8 Things To Do Before You Say "I Do"

This is a post I wrote for The Nantucket Chronicle.  Find the original Here.

I’ve been married…almost…A few times…Whoopsie.  Almost being the operative word.  There’s a reason I never made it down the aisle as of yet.  I have learned my lesson on numerous occasions, please learn from my mistakes.  Here are just a few suggestions from my experience you should do before saying “I will” or “I Do”.

1. Meet each other’s families and friends.  This may sound like a no brainer but when you’re in love and happy, sometimes we forget to come up for air.  I had a wedding dress packed for Vegas and I realized, “He’s never met any of my friends or my family.”  We knew each other as “Us”.  We didn’t know each other outside of our bubble.  We all can change personalities when we encounter our families, friends and co-workers.  It’s a good thing to know your significant other’s various personalities as well as them knowing yours.  Plus, they should know the people you love and care for and visa-versa.

2. Travel together.  For me this includes at least one road trip and plane ride.  You want to see if you’re compatible with someone, travel with him or her.  I remember dating someone that was a terrible traveler.  He was miserable the whole time.  I quickly saw this wouldn’t do, at least for me.  I love to travel and I’m pretty easy going.  If he had a problem traveling for just a few hours, how was he going to be traveling for a few days?  Hell, if he has such trouble traveling, how was he going to be traveling through life together?  Life is full of ups and downs…Marriage is chock full of bumps along the road.

3. Go to a large event, party or wedding together.  Preferably one where they know most of the people in attendance and another event where you know most of the attendees.  This is a great chance to see how you and they interact.  I was dating someone for two or so months when he took me to his friend’s wedding.  We had an incredible time and found we were quite a good match because of this trip and event.  I didn’t need him by my side the whole time, which was good for him, since he was running around catching up with friends.  If there’s a dance floor, I’m on it!  When I took him to my friend’s wedding, we had an even better time.  Same situation, I had things I had to do for my friend and my date made nice with my guy friends fast.  No one ever felt alone or out of place, even when we weren’t by each other’s side.  I think being able to hold your own and not be dependent on someone continually is important to any healthy, long lasting relationship.

4. Have a fight…Or two or three.  Do you fight fair?  Fighting, having a difference of opinion is natural and it’s good for the relationship.  You need to be able to fight fair, feel safe and comfortable voicing your opinions, which is not always easy.  If you fight too much, then I would rethink a long term commitment, unless you’re into that sort of thing.  In my opinion, romantic relationships should be fairly easy in the beginning.  Remember when you have a fight to forgive and forget. Don’t hold whatever the fight was about over their heads. Move on.  Pick your battles. And sometimes being right is being wrong.  Compromise when need be.  Don’t let your ego get in the way of something amazing!

5. (If you’re planning on Children)  See how they act around children.  Hang out with kids.  Do they freak out?  Do they look relaxed?  Do they have fun?  Do they want any part?  If you want children, more than likely you’ve already discussed this but just in case you haven’t, see how they feel and act around children.  For some, the only kids they like are their own.  Some didn’t realize they wanted children until they were pregnant.  For others, they know they don’t want children.  Divorces happen because someone didn’t want children but the other did.  Respect someone’s decision but know it before you say “I will” or “I do”.  It’s kinda a big deal and a deal breaker in my opinion.  Be on the same page before marriage.  And if you want children but your significant other does not, don’t compromise.  Many people think they’ve found the perfect partner and feel they can live without kids.  This only lasts for a spin and then your true feelings will sink in.  You’ll realize you do want children.  Best to know before you’re in too deep.

6. Complete your “To dos” before you say “I do”. I used to have a list of various items and adventures I wanted to accomplish before I got married.  I'm lucky enough to have completed all of them.  To name a few; Crash a wedding, Climb a mountain, Travel by myself, Kiss a celebrity, live by myself, have a summer of watching sunrises and sunsets.  Once one is married, life changes.  Once children are in the picture, life will never be the same.  Make your list of “To dos”.  Get them crossed off before walking down aisle.

