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Recently,  I received an invitation to join Paperblog! I'm honored and excited to be joining their site. I'll post more information soon. :)

Stereotype Slayer #13: Virgins Set Women Back

I cannot tell you how badly it chaps me when I hear a fellow woman accuse me of setting the Women's Movement back "one hundred years" simply because of my decision to wait for love. 

Their argument is as follows: For years, women were expected to be virgins come their wedding night.  If they were not, they were condemned, ridiculed, and mistreated.  Thus, women were sexually repressed by men.  Having gained sexual freedom, women finally freed themselves from the restraints men and society once placed upon them. Today, any woman who chooses to be a virgin is, in effect, reimposing past sexual restraints on all women. 

Compelling argument, is it not?  However, I must counter. 

First, and foremost, I have never preached that this decision is for everyone, nor will I ever do so.  I'm simply trying to show that this IS an option and hopefully convey the fact that not all virgins fit the ever-so-popular virginal stereotype(s).

Second, while in school, girls would tell me they felt as though their virginity was something they HAD to lose in order to "get" or "keep" a guy's interest; they told me they didn't feel like they had a choice.  This is something I have heard in various forms all my life--even into my 30s--and most, if not all, admitted regret for being pressured by a guy that it ultimately did not work out with. 

Perhaps it's just me, but I have to wonder how standing my ground in what I believe in could possibly set women back. If anything, isn't it showing women that they have CHOICES? Does it not help women understand that they don't have to "give it up" simply because a guy pressures them? That they can wait for when it's right and wait for the right man?

Please, tell me what is so wrong with showing strength.  Yes, maybe it is old-fashioned in theory, but in the heart, mind, and soul, this choice is about as independent as you are going to find.

Lastly, just in case you were curious, allow me to list a few famous women rumored to have been virgins until very late in life, until their wedding night, or upon their death:

*Queen Elizabeth I, "The Virgin Queen"

*Jane Austen, author of Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, etc.

*Julia Child, virgin until she married in her 30s

I'm going to go out on a limb, here, and say that none of these women can be accused of setting women back.

Done and dusted.

Stereotype #13: SLAYED.

American Idol--Elton John Week

Overall, I'd say the contestants had another strong night. There were some disappointments (Rocket Man, anyone? One of my absolute favorite Elton John songs, and poor Paul just didn't do it justice--I think he has a very unique voice/vibe, but...not for Rocket Man).

Highlights, in no particular order:

Pia: Once again, she nailed it with Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.  She showed so much emotion this week--it was really powerful. Although, I bet Benny and The Jets would have been a great fit for her, and it would have broken the ballad trend.

Scotty: With Country Comfort, he brought that country swagger yet again, and reaffirmed that he will be a future country artist.

Casey: Goosebumps. Welcome back, Casey. He made Your Song, his song. (He made me cry last week--so glad they saved him). 

Jacob: Singing Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word, Jacob held back a bit, but I really thought it worked for this song.

Lauren: She did a beautiful job with Candle In The Wind. One of her strongest weeks.

Who did you like? Who do you think might be in trouble this week? Remember, TWO contestants will go home tomorrow night.

True Blood Tuesday: Waiting Sucks Videos!

HBO has released some more "Waiting Sucks" videos to pacify the True Blood fangs...er...fans. 

Enjoy!

Sam: 



Bill & Eric: 



Jason:

Happy Monday: It's Award Time!

Stephanie was sweet enough to pass "The Incredibly Sweet" blog award to me. She is such a sweetheart--definitely visit her blog when you have a chance...you won't be disappointed: she is honest, funny, endearing, and just a joy to read.

As part of this award, I need to reveal 5 random facts about myself. 

1.  Miracle Whip Me: One of my favorite beauty routines is turning my face into a sandwich. I smear Miracle Whip all over my face, leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes, and then wash it off to uncover baby-soft skin.  Basically, it's a super cheap alternative to a mask for dry skin.  It makes my face red for an hour or so, but it makes my skin soooooo soft.  My eyes water while it's on and I tend to smell like a sandwich, but it's better than a $40-$50 mask!

