Surprise

Do you like surprises?  I am generally not a fan.  Maybe it is because I can't guarantee I can pull off that happy or excited look.

This morning I had the rare opportunity to log into my email from a computer, and as my luck would have it, my mouse happened to be over an email from an ex and I see the picture of him with a burp cloth over his shoulder.

First let me say I am not too surprised by this revelation, as I have said a few times on here I assumed he had a child/children.  This only confirms my assumption.

What I don't know (and I have no doubt I  could find out if I needed to know, which I do not, I have zero desire to know) is who is the baby mamma. Is it the mistress or someone new?  Has he fathered children with different women (this would be my preference for several reasons), and does he like being a dad?  When I knew him, he knew nothing about children it was scary...but like everything else learn as you go.

I am sure his relationship will be strained a little during parenthood because he was so opinionated and stubborn that at times I was uncomfortable around him. I hope he found someone as crazy as he is, and then it would be a moot point.

Best of luck to you.

It is a little ironic that the one man who was willing to compromise on having one child with me because I wanted several, has child/children before me (red flag there that should have known we weren't right for each other, still pissed I wasted 8 years on him)...and I am at the point know where I don't know if I want any, or I should rephrase and say I don't want a baby, but give me a 6 year old.  I know I'd be a great mother so I'll let my fh decide for us about having kids.

Great Falls

The national park association added a new historical park in March 2009- Great Falls in Paterson NJ, making it the 397th national park system unit, though it was a National Landmark since 1976.
It was close by so I thought I'd check it out.  However I was a bit disappointed.  Maybe it is just because the N.P. association has not technically acquired the land, and they have not improved the area.
The Falls were just that, waterfalls that drops 77 feet. Nothing too impressive and not part of a beautiful landscape - are they really the second largest wast of the Mississippi?  Maybe my travels have clouded my perceptions. 
What I hope to see eventually would be a tour of the power plant - with 18, 19 and 20th century water power remnants and raceway system and I have no doubt they will make the park greens more visitor friendly.
I suppose what is fascinating in the history...but do we declare all historical areas national parks?
Alexander Hamilton envisioned Paterson NJ as a large industrial center that would be powered by the waterfalls. It played a vital role during the industrial revolution.
I think having a national park in Paterson will be good, it is such an industrial area that tourists will go because they have goals to check out all the national parks and in turn will bring a little money to the area.  There are some other great things close by, so one could make a day or two doing a few miscellaneous activities in the area
However, do not plan to spend more than 30 minutes here. And do not plan a trip around this location right now.
What was nice is that the current great falls association has jazz on selected Saturday nights in the summer in the parking lot.  It was free, had a relaxing feel and there was some food/beverage vendors.
For more information on The Great Falls visit the national parks website or the Paterson Friends of the Great Falls (www.patersongreatfalls.org).

I'm sexy and I know it

I had a great time at the photo shoot a few weeks ago.  Most of the pictures came out great...and I am not going to show you many of them...but here is one.

Calling on the saints

At my card reading in November, the lady told me to pray to St. Anne; I did not. When we went back a few weeks ago, the lady told my mother that the single daughter needs to reach out to St. Anne (she didn't know of our relationship/I went after).

I figured why not try it...nothing else seems to be working.  I drive around where I knew there was a religious store, but apparently it is no longer there, so I had to order this $16 statue online with a $10 shipping charge.  A few days later it arrives and a few days later I decide to start my 9 day prayer.

Each night I read a short two paragraphs asking St. Anne to intercede for me. 

So, St. Anne, please send me my man soon.

Have you heard/tries this?

Not the end, yet

Yesterday I heard from man friend after 3 weeks, we chatted a little about 'business' stuff then he asked me my feelings on that 'other' stuff.  I told him I was over it, and that I was sorry, he agreed.

But we met up after work because we had those 'business things to discuss' and it was still comfortable and not awkward.  We finish our drink and leave and then he kisses me.  And I take a step back and look at him and ask what he was doing...I thought we agreed to none of that.  So then he says we should talk more so he gets into my car.