7. Discuss Pre-Cana typical topics. It’s a tradition in the Catholic Church to receive Pre-Cana counseling before saying “I dos” but I think everyone should have to go through some sort of course to get married.  What is Pre-Cana?  It’s a course for couples to complete before they are allowed to be married in the Catholic Church.  Usually six month sessions led by a priest.  The course touches on finances, conflict resolution skills, spiritually/faith, careers, family, children, communication and commitment.  It’s not exactly easy or romantic but this course would certainly show the couple where their strengths and weaknesses lie, as well as if they’re truly compatible.   (I do strongly believe the topics need to be discussed and there is much a couple can learn from the Pre-Cana course.  Not only about you as a couple but also individually.)

8. Move past old relationships and get closure.  How can you start a new relationship, if you’re thinking or holding onto an old relationship?  Move on from that relationship.  Take the lessons you need to grow and learn to be a better partner, throw away old photos, major items that remind you of them.  Leave the relationship where it belongs, in the past.  Think of them of course but don’t dwell.  As Cookie from Best in Show said to her lovable husband Gerry when she was talking about her 100s of ex-boyfriends, “He was my past; you’re my future.”

I’ve never been married but I have a cat.  Because I have a cat, I understand that marriage can be an adventure full of twists and turns, highs and lows, joys and sorrows one could never imagine or foresee.  The best marriages have two partners that take the good with the bad and want to travel along this fantastic adventure called life together.  Make sure you have found the right travel partner before setting down the marriage road.
 

Chivalry = Intense

This Summer I have been less than impressed by the dating material that has been set in front of me.  Prime example: When a “Call me Maybe” situation arose, the time came to exchange numbers with a beautiful man.  He looked me dead in the eye and said, “I’m really bad with numbers.  My assistant is around here somewhere.”  As he looked around the party, two red flags popped up.  One:  He may not be interested in me and is giving an excuse when he won’t be calling me.   In which case, why should I share my number with him?  My number is sacred…every woman’s number is sacred!  Second red flag: Does he really get that many numbers?  Does he really have an assistant that handles all of his lady’s digits?  I think I’ll pass on this headache.  My reply before my friend and I walked away, “You can’t have my number.” 

I have gathered some entertaining stories during these few summer months.  Some of which may or may not make it into my next book.  Other Summer-time love reports, I will save for when I’m old, grey and no on one truly minds what a 90 years old little lady did in her youth…no matter how bold or brash. 

But…

Recently, I felt a click and a pause in my thinking.  All of a sudden, something changed within how I viewed a friend.  I no longer considered this person strictly on a friendship level but now I have acquired an intense infatuation. The flip has been switched, I’m armed with curiosity and a strange new sensation.  I can’t help but know that everything is different.  All because of one everyday moment that for me, has become special.

I had been walked home plenty of times before: by friends and by dates.  I usually hate this because of the knowing that there will be an awkward moment at the end where you and the other person are standing on the side of the road knowing, “This is it…see you later…maybe.”  But this was different.  He carried me up the street because I asked him to.  My feet hurt and the Champagne I was drinking that night caught up to me very fast. This could have been the crescendo to the realization that I had feelings for this person.  Even though I was under the influence, I still can remember my face resting in the cranny of his neck.  I remember thinking, “I must be too heavy for him to carry.”  In all honestly, it was sweet of him to do so and why wouldn’t my heart be won over by someone lifting me up and carrying me home. This was nice and for a brief moment, for lack of a better word, it felt right.  An innocent gesture of him carrying me home was not of someone trying to seduce me, simply a good person that was there to help.  When I climbed down from his arms, we said good-bye and I said “Thank you”.  I started my walk up the road to my house. I looked back to see him looking directly at me.  In a way, it was a very intense experienced for me.  I wasn’t sure what to do with myself and this rarely happens.   At first, his stare made me uncomfortable.  When someone holds his or her glance at me for an extended period, the moment feels very intimate and foreign.  I yelled to the bottom of the street where he was standing, “Stop looking at me!”  Or something to that result…

