Happy Valentine's Day

This holiday use to seriously depress me.  I hated all the cards, flowers and candy - and for good reason, I was jealous and felt sorry for myself.

While I am happy to report that I finally have a valentine, I still haven't fully embraced the holiday.  I don't expect flowers or candy (although a $1 box of Nerds will never be turned away) and this year I don't really even want to go out to a fancy dinner.   Dinner must be had, and I think I'll be cooking (it is the least I can do for my fella) but I haven't ventured to the store yet.

Jason did double and triple check to make sure I wasn't secretly hoping for a fancy Valentine gift.  Nope, tonight we will have dinner, open our cards and then watch a romantic comedy movie.  This plan makes me happy.  Heck we're making our own little valentine and there will be times in our future where I will want to go out, have wine and a real date like we use to "back in the day" but for this year, I'm happy to put on squishy pants (pj's) and tuck onto the couch.  Lucky me!  

For those of you who have yet to locate your Mr. or Ms. Wonderful I say to you, don't give up.  If you're in my world I know you to be a quality, worthy person and while the wait stinks, it will happen.  (You are welcome to punch me in my nose for my convenient, after the fact, optimism.)  Dating blows and you have to have a fair bit of determination and willingness to spend an evening with creepo-magoo but I think if you're paying attention when your person comes along you will see them.  When that time comes I will celebrate with you and shed tears of happiness for your person's good fortune at finding you (finally!)  Heck, I'll even be nice about how damn long it took them to show up.

So, to my own fella, happy subdued valentine's day and to my single friends, I love ya and want you to blow off this made up holiday and remember how damned awesome you are. 

The Purity Test

Saturday is free shred day in Renton and Jason and I are getting ready.  We went through four boxes of old taxes, old bills, college transcripts (a driver's ed completion certificate) and crap left over from Messy Martha.  I doubt that she'll need the divorce paperwork anymore.

Going through stuff I've been hanging onto was freeing.  I may love those old Daly's newsletters but I haven't looked at them in over 15 years and frankly didn't read them last night either.   I also had old letters that I had written to college chums after graduation and while it is fun to see that I was a party girl, I'm not her anymore.

I'm proud of Jason too.  When we moved he promised me that he would go through his boxes of paper and ditch the sales receipts from 1998.  (For the record, I had them too.)  We both will be shredding all tax information except for the last 7 years.  You had your audit chance Mr. IRS, but the 2002 audit window has been closed!

I found some wonderful family history stuff from Messy Marthas final box and saved that stuff.  I'll bring it to Ma & Pa's place over Memorial Day and we'll go through it.

I also found a really fun relic from the days at the paint store.  The Purity Test!  The PT is a 500 questionaire designed to determine your "purity score".  The questions range from platonic relations questions (have you ever had a date, a date past 1am) to legal items (have you ever shoplifted, made out a check that bounced, drugged someone without their knowledge).  The questions get really personal (anal sex, paid for sex, group sex) and quite detailed.

Your score is determined by taking the number of yes answers and identifying your purity percentage.  "The higher the number, the more pure you are; n the same vein, the lower the score, the more of a sleaze-bag you are.

I have a complete test (on paper) and found one online .   Neither require names or identifiable information.

The copy I have is a photocopy from one of the nice paint store boys.  He has is 11/27/1989 and 1/26/1997 score neatly written on the top.  (73.2% down to 66.8%)  I think I need to invite him over for dinner, a test and an updated test. 

I've got an appointment this afternoon, but we'll see if I have time to do my own score. 

The encounter...

Jason and I ran into THE architect at Target this morning. We didn't speak but Jason seemed to be cruising the aisles a lot slower than normal. Perhaps he was hoping for a faceoff or enjoying my state of uncomfortableness.

When we returned to our car the Architect was getting into his and there was an awkward wave and we were off.

I feel ill.

- Terri

things not to say on a date...

Even though we are well on our way to marriage Jason and I still go on dates. Last night when I got back from San Jose he took me to our favorite place for wine and dinner. To be economical we feast on the appetizers which are fabulous and half price before 6:30. The food is small, it is yummy and it is easy on the bank account.

We like to sit at the bar when it is just the two of us and we did so last night. At one point a new person came out of the kitchen with food for our neighbors and I quietly commented to Jason that the waiter had something stuck between his two front teeth.