He tells me that he wants to enjoy my friendship doing other things besides sex, that it should be just focused around that, that he wants to enjoy me as a person and when we are intimate he enjoys it tremendously because of how intimate we are.   He complained we didn't do things, at which point i get defensive and laugh and ask he he was kidding me...I TRIED to do more things with him, but he wasn't interested: ziplining, archery, montreal, Asheville, hikes, cooking class, wine tasting, etc.  I got tired of it, and we had this conversation two times already.  He said he was over it just because I did, that he didn't mean it, although he is tired of me just going over there, doing our thing and me leaving.   To me it sounds like he wants to actually date now (maybe his depression is over from his last breakup?).  I told him that I am ready for a relationship and that I plan on meeting my future husband in September, and while I don't mind occasionally going over there...he needs to know that I want more out of life, I deserve better.  He laughed that I could plan on something as crazy as meeting my future husband in such time, but continued to suggest we'd have a longer lasting whatever it is we are in.  He kept telling me how attractive I was and how much he enjoys our intimate time, and suggesting what I've wanted, but I learned from SI that words don't really mean much, they might be empty promises and so I am naturally hesitant.

So, I tried to break it off, but again, it was unsuccessful.  I have this issue of loving sex and kissing and when I am seduced, I go with it.  I know he won't hold me back, when I meet the fh, I will not need man friend, just as I won't need cop#1, and I was honest with both of them that their time was running out.  So, I will enjoy the month of August and keep my fingers crossed for September.

Not the smelly one

Sometimes I leave the bathroom stall embarrassed: the person walking in would automatically assume I was the one to stink it up.  But I am not, I suffered just as she had for the few moments it took me to pee.  I know this because I usually poop first thing in the morning.  But I can't say anything because what if she was the one who stink it up and came back to get the rest out, she would internally be mortified, but wouldn't say anything to me.

I am sure I am not the only one that thinks this. 

I also wonder how long the smell lingers and what it can get stuck on.  When it is that bad, can I leave the restroom with a slight poop smell? Would other people notice?  Does the smell damage any of my body parts like my nose hair or lungs? 

I wonder what people eat when they poop that bad, and sadly it seems like it is on a regular basis as I have been leaving the ladies room slightly dizzy.

Birthday incentives

I am really starting to love August 1st.  Since it is my birthday month, I get tons of coupons and emails about special deals just for me for my birthday; not that I need an excuse to spend money.

My all time favorite birthday deal is from Applebee's - a FREE three course meal plus a drink.  Almost any appetizer, any entree, a dessert and any beverage (including alcoholic).  The last two years my sister and I would go twice (we both have August birthdays), eat this mediocre food and delicious dessert and enjoy a $35 free meal and pay a $20 bill (for the extra entrees) plus a nice tip.

Also among my must use birthday coupons are bare minerals, Ann Taylor loft and sephora.

Bulls eye

Was I born to be a sniper? Many years ago I went shooting, I did ok for a first timer. Today I tried archery. After a little warm up, I hit the bullseye and came extremely close a few other times. Overall I'd say I was on the target circle 85%, not bad for my first time.

Handed out my first card

So, I handed out my first business card tonight. Not to a sexy, single man that had potential to be my future husband, but to the woman sitting next to me on the train - her name was Heidi. Don't worry, I haven't turned lesbian yet. I went out for a few drinks after work, and since I am on a modified diet and haven't drank in weeks, I felt the effects of my sangria before the first glass was empty. I had two drinks, peed two times, and was extremely chatty...well, I got on the train with full intentions of text flirting with cop#1, and reading my book, but then Heidi complained about the person lacking and I agreed instead of one 'quiet car' there should only be one loud car, why ,ake everyone suffer? So we start talking about work, and next thing I know I am telling her we are hiring someone for a 50/50 position and gave her my card. But everything happens for a reason right? Maybe she has a single cousin, or will be my future assistant.

Card reading #2

Back to Katie's cottage for more fun.
The people I went with wanted to see Vickie; I was unsure if I wanted my cards read a second time, so I went last. But as everyone was coming out and telling us about their reading, it sounded like she was giving good readings...not that my first reading by her was bad, but it wasn't too informative - then again, I don't have a lot going on.

So my reading:
I have a wedding coming up soon...it is ok not to bring a guest, who knows, maybe I'll meet someone there.
I will have a new lover in 5-6 months, I will meet him when I am with other people, he will be wearing a suit.
Man friend (and she called him that!) is just time to kill. Nothing more.
Before I meet the new lover, I will go on a few dates with someone with a kid. Very short term.
3 major changes coming my way...2 good things, one bad thing. She didn't elaborate.
Someone at my job is leaving in about four months.
My family will have an argument in 3 months.
Money will get better.
I will go away labor day weekend.
I've had only two boyfriends, I don't take relationships lightly.
I will have a short engagement.
There are two children in my future.
I love to spend money.
I'll have one more job.
I am my own worst enemy...she recommended I do something to distract my mind from thinking.
2013 is going to be a much better year than 2012.

