Work Husband

I'm not sure when this concept originally evolved, but I've only recently been exposed to the Work Husband.  Many of us have that special friend at the office with whom we share a more intimate co-worker relationship.

On his way into work, he gets his morning coffee and picks you up a tea.  When you catch a piece of office gossip, you have to find him immediately to divulge and discuss.  When that certain traveling exec is in town and omits his ridiculously loud yawns, he throws stuff at you to get your attention, rolling his eyes and you both attempt to suppress giggles.  If you go out to grab lunch, you always offer to bring him something back. 

It's not romantic or sexual but the camaraderie is akin to that of a marriage with a little corporate flair.  You talk about your weekend plans, evaluate company policy changes, discuss movies, partake in witty banter, help each other solve tricky Excel questions, recommend restaurants and favorite bands, and provide general counsel, guidance, and companionship throughout the workday.

Ani is my work husband and I adore him.  Most days, I don't know how I'd make it through if he weren't there to listen to and entertain me.  We can get caught up in a conversation across the aisle of our corner quadrant for dozens of minutes no matter what kind of projects we're working on.  He knows when I'm having a bad day and I know when he needs a little extra humor to get through his workload. 

While we never made vows - in fact, we never even had a choice in being paired together - it feels wonderful to know there is someone in the workplace to rely upon, share with, and generally enjoy.  Thanks for the days, Ani.

An Extra Two Years?!?!

J-Rod's gchat status today was a blog link.  Per usual, while at work and needing a brief mental break from my color-coded tracker, I checked it out.

Now, I don't have any experience dating a "finance guy" but Jack is an insurance underwriter and, let me tell you, they can schmooze, spend lavishly, and silently suffer with the best of the FBFs.  While I think some (okay, nearly all) of the stuff on this blog is ridiculously indulgent whining, it's incredibly hilarious. 

Chuckling through the sob stories, I came across the following pronouncement while reading 'Lauren's':
This recession just bought everyone an extra two years of the single life.  SAVOR IT. 

Holy moly.  I nearly hyperventilated in my chair.  Granted, she was talking to the DABAs (admittedly, not me). And she herself is a DABA (I repeat, not me).  But still... that is not an additional delay I am comfortable with.

Although I am capable of savoring.

Grandma Great

Today marks the seventh anniversary of the day my great grandmother passed away.  Most people don't have a chance to meet their great-grandparents, let alone develop any kind of relationship with them.  But as a youngster, I'd spend several weeks during the summer in Lafayette, Indiana with the Lynches.

Opal Lee and I shared many happy memories.  She introduced me to the delightful world of General Hospital.  At Easter, we'd color goose eggs.  She taught me to sew and quilt.  And she gave the best hugs. Her doting and regal nature perfectly epitomized the role of matriarch.  She demonstrated what it is to be half of a loving, lasting marriage.

I know she's looking down on those of us still here - her 4 kids, 11 grandkids, and 11 great-grands.  Miss you, Grandma Great.

George & Martha : The New Cupid & Psyche?

Princess has offered some unparalleled advice on my crush situation. We were gchatting today about life, love, and the housewarming party she missed this weekend. During the discussion, I confessed to a weekend encounter with Crush Boy – which she was very excited about.

While I’m unsure where this interest is actually going, Princess is eager for me to make something happen. Preferably something serious. She suggested I ask him to be my valentine. Naturally, I was repulsed as I have a distinct distaste for celebrating Valentine’s Day – (not of others who do, I just don’t personally enjoy it).

Ceaselessly supportive, Princess countered with the following proposal: “Hmmm...so maybe you ask him to be the George, to your Martha...for President's day on the 16th??!!!!”

Gosh, I love this girl.

A New Home

Last night, Ray and I hosted a housewarming party to introduce our friends to our new digs.  I must say, it was a smashing success!  Good food, good booze, good music all improved by good friends.  We hit the North Beach bars afterwards and capped the night off with a late night dance party (obviously).  Our place is starting to feel like a home!

Lyrical Mood - Heartache Tonight

Somebody's gonna hurt someone,
Before the night is through.
Somebody's gonna come undone,
There's nothin' we can do.
Everybody wants to touch somebody
If it takes all night.
Everybody wants to take a little chance
To make it come out right.

There's gonna be a heartache tonight
A heartache tonight, I know.

