In front of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
Nick treated us all to a horse drawn carriage ride!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
New Year's Eve Times Square NYC!
Us in Times Square
In front of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
Nick treated us all to a horse drawn carriage ride!
In front of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
Nick treated us all to a horse drawn carriage ride!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Holidays!
I'm very much looking forward to the holidays. Ten days vacation from work will be great. Boston Pops Christmas concert will be great. Christmas will be great, and New Year's Eve will be the bomb. What am I doing for New Year's Eve?
Here's another hint, in case you don't get it:
Yes! Mr H. and I will be in Times Square on December 31st. I'm gonna wear so many warm layers I'll hardly be able to put my coat on! But I will be kissing Nick as the ball drops and Dick Clark announces 2007 in Times Square. That will be all the warmth I'll need.
It's so exciting and SATISFYING to be with a man who enjoys the same things I do, along with everything else he is to me. I never thought I could have it this good in a relationship, even though I deserve it! Ha ha!
In case of no update before NYE, have a WONDERFUL time with your family and friends, and have a really decadent dessert for me! In fact, post a comment on what you ate in my honor (it will give you an excuse to eat something really sinful and blame it on me)!
Here's another hint, in case you don't get it:
Yes! Mr H. and I will be in Times Square on December 31st. I'm gonna wear so many warm layers I'll hardly be able to put my coat on! But I will be kissing Nick as the ball drops and Dick Clark announces 2007 in Times Square. That will be all the warmth I'll need.
It's so exciting and SATISFYING to be with a man who enjoys the same things I do, along with everything else he is to me. I never thought I could have it this good in a relationship, even though I deserve it! Ha ha!
In case of no update before NYE, have a WONDERFUL time with your family and friends, and have a really decadent dessert for me! In fact, post a comment on what you ate in my honor (it will give you an excuse to eat something really sinful and blame it on me)!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Um yeah...
So I'm totally procrastinating touching up my hair. It has to be done, but I wanted especially to get it done tonight because I'm going to a funeral tomorrow. What better reason to do ones roots, right? I also need a trim, which I will also do. But I'm finding myself mindlessly browsing the good ol' net, putting off what needs to be done.
No one in my family passed, but this is the third such occasion I will have attended this year. One of Nick's relatives passed away a few nights ago, of the same disease that the first person who passed this year. So much of our pain is self-inflicted, I think.
So I will sit beside Nick at the church tomorrow morning, give his hand little squeezes to communicate silently, and help him out of any sticky moments he might find himself in. The girlfriend is a great distractor.
In other random thoughts, I'm really looking forward to T-Day. Can't wait to run with Nick in his first race, can't wait to eat turkey with the family, which now includes Nick. And games and laughter later on in the evening, and lots of making fun of my sister's cat, who had an unfortunate accident and is now left with a bent, partially shaven tail. Should be a great time.
I'm going to go watch The Office now. It's like my favorite show.
So I'm totally procrastinating touching up my hair. It has to be done, but I wanted especially to get it done tonight because I'm going to a funeral tomorrow. What better reason to do ones roots, right? I also need a trim, which I will also do. But I'm finding myself mindlessly browsing the good ol' net, putting off what needs to be done.
No one in my family passed, but this is the third such occasion I will have attended this year. One of Nick's relatives passed away a few nights ago, of the same disease that the first person who passed this year. So much of our pain is self-inflicted, I think.
So I will sit beside Nick at the church tomorrow morning, give his hand little squeezes to communicate silently, and help him out of any sticky moments he might find himself in. The girlfriend is a great distractor.
In other random thoughts, I'm really looking forward to T-Day. Can't wait to run with Nick in his first race, can't wait to eat turkey with the family, which now includes Nick. And games and laughter later on in the evening, and lots of making fun of my sister's cat, who had an unfortunate accident and is now left with a bent, partially shaven tail. Should be a great time.
I'm going to go watch The Office now. It's like my favorite show.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Three Months
It's only been three months with Nick. I just don't see how that's possible. We spend so much time together, talking, laughing, running, doing nothing, being silly, that it feels so much longer. I feel a strong bond with Nick and a deep emotional connection. Plus, he still hot. Like, really hot. Almost getting hotter with each passing day. Ha ha!
Nick is joining my family for Thanksgiving after our Feaster Five 5K run. I can't wait to run that race with him and cross the finish line with him. He came to support me at my race last weekend, which I finished a full 3 minutes better than my last 5K - Woo hoo! His post race massage felt pretty great too.
So things are still great. I still have no idea how this will all turn out, but it has been easily the most emotionally intimate I've ever felt with a man. He's kind of like a male version of Tina, my best friend from way back. We talk about everything and spend time just laying or sitting around, listening to music and being foolish. It's fun. I don't have to think much before I speak. That's pretty big for me. I feel very free with Nick.
Okay I'll stop making y'all sick with my ramblings about my handsome, wonderfully affectionate and loving man. That's why I haven't updated lately... it's kind of more of the same (with some definite unexpected twists that I won't share), and I know you guys are easily bored without pics. So here's one as a reward for reading this post.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Brief Update
I'm feeling very comfortable in my new relationship. And that's not even freaking me out.