I'll keep you posted.

*check under fun for more readings. I've had three tea leaf readings and two card readings at Katie's.

I am the best

Not long ago, man friend and I were talking:

Mf- late nigh play date? ...
Me- I am glad you think I am a decent lay
Mf- decent? One of the best ever. I can't describe how much I love when we are together
Me- hmm, not bad for an inexperienced gal ...
Me- imagine how much better it would be if actual feelings were involved
Mf- I think about that all the time, it would be mind blowing

Ok, so why did I share that? To tell you that I think our sex is good, it wasn't my style, but I've adjusted to how he likes it. With that, I don't get what I like very often, if at all. I am not bothered by it because it's just sex.

Which brings me to my next point. If something is that good and he claims we have 'a strong friendship' I don't know why he is so reluctant to want to be in a relationship with me. Sure, before we met he had just broken up with someone he was dating for a year. Our non-relationship has been going on now for 8 months, and last month I told him I was ready for a relationship and if he wasn't I was going to start dating. (see, I had a blind date and I signed up for an online site - I am ready!). I don't think manfriend thinks I am actively pursuing this, but he has a little more time; I won't cut ties until I find someone else that starts consuming my time.

Tinted windows

I never gave tinted windows a second glance. But now, I am curious why people opt for them, what are they trying to hide? And it must be good because the states can restrict how much tint is legal. Last month I had the privilege of being in a car with super tinted windows and I found out what some people do - and it is no good. It was super exciting and you have a little fear of being caught. My biggest regret is not wearing a dress/skirt so I could have taken more advantage of the blackout windows...but what we did was still super thrilling and exciting. I hope I have the opportunity to take it to the next level, shouldn't everyone have sex in the car at least once?

Glamour shots

I had a great day of fun, thanks to groupon. They had a deal for boudior photography at glamour shots. My homework was to come up with three outfits. I had them do my makeup when I got there since it was included, they offer to do my hair, but I thought it was fine.

For the makeup, they used an airbrush for the foundation, and what grossed me out was that they used the real wand of the mascara and probably never clean the other brushes. I closed my eyes, I didnt want to get more grossed out, and think about the waiver I signed about them not being responsible for any reactions to the makeup. I would have brought my own mascara bottle - and recommend you do.

My session started and my photographer but me at ease, made me laugh and made me feel sexy; he took about 15 pictures in each outfit. 

Once you are done, they first showed you a slide show of all of them, then you go one by one through each to narrow it down for what you'll purchase. The packages were expensive. You pay for each picture you want copyright privileges for, normally this is $160 each, but I got for $90 each and some other discount. I would have loved to get more, but who can afford that? I will get the sideshow, but can't print/download them. It was fun to see the pictures, but also as a huge critic of yourself, I wish I saw them and redid a few...as they didn't come out as great as I would have hoped. Narrowing them down was really hard, I really liked 80%. It was nice to have input from others when they gasped at how nice a picture was or were very silent for a not so good one. So now I just have to wait and then pick up my purchases. Come back soon and I will post a few that I have copyright too.

Stepping up the dating

After my blind date, the stand still with man friend, and hearing about all these people in new relationships so quickly after breakups/divorces, I realized I need to do more. So even though I was resigned to not do the online dating thing again (that is how I met SI 10 years ago), I sucked it up and signed up on Saturday. Writing a profile isn't easy, I like to think I am modest so saying great things about yourself without sounding fake is hard. Words aside, finding the right pictures are hard too. I don't show enough skin, guys skip over me, but I am not looking for someone only into that, I want them to want more. Then I have the issue of not being slender, 80% of the guys want a slender woman...sure they are tiny & cute, but why pass up an amazing gal because she is a little bigger? And, it always seems that the 3-5s message me, but I think I deserve a 7 -8. Who knows, I might not meet my fh this way, but hopefully it will at least get me out of the house a little, I'll learn more about myself, and I'll get a little boost to my self esteem if I keep getting 8 emails a day, even if they are from uglies.

