Their be Dinosaurs, Oh My

Come with us to on our way to find some dinosaurs. Today Eric and I headed over the Virginia Living Museum.

Besides their normal exhibits they had a traveling animatronic dinosaur exhibit. It was very well done.
Besides that Eric crawled into every crack and crevice to check out.
I was just happy he rarely asks me to come inside with him anymore. I think he sees as he gets bigger its harder for him to move around in there. At least he knows how I feel.
While the adventure was fun, dinosaurs and animals, I had to admit it was pricey for what it was. I hadn't been there in years. The last time was when I took Tech girl there. The dinosaurs made me spend the money, but normally the drive and the cost would make me avoid it.

Eric started reading the book I got him. It was perfect timing cause he was asking for a bookmark to keep his place. The Comic was coming in for treatment today since she hurt her back helping her son out yesterday. It was a perfect time to get the bookmark she made and I was able to give her the Chinese slipper replacements. This time they didn't stink.

It was good to see her after a few days. Especially since I won't see her till next Tuesday. I see that a week is about the time I start missing sex. It's funny when I'm not having it I don't miss it, but when I start the engine needs to run.

So far the week with Eric has been great. Tomorrow is our first day of no plans and no patients. Besides getting adjusted by OVDC which I'm dying for, we are totally free. Most likely we'll go to the pool to have some fun since it will be in the triple digits here. Not a big pool person, but I do what I gotta do. I may have to get my son a muzzle for Christmas. Boy can that boy chatter.

Business Road Trip

My day started off nice with a phone call from Kitcat while I was still lying around bed. It was good to hear from her especially since we hadn't actually talked since Friday. She is still a chatty cathy and I got to hear everything in detail which I don't mind. I enjoy being brought into her life. I was hoping to see her tonight or tomorrow, but it won't be till the weekend. We talked about missing each other, but both of knew why it was happening. I'm okay with it, even though I may not like it.

My SIL was on the today show this morning. You can see it here. She's Karen. It was a pretty good piece on being in your 50's.

After many weeks of putting it off I hopped in the car today and drove up to the peninsula to meet some other chiropractors. I had been putting off calling for a long while now. However I liked Shah's idea of just stopping in. There were only 2 doctors close by with everyone else at least an hour. The first place I stopped in was very nice. The staff was very friendly, instantly remembered my name. After a few minutes I got to talk to the doctor who was a nice guy and we talked for about 5 minutes on little stuff. His office reminded me of many things we use to do when I was in NY. I have to review all that stuff in my mind to see what can be used here. The second place the staff blocked me from seeing the doctor. It wasn't as warm as the first place either. From what I hear he does a lot of business, but he may need to defrost his staff.

It was a nice ride up and back. I haven't been up there in a long while and I enjoyed the adventure. However I did have flashbacks of the long drive to see the Planner and Tech girl. Both of who were farther north than I travelled today. I'm very happy to have Kitcat close.

I knew I was berating myself at some level for not contacting the doctors before now. Since doing so today I'm ready for a nap. I forget how much energy goes into avoidance and rationalization no to do something. Now I'm relaxed and I'm feeling the toll.

Photo Scavenger

I tell you I now remember why I don't go into malls. Crowded, busy malls make me anxious. I think it's sensory overload. I've been at networking events that have been so crowded it's like a nightclubs dance floor without a problem. Since dead malls don't bother me I think it's just everything all at once. I guess I'm getting old. Soon I'll be complaining that the kids are playing their music too loud. Anyhow I did my recon for the photo scavenger hunt and posted the event. Now we'll see if anyone comes. I broke the "to do" list into 3 sections. The first was just a list of items to find around the mall. Like a unhappy child, comedy DVD, mall application etc. all being worth 5 points each. The No Guts, No Glory section was that a team member needed to model the item. So I kicked it up a notch. Find a sales person named Mike or Lisa, propose on one knee to a stranger, wear 5 inch heels, etc. This section was worth 10 points each. The last section was the riddle section which was worth 15 points each. Now I'm going to share the riddle with you to tell me what you think. Too easy or hard. If you can think of anything else for specific mall stories or item around the mall I would appreciate it.

