It's been years since I read The Rules but I still own a copy and I'm pretty familiar with most of them. I've heard all the criticism and can't say I agree with everything in it, but a lot of it makes since for single women. As many single women and men know by now, one of the rules is that a man should call for a weekend date by Wednesday. This is one of those rules that should be followed for a good reason. For example:
This past Thursday, after our dim sum dinner, Derek and I met up with Amanda at the Greene Turtle where a friend was bartending. A group of friendly guys who were just at the Wizards game came in. One of them bought me a beer and we got into a long conversation about basketball. He seemed nice enough and we talked about checking out a game together. So, we traded numbers. What I didn't expect was a text around 4pm on Saturday asking me what I was doing that evening. I was having one of those sit around and do nothing but laundry and TV Saturdays. I was bored and ignored the rule. When I agreed to "have a couple of drinks" with him, here's the text I got:
"Ok, great. I'll pick up a 6-pack and u can come over to my place. There's a documentary coming on that I can't miss."
I was initially planning to ignore this ridiculous request but I decided I wasn't going to let him off the hook. I texted him back and asked if that's his idea of asking a woman out on a date. He claimed that it wasn't and then asked if I wanted to go out later. Uh, no. Ladies, no matter how bored, it never pays to take the Saturday night bait.
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Rules
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Result of Transgressions
I got this pic in a forwarded email. I have a feeling it's making the rounds. Funny, but seriously, why do men get married when they know they're going to cheat? Staying single seems so much easier.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Brazil vs. Argentina Soccer Match at Muse
I'm not a huge sports fan but there are a few that I enjoy watching like basketball and soccer. They're both fast-paced enough to keep my attention and the guys are generally hot. I love watching a highly anticipated game in a room full of passionate fans. Tomorrow, The Muse in Chinatown is offering up the Brazil vs. Argentina soccer match on six screens along with some great drink specials. I love Brazilian food, music, and culture and its high on my list of fantasy vacations. I'm hoping the venue will offer a taste of some of that culture, especially music, during and after the match. I'll be cheering on Brazil but there's also an incentive: a free shot whenever Brazil scores! Get the details at dcgroove.com.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Dating Spectrum
In typical DC spring/summer fashion, the men are out in abundance and I've managed to snag several regular dates. Of course, there is always a story to tell. Out of the three, I'm still seeing just one.
I met Bachelor #1 during the NBA Finals. We had one thing in common - basketball. He was a divorced attorney with a child and lived in the burbs. I managed to miss the boredom because on every date we ended up watching basketball at a place with a TV. I also hoped things would work out because he came from a good family, seemed very stable, and was such a gentleman. I actually thought his nerdiness was kind of cute. It didn't hurt that he played sports in college and had a great body. However (cue circus music), one night he took me to his non-distinct suburban subdivision townhouse and on every, and I mean every wall, was a huge picture of his 7 year old child. There were also pictures on tables and oddly, even drawings in the corner. Some were just of her, and others, of both of them. In addition to the pictures there was an endless stream of toys throughout the house. I literally thought I was in Disney! Yes, I was freaked out. The straw that broke the camel's back? The three huge framed pictures on his nightstand of the child next to his bed. It didn't matter much though since I discovered that there was an erectile dysfunction issue. Oh well.
Bachelor #2 was a little different. Different race and religion and ten years older than me. But I've never let differences stop me when the guy is interesting and nice. Also divorced with a child but the kid happens to be a teenager which makes a huge difference. As it turns out, this guy is an expert in his field and often shows up on political talk shows. Not a lot of physical attraction for me but when you're in your thirties, you learn to get beyond that as you attempt to get to know the person. Our first date involved dinner, drinks, live music, and lots of interesting conversation. He's out of the country for work but has emailed several times and we have plans to go out when he gets back.
Bachelor #3: Cute, bohemian, vegetarian, non-drinker. He told me that he didn't believe in supporting the capitalist system by buying drinks at bars. Need I say more? The fact that I learned he lives in the burbs and has a young child didn't even matter at that point.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Life in DC: The Good and the Bad
I have to admit that while I'm a city girl at heart, living in a big city is not all it's cracked up to be. And while I accept the fact that I live in a city that was once the murder capitol, this past week has been disturbing. I've lived in Shaw for three years now and have never had any real problems. I have of course heard about the neighborhood's high crime past but Shaw has come a very long way as witnessed by the gentrification. But in one week there have been two shootings and a drug bust in my own building.