Jason: Which waiter, the one in the striped shirt?
Terri: Yes, the hot one.
Jason: Uh... that was an adjective I didn't need.
Terri: bwahahahaha Sorry bwahahahaha

I'm sure my apology seemed shallow through the tears of laughter. I guess it's not polite to point out the super hot people to your date.

Happy Birthday Dave!

In honor of friend Dave's birthday his friend Erika organized a huge dinner out. Sadly, due to strange forces of nature the party of 12 turned into a party of 5 (hmm, that sounds familiar.) Over wine and yummy nibbles at Union (on get this... Union) in downtown Seattle Dave's people enjoyed a small but lively evening.

Conversation mostly roamed around the perils of dating. J boldly inquired about why Erika (totally cute) and Dave (completely wonderful) hadn't ever dated. While the two friends awkwardly tried to explain that they'd been 'friends for 20 years' J endured the claw of death while my hand gripped his knee under the table. Hey, you never know...

In anticipation of shared bottles of wine, I booked J and I a room downtown at the Fairmont Olympic. The corporate travel discount at former MegaBank still has some pull. I am shocked that we got such a good rate considering the ENTIRE Washington Redskin football team and their subsequent posses were in the hotel. The lobby was teeming with huge men followed by little people drafting off of their speed. Some of these folks reminded me of those little fish that swim along with the shark and feed off any of the bits the shark misses in its frenzy.

After dinner, J and I slowly walked (super high girl shoes on TP) back up to the hotel and had a night cap. We found a little table in the corner near the piano man and watched the hoopla. Eleven PM must have been the first warning for curfew because all the huge athletic men got up, signed tabs and exited the lounge area leaving pockets of people who suddenly seemed just a little bit less cool.

At breakfast this morning, J asked me why Shawn Alexander (my Christmas card buddy from 2006) hadn't stopped by to say hello. My thought is that he probably thought that since we met for only about 90 seconds a couple years ago that I wouldn't remember him. But that's not the case Shawn, I remember the little people, you should have felt comfortable to stop and say hello.

Our room was lovely, as you would expect at the Olympic Hotel. I did find a 1 1/2 inch piece of metal screw on the floor near the perfectly coordinated chair and almost stepped on it. J, who surprised me with this touch of evilness, suggested we call to the manager and claim I injured my foot and see if we couldn't turn it into complimentary nights at the Lake Louise property in Banff during our honeymoon. When I suggested we jam it up his foot and pretend he was the injured party that idea quickly faded. (What a pussy!)

Taking a "stay-cation" in a local hotel, even at a good rate quickly adds up. As a future unemployed MegaBank employee this might be the last adventure out for a while. However, it was completely worth it because we had so much fun at dinner with Dave and his great friends and didn't have to worry at all about driving.

We did have so much fun that I had to take a nap when we got home. I'm rested now, and J (who doesn't nap) is "watching" the Seahawks / Redskins game with his eyes closed. He hasn't moved in over 30 minutes and I assume that he is either dead or in some sort of meditative state.

A busy Saturday

I'm officially back from my non-vacation to Greece so I guess I should start acting like I'm in town.

Today there's a lot on the agenda. Breakfast with J's work buddy Bob (the anti-relationship guy.) I liked Bob the first time I met him. He told this "great" story about how when he moved his family back to the US from South Africa the funny folks on Air France thought it would be funny to tell him that both the family dog and the bird they were transporting had died in flight. I'm not really sure where someone begins to think that something like that might be funny - but it really wasn't. When they landed in Paris Bob made the folks show him the dog and the bird. For some odd reason every Air France manager was on the tarmac to apologize and make sure Bob was happy. (This happened years and years ago, I'm sure by now they know it isn't funny.)


After breakfast, we are running to my house to pick up some stuff (i.e. my desk and the crock-pot.) A trip to the grocery store is in order as we're bringing 20 pounds of mashed potatoes to a harvest party at Becky's. (20 pounds pre-cooked.) Later this afternoon, while Sleep Country replaces the torn box spring on the brand new bed that J purchased I'll be peeling and boiling potatoes.

Tonight we're going to dinner with our friends Doug & Chelsey. (Are they friends...are they family? They are both.) Anywho Chelsey's parents are coming into town and we're all gathering to celebrate some big news.

Last night, J and I went on a date. We went to SIP in Issaquah for wine, cheese and a yummy dinner and too much desert. He's great for me, as we split the appetizer and the entree. We couldn't decide on which desert to order so we got two, but didn't eat half of either. The leaded coffee was a bad idea, but it tasted GOOD.