Nick's birthday is this week. I actually have it all covered, and I'm not too worried about it. He likes to celebrate birthdays, and we're probably going away next weekend as part of his celebration. The gifts I chose are very uniquely him, and I have no doubt he'll like them. I guess you can know a person pretty well even in just 7 weeks, if you're talking all the time and sharing your life. The ease of all this is still blowing my mind.
On Fridays, people at work are telling me not to elope over the weekend, because they want to come to my wedding. My supervisor at work thinks Nick and I are a match made in heaven. I'm not thinking quite that far ahead, but this definitely feels more right than I ever thought it was supposed to. I've decided to leave this to God, and let him guide it where He will. Everything else has worked out in that way (dodged bullets), so He knows best.
That's about it for an update. Look for Thanksgiving race pics at the end of November! Nick is running his first race with me, and I know he'll do great. My mom will participate again this year as a walker. She's becoming quite the race veteran!
I'll update before then if something especially cool happens. I need to start taking my camera with me where ever we go. We see a lot of beautiful things when we're together.
Hope your fall is starting wonderfully.
Nick's birthday is this week. I actually have it all covered, and I'm not too worried about it. He likes to celebrate birthdays, and we're probably going away next weekend as part of his celebration. The gifts I chose are very uniquely him, and I have no doubt he'll like them. I guess you can know a person pretty well even in just 7 weeks, if you're talking all the time and sharing your life. The ease of all this is still blowing my mind.
On Fridays, people at work are telling me not to elope over the weekend, because they want to come to my wedding. My supervisor at work thinks Nick and I are a match made in heaven. I'm not thinking quite that far ahead, but this definitely feels more right than I ever thought it was supposed to. I've decided to leave this to God, and let him guide it where He will. Everything else has worked out in that way (dodged bullets), so He knows best.
That's about it for an update. Look for Thanksgiving race pics at the end of November! Nick is running his first race with me, and I know he'll do great. My mom will participate again this year as a walker. She's becoming quite the race veteran!
I'll update before then if something especially cool happens. I need to start taking my camera with me where ever we go. We see a lot of beautiful things when we're together.
Hope your fall is starting wonderfully.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
CHICAGO!
Gazing into the "bean" (Cloud Gate) at Millenium Park
My first friend in Chicago - At O'Hare, we sang Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues".
After tipping my new Chicagoan friend, I got on the "el" (Elevated Train) and rode the blue line to the hotel, the Palmer House Hilton.
The lobby at the the Palmer House, where we stayed in a two bathroom suite. Gotta say, loving the his and hers bathrooms!
We went to the House of Blues the first night and had a good time. The band took a break and got really high, so the next set was entertaining more for their giggling and paranoia than for their music. Walking back to our hotel, we saw a Morton's of Chicago sign. I have been to the Morton's in Uptown Charlotte years ago, and it was easily the best meal I'd ever had. Nick suggested we go there the next night for dinner, and I was thrilled!
A Great City
Sunday, Nick headed back to McCormick Place for his convention, and I met up with Larry, my Chicago Greeter. We explored Lincoln Park, Old Town, part of the Gold Coast and the Lincoln Park Zoo.
The Chicago Cultural Center (the older building on the left), view from Michigan Avenue. This was the first public library in Chicago, built after the Chicago Fire.
The "new" public library. Gargoyles! The architectural design in Chicago is phenomenal. I will definitely take an architecture tour next time I am in town.
The Red Line
Chicago Theater! Right down the street from Marshall Fields.
Me and Abe Lincoln in where else... but Lincoln Park!
Me with the flamingos in Lincoln Park Zoo. I wanted to have a new photo of me with flamingos, since the last one I took was in Florida in a completely different experience. New memories are the best.
The Chicago Cultural Center (the older building on the left), view from Michigan Avenue. This was the first public library in Chicago, built after the Chicago Fire. 
The "new" public library. Gargoyles! The architectural design in Chicago is phenomenal. I will definitely take an architecture tour next time I am in town.
The Red Line
Chicago Theater! Right down the street from Marshall Fields.
Me and Abe Lincoln in where else... but Lincoln Park!
Me with the flamingos in Lincoln Park Zoo. I wanted to have a new photo of me with flamingos, since the last one I took was in Florida in a completely different experience. New memories are the best.
One Month Anniversary
Long days at the convention and touring the city - now the REAL fun begins!
Nick and me in the cab on the way to Morton's.
GOOD jazz at Andy's
My love, my dream, my handsome, sweet man - Nick H.
The woman of his dreams
Nick and me in the cab on the way to Morton's.
GOOD jazz at Andy's
My love, my dream, my handsome, sweet man - Nick H.
The woman of his dreams
Water and Art
Shedd Aquarium
Komodo Dragon! Asleep...
Ulysses S. Grant - Grant Park
The Art Institute of Chicago
When I rounded the corner and saw this original Edward Hopper, I gasped. This is Nighthawks.
Monet's Waterlilies
Komodo Dragon! Asleep...