2.  Sports Dreams: Since I was little, I have been able to accurately dream the outcomes of sporting events, especially ones involving my teams.  It's uncanny.  It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, I pay attention. Some of the wildest ones have involved the LSU Tigers...and if you have followed LSU football the past few years, you would know why I use the word "wild."

3.  The Blue Man Group: Scares the ever-loving crap outta me. No idea why, but they totally wig me out. And yet I love Smurfs. Go figure.

4.  Superstitious: Yeah, I kinda am, especially when it comes to football. When I was in junior high, I would make posters prior to a Dallas Cowboys game. Every single blasted time I did that, they lost. After about 3 losses, I declared poster-making a jinx and never did them again.

5.  Walking on tiptoes: I like walking on my tiptoes when I go upstairs. Random, right? Reckon a plus side is the whole leg-strengthening thing.

Now, I have to pass this award to five special bloggers.  Well, I'm going to break the rules here because I'm naughty like that (hey, I have to be naughty about something, right?).  I've seen this done before and I just think it's such a great idea...so...EVERYONE gets this award! If you read this, take it and have fun with it! You all deserve it.

*****************************************************************

Tag Time! The adorable Lex tagged anyone who read her post and wished to participate.  If you haven't visited her blog, please do so--not only is she a total sweetheart, but she has a good head on her shoulders, won't let anyone walk over her, and is funny as heck.

Rules: 1. List 3 things you love about yourself; 2. Post a picture you love; 3. List 5 bloggers to whom you are passing this along.

Three things I love about myself:

* I am who I am.  I'm not trying to be something/someone I'm not.  What you see is what you get...I'm not afraid to just be me, flaws and all.

* I love how much I love my parents.  My mama and daddy mean the world to me.  I just love them so much and wish I could take their dreams, wrap them up with a great big bow, and make them come true.

* I love how I can stand toe-to-toe with a guy on sports. The sparring is so much fun.

Picture: Animal House. When I hear or read nonsensical crap spewed on the news or in entertainment headlines, I always, always think of this scene. I figure this image sums up my mindset pretty nicely.

List five bloggers: In keeping with Lex, and the above award, I'm tagging ANYONE who reads this post and would like to participate!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Smile Time

I had a whole Stereotype Slayer post planned for today, but, well, it seems we need some smiles these days.  

I like to go back to things that remind me of times where life/society was far less complicated, far less stomach-churning. Don't you just love those warm and fuzzy feelings of yesteryear?

I double-dog dare you not to smile, even a little. ;) You know, sometimes I can so relate to that tree. ;)

American Idol--Motown Night

Wow! Super awesome night for the Idol contestants. Overall, I though they all had pretty strong showings.

My favorites on the night (this week, it's hard to narrow them down this week):

1.  Pia: Again, she is unbelievable. I had goosebumps listening to her sing All In Love Is Fair. Two of the judges got on her a little bit for singing too many ballads. While I totally understand where they are coming from, the big three they always refer to--Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston--have attained musical brilliance singing mainly power ballads.  Just a thought I had when I heard the critiques.

2. Scotty: Have I mentioned how much I LOVE his voice? It's SO country! Love it! Tonight, he really did a fantastic job turning a classic Motown song into his genre, country. Great job.

3. Lauren: I think this was her strongest showing to date. Last week, she was sick, and you could tell her voice just wouldn't let her hit those big notes. Tonight, she did it.

4. James: Rocked it again. I thought he was actually better this week than last.  He did a great job.

So, fellow Idol watchers, what did you think? Favorites? Who do you think will be in the bottom three?

Bad Behavior Wins

Well, Disney-owned ABC has decided to go ahead and allow Chris Brown to perform on Dancing With The Stars next week.

Their reasoning? Apparently, they feel everything will go smoothly (i.e. he shouldn't have any outbursts) so long as he JUST sings, and no questions are asked of him.  Wow, talk about tip-toeing around the guy.

