Cookies

So, lately I've been working on acting more like a guy... Let me explain. You see, I have been listening to these relationship tapes that have really struck a chord in me. Also, I saw the movie He's Just Not That Into You on the same day that I began the tapes. All of these have made me think that I need to change my dating style. Soooo, I'm trying to act more like a guy in the dating area of my life. You know--like actually "date" instead of doing the women thing of "forming relationships" with men that have no real attachment to me. I mean, let's be honest--How many of my guy friends can I fall in love with without them liking me back "in that way" before I get it? So far, dating like a "guy" has been fairly successful and rather enjoyable. I like dating, and it definitely takes the pressure off when I'm not expecting a boyfriend, eternal marriage, and kids after he takes me out the first time.

So, this leads me to last night. I went to a big singles' gathering, and I was having tons of fun. I was working the room a little bit, and enjoying myself immensely. I talked with lots of guys, and definitely got hit on. I made new friends (guy and girl) and formed tentative future plans with a few without being over-bearing. You think I would have left feeling pretty good. The only problem is that somehow I got talked into making a guy cookies. Somehow I got caught in one of those single man traps! How did he do it? How did he throw off my non-attachment, come and get me energy and talk me into making him cookies? The worst part is that I'm pretty sure that it was my fault and that I totally set myself up for this. Where was my "inner guy?!" My girl instinct totally kicked out the "guy" and took over.

Once again, like many a good female, I've been committed to give something to a man without him doing much in return. And as one of my favorite religion teachers always said "why would any guy buy the cow if he can get the milk for free?"

Joys of Being a Substitute Mommy

So, I wrote this blog last week, but it got erased. Then, I got sick, so I never rewrote the entry. But now, here I am--grateful for the opportunity to rewrite and, hopefully, improve upon what I wrote earlier.

As I mentioned in one of my previous entries, I had been asked by some friends to babysit their three children while they were out of town for a week. Since I adore the children, I was more than happy to agree to watch them. This babysitting adventure took place from 1/16 to 1/24, and I have definitely had my eyes opened. I could list the challenges of being a single mom to three children under the age of 5 (Maragaret is 5, Cole is 3 1/2, and Stella is 11 mo.) in NYC, but I think I have plenty of friends that have a greater and deeper understanding of these trials than I do. What I would like to list, though, are a few of the joys of being a substitute mommy for such delightful children. As you read it, please note that the parents took months preparing the chldren, and telling them I was going to be the mommy for the week (I was the sub). The parents have not really referred to me as a "babysitter" so, I believe I have had a unique experience.

Here it goes!

• I discovered that I really llike to be called "mom." What a sweet title!
• I discovered the joys of "bedtime." I love that time
• Somewhere along the line, I realized that I could accomplish and was alright with all the crazy mommy stuff
• Relief Society sisterhood. My testimony of the importance of the Relief Society has increased 10-fold. I don't know how single mothers are able to do it without RS
• Being able to relate to friends who've entered the motherhood stage of life in a way I've never been able to before.
• Making new friends because their kids are friends with "my" kids. There are some truly amazing mothers here in the city.
• Play groups are fun! It is fun to watch kids play with each other and to get in on the fun yourself
• Late night feedings for the baby. I'm not good at getting up in the middle of the night, but there is nothing as sweet as a little baby snuggled up in your arms
• Cuddle time with Cole. He is a typical 3-yr old boy and he doesn't like to cuddle. However, one night he got up in the middle of the night and decided to curl up on the couch. I joined him, and it was the only chance to sit and cuddle with him without any kind of fight. It was a peaceful and a precious moment.
• Having plenty of time to think of someone besides myself
• Hugs and kisses goodnight
• Family prayer
• Family Home Evening (I love that Margaret and Cole reminded me to have it)
• Kids being excited about what you made for dinner
• Ordering in. Sometimes that's the only way to keep sane
• Bath time. It's kind of a pain, but I think it's a lot of fun.
• Excitement over the small things
• There's nothing that warms the heart quite like a when a pair of big eyes in a small face light up because they've seen you.
• I love that the Cole still prays for me every night (his mom told me), Margaret still runs to show me what she's made at church, and Stella still reaches for me and cuddles (though she easily goes back to her mom)

I'm glad for this chance and challenge. It was an opportunity and I am so grateful that I took advantage of it. I look forward to when I get to be the mother to my children.

Thank you to all of you moms!!! You are amazing women! Thank you for sharing your kids with those of us that aren't!!! They are precious. Most of all, thanks to the amazing mothers in my life--especially my mom and step-mom. Loves to you all!

A night at the Opera

So, I know that it is technically Feb 1, but I still haven't gone to bed, so I am going to consider this a blog update for January. Hopefully, there will be more tomorrow, but since I am already behind, I thought I would give a quick update about the date I was on tonight.

I went with my home teacher (that's basically a male member of my church who visits once a month to share a message and offer any help I need), Adam, to see Orpheus and Eurydice at the Metropolitan Opera. Now, I don't normally date my home teacher (one of those unspoken rules), but I've known Adam for a couple of years now, and he's a great guy, so I thought...sure! He'd originally asked me to go to dinner with him on Monday of this past week. Of course, that was the day I awoke uber sick with the fever and chills (poor guy had to come over and give me a blessing when he was going to be taking me out). So, we rescheduled.

The music was beautiful. The mezzo playing Orpheus (yes, this means a girl was playing a boy. It's an opera thing, sometimes) was fabulous! Adam says he's seen her do other things where she is even better. The orchestrations were lovely. That's about where the good stuff ends. The costumes and set looked like they were comprised of whatever happened to be lying around the shop. The lighting wasn't too bad, and actually had some great moments. The choreography (there is always a core of dancers in a traditional opera) was awful. It was painful to watch at times, but there was a redeeming scene (but only one). However, it was a good learning experience and reminder of what my job is as a choreographer. Gratefully, as I said earlier, the music was beautiful and my company was great, so I really did enjoy most of the opera.

After we left, we were re-introduced to the freezing night air, so Adam suggested we get hot chocolate. I, of course, jumped on that idea. We went to a gelato place on 74th st and Broadway. I know--who has hot chocolate at a gelato place, right?! Well, apparently the Upper West Side does. I had a taste of the milk chocolate, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven by way of Paris. It was the most amazing hot chocolate (what an insufficient title) I've had since I was in Europe. I ended up getting a Hazelnut Hot Chocolate with whipped cream. It was so rich, and the cream was so thick, that they gave me a spoon to help me drink it. Adam got the pear and chestnut gelato. I tried some of his pear, and it was delicious!

As we walked back to the subway, Adam introduced me to one of the many gourmet grocery stores in Manhattan, and he pointed out the best places to get chocolate in the area (he's quite the chocolate connesiour). The ride home on the subway was long (the NYC subway on the weekends is always ridiculous), but we had a good conversation.

I had a good time. I only coughed a few times, and it was all induced from postnasal drip, and not some other nasty phlegm. I looked human again (it's been a tough week as far as looking presentable). And I got to know my friend a little better. I had fun! Hopefully, we'll do it again.

Alright, I better go to bed now since church starts in 7 1/2 hours. Hee hee hee.