I get a lot of spam. Okay, everybody gets lots of spam. Usually, I just delete it without opening it, but today something seemed familair about one email although I didn't recognize the sender's name.
So I opened it.
"Hey Writer,
It was nice getting to catch up with you a little bit over the weekend. This week's a bit busy with volleyball and softball, but maybe we can get together next Friday. Let me know what works for you.
The Editor"
Okay, so it wasn't really signed "The Editor" but you know how things work on the Internet (protecting privacy and all that).
Trouble was, I sat there thinking, "Who is the Editor?" Did I meet somebody by that name while out with FC2? At a Cubs game maybe?
I racked my brain for an answer.
The Editor? The Editor? Who is this guy?
Well, let's see: there's FA, Lion King, Cub Fan, the Announcer, Dancing Lawyer...jeez! did somebody dip me in pheromones while I was sleeping or what??
Friday, May 19, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Life, love and the infield fly rule
Luck. Chance. Fate. Or for the really melodramatic among us- destiny. Do we have any takers? Does anybody really believe in this stuff or are the chapters of our lives full of random occurrences?
I don't know, but today seemed to have the full rollercoaster of ups and downs, luck-wise.
As you probably remember, I was supposed to attend Wednesday night's Cubs game with FA, but he was a no-show...or so I thought when I accepted Announcer's offer of a free ticket and a few drinks after the game.
Gametime: 7:05. My cell phone rang Wednesday evening at 6 pm. It was a text message from FA. He had just landed in the crummy, rainy weather and would contact me when he got closer. I started to fume about his last-minute check-in, but then I realized that I already had fabulous plans for the evening. The "nice person" in me decided that if I contacted FA quickly, he could offer his other ticket to a coworker, so I texted back.
"No word from you, so I made other plans. Sorry."
His reply.
"I wasn't home all week. My fault."
Pretty lame excuse for someone that travels for a living and loves to communicate via text message!
Anyway, I went to the game and Announcer left a very good ticket for me. He called me from the booth just before the game started and we made plans to meet after the game (which the Cubs won!!)
Oh, and before the game started, I checked my phone and saw that I missed a call from the Dancing Lawyer. I met him last week when FC2 and I went out for a stroll down Clark Street. Nice guy, good conversation, but two problems: 1) too young, and, 2) not physically attractive to me. But I decided I could always go out with him at least once. You never know.
But I digress...
Dinner plans fell through when the game ran late, so Announcer and I grabbed a snack and some drinks nearby. I had almost forgotten that he's pretty well known in Chicago (even on the North Side), so I was almost surprised and a bit annoyed when a few other sports fan interrupted our conversation throughout the evening.
Announcer suggested I drive up to Milwaukee to see his team play in a few weeks, even offering me a team schedule, so I didn't forget. Oh, in case I haven't mentioned it before, nothing physical has happened...at least nothing more than a hug and a kiss on the cheek. And he took my arm when we left the ballpark. It's all very casual, which is good.
Today (Thursday) I took a "personal day" off from work. Okay, so I took a day off to see Kerry Wood in his first game since last year. I'm a big baseball fan, sue me!
I couldn't reach Announcer to tell him I would be there (although I'm pretty sure I mentioned it earlier). But after winning a replica 1955 Jackie Robinson Dodgers Jersey in a scratch-off drawing, I was excited to tell somebody, but I couldn't find anyone!!!
So I sent a text to FA.
He texted back to congratulate me and said he was in Aisle 34 (about six sections over from me). Did he ask where I was sitting?
No.
Did he suggest we meet up after the game?
No.
Did he tell me when he'll be in town next?
No.
Yep, NEXT!
I had left a message earlier for Announcer and, in my excitement from winning the jersey, tried to call him a second time. Oooh, cardinal sin! Two messages from one woman in less than two hours! How needy!
Needless to say, I wasn't going to call him.
Here's where fate/luck/destiny jumps in. I was leaving the ballpark pretty late (as usual) and I stopped in the ladies room near the bleachers. I had planned to take the Red Line home and that's the closest exit. Upon leaving the loo, who do I run into? Announcer!
He gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek and said he was going to call me but he didn't have any signal. We chatted for about 15 minutes and he reminded me about the Milwaukee games. I showed him the jersey and he was very impressed. He said he'd call me before the Milwaukee series, gave me a hug and another kiss on the cheek and boarded the team bus for the airport.
So, friends and neighbors, here's the scorecard as it stands now:
FA - a goner unless some amazingly gutsy/thoughtful/romantic steps are taken on his part.
Announcer- still in friends stage, I think. Don't know if anything will ever develop. Not sure if I want it to considering the age difference and geography.
Dancing Lawyer - date planned for Saturday night. We'll see.
I don't know, but today seemed to have the full rollercoaster of ups and downs, luck-wise.
As you probably remember, I was supposed to attend Wednesday night's Cubs game with FA, but he was a no-show...or so I thought when I accepted Announcer's offer of a free ticket and a few drinks after the game.