Ulysses S. Grant - Grant Park
The Art Institute of Chicago
When I rounded the corner and saw this original Edward Hopper, I gasped. This is Nighthawks.
Monet's Waterlilies
Millenium Park
These faces are supposed to be "modern day gargoyles". The facial expressions slowly change, and faces of all ethnicities are used. There are two facing each other, and water runs down both.
Every few minutes, the mouth opens, and a stream of water comes out!
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Reflections in Cloud Gate
Goodbye Chicago! We love you and we'll be back for another anniversary!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Time
It's only been 3 weeks. Yet I have shared more about myself and feel more emotionally connected with Nick than I did in almost a year in my last relationship. Sure, I am still deeply infatuated. I haven't felt this way since I was a teenager. I still got butterflies when I saw him dressed up for one of our dates last weekend. Like really nervous! Ha ha!
But it's just interesting how when you're with the right person, everything just sort of falls into place effortlessly. There's no power struggle about making "time" to see someone, there's no thinking about how to word something precisely so the other person doesn't jump on the defensive. It just flows. And it's fun. And it feels great. It's an equal exchange.
It still surprises me a little when I'm talking about something important, and I look up at Nick, and he is looking at me, listening. And he responds. And asks questions to bring more out. We've laughed a ton, we've both even cried some. I feel safe talking to Nick. I feel like I could tell him anything. It's an amazing feeling. Even if things for some reason didn't work out with him, he's taught me what a relationship CAN be. And how good it feels, and how much I deserve to be in a relationship like we've experienced.
It may all sound a little fluffy and sweet to the guys reading my blog, so rest assured that Nick is all man. No bisexual stuff, no micropenis. He's not rugged, and likes for me to dress up and take me out. We've even been running and to the gym together! We're on par with so many things we like to do and our ways of thinking. It flows. It's awesome.
There's my update. Ha ha! Things are great and we're looking forward to our trip to Chicago next weekend. I should have some pictures when I get back!
But it's just interesting how when you're with the right person, everything just sort of falls into place effortlessly. There's no power struggle about making "time" to see someone, there's no thinking about how to word something precisely so the other person doesn't jump on the defensive. It just flows. And it's fun. And it feels great. It's an equal exchange.
It still surprises me a little when I'm talking about something important, and I look up at Nick, and he is looking at me, listening. And he responds. And asks questions to bring more out. We've laughed a ton, we've both even cried some. I feel safe talking to Nick. I feel like I could tell him anything. It's an amazing feeling. Even if things for some reason didn't work out with him, he's taught me what a relationship CAN be. And how good it feels, and how much I deserve to be in a relationship like we've experienced.
It may all sound a little fluffy and sweet to the guys reading my blog, so rest assured that Nick is all man. No bisexual stuff, no micropenis. He's not rugged, and likes for me to dress up and take me out. We've even been running and to the gym together! We're on par with so many things we like to do and our ways of thinking. It flows. It's awesome.
There's my update. Ha ha! Things are great and we're looking forward to our trip to Chicago next weekend. I should have some pictures when I get back!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
DEEP Breaths!
Yikes.
Nick and I are going to Chicago in a few weeks! He's attending a conference there for work. He knew I've been wanting to go, so he asked his employer if SO's were okay to come, then told me to pack my bags!
We're staying right in the Loop, which is downtown. Mere BLOCKS from everything - Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Millenium Park, the Art Institute... so while he's conventioning, I'll be exploring. Then we'll have evenings together. At Chicago blues clubs, at great restaurants... at the beautiful hotel... ha ha! I am so excited!
I've been wanting to go to Chicago for a while, just to check it out. Several people have told me I'd love it there. Now I get to be there with a wonderful man who is still knocking my socks off. Incredible.
Nick and I are going to Chicago in a few weeks! He's attending a conference there for work. He knew I've been wanting to go, so he asked his employer if SO's were okay to come, then told me to pack my bags!
We're staying right in the Loop, which is downtown. Mere BLOCKS from everything - Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Millenium Park, the Art Institute... so while he's conventioning, I'll be exploring. Then we'll have evenings together. At Chicago blues clubs, at great restaurants... at the beautiful hotel... ha ha! I am so excited!
I've been wanting to go to Chicago for a while, just to check it out. Several people have told me I'd love it there. Now I get to be there with a wonderful man who is still knocking my socks off. Incredible.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
By now you've probably clicked on my blog at least once and almost hurled at my sappy lovin' life posts. All I can say is, be happy for me (as I know you all are). I am so happy with my man and if I could recount all the sweet, awesome things he's done for me in the past week, you'd be hurling for sure. It's still so early, but I have never felt quite like THIS ever before.
Right now my life is filled with joy and laughter and the warm coziness that comes with emotionally sharing with someone amazing. I really don't know what else to write about.
Right now my life is filled with joy and laughter and the warm coziness that comes with emotionally sharing with someone amazing. I really don't know what else to write about.
Friday, August 18, 2006
~Update~
OMG. Well I am still deliriously happy with Nick. I have earned the nickname "Perma-Grin" at work. Ha ha! I seriously feel like I'm in high school.
