Sunday, July 29, 2012

Saddle Up

I took a much needed rest from the dating scene but now I'm back in the saddle again. I should preface this post with a quick summary of relationship history. In '98 I came out of a draining twenty year marriage, then quickly delved head and heart long in an eight year relationship. I really detest the term 'ltr' but in fact that sums it up. I fully expected more, yet like an unwelcome surprise (ok, not really) it ended in what seemed like a wink. Soon thereafter, I was introduced to computer dating...ugh, what a whirlwind of losers, snoozers and boozers. I hate to admit this, but sometimes I too met those qualifiers.

When asked, 'does it [computer dating] work' I want to quip 'I stand here alone, what do you think'. But, in fact, recent reports state ~20% of couples meet via this venue. I have in fact met one guy still dear to me, problem is that I choose not so share his affections. Perhaps this has something to do with being #9 in children and having to share throughout my childhood. This is one area in which I need to be a priority.

Enough said! During my dating hiatus I completed my Masters, became adjunct faculty for bsn nursing students and became more family, ie. grandkid focused. As with life, nothing stays stagnate. Both kids have career and family events that occupy much of their energies as expected and right. With this, I am freed up to explore in my own path.
I have become reengaged with the fumc singles group, more or less, beginning with Sunday school.

My first outing was that of post services lunch. It was a bit odd to be sitting with a table of strangers, but half way through the lunch I was fairly comfortable. I admit, this group is advertised to be mid-40s to 60, but at 53 I look like a babe. My focus is friends, so it's all good for me.

My second outing was dance class at The Stagecoach. But, work duties (a 6pm call) caused me to miss the lesson. Instead, I was treated to much boot scooting, laughs, new non-church friends and a splendid brisket recipe which I eagerly made the next day. On my dance card that night were Cecil, Gene and Gary, also deemed Mick Jagger of C&W dance.

That night was so fun, I went back to Stagecoach the next Saturday (last weekend). I was welcomed to sit with the neighboring table by new friend Viola, her coworker Calissa along with Calissa's bf of two weeks. What a FUN time! Viola, being gregarious, invited another solo atendee Jim, a fellow Midwesterner from Indiana who travels every 3 months to TX as retired military contract worker in intelligence, to sit with us. I do believe he was drawn to this Tx gal. Who knows, our paths may cross again.

With two successful evenings out solo, I tripped to the same diggs hoping to see some of my newly made friends, but no such luck. In fact, I dare say good fortune came my way by the name of Alan. OMG...I needn't say more other than an invite was extended to meet at a different club next Saturday. I have all week to ponder on this.

So it is true, if bucked out of the saddle, get up and saddle up again!

www.stagecoachballroom.com