Gametime: 7:05. My cell phone rang Wednesday evening at 6 pm. It was a text message from FA. He had just landed in the crummy, rainy weather and would contact me when he got closer. I started to fume about his last-minute check-in, but then I realized that I already had fabulous plans for the evening. The "nice person" in me decided that if I contacted FA quickly, he could offer his other ticket to a coworker, so I texted back.
"No word from you, so I made other plans. Sorry."
His reply.
"I wasn't home all week. My fault."
Pretty lame excuse for someone that travels for a living and loves to communicate via text message!
Anyway, I went to the game and Announcer left a very good ticket for me. He called me from the booth just before the game started and we made plans to meet after the game (which the Cubs won!!)
Oh, and before the game started, I checked my phone and saw that I missed a call from the Dancing Lawyer. I met him last week when FC2 and I went out for a stroll down Clark Street. Nice guy, good conversation, but two problems: 1) too young, and, 2) not physically attractive to me. But I decided I could always go out with him at least once. You never know.
But I digress...
Dinner plans fell through when the game ran late, so Announcer and I grabbed a snack and some drinks nearby. I had almost forgotten that he's pretty well known in Chicago (even on the North Side), so I was almost surprised and a bit annoyed when a few other sports fan interrupted our conversation throughout the evening.
Announcer suggested I drive up to Milwaukee to see his team play in a few weeks, even offering me a team schedule, so I didn't forget. Oh, in case I haven't mentioned it before, nothing physical has happened...at least nothing more than a hug and a kiss on the cheek. And he took my arm when we left the ballpark. It's all very casual, which is good.
Today (Thursday) I took a "personal day" off from work. Okay, so I took a day off to see Kerry Wood in his first game since last year. I'm a big baseball fan, sue me!
I couldn't reach Announcer to tell him I would be there (although I'm pretty sure I mentioned it earlier). But after winning a replica 1955 Jackie Robinson Dodgers Jersey in a scratch-off drawing, I was excited to tell somebody, but I couldn't find anyone!!!
So I sent a text to FA.
He texted back to congratulate me and said he was in Aisle 34 (about six sections over from me). Did he ask where I was sitting?
No.
Did he suggest we meet up after the game?
No.
Did he tell me when he'll be in town next?
No.
Yep, NEXT!
I had left a message earlier for Announcer and, in my excitement from winning the jersey, tried to call him a second time. Oooh, cardinal sin! Two messages from one woman in less than two hours! How needy!
Needless to say, I wasn't going to call him.
Here's where fate/luck/destiny jumps in. I was leaving the ballpark pretty late (as usual) and I stopped in the ladies room near the bleachers. I had planned to take the Red Line home and that's the closest exit. Upon leaving the loo, who do I run into? Announcer!
He gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek and said he was going to call me but he didn't have any signal. We chatted for about 15 minutes and he reminded me about the Milwaukee games. I showed him the jersey and he was very impressed. He said he'd call me before the Milwaukee series, gave me a hug and another kiss on the cheek and boarded the team bus for the airport.
So, friends and neighbors, here's the scorecard as it stands now:
FA - a goner unless some amazingly gutsy/thoughtful/romantic steps are taken on his part.
Announcer- still in friends stage, I think. Don't know if anything will ever develop. Not sure if I want it to considering the age difference and geography.
Dancing Lawyer - date planned for Saturday night. We'll see.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Pinch-hitter
The Cubs game starts in 6 hours and I have heard NOTHING from FA regarding our plan to attend the game together. Am I upset?
Actually, no. For two reasons:
1) since FA lives in Florida, had a number of little-boy-in-grown-man's-body issues, and wasn't all that cute anyway, the boyfriend possibility was minimal, and
2) not one, but TWO guys offered to leave me a free ticket if I want to come to tonight's game!
Okay, don't get too excited about #2 because one of them is a Cubs security guy (married) and the other one is an announcer for the Washington Nationals (not sure on the married thing, but he's considerably older than me).
A little background...Firecracker, FC2, Golden Girl and I attended last night's game and had a little early celebration for FC2's birthday. After the Cubs won (yay!! it's about time!!), all of us except Firecracker went over to one of the local watering holes.
When we arrived, I ran into a sportswriter friend of mine that covers the Cubs. We chatted for a bit and then he disappeared into the crowd. About 20 minutes later, I got the feeling that I should go and find him again. When I did, he was talking to the Announcer and was kind enough to introduce me.
Announcer offered to leave me a ticket for tonight's game and in doing so, gave me his cell phone number and told me where he's staying and his room number. Oh, did I mention that he used to be a professional baseball player?
Yep, it was an interesting evening. Wonder what tonight will bring?
Actually, no. For two reasons:
1) since FA lives in Florida, had a number of little-boy-in-grown-man's-body issues, and wasn't all that cute anyway, the boyfriend possibility was minimal, and
2) not one, but TWO guys offered to leave me a free ticket if I want to come to tonight's game!
Okay, don't get too excited about #2 because one of them is a Cubs security guy (married) and the other one is an announcer for the Washington Nationals (not sure on the married thing, but he's considerably older than me).