So, this day is underway... Bob awaits at the Kirkland Pancake House, so off I go.

Wish I were there

I've been getting photo's like this all week from various points along J's vacation itinerary.

Don't you just want to take your shoes off and walk along the surf line?

Deep Reflections

I had two people tell me yesterday that I'm essentially disappearing. They weren't referring to my skinnier self (although, I am sporting a cute new small skirt purchased in the regular person's department --and not the biggest size on the rack either! When will that stop being novel I wonder?)

These folks, who have the best of intentions, called me on the carpet for basically turning into one of THOSE women who once they are in a relationship start speaking solely in "us" and "we." I certainly don't see myself that way - I still feel 100% like me, only for the first time ever I'm in a solid, adult relationship. "We don't feel that way, we are happy..." (barf)

I hope I can be forgiven for jumping with both feet into this relationship. I understand that it seems inconceivable that after a lifetime of not dating that I would seriously have found "the one" after only being on the market (if you will excuse the phrase) for a month. I didn't think it would happen either... I mean it is insanity to think that the second person you meet is really the one to stick to. However, feeling the way I do about J I won't continue to shop around just because he arrived on my doorstep early in the dating process.

To be fair, no one is suggesting that what I am experiencing isn't real. The concern seems to be the speed at which this became a discussion about long term, life long things. Nothing has been decided yet about that, even though there is plenty of talk. What I find somewhat ironic is that when SadRico started dating again and found his now Mrs. Rico I counseled him to wait 1 year before getting engaged. Am I planning on taking my own advice... nope. However J is on point for when the question is asked, so you never know it might be a year, or never... I'm not overly traditional, but on that front - boys ask the girl.

Regardless of my inexperience in the dating realm, I am a strong, confident person who knows exactly what I want out of this life. I have made significant decisions to get myself to where I am today and I fully intend to continue down the patch I'm on. Having a partner I trust, adore and feel completely at home with is the bonus of all bonuses as I move forward with my life.

It is hard when people you love don't immediately jump on the "OMG I'm so happy for you" bandwagon, but I appreciate their candor. Their comments are not being ignored, and I promise you that in addition to allowing myself to feel happiness and joy over finding J that I have spent time focusing on if he's the one I'm going to hitch my star to, or if I should let him hitch his star to mine. I keep comimg back to the fact that my list of practical things I need / want / deserve in a partner are present in this person. Plus, in the non-practical way he makes me happy. That counts too.

In no way am I suggesting he's perfect. I'm not perfect and neither are you - right!? I know that we will hit a hitch and argue about something we both feel passionate about. Only time will tell how we weather that event. I know that there might be times when I look across the table at him and wonder what I was thinking? (I really can't imagine that scenario, but based on everyone I know who is married it seems that you ALL have had that thought at one point or another, so it seems logical that it will happen to me.)

I know these folks are honestly and genuinely happy for me. Their concern is appreciated and I don't fault them for looking at my inexperience and trying to help me 'see the big picture' but I fully believe I'm seeing it.

I'm seeing the big picture and I love what I see.

Here I am

I took J to the airport this morning. He and his parents are spending a week discovering historic early America. They will be exploring Jamestown, Fredricksburg and other sites important to our collective history.

I'm not overly excited about him being gone for a week, but as my three week Greece holiday is coming right up I was careful not to be whiny about his trip. I teased him about him finding someone better while he was on his trip but since he's traveling with his parents and their friend Sally (65) its pretty unlikely.

J has been dolling out the information about he and I to his parents in a slow and indirect way. I keep telling him that his mom is a woman and that she NEEDS details, but he's convinced that because they haven't been able to see us together like my family and the rest of his that it's better not to overwhelm her with how serious things are. I kind of get it, its only been two months and some of my people are surprised at the level of togetherness that J and I have achieved - but "they" say... when you know, you know.

His parents will be here for Thanksgiving and Christmas and I'm pretty confident that by Thanksgiving his parents will be 100% in the know about us. Heck, I think they are already - you can't tell me that not one of the 400 cousins hasn't called to "share" about J's girlfriend who they got to meet. Or that the fact that I'm at his house every time they call - 10 pm Saturday night and still there at 9am Sunday morning... these are smart people and it doesn't take a rocket scientist.

