Out of the Cold and into the Warm Fuzzies…..
Where has the time gone? One day leads to another…. and it goes on and on and on… Last year around this time I was visiting Denver for the holidays and today I LIVE in Denver! I set my mind to obtaining several goals and they have all come to fruition – and out of left field I’ve met someone.
Yes, someone. What does it mean? Time will tell… Is it good right now, of course! Will it be good next month? Who knows?!? …and honestly, I have some pretty amazing feelings, but I am realist, you can’t make things happen, you can only just be you. I’ve come to realize that I don’t immaturely need anyone, I am pretty damn self sufficient, I am happy with me and I take care of business…
I’ve also realized I am in a good place to be in a healthy relationship and the thought of sharing my life with that special someone sounds appealing – not out of immature need, but out of having a solid foundation and good understanding of what “love” really means.
I’ve learned that immature loves says: “I love you because I need you.” Mature love says: “I need you because I love you” – pretty powerful… I know…. I know….
Why is it when you are ready to explore a new potential long-term relationship – someone from your past calls to say that “all roads lead back to you – I’m ready to stop running” ?!? Completely, unfair ?!? Not to mention a real mind bender… a wave of emotion, but with a strong understanding of who I am today I gave Wyatt Earp the same compassion and empathy he gave me during the most difficult time in my life. It was the least I could do, I knew he was hurting and I knew he had to get out emotion that he had been holding in for a very long time. I also realized, I could not save him – just like he knew he could not save me. We parted in staying friends and keeping in touch, but we also realized there would never be an “us.”
I was looking through the stats on my blogs and they continue to get quite a few hits everyday… So back to writing my blog… back to doing the things I enjoy…
Oh and that special someone…. warm and fuzzies…. hmmm
Dating in Your 40’s – The Good, Part 3
THE GOOD
Mr. The One
How to spot him: This is the one that makes you stop seeing all the others you’ve encountered to date. He makes you forget all the others who have you shaking your head. He’s the one who finally makes sense after all the insanity you’ve endured as a dating divorcée.
Why you should go for it: He loves you unconditionally, suits you in the ways that matter, fits you – with your eyes wide open, and makes you wonder why you’ve wasted time dating any of the others! It may take months to find him or it may take years. Even his baggage seems to complement yours – a matching set, for better or worse. So if you’re lucky enough to find Mr. The One, hang on tight – there is likely only one of him!
Mr. Provider
How to spot him: He puts family first, always. He’s a selfless man, who lives to please those he cares most about. He’s the kind of man who can work two jobs in his sleep, always has a side-hustle in mind to earn more money, and guards his savings with his life. He can’t rest until he knows the ones he loves are okay. He strives for perfection at home and in the office. Work-life balance is very important to him, but if missing time with his loved ones means a better life for them, he’s always game to put in the overtime and take one for the team. Words like “no,” “can’t,” and “impossible,” are just not in his vocabulary, and when he hears others use them, it only increases his devotion to the task at hand.
Why you should go for it: Marriage is the start of a new family — your family. You will both want to provide for the family you create together, and it’s imperative that you are partners with the same goals in mind. That said, there will be times when one person just cannot do as much as the marriage (or family) requires — such is life. Marrying a natural-born provider will be a huge plus when the scales in your marriage tip, as they inevitably will at different points along your path.
Mr. Rock
How to spot him: At your weakest moments, his strength keeps you stable and inspires you to push through. He isn’t immune to pain or frustration, but he does handle it well, and he knows how to pull himself out of low places. He’s the kind of man who never misses your call when he knows you need to get something off your chest, or better, just a friend to be there for you. Speaking of chests, his is always there for you to lean on, squeeze, and find comfort in when it feels like only a hug will do.
Why you should go for it: He’s loyal, devoted, and a true pillar in the world of the woman he loves. This is the perfect recipe for a loving husband that you can count on through thick and thin; what woman doesn’t dream of marrying one of these?
Mr. Critical Thinker
How to spot him: There isn’t a problem, big or small, that he isn’t itching to solve. He’s a quick, solid, thinker, who hates to be backed into a corner. He doesn’t just see the problem in front of him; he sees a road map of the many solutions available to him and takes his time as he determines the best way to get there, or the course of action he must take. He is patient, because he has to be — rushing things is rarely the answer and he knows this. He’s diligent, focused, and considers himself a mental Olympian of sorts.
Why you should go for it: Marriage is truly beautiful, but it comes with its share of problems, and its rough patches. Happier times aren’t always just around the bend — getting there may require a detailed plan and thinking smarter, not harder. He will make a great team player during the moments where the only way to win is to work together, and trust me, those moments can and will arise in marriage.
