Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Baseball and boys
Last night I had so much fun! I was at the Cubs game with SoCal and it was his first trip ever to Wrigley Field. He was very impressed and fit right in. He came prepared with his scorebook and radio so that he could teach me a few things about scoring a game. It took a little while to get the hang of it but once I did it was great. I did the first three innings and then he took over and got to score all the cool stuff. I only had basic strikeouts, walks and fly outs but it still made the game interesting and now I want to try it on my own. We're planning to go to another game on Monday night so I'll try again then. No it's not a date…we're just friends and hopefully he'll want to stay that way.
Tonight's plan was to have my third date with TG, but I decided to cancel. I'm just not that into him anymore and I really need the time to clean my apartment before Kev gets here. I still haven't unpacked from when I was in Toronto so it's time to do something about it. I feel kind of bad, because TG seems really into me, but I started losing interest when he disappeared for a while and haven't really gained any of that interest back. Hell, we haven't even seen each other since February! If this weekend ends up being a bust I may go out with him next week, otherwise I'll see if we can try being friends instead.
Kev is who I am most interested in seeing. I still get butterflies thinking about him or when he texts me like he did last night before he went to sleep. He also texted this morning before work which I thought was sweet. I just wish we had more time to talk but our schedules are just so full that it's hard to coordinate right now. Thankfully I get him all to myself in a few days and I can't wait!
Posted by Maple :: 10:45 AM :: 2 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Monday, April 24, 2006
And where do things stand now?
He's flying into town on Friday night! Well, actually, he's flying into Milwaukee and I'm picking him up there. Since we didn't plan far enough in advance - we've only known each other a week now - a flight to Chicago was really expensive but we managed to find a cheap flight into MKE that suits our schedules. The drive to MKE is only about 1 1/2 hours so it will be a chance to see how well we communicate and how comfortable we are around each other. I'm getting pretty excited about it already and can't wait for Friday to come.
I'm sure some of you are wondering why I'm doing the long distance thing again and honestly, so am I. I suppose when it comes right down to it, I just don't want to wonder if he was the one for me. I need to take the chance to see if we're meant for each other. Cheesy I know, but it's the truth. As I told Kev when I was with him, it feels like I've known him before and when he looks into my eyes and smoothes back my hair I just melt. His cute Canadian accent doesn’t hurt either…hearing it makes me feel like I'm home again and surrounded by people who grew up with the same influences. I miss that sometimes yah-no, eh!
Posted by Maple :: 10:21 AM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Friday, April 21, 2006
What else happened while I was gone?
Well…I ended up giving Kev my cell number and going home, with a promise that he would call me the next day and we would have a date. My Saturday was busy, with the drive back from my Sister's place to Mom's in time for her to hit the store, a shopping trip to get my SIL a birthday gift, a nap, and a family dinner. In the middle of all this I was wondering if he would actually be a man of his word and call. As I was feeding my niece her bottle the phone rang. I didn't really want to stop what I was doing - I was bonding with Baby O after all - but my SIL was insistent that I take the call. Of course it was Kev, so I caved and took the phone into my room where we chatted for a little bit. He was still interested! Although neither of us had any idea what to do. Since we were still in the middle of dinner I said I would call him back when we were done. After dessert, he called back with a question but since everyone was still around we kept the call brief and again I said I would call him later. After everyone had left and I was just trying to finish my tea, he called for a third time…very persistent but in a good way! He called to ask if I was interested in going to a hockey game. Obviously he doesn't know me very well because he could've just told me we were going and I would've been happy. The problem was that the game had just started, my clothes were covered with baby snot and hadn't showered yet today. AND I was a 30 minute drive to the arena. He said no problem, just call me when you're almost there. So I took the quickest shower of my life, tried to find a clean shirt and got my sister to drive me down. I made it there halfway through the second period, but he didn't seem to mind too much even though, as I found out later from his friend, he spent over $600 for the two tickets!! For a first date!!! I think this boy likes me.
So what else happened? Turns out a friend of the family was at the same game so my brother kept calling me to try and make sure we found each other at some point while we were there. He was very persistent, especially when I opted not to answer his calls. We finally found each other after the game at Lord Stanley's Mug which was great - until I found out I was being chaperoned. Bad big brother!! It was actually kind of funny because the only time he's cared in the past was when I was dating one of his friends. Oh well, he meant well. And the boys, they actually hit it off. There ended up being 5 of us on my date since Kev's friend was also at the game, so we headed to the Loose Moose for more drinks. I bought the beer and everything was going great until one point where all the boys were chatting amongst themselves and I was being ignored. I wasn't too happy about that so I texted my sister to see if she was still in the neighbourhood - with no response - so ended up taking the opportunity to head to the ladies room. When I returned, the guys realized that they messed up and decided to include me in some of the conversation. One by one they started to leave and I finally had Kev all to myself, with a promise to meet up with his friend Jon shortly. We didn't make it over to the next bar fast enough because we were too busy getting to know each other better so by the time we arrived, he was already on his way back to Kev's to sleep. Which meant we had the rest of the night to ourselves. Our next stop…C'est What? A cute place with a couple of pool tables that we were able to take advantage of.