Boys and their moms have a special bond which I appreciate and will honor, but I think he fails to realize that in some areas women are women. He thinks that because she's the mother of a son that she's not into the girly things and I think he's wrong. We were talking about the planning of a large hypothetical social event (calm down, nothing is planned or seriously on the table at this point) and I suggested that if we get to that point I'd like to make sure his mom gets to be participate in the planning. He assured me that she wouldn't care about that (again, because she's the mother of a son.) Oh, I 100% disagree. I bet money that if it should come to pass that she'll be excited and probably touched to be included.

Anyway, all that is neither here nor there. There's no planning taking place - we're focused on getting through this week, enjoying our long weekend in Long Beach in two weeks and then getting through the 22 days while TP is hanging out in Greece. And, if I hear from one more person that "absence makes the heart grow fonder", I'm going to pop them in the mouth. Yes, missing someone does intensify your feelings but it also sucks. Besides, I'm not sure how much more fond of J I can get...

So, J's out of town and like the friend who only calls you when they are between relationships I expect to be posting more frequently this week.

Odd.

I know, I know, I’ve been getting your email hints about the lack of blogging. Clearly, you know that this dating thing is going extremely well and it has been keeping me from my normal blogging activities. Blogging during the day (at work) really is supposed to be an exception and not the norm. My employer kind of wants me to focus on work, while I’m at work… CRAZY.

However, today is not the day in which I will completely live the “keep work and life separate” motto. I’m spinning on a number of topics that I should be able to work out on my own but I need to over share.

The first thing that’s going on with me is an odd state about the Greece trip. While I’m looking forward to it, it is just kind of looming out there as something that’s coming. I’m not in my normal state of pre-vacation excitement. Generally about this time I’ve started practicing my new language, spent time in the maps, planned out things I want to see and have been doing research on the history of the area. So far, I’ve only bought a couple swimsuits and am working out the items I need to pack. I haven’t spent as much time as I should yet to figure out where I’m going to stay in Athens and then in Rhodes.

I spoke yesterday with one of the folks who will be on the trip with me it wasn’t an instant “friendship” match, but he seemed like a tolerable fellow. I think the trip is going be small, meaning that instead of three boats of people we will likely be one boat. Maybe that will translate into more personal space for TPgal on the boat or more importantly less restrictions on how often we can shower.

Perhaps tonight I will do more Greece homework and finally mail the Seascape people my itinerary. Some of this apathy has to do with the horrific amount of work that has to get done before I can leave without guilt, but mostly it's about looking forward to other things in my life. Such as:

J and I are headed to Long Beach for a weekend at the end of September. I can't wait to show him where I grew up. He grew up in Denver and the ocean is a spectacular place to visit. I'll get to take him to some of my favorite places on earth. I hope the weather will cooperate because the beach is best experienced outdoors. Even if it's raining, we'll bundle up and enjoy walks on the beach. Oh gosh, I can't wait!!!

and

J and I finalized plans for a trip to visit his parents in February. This will be a mildly long weekend (Friday through Tuesday) with many of his relatives coming to help celebrate his dad’s 70^th birthday. Even though we’ll be forced to endure a weekend of chastity sleeping arrangements (i.e. him in the basement and me with an ankle bracelet low jack in an upstairs room) I’m really looking forward to it. There are a few things about the trip that I think will be great including spending good quality time with his parents, seeing where he grew up, and hanging out in Denver with someone who knows and likes the area. I’ll also get to see my gal pal Misty that weekend.

I think it’s odd that I’m more jazzed about a weekend in Long Beach and then in Denver with my new dude than I am about three weeks in Greece. I AM MENTALLY ILL.

Summer's Over

With the long weekend behind us, its time to settle down and really focus on work. The days of daydreaming about romance and allowing the weight loss journey to be a reason to be distracted at the office need to end.

I'm leaving for Greece in 28 days and I have A LOT of work to do before I can leave without worry. The only way to get it done is to actually... um.... start. (of course, instead of being on the early bus this morning, I'm blogging. Perhaps I need a lesson in action vs. words.)

The long weekend was amazing. Even though we didn't really go anywhere it was great. I met the remainder of J's Seattle based family. They were funny and very nice. I felt very at ease and look forward to more 'family' events. Now, all that is left is meeting his parents. Based on how the rest of the family talks about J's M&D I'm not concerned at all about them. They are clearly adored.