• The day has been busy, I feel half-dead. I'm so grateful for my __________.
• It's like seeing a picture of myself only backward.
• Rhymes with coaster and makes a breakfast food.
• What has water, wax, wind, wire, wood, wool and wisdom?
• My life can be measured in hours, I serve by being devoured. Thin, I am quick, Fat, I am slow, Wind is my foe.
• Runs, but cannot walk, sometimes sings but never talks. Lacks arms, has hands; lacks a head but has a face.
• Throughout history, there have been thousands of well-documented cases of horses jumping over towers and landing on clergy and small men, forcing their removal. What am I?"
• Stiff is my spine and my body is pale, but I'm always ready to tell a tale
• I am so simple that I only point; yet I guide men all over the world.

Game night was a success as usual. It does run itself. I might have to limit the amount more on the weekend addition. It gets too unwieldy with too many people. My older members haven't come to break off to a second table which is causing problems. There was only one potential woman their for me. She sat next to me, but I got 3 red flags from her over the night. People don't understand that I pick the games that we do for a reason. Someone pulled a dice game out last night and for a few minutes it was interesting, but the the table went quiet. When people have to open up about themselves in a friendly manner the talking and jokes fly. Scruples usually works best for this. Anyway this woman answered that she wouldn't have a date sleepover with teenagers at home which she has. She also admitted that she was too much of a goodie too shoes. The second was that she admitted to being very emotional. What I have found over the years is that people rarely overestimate how they are. The last was her scent which I think was hers. It wasn't BO so don't worry. Everyone has a personal scent. 80% just fit into the normal category. Another 10% it's like an aphrodisiac, and the last 10% is like pepper spray. I first experienced this with Diane a girl who use to sit next to me in high school. I tried to overcome this with Tech girl, but it's such a reflexive jerk back for me that it's a hurdle I can't jump. We flirted some of the night, but I let it drop at the end when she was pushing the conversation.

Lets Talk About Sex

Every Monday I get together with the guys and we talk about relationships and other things bothering us. Yes we guys talk about this stuff. However it does take some work to get them to open up and it has become another thing I run. I don't mind since it's healthy for me.

After finishing Rachel Sara's book last night I got to thinking about my own dating life after divorce. While it will take 3 years and about 40 dates before I end up having sex with another woman besides my ex. I'm reminded by many comments from you all that I move fast in the sexual arena which reminds me of a story from one of the guys on Monday night.

His first major love in his life he worked very hard to make it happen. He worked long hours so that financially they would be set. She would cheat on him and break his heart. The major thing that came from this relationship was that he was never faithful to another woman again. He always struck first so that he wouldn't be hurt again. A pattern had been put in place.

Aroma girl was my first major relationship after my ex. At the time I thought she was the opposite of my ex, but looking back they had some similar qualities even though she was a step up. Anyway in that time I really wanted to wait for sex to build the relationship since we both had talked about how the relationship does change once sex has happened and agreed to wait. Next date she's dragging me into her bedroom. I stopped us and talked about us having agreed to wait. She dumped me the next day.

Even though it would be another 2 years before I meet L and have sex. She's very sexual and I toss out any pretense of waiting. I think a pattern has emerged in me.

The Planner stops me from kissing her on the first date with a very strong boundary. Looking back it broke my pattern which was good. Except that it was re-established when she came to my place on our third date under the pretense to play a game. She never brought it and made herself comfortable on my bed very quickly.

Tech girl and I would have had sex on our second date if I had protection. We were naked in her bed doing everything else.

So now I sit here wondering how to break this pattern. I've gotten much better knowing what I want in a woman. I have boundaries of things I will accept and not. However when it comes to sex I don't know. I know the benefits of waiting, but I allow my emotions to run this part of my life. Not the greatest choice since it's controlled by my hormones.