Want some more head-shaking revelations? Prepare to feel sick if you care about the direction our world is taking: 

ABC will not press charges against Brown.  Thus, his actions will, to date, go unpunished.

After trashing property which wasn't his, he was seen playing basketball, laughing and appearing in good spirits. 

Good Morning America has invited Brown to back to the show, apparently to make peace. Yes, really.

Brown was allegedly upset that questions regarding his past were brought up on a day when he was trying to make a comeback. He tweeted immediately following the incident: "I’m so over people bringing this past s**t up!!! Yet we praise Charlie sheen and other celebs for there bulls**t."

Does it bother you that he can still get THAT violent over what he did to Rihanna? That he refers to the incident as "past s**t?"  I'm fairly certain she doesn't see the acts of violence against her as "past s**t."

Even more disturbing is the rather large number of young women who are flooding sites and twitter with words of support for Brown, saying things like the following:

Shame on GMA! That's his past and he should be allowed to move on!

Leave him alone! It was his past! It's okay, he's going to be on Dancing With The Stars, the most popular show on T.V., and that's an honor!

I'm truly shocked. These people, including ABC, are literally excusing his outburst, even going so far as implicitly justifying it because they dared ask him about a crime HE committed!

Though he has a valid point regarding Sheen, he is clearly wearing blinders when it comes to his past actions.  Criminal acts, such as his, will forever follow him.

If Chris Brown had the name Joe No-Last-Name, he would have to apply for jobs and face questions regarding his criminal record. It's called life.  You can't run away from things; you have to learn to man-up and face them head on, no matter how difficult it may be.

Had he replied differently, it would have been a completely different outcome.  Imagine if he had said something like this: "You know, I'm trying to move on from what I did, but not a day goes by that I don't regret my actions.  They were inexcusable and I will forever be sorry for what I did." People would have responded with cautious optimism, possibly willing to give the young guy a chance to redeem himself.

But, he didn't.  Instead, he flew off the handle, trashed property that wasn't his own, and is being rewarded with people walking on eggshells around him and the opportunity to promote his album on a family show.

What kind of a message does this send women who have suffered from domestic abuse? 

Shameful.  

Stop Rewarding Bad Behavior

There is a disturbing trend in our society: act poorly, break the law, get rewarded.  All you have to do is get drunk, scream, urinate in a bush, puke on a reality show, have a meltdown, live an overtly promiscuous lifestyle, act violent towards your significant other, break the law, or neglect your children, and you can write your ticket to a book deal and various spokesperson gigs.

What kind of message does this send to our youth? Act poorly and you can have everything you've ever dreamed of having? 

We are living in a backwards world. What happened to right vs. wrong? What happened to applauding good deeds and imposing consequences upon those who prefer to act in a less civilized manner? 

Apparently, the push to reward bad behavior is working...sadly. 

Charlie Sheen sold out shows in mere minutes at the legendary Radio City Music Hall--an establishment that has seen some of the classiest performances of legends past.  CBS recently took a stand in light of Charlie Sheen's less-than-stellar behavior, firing him from Two And A Half Men.  However, after selling out Radio City, reports have surfaced that CBS is trying to woo Sheen back into the fold. Again, what kind of a message does this send? Drugs use, porn parties, drinking, and alleged acts of violence are apparently meaningless when money is involved.

Last night, while watching Dancing With The Stars, I heard them announce Chris Brown as next week's musical guest. Seriously? DISNEY owned ABC has invited a young man who physically abused his girlfriend to perform on their wildly popular show to promote his music? Surely I have entered some parallel universe--Disney, the embodiment of family and values, would never feature a young woman-beater on one of their most popular shows! 

I hear what you're saying: maybe he's changed.  Everyone deserves a second chance.  I completely agree with you, but in order to get that second chance, they have to spend significant time EARNING it. 

I'll let you be the judge: Today, in an interview with Good Morning America, Chris Brown was asked about the Rihanna incident.  He responded with the following:  "It's not really a big deal to me now, as far as that situation. I think I'm past that in my life."