Sunday, J & I met my parents in Roslyn for lunch. Roslyn is kind of a halfway point between where my parents live and here and my parents enjoy the Brick tavern. We didn't know it, but it was some sort of Pioneer Day or Logger Jamboree celebration. A parade was about to start as we pulled into town. We timed our visit perfectly as we moved inside the tavern, settled at a table while the parade was going on outside. We enjoyed a nice long, easy visit and then some of the parade participants came into the tavern and performed. The bag pipers played 4 or 5 songs and my dad was in heaven. My parents were taken with J and any anxiety I may have had about the visit wasn't an issue.

I talked to Mom last night and she said she could see that he's family. She said she was glad she finally got to meet him because we're moving at warp speed over here and she felt strange that she hadn't yet. She also said my aunts are concerned about the swiftness of this relationship, but once I get back from Greece J and I will head over for a visit and they will understand when they see us together.

Sunday night, J and I made dinner and opened some great wine. I really love that we can spend the whole day together and still sit and talk for hours.

We spent Monday on the couch watching movies and catching up on the Closer and Project Runway. We didn't actually watch The Committments - we mostly napped through it.

It was a great weekend. I need to head to the office, there may be more later...

Donde' esta tp gal?

I know I have been missing in action for ages. It's not like I don't have anything to say, I do. I've got a "fun" story about the wonderful efficiencies at the Social Security Administration, but I want to talk to my attorney so I can post the whole story.

I've also got an exciting story about laundry, and one about belly button lint (kidding on both fronts!)

There's lots going on in tp-land and I think you can all safely blame my lack of posting on J! He's terrible - he calls every night, he's attentive, interesting and totally fun to be around. You can see where that's a HUGE problem. It's almost as if I'd rather be spending time with him than alone in front of my computer.... almost.

Tonight we're getting together with the fun cousins for an evening of cards and Big Brother. I'm assured the show will be exciting because it's DOUBLE ELIMINATION night! I am so excited. I can hardly breathe. (Of course, my enthusiasm could be a bit on the false side considering I don't actually watch Big Brother so I don't give a rats ass about the people in the house.) I am however, willing to go with the flow. These are fun people and apparently Thursday night tv is a tradition, and I like that they want me to participate. I'm told that when Survivor returns I'll be just as into it as they are. I do agree that watching a show like Survivor will be more enjoyable if I'm watching from the beginning.

On the work front... ick. I keep trying to figure out how to not have to work and yet still collect my paycheck. So far it isn't coming to me. J seems unwilling to take on another full time job just so I can sleep in and hang out at the pool (I have no pool, so don't even think about coming to visit.) He's actually quite selfish like that. Frankly, I think he's too good for me! (wait... freudian slip, maybe I'm too good... nope, I like it better the first way.)

Ok. I have to go to work now. Boo. Today feels like Friday though, so that's good. Tomorrow will be a half day because I'm going to leave early and have my toes done. Spa Friday!

Nickname Search

J and I have been playing around with nick names or pet names for each other. Since neither one of us has really dated anyone of significance we are enjoying the stupid things that you folks who have been paired up for ever and a day may just not even think of as special or cute. We know we are totally sickly sweet and gross right now. It is not lost on either of us – don’t feel bad if you want to throw up a little – I understand. I also know it won’t last forever, so I’m just going to soak it up.

Anyway, back to the nickname thing. Here are some of the candidates for pet names:

Poopie – this is a standard that I use, it is not overly cute and is not in reference to flatulence
Baby - better in writing than verbalized. I feel awkward with this one mostly because I have friends who really use it, so when I think “baby” I think of someone in a corner, or my friends Misty and Drew.

Sunshine – this one is inbound and outbound. I like it.
Honey Bun – this might be a joke, I’m not sure. “Honey Bunny” was from Pulp Fiction and I’m pretty sure J doesn’t intend for us to hold up a crappy diner any time soon.

Gorgeous – awww he’s so nice to me.
Hot Stuff – my outbound to J.
Sweetie – this is me outbound and I’ve been using it a lot, it’s likely a keeper
Sarcasmo – as we get more comfortable with each other and the funny sarcastic comments fly more freely, J is quickly earning this name.

McMuffin – I popped off with this one this morning, it made me laugh but I don’t think it’s a contender for permanent rotation.