What's your general rule?

Happy Times

Well I'm happy to report that my patient showed up today which finally made a record week. Woohoo!

Okay I know you don't want to know about that, but my date with Happy girl. We met to play pool today and she was a very attractive woman. She's spunky and outspoken which I like. We played a bunch of games of pool and even had an old timer watch us for a while. Happy girl can talk and I think it's from growing up in a large family (8-9 kids). Afterwards we hoped in her truck while it warmed up to talk some more. Yeah that turned into over an hour conversation. I might have to kiss her more to limit the conversation.

The interesting thing is that it's hard to gauge how things are going since Happy girl will just talk about anything. We talked about family, sex, drinking, etc. She had a fun time and said she would call me tomorrow to schedule when we could get together again. I liked how she smelled and how soft she was. We talked about a few things we can do in the future. I did find out that I may need to get a prescription for Viagra since she has a high sex drive.

My only complaint on the day is Tech girl emailed me to ask about the deadline for membership dues and my doing a day early. I have to admit I'm starting to lose my temper with this stuff. a) I don't get paid to do this stuff, b) it's $5 pay and rejoin or don't I'm not really giving a shit. c) It just business, nothing personal

The Funk-ometer

While I enjoy all the Singles events some an be weird. Like last night's game night. The Photographer and Tech girl are now good friends. So it's interesting to be sitting across from not 1, but 2 women you've dated. One that dumped you and one that you dumped. Let the festivities begin. While the Photographer and I have settled smoothly into friends mode. Tech girl and I have settled into something else. We definitely aren't into joking mode yet and it was weird for me to have her tapping my foot under the table. Here's a picture from last night. One is the Photographer and the other is the Stylist. You choose.

Over the last 24 hours I have done something novel. I've planned all my special events for a year in the office. My business coach instructed me that if it wasn't written in there it probably wouldn't happen. While the specific events haven't been chosen, the dates to do everything has been.


I was hoping to do a belly dancing event next month for my office, but nothing worked. So I used my singles event organizer hat to come up with next month's event. Since I push having down time for yourself I invited everyone to the wine and jazz event at the local art museum. I've done it with the singles many times and it's always fun.

2008 Dating Round Up

The other day, okay it was yesterday, I commented on how I've noticed changes in myself business wise. Well today I'm reflecting on dating this year since it was a big year for me.

Law girl started it out for me. She was the first "normal" woman I ever dated. While our chemistry level wasn't super it was a real kick being with someone who was "normal". No dram, problems, etc. It was very weird and totally virgin territory for me. On the other hand she strung me along for a while since I was such a nice guy that she waned. However guilt finally got the best of her and we broke up since she knew it wasn't fair to me to tie me down to someone that was not going to deepen the relationship with. I should of learned then to require chemistry.

The Planner was next and my longest relationship besides my ex. She will always have a special place in my heart since there was so much I liked about her: the goal setting, her physical side, silliness, looks, etc. However there was always some strong issues on the opposite side. The biggest was always the sleeping arrangement. She never wanted to sleep in the same bed together which was always a deal breaker for me and she knew it. I don't do Lucy and Ricky. The other was her controlling attitude. However I got more of my sexual mojo back with her and saw again how long term relationships really are great with how they grow.

The Photographer was a surprise for me. I knew she was a chaos type girl, but I never thought I would feel as attracted to her as I did once we dated. What I had knocked back into me was that when you date chaos there's always problems. While I wouldn't date her I would probably have sex with her for some reason.

Tech girl taught me firmly that a spark is needed to make things work. Also she was the first women for me to break up with since my marriage.

There were a lot of screwed up women mixed in there that never really got off the ground. Like Army girl who was so drunk the night I met she didn't remember me or our conversation. I didn't even think she was that drunk. There was Red who said she was separated, but then introduced me to her husband. The Florist with her bizarre home life and arrangements. Lastly the VP who was emailing me pornographic pictures of her after 3 minutes on the phone.

