in it 4 x a week. But this entry that I wrote for the journal I decided to share here, because I'm honestly confused.

Why do people return to former employers? After a nearly 3.5 year absence, a former colleague of mine is returning to the old publish co. we worked for. She HATED it there. Why would she go back then?

Thinking of all the jobs I’ve had, good and bad, I can’t imagine ever returning to a place of former employ. I think the only time I ever went back to a job was when I came back from a semester of college for Christmas break and was able to clerk at the record store where I spent my summer. Even then I was like “What the heck am I doing here??”

I have nightmares about being back at old employers—usually the restaurants I worked at before, only this time (in my dreams) I can’t remember table numbers, keep messing up orders, can’t move fast enough, etc…

Does she think the professional growth opportunities that weren’t there will suddenly reappear despite the fact that the company is clearly in the crapper? Or maybe she really didn’t like what she left to do (marketing for Fidelity and then started her own business as a life coach), and just wanted to go back to the familiar—reporting and writing.

But…why there? You can report and write in a number of industries. Every business needs a good writer, as my father is quick to tell me. Is it the allure of the familiar? Or just an extremely shitty job market?

Maybe the reason I can’t understand it is because I’m so used to change in my life, between moves, schools, and whatnot that I’ve been through. (Although admittedly, this sounds a little haughty).

It just doesn’t seem like the way to move forward is to step back. Anyone have insights on this?

17 things to teach your sons about women

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:39:00 +0000

From a CNN.com article. How well does your man fair?

1. Pick your battles.

2. Walk on the outside (closer to the street) of your female companion.

3. Saying "You're being crazy" is never an appropriate response, unless you want her to go postal on you.

4. Cooking, cleaning, and taking care of kids are things men can actually do as well as women.

5. Keep backup supplies of quality chocolate in the house for her to raid.

6. Buying tampons and other feminine products shouldn't embarrass you --everyone knows they're not for you.

7. Women like compliments and gifts.

8. Earning less than her shouldn't be emasculating.

9. Be on time, even if she usually isn't.

10. Don't be a pouty puppy when shopping with her.

11. Find out what her favorite flower is.

12. If you like her, then don't buy her shoes; it's bad luck.

13. Smiling and nodding aren't the same as listening.

14. It's OK to cry in front of her, but keep the blubbering to a minimum.

15. Personality goes a long way.

16. At some point she'll be more important than your mother.

17. You will never completely understand women.

Hey, these brownies are great. What's in them?

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:52:00 +0000

Reposted from a NYTimes.com article bc it's kind of hilarious (although I suspect the teachers didn't find it funny at all):

When several preschool teachers in Los Angeles fell sick last April after eating brownies, public health investigators suspected it wasn’t a typical case of food poisoning. The symptoms included giddiness, dizziness, mood changes, dry mouth — and a bad case of the munchies.

One of the teachers had bought the homemade goodies a few days earlier from what she thought was a church bake sale; she shared them with colleagues during a work break.

But within 90 minutes of eating just one brownie each, five teachers became ill; the adult son of the buyer also reported symptoms.

It turned out there had been no church bake sale. And a leftover piece of brownie tested positive for cannabinoids found in marijuana, according to a report of the incident published Sept. 4 in The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report of the CDC.

Stella Fogleman, the first author of the report, said that none of the teachers had used marijuana before and that they did not like the way it made them feel. “They didn’t know they were eating pot brownies, so it’s not the same symptoms as someone who deliberately ate them at a party and got high,” Ms. Fogleman said. Two teachers sought medical attention for their symptoms, and one patient tested positive for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana metabolite.

All have recovered. The sidewalk vendor who sold the brownies, for $1.50 each, has not been located.

Who doesn't love a good penis joke?

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:06:00 +0000

“It looks like an egg in a nest. This girl once said to me, ‘Who are you going to satisfy with that little thing?’ I said, ‘Me!’” —Johnny Knoxville

Read more quips about peni in Everyone's Talking About Dick These Days

And yes, I'm fully aware I have the sense of humor of a 10-year-old boy. Ah well. As long as I amuse myself.