Blind date #1

My sister set me up on a blind date, so of course I went, after all, man friend still hasn't wanted more. I wasn't nervous or optimistic about the date, but I know I need dating experience, which was very evident when I couldn't answer his very basic questions: what do you do in your free time, what is your favorite food, etc? My problem is I don't do favorites...so my responses were questions and then rambling. It was sad and I smiled as I was laughing at myself. That aside I think I make a good first impression. Not to toot my own horn, but I am a great catch, and guys realize that, it is just a matter of time where I feel that way in return. So, while I had zero attraction for this fella, I am happy I got out of the house, did something outside of my comfort zone, and realized I need to learn more about me.

50 Shades of Crap

A few months ago, a bookclub friend told us about this steamy book she was reading - 50 Shades of Grey.  While we decided not to read it as a bookclub book, we all were going to read it anyway.  Soon after she mentioned the book, I started to hear about it everywhere - the news, other people, store windows, facebook. I read the trilogy last month (not having a computer is making blogging more slow - so my review will not be as comprehensive as it could have been right after I read the books). 

After reading the series, I began to talk about it because I had issues with it.  I was the only one out of the few friends I know that had negative things to say.  People were shocked that I didn't love it.  I'll tell you why.  Here are my top three reasons:

1.  The writing was atrocious.  It read like an 8th grade paper, which is great for all those people who stopped reading after school, and finally picked up a book again because of all the hype.  On top of the lousy writing, it was way to repetitive.  I understand the writer wanted to highlight certain terms or whatever - but reading it over and over and over and over and over was really annoying and distracting.  Am I being too harsh? No, just because I read close to a book a week - I want MORE out of my book.  There are other books out there about sex, love, overcoming issues, etc.  So why was this one so popular? I am struggling to understand. 

2.  The sexiness.  I found that many young people and very naive people enjoyed this part immensely.  I am not saying I am very experienced - but I have experimented a little bit and I have about 14 years of sexual experience.  I found it to be a bit unrealistic in (many) parts and the WOW factor of the toys was not that shocking to me.  I found that I was skimming through the sex scenes because they were not that enjoyable for me. 

However, as I was reading it, I could understand why so many people would want more out of their relationships...desire is important (I wrote a post about that months ago).  I have no doubt that this will put into people's heads they are not happy in their relationship and start cheating or getting divorced, only to not find what they imagine could happen (remember, this is a fictional book).  Sure, there are a few lucky few that have that passion and steam, but a majority of our population will not have that indefinitely.  And for goodness sake - don't wait until you read a book to create steam in your relationship...do that for yourself anytime.  I struggle to wonder how I am single, when I seem to be the only person who understands what it takes to want/have a very healthy sex life on top of a great relationship  (it is not impossible).

3.  The story, while not the best, I kept reading. I wanted to finish the series, I wanted to know if it got better and I wanted to be able to talk about the book to other people.  After all, I read all the Harry Potters, Twilight & Hunger Games. It is hard not to read a full series, I need closure.  I enjoyed book 3 the most because they had a that little bit of action in there.

So there it is.  I did not enjoy the books that much.

Cherries

I have been eating a lot of cherries lately. They remind me of my childhood; we had a cherry tree in our back yard.  While it was great to indulge in this snack, most of the time the squirrels for to them before us.

Anyway, today while eating cherries, I realized what they look like - the head of a penis.  Why have I never noticed that before?

Germs go away

Want to hear a funny story?

My sister came down to visit for a few days last week; she also went to the doctor and found out she had strep throat and was taking a high dose amoxicillian.  I barely saw her because I was so busy, but one evening we were eating and filled the dishwasher. We were going to run it the next day.

A few days later I realize we are out of cups and plates so I empty the dishwasher.  A few items were still dirty so I hand washed them, but we've been having some problems with it.  I use the forks, cups, and plates.  Then the next day, I find out the dishwasher was not run - how could I not know? Well, they really prerinse everything anyway.

Last night I made out with manfriend with a little scratchy throat, but he was willing to get that because 'I am worth it'.  But this morning I woke up so sick.  I don't get sick days/vacation yet. I had plans with my family friends for the fourth, and was bummed to not go.  I went to the urgent care and he said it looked liked strep, and put me on amoxicillian.

What a fun day off from work.

And ok, the story isn't really funny - lesson to everyone...germs stay around a while.  Clean those dishes well when someone is sick!

