Definitions, must we always pigeon hole?




Well, for lack of a better term, one must revert to Greek and so, I am polyamorous. A new phase in life, and most curious to see how it all shapes up. It has been a long, sometimes hard road the last year, and now settling into a nice routine of having a wide variety of friends of all kinds to satisfy my many needs and wants. Always thought it was a bit unreasonable to expect one person to be all things to you. If you happen to truly find such a person, kudos toyou, appreciate them. As for me, I think I will keep spreading the hugs around. No need to hoard them.

Contentment



Not sure if the pictures are a bit much or overstating it, but really, can you overstate contentment? Not likely I say.



Just having such an amazing time with my boys, G, J, and Z, as well as my cuddle group friends.



So what if I am dead broke and living on a tight budget? There is nothing that money can buy me that I don't already have.

Thank you boys, you make Auntie Barb ludicrously happy.

**Schmooches**

Videos

Had to upload them somewhere since YouTube was taking too long.
Post-taping of "The Hour" with your boyfriend and mine, George Stromboulopoulos.
Sri Lanka genocide protest, University Avenue.

Actual Molson Canadian commercial

First time with a pro...



cuddle party facilitator. What were you thinking? ;)
Yesterday I attended a cuddle party thrown by someone else and it was a great experience. While we have a cuddle group of our own on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=13170529966) it was still interesting to attend a party thrown by a professional facilitator.
Got to meet some great new people, not sure if I would ever see them again or if they might join our group, but overall it was a very positive, rewarding experience. It give me a couple of possible ideas for our group's cuddle party, but to be honest, the members seem to be happy with the way things are being run currently, so I am rather undecided between maintaining the status quo and doing a little something to liven things up.
Nonetheless, there can't be enough cuddling as far as I am concerned, so hope the word about cuddle parties spreads and of course, the more the merrier.

Perspective gained















I SALUTE THIS GIRL!!!

Oxford and Cambridge have now decided to remove the words CAN'T and IMPOSSIBLE from their dictionary.

Jessica Cox, 25, a girl born without arms, stands inside an aircraft. The girl from Tucson, Arizona got the Sport Pilot certificate lately and
became the first pilot licensed to fly using only her feet.
Jessica Cox of Tucson was born without arms, but that has only stopped her from doing one thing: using the word "can't."
Her latest flight into the seemingly impossible is becoming the first pilot licensed to fly using only her feet.
With one foot manning the controls and the other delicately guiding the steering column, Cox, 25, soared to achieve a Sport Pilot certificate. Her certificate qualifies her to fly a light-sport aircraft to altitudes of 10,000 feet.
"She's a good pilot. She's rock solid," said Parrish Traweek, 42, the flying instructor at San Manuel's Ray Blair Airport.
Parrish Traweek runs PC Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Services and has trained many pilots, some of whom didn't come close to Cox's abilities.

"When she came up here driving a car," Traweek recalled, "I knew she'd have no problem flying a plane."
Doctors never learned why she was born without arms, but she figured out early on that she didn't want to use prosthetic devices.

Deconstructing....reconstructing...life is a never-ending Do-It-Yourself Project



So the process continues with renewed focus, greater clarity of the desired result and renewed hope. It might be the turning of the calendar to a new year, or simply the need to move forward and despite both personal and global dire financial straits, I am hopeful looking forward. It might simply be the fact that I know that sometimes in order to build something better, you need to deconstruct what exists. Something like the picture here, maybe it's that the old structure is outdated or outmoded and even though you've tried your very valiant best to keep it up, finally you have to step back, re-evaluate the big picture and if it doesn't match what you see in your mind's eye, you just have to suck it up and start again.