The first shooting was in front of the Whitman this past Monday evening as was reported on by BaancBlog. I was just about to head to the metro when I heard the gunfire and like the writer, thought (hoped) these were firecrackers. Once outside, I saw police surrounding the area. I still don't know what this was about. Then early Wednesday morning I awoke to someone's door on a floor above me being busted open. I went to the window first and saw cars surrounding the building and FBI agents rushing in. I opened my front door and they were everywhere. Repeated trips to my window revealed someone I didn't recognize handcuffed and being shoved into a car. I felt as if I was watching an episode of Law and Order. I finally asked one of the agents what was going on but as I figured, he said he couldn't tell me anything. All I know is that they spent at least two and half hours up there and took several bags of evidence out.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Robbing the Cradle and Other Goings On
What did I expect really? I should have had sense enough to stay home this past weekend given that Friday was Friday the 13th and Saturday was the hideous fake holiday known as Valentine's Day. As some of you may know, I am a fan of the day after - February 15th - which I have previously referred to as Veteran's Day for Singles.
much champagne and shots of Grand Marnier, I headed home and crashed.
What Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Am I a Grownup?
I was recently in the company of an 18 year old and felt compelled to ask what the kids do for fun these days. I'm never around kids except for the occasional visit with my sister and her kids. Well, this particular teen who lives in DC, gave me a run down of her social life. I was surprised to find out that hers was not much different than mine. She mentioned: going out to eat, art/music/fashion events, hanging out at a friend's place, going to the movies, and shopping. Yeah, pretty much the same for me. Boyfriend? Nope. Me either. She even said she didn't really like kids and probably would never have any. Now that was funny. But seriously, I really began to think about how different I am from an 18 year old college kid this past Sunday at a Super Bowl party thrown by some neighborhood friends. There was a keg, people playing beer pong, and so much pot being smoked I'm sure I got a contact high in addition to my hangover. And yes, these are all over-25 people with jobs and in some cases mortgages. Maybe this is what happens when people don't get married or have kids.
But the one thing that I can say distinguished me from the 18 year old: she said she wanted to be a trophy wife one day and do nothing all day but shop. Poor thing. A sense of reality usually does come with age.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Night Cap
The other night I went to my first hockey game. I went with my friend Rick who I've known for about four years. His hometown team was playing so he was very excited and I couldn't really cheer for the Washington Caps. I'm afraid of heights so being in the nose bleed 400 section was not initially pleasant. A couple of beers helped though. I was hoping to see one of those infamous hockey fights but it didn't happen. I got the feeling that most of this crowd was not made up of DC residents or frequent visitors other than to hockey games and possibly work. It was a fun night out though - something I'd do with a boyfriend. People have often asked why I'm not dating him since: he is straight, actually likes to go out dancing, we hang out all the time and always seem to have fun. Well, I now realize why. Rick is the eternal frat boy - just not in the really annoying way that some can be. He is a mature frat boy. But for a man in his late thirties, I've never taken him seriously for precisely that reason. While I enjoy partying, it's like a sport for him. He's always had a roommate, plays every college-like sport there is, keeps beer in his car, always knows of a buddy throwing a get together which consists of beer, chips and watching a game, only likes to drink in bars that support his hometown teams...You get the picture.
We went back to his place for a late dinner and movies. And just like guys in college, I had to remind him that we were "just friends" and I was not interested in "fooling around". We're both used to the conversation. I think he figures that he might as well try. He fell asleep in the middle of the movie after his second beer. I called a cab.
And as usual, he called the next day to see if I wanted to hang out at his buddy's "kick-ass" party.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Happy Holidays
What does a single girl do for the holidays when her artist mother has uprooted and moved to yet another city and her married with kids sister is on the verge of divorce? Uh, stay home and make the most of the solitude, of course. While I do have several single compadres to share the holidays with, I've realized that I'm just not a holiday kind of girl. Which is not the same as a grinch - thank you very much! So, I just chose to stay home with me, myself, and I. What did I do?
12:00 noon - woke up and made coffee; check many voice mails and texts. Man, people love holidays! Is this the only legitimate time to communicate with people you know?