Turning my blue eyes green...

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Great image from a CNN.com article today. Modern-day Medusa/jealousy.

In the article, there's a discussion about why jealousy occurs, and why humans and other creatures have counted jealousy as a strong and helpful trait along the evolutionary path.

Jealousy is probably one of my biggest weaknesses and one I struggle to control and ignore. Who likes a crazy jealous bitch? (hint: NO ONE).

Luckily, as I've gotten older I've mellowed out (although, after a few drinks, I can be a bit protective of my man at bars crawling with skanks.... perhaps this is a positive evolutionary side?).

The hardest situation I have been facing lately involves Tex's ex-girlfriends. Don't worry, he has no contact with them whatsoever, but it seems like every time I go up to VT we run into one or another of them (or hear a story about this or that hilarious time with one of them). I know he has a past, but it's hard to blissfully ignore it when it's being rubbed into my face.

And then there's the one that's "friended" him on Facebook (although the page was created and is run by one of his buddies, so it's not even him)... And I will admit, more than one of my exs is my friend on there as well... so it would be a tad hypocritical to be miffed about it. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself.

At the end of the day though, it's important to remember it's me he's coming home with. It's me he loves and we make each other happy. There is a reason why those other ladies (and gentlemen for me) are exs.

Reminding myself of this always makes me smile and keeps my eyes their typical shade of blue. Anyone else have a few tips for ignoring Medusa?

Apt help so baby can get care

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Hi All. Got an e-mail from a good friend of mine today who has friends with a baby that requires intensive hospital care. The family is moving to Boston to take advantage of the expert care here, and are looking for an apt. Their guidelines are below:

must have air conditioning
must be on the ground floor or have an elevator
wood floors
2 bedrooms (can be tiny as long as living room is big)

Looking to move in on September 1st and expect to be here for a year or two.

Dream neighborhoods are Coolidge Corner, Fenway, and Jamaica Plain, but mostly it is important to be near or nearish to Children’s Hospital.

If you have any ideas, or know someone with the perfect place for rent, please visit the family's blog and let them know: http://smallbeerpress.com/not-a-journal/2009/08/17/boston-apartment/

Thanks in advance for your help!

Could you be this stoic?

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:13:00 +0000

Spotted an article from NYTimes.com:

Those Aren't Fighting Words, Dear

Almost 100% positive I could not do what she did in the face of these terrible words:

"I don't love you anymore. I'm not sure I ever did."

Check it out.

Should you put a ring on it?

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:55:00 +0000

Read an article on CNN.com today (man, do they have some girly stuff on there sometimes!) written by a woman whose engagement was broken by a cold-footed groom.

She writes how at first, it was very difficult, but then as time went on she still felt happy for friends and family members who were taking the plunge. The article, in other words, was fairly unremarkable up to this point.

But it was the end that caught me. She writes, "A ring makes [your relationship] no more or no less secure. Being engaged can be romantic, wonderful, and exciting. Scary and anxiety-causing? Sure. But secure? No. A ring is just window dressing. What's behind it is either quality, or it's not, or it's somewhere in between and it's up to the two of you -- not a piece of jewelry -- to make the most of it."

A good reminder/message, I think, even for those who are already married.

As a side note, as I'm writing this post, Beyonce's "Single Ladies" is blasting in my head. Such a good booty-shaking song.... ;)

Love in 2-D

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Found this article at NYTimes.com:

Love in 2-D

Simultaneously sad, disturbing, awkward, strange, etc...

Pure negligence

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:46:00 +0000

Ah my poor woefully neglected blog. I don't think apologies suffice, but they are there if you want 'em.

Here's an update:

- Traveling or otherwise busy almost every weekend this summer, doing mostly fun stuff and seeing lots of people.

- Had the flu last week = the suck.