Mr. Believer
How to spot him: When the world around him comes crumbling down and the sun seems as if it will never rise again, this man still believes — his faith is his foundation. It gets him through the good and the bad, and it never falters. He believes in the things unseen and those that many give up on when the world turns cold: hope, morals, kindness, and good will. He has a church home, or a religious mainstay in his life and the fellowship refuels his engines. He’s God-fearing (whoever his God) and he’s proud of his strong beliefs. His moral compass is always turned in a positive direction, and he refuses to accept failure. He helps others and chooses to live his life in a way he believes others should live theirs.
Why you should go for it: This man has the emotional tools needed in his toolbox to repair many of the cracks and dents that will inevitably appear in any marriage. He’s a fighter, and he will fight with you and for your marriage. He won’t give up, even when you do.
Mr. Free Spirit
How to spot him: Spending time with this man never gets old. He believes that life is about living and therefore is virtually immune to the physical afflictions caused by stress and worry. It’s not that he doesn’t feel those emotions; he just refuses to let them consume him. He stays positive and seeks to enjoy all aspects of his life, as much as humanly possible. He has most likely chosen a career he loves over one that pays all the bills. Therefore he’s just as passionate about his work as he can be about feeding his cravings for new adventures. He enjoys traveling and most likely has a bucket list at least a quarter complete. He doesn’t believe in wasting time worrying about what can’t happen and prefers to shift his focus to what can. With him, there’s never a dull moment at home, in the bedroom, or when you’re out and about. His inner light shines through and warms the spirits of those around him. He keeps life exciting — almost as if, each day he presses the refresh button.
Why you should go for it: Spending the rest of your life with the same person, doing many of the same things can be as boring or as exciting as you make it. Marrying this man ensures that one pitfall your marriage won’t ever fall into is that of pure and utter boredom. It sounds simple, but it’s so important.
Dating in Your 40’s – The Ugly, Part 2
THE UGLY
Mr. Bitter Angry Dude
How to spot him: You can tell them right off the bat though, because even on the first phone call they’ll nastily correct you about weird stuff or start an argument about the most innocuous of topics. A conversation with them might go something like, You: “So, how do you like your job?” Him: “My job? Why would you ask about that? I thought we were trying to get to know each other personally. I don’t want to talk about my job!” Yeah, run.
Why he’s tempting: It’s not – unless you are a lawyer.
Why you should steer clear: I don’t know if it’s that guys this age have seen a lot of relationship disappointment that has made them bitter and angry, or if their bitter/angry vibe is what makes women run from them to the point where they are still single at 40.
Mr. Flake
How to spot him: This is the 40-something man-child who still doesn’t know how to make plans in advance and can’t stick to any type of schedule. He’s the guy who says he will call you Monday night and then doesn’t. A week later, he emails you, “Hey, what are you up to?” You explain that he never called, so why is he asking? He apologizes and says he will call you that night. He doesn’t. A week later, he emails again, saying, “Hey, want to meet up?” You explain that you still haven’t spoken yet. He says — well, you can guess. It goes on like this into infinity.
Why he’s tempting: Only he is damn good looking.
Why you should steer clear: Infinity, it is worth mentioning again.
Mr. One Who is Still Married
How to spot him: He will say that his divorce is about to be final and has been separated for a long time.
Why he’s tempting: Because you want to scoop up this prized possession before anyone else can get to him.
Why you should steer clear: And if they say they’re “separated” or “in the process of getting divorced,” stay far away. Newbie divorcees are NEEDY.
Mr. Total Package
How to spot him: He has one hell of a career going and went to a top college. He is an athlete, a musician, and an avid traveler. He is handsome—and you better believe he’s well-groomed.
Why he’s tempting: There’s just one thing he seems to be having a hard time finding—a girl worthy of his greatness. Could that be you?
Why you should steer clear: Yes, the woman fit for him will be the ultimate icing on his cake of perfection. He imagines her often—gorgeous as they come, she turns heads; bursting with charm and charisma, she lights up every room she enters; she’s a brilliant rising star in her career and beloved by her many friends. And that’s just her public persona—at home, she’s fantastic in bed, a spectacular cook, loving, selfless, and devoted. Oh and she also speaks French, plays tennis, sings beautifully, reads voraciously and she’s a history buff. His Juliet.
Unsurprisingly, he is single. He’s immersed in a fierce battle between his superhuman standards and his terror of being 40 and single—because 40 and single is not supposed to be part of his story.
Mr. One with the Psycho Ex
How to spot him: No matter how nice he is, if your his ex-wife inserts herself into your relationship, you’ve got big trouble.
Why he’s tempting: The key to navigating this scenario is to observe how your man acts when his ex’s unacceptable behavior occurs. If he takes a strong stand and takes steps to put a stop to the behavior, you may have hope.