Today was the day

Today was the day I thought I was going to meet my future husband.  I convinced myself this last night and even showered at night to make sure my hair looked great today. I put on a pretty green dress, brought shoes to work and sprayed a sprinkle of perfume.  Yes. Today was the day. 

Two of my coworkers and I went out to lunch, surely I'd meet him there? Work closed at 2pm in honor of the July 4th holiday, maybe I'd meet him on my walk to the train.

And it is supposed to happen when I don't care right?  So cop#1 and I have been flirting intensely and ManFriend has been very attentive and told me lots of interesting things the last two days.  If that isn't screaming I shouldn't meet my fh now, I don't know what is.

But so far today, no future husband. And I find I am quite disappointed.   

A little deeper

It is interesting how the body adapts.  Once a long time ago, I was with a man who was above average in penis size.  My body took it in in all ways, and it was not a big deal.  But then over the course of the last nine years ago or so, I was with penises average and below average.  My body adjusted accordingly.

But what happens when you surprise your body with big again?  You had the same one before, my body should take it all in.  But sadly, it does not right away; it takes a little work, some miscomfort, and a little break.  And of course multiple occasions to get back up to par.  But what is there to not like about all that practice?

Mount Royal

I summited my first mountain.  I would be very proud of myself, except this mountain was really a hill:   Mount Royal peaks at 764 feet.

I walked from my hotel to the mountain, walking the last two blocks up before getting to the 'mountain' was the most strenuous incline.  Once getting into the park, you have two ways to get to the top - taking the stairs or walking the pathway.  I decided on taking the pathway up so I can see parts of the park and the stairs on my way back down.  Frommers was correct in estimating it would take about 45 minutes to get to the top. 

The park was designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead, the guy that designed among other things - Central Park and property at the Biltmore Estate.  Although I have to say, the park was a little more 'boring' than other parks.  The gradual dirt path brought me around to beaver lake, a nice green area, a lake and a restaurant.  This was a very nice area where people would gather; it was very relaxing.

A short walk from beaver lake, you reach the lookout.  Truly a wonderful view of the city.

And about a 15 minute walk further is the cross.  There was a little construction in that area so I couldn't get much further than getting the picture below.  

I took the stairs down the hill; they were quite steep, and I can understand why people go there just to walk to the top. 

http://www.montreal.com/parks/mtroyal.html

My turn as Vanna

Part of my job description is to manage Board operations and with that comes several things I find amusing. 

During our Board meetings, I sit off to the side next to the podium where am in charge of the slide show.  Yes, you read that correctly, I hit the button to move to the next slide - and take notes for the minutes of the meeting.  I suppose one could find that difficult to keep up with the speaker, but 90% of my speakers read off the slides, so it is quite apparent when the slide needs to be changed.

Another of my duties is to stand on a stage during our optional black tie awards ceremony.  I was not sure what to expect my first time, but I wasn't nervous.  My boss sent me up on stage at the very beginning - and I positioned myself in the far back corner because I was not the main person to look at, I was trying to blend in.  So, I stand there during a 10 minute speech - the only other person in the room standing.  I had no idea if everyone was looking at me wondering who I was and why I was on stage.  I smiled, I fake smiled, I stopped smiling because I thought maybe I looked fake. I tried not to move because I didn't want to appear shifty.  I led the audience in applause after the speech.  There was a very brief award given out, where I presented the gift to the person who handed it to the recipient, and then it was time for an eight minute speech, where I again positioned myself in the corner, my feet/legs starting to shake in my heels.  At last my time came.  I felt like Vanna White except I wasn't elegantly walking back and forth across the stage, but was handing the gifts to the presenter to present to the award recipient and scooting backwards so I was not in the picture.  Luckily they stopped allowing the recipients to say anything, they just posed for a picture.

Flaunt those legs

I have been wearing a lot more dresses and skirts at the new job, but I am still not comfortable sharing so much skin.  I think my lower legs are my best feature but I do not have much experience wearing something shorter than my knees. 

When I sat down, the skirt was half way up my thigh, and all day I was distracted by pulling my skirt down.

What are you self conscious about at work? Where do you draw the line on how much skin you show?

squatting over toilets

Whenever I move, the first thing I do is replace my toilet seat. I want it to be mine...not have been used by so many people.