Eagles, 1979

James Franco

James Franco has solidified his spot near the top of my Hollywood Crush List.  The guy is ridiculously attractive and absolutely hilarious.  He has incredible range, as evidenced by the variety of his 2008 work.  And I love people who don't take themselves too seriously - especially if they're truly gorgeous yet don't mind looking gross.

I knew a guy in high school that looked strikingly similar but was even hotter.  While I usually like to mentally romance people I actually know before the famous I will never meet, my HS buddy is engaged which immediately removes him from consideration.  Thus, James.  Wow.

Sunday Girlfriend Dilemna

Got an email from Dazzle today with an update on his love life.  Paraphrasing would just detract so here is a short excerpt:

"The usual quest to find a Sunday Girlfriend has hit a little bit of a snag. I have reached an age where most nominees to be a Sunday girlfriend have expectations that the girlfriend status will be extended to the rest of the week and  I am not about to do something crazy like that. The only alternative I see is to start going for younger girls but that leads to a whole new series of problems that I am not ready to confront."

As is customary for my interactions with Dazzle, my immediate response was outrage. [Why would you not want a girlfriend status extended to the other six days of the week?  Misogynistic pig.]  But I have learned to quickly squelch this instinctive hackle-raising, mellow out, and listen again to what he's said. 

And honestly, I see his point.  As fond as I am of romantic relationships, I have been back in the dating world for several months now with very little to show for it.  I've discovered I need approximately two weeks' advance notice to even schedule a date.  When the time comes to actually go on said date, I'm usually bummed to be missing out on whatever my friends have going on. 

Maybe this has something to do with the fact that I have yet to locate that elusive man with the 5 Requisite Qualities.  But still ... this is probably not the expected behavior from me (I'm Couple Girl).  I guess I still have a lot to figure out.  I hope Dazzle gets his Sunday GF.  It would make for a pretty nice Sunday.  And not a lot of hassle Monday - Saturday.

btw, I don't care if they changed it to dilemma.

TOTGA

Ahh, the one that got away. 

Such a popular phrase.  We've all heard it at some point or another - from a variety of sources - in heartfelt earnest - or in clichéd dramatic angst.  But until now, while I've understood its meaning, I've never lamented over TOTGA. 

If you are a mature, moderately analytical person,  remembrances of TOTGA don't necessarily make you sad.  For me, personal disappointment permeates around thoughts of TOTGA.  Knowing that I should have, could have, done better by him. 

Poor Cobes.  Well, not really... because he's fine.  In fact, he seems to be great.  Which is what I wish for him.  And oddly enough, his success makes me proud.  Although I have no right to be ... as I have had little to no influence in the realization of these successes, but still... I'm proud of him.

I realized, our history is special - in spite of how badly I may have messed things up and hurt him.  Well, special to me.  Probably not so much to him.  Hmm ... maybe good for him that he got away.  However, I know that I will always be here for him.  I don't know what Cobes could ever possibly need from me, but if he knocked at my door, there is nothing I wouldn't do to help him.

I'm going to say that's what TOTGA should be about.

Favorite Stall

Since I have conquered my fear of public restrooms, I've discovered that in the public facilities I frequent, I have a favorite stall.

Sometimes it has to do with the stall floor plan & layout.  Other times, it depends on the stall door's lock quality.  Often times, it's the most hidden, unobtrusive, private stall - you know what they say: location, location, location.  Hey, at least I am capable of peeing in public now!

If my stall is lacking in paper products, I'll swipe some from the adjoining stall and return to mine.  If my stall is occupied, I will literally leave the restroom and come back later.  If my stall is experiencing technical difficulties, I wait until I'm home.

I wonder if anyone else has this endearing little quirk....

Planner Day!

I got my new 2009 planner today.  I am so excited!  I have no idea why I procrastinated this long but after being plannerless for almost a week and a half, I felt like I had no idea what was happening in my life and couldn't take it anymore.

I discovered WhoMi last year thanks to Lara over at The Lazy Organizer and there was no other option for me this year.  I'm looking forward to an evening filled with transferring birthdays and anniversaries.  Yea!

Registering for the Race

A lovely gchat session with Princess today was enlightening.  She was asking about my dating world.  I told her not much is going on, that I have adopted the "taking it slow" approach.

Her eloquent advice in response:

"Yes, slow and steady wins the race. But not too slow. You do actually want people to know you're in the race."