Why you should steer clear: The psycho ex may stalk you, harass you, or involve his kids in sabotaging your romance. Often, she’s still in love with this guy and perceives you as a threat, trying to steal him back though they’ve been divorced for years. If he throws up his hands in surrender, and lets it all continue – face it, you’re doomed. There is no reason you should have to endure a meddling, intrusive ex-wife.
Mr. Player
How to spot him: He’s the unusually friendly guy who makes effortless chit-chat, has expensive shoes and a good haircut—and is always ducking outside to talk on his cell.
Why he’s tempting: You know how in tennis when you play with a great player, you don’t suck as much as when you play with a beginner? Same applies here. If your date is a smooth operator who’s never at a loss for words, you’ll feel more relaxed, witty, and confident.
Why you should steer clear: Slick guys love dating. But they are less fond of relationships. If your pro dater has had a ton of 5-minute partnerships, doesn’t open up, or shies away from discussing personal details, he probably won’t commit.
Mr. Angry-I’m-Divorced-Too
How to spot him: He’ll tell you within the first ten seconds that his wife ran off with her trainer. Or drained his bank account. Or both. And he can’t wait to hear all the ugly details of your divorce.
Why he’s tempting: You have a common enemy: The ex. And a heated trash-your-ex fest can get you all hot and bothered—in a good way.
Why you should steer clear: If he’s still raging about how she did him wrong, he’s got, ahem, some issues to sort out. A lot of the divorced men I meet are eager to have dump on your ex sessions. But I steer clear of anyone who is harboring that much hostility toward their ex, because they obviously aren’t ready for a new relationship.
Mr. Best-Friends-with-His-Ex
How to spot him: He’ll nonchalantly works her into conversations: “My ex thinks I should buzz my hair,” “When my ex and I were having lattes yesterday…”
Why he’s tempting: He sounds so enlightened! You think you’ve stumbled upon the most forgiving guy in America.
Why you should steer clear: Staying friendly after a breakup is a good thing, sure. But if his former wife still occupies the role of trusted advisor — Condoleezza to his George W. — beware. This is a guy who’s still in love, plotting a comeback, or at least hoping for the possibility of breakup sex. Take a Pass on this one.
Mr. Crazy-Possessive
How to spot him: When he hears you were married, he jokes, “Did he hurt you? Just say the word, and I’ll get the guy.”
Why he’s tempting: Jealousy can be flattering as he wants you all to himself, which can be flattering and an ego booster.
Why you should steer clear: Intense jealousy is often a sign of emotional instability. Controlling people are usually very smooth at first but after they charm you into bonding to them, the control can turn very unpleasant, and even lead to stalking or abuse. So consider yourself warned!
Dating in Your 40’s – The Bad, Part 1
By the time you get into your 40s, if you have the misfortune to find yourself in the dating pool, let me just tell you: It’s a shit show. Sorry, maybe that was too harsh. I’ll tone it down a bit. It’s like being thrown in a serial killer’s basement. Seriously, it is that bad.
This is a 3 part series to help you navigate your way through the world of dating after 40, the good, the bad and the ugly.
THE BAD
Mr. Set-In-His-Ways
How to spot him: This is the 40-something guy who has totally adjusted to living alone. Which is great. He’s probably very happy.
Why he’s tempting: He wants to meet a woman and the last time you checked – welp, you fit the criteria.
Why you should steer clear: He doesn’t want to change his life or schedule one iota for you. This is the guy who will say something early on like, “I have tennis on Wednesday, squash on Thursday, I’m camping all weekend, I need to spend Monday and Tuesday writing my novel, I walk my dog from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and I like to get to bed early. So can you meet for 20 minutes at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday in three weeks? Oh, and can you come to my neighborhood?”
Mr. Guy Who Just Wants To Have Fun
How to spot him: At this point in your life, if you come across men who have never married or are divorced and want to stay that way, chances are that they’re “confirmed bachelors” who are just looking to have some fun.
Why he’s tempting: If that’s your goal too, then this type of guy is your perfect match. However, if you’re looking for something with a future, you need to put your cards on the table early and gauge his reaction.
Why you should steer clear: If you think you can get him to fall in love with you and that he will change his mind, you may be sadly disappointed and will have wasted precious time. Or, you could be the woman who brings about his 360. Either way, it’s like playing a table in Vegas— May the odds be ever in your favor!
Mr. Much Older Man
How to spot him: The grey hair is a dead giveaway.
Why he’s tempting: You may be tired of dating guys your own age and looking for a more mature man—a man who may be ten or more years older than you. This kind of older man, with a father-figure persona, will most likely treat you like a queen. Chivalry isn’t dead with this kind of man and he’ll tell you everything you want to hear.
Why you should steer clear: Many people who have married older men are extremely content in this type of relationship. Some may think he’s the best thing since sliced bread, but others may quickly realize that they’ll soon be his nurse taking care of him in his declining years. Before you jump to this decision, remember that the age gap becomes more of an issue the older you get and be sure that he’s what you really want.