The other night we met at the park to watch the sunset. Ahhh. Someone who values just chilling and talking, looking up at the stars. He brought me a green tea, because he knows I like it. Awww. We later swang on the swings then shot off some Roman candles. LOL. Fun.
Last night we went to the running store downtown so I could get new running shoes. My current pair has 327 miles on them, so it's time. They were out of my size, so they will call me when they come in. We walked downtown and had some dinner. Even though we've seen each other every day but one since Saturday, I actually felt a little nervous. Butterflies! YIKES! I look at him sometimes and I am just blown away by his looks and the way he looks at me, and his little grins. I get all extra girly and start fussing with my hair and looking up at him through my fallen bangs. Seriously. I feel 14.
We went back to his place down the street and watched Napoleon Dynamite. He also burned a copy for me so I can watch it whenever. Funny movie - some things really made me roll laughing. "I caught you a delicious bass". OMG. Made me so thankful I am out of that bass situation and with someone so amazing and thoughful and caring and sensitive. Okay, I am starting to gush. Ha ha!
I slept over at Nick H's place. We have not "consumated" the relationship yet, but we had a wonderful time just talking and snuggling. When I left, he had just gotten out of the shower, and just had a towel on. JESUS. It seriously makes me nervous and excited and happy and shaky sometimes when I look at him. He is my physical ideal for a man.
Tonight we're going to a music festival in Dover. I made him promise to dance like Napoleon while we're there. He probably will. Silly.
Oh, and he checked in with me to make sure we are on the same page, as far as feelings so far. I swear the heavens opened up and sang, "hallelujah!" when I heard this. We both agreed to take some deep breaths and enjoy ourselves without waiting for the "other shoe to drop". Things are going so well and we're so comfortable with each other, it is normal to think, "ok, what's the catch?" And there may be one later on, but for now, I am totally infatuated and digging him. Yay.
The other night we met at the park to watch the sunset. Ahhh. Someone who values just chilling and talking, looking up at the stars. He brought me a green tea, because he knows I like it. Awww. We later swang on the swings then shot off some Roman candles. LOL. Fun.
Last night we went to the running store downtown so I could get new running shoes. My current pair has 327 miles on them, so it's time. They were out of my size, so they will call me when they come in. We walked downtown and had some dinner. Even though we've seen each other every day but one since Saturday, I actually felt a little nervous. Butterflies! YIKES! I look at him sometimes and I am just blown away by his looks and the way he looks at me, and his little grins. I get all extra girly and start fussing with my hair and looking up at him through my fallen bangs. Seriously. I feel 14.
We went back to his place down the street and watched Napoleon Dynamite. He also burned a copy for me so I can watch it whenever. Funny movie - some things really made me roll laughing. "I caught you a delicious bass". OMG. Made me so thankful I am out of that bass situation and with someone so amazing and thoughful and caring and sensitive. Okay, I am starting to gush. Ha ha!
I slept over at Nick H's place. We have not "consumated" the relationship yet, but we had a wonderful time just talking and snuggling. When I left, he had just gotten out of the shower, and just had a towel on. JESUS. It seriously makes me nervous and excited and happy and shaky sometimes when I look at him. He is my physical ideal for a man.
Tonight we're going to a music festival in Dover. I made him promise to dance like Napoleon while we're there. He probably will. Silly.
Oh, and he checked in with me to make sure we are on the same page, as far as feelings so far. I swear the heavens opened up and sang, "hallelujah!" when I heard this. We both agreed to take some deep breaths and enjoy ourselves without waiting for the "other shoe to drop". Things are going so well and we're so comfortable with each other, it is normal to think, "ok, what's the catch?" And there may be one later on, but for now, I am totally infatuated and digging him. Yay.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Nick and I Are Getting Married August 23rd - And You're Invited!
Ha ha just kidding! But I am utterly infatuated with this guy. He is physically every trait I find super handsome and attractive, he's funny, very affectionate, financially stable, NICE and oh so sweet.
This is all after date #3 (yes, another one tonight), so of course everything is always wonderful in the beginning, and I have no illusions that things won't change, even if it's just slightly. Or majorly. Who knows.
We've decided to be exclusive and not date other people. I'm still taking it slow with my own heart inside, but really enjoying all that comes with being with a really nice guy who also happens to be so f'ing hot I can't stand it. DAMN!
Good things do come to those who wait!
This is all after date #3 (yes, another one tonight), so of course everything is always wonderful in the beginning, and I have no illusions that things won't change, even if it's just slightly. Or majorly. Who knows.
We've decided to be exclusive and not date other people. I'm still taking it slow with my own heart inside, but really enjoying all that comes with being with a really nice guy who also happens to be so f'ing hot I can't stand it. DAMN!
Good things do come to those who wait!
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Another full day with the hot hot hotty! I'm tired, but I will have a full update soon. The lowdown is that he is a hot hot hotty, very nicely affectionate, considerate (little things that most men I've dated didn't pick up on), funny as hell and we share the same taste in music. I haven't been able to sing along with a dude in a long time. I'm digging him. Yay!