Shortly thereafter, he stormed to his dressing room and went on a rampage, screaming and breaking a window, allegedly sending glass onto the street below (which, by the way, could render him liable if anyone on the street had been injured).  Here's the article, if you'd like to read more: Chris Brown Rampage.

I can only hope Disney will do what is right and remove Brown from their scheduled performers.

I suppose it's all about money and entertainment.  If the money is there, the powers that be seem to overlook appalling behavior.  Likewise, bad behavior sells...people like to watch others make fools out of themselves.  How sad is that, really?  Guess what? You don't have to do all the wrong things, make all the wrong choices, to attract an audience.  If given the chance, even the good folk can be amazingly entertaining...in a clean, enjoyable, funny kind-of-way.  Its happened before, and we need it again because even if people can separate what is right from what is wrong, there is still that lingering notion of certain behavior garnering "awesome" rewards. 

Let's STOP rewarding bad behavior. Let's STOP setting bad examples for future generations.  Let's START giving this world what it needs--a shot in the arm of GOOD, solid, moral behavior.

It's not that complicated.

Big Love, Big Ending.

Big Love (SPOILER WARNING): Well, it's all over, literally. Big Love wrapped up last night with a bang...again, literally.  Bill Hendrickson was shot to death outside of his home on Easter Sunday.

Most people were shocked by the ending.  My mom, friend, and I? Not so much. We all figured Bill was going to die in some form or fashion, so it didn't come as a big shock at all. Throughout the course of the last two seasons, we've seen Bill's wives (even Nikki) display growing pangs for independence and change.  I guess it only followed that the show would end with the women coming together, finding their footing, and carrying on without needing Bill.

Overall, I thought it was a fitting end for the show.  But, I have to admit, I felt oddly empty afterward. *SPOILER* I mean, the barely-there neighbor sees his freshly re-sodded lawn, marches over, and shoots Bill? How dare you be a good neighbor, keep your promise, and re-sod my lawn! Bang, bang.  It just seemed a little rushed and contrived. We knew the neighbor was coming unglued the past couple of weeks.  I suppose it shows that random acts of violence can happen anywhere, and it's not always the likely suspect.

Pros: Magnified that this show was never about Bill...it was about the women; the wives find their independence and carry forward; Barb becomes the next priesthood holder, perhaps even the next prophet; Margene travels abroad to do good for others; Nikki, as far as I can tell, runs the household; good to see Sarah back on the show with her husband and newborn baby boy; Ben and Heather got married (not sure I ever bought them as a couple, though).

Cons: Did Bill's father die with Lois? Did they commit suicide together? Whatever happened to Joey and Wanda? I guess they fled the country, but that wasn't addressed very well.  I know a lot of people have wondered about Bill and Barb's daughter, Teeny...she did get a brief mention in the final minutes of the show, but never reappeared on camera.  I'm assuming the compound is no more.  There are a few more "guesses" and "assumptions" with this finale than what I would have liked.

Overall, it tied the important stories up pretty nicely, though I would have liked more.  Of course, they may have written it to mirror life--not everything gets neatly wrapped up with a big red bow.

My mom was hilarious--she wanted the big red bow.

If you watched it, what did y'all think of the series finale?

Water Woes, Kleenex, & American Idol

Water Woes: I have the hotness...in my hot water heater, that is. Hurray! Turns out, my hot water heater isn't a lemon (shock, because, like y'all, I was beginning to believe otherwise).  Let's see if I can articulate this with some semblance of technical know how: Minerals in the water cause a sludgy build-up in the bottom of the water heater, causing the burners to burn out every 6-8 months or so.  Basically, there's not much I can do about that.  So, I guess I'll have to endure a joyful cold shower every now and then. Yippee.

Kleenex: I think my cold shower dance has triggered my sinuses into NASCAR mode, not that the weather extremes are helping any. Or, maybe my nose just missed its last rendezvous with the oh-so-stylish Kleenex. Guess that means Kleenex is my nose's lovah. 