Mr. One seeking a Mom for his kids (and not much else)
How to spot him: This one strategically includes heartwarming photos of his kids on his online dating profile. It’s almost as if he uses his unsuspecting offspring as the bait to reel nurturing would-be mothers into his plan. He’s a bit rarer than other types, but easy to spot with full or primary custody of his children.
Why he’s tempting: If he’s an awesome dad and you get along great with his children, it’s very easy to fall for the whole package too soon. This makes it difficult to focus on knowing whether your relationship with him has the right foundation for a healthy and loving future together. It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of an instant family and kids, but remember that you’re not just taking on one person; you’re taking on the whole crew. And sometimes that crew involves ex-wives, ex in-laws, and a whole host of shared friends and family members who will become part of your life too. This can be a wonderful thing, but it’s a serious commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Be sure you’re both marrying each other for the right reasons.
Why you should steer clear: He may even initially act as if his search is all about you. But it’s not. It’s about him. He’s stressed about being a single Dad and it’s eroding his golf game and severely cutting into his hunting time. This man has already been through it all but is still looking to get married quickly so he’ll have a mother figure, nannie, or housekeeper to help him with his kids.
Mr. One who won’t commit… to anything… ever
How to spot him: This one is self-explanatory. He’s a playboy, a barfly, and is easy to identify. He often dates much younger women. He may have even been married more than once already. The good news is that he is so committed to being non-committal that he will even tell you up front that he isn’t looking for anything serious. Words of advice: he means it!
Why he’s tempting: Yet even with explicit warnings straight from the horse’s mouth, as women, we tend to hear what we want to hear. When he says “I don’t want a serious relationship,” we hear “I don’t want a serious relationship… until I find the right one…which could be you.”
Why you should steer clear: But you can never be The Right One for this guy, so get out while you can or prepare to have your heart broken.
Mr. Guy Who’s Finally a Good Catch
How to spot him: On the other side of the coin, after losing some weight, getting decent clothes, and having early career success, The Guy Who’s Finally a Good Catch is getting more attention each week than he got in his first 25 years combined.
Why he’s tempting: Girls find it endearing that such an appealing guy has managed to maintain his humility, when it’s actually just that he’s assuming every girl is out of his league at all times.
Why you should steer clear: Once his new situation starts to sink in, he enters an unfortunate new phase, stressing his male friends out by doing things like winking at them over the shoulder of a girl he’s dancing with and offering them a fist pound when an attractive girl walks by on the street.
Christmas 2016 – Back to Denver
Last Night at the Mellow Mushroom!
A blissful walk!
And to finish our vacation off – ice skating at an outdoor rink!
Christmas 2016 – Colorado Springs
Ahhh, beautiful Colorado Springs!
Winter wonderland at the Broadmoor Hotel, a train made completely out of sweets!
Headed to the top of Pike’s Peak!
A gift from my one and only love, my son.
If You Take Your Pants Off You’ll Feel Better
Life is full of ups, downs and all arounds. Thinking of ways to soothe our soul and calm ourselves are things we are not so good at. We would rather be stressed out, freaked out, on edge or going ninety to nothin’. Here is a list of top ten ways to feel better:
#10 
Find a piece of cardboard, stand by an intersection and solicit your fellow drivers for things you want, such as candy, hugs, a date or whatever suits your fancy!
#9
Purchase a pill organizer and load up your favorite treats, be sure to pull it out in front of your co-workers, as it will surely give them something to talk about.
#8
Go to the local zoo or anyplace that offers train rides.
Make sure you sit next to the person who looks like they are having the worst day and then give them something to laugh about.
Be sure to include them in #7, #6, #5, #4 & #3
#7
Find a group of strangers and make friends, see if you can find one who will be attached to you at the hip for some fun and shenanigans!
#6
Pull out your camera and get creative with your new found friends!
#5
Don’t be shy! Get to fingering painting! You all will enjoy basking in the glow of your new designer duds!
Be sure to go to your local fountain to wash off, it will provide entertainment not just for you and your new friends,
but also all the innocent bystanders!
#4
See how many people you all can get together to make a giant circle massage in your local park!
Be sure to do this close to a patch of mud (see #3).
#3
Quietly sneak over to a fresh patch of mud and start slingin’!
Then get ready for some pig squeelin’, hog sloppin’, dirty fun!
Let the games begin!
#2
For real peace, quiet and calmness pet something furry!
Whether it be a wall, fuzzy cat or a squishy panda, just fluff yourself all over it and make cuddles!
AND THE #1 THINGS TO DO TO MAKE YOURSELF FEEL BETTER:
Over 40 - Everyday Life! 