His answer back would be that of a grenade thrown into my brain barracks.  His initial statement would be the release of the pin, “I want to make sure you get home safely.  Chivalry isn’t dead for some guys.”  I continued my staggering steps toward my front door.  One foot in front of the other later, I looked back just to see if he was still there.  He was.  His stare had not changed in intensity.  Typically, by now, most persons would have gone on their way.  It was at this point, I wanted to march myself down the road and ask him, “What do you think you’re doing?”  Point to where he needs to be and let him know he should leave!  I didn’t.  I turned my toes toward my house and put one foot in front of the other once again.  Just two-steps more, I turned around to see if he was still holding his ground.  He was. That’s when the grenade went off and “POW!”  I have a new crush.  I had a few more glimpses back until I reached my front door.  I waved my hand good-bye and he walked away.  I watched his body become a shadow and disappear.

This unintended encounter gave me a chance to rethink what I want, what type of person I want to be with and what I want to be to someone else.  I know for this person, if was a mere instance of them helping a friend, nothing more than that.  And he did just that in more ways than he could imagine.  For me, this was a possibility to know that sometimes people may surprise you in the most usual of ways and chivalry will keep a girl wanting more.  There's always the possibility that something could go from creepy to absolutely wonderful.

Karma "Yoga on the Rock": Do you know what Seva is?

Photo by the beautiful Katie Kaizer.  She is an amazing photographer and Journalist.  See more of her work at http://www.katiekaizerphotography.com/

"Do you know what seva is? It’s the selfless act of being in service to anyone or anything that needs your helping hands. The more fully you give yourself to this calling now, the more amazing your world becomes."
~Stephanie Azaria

I pulled into the Cisco beach parking lot a little before 9AM Tuesday morning.  A line of surfers was already present on the water, waiting the moment they might catch The Wave. The sun was beginning to peek out from the clouds and I was certain this day was going to be especially beautiful. 

I scanned the line of cars for a grey Land-cruiser.  An open car door revealed a girl, relaxing, watching the waves slowing rolling onto the shore.  The back of the truck was open, a few coolers and beach gear barely filling up the back. I spotted what I was looking for: a set of yoga mats situated in a ‘ready to go’ position.  This must be the girl I was here to meet and she could not appear to be any cooler!  I grabbed my trash bag and headed over to the car. 

The woman’s feet moved and a petite dark brown-haired woman emerged from the truck.  “You must be Dorothy.” She had a sweet, calm and easy nature that instantly put me in relaxed mode.  She lifted her sunglasses to greet me, and her natural beauty radiated from within. 

“No make-up and stunning.  She’s a true Yogi,” I thought to myself as we finished our introductions.  We spoke for a while as we waited to see if any other participants would arrive.  When it was looking as though it would be just the two of us, I was sure she was going to call it off until another time…why clean the beach and teach a class with just one person? 

Samantha Rudofsky, has started a new initiative called Karma "Yoga on the Rock", which is open to anyone who wishes to participate.  Willing and able bodies may meet at Cisco beach parking lot on Tuesdays at 9AM for a half hour of beach clean-up.  Then, rewarding people’s efforts, Samantha will teach a free yoga class.  Karma "Yoga on the Rock"  is all about giving back to the community and the Earth. 

After five or ten minutes had passed, she looked at me and said, “Shall we start?”  Surprised and excited, I clutched my trash bag and followed her to the beach.  We started to walk along the dunes.  At first we were finding small pieces of debris.  As we picked up the cigarette butts and small pieces of paper, Samantha and I continued our chat.  I wanted to know more about her…why she was doing what she was doing.  Where she was from?  I’d never seen her before, but we have many mutual Facebook friends.  I wanted to know why she was doing Karma Yoga.  Being an Island girl, my appreciation for the island is deeply rooted in my veins.  More often than not, I see visitors to Nantucket have two notions in mind: Make money, and party.  They work whatever job they came here to do and partake in the nightlife/beach life.  Once the air starts to become cooler and the island population begins to diminish, so do the people who say they ‘love’ Nantucket so much.  It’s a rarity to see someone so focused on giving back.  Samantha was pleased by the very fact that I showed up.  She honored me in that moment.