- Tex and I are still enjoying cohabitation. Some talk has been bandied about re: the next step, but he made it pretty clear that until he begins to pull in a paycheck again (next summer/fall?) there is no sparkler in my future. Not worried at all, and glad it's at least a possibility :)

- New kitten is still hilarious, and Caesar (3-year old cat) grudgingly appreciates the company.

- Had a rough day this past Tuesday when I found out that my credit card number had been stolen and used to buy approximately $500 worth of random stuff (mostly food). The bank was great about it though (they actually alerted me to the fraud via e-mail), took everything off, canceled the card, and are sending me a new one. With any luck it is all set, but for protection I have put a watch on my credit report. What a pain, oy.

- Correlated to the credit card issue, some people really suck for no reason and just take a dump right on your lap (not a new revelation, but one that I've found particularly true after receiving an e-mail that went on at length about how much I suck personally and professionally). In the end, you just have to laugh and rise above to leave them standing shoe deep in poo.

- Couple of good weddings coming up, one next weekend, one in Sept., and one in January. All people I heart big time and lots of dancing is guaranteed. My kind of party.

- Going to get back in shape once in for all. Finally feeling the motivation I have been so sorely lacking. Goals: Lose up to 10 pounds by the end of November, tone flabby arms, eat healthier. Tex is on a health kick lately too, so it's nice to have a partner in this.

- Aside from the weddings, I am looking forward to a trip to Pittsburgh to see a very dear friend, a trip to Henderson Harbor to see family, and a trip to Baltimore to see the Sox and my bro and sis. Ole.

So there's a month in a nutshell. Hoping to get some sun this Sunday so I'm not the palest bridesmaid ever. True story. Will make an effort to write more frequently, or at least month than once a month.

West African missionary apartment fraud and bird poop

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:24:00 +0000

So Tex and I are casually looking for an apartment when I came across a 2 bedroom apartment on Craigslist for $700 a month.

Curious, I e-mailed the poster to inquire if this was in fact legit and I get this response:

Hansen Karle hansen.karle@yahoo.com> writes:
>Hello
>Thanks for the email. I DR Hansen Karle the house and also it is situated
>at (130-140 Beaconsfield Rd., Brookline, MA, 02215 ) and also want you to
>know that it was due to my transfer that makes me and my wife to leave
>the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a
>responsible person that can take a very good care of it as we are not
>after the money for the rent but want it to be clean all the time and the
>possible tenant will see the house as his or her own. We are going to be
>gone for 2 years or more.

> We have left the Massachusetts and we are currently in West Africa for
>our missionary call. Before we left the Massachusetts for West Africa, we
>look for a reputable agent that will take a very good care of th e house
>while we are away but could not found any so we left with the house keys
>and document when leaving. If you will be the right tenant to our house,
>we will get the keys and documents of the house sent to you via courier
>services as soon as all terms are settled.
>
> I will be online through out to get back to you as soon as you are able
>to get back to me. I would want to know how soon you would want to move
>in as I will be taking a 1 month upfront payment for the house including
>all the utilities there. I am asking for $700 and I believe we should be
>able to help ourselves. I am accepting $700 because I want you to take a
>very good care of the house while I am away.
>
> I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP so that i can forward you an
>application to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for rent over
>to me so that I can get the keys and papers sent to you via fedex or ups
>e.t.c, also are you ready to rent it now or when? Await your reply. I
>will be willing to send the inside view of the building if you demands
>for it.The good Lord has been good to me, I am paying him back with my
>missionary call.. I could let you remain in the house till I come back if
>you are a good tenant..
>Thanks God bless you.
>You can call me Via this Number for more
>Hansen Karle
>details:+2347089063609

Again, curious and maybe slightly hopeful/skeptical, I replied that I would indeed like to see photos. What he sends are photos of a freaking mansion, I mean seriously and absolutely the most posh pad ever. He also sends a weird application for the apartment, asking the following questions:

RENT APPLICATION FORM
1)Full Name:.....
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number....
3)How old are you?....
4)Are you married?..
5)How many people will be living in the house?..
6)Do you have a pet?....
7)Do you have a car?..
8)Occupation?..
9)What is your religion?....
10)Are you born again?.................
11)When are you moving in?..............