With regards to the global picture, well, I can't worry about something I can have no affect on, so I don't even bother trying. Yes, it does worry me on how it might affect me on a personal level, losing my job now would be the last straw for this camel's back. That is why I am so grateful of having the position I do, it's not perfect and there are no guarantees in life, but it's as close as I will ever be to a "safe" job. So that is one less worry, but on a deeper level, being broke and living on a tight budget for at least this year, is something that will take some adjusting. I have done it before and under tighter and more stressful circumstances, so I know how, it's just that no one likes to be poor, me among them. Mind you, I am not high spending, high maintenance type of gal anyways, but well, I do like my creature comforts and ease of cash flow. Oh well, that's the least of my concerns to be frank, money has always been just a means to and end for me.
Reconstructing a personal life, now that's a much bigger goal.

First step, start with the end result in mind. To use the picture of the house again to illustrate this, kind of like the finished "artist's depiction" of a construction project. Working backwards, getting down to the architectural plans, the "how" of it all. So, I have been seriously pondering what I want my life to look like, what I want it to include and not include, where the boundaries are and how firm they are set. Yeah, big heady stuff to be sure. Again, it's not like I had much of a choice and could go on coasting as I had been doing for the last year, merely coping and dealing with everything life was throwing at me. I have to start by playing a more active role in the construction of my life and stop merely reacting to events. More proactive and less reactive. Or as the kids say "it's time to get real with myself".

So, what do I want my life to look, feel, sound, smell, be like? Well, this is where it gets interesting, to say the least. I have discovered, sometimes through painful life experiences, that one must be careful what they wish for, because once you put it out into the ether, the universe will respond, just not always the way one might have expected. So, perhaps for here, I will keep it to the general overview and not mess with the universe too much.




First off, I would like to declare myself a bachelor(ete) that is not the same as "never", because that is a long time, but until I find someone that is truly my equal in spirit, I see no other reason to get married. If being engaged to my ex-g/f taught me anything, its that you can't row the boat by yourself, not for long anyways. So, like George Clooney said, until that time comes, I am single.
In this same vain, and should any of my friends, or Friends With Benefits who might be reading this, you know I adore you and cherish the time we spend together, so please don't look at my need for Independence as a reflection on you in any negative way.
To anyone who I might have come across during my summer on CL or wherever else and you found this blog, please understand that there are only so many hours in a day and I wish it could have worked out, but I am done with the searching process and now working on nurturing and deepening the relationships that have formed.

So, there is also work, volunteer work, recreation, and other areas of my life that I need to focus on, not to mention the constant issue of finances and you can see that I really have my plate full. Which is good, not complaining mind you, just observing the blessing of having such a rich and full life in so many ways. The most precious thing of all being the freedom that I have, especially living in a country like Canada, with opportunities galore. Where being female, or bi or an immigrant or whatever is not an obstacle to fulfilling my dreams and aspirations. As well as having resources available to me in health care, business and recreation to utilize, often for free or a minimal user fee, this is nothing to sneeze at.
While I am not into making new year's resolutions, some future habits that I would like to possess though, include: being more appreciate to those that are good to me, telling them as well as showing them. People also need to hear it as well as see that you appreciate them and so, focus less on those that don't or didn't measure up and be more centered on those that did/do.
I will never be a lover of money, but I need to be more creative in my spending or not spending. Finding non-monetary ways to get what I might want or need. It's too easy a habit I formed to spend my way out of situations. You can't always spend your way out of things. I am also not getting any younger, and I will need money to live on when the old back is too old and tired to work, so, taking advantage of money saving opportunities the government is offering is one way to ensure my financial future.
But, I have rambled on long enough for one entry. As I work out more details I will put them down here, I am not much for keeping journals and such, but I guess you could say that's what this is.
Be safe in your travels and may 2009 be your year for abundance in all good things in life.

Aquarius



The Water Carrier
January 21 to February 19
Traditional
Aquarian Traits

Friendly and humanitarian
Honest and loyal
Original and inventive
Independent and intellectual

On the dark side....