I was entranced when Samantha started to explain her inspiration for Karma "Yoga on the Rock".

Samantha, who is the founder of Guru Chakra, LLC ~ Om Ack said, “There’s more to yoga than just poses,” as she picked up a piece of plastic off the beach and placed the debris in her trash bag.   As we got deeper into the conversation, I realized the place Samantha was coming from was Love.  Love of Nantucket, love of community, love of the Earth, a sheer love of life and everything living.  

At the very moment of feeling in awe of Samantha and what drives her, I discover that we are collecting quite a bit of trash off the beach.  When I first felt the sand between my feet this morning, the thought that traveled through my mind was “How much can two people really do?  How much trash are we really going to collect?  Will this even make a difference?”  My bag was starting to become heavier and I realized just what two people could really do.  Samantha hadn’t even started the yoga class and already I was learning something. 

Two other women soon joined us.  The four of us went up and down the beach collecting various items that were either left behind or had washed ashore.  I was shocked by some of the items we found.  In half an hour of cleaning, we found a large green chair, a full fisherman’s net, and a plastic bag from a supermarket full of apples, a large rusty tin can, and a plethora of deflated balloons, and so on.  The beach looked relatively clean before we started but to my surprise, it didn’t take long to fill up our trash bags. 

Once the trash had been collected we took a break.  Samantha brought fresh watermelon and water infused with lemons to quench our thirst.  We nibbled on the watermelon and sipped the much-needed refreshing water before gathering our yoga mats and heading down the beach.  With yoga mat, water bottle and towel in hand, I found I had difficulty making my way through the pliable sand.  If I am hardly able to walk in the sand, how am I going to practice yoga?  I hadn’t taken a yoga class in years and I was beginning to get nervous. 

Samantha picked a spot that was semi-shielded from the wind.  We staggered our yoga mats and she began the class.  (I thought, “Forgive me, Universe, for it has been years since my last real yoga class.”)  Even though I was slightly embarrassed by my lack of correct body alignment, Samantha was an ever humble and understanding teacher, reminding us all that the most important thing to remember was our breathing.  After her calming voice stated this, I listened to my body.  There were multiple occasions when I couldn’t hold the simplest of poses and I moved my body into child’s pose.  It felt right.  I listened to my body, and focused on my breath. At the end of the class, the other students and I were in a fetal position on our sides.  I had my eyes closed and fell into the yoga trance.

Participating in yoga on the beach is an experience I have come to find challenging, while at the same time addicting.  The natural elements, wind and sand, force one to be in the moment and work a little harder to stay standing.  While other natural forces like the crashing ocean waves, sunshine and slowly moving clouds allowed for a mesmerizing backdrop.  While barely being able to hold myself in a pose, I glanced up to the sky to see the brightest shade of blue I have ever seen.  I could feel my body sway with the wind and I could hear small, gentle waves meet the shoreline.  The atmosphere had an almost lullaby/rocking effect that I found serene.  I left that morning looking forward to next Tuesday’s class.  Thank you, Samantha for the gift of your time and showing me how I can give more of myself.

To sign up for Tuesday’s class email her at samantha@omnantucket.com

Samantha teaches Yoga and Pilates at The Studio on Nantucket as well private classes.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuruChakraLLC

Twitter: @omnantucket https://twitter.com/#!/OmNantucket

Website: http://www.guru-chakra.com/ (Will be up and running soon.)

~Namaste~

This post is also on Nantucket Chronicle under Wellness/Yoga.

You Look Like You Need A Hug

It's Monday...You look like you could use a hug.

Sexercises Are Back!

Over the recent months I have received a large amount of feedback in regard to The Sexercises in the original Amazing Love Diet.  I have a few persons that were against them, saying that it read like a Penthouse Forum.  (Not sure if this is a good or a bad thing.) And then, I had a great number of people that found they loved the Sexercises!  Some were very disappointed that I had taken them out.  For those of you out there that don't know what Sexercises are, these would be different sexual positions that will help to tone your body.  What could be wrong with that?  I just happen to explain briefly the benefits...Now, isn't that a fun tidbit of information.