It was a very good year.

Fly Be Free

I think I will be turning Facebook girl loose today. She's too much of a candy wrapper for me. The more we talk the more the differences pop up. I'm happy just to joke around on Facebook. The major difference between us is where our happiness comes from. She's looking for it out there someplace and I'm looking for it inside. Anyway she suggested Starbucks again today which will be rough for me since I need some change to build on. However I'm suppose to be bringing a feather duster and she's bringing the handcuffs so we'll see what happens.

Tech girl at the last moment RSVP'd to come to movie night and see Body of Lies with the singles. It was a little awkward, but I knew I would be okay. She was cool and I'm not quite sure why she came. The funny thing is that she'll be staying at the Photographer's place tonight after another group's party. Now that's going to be interesting.

Major Tom to Ground Control

Well Facebook girl emailed me to confirm our 2 o'clock Starbucks. I have to admit I'm a bit anxious which surprises me since 72 hours ago I didn't even know this woman. I guess what's getting me is I don't know what to expect which brings up issues of my Mom and you never know how she would be when she came home. Most of the time she was great, but that one in ten that she was a wailing machine. So I can get these anxious moments when I'm not quite sure what to expect from a woman. Ah feels better to talk/journal about it.

Like I said yesterday I'm not expecting much. Besides being a fellow transported NY'er and a single parent I don't know much about her. She flirts well, but that only lasts so long. I'm going to OVDC afterwards to get treated so when I get back to the office I'll let you know how it went.

I have to agree with Senorita about Tech girl's email. I had hoped that it meant she had moved on, but I doubt it. It's why I wanted to end it when I did since I knew she was attaching to me really fast.

Well Dress Me Up & Call Me Sally

Facebook girl asked me to meet her for Starbucks tomorrow. I figured when she said no Friday we would just be talking online with some flirting thrown it for good measure. I had chalked her up to just a fun online friend that would never pan out. Well I have to admit she has initiated everything. Hopefully she doesn't leap across the table onto me. I have to admit I'm not expecting much. The weird thing is it's her birthday, but that's actually why she has time since she's off. I sent her a birthday card on Facebook and gave her a Christmas goose a few days late. What can I say it's the romantic in me.

Another woman was flirting with me, looking for a guy for a nice woman. However she's on the peninsula in the Planner and Tech girl's neck of the woods so no thank you. Also she just broke up from her cheating BF. I don't think so not even for rebound sex. Is it the holiday season? Am I in season? Are there posters of me tacked around town?

Speaking about Tech girl, she emailed me back today thanking me for the contractor information and hoping I had a good Christmas. It took her a little over a week, but I knew she was becoming really attached to me. Hopefully we can still be friends. She finally RSVP'd for an event although it was one that I said "no" to. Whether that played into it or not I'm not quite sure.

Never Again

Okay I need some spark when I'm dating someone. I had game night with the singles tonight. The Photographer was there and dressed professional for work. She looked hot and sexy. Even though she did me wrong I still felt an attraction, not saying I would go back out with her. However I could still feel that strong connection to her. Everyone cut out early so we ended up playing a few hands of Flux. After spending 30 minutes with her I realized I need to feel this way with any woman I date. Wow what a difference from being with Tech girl. It was a nice reminder.

Oye what a cold night here. I think the change of weather is making it feel more bitter. Happy to say it will be gone tomorrow as we shoot back up to the 60's.

Well I went through my 3 boxes of books and took out what I like and the rest I'll try to sell on Half.com. Amazon just has too many charges for me when you're not making that much each sale.

One more day till Christmas and a whole lot of phone calls still to make.

Message From Rip Van Winkle

Well out of 15 hours I slept 12 of them and I feel good. The change in my schedule over the last 2 weeks, early morning meetings, and late nights with Tech girl wore me down. So it was good to sleep the sleep of the dead last night. I feel like a new person. One thing that was interesting when I woke up before falling back to sleep was that I missed the Planner. It made me feel better about my decision with Tech girl. It reminded me of the connection I've had with other women and what it felt like.