For me, pool is always fun on a date. It gives me a could idea of what a guy is like, how they handle getting beat by a girl (sometimes) and if they try to let me win or not. I don't like it when they let me win. I'd rather have a guy play well and if I can't beat him, then so be it. Kev tried to let me win but I called him on it and then we decided to play for something interesting. It started with a kiss, and worked up to a visit to Chicago if I won and breakfast in the morning if he won. Being the competitive person I am, I wanted to win. And that's when he played like he meant it and kicked my ass. I guess he goes after what he wants, but all I gave him was a kiss at that point. A spine tingling sensual kiss and it was heaven. We then moved to the couches by the fireplace and tried to learn more about each other since our time together was very limited and before we knew it, it was closing time. What to do next? We stood on the corner with him trying to convince me to extend the night by going to his place and me trying to figure out if that's what I wanted to do. Otherwise, it was a long cab ride home by myself, which he offered to pay for by the way. In the end, I took a chance and we hopped in a cab together. I wasn't ready to let the night be over and wanted to see if he was worth the effort of another long distance try - something I said I would never do again! We get back to his place and the first thing that needed to be done was wake up Jon and get him onto the couch. Kev made up the couch for him while I turned on the lights in the bedroom to see if that was enough to make Jon stir. It wasn't, but once I called out his name, he opened his eyes and once he realized it was me, he quickly got up and moved to the other room so Kev and I could have some privacy. And before you start thinking it, I'm not that kind of girl! I borrowed a t-shirt and shorts and we were both clothed the entire night. We did have a little bit of fun but it was mainly talking, kissing and cuddling. He was a sweetheart and my most favourite memory from that time was when he was lying there looking into my eyes and brushing back my hair. It felt so wonderful and made me feel special.
Eventually we fell asleep but not too much later my phone started beeping. And beeping and ringing and more beeping. Being a 33 year old adult that lives on my own, I didn't think to let anyone know I wasn't coming home that evening so my sister became paranoid and tried getting a hold of me. I ignored it for as long as I could but it continued and she even went as far as to call Kev (I had given her his number earlier in the evening just in case). When I eventually tried to call her back, I had no signal so tried to text her instead which also was difficult and finally we were able to sleep in peace. Then, out of guilt, at 8:30am I decided it was time to go home. It was a struggle to get out of bed, especially since neither of us are morning people, and the drive back to Mom's was a quiet one, but I felt comfortable. We never did have breakfast though.
Posted by Maple :: 4:28 PM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Monday, April 17, 2006
Who knew going home could be fun
I've been in Toronto since Wednesday night and would've posted sooner except for some technical issues that have plagued me most of the time I've been here. I'm headed back to Chicago in the morning but thought I should post a little about my week in the Great White North. It started out pretty normal with a little bit of work and a trip to my brother's house to visit with my nieces. Baby O has been a little cranky lately since she's now teething but when she smiles she is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen! Princess M has grown up to be a very pretty girl as well and spending time with her has been a treat. She loves to take my hand and lead me places, makes me read to her and just spend time playing with her. And I love it! She makes me feel so special and important in her life and I know it's going to be hard saying goodbye to her tonight when I put her to bed.
The weekend was filled with family events and dinners most nights but I managed to get downtown with my sister on Friday night for a little fun on the town. We weren't sure what the crowds would be like since it was a holiday but we were up for a little adventure. Things started out late with dinner at 9pm down on Queen St. at a place called East - Asian cuisine at it's finest. From there we headed down to an Irish pub where my sister had been for St. Patrick's Day. I don't remember the name of it but it was supposed to be an older crowd with a little live music thrown in. We got the live music but the older crowd was not in attendance. It was all 19 & 20 year olds who were dancing up a storm but not quite what were were hoping for. We decided to stay for the music and it was good because we were able to catch up on each others lives. After a while, the crowd started to change and a few more people in our age range started coming in and that's when things got interesting. We were approached by a guy who was celebrating his birthday that night and the first thing he did was grab both of our asses - so we grabbed back in unison! He was a little shocked but enjoyed himself. A little bit later we were approached by 2 more guys that were a little bit older and both were double fisted with my favourite beer. They were both cute and I thought things were starting to improve. Jon was a little bit hammered by that point but he made us laugh because he wouldn't stop talking into our shoulders. We're in a crowded bar and the only way to hear him was to crouch down lower so he finally got the hint that he had to speak into our ears. It was hilarious - until he started bitching about his ex-wife, 2 kids and current girlfriend. Personally, it didn't bug me but my sister was pissed and it pretty much ruined her night. She can be pretty anal normally, but when you piss her off she'll have nothing to do with you any more. At that point, she moved over to talk with Kev to try and salvage her night but then he pissed her off when he told her King Kong made him cry. I don't know the whole story around that but I thought it was a joke - it wasn't. Anyway, it ended up that Kev was interested in getting to know me, not my sister. When he found out I live in Chicago, he wasn't happy but it didn't deter him too much. The scary thing is, I liked him even when I found out he has a 4 year old son. He was a little shocked when I asked my usual round of questions...'So -- wife, kids, girlfriend?' but he couldn't lie to me. He told me about his son and I could tell it was a little weird for him but I'd rather know something like that right up front, that's why I always ask. Why I didn't walk away right then and there I have no idea but the more I talked with him the more I was drawn to him.