Those that I've heard from in regard to the old version of Amazing Love Diet, said that most of the positions they already knew about.  For them, the Sexercises were a nice reminder to engage and explore with their partner.  I have heard that it was a nice refresher for their relationship.  I felt this feedback was powerful enough to add the Sexercises back into the book.  I had a large number of people who voted for the Sexercises, more so than those against them.  So...I did just that.  Amazing Love Diet now features Sexercises!  

Download or pick up Amazing Love Diet today!

Download digital copy from Amazon Here

Order Paperback from Lulu Here.

*****If you've purchased any version of Amazing Love Diet please email me at lazypersonaltraining@gmail.com and I will give you the latest version as a thank you.

Motivational Photos To Get You Started & Keep You Going

I have some guest blogger posts that I will share in the coming days...For now, here is something from the Secret Blogger for you to enjoy! 

Motivational Photo #3 - Be Stronger Than Fear

The Secret Blogger is on a roll with this one.  Nothing could ring more true in day to day life.  We all have fear, it's a choice of what we allow fear to do to us or what we do to fear.  Life your life to the fullest!

Love The Wine You're With

It's beautiful outside, which just reminds me of summer...and summer reminds me of love, wine and happiness.  What's are your favorite summertime wines?  Are you a white, red, bubbles or rose person?  Me?  I'll take what I can get.

Guest Blogger: Gardening - The 5 Basics Steps

My beautiful sister Cora after a long day of playing in the dirt.

While I am finishing up my next book, War on Love, I am excited to say that I have gathered a few guest bloggers.  If you have any interest in being a guest blogger I WOULD LOVE IT!  Send me a message.
For now, here is my sister's guest blog post:  

Gardening - The Basics

Spring Cleaning, its not just for your home.

It is that time of year again, when you will wipe the cobwebs from your house, dust off that teeny weenie polka dot bikini and give your car the “first” wash of the season.  Ah, the things we do to gear up for summer. Your home is not the only place that needs to be cleaned.  Your garden or maybe lack there of, will need a refresher. Whatever your garden may look like; many small containers, or huge tracks of land. The pots or containers may need to be cleaned, dried and have FRESH dirt and nutrients for your new seeds or plants to grow.  If you are new to gardening, I suggest you get yourself some tools, these are the essentials:

-Pruners (strong ones like Felco)



-A trowel (tiny hand shovel)



-A Small Hand Rake: It can either be short or long handled or both (telescoping)



-Twine or Jute



-Gloves (I prefer the lightweight ones, that way I can still feel what I am doing)




-A Shovel at least six inches in width


-Cultivator



If you plan on doing any major construction to your garden, make sure you have the tools and “man”power to do so.  You may need some extra cash flow so that you can call the maintenance man for cutting wires etc.  Sometimes, the task at hand may seem frustrating and a little help goes a long way.


Important: Not every plant enjoys being manhandled.  Research the colors of plants you like, the conditions and needs of those plants. If you are good with plants, challenge yourself. If you are not and know you forget to water on a regular basis, get something that matches your temperament.


Now for the fun part… The things that need to happen in a garden bed in order for it to be “prepared for planting”:

1. Rake the entire bed: This allows you to see some open spots, where things are, and what you have to work with.

2. Weed: Anything that your heart doesn’t desire, is a weed – plants have a funny way of turning up in places unexpected. If you don’t know what something is, you can let it grow and see. If you like it, keep it.  If you don’t, pull it out.
     a. For small plants (smaller than the width of your palm) pull at the base
     b. If is bigger or there are many of them, use the cultivator
     c. If the plant is firmly rooted you need a shovel (and not the trowel)
3. Fertilizer: This is an area I enjoy. Coffee ground, fish bones (yes! You can buy the whole fish and take the bones and everything else you don’t eat and blend it up and throw it in your garden) your plants will be very happy, or you can buy cow manure, or GODDESS fertilizer. I mention Goddess only because it is natural. It doesn’t smell pretty, but it works and you don’t need much. Another one is seaweed, which may also act as mulch.
4. Mulch: Old newspapers (black and white only – color has dyes which can be harmful for you and your plants) or mulch or both. Make sure the mulch doesn’t have tiny pieces of plastic and isn’t “growing” seeds or rhizomes- these are plant roots that travel horizontally with the earth surface, they are hard to get rid of once you have them. To be honest I like the mulch that isn’t bark and isn’t like sawdust, I like it somewhere in between.
5. Planting: You choose your plants based on your conditions and abilities.