Intractable and contrary
Perverse and unpredictable
Unemotional and detached




Aquarians basically possess strong and attractive personalities. They fall into two principle types: one shy, sensitive, gentle and patient; the other exuberant, lively and exhibitionist, sometimes hiding the considerable depths of their character under a cloak of frivolity. Both types are strong willed and forceful in their different ways and have strong convictions, though as they seek truth above all things, they are usually honest enough to change their opinions, however firmly held, if evidence comes to light which persuades them that they have been mistaken. They have a breadth of vision that brings diverse factors into a whole, and can see both sides of an argument without shilly-shallying as to which side to take. Consequently they are unprejudiced and tolerant of other points of view. This is because they can see the validity of the argument, even if they do not accept it themselves. They obey the Quaker exhortation to "Be open to truth, from whatever source it comes," and are prepared to learn from everyone.

Both types are humane, frank, serious minded, genial, refined, sometimes ethereal, and idealistic, though this last quality is tempered with a sensible practicality. They are quick, active and persevering without being self-assertive, and express themselves with reason, moderation and sometimes, a dry humor.

They are nearly always intelligent, concise, clear and logical. Many are strongly imaginative and psychically intuitive, so that the Age of Aquarius, which is about to begin, is much anticipated by psychic circles as an age in which mankind will experience a great spiritual awakening. The Aquarian philosophical and spiritual bent may be dangerous in that it can drive the subjects into an ivory-tower existence where they meditate on abstractions that bear little relevance to life. On the other hand it can help the many who have scientific leanings to combine these with the Aquarian yearning for the universal recognition of the brotherhood of man, and to embark on scientific research to fulfill their philanthropic ideals of benefiting mankind. When some cause or work of this nature inspires them, they are capable of such devotion to it that they may drive themselves to the point of exhaustion and even risk injuring their health.

Both types need to retire from the world at times and to become temporary loners. They appreciate opportunities for meditation or, if they are religious, of retreats. Even in company they are fiercely independent, refusing to follow the crowd. They dislike interference by others, however helpfully intended, and will accept it only on their own terms. Normally they have good taste in drama, music and art, and are also gifted in the arts, especially drama.

In spite of the often intensely magnetic, forthcoming and open personality of the more extrovert kind of Aquarian, and of their desire to help humanity, neither type makes friends easily. They sometimes appear to condescend to others and take too little trouble to cultivate the acquaintance of people who do not particularly appeal to them.
They do not give themselves easily - perhaps their judgment of human nature is too good for that - and are sometimes accounted cold. But once they decide that someone is worthy of their friendship or love, they can exert an almost hypnotic and irresistible mental attraction on them and will themselves become tenacious friends or lovers, ready to sacrifice everything for their partners and be faithful to them for life. However, they are sometimes disappointed emotionally because their own high personal ideals cause them to demand more of others than is reasonable. And if they are deceived their anger is terrible. If disillusioned, they do not forgive.

Aquarians work best in group projects, provided that they are recognized as having a leading part in them. They have a feeling of unity with nature and a desire for knowledge and truth that makes them admirable scientists, especially astronomers and natural historians. They may excel in photography, radiography, electronics - anything connected with the electrical and radio industries - aviation and everything technical. On the arts and humanities side their progressive tendencies can be expressed in writing, especially poetry, and broadcasting, or as welfare workers and teachers. Some have gifts as entertainers and make good character actors (having an ability to mimic) and musicians. The more psychic among them possess healing gifts, especially in curing the mentally sick.

Among the faults to which they are liable are fanatical eccentricity, wayward egotism, excessive detachment and an inclination to retreat from life and society, and a tendency to be extremely dogmatic in their opinions. Aquarians can be a threat to all they survey or a great boon for humanity in general. Circumstances - for example, continuous opposition to a cause they hold dear - may cause the atrophy of the openness of mind that is one of the Aquarian's most attractive traits. They may express a lack of integrity in broken promises, secretiveness or cunning. Simmering anger and resentment, rudeness or, worse, a tense, threatening silence which may suddenly burst out in eruptions of extreme temper, these are all part of the negative side of the Aquarian. This can also reveal itself in a sustained hatred for enemies that is capable of enlarging itself into a misanthropy toward the whole of mankind.