Spanky - J didn’t like it
Beavis – J didn’t like it
Boo Boo - this one pops out every now and then, but it is technically "owned" by another set of friends (in the singular "Boo")

Jay - this is a direct result of blog "J" it bugs me when it pops out of my mouth. I know his name (mostly.)

Other funny nicknames that have popped up are Tammy (J called me this to his mom) it is ironic because when people get my name wrong it is generally is Tammy or Tracey, so he was right on target. I couldn’t get mad because TWICE I have introduced him as Justin (which is so NOT his name.)

Hump Day

As we inch towards the weekend I am again reminded of just how charmed my life is right now. I woke up this morning with a sense of peace and happiness. It helps of course that J came home from Denver yesterday and we were able to have dinner and hang out last night. He is amazing at communication so with the calls, emails and text messages we talked just as much this weekend as we would have if he had been home (maybe not quite as much, but plenty.) However, face to face talking is just better.

I know that I'm in an unrealistic vortex of "new love" bliss and that the reality of life will eventually seep back in. But for now, I'm going to see the world through this lens. I was cranky for a long long time, and now I choose to be happy.

Speaking of sweet, J's mom sent home a birthday card for me. How nice was that? I'm looking forward to meeting both of his parents in November.

I hope my sticky sweet outlook on life is contagious (vs. feeling like you want to throw up a little because it's too sweet.)

For the record I do want to tell you about something that J and I talked about last night in relation to this happiness festival. I didn't say it very eloquently and might not now, but I think one of the reasons J and I were able to connect was that we both walked into this already happy and content. Finding him makes the good stuff in my life better but he is not the sole source of why I'm so happy these days. Oh, it helps that he's so great and that I'm having really strong feelings about him, but he's the icing on the cake, not the cake.

That's the end of personal announcements this morning, have a great day.

08-08-08

I took the day off today to get "party stuff" done, and here it is noon and so far... it's all been personal grooming and boyfriend stalking.

Toes - newly painted
Fingernails - newly manicured
Eye Brows - newly shorn
Hair - appt. made

Car - not packed
flowers - not purchased
food - not purchased
table - couldn't collapse it, and am trying to work something else out.

Boyfriend - eStalked (texts and email) This poor guy. He's only out of town until Tuesday morning and I'm worried that I'm turning into Glenn Close. Actually, now that the activities of the day are picking up I'm pretty sure the estalking activities will go down. Don't worry that it's all me either - the communication is pretty evenly distributed inbound and outbound.

I'm really starting to feel bad (not really the right word) about the 22 day Greece trip. I'm going to have a blast and am so happy that I'm doing this for myself. For the record there has been no suggestion of trip cancellation or shortening, but it will suck for both of us to be out of contact for that long. Maybe I'll outsource my part of the relationship to someone for those three weeks so he won't be bored. I just need to find someone to call him and be funny (but not too funny...) and cute (but not too cute...) while I'm away. Nope, that's a VERY bad idea. It would be sad to come home all tan and happy to see my man and have him necking on the couch with the "outsourced version of TP gal". *oh, heartbreak* I'll just have to find some way to leave him with something to think fondly of while I'm away. Like a book or something.

Anyway, back to reality... headed over to Rico's. See you tomorrow I hope!

Party Prep

The big 40th event is Saturday.

Planning and preparations are in full swing. J hooked us up with music, Rico and I have planned a menu of treats, Yaz is cooking up a plethora of brownies, June is brewing enough Sangria to feed an army, and Mother Nature is threatening to rain us out.

I'm not overly worried about the weather. If the party has to move indoors it has to move indoors. There's no sense in fretting about it.

I'm excited by the number of people who said they can make it. It's going to be a great mix of people from all over my life. Since "my" people are pretty fantastic it will be wonderful to see them all in one place.

There will be some notable absences due to vacations but I completely understand. I do have some awareness that the entire world doesn't revolve around me. Some.

I bought a dress to wear, but I don't think I can pull it off. It's a halter and is draws attention to the ladies. I'm not overly comfortable in it, so I'm 95% sure it's going back.
From this angle it kind of looks maternity-ish, but it didn't feel that way in the store.

I have to say that taking photos of yourself in your clothing is an amazing way to actually SEE what you look like. The mirror is pretty kind, but a camera shows you what it is.

I've stopped wearing certain things after taking photos for the weight loss updates.

BTW - the cool thing about this little dress (and this is for the ladies) is that it's a 12! I mean holy crap, it's a 12! I was in a 28 in November. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm jumping into size 12 jeans anytime soon - but it still counts.