If you have questions about gardening that are specific, or need help starting a container garden, or how to build and maintain raised beds etc please feel free to contact me at corastover@gmail.com 

Easy Recipe: Dark Chocolate Covered Ginger and Cashews

You May Also Dip The Ginger In The Chocolate

This is so easy to make and so satisfying.  I have been on a Dark Chocolate and Ginger kick as of late.  Here is a super easy way to get a quick healthy candy fix.

-4oz of 60% or more Cacao.  I used Ghirardelli...But there are plenty of amazing brands out there that I have used in the past.
-Cashews or any other nuts you may like such as almonds.  Make sure they are sliced or chopped.
-Organic Crystallize Ginger: I bought some from a local shop here on Nantucket, The Green.
-Cinnamon:  Just a few dashes

In a double boiler melt chocolate.  Add a few dashes of cinnamon.  While the chocolate is melting, chop the ginger and nuts.  Mix the chocolate thoroughly until the chocolate is smooth.  Mix in chopped nuts and ginger.  Make sure nuts and ginger is fully covered.  Pour mixture onto parchment paper or foil.  Spread out evenly.  Store in fridge for at least two hours to cool.  Once cooled, break up the pieces and store them in a separate container of your choice.  You may also dip the ginger in the chocolate like I did in the photo above.

The World Owes You Nothing...

This world doesn’t owe you a happy romantic relationship.

This world doesn’t owe you an amazing, healthy body.

This world doesn’t owe you success and all the richest in the world.

This world doesn’t owe you anything.

Once you learn this you’ll start to find happiness...maybe even find you already have so much to be happy about.  We have to work for happiness. 


I often hear of people becoming frustrated over life and really, maybe, they should be.  Sometimes, life just isn’t fair.  Your co-worker gets promoted over work that you completed.  Your heart has been broken over and over again.  You discover you have lung cancer without having a single cigarette in your life.  You’ve lost it all.  You’ve hit rock bottom.

I have a little story for you...There once was a single mother, on her last penny.  She had no idea of how she was going to put food on the table or support her family.  Within five years of her hitting rock bottom, a “failure” as she has said in interviews, she became a millionaire.  Her name?  J.K Rowling, she's now a billionaire, just so you know.  She went on to write a Book Series that would change her life and her family’s circumstances forever.  You may know it, Harry Potter?  It wasn’t an easy journey, multiple publishing houses rejected her manuscript.  I bet they are kicking themselves on that one.  But she powered through, didn't she?  “And so rock bottom became a solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” J.K. Rowling in 2008.

We are all one moment away from greatness.  Greatness can be found in smiling at every single person you meet through out your day.  Greatness could mean curing cancer or just beating it.  Greatness could mean loving someone everyday for who they really are.  The world doesn’t owe you anything but you do owe the world something...What will it be?  You may never write a best seller.  You may never be someone that people look to for help.  You may not even be of any great importance. That’s not the point.  The point is to stay true to yourself.  To find out what you can contribute.  What are your talents?...The world doesn’t owe you anything...But you do owe the world just one small piece of yourself.

Want to know what my greatness moment will be?  When I finally learn to spell,  have correct grammar and punctuation...Sadly someday...Until then, you'll just have to be patient with my short-comings.

***This video is of a acoustic session with one of my favorite music artist, James Morrison. I adore him.  One Life is a new song off of his new album. ***

How Are You Today?

My mind is in Barcelona today...This building is apart of Park Guell...Beautiful Gaudi Designs and Architecture.