American Idol: Okay, my favorites tonight:

Scotty--Whatever happens in this competition, this fella has a ticket to Nashville.  Country needs more of those deep, old-school country voices. Scotty has just that.

Pia--She's got the complete package. Solid.

James--He can rock.  He's another one that is consistently good.

Lauren--She's a cutie-pie and she has a great voice.  I do think being sick put some strain on her voice tonight, but she was still good.

Wrong Things, Cold Showers, & Country Music Abuse

First, I'm so sorry I haven't been reading and commenting on blogs lately.  Between a wonky internet connection, deadlines, and, you know, the usual b.s., free time has been slim.  I'm going to start catching up tonight, though. :)

Wrong Things (possibly): (Clarification: This didn't happen to me.  Noooo, I'm still dateless and single).  Okay, so, I am really wanting to hear y'all give me some feedback on something: Imagine meeting a guy.  Imagine hitting it off.  Imagine great conversation, laughter, and an overall fantastic first impression.  Then, all of a sudden, he asks you a couple of questions like the following:

Would you ever consider dying your hair blond...like, really blond? What is the most you have ever weighed? 

Now, do those questions bother you? Any yellow caution flags popping up?  How about some red flags?

Cold Showers: Yep, it has happened again.  My dang hot water heater has decided to flake.  This is a practically new water heater thingy, and this is around the 3rd time it has gagged itself into a catatonic state.  I awoke to barely-there warm water, which proceeded to fade very quickly, leaving me to shower in COLD water.

Do you have any idea how icky it is to shave in ICE COLD WATER? Ouch.  So, shaking like a leaf, I washed my hair, shaved, did the body wash bit, etc., and emerged uber-shivery.  I'm seriously sick of my hot water heater.

Oh, and, once again, I think I can safely say that a cold shower does nothing for the hormone thing. 

Country Music Abuse: My country music station is so mean.  I get that you are going to hear your fair share of sad songs and love songs--that's country music...it's real and raw.  But, to play three ridiculously heart-wrenching songs in a row? Cruel and unusual punishment.  So, what were the songs? Well, I can't remember the third one...I think I was fairly well bruised by the time song three rolled around, so I scoffed and flicked off the radio.

1.  When I Said I Do--Clint Black & Lisa Hartman Black (a happy marriage love song). My reaction: Bite me.

2.  Little Moments--Brad Paisley (one of my very favorite songs...and so true).  My reaction: Sigh. Smile. Maybe one day.

Take a listen and smile. 

Thoughts & Prayers

Watching the cataclysmic destruction affecting Japan certainly puts life into perspective.  To witness such unbelievable loss makes "big stories" like Charlie Sheen's escapades and Lindsay Lohan's antics look terribly feeble, perhaps even shameful.

In times likes these, we should be counting our blessings and helping those in need.

Send love.  Send hope. 

Have faith.

True Blood Tuesday: Season 4 Details!

Bet you didn't expect to see a True Blood Tuesday so soon, but there are some exciting new tidbits slowly coming to the surface that I thought you fang-lovers might like knowing as we inch closer to season 4.

The closer we get to the season premiere, the more the rumors start to fly about what we can expect to see from our favorite vampires, shifters, and witches...oh, and Sookie, the fairy.

So here we go with a little rumor rundown:

*Thanks to a witch's spell, Eric will lose his memory near the beginning of season 4. Expect to see a softer, more vulnerable side to Eric.

HBO Teaser Promo: Waiting Sucks




* Vampires vs. Witches: Looks like the flurry of incoming witches introduced last season will cause some trouble for the vampires in Bon Temps.

* Expect Tara to have some more fun this season.  About time! Poor girl really went through hell last season. We'll see less victim and more strength from her.

* Jessica and Hoyt will discover that living together isn't as easy as they may have thought. Expect some major stuff from Hoyt this season.