Oh and thanks, TSM for calling me out between songs about my hot hot hotty! Haha! I don't think he knew we were referring to him, so it's all good... and if he did, cool anyway. Someone should know they're on FIRE if they are. :-D
Oh and thanks, TSM for calling me out between songs about my hot hot hotty! Haha! I don't think he knew we were referring to him, so it's all good... and if he did, cool anyway. Someone should know they're on FIRE if they are. :-D
Hot Date Report
Wow.
Nick picked me up at 2 pm. It's now 12:22 am and I'm just getting home. I'll have to tell the details later because I need to get to bed so he can pick me up at 9 am! We're heading to Newfound lake tomorrow with boat in tow - although there will be no fishing. Some grilling, chilling and plenty of kisses and affection.
Nick H. Damn.
Nick picked me up at 2 pm. It's now 12:22 am and I'm just getting home. I'll have to tell the details later because I need to get to bed so he can pick me up at 9 am! We're heading to Newfound lake tomorrow with boat in tow - although there will be no fishing. Some grilling, chilling and plenty of kisses and affection.
Nick H. Damn.
Friday, August 11, 2006
I have a date with a Hot hot hottie!
Wow.
So I reconnected with this guy I went to high school with. We never spoke back then, he was 2 years ahead of me, and his younger brother was in my class. They were known as some of the best looking guys in school. Hot hot hotties.
So this attractive guy finds me online. Judging by his picture, he is physically right up my alley (ha, that sounded funny). Like attractive in the way that I had that visceral feeling in my gut that I wanted him, now. I may have let out a small groan. But then he had these two other pictures that looked a little... eh...
Being busy with the deal breaker dude and other interests, I dismissed him.
He found me again (about two months later) and told me I looked familiar. He tells me his name. I nearly fell over. Nick H. from high school. WOW. He looked a lot different, there was no way I would have known it was him if he hadn't told me. But it explained my gut feeling of instant attraction. This guy has been hot his whole life. I thought he was hot back then, but he definitely was not my "type", and we never ran in the same group.
A couple of hours of phone convo and we are set for a date on Saturday. For the first time in 5 or 6 years, I'm actually a little nervous for a date! I felt a little ego boost for a day, like, "Wow, I have a DATE with Nick H!" Yes, it's been 15 years since I last saw him, but that first picture looked very hot... the other two, well, I can only tell when I see him in person.
We'll be stopping in to the Auburn Pitts after lunch to toss some horseshoes and listen to the Rusty Cadillacs. The weather will be nice, my toenails will be sexily painted and I will have a hot hot hottie on my arm.
So I reconnected with this guy I went to high school with. We never spoke back then, he was 2 years ahead of me, and his younger brother was in my class. They were known as some of the best looking guys in school. Hot hot hotties.
So this attractive guy finds me online. Judging by his picture, he is physically right up my alley (ha, that sounded funny). Like attractive in the way that I had that visceral feeling in my gut that I wanted him, now. I may have let out a small groan. But then he had these two other pictures that looked a little... eh...
Being busy with the deal breaker dude and other interests, I dismissed him.
He found me again (about two months later) and told me I looked familiar. He tells me his name. I nearly fell over. Nick H. from high school. WOW. He looked a lot different, there was no way I would have known it was him if he hadn't told me. But it explained my gut feeling of instant attraction. This guy has been hot his whole life. I thought he was hot back then, but he definitely was not my "type", and we never ran in the same group.
A couple of hours of phone convo and we are set for a date on Saturday. For the first time in 5 or 6 years, I'm actually a little nervous for a date! I felt a little ego boost for a day, like, "Wow, I have a DATE with Nick H!" Yes, it's been 15 years since I last saw him, but that first picture looked very hot... the other two, well, I can only tell when I see him in person.
We'll be stopping in to the Auburn Pitts after lunch to toss some horseshoes and listen to the Rusty Cadillacs. The weather will be nice, my toenails will be sexily painted and I will have a hot hot hottie on my arm.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Your opinion, please.
Is it wrong to date brothers? Not at the same time and if it's unlikely they'll know I dated the other? Discuss.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Vacation Days!
I had 4 days off from work. Yay! On Thursday at lunchtime, I got over to the gym. I went to a spiritual Christian crusade at the Boston Garden that night, so I wanted to make sure I got in a good workout early. By the time I parked my car at the gym, I was already pretty sweaty. Luckily the air conditioning was right up to speed inside - what a relief!
My focus was chest and the dreaded (to most people, and used to be for me) gauntlet. The gauntlet is the nickname for the revolving stairs - not the cute little stairmaster where you pump your legs up and down - No, we are climbing actual stairs at whichever speed you choose. This is a picture of the actual model I use.
Most of the benches were already taken by the lunch time crew from CMC, which is across the street, so I moseyed over to the Smith machines to really push myself on incline bench. An example of what that looks like is below.
For the uninitiated, the Smith is basically a squat rack with safeties, so if you can't handle the weight, you can theoretically drop it and remain uninjured. The Smith has also caused injury to some, in that it prohibits most people from moving within a natural range of motion - you have to move how the bar moves.