Anyway - I'll be taking Friday off of work to finish up the gathering of supplies and to assist Rico with the food prep. He's such a good guy to help out. I bought a very pretty vase from the store Twist as a thank you to Rico and Cindy for the use of their house. It's painted with platinum and then fired. It is arty and I hope they like it.

I told them I didn't want any gifts because they were doing so much, but I think the ship has sailed on that front.

On the not party front J came over for dinner last night. We watched Rendition and tried to stay cool. You know it is hot when you have to stop holding hands because it is too warm. We talked for a few hours, I whined about his trip to Denver (not seriously) and then it was time for him to go. I really hate that part. (Warning - sickly sweet statement coming up.) I love that we can spend hours together and yet I still want to talk to him right before I go to sleep. I think it is safe to announce that I'm smitten.

Later! It's going to be hot today... drink lots of water.

Sun Scream & Meeting (more) of the family

You would think that after 39 years and 359 days of life that I would figure out that I need to wear sunblock on a bright day.

Nope. We were out today watching the Blue Angels - which were great, and I got totally fried.

Dumb TP! The clerk at Safeway felt the need to tell me I was burned. I rolled my eyes at her, but when I got home I realized she was completely correct. Hopefully it will tone down in the next day or so. It's so embarrassing to be the "sunburned" person at work after a sunny day. Usually at my office it's "The Todd" that is a lobster, but alas, I may win the dumb ass award this week.

Meeting more of J's people today was fine. The one they have been warning me about seemed harmless. We'll be having dinner together Thursday when I do my first ever boyfriend airport drop off. I hope to not get the 3rd degree, but will be on my best behavior because they, J & "the one they warned me about" are headed to Denver to visit J's parents (and a class reunion.) I don't need to give "totwma" ammunition for a long weekend of talks w/ J's mom about how kookey I am. Fortunately, Dan (J's cousin-in-law and best friend) won't be there. He's damned funny, but is incorrigible and I'm not sure "totwma" would appreciate the fast humor. (Hey Dan, you made the blog!) There are folks you can joke with right away (J & Dan) and folks you want to hold off on that for a bit ("totwma".) You have to be careful when those worlds intersect because the fun world can negatively impact the other world. I need to be a grown-up Thursday. But, don't worry, I'll be back to my normal silly self Saturday.

After the Blue Angels and a hot lunch on the deck at some pub in Issaquah, I got a call from Janie who sounded a lot like Miami Robert. Yeah! So, we headed up to Alderwood for a quick visit. It was the perfect, fast meet and greet. It's so wonderful to see Robert whenever he's in town, and I love Janie... J got the "you pass" whisper from Janie as we left the restaurant - which is funny because that was his email to me after I answered his funky match.com questions. "You Pass!" Um, didn't know it was a test.

It was a great weekend, in spite of the hopes to "just hang out" we ended up doing quite a bit, Costco, brunch, family lunches, meeting more of my people, a couple movies (DVD) and planning for the birthday party. I'm happy to report that while I am tired (sunburn hangover?) that J and I aren't running out of things to talk and laugh about. It might have been easy to overdose this weekend, but I think we're ok.

Have a great week. It's going to be a busy one... and then (whoa) my silly 40th birthday. (No singing!)

Moms are so cute...

In a phone conversation with Mom and Dad today this is what sort of went down.

Me: I'd like you to meet J. (x time, x date, x rules!)
Mom: So, are you going steady?
Dad: Oh G, no one talks like that anymore.
Me: Yes, J and I built a time machine and traveled back to 1963 where he gave me his fraternity pin.
Mom: Well, I don't know... it's not like you're boyfriend and girlfriend yet.
Me: Well, we're both freely using the terms without hesitation.
Mom: Oh, well that's.... um, wow. Well, I .. um.. wow
Dad: G, calm down
Me: yeah, I gotta go, you're freaking me out. Please keep in mind that when we meet, you have to be as NORMAL AS POSSIBLE. You have 30 days to get it together.

Something to hold you over

It might be a low posting weekend. I don't intend to be home much. There aren't grand plans for this first weekend in August, but all the "hanging out" will occur at not-casa la TP. If you need me, the cell is the thing.