Possible Health Concerns...
As Aquarius is said to govern the legs from knees to ankles and the circulation of blood, its natives are susceptible to ailments particularly in the legs and ankles, such as cramps, and are also liable to spasmodic and nervous complaints, as well as wind, catarrh, diarrhea, dropsy, goiter and delirium tremens - so that the avoidance of alcohol is important for those Aquarians who have a taste for it.

Happy New Year!!



Yearly forecast for Aquarius for 2009

Aquarius is all about a new vision in 2009, and working to move our planet toward the highest and healthiest quality of life. You are highly energized with this wonderful alignment, and your inspiration is rekindled to move energy in grandiose ways. You are able to utilize these high frequencies in order to create new structure and value in people s lives.

This is no time to sit back and let anything slip through your fingers. Express yourself and move forward with your visionary ideas. As you forge ahead, you find a reworking of meaning on a deep level, and discover possibilities as you connect with your highest star.

Your ideas have always been ahead of the times, and now you are a shining example of what the Earth force can assimilate into everyday living. You realize that the world was created with structure, and outdated modes of living that no longer serve mankind are being recognized around the world. It s time to let go of anything that holds you back. New thinking is on the horizon, and people are ready to align with the quickly changing energies of the planets. Your leadership skills will help humanity make these shifts, and you will feel supported by those who understand the need to create peace and harmony.

Be inventive in channeling your dreams into reality. As you find a place to manifest this energy, it will become easy for you to usher in a better world. The time to realize your highest ideals is here!

Why??



You are right, that is often my question about anything, and it's true, I am always curious about the motivation surrounding people's actions, and this also applies to my behaviour. Lately I have been having some rather unpleasant experiences in my personal life and have been pondering this very question. Why? More along the lines of "why do I put up with this?" Though truth be told I have an ever-shrinking fuse and don't bother twice with time wasters or non-fits. As well as the question "why me?" After all this is me we're talking about, your friendly, outgoing, highly empathic BFF. Why all these negative experiences? Don't need to be anymore cynical, all stocked up there.
I have been pondering and I think I might have stumbled across a possible answer, or at least one I can live with. Gratitude and appreciation for when I find the right fit. Life is weird like that, we often don't recognize a gem when we see it, perhaps until we've seen enough coal and scat to appreciate the differences.
So, I am thinking that given the year from hell I have had, not to mention the previous decade of two non-fitting LTRs, I am due for that right fit to come along.
Thinking also that to further inrease my probability of success, I am also going to employ the reverse Murphy's Law. If you're unfamiliar with that, it's kind of a reverse psychology thing. In the new year, I will stop looking, and just let whatever will be, be.
Indeed this is a proposition that has no downside as far as I can see.

Boomerang



They always come back. Just like the picture, they boomerang back. The question now becomes, do I want to bother catching them on the return?

Games people play



Not sure exactly what they get out of them, perhaps they are fun and fulfilling, but for me, to play around with people's time and energy, just doesn't have a great deal of enjoyment in it. Perhaps it is the hunt that they enjoy, more so than the catch. I however have lost interest in the process, especially since I have no agenda other than to be a good and dear friend.
So, the best thing for my sanity would seem to be to cease and desist from getting sucked into being a pawn in a game where there are no winners.

Why?



Why do some people find it so easy to hurt others? That question will plague me for the rest of my days, but most especially where this email is concerned.

The backstory.
This ad was (and is still) posted under the Platonic section of Craigslist - Toronto.
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Personal Assistant needed - m4w - 24 (Toronto)

--------------------------------------------
Reply to: pers-921258777@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-11-16, 11:09AM EST


Howdy,

I'm a 24 year old professional male with a somewhat busy lifestyle. I've been wondering lately about how great it is to come home to a warm meal and pleasant company. So, I'm here to offer a lady of the right mindset and maturity a chance to earn some money, primarily for satisfying my stomach, and being a cool friend to hang out with when time permits. Doesn't have to be intimate, although if things went that way I wouldn't object.

My culinary tastes are vast and I love trying new things. I do have a few food restrictions that would have to be kept in mind.

