Sunday, November 28, 2010

Cowboys are sexy

Last night, I enjoyed an evening at Billy Bob's Texas and a live performance by Chris Young.  When I moved to Dallas three years ago, I never imagined that I'd be loving a country concert and cowboy so much!  After being born in San Diego and then living in Los Angeles for eight years before moving to Dallas, I was a bit of an anti-cowboy.  I didn't like country music, and I thought guys in cowboy hats were suspicious.  I figured I'd move to Dallas and be surrounded by crazy cowboys.  To my surprise, cowboys were few and far between.  And when I did meet a cowboy, I was impressed.  A man in a black cowboy hat can get my heart racing any day.  There's such an air of confidence touched by a little mystery and a whole lot of southern charm.  Last night at Billy Bob's, I fell in love with Chris Young's music and his stage presence.  I also caught a glimpse of some eye candy - two cowboys dressed in black hats and sexy jeans.  My friend Elizabeth and I decided to say hi and flirt a little.  I spoke with one of the ropers for a while and realized how hard-working and manly he was.  I gave him my card and said he should email me so I could send him our picture...

I think cowboys are sexy.  I actually realized a while ago that sexy comes in all forms....it's not about finding Mr. Right from California or France or Australia...it's about finding a perfectly sexy man for me.  And, I believe there are wonderfully sexy and manly guys in all parts of the world.  Like music, people can be put into categories.  And, it's not fair!  Sure, it helps with marketing to a target audience, but it can detract from the two most important categories - good and bad - OR - pleasing to me and not pleasing to me.  I have learned to love all kinds of music - realizing that good songs come in all genres.  Likewise, I have learned to appreciate all types of men - realizing that good things come in all sorts of packages.

I am pleased to say that I have embraced my inner Texas-girl, and I'm enjoying the culture.  I love the southern hospitality and charm.  I love a true cowboy....and I love a great country song.  Just watch and listen to this - Chris Young sums it up well:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWcs1GmJRQs

He's gorgeous, soulful, sultry, honest, and I love his black cowboy hat!!  Cowboys are sexy.  I need to find myself one.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Medieval Times date

Last week, I had my very first experience at Medieval Times.  A Facebook friend decided to fly to meet me....from San Diego.  And, as we drove past Medieval Times, he said - we should go there.  So, we did!  This Facebook friend and I had been communicating electronically for a few months - trading notes, poems, thoughts and adulation.  After some texting, phone calls and Skype chatting, I invited him to Dallas.  He booked a flight, and next thing I knew, we were at Medieval Times - taking a step back in time - and exploring our connection.

As we walked into Medieval Times, we saw the workout room for the "knights" and smelled the horses.  At the front entry, we smiled at the moat and knew this would be an unforgettable evening.  We checked in and learned we would be seated in the Red section - cheering on the Red Knight.  Our Medieval representative commented that the Red Knight was blood-thirsty that night.  We then were greeted by a fair maiden who placed paper crowns on our heads.  My date, Dylan, who is a poet, immediately adopted the lingo - saying "Mi Lady" and "Mi Lord" to those we encountered.

The main lobby of the venue was full of energy and excitement.  A few of the special birthday boys and girls took part in a knighting ceremony.  The trumpets beckoned us, and we were ushered to our seats - front row in the Red Knight's section.  Soon, our wench arrived with iced tea or soda - she also delivered tomato bisque along with garlic bread (Dragon dropping) - followed by a rib, half-chicken and potato (Dragon egg).  As we were fed, a romantic then valiant story unfolded.  The knights and their horses were athletic and entertaining.  The King and Princess greeted us, and we almost expected them to bust into song.  I think I'd like to be the Princess for an evening and sing Madrigal songs.  The funniest part about the food is the fact that you don't use silverware.  Hands only!!  This made for a fun hands-on evening and further bonding between my date and me.

For dessert, our wench served us a quite delicious apple tart with coffee.  Good thing we arrived hungry!  To our happy surprise, our Red Knight took the victory of the evening.  As we cheered for him, it felt as if I were rooting for my favorite college team or the Cowboys (especially with the new coach).  Medieval Times was even more fun than I expected it to be.

After dinner, we posed for photos in Medieval garb.  Dylan made a fine King, and the photographer instructed me to place my hand on Dylan's sword.  Nice for a first date!  :)  Finally, my date wrote a poem for our winning knight:

Lion Heart

On a lusty hot November night
in the kingdom of Dallas
did the mighty Lion's Heart roar
and tear open and through and rip asunder
cast under his swarthy spell
he fought so well, all gallantly
and we did see a Victory
for our Red Team
as if in some deep magic dream
Lord Dylan and Lady Lisa
shared in your victory, my liege
and salute you for your Heart

The look on the knight's face was priceless...and the entire evening was one of incredible adventure.  It's funny how it can take a visitor to get us to do things we normally wouldn't do.  I had driven by Medieval Times dozens (if not hundreds) of times, and I never explored it.  Having a new friend in town brought me to a new adventure around the corner from my home.

Incidentally, Dylan is quite talented.  You can find more of his poems at:
http://www.wordisborn.net/ and http://www.youtube.com/wordisborntv

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Checking in | dear blog

Dear blog,

I am sorry it has taken me so long to write.  Life has been moving full speed ahead, and I feel like I've been trying to catch up.  I've thought of you almost daily, but I didn't know what I wanted to say that would be pithy and insightful.