Rico and Mrs. Rico are hosting a casual brunch Saturday for J and I where we will finalize plans for THE event next Saturday. I'm really thankful that R & Mrs. R are letting me use their home. I need to come up with a great thank you gift. Maybe J and I will work that out Saturday afternoon. Something from Fireworks would be cool - I love that store. Of course, with the closure of I-90 this weekend we'll have to time any trip to Bellevue accordingly.

Traffic around my side of the lake is going to suck here very rapidly. They are closing 405 to remove the Wilburton tunnel which is basically going to kill any north of I-90 driving for me. That really only means the good mall is off limits for a month. But since I just picked up new pants yesterday I'm set.

The new pants are actually kind of wonderful. I bought two pairs of size 16 in the petite section. Not 16 women's, not 16 extended sizes… but a regular size 16. It makes me kind of nervous to wander around in the regular persons sections at the stores. I worry that the sales people are going to direct me to the "women's" section because I don't belong in their part of the store. I feel a little shy when I ask if I can try things on, but the salespeople are kind as can be.

I wonder how long it will take to not automatically gravitate to the big lady clothes? I tried on at least 10 pairs of pants in the women's world and didn't find anything that fit. All too big, too baggy. Oh to have these problems… Well, I did buy a pair of black jeans - but they were a size 14W (see how that works.. size 14 in the big sizes and 16 in the regular sizes.) There is a reason that men should never try to buy their women clothes. Sizing is all over the board. Store selection will change your size too…I'm in a 12/14 at lane bryant - but I'm really hating their clothes and don't ever need to go there again. (14W is really as small as the women's sizes go, so I'm likely done with those forever.)

The whole thing about seeing myself in a new way takes some getting use to. I know I'm not a big person anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't feel like it. For the most part that super negative inner dialog is gone, but I think people still see me as the big person I use to be (even people I am encountering for the first time.) That makes no sense, but it is what it is.

Counter to that is how dang fabulous I feel at times. J and I are headed out to dinner tonight and I have a super cute dress to wear and will be donning "THE" red shoes. How fun to hit the town looking spectacular with my nice new guy on my arm.

Ok - enough of the rambling. I'm off to the bookstore and to check out the new IGA grocery store downtown. (I need cheese!)

Sorry....life taking over

I was informed this afternoon that the 'people' are waiting for a new blog entry.

I spent the evening yesterday with my friend Ali who is about to leave the NW on a sailboat with her man Captain Tiz. They are taking a year and heading around the world - first to the San Juans for a practice run and then to Mexico. They want to eventually end up in the Mediterranean and spend time in Europe.

After months of work on the boat, she's ready to go. They are leaving next week and Ali invited her 'girls' over for a night of beverages, games and general merriment. I was invited to sleep over, which I did. The little guest berth was quite comfortable and I can see where if you can stand wearing the same clothes day after day after day that boat life could be really appealing.

The "guest room" can sleep two, but you would have to be really friendly and not at all claustrophobic. I've been invited to head down in the spring to Mexico but we'll see what the vacation plans for next year brings.

Right now, I'm focused on work (NOT), my birthday event, a hoped for 'business trip' in September, a weekend in Long Beach with J (fun!) and then that little 21 day European thing. I'm trying to talk J into being the guest blogger while I'm away. He might be up for it. I wouldn't want you to have to endure 22 days of no updates.

Looking ahead, I'm into November with plans already. How can that be? I'm just not that popular and yet….NOVEMBER!? There are a couple weekends scattered throughout that aren't spoken for, but I may guard them with my life.

Labor day weekend is open and I may subject J to a road trip to "meet the parents" but don’t tell him. I probably should ask him first. (Again, maybe I don't understand this whole Internet thing.) So Mom… I'm not talking about coming over for the weekend. Maybe we can do the Roslyn thing on Saturday or Sunday. I'll talk to J and then give you a call. If it doesn't work out, prepare yourself that it may be November before there's an actual face to face meeting.

Ali suggested that we do a cross parent meeting. I'm all - like why!? She gave me some song and dance about apples and trees, and I'm thinking "I KNOW", which is why the cross parent meeting thing seems scary. What if they take one look at my people and decide I'm not worthy of their little boy? (My people are wonderful…but we are afflicted with a terrible problem of sounding like idiots when trying to make a good impression.)

Drat… my boss just vetoed my conference request for September. It would have been really fun too. Oh well; I'll just have to call in sick that week and pretend I'm in Arizona.

Crap…. Fire drill. That's twice this week. Got to go.