If this sounds like it might be interesting for you let me know!
______________________________________________________________

Well, aside from the obvious, like the heading, the content and the section are all misleading, there is a great deal that the poster doesn't mention. The biggie is that he is married (but apparently this arrangement is fine with her and has her blessing - even though she is out of the country from Dec 2). But whatever, thought it would be interesting to meet this kid in person.
We did meet for 15 mins in the Eaton Centre where he wanted to purchase winter gloves. After which point we parted company and I happily returned home figuring we had nothing to build on and we were done.
Here's his first email after our meeting.

___________________________________________________________

Hello Barbara,

Is was an interesting meeting today. It's fantastic how a short meeting like that can show you so little and so much at the same time.

In short, I don't think we'd be a good match for each other. I think we have many things in common, but I felt like our head space was a bit different. I also noticed some of my qualities in you that might lead to conflict.

What are your thoughts?
___________________________________________________
My reply:

It was good to meet you, good luck in your search.

best regards,

bb
________________

This was on November 19. Remember how I said the wife was leaving town on December 2? Well, guess who emailed me while she was still boarding the plane?

But it wasn't just any email, it was this:

______________________________________________________

Hi Barbara,

It's Hasnein here again.

I was thinking about you and our meeting again and I had a few thoughts. I'd like to be open with you about what I said about our meeting and if you'd still be interested I'd like you to do the same.

Basically, there were a couple of things that were off during our meeting. The first was that I felt too much tension, within you and within myself. I'm not sure if that was the setting, or just the natural tension that comes with a first meeting, but this sort of made me a bit hesitant. Usually when I meet someone I can tell pretty quickly if there's chemistry or not. The exception being when there is shyness or reservation, which can sometimes be confused with each other. So that was the main reason I felt we may not connect well.

The second thing was physical attraction, not that you're not a beautiful woman, but that I couldn't tell anything about your figure which would be very important to me. I find woman of all shapes and sizes very attractive, but based on what you were wearing I couldn't really tell much. Perhaps that would go both ways?

Intellectually you're very strong which can be a definate plus, provided we don't collide. You strike me as someone who has very strong opinions and would defend them to the death. I am the same in many ways.

I'd really like to hear your thoughts on what you percieved during our meeting. If the conclusion of it was that you are not interested then all of this is moot anyways.
___________________________

But wait.....that's not all... there's a P.S. in a separate email.

_______________

I shoudl also mention that I found your smie very warm, but it wasn't coming out enough (again, sign of the tension I spoke of).
_____________________________________

So, not only does he not like me, but he felt the need to take the time to tell me in far greater detail WHY he didn't like me. Why?

P.S. The typos in his emails, are his own.

Run Forrest, Run!!



Emotionally retarded, that's the conclusion I am coming to, there is a generation of emotional retards out there, and the future is not looking good.
Emotionally disconnected, unsure of themselves and in fear of anything resembling a real connection. They'd rather sit in front of their computer in their parent's basement, than have real in person interaction and risk making a connection. What a waste of human potential, not to mention a real waste of time for me.
So, Run Forrest! Run! though in this particular case, no one is chasing you, you are simply running from your own fears.

Why men are never depressed.

Men Are Just Happier People -- What do you expect from such simple creatures? Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5,000. Tux rental-$100. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time.

Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires on ly one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.

Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes. Everything on your face stays its original colour. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck.

You can play with toys all your life. One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look. You can 'do' your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.

You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

5 Minute Management Course

Lesson 1:
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob , the next-door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.' After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?' 'It was Bob the next door neighbor,' she replies'. 'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'

Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.



Lesson 2:
A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129? 'The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.' Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'

Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.



Lesson 3:
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.' 'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.'
Puff! She's gone.

'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing
on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas
and the love of my life.'
Puff! He's gone.

'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager.
The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch'

Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.

Lesson 4
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?' The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.' So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.




Lesson 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull. 'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.' 'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.' The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.

Moral of the story:
Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there..



Lesson 6
A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Morals of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.
(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!


THUS ENDS THE FIVE MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSE.