And that's all I have time for today.
Posted by Maple :: 1:38 PM :: 1 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Monday, April 10, 2006
Was I dreaming?
What a night! I am exhausted this morning but for very good reasons. I attended the Cubs game last night with my girls CG, Cat and FC2 and we had a blast. It was a beautiful day that turned into a slightly cool evening but the night was electric. Our boys were looking to sweep the Cardinals, and sweep them they did! It was amazing to watch and fun to be a part of. My favourite parts of the game - Jacque Jones' first hit as a Cub - a 3 run homer to take the lead and Michael Barrett's grand slam home run a few innings later to win the game for us. Both were intense and spectacular to watch. But the absolute best part of the evening…drinking with a few of the players after the game! We were out by the Cubs parking lot after the game when out walks Ryan Dempster, Glendon Rusch, Scott Eyre and Todd Walker who ended up headed to a bar down the street. CG & I were planning to head home but thought it would be fun to see what would happen. So we went to the bar and ended up chatting with Dempster for a while. He's a total joker and I love him for being that way. He knows how to have fun and it was great getting to know him. Too bad he, and everyone else, is married with kids. Ah well, I can dream!
Posted by Maple :: 9:44 AM :: 2 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Thinking too much
Thursday night after a half bottle of wine and some time to myself I started thinking and couldn't stop. I wrote down my thoughts while lying in bed hoping that doing so would help put me to sleep. I wasn't so lucky but at least I've been able to put into words some of what has been going through my head lately. And yes it rhymes, but who cares.
I knew what I was doing
It's sad to admit
He had no idea
We didn't fit
We had a good time
We had our fun
He got me outside
And into the sun
It wasn't a game
It had to be done
I was losing my mind
I was coming undone
I should've done better
But I didn't try
I'd managed to settle
Not reach for the sky
It wasn't his fault
That we didn't last
He was like all the others
From my storied past
I cannot change
What I did to this man
I've lived my life
The only way that I can
Will my future be different
Will I find the man
That I love without question
That wants my hand
Sometimes I think
I'm such a dope
But that doesn't stop me
From still having hope
My future is bright
My future is here
I have the best friends
That I hold dear
I don't need a man
To make things right
I only need faith
And a little more might
I have control
Of my destiny
No matter the outcome
I'm happy I'm me
Posted by Maple :: 6:33 PM :: 2 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Friday, April 07, 2006
Quiet Time...shhh!
I know it's Friday but this is ridiculous! There are women chatting everywhere I go. Outside my cubicle there are 5 women bitching about coworkers. In the bathroom there were 3 women chatting about their kids. In the hall there are another 3 women laughing and chatting. It's driving me crazy!!
SHUT UP!!!
Yes I'm a little stressed right now. Yes I need to lighten up. But I have a ton of work to do and if I can hear you over the music playing in my ears, then you are much too loud! I need peace and quiet to be able to work efficiently and unless you're talking to me, you need to be quiet right now.
Is it too early to start drinking?
Posted by Maple :: 9:27 AM :: 1 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Unexpected Friendships
I've been emailing back and forth with SoCal for over a month now and we've never actually met. He used to be a consultant at the client I've been with for the last few years and our time there has overlapped but I don't think I've ever met him. He too has a love of baseball, although his passion is for the Angels. Part of me wonders why we've been sent to each other - what is the purpose? Occasionally his emails will brighten my day but usually they are just about baseball. Amazingly, he's suggested a roadtrip for when our farm teams play each other in May but I doubt I'll go. I know hardly anything about him but he makes me laugh and I'm looking forward to when we finally do meet. I just hope my expectations (and his) don't disappoint us. He's my backup plan for Sunday night if CG's flight back to Chi-town gets cancelled (don't worry CG...it won't happen) but other than that, I have no idea when we'll actually meet. No matter what, I think I have another new friend that I can learn a thing or two from.