Therefore, I decided to write you a letter for the sole purpose of expressing myself.  This might sound a bit like a stream of consciousness expression, but that's the point of a journal anyhow, isn't it?!

Tonight is the Dallas Margarita Ball, and I scored tickets through the help of some awesome friends.  Monica and I decided we should go and scope out the guys and the scene in general.  This will be my first time at the event, which has been running for more than three decades.  Last night, Monica and I shopped for dresses at Northpark, and I think we're ready for action.

Last week, I seriously was about to give up on dating.  I was thinking of throwing in the towel.  Next thing I knew, my friend, Laura, set me up with an attractive, sweet and optimistic guy.  I felt instant chemistry with him, and our first date was in a flower shop, on camera.  He was a great sport, and our hug was my favorite part.  The only problem is that he's planning on moving soon, and he's almost 10 years younger...so, I'm not sure how ready he's going to be to get married in Dallas in February :)

I go back and forth between feeling ready to donate my wedding to someone else and feeling hopeful that I will be the one walking down the aisle.  I've learned and decided that girls fall in love with the idea of "the wedding."  Girls plan the details in their heads - from flowers, to bridesmaids, to colors, to signature cocktails...yet, the groom can be a question mark.  On the other hand, men don't fall in love with the idea of the wedding - they have to fall in love with the girl first.  Women don't need to know who the guy is to envision the wedding.  Yet, men have to be inspired by the right female.  When a man falls in love, he will move mountains to please a woman and to be with her.  Until that moment, the man orbits in a world that is far, far away from wedding land.

I've separated myself from the wedding.  I can remain objective in my quest.  If I were so in love with the idea of the wedding, I'd be engaged by now.  Sure, I'm a little scared of failing in a marriage.  I've seen so many others fail in marriage.  But, I want to win in love and in marriage.  Time will tell...the cliches all ring true - it will happen when you least expect it; you can't hurry love; money can't buy me love; whatever will be, will be...

I'm hopeful, yet realistic.  I do know this - just last week, I went to an event on Tuesday night (totally last minute).  And, I met a guy who declared, "I'm ready to get married."  My friend, Monica, said - you're in luck - she has a wedding planned!  It was hilarious...also, it was fun that the guy and I hung out all night.  Will we get married?  Probably not...but it provided us with a connection, and it was a ton of fun.  I had no expectations when I went to the event.  In fact, I thought I'd be in and out of there...but I ended up connecting with a cute guy and spending all night with him.

In the recent past, my friends and I have set out on the town, on a mission, to find dudes.  And we came up dry.  So, there is some truth in finding "it" when you least expect it.  I wonder what we'll find tonight at the Margarita Ball.  All I know is that I love my new dress and shoes...and it's fun to dress up sometimes (I also love watching movies in sweats on my couch).

I wanted this blog entry to be more "stream of consciousness" - yet I still formed neat paragraphs.  I guess I'm a nerd at heart.  It's easier for me to rant in my paper and pen journal.  Typing forces me into more proper writing.

So, here's a poetic expression - just to try the exercise with a keyboard.  I would love to be in love.  Hearts racing, eyes popping, dance beats in my head.  That feeling when he walks into the room - how my heart goes boom.  Stomach hurts, time stops.  Sun shines even thought it's raining.  It's like puppies at Christmas.  My birthday everyday...the most glorious sunsets on Greek islands.  New territory, a fine glass of wine.  Chatting with best friends...belly laughing and smiles that hurt my cheeks.  The excitement of someone new who seems so familiar.  The comfort and joy....sharing life with someone else.  Feeling like a child about to open a stack of presents....with no cares, no worries, because that someone will always be there.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Journey versus destination

At this point, I am completely satisfied with my journey.  I know I've set a wedding date, and the clock is ticking, but I have realized that the date may or may not work for me.  Love doesn't really have a deadline. However, I can prepare my heart and mind for it, wish for it and pray for it.

I had a great time at the Sarah McLachlan concert last night, thanks to my friend, Mandi.  And, I had a great friend date, Daniel.  He loves and plays music like I do, so he was a perfect date.  I enjoyed the music, the atmosphere and the chance to see my idol perform.

All along, I have been interested in finding the lasting connection with someone special.  I have wanted to find my soul mate and the father of my children.  Yet, when I recently attended a wedding, I wasn't dying to be the bride.  This weekend, when I heard a baby crying, I didn't feel an overwhelming desire to have my own crying baby.  Haven't you felt that way on planes when babies are crying?  That has to be one of the most painful situations ever.

Yet, I love children, and I enjoy the company of men.  I still seek the companionship and the partner for the rest of my life.  And, now more than ever, I know how monumental the decision to marry is.  No one is perfect - yet two imperfect people have to connect and decide to share their hearts.  I think it's best to let time tell.  It's best to trust the instincts of love.  And mature love replaces lust with respect.  There has to be a spark that burns for a lifetime, yet there has to be kindness and tolerance and compromise.  Those are huge adjustments for a single person!  Thus, a potential partner has to be really compelling.

Why am I saying all of this?  I am expressing my must current and honest thoughts.  I believe I will find my man in due time.  I also know it might not be on my exact timeline...

And that's okay...

Incidentally, I had a great date in Houston over the weekend with a very sexy guy.  I like him.  He's witty, smart, confident and attractive.  He is honest, and he does not play games.  Time will tell when I see him again, but I hope it's sooner rather than later.