A little background...Firecracker, FC2, Golden Girl and I attended last night's game and had a little early celebration for FC2's birthday. After the Cubs won (yay!! it's about time!!), all of us except Firecracker went over to one of the local watering holes.
When we arrived, I ran into a sportswriter friend of mine that covers the Cubs. We chatted for a bit and then he disappeared into the crowd. About 20 minutes later, I got the feeling that I should go and find him again. When I did, he was talking to the Announcer and was kind enough to introduce me.
Announcer offered to leave me a ticket for tonight's game and in doing so, gave me his cell phone number and told me where he's staying and his room number. Oh, did I mention that he used to be a professional baseball player?
Yep, it was an interesting evening. Wonder what tonight will bring?
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Keeping the door open
A few years back, I dated a guy who got angry when he discovered that I was still listed on the online dating service Match.com while we were dating. He was really mad, or maybe he was hurt, I don't know, but he wanted me to de-activate my profile. Whatever.
I never expected to find "my soulmate" on Match, so it didn't really matter to me that my profile was still active. Before you start to wonder, no! I'm not active on Match.com anymore.
Anyway, I was really bored at home the other night, so I thought I'd see if the Match.com talent pool was as shallow now as it was then. Surprisingly enough, my specifc search turned up quite a few attractive men. And then I came across one that I recognized. It took a few minutes, but I realized that the guy lives down the hall from me...with his girlfriend and her daughter!
Wonder if she'd be as angry as my boyfriend was?
I never expected to find "my soulmate" on Match, so it didn't really matter to me that my profile was still active. Before you start to wonder, no! I'm not active on Match.com anymore.
Anyway, I was really bored at home the other night, so I thought I'd see if the Match.com talent pool was as shallow now as it was then. Surprisingly enough, my specifc search turned up quite a few attractive men. And then I came across one that I recognized. It took a few minutes, but I realized that the guy lives down the hall from me...with his girlfriend and her daughter!
Wonder if she'd be as angry as my boyfriend was?
Monday, May 15, 2006
To date or not to date?
Well, it's been two weeks since I last heard from FA and we're supposed to go to the Cubs game this Wednesday evening.
Let's take a poll: who thinks I'll have a date for the game Wednesday?
Let's take a poll: who thinks I'll have a date for the game Wednesday?
Goodbye Auntie Mame
I've often felt that I was born at the wrong time. I can (and usually do) sing along to the music of Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller, but couldn't even name one song by Brittney Spears or Jennifer Lopez.
I was born too late to know Rosemary in her heyday. I'm at the tail end of a large family with several generations mixed in, so we tend to confuse the specifics of who's related and who's not. I think Rosemary was my father's cousin (or maybe her husband Chuck was, I don't know).
My extended family holds two reunions per year- - one in the summer and one just after Thanksgiving. They've done this for years and we have the black-and-white home movies to prove it. Rosemary and Chuck used to entertain at the winter reunion. No, they weren't professionals, but they were good. He played a grand piano and she, a statuesque blond, sang showtunes from atop the piano.
She was the only woman I've ever known who smoked a cigarette at the end of a long holder and she did it with style. Okay, she did everything with style, but maybe that was just my view as an impressionable grade schooler.
I used to imagine the wonderfully exotic life they lived. Traveling all over the world, dining at amazing restaurants, meeting important people from all walks of life. Actually, I don't know if any of this ever happened because I was too young to know anything about them except that they were family.
Rosemary loved sports. Actually, she had asked her kids to tell her what channel the game was on just the night before the heart attack hit. She was putting on her makeup, blotting her lipstick the way classy women of a certain ago do.
And then she was gone.
It's such a small part of my childhood from so many years ago, but for some reason, I know I'll miss her.
I was born too late to know Rosemary in her heyday. I'm at the tail end of a large family with several generations mixed in, so we tend to confuse the specifics of who's related and who's not. I think Rosemary was my father's cousin (or maybe her husband Chuck was, I don't know).
My extended family holds two reunions per year- - one in the summer and one just after Thanksgiving. They've done this for years and we have the black-and-white home movies to prove it. Rosemary and Chuck used to entertain at the winter reunion. No, they weren't professionals, but they were good. He played a grand piano and she, a statuesque blond, sang showtunes from atop the piano.
She was the only woman I've ever known who smoked a cigarette at the end of a long holder and she did it with style. Okay, she did everything with style, but maybe that was just my view as an impressionable grade schooler.
I used to imagine the wonderfully exotic life they lived. Traveling all over the world, dining at amazing restaurants, meeting important people from all walks of life. Actually, I don't know if any of this ever happened because I was too young to know anything about them except that they were family.
Rosemary loved sports. Actually, she had asked her kids to tell her what channel the game was on just the night before the heart attack hit. She was putting on her makeup, blotting her lipstick the way classy women of a certain ago do.
And then she was gone.
It's such a small part of my childhood from so many years ago, but for some reason, I know I'll miss her.
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