Cuddle Party underway


(Not a picture of our cuddle party)


This past Wednesday my Cuddle group had our first cuddle party, and it might be my biased opinion, but I think it was a success, a definite good start. We were a small gathering, what I suspect might end up being the core of our group, but hopefully with time and proper promotion, the core group will grow and strengthen.

I must say, it was a rather unique experience, stepping that far out of my comfort zone, leading a cuddle party of all things. On a personal note, it was scary in its unfamiliarity, but exciting because of it. Good to have the old juices flowing again, and not in a sexual way, but really opening up one's mind to experiencing contact with another adult in a purely platonic affectionate manner.

This is not to say that there weren't biological reactions, all around, but being with this respectful group of men, it didn't turn into something uncomfortable.

Now all we have to do is convince more women that this cuddle group has what they have been searching for in a non-tactile world.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=13170529966

Apathy, arrogance and rudeness.....the plight of the modern age.



Well, not sure how many that makes now, it would be too depressing to sit and think about the actual number, but just had to send another "Take care, all the best" email to another young man. It's becoming near routine and it gives me no pleasure to have to do so, but there is no time to waste on someone that is just not on the same page as me. Doesn't seem to matter how plainly I put the ad out, or how plainly and simply I communicate on any subsequent exchange; ie. MSN, email, txt. they (and yes, I am generalizing, but you would too if you'd been through as many as I have)don't seem to be improving any, in character, in person, nothing. Same old, same old. It also doesn't seem to matter how low I set my expectations, someone will come along that will cause me to be more disappointed.

Take Kevin "the artist" as an example of pure arrogance that is utterly undeserved. It's one thing to be honest, sincere and even perhaps a bit outspoken, but this kid took it to a whole new level. I just had to meet him in person, if for no other reason than to confirm my initial instincts, and in that and only that aspect, he did not disappoint.
I can't remember that last time I was in the company of someone, and the only thought in my head for the duration was "are you kiddin' me?" And this did not happen only in person, his online exchanges were not much better.
"I have to warn you, I am a pick-up artist, not a player, but an artist." Can't begin to imagine what he picks up with lines like that. And perhaps that attitude goes over well with young insecure girls, but you play that with me, someone not just old enough to be your mother, but experienced in life enough to smell your pathetic little boy insecurities coming from a mile down the road, and it's no wonder I couldn't take being in his company one more minute. The tartufo was excellent though, I do admit.

Or Kay, who can't rouse himself enough to have a conversation, contribute in anyway meaningful way or bring anything to the in person exchange. Tired of people who talk a good game online, but are apathetic in person. Dull as dishwater, no thanks, I could be washing my hair. But did enjoy the chicken pizza.

Should I bother mentioning Joe Joe, who can't even learn from his mistakes, or Scott who in three email exchanges managed to reduce me to a pair of mammary glands, some cuddle buddy they would make. I couldn't work up the curiosity to meet these two in person, like many others, they turned me off electronically.

Then there are those that all but eliminate themselves, when the smallest amount of logic is applied. By that I mean, those that say they are interested in the friendship I am offering, yes, they claim, they are affectionate and good cuddlers, but go on to tell me how busy they are with work and/or school and basically how they have no free time. So when I apply a little common sense and ask them how they figure this friendship can ever start, nevermind flourish, they suffer some kind of disconnect, the phone is ringing, someone is at the door, etc. etc. etc. It's laughable.

And on and on it goes, they all talk a good game, they say they like that the ad is simple and direct, blah blah blah, and within 3 emails or 2 MSN chats, manage to demonstrate a complete lack of understanding about what I am looking for.
If there should be some rare occurrence where that doesn't happen, and we manage to get some basics out of the way, break the ice and so on, well, it somehow turns into a booty call. Friendship just isn't as easy as it might have been, or perhaps it's just me. That's possible too. Because when I say cuddle, I don't mean sex, when I say friendship, I don't mean sex, when I say dinner, yes, I don't mean sex.

Well, at least I have now perfected my time saving process of elimination, and I have discovered where some of the best spots to dine in town are, so that when the company turns out to be another disappointment, I at least have enjoyed a decent meal.
See? There's always an upside to every situation.