As I adjusted my bench, I felt someone glancing at me. It's not entirely unusual at the gym, since I don't lift or work out like most women, so men, and sometimes women, watch to see what I'm doing.
I didn't pay any attention, and went about my chest workout. I noticed Glancer was squatting some very decent weight on the Smith next to me. He came over to ask to borrow a 45 lb plate. I had to yank my ear buds out to hear him, but as soon as I looked up, I smiled, as he was just my type. I didn't really think I have a type, but maybe I do, because Glancer fit it. Almost bald, goatee, nice eyes - and this one had an extra plus- very developed pectorals. I told him he could have just one, because I wasn't going that heavy today (a little gym humor).
You know when you feel like you're staring, but you don't realize it until it almost feels too late, then you ask yourself, "How long have I been staring at this man's pecs?" Yeah.
I went back to my workout, and he to his. I got over to the stepmill and did 20 minutes. I planned on 30 minutes, but I wanted to make some more contact with Glancer. I noticed him glancing around, maybe to see where I went?
I decided to work calves (completely unnecessary, but extra calf work for some extra body work later would be well worth it), which was in the area of his impressive leg workout. He glanced over again. I had the feeling he wanted to talk, but had no idea what to say. Here's where I come in.
Glancer finished a set of barbell presses and kind of walked around. I caught his eye and said, "Legs and delts day?" He said yeah, and I told him he had an impressive leg workout. He had a couple open patella knee braces on, the same exact ones I used to have to wear. I asked him what was up with the knees, and we talked overuse injuries for a few minutes. He introduced himself as Gary. I introduced myself, and he excused himself to perform his next set.
So I'm sitting on a machine, thinking, "Okay, I really shouldn't do more than one more set of these, and I can't really hang around much longer without looking awkward, so WTF?"
I finished as he was finishing his set, but he clearly had many more to go. I told him I was taking off, and we discussed our workout schedules. He's a lunch timer, and I'm usually at work then, so I told him we would probably never see each other again - HINT: ASK ME FOR MY NUMBER NOW, BECAUSE THIS IS IT!
Well, he didn't. So I turned and left. And thought, well, I held up my end of the friendly convo, and he didn't close the deal. So he has a girlfriend or is a lonely gym guy. I got in my car and thought back to his blue eyes, his attractive face, and the PECS. Then said, Fuck it, went home and got ready for my religious experience in Boston. Yes, I do think "fuck it" and "religious experience" fit fine in the same thought.
Thinking I would never see Glancer Gary again, I put him out of mind and got on with my weekend, which included the drive to the TD Banknorth Garden (or the Boston Garden as we all still call it), the spiritual experience, an early morning run the next day, a trip to my sister's and her family's NEW HOUSE in Bedford, some light work in the house to prep for painting, playing with my nephews in their new pool and generally celebrating their new home.
Tonight, Sunday, I had about 90 minutes before the gym closed. I put my hair up, changed my shirt and headed over. Back and biceps needed to be done.
I noticed a lot of fine young men in the gym tonight. No one really stood out, but they were nice to look at and it was nice to get some glances.
As I stood bent over at the waist in front of the mirror, doing dumbbell bent over rows, I glanced up and saw Gary Glancer walking back from the water fountain. Well, well.
I decided to basically ignore him, since he made no move to close the last time I saw him. If he got home Thursday and kicked himself for not asking for my number, here was his chance to make good and get my digits. Of course, I needed to make sure he saw me. I was, after all, bent over with my weights.
Now, I really DID have to go over to his area to finish my back workout. The lat pulldowns were taken earlier, so I got biceps done first, and now I needed to head over to Gary Glancer's area. He was at a Smith machine again, this time with a spotter. I cracked my own joke in my head about not needing a spotter on a Smith, then got to work on further developing my latissimus dorsi.
The fine young men were still in that area, and were still glancing every now and then, so I knew Gary would take notice eventually. I purposely positioned myself where he would have to come out from the squat rack to see me. He came over during my second set and said, "Hi Becky". I looked up, and I'm pretty sure I accurately conveyed a look of surprise. He was even better looking than I remembered. I said, "Hi. Looks like we DID see each other again - and on a Sunday night!" He explained how he was behind on his workouts that week, and I made extra sure not to stare. I nodded, not wanting to seem excited or enthusiastic (I find this sometimes makes the other person start to act enthusiastically, sort of to fill in the void - try it, it works on a lot of people). He said something to the effect of, "well, see ya", and I went back to lifting. He got a sip of water, and as he walked back, I was up spraying cleaner on a paper towel to wipe down my bench. I watched him watch me walk back to my bench, and I could have sworn I heard him kicking himself right then. Or maybe it was my ego kicking around thoughts of unfulfilled "workouts" with Gary.
But no matter. He clearly has a girlfriend, as the convo has only been about workouts. Although I don't find too many men talk to women about workouts unless they're using it as an opening line. But fuck it. I know dude has the sack to ask me for my number, and I'd rather he didn't if he is currently involved. My thought is he might be on his way out of a relationship and is being friendly to anyone who looks interesting, just in case. No harm in that. Never hurts to have a few pots simmering on the back burners in case your main entree in the oven burns.