12:45 - realized that once again, like Thanksgiving, I'm getting all sorts of text messages from numbers I don't recognize or people I haven't spoken to in over a year. What's up with that?!
1:00 - more coffee with poached eggs and bacon
2:00 - call to sister who almost immediately engages in argument with husband. End call abruptly. Whew! Glad I'm not married.
2:30 - settle in with coffee and begin watching the traditional NBA Christmas double-header. Nothing like big, sweaty men!
3:30 - text messages to and from long distance friends (that I actually talk to on a regular basis) that continue throughout the day.
4:00 - check email; add to and re-order Netflix list. This takes quite some time.
6:00 - make list of what needs to be cleaned, fixed, or thrown away before the new year. I have a phobia about going into the new year with dirty, unfinished stuff.
7:00 - get work done on projects that start in January
9:00 - distract myself with clothes on shopbop.com and netaporter.com. Decide that I need a new look for 2009. But what?
10:00 - realize that beer is making me sleepy and hungry and decide to come up with an innovative dinner out of food in the fridge. Innovative indeed since I have not been grocery shopping in a month
10:30 - decide on a fish stew that combines Asian and African flavors: yummy!
12:00am - while stew simmers, write in journal. Reflect on the bad man choices but applaud those I didn't return to in 2008. Get a head start on New Year's resolutions.
2:00 am - hot bubble bath, candles, soft music, and....sleep.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Pretty Good Weekend
Even as City Girl, I can't say that I have these awesome weekends. When I'm actually working even a somewhat typical Monday thru Friday 9-5 job, I often spend large amounts of time at home bumming around in bed, on the phone, watching mindless TV, eating peanut butter out of the jar, etc. When evening arrives, I consider going out. I look at all the options in terms of what's going on, offers I've gotten and based on what sounds good, will decide on a destination. Only then will I shower, get dressed and head out. This of course, is usually followed by getting in well after 2am and then recovering the next day. I do sometimes try to throw in the occasional errand during the day but that's only if I'm feeling ambitious or a persistent friend gets me out of bed.
This past weekend was actually pretty jam packed with activity. While hanging out at my neighborhood wine bar, I met a really fun and interesting Seattleite here on business. Being the Ambassador of Fun that I am, we hung out afterwards in Adams Morgan and then did the DC tour the next day until late in the night. After my really bad date the weekend before, this was a pleasant surprise even though this was strictly platonic hanging out which is perfect for me right now. The next night was was dancing with old friends to house music on U Street at Almaz Bar at Saturday Soul Sessions. Late night food at the newly re-opened New Bing Wong in Chinatown was definitely in order. The next night was Redskins football watching at Nellie's with Mitch. Even though Mitch is gay, I introduced him to the place and he thinks a gay sports bar is an oxymoron. Go figure.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Divorce Is In The Air
One of the things I love about being single is never having to worry about getting a divorce. Bad dates, bad breakups, heartbreak - yes. But attorneys, court proceedings, and dividing up property - no. Way too much to deal with. Divorces are just so drama-filled and just downright sad when children are involved. And when there are celebrities involved, even more so. This whole Christie Brinkley thing is unbelievable. What I never understand is, why get married in the first place? If you want to sleep with teenagers and get involved in online sex adventures, do you really need to get married? No. Then there's the Alex Rodriguez or A-Rod divorce. Given his level of "alleged" infidelity, the nickname A-Rod seems appropriate. My take on this situation is that he falls into two categories of men not to date and especially not marry: an athlete and a man who is prettier than most women. And I hate to say it but in this case, he is way more attractive than his wife, which isn't hard. Given what we know about most men, it's no wonder his wife is alleging marital misconduct. So, while not making excuses for men and cheating, I wouldn't even have bothered getting A-Rod to stand up in a church and take a vow to keep his rod in his pants.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
A Good Laugh
Laughter really is good medicine. I was just jolted out of a pity party after spending the past two days with great friends who always give me new insight, even if indirectly. Yeah, I may be broke and still searching for love and meaningful gigs that pay well enough and yada, yada, but what's the point in being down? I watched the last game of the NBA Finals at my friend Jared's and celebrated late into the night with pizza and beer over the Celtics winning the championship. We always have these playful debates over who has it worse in the dating game - men or women. He always claims that the problem with women is that they don't know what they want and can't recognize a good guy. Yeah, whatever! Lol
Then, I got a call from Pam yesterday just as I was going to call her, to see if she had eaten dinner yet. As it turned out, I had the perfect vegetarian side to her delicious spicy chicken dish. We had dinner then sat on her stoop with a bottle of wine. She told me the funniest story and agreed to let me share it on my blog. Well, here goes. Pam spent the weekend with friends in Annapolis. After a day of shopping and sightseeing, hitting the hotel bar was mandatory. Seeing as though Annapolis is quite Navy friendly, it is no surprise that Pam met a sailor. After several drinks and last call, the party moved upstairs where more drinking ensued. While everyone was enjoying the lovely accommodations at this chain hotel, Pam and the sailor took quite a liking for each other and moved to the bathroom for privacy. No one knows exactly when this happened (not even Pam), but sometime after the party left and Pam's roommate was asleep, she and the sailor have such wild sex straddled on the toilet that the tank breaks! This is not known until Pam wakes up, the sailor is gone, and she gets a call from the hotel that there is water leaking from her room to the room below. I could not stop laughing! And the only thing I could think to say was, "Well, that was a convenient location because you usually have to pee after sex, right?"