* Sookie is officially broken up with Bill--she meant what she said at the end of season 3. Bill will have to work overtime to win her back, if he can.  Meanwhile, expect Alcide to return to Sookie's life.

*Ghosts:  Sounds like Bon Temps will have a little paranormal activity this season!  Godric's back and fans are rejoicing! There is also some indication that Jessica and Hoyt may be living in--dare I say it--a haunted house.

Well, that's what I have so far.  I know it's not much, but, hey, it's still fun!  As soon as we get a good grouping of new spoilers, I'll be sure to pass them along.

In the meantime, here's the Season 4 teaser trailer for you:

When Mama Cooks

Yesterday, Mom, Dad, and I watched the Vegas race together and enjoyed some good southern mama cookin'.

Of course, there was an ever-so-tiny hitch.

For the first time, Mama made some Cajun french fries. She called us into the kitchen, but I was a little slow in getting there.

Now, keep in mind, my mom is very particular when it comes to her cooking.  She will not only listen to your reaction, but she'll watch your facial expressions very carefully. Like I said, cooking--oh so big for Mama.

Anyway, I walked in and Dad was already chowing down some fries...without difficulty. Mom handed me a fry, and...

...I shoved it in my mouth, bit into it, started coughing up a lung, spit the thing out in my hand, and asked for water.

Very. Bad. Reaction.

The dang thing was SO HOT! And I don't mean spicy. Spicy I can do. I love spicy.

No, I mean blistering-devil-burning-my-tongue hot.

Of course, Mom doesn't realize this.

All I heard was my Dad laughing hysterically. Meanwhile my poor mom is standing there wide-eyed with her little spoon-thing, staring at me like I'm a dementor of epic proportions.

Finally, I was able to articulate the hot-issue, and you know what my mom said?

Mom: "Oh, I'm a terrible mama. I should have warned you they might be a little hot.  Damn aging. When I was younger, I never would've forgotten!"

Isn't she cute?

Me: "No, Mom, totally not your fault. I saw Dad eating them with no problem, and just figured they were fine."

Dad, still laughing: "Pretty good trick, huh?"

Me: "Oh, yeah, fantastic! Mom only thought I hated her cooking and my tongue still hurts."

Dad...yep, still laughing: "The look on your face when you spit it up was priceless."

Me, grinning: "It felt like it had a sort-of priceless pathetic-ness about it.  How were you able to eat them so hot?"

Mom: "Honey, when it comes to food, your father can do just about anything.  He's like Shaggy and Scooby all rolled into one."

Needless to say, I tried another one...after adequate cooling time...and they were delicious, which I promptly told her. 

Later that night she made beignets.  I knew to let them cool first.

And, that's just a typical Sunday with my family.  :)

Change, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Another Top Ten Finish!

How awesome is this? Dale Earnhardt Jr., after qualifying 33rd for today's race at Vegas, finished an impressive 8th, making it his second straight top ten finish.

What's more?  Dale is currently 10th in Sprint Cup point standings.

Happy.

Honestly, everything seems different this racing season...in a really positive way...and it got me thinking about change.

I've never been fond of the word change.  Meg Ryan sums it up nicely in You've Got Mail: "People are always saying that change is a good thing. But all they're really saying is that something you didn't want to happen at all... has happened."

For some things in life, I think she's right. 

Sometimes change is just change.  But, I think there are times when change makes all the difference in the world.  Suppose that's why you take chances...because you never know when that chance will lead to the change you've been hoping for.

When Static Meets A Good Hair Day

With winter comes snow, ice, frost, leaky windows, drippy roofs, and the most annoying house guest of all...static electricity.

Drag your feet, touch a light switch, get a shock.

Slide your bum from a nice, comfy La-Z-Boy, lift your laptop, get a shock.

Rest your locks against practically any surface (car, coat, chair, pillow), look like Beetlejuice...oh, and get a shock if ya touch anything.