So I've gone back to supermarket flirting, even since the marinated meats failure. The supermarket is such an innocent place. A cute cashier with braces flirted with me this morning, and even though he was clearly under age, he had the quickness and wit to match me quip for quip. Not many people can do that, and enjoy it. He'll be a fine player in the game when he grows some facial hair.
I ended up at a different supermarket again tonight, after the gym. Not much is going to keep me away from Hood New England Creamery light mint chocolate chip ice cream at $1.49 with a $1 off coupon. That's $0.49 for a half gallon for all you math wizards.
This particular supermarket isn't in the best neighborhood, and I caught a few men doing more than a little glancing. One was a redhead, in the cracker aisle. Now what was I doing in the cracker aisle? A lot of you know me not to eat such things, but I wanted to maybe make a really low calorie cheesecake-like tasting concoction. I got some sugar/fat free cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix, some Calorie Countdown skim milk, then I was considering crumbling a few low fat graham crackers over it, to resemble a crust. Yes, I can get creative when it comes to satisfying a craving without going off the deep end.
So I was comparing two boxes of graham crackers when I felt a glance. Ah, a redhead. Never had a redhead, I thought to myself. Yes, a dirty thought, but it's summer, I'm single, and craving something sweet, so give me a break!
I decided against the crackers, because I knew I could do all I could to crumble a few on top of the pudding, but then I'd have the rest of the box to contend with, and they were too high in calories to have just sitting around my apartment waiting for me to have a nibble attack.
I walked away and into produce. Nothing caught my eye, so as I rounded the corner, there was redhead, totally pretending to be interested in some strawberries or something, but had clearly followed me. At this point I got a little cocky and walked to the other end of the store, thinking, "yeah, follow me now, bitch". Ha ha! Okay, I didn't say or think "bitch" at the time, but it seems funny now. He didn't follow me, so after a bit of hassle in the self scan "express" lane, I went home to try out the ice cream. To rate it, if I had four thumbs to put up, they'd be up. But neither Gary Glancer nor Redhead followed through enough to be the other two thumbs with mine, spooning mint ice cream in air conditioned condo splendor.
Maybe next weekend.
My focus was chest and the dreaded (to most people, and used to be for me) gauntlet. The gauntlet is the nickname for the revolving stairs - not the cute little stairmaster where you pump your legs up and down - No, we are climbing actual stairs at whichever speed you choose. This is a picture of the actual model I use.
Most of the benches were already taken by the lunch time crew from CMC, which is across the street, so I moseyed over to the Smith machines to really push myself on incline bench. An example of what that looks like is below.
For the uninitiated, the Smith is basically a squat rack with safeties, so if you can't handle the weight, you can theoretically drop it and remain uninjured. The Smith has also caused injury to some, in that it prohibits most people from moving within a natural range of motion - you have to move how the bar moves.
As I adjusted my bench, I felt someone glancing at me. It's not entirely unusual at the gym, since I don't lift or work out like most women, so men, and sometimes women, watch to see what I'm doing.
I didn't pay any attention, and went about my chest workout. I noticed Glancer was squatting some very decent weight on the Smith next to me. He came over to ask to borrow a 45 lb plate. I had to yank my ear buds out to hear him, but as soon as I looked up, I smiled, as he was just my type. I didn't really think I have a type, but maybe I do, because Glancer fit it. Almost bald, goatee, nice eyes - and this one had an extra plus- very developed pectorals. I told him he could have just one, because I wasn't going that heavy today (a little gym humor).
You know when you feel like you're staring, but you don't realize it until it almost feels too late, then you ask yourself, "How long have I been staring at this man's pecs?" Yeah.
I went back to my workout, and he to his. I got over to the stepmill and did 20 minutes. I planned on 30 minutes, but I wanted to make some more contact with Glancer. I noticed him glancing around, maybe to see where I went?
I decided to work calves (completely unnecessary, but extra calf work for some extra body work later would be well worth it), which was in the area of his impressive leg workout. He glanced over again. I had the feeling he wanted to talk, but had no idea what to say. Here's where I come in.
Glancer finished a set of barbell presses and kind of walked around. I caught his eye and said, "Legs and delts day?" He said yeah, and I told him he had an impressive leg workout. He had a couple open patella knee braces on, the same exact ones I used to have to wear. I asked him what was up with the knees, and we talked overuse injuries for a few minutes. He introduced himself as Gary. I introduced myself, and he excused himself to perform his next set.
So I'm sitting on a machine, thinking, "Okay, I really shouldn't do more than one more set of these, and I can't really hang around much longer without looking awkward, so WTF?"
I finished as he was finishing his set, but he clearly had many more to go. I told him I was taking off, and we discussed our workout schedules. He's a lunch timer, and I'm usually at work then, so I told him we would probably never see each other again - HINT: ASK ME FOR MY NUMBER NOW, BECAUSE THIS IS IT!