***First, just a quick update...I have been under the weather so I have not kept up with my Yoga Challenge.  I have completed Day 1...I will post to Facebook in the Notes section the Yoga Challenge updates.  Thank you.***

I would like to discuss 'Checking In'.  No this is not what we're all doing on our iPhones when we get to whatever bar or restaurant.  This is checking in with yourself.  A good friend of mine recently walked me through his daily routine.  First thing in the morning he takes a walk to clear his mind and wake up his body.  During his walk he asks himself, "How am I doing today?"  This 'checking in' with himself is a great tool and leveler for everyone to use in their everyday life.

Ask yourself today how you're doing?  If you're happy, play off of that.  If you're upset about something, get to the bottom of the problem, so that you may focus on the good in life.

How are you today?

A Pure Heart Is The Greatest Weapon

I Am At My Happiest When I Am Playing & Exploring With The Babes.

I may not be as innocent as I once was but I have never lost my childhood enthusiasm.  I get excited when I see a butterfly...I jump on the bed in every hotel room I visit...I make a wish when I blow out candles on my birthday...I still sing into my hairbrush...And I am always looking for someone to play tag with.  My body may have changed, but my heart never did.

20 Reasons Why I Love Nantucket This Winter

Madaket Sunset

When winter rolls around on Nantucket Island, I often hear people complain about the island and how there's nothing to do. 

Holding Hands Is The Bee's Knees

He Can't Catch A Break

I was catching up with one of my guy friends, The Lone Ranger and he was informing me of some of his dating mishaps...I should say, trying to at least reach a daring dating mishap.

Dating Disaster #1

I always feel more comfortable telling dating stories when they are very much in the past.  This way, most parties involved have moved on and more than likely, they don’t give a rats whether I use their story as an example or not.

Recently I realized, I haven’t put some of my embarrassing dating moments on my blog?  And boy do I have them!  I am super awkward and even more so when I really like someone.  Sometimes my awkward, clumsiness is just who I am.  Other humiliating moments unfortunately happen because I am nervous or excited...Beverages being spilled all over the dinner because I talk with my hands...Choking on a piece of food because I started laughing while I was eating...Getting my hair caught in tree branches because I wasn’t looking where I was going...Sitting at the wrong table when I venture back from the ladies room...”Wait you’re not my date!”...Then slam my finger in a car door, while trying to find cover from the rain...Yes, there is a surplus of awkward, awful dating moments that I have experienced...Most of the time I know these dates won’t be calling for another meet up.  Other occurrences, I am always surprised when they do call again... "Huh, Really?  I wasn’t expecting to hear from you again, unless it was for the cleaning bill for the spaghetti accident.  Yes, my nose is

Nature’s Viagra - Five Foods That Will Raise Your Spirits

Valentine’s Day is typically all about women...20 ways you can enjoy Valentine’s Day with your girlfriends...10 Valentine’s Day dates...Top 15 Movies to watch with your man...Well not this year!  I’m writing today for the guys.  I’m writing for the guys that have to go see a double chick flick feature...I’m writing for the guys that seem to never be able to please their girlfriend...I’m writing for the guys that just want to get a little something, something...

If I Were A Boy

I’m not ashamed to say if I were a guy I would try to be with every girl that would let me.  I get why guys are the way they are...Because they can be.  As a woman, I know that there are limitations on what I can and can not do...As much as I try to break tradition and prove them all wrong, I know I can’t. 

Skinny Dipping

I took this photo a few years ago while visiting Portugal...I just wanted to jump in.  Water is my religion.  It's what I love and fear the most in this world.

When I was younger, I would sneak into the swimming pool area of our house.  I would first get the key to the cabana.  Unlock the dark brown wooded door, change into my pink Strawberry Shortcake bathing suit and then climb the fence to the pool.  I was only able to do this once and awhile.  My Mother watched us like a hawk...Luckily, every now and then, my blind uncle would baby-sit us while she was out running a few errands and she didn’t want six crazy kids to reek havoc on her agenda.  Good grief we were a hand-full.  I have no idea how my Mother got through it unscathed.  On a few occasions, while my blind uncle watched us or really listened to us, I ran away for fear he was going to make me watch the tv show M.A.S.H.