When you travel, do you sit on your hotel toilet?
I am not all that consistent.  If I am at a seedy place or a public restroom, I definitely do not; I squat or lay toilet paper on the toilet.  It isn't super comfortable to squat and poop, but I have done that before too when I am just so disgusted or know it will be quick.  I have good intentions to squatting or placing toilet paper on a toilet everywhere, but sometimes after a flight and a cab or shuttle ride I get to my hotel room, the first thing I would do would be to use the bathroom - then I think 'oh crap, I forgot I didn't want to sit on the toilet' but at that point, I already did it once, so the harm is already done. 

Is the harm done?  Or should I start laying down the paper when I remember to protect my butt from the butt germs before me?

So if your answer was a NO, then what about when you go to a friend's house?  There have been many times I have squatted over my friends toilets.  Should I wonder if I should be friends with these people if I can't sit on their toilets? Of course, I also have a few friends who are cleaner or who I feel more comfortable with and I have never thought about squatting.

Why is this such a thing for me?  Whenever I move, the first thing I do is replace my toilet seat. I want it to be mine...not have been used by so many people.  So why is it that I am

Poutine

I was sitting at the hotel bar, waiting for my french onion soup, minding my own business (since I have a hard time socializing with strangers), when a guy comes and sits near me.  We start chatting because the odds of us both being staff was 98% and it is always 'safe' to talk to colleagues.  So he drank his beer, I ate my soup and then we both finished around the same time, he and his other friends invited me to go for poutine with them.

I had no idea what poutine was, and I just had soup for dinner, but I thought - it would be good to go out and get to know some colleagues.  I was proud of myself for going out of my comfort zone.

We get to the restaurant, Frite Alors! on St. Catherine and the atmosphere was super laid back.  The place was only had 4 other people in there at 9pm on a Saturday night, but it was recommended by the hotel concierge.

Poutine La Boucane

I enjoy trying the local flavors of places I travel to, but I was a little cautious with the fries.  It turns out that poutine is french fries smothered in gravy with cheese curds.  Then you can get other varieties that also include onions, peppers, smoked meat, peppercorns, etc AND they have several varieties of mayonnaise based dipping sauce.  I do not like mayonnaise, so I did not order this - but they did have a nice variety that if you did like mayonnaise, I am sure you would enjoy the sauces. 

So they bring out my 'petite' bowl of fries.  There is no way I was going to eat the whole thing (although I was the only one at my table to not eat the whole thing and they also got small sandwiches with theirs and a slightly smaller version of the basic poutine). 

It was interesting. I liked the gravy on the fries, and I love cheese - and this was my first time having cheese curds.  My variety was extra cheese and there was also peppercorns , which I was not expecting.  I did try the variety with the smoked meat on top - it was not a lot of smoked meat in proportion to the amount of fries, but the meat had an excellent flavor.

I say give poutine a try if you are in Montreal or other areas where it is a common food, even if it is only a small taste.

The mini size was about $7, the petite ranged from $8 - $12, and the larges were a little more but I don't remember and can't find the menu.

L'Original

L'Original in Montreal has a limited menu, but the items were quiet delicious and the presentation of everything was nice.

I started off with the mixed salad with buffalo mozzarella, walnuts and red grapes with a delicious truffle dressing.  The salad was really good, I normally put red grapes in my salad, but what I thought really made it was the candied walnuts and the dressing. 

For my entree I ordered the bison osso bucco.  I never had bison before, so I was not sure what the meat was going to be like; I was pleasantly surprised.  The meat fell apart with the fork, the quinoa was good, and the brussel sprouts were decent. It was a nice size, I had three pieces plus the bone marrow (which I did not eat).   I gave half of one part away so my co-workers could try it and I still had a little bit left in my plate when the waiter took it away.

One colleague ordered the grilled elk steak with wild mushroom and bacon salsa.  I tried a tiny piece of the elk, and although it was a little more rare than I would choose (he explained why they cooked it that way), I still found it pretty good; although I enjoyed mine more.

I also tried the octopus special, but I can say that I am not a big fan of octopus. I ate a smidgen of the small piece she gave me.

The restaurant smelled like vanilla (my favorite smell), and the atmosphere was a little dark & rustic but nice.

wishing to share work trips with a special someone

It was about the time I started blogging that my ex told me he was going to go on a work trip with me.  He even bought a ticket (he emailed me his confirmation) but then a day before departure, he changed his mind.  I was pissed, I mean, I could have asked someone else. 