Well, he didn't. So I turned and left. And thought, well, I held up my end of the friendly convo, and he didn't close the deal. So he has a girlfriend or is a lonely gym guy. I got in my car and thought back to his blue eyes, his attractive face, and the PECS. Then said, Fuck it, went home and got ready for my religious experience in Boston. Yes, I do think "fuck it" and "religious experience" fit fine in the same thought.
Thinking I would never see Glancer Gary again, I put him out of mind and got on with my weekend, which included the drive to the TD Banknorth Garden (or the Boston Garden as we all still call it), the spiritual experience, an early morning run the next day, a trip to my sister's and her family's NEW HOUSE in Bedford, some light work in the house to prep for painting, playing with my nephews in their new pool and generally celebrating their new home.
Tonight, Sunday, I had about 90 minutes before the gym closed. I put my hair up, changed my shirt and headed over. Back and biceps needed to be done.
I noticed a lot of fine young men in the gym tonight. No one really stood out, but they were nice to look at and it was nice to get some glances.
As I stood bent over at the waist in front of the mirror, doing dumbbell bent over rows, I glanced up and saw Gary Glancer walking back from the water fountain. Well, well.
I decided to basically ignore him, since he made no move to close the last time I saw him. If he got home Thursday and kicked himself for not asking for my number, here was his chance to make good and get my digits. Of course, I needed to make sure he saw me. I was, after all, bent over with my weights.
Now, I really DID have to go over to his area to finish my back workout. The lat pulldowns were taken earlier, so I got biceps done first, and now I needed to head over to Gary Glancer's area. He was at a Smith machine again, this time with a spotter. I cracked my own joke in my head about not needing a spotter on a Smith, then got to work on further developing my latissimus dorsi.
The fine young men were still in that area, and were still glancing every now and then, so I knew Gary would take notice eventually. I purposely positioned myself where he would have to come out from the squat rack to see me. He came over during my second set and said, "Hi Becky". I looked up, and I'm pretty sure I accurately conveyed a look of surprise. He was even better looking than I remembered. I said, "Hi. Looks like we DID see each other again - and on a Sunday night!" He explained how he was behind on his workouts that week, and I made extra sure not to stare. I nodded, not wanting to seem excited or enthusiastic (I find this sometimes makes the other person start to act enthusiastically, sort of to fill in the void - try it, it works on a lot of people). He said something to the effect of, "well, see ya", and I went back to lifting. He got a sip of water, and as he walked back, I was up spraying cleaner on a paper towel to wipe down my bench. I watched him watch me walk back to my bench, and I could have sworn I heard him kicking himself right then. Or maybe it was my ego kicking around thoughts of unfulfilled "workouts" with Gary.
But no matter. He clearly has a girlfriend, as the convo has only been about workouts. Although I don't find too many men talk to women about workouts unless they're using it as an opening line. But fuck it. I know dude has the sack to ask me for my number, and I'd rather he didn't if he is currently involved. My thought is he might be on his way out of a relationship and is being friendly to anyone who looks interesting, just in case. No harm in that. Never hurts to have a few pots simmering on the back burners in case your main entree in the oven burns.
So I've gone back to supermarket flirting, even since the marinated meats failure. The supermarket is such an innocent place. A cute cashier with braces flirted with me this morning, and even though he was clearly under age, he had the quickness and wit to match me quip for quip. Not many people can do that, and enjoy it. He'll be a fine player in the game when he grows some facial hair.
I ended up at a different supermarket again tonight, after the gym. Not much is going to keep me away from Hood New England Creamery light mint chocolate chip ice cream at $1.49 with a $1 off coupon. That's $0.49 for a half gallon for all you math wizards.
This particular supermarket isn't in the best neighborhood, and I caught a few men doing more than a little glancing. One was a redhead, in the cracker aisle. Now what was I doing in the cracker aisle? A lot of you know me not to eat such things, but I wanted to maybe make a really low calorie cheesecake-like tasting concoction. I got some sugar/fat free cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix, some Calorie Countdown skim milk, then I was considering crumbling a few low fat graham crackers over it, to resemble a crust. Yes, I can get creative when it comes to satisfying a craving without going off the deep end.
So I was comparing two boxes of graham crackers when I felt a glance. Ah, a redhead. Never had a redhead, I thought to myself. Yes, a dirty thought, but it's summer, I'm single, and craving something sweet, so give me a break!
I decided against the crackers, because I knew I could do all I could to crumble a few on top of the pudding, but then I'd have the rest of the box to contend with, and they were too high in calories to have just sitting around my apartment waiting for me to have a nibble attack.
I walked away and into produce. Nothing caught my eye, so as I rounded the corner, there was redhead, totally pretending to be interested in some strawberries or something, but had clearly followed me. At this point I got a little cocky and walked to the other end of the store, thinking, "yeah, follow me now, bitch". Ha ha! Okay, I didn't say or think "bitch" at the time, but it seems funny now. He didn't follow me, so after a bit of hassle in the self scan "express" lane, I went home to try out the ice cream. To rate it, if I had four thumbs to put up, they'd be up. But neither Gary Glancer nor Redhead followed through enough to be the other two thumbs with mine, spooning mint ice cream in air conditioned condo splendor.
Maybe next weekend.
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