After a week of hearing nothing but negative stuff out of Singletonville, I decided to fancy-up my Friday with a different look. So, with my hair sleek and super straight, I headed to the store. Now, the static hadn't really bugged me all day (translation: hair looked good, didn't want to disturb it, spritzed water on it to keep it from going Beetle-J on me). However, my tolerance level had reached its maximum.

Up it goes! I pulled out an ouch-less hair band and did a twisty knot atop my head. Usually, I don't worry about the twisty knot-do because it's usually fool proof.

Enter static.

Walking around the store, I noticed a few odd looks aimed at the top of my head. Ignoring them, I kept on course until I heard a child's giggle. Now, I'm not sure the child's laugh was directed at me or not, but it totally sent me into Paranoid Paty mode.

When I got to frozen foods, I very nearly gagged at the God awful reflection staring back at me from the frosty door.

Oh. Dear. God. 

What the frick was going on with my hair?

I looked like Edward Scissorhands' little sister.

My twisty knot was not a twisty knot, but some creature from the depths of ugly, split down the middle, flopping to each side of my head, while stray strands stuck up all over the damn place.

I've never seen anything quite like it. Horrendous doesn't begin to describe it.

Mortified, I headed to the always empty card aisle, yanked the band out of my hair, and madly fluffed my mane.

Bad move.

The static was now worse than ever. There was no fixing this. My once sleek, sexy hair was now freakishly alien.

Needless to say, I was quite happy to get home and put my hair up...properly.

Evil static.

Bless The Broken Road

I must thank everyone for their comments on yesterday's post, Almost The Best.  You all made some exceptionally good points that truly resonated with me.

I started thinking more and more about what Fellow Singleton said about 30+ singles never being someone's one. Though she made some great, if not alarming, points, I will have to disagree with her.

Between the thoughts swirling about my mind and those that you all posted, I've decided that you can be the one at any age. If things didn't work out with someone in the past, then they weren't meant to be. Period. If he (or she) compares you to an ex, so be it. Maybe you will be the one to show him (or her) how happy life can be. Maybe you will show him what it means to be with a genuine person.

I haven't really been able to put this whole thing into words...and now I know why--because it has already been done...in song. I can't believe I didn't think about this before--guess the whole concept just took me by surprise.

So, here you go--one answer to Fellow Singleton's proposed dilemma for all the 30+ singletons.

Almost The Best

So, it's March, the month of little dancing leprechauns, four leaf clovers, and luck. Maybe it takes a little time for the luck o' the Irish to kick in--it is only the 2nd, after all--but, by the way this week has started, I would say luck is taking a nap...with the leprechauns...in the clover.

Fellow Singleton: "You do realize that at this stage in the game, we will never be the one."

Me, utterly confused by out-of-blue comment: "Huh?"

FS: "Think about it, any man we meet our age or older, will probably have been in love, married, something along those lines...he'll have found the one already. She will always be the one we are measured against, even if he hates her."

Me: "Again...huh?"

FS: "Single women in their 30s or older will never be the best, but only the best the guy can do."

ICE COLD WATER IN FACE.

Me: "Um, that was harsh. So, you're saying hypothetical him will never see us as the best."

FS: "Right. Only the best he can do."

Me: "In other words, he settling."

FS: "Yep. We need to get used to lonely or being second best."

HARD PUNCH IN GUT.

So, are we destined to just be someone's "good enough?" Will he always long for the someone he never had or the one it never worked with?

Honestly, wouldn't it be kinda sad if a man (or woman, if the roles are reversed) compared every woman to a former flame? I mean, there's a reason it didn't work in the first place. And, wouldn't that mean she wasn't the one in the end?

I don't want or expect to be every man's best; I just want to be one man's best...one man's one.

There is a song by Brandy called, Almost Doesn't Count.  Yeah. That. I am not cool with being someone's almost something special. I think it was kinda like that with Wasn't--if only I was older, if only I lived closer...if only, if only...thing is, when it comes to matters of the heart--to the possibility of happily ever after--there is no if only...there is no almost.

Ugh. My head feels jello-y-blah.