This whole thing started back when Cubs tickets went on sale. I was working from home that day and my co-worker and I were emailing back and forth about work and getting tickets. NC mentioned his friend SoCal was a cousin of a couple of pro ball players and he started being a go-between for the two of us. Eventually NC gave up and just sent my email to SoCal and things have progressed from there. We talk baseball and our love of the game, the fact that he's a 'scorer' and I'm a 'watcher' and how everyone else is just annoying. He's never been to Wrigley Field before so part of me wants to be there when he finally experiences it but I don't know if that will happen or not. I also wonder how he and CG will hit it off since she is more passionate about the game than I am. If I knew any of his stats I'd try to set them up but all I know is that he's from Orange County, loves the Angels, respects the Cubs, hates the Dodgers and Sux - and I do believe he is single. Age is unknown but I'm guessing 35+. What will happen with this friendship is still anyone's guess but I'm hoping I can cross #33 off my list in the next few months.
Posted by Maple :: 6:07 AM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Funked up!
This funk I'm in sucks and the best way to cure it would be to get laid - but that's not happening anytime soon. So instead, I'm cranking the hard rock tunes, drinking some Fat Bastard Merlot and singing and dancing my ass off! Current song playing from iTunes - I Love Myself Today by Bif Naked - perfect for the mood I'm trying to get out of!
I Love Myself Today
I Love Myself Today
I Love Myself Today
I Love Myself Today
I Love Myself Today
If I knew how to add music to this blog I would but then you'd probably blow your speakers because of the volume needed to really experience what I'm doing. That and your head would start hurting from the head banging.
As far as getting laid goes, TG has been MIA for the last month. We've had a few emails back and forth, one long phone call and a cancelled date because he had to go out of town for work. Since then he hasn't returned an email and I haven't heard a thing since. I know he's busy, but that's just crazy so he's history. The best he can get from me now is a tennis partner. Sucks to be him!
So I'm gonna fight, gonna give it my all. Gonna make you fall, gonna sock it to you. That's right I'm the last one standing and everyone bites the dust. - Gwen Stefani, Hollaback Girl
The weekend looks promising. Tomorrow is the Cubs home opener and CG & FC2 will be going without me because I need to work but I will definitely be meeting them after to party the night away. I've been given tickets to Sunday nights game so I'll get to see my boys soon enough. And depending how tennis goes, I may even try going to Saturday's game if I can get a ticket after the game has started...maybe. Or I'll just party it up in the neighbourhood with all the crazy people in this city! There's also a fundraiser for MS Saturday night I've been invited to and I definitely have a good time at those. Thanks to FC2, someone in our group always wins stuff!
Posted by Maple :: 7:48 PM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
All things tennis
Tennis was fun last night but wasn't the workout I was hoping for. The good news is that I finally bought a new racquet and what an improvement that made! My arm didn't feel all the vibrations when I hit the ball and I was able to follow through on my swing like we're supposed to. It felt much more natural and I was actually pretty good last night. I'm looking forward to playing more so Saturday I'll be joining the Level 3 class to make up for one I missed and hopefully I'll be able to keep up with them and not look like a fool. At least I already know one person in the class and worst case scenario I can move a court over to get back with Level 2 people. No matter what I'll be happy to play!
Posted by Maple :: 1:49 PM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Trying
I'm trying so hard to be good today and not eat junk but it's so damn hard! Work sucks and all I want to do is grab every piece of chocolate I can find and shovel it into my mouth. It would be so easy too since I have a huge container of it at my desk. F'ing Easter chocolates! I've managed to only have 2 so far today - one for each bottle of water (my compromise), but I'm getting to the point where I'm going to need to sit on my hands to stop myself. And I don't know how much more water I can handle since I've already gone pee 3 times and it's time to go again…arrrrrrgh!
Posted by Maple :: 11:44 AM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Disgusted
That's how I feel about myself right now because I'm gaining weight again and my pants are tight. I contemplated changing into pants that were a little more loose, but I decided to punish myself by keeping these ones on today. It's a good reminder to stop eating so much junk food throughout the day. The reason for the weight gain is simple. When I get depressed or bored I turn to food and it's finally catching up to me. My mood has improved immensely, but my ass has grown right along with it. Hopefully I'll get a good workout at tennis tonight and again on Saturday so that I can start working off the excess jiggle. Now that the weather is warming up I hope to get outside more and either walk or start riding my bike. FC2 has also said she'd get me back out on my roller blades this summer and since I've only used them about 5 times, I think that is going to be a great thing. Maybe if the weather cooperates we can start this weekend - that would be great!
Posted by Maple :: 8:47 AM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------