I didn't reply to that e-mail or send my application in because I had a nagging suspicion that this was just too good to be true. Googling the phone number "Hansen" gave me, I found a series of posts on this exact same type of fraud.

I reported the scheme to the federal gov., but I bet the dude will be making some good money in the meantime from those a little less skeptical than I.

So not only is the perfect apartment a figment of some asshole's imagination, but I sat in bird poop while trying to read outside today.

All in all, not my fave.

Adorable, 'nuff said

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:14:00 +0000

Got a bday present from Tex:
A 10-week old mackerel tabby kitten. So freakin' awesome. Current kitty is adjusting well to the new roommate, and I hope they will be snuggling soon.

Bragging like a new mom. :)

It's raining, it's pouring, this kid is snoring

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:14:00 +0000

These gray days = the suck. True story.

Tex is a little under the weather this week and I'm fighting off hormonal mood swings, and despite our grumpiness there have been minimal crabbing or other types of fighting in our humble abode.

I really could get used to this domestic nonsense and have even been cooking for us most nights. Before my feminist friends get all up in arms, I'm happy to report that Tex is more than willing to help (offering repeatedly throughout the evening, but I prefer to be the only one in my kitchen, thank you control issues) or to cook (will be taking him up on this offer soon, but am curious as to what he'll produce when not grilling).

Admittedly, this drive to cook for us is taking me by surprise. My mother, without fail, no matter how sick or tired she is, will have a beautiful dinner on the table when my father gets home. I've often regarded this habit with barely concealed scorn--surely a grown man can fend for himself on an odd night or three, right?

But now I'm beginning to understand the pleasure in watching someone you love enjoy something you made with your own hands. And in my mom's case, I think it's a way she shows him her love and appreciation for those 60+ hour-work-weeks he's still pumping out even as he gradually floats closer to 60 years old. That's not to say she doesn't work hard at home while he's at the office, because I know that she definitely and without a doubt does. Seeing her in action gave me a hefty dose of respect for stay-at-home moms (seriously, how the heck does the woman do all that she does and stay sane, raise two kids, and provide dinner every night??).

Food as a gesture and a connection. I can understand that (although she freakin' spoils him some nights, but I guess that's marriage, ha).

Anyways, I'm looking for good recipes/meal ideas if any of ya'll have stuff out there you're willing to share. We're not really red meat eaters, but most anything else is welcome.

Also, any tips for how to get through all these rainy days would be great. I'm falling asleep over here for reals. Happy puddle-jumping.

Gone but not forgotten

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Sorry all, this is the BUSY BUSY BUSY season at work right now. Will be back at it shortly.

Any of ya'll out there are welcome to guest blog for me (you know you wanna). Just let me know.

Some beans to spill

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:50:00 +0000

Now that all the appropriate parties have been notified (i.e. my parents), I can finally spill the beans.

Tex and I are moving in together this summer!

We've already started making my apartment a two-person friendly space (I even cleaned out a closet for him, that's love) and have made plans for random improvements/stuff to do this summer.

So, I'm pretty stoked.

Much to my surprise, the rents took it really well. Both said they were happy for me (weird!) and didn't get angry at all. They must really like Tex. Somewhat disappointing though, I had sorta wanted a good fight, hahaha.

Final move-in or die date? End of June (but I'm hoping more like June 1 as limbo doesn't really suit me). I worry a little that he'll see how crazy I am alllllll the time and run for the hills, but he's reassured me otherwise, so I'm pushing it to the very back of my mind.

Since I'm about to embark on a fantastic domestic adventure, I should have more to blog about (rejoice!). Also, I'm accepting any/all tips on better living with lover/partner/significant other/etc...

This kid = happy.

When the whistle blows

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Adventures) — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Really moving and provocative story from LATimes.com this week about kids who ride the rails instead of growing up.

On the run from everything but each other

It reads like one of those heartbreaking movies about star-crossed lovers. Dunno why, but it really hit home.