experience counts

Went ice skating by myself last night to break in the new skates. Lovely. Been to this rink a few times before, so I knew just where to park, how much it cost, what to bring (thick socks, gloves and water) and what the crowd was going to be like. Being in an urbanized area, it was mostly teenagers at 10pm at night.

As I am enjoying myself on the ice, I felt grateful that life has brought me so many experiences. Whether together with people or on my own, I have done enough that I always want to do more.

It wasn't always like this. I used to spend more time thinking about doing things than actual execution.

Same with relationships. I used to try to control the man in my life rather than grow and evolve with that person. After Mr. PA, where I tried so hard to change him and drove him away, I see that I applied the same controls placed on me by others.

I finally learned. Relationships are about letting go completely and enjoy the other person as he is. I am excited but ever more appreciative of all the falls I have along the way. Those past experiences make the present that much sweeter.

fact or fiction

My sister-in-law is expecting my nephew in a couple of months. I am quite excited! They call the kid peanut because that's what he looked like in his first ultrasound picture.

I have been talking to the baby in hopes that he will recognize my voice. It's silly to talk loudly to a pregnant belly, but I am bonding with the bebe. "Greetings from your favorite aunt!"

One of the changes that my sister-in-law endured is her palate. She used to prefer savory food, but ever since her pregnancy, she prefers sweets and fresh fruit. That happens to be what most people in my family prefer. We even joke that the baby is going to be like my older sister, who is fanatic about her fresh fruits.

My mother confirmed that all the foods she craved while pregnant with each of us turned into our favorite foods. Pineapple for me!

So the doctors out there, any validity to my mother's claim? Better yet, all my mommy friends: did your pregnancy cravings turned into your children's favorite foods?

crafts

I spent an hour last night trying to fix a broken string on a bracelet. Didn't have the right type of string (need a sturdy fishing line), so I ended up in the exact same place as when I started - the beads are connected except for one place where it is broken.

Never been much of an arts-and-crafts person. I'll sew a button here and there, but I am just not a crafts person.

I did fix a tear in the back of my over-the-knee boots right after. Success! Plan to wear them for the 80s dancing tonight...

Lately, I have had a lot of "know my limit" experiences (motorcycle class, mini-triathlon, trying to have a serious relationship before I am ready...). They are not meant to be discouraging, more of a note.

Meditation has been wonderful in allowing me to see things as neutral rather than having an emotional response. So, duly noted, I am not great at fixing broken jewelry.

work hard

This is why I love my work...

inquiring minds

p.s. I didn't go to Tahoe Sat. The lack of snow was a blessing in disguise. I did lots of fun things and even renewed an old connection. Life is very, very good.

dear girlfriends...

Hello to my former Dinner-For-the-Ladies friends,

Weren't those monthly dinners back in 2004-2006 fun?

Back when I first became single, organizing those monthly dinners was such a fun outlet. I found the perfect formula. Every last Wednesday of the month, we would all meet at a restuarant that I found (and this was before I discovered yelp!). The budget was about $20 per person, and the location had to be accessible to all of us, some working in SF, some in Peninsula, others in the South Bay.

My repeat this every month, usually sending the evite out the week after the last dinner to continue the tradition.

All this because I read a research that the only indicator of a woman's happiness is her female companionship. We were all amused that the only indicator of a man's happiness is also his female companionship. Does that mean women may need men but aren't necessary happier with them? Well, that's the subject of another post.

Thank you all for the great times! We bonded over great food, sometimes bad service, traffic, men, Sex and the City, laughter and frustration, and all of life's ups and downs. Eventually, some of us settle down.

Anyways, after I discontinued the dinners, we tried to get together a couple of times a year.

So much has happen in the past year, and those of you who stayed in touch know that. Most recently, I got a new job and made some lifestyle adjustments (one of them has a V6!).

That's why I have not responded during this latest group invite for us to consider a get together. I do care, and I am forever grateful for your support during those dinners and gatherings, but I do ask that we catch up electronically and maybe meet up at one the larger social gatherings in 2008.

Thank you for everything, and I look forward to catching up with you (either in cyberspace or in person)!!

With Love and Happy Holidays,
TOE