And I thank the universe for giving me the climate-perfect day. Why can't DC be like this every day?
Monday, June 9, 2008
The Heat Is On
It is truly hot in good old DC and it's not even summer yet. According to the Washington Post, we're supposed to cross a record high today. While I don't need any reason at all to head to my neighborhood bar for a beer, there is even more reason right now. I am one of those unfortunate DC residents who lives in an old brick building that is hot as hell and did not come with AC. I do have a window unit, but does it really cool down the entire place? Not so much. Especially the bathroom which makes it very difficult for a girl to get ready for a night out when she can't stop sweating. So, when I can actually make it out of the door looking halfway decent, why not use up someone else's AC? I am also one of those people without cable. I have been coping with fuzzy TV for the past two years. Yes, it does suck when I want to see things like Project Runway, What Not To Wear, Top Chef, and of course NBA games, but other than that, who cares? So, during playoff season you know where to find me: a bar with big screen TVs. And right now is crucial. While I could check out the NBA Finals on my fuzzy screen, I refuse. As I've mentioned before, big, gorgeous, sweaty men need to be viewed in all of their glory.
But of course, hanging out at the sports bar does come with a few problems. I am really sick of the tired question, "So, you're into sports?" Guys don't ask other guys this question. Yeah, you couldn't pay me to sit through a football game but I love basketball and not just for the eye candy. I do love the game. Then there's this problem: the guy who buys you a drink, engages in conversation, hands you his card, asks you out, and finally places his left hand - clearly bearing a ring - on the bar. It has happened many times before so I should be used to it, but this time I found it extra funny. After I asked a couple of questions about his wife, he said to me: "Why do you keep asking about the W." The what? Yes, he refers to his wife as the 'W'. Sweet.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Wizards: Big Sweaty Men
I am by no means a sports fanatic or even knowledgeable about sports at all. You know - rules, regulations, statistics and all that - not me. But I love some basketball. What red-blooded, heterosexual female can't understand a love for professional basketball. So, I've been watching and keeping up with the NBA since trying to finish a dissertation and needing a good distracting hobby. It is: big, sweaty, assertive, men at their best.
So, I was happy to watch the Washington Wizards this past Saturday and Monday amazingly beat the number one ranked Boston Celtics twice. They took down the big dogs. They've come a long way. Ultimately, I don't think they will beat the Celtics come playoff time but... I'm proud of them. I am actually cheering for the very sexy Kevin Garnett. I mean come on. This dude deserves a championship ring as hard as he has worked over the years. And I've never been attracted to Caron Butler until last night. He was looking good! My only question now is how I can get courtside seats to a game.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Damn Damn Damn!
As a buckeye, all I can say is: damn, damn, damn! Not again. Last year it was Florida, this year LSU.
But I'm not giving up. Just like the romance I rekindled tonight after the game. He was a rollover from last year but may just be worth it. Who knows. I'll keep you posted.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Go Buckeyes!
A great way to start the new year off would be for my alma mater to win the BCS National Championship game this year. I talked so much smack last year that I had to eat my words. And then Ohio State had the nerve to lose to Florida in basketball as well!
Posts