This time around ManFriend told me he was 'seriously' considering coming to Montreal with me for a few days of my trip.He loved this city since he spent so much time here in college.  After our incident a week or two ago, I assumed he wasn't going to come & asked a few other people if they'd like to come, but to my surprise he said he most likely was - and he was my first choice.  Up until the day before I left he was still a maybe.  I arrived in Montreal I sent him an email asking if I was going to be alone or not, he responded - but not to my question.

How do I attract these people? I mean sure, I don't need him here, and either way it would not really affect me - since my schedule is quite busy, but it still would have been nice to know if I'd have someone to have dinner with one night or someone who could drive back some of my stuff.  Surprises is nice, and it would have been wonderful if he just showed up, but just not saying anything isn't nice either.  But instead, I will get to sleep well since I don't have to worry about his sleep apnea noises.

Oh FH, where are you? I am hoping I meet you this week!

Zippadie do da

Last weekend I tried Ziplining...you know, in case I ever go on the Amazing Race, I need to have this skill.  No, in all seriousness, I purchased a LivingSocial deal in October thinking it would be fun, and since it is on my list of things to do if I ever go to Costa Rica, I wanted to know what I was getting myself in to.

So the place was in Hyde Park, and is very much a beginner course.  There were I think 8 lines.  The group was small (ours was 6, but the max is 8) and two staff.  The staff were wonderful, for first timers, they did ALL the work, they attached us to the line, caught us, removed the thing from the line, attached us to our holding spots...everything except the ride.

I was much happier that our group was all newbies, so we all respected the time it took to build up courage that first time when we left the platform.

We also had 2 Tarzan ropes to get down to the ground with...that was a bit scarier than the zipling.

Two of the platforms we reached by climbing up a firetruck ladder, so we weren't really too high up (ie - if we fell, we probably would have survived in 98% of the course)

Little by little, after each segment, we all started to relax and enjoy ourselves a little more.  On the 7th ride I went off the ledge backwards, and from 6-8 I used one hand to steer myself.  I don't think I every let go completely, I should have...but it just gives me a reason to go back.

Problems packing

Why does it take me so long to pack? I started preparing for my trip days ago, I got out a suitcase, I tried on some clothes, I threw some charges, papers and other things I needed in a pile...and it has been sitting on my living room floor for at least 4 days.

But I can't pack too early because I don't want wrinkles, I need makeup and other things; this process is too long!

I wish I had the ability to just throw things in a bag without trying them on or wondering if they go together. And of course the shoes are perfect for whatever is inside the bag.  I envy those people.

What about the weather...umbrella, light jacket, gym clothes?, realistically how much 'free time' and how does that translate into # of outfits.  Do I really need to pack two black suits,  and a blazer (and skirts and 1 pair pants), but then again I need four work outfits and a dress.

I love traveling.  My last job was easier because the trip duration was different, but after over packing this trip, I will have a better understanding for my future trips. 

Tea leaf reading: take three

I headed down to Katie's Cottage for another tea lead reading; I am averaging every six months.

This time I wasn't thrilled with it, but it could be that 70% of my reading was about Man Friend - how we met, where we hang out, the type of 'relationship' we have & why, that he is an honest and genuine guy, his job, etc.  Then she said "don't get mad at what I am going to tell you", doesn't that get you curious?  She continues "he is not the man you will marry" so I smile and laugh and say I know that!  And she continues that I need someone more intellectually stimulating, and that my intelligence far exceeds his (which I have been noticing this past month and became another red flag). 

She told me I will have a great summer, and will meet the future husband soon.

I will sell my condo and buy a two bedroom place much faster than I think.

As for the job, she reassured me this was a great move, that I am really good at what I do, I have ambition and want to climb the ladder. I will gain the respect of coworkers and clients and make $125,000 in next few years (quite a large difference from now, in case you were wondering).

She said my mental and physical health are fantastic, and that the mental part improved drastically in the last year or two.

I will enjoy my free time in Montreal (I am not sure if she was alluding to me meeting fh there), and something about going to a beach and buying a red bikini.

The others in my group had good readings, everyone was very happy.  Now it is time to wait then look back to see how much was true.

Even though this was my third time, the husband thing has been very consistent as has been that I will be financially stable.  There was no mention of a future wedding, family, or relocation this time, but I am OK with that since other parts are starting to fall into place.

For past posts on the tea leaf readings, click on 'fun' on the tags