It's a mad, mad world out there as many people hurry scurry for presents for the holidays. Most people I talk to say they wait this long for great sales, but I have to admit I'm not seeing them in the papers. Even Circuit City which is closing after Christmas still has nothing to write home about while Best Buy is stating they can't match their prices. What BS.

Tonight is belly dancing with the singles. Many people have backed out until it is just me and another guy who is a big no show. I had fun last time so I'll probably go myself, but it would be nice to enjoy the show with someone else.

Fun with Goals

People that know me, know that I love reading body language especially when I'm dating. However even in normal situations it's funny to watch and in this holiday festivities it keeps me occupied. While I don't enjoy people watching since I'd rather be a part of instead of apart from. Anyway one of the best things I enjoy watching about women is the hair flip. Something very feminine and something all women do. However women that are happily married and not interested do it with the back of their hand to you. To either show you a ring or hand that could become a fist. While interested women will always show you there palm in a show of surrender. Whether this works with women to women I have no idea.

I have no idea what guy language looks like although if you ladies what to know if a guy is interested. If a guy has a spark for you he will usually drop his pants and tell you to touch it. Hey we're simple creatures.

It was very nice of one of my patients to give me a present for Christmas. It's a Winner's Journal. It combines a normal planner with your goals so you can reach them. It has step to step instructions on setting them and attaining them. Since I'm really big into that right now it fits perfect. So I set my business goals which is been done a lot over the last month. It also made me set goals in my family/friend, health, community, and spirituality areas. With having closed the chapter on Tech girl I finished her up on my dating chart. Tallying everything up I was able to state my top five characteristics I want in a GF. They are:

1. Athletic
2. Physical
3. Assertive
4. Communicative
5. Fair (paying, driving, etc.)

These were the items I enjoyed the most and were throughout my dating history since my divorce. Now I just need to cut it out and see who fits the mold.

Another Chapter Closes

"Untruth, in whatever form, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, disconnects us from the transcendent integrity the universe embodies and insist upon. Thus when we step out of truth, we step out of love." - Kingma

This was the first paragraph in my daily reader this morning. It was perfect for me. I awoke feeling great today which has been a change from the last few days. The living a lie with Tech girl was wearing on me. Also being the dumper is a totally different feel from being the dumpee.

On to new business. I have an ass to kick. I had a new patient supposedly coming in this morning at 8. I awoke early, skipped the gym, and no new patient. I'm going to have to track him down and kick his ass in his own kitchen. I could have slept.

The Deed is Done

Well I have to admit I was nervous about breaking up with Tech girl, but it went over well. I think she was sad about it to. I could hear it in her voice, but we talked it out. She wasn't fully sure about us yet and was still deciding, but we both agreed we enjoyed the friendship. So that was good. She thanked me for my honesty which I knew was big for her and for me to.

Since I'm now free for the holiday I'll join the other singles at our Christmas dinner. Speaking of parties my business group party tonight was a lot of fun. I got there late due to patients. Times are tough and I'm not about to give away new patients. MK lady brought her daughter and Paper boy brought his twins. All the kids are getting bigger and were a big hit at the party. I'm beat tonight and I have an 8 o'clock patient so I feel like I'm on a treadmill, but at least people are coming in which is huge.

On My Plate

Having a little bit of a rough time with waiting the 2 weeks with Tech girl. My thought pattern is that we've only been going out 2 weeks. Now to wait till the holidays are over is another 2 weeks. I think that going out a full month would be worse plus I feel I'm lying to her every time we interact which I think is the worse. Hey I don't want to end the relationship now cause I don't think you can handle it. No offense, but that would be the bottom line reason. Anyone I've ever know has been pissed beyond anything for this reason. Not saying I would say this. So I'm going to end it tonight. I have some anxiety about this since it's the first woman I've ended a relationship with. I've done many after first date conversations, but never after a few dates.

I no longer have to deal with paying my Mom's nursing home bill since they will get her check direct. One less problem to deal with.

I was hoping to break a record today with patients, but as usual people rescheduled and it didn't happen. The good thing is that many people are calling to come in which is much needed.

It's Christmas party day. I had one this morning and the next tonight. I have another tomorrow night, but I'm not quite sure if I'll go. How did all this happen?

A Better View

I spent the evening with Tech girl. We had deviled eggs and played Outburst while listening to jazz. Afterwards we laid on the couch and relaxed until she was starting to fall asleep. It was an hour earlier than I had planned, but it would be better for me to get home early.

Anyway while sitting on the couch with her I saw what I like about Tech girl. We play well together although she is no where as silly as I am. Hey I did a victory lap for winning the game. On the flip side I saw what stops me from bonding. Most of what Tech girl talks about is negative experiences with people. I'm happy to hear about her difficulties, but there is no balance of good stuff. The other thing is that trying to talk half the time is like trying to walk across a busy street. She keeps going on with stuff that I would like to share or comment on and I can't get a word in edge wise.

I'm happy to say that it's not enough to make me miserable, but I'll be happy when the holidays are over. I hate to be that way since I don't like to rush my life.

I may have to make some comments on her ways. Constructive of course. Since I think this may start to wear thin.

Sexual Bonding

While my relationship probably won't last with Tech girl. I had decided to make a decision once the holidays were over since this not the time of year to break up. While we may not be bonding on other issues we seem to be bonding over sex. While I enjoy sex probably more than the next person I in no way want it to be the only factor in my relationship. Even 20 years ago I didn't want that, but their was a greater chance of me accepting it. Nowadays sex seems easier to get while I'm dating. I had a relationship with the Latina that was all sex and nothing else. While fun it really loses it shine fast with me since I really enjoy the relationship. I know I'm not the normal guy and I accepted that fact a long time ago.

Anyway Tech girl blushes pretty easily if I say something sexy which is interesting because when we're in bed it's a different story. So we started at massage lotion and are up to handcuffs and whip cream. It's her ante and I wonder what it'll be.

Dating & Other Stuff

I think Senorita may be right. While I enjoy my time with Tech girl I still don't feel any deep connection to her. I enjoy seeing her, but if we didn't see each other anymore I would be okay with it. So I'm in a quandary with her. I'm finding there has to be some kind of spark there for me. Whether that's healthy or not I don't know, but I need something more. It's like CPA girl again. We had values and beliefs in common, but it's not enough to build on. So with Tech girl I'll give it another date or two to be certain, but I'm not hopeful. I know myself when that corner turns it's a done thing. In the few weeks that we've been dating I've met or seen women that sparks have been there. The big thing is that this would be the first woman I've broken up with since I split from my ex. Since then I've always been the dumpee.

I finished my first insurance interview today. It's where they go over your profile for the year. They gather all the information of you from how you bill and compare it to everyone else. As it stands now I have a lot of good stuff, but they didn't like how I did exams or physical therapy. Bottom line. You're billing too much for these and if you continue you'll be flagged as a problem.

Feeling My Age

The weekend with Tech girl left me feeling my age. Sex, 3 times in 12 hours has become rough for me. I'm more accepting of it than I was 2 years ago when I was dating L. That's when I first started seeing changes in my sex life. Although I have to admit each woman I date has a very different level of sex drive. So what I'm use to is low while Tech girl's is high. Hopefully like sports I can work back up. However this is where the bells & whistles plays in for me. While love is slow and enjoying the ride. Lust is up against the wall passion that is low here. So again it's virgin territory. I'm use to having more lust at this point and I don't have it to work with.

Dropped off another birthday balloon today for a patient, but the office has several of my patients there. They made the comment that I'm better than most husbands and boyfriends. Hopefully I won't be cornered somewhere by some spouse that forgot.