So – I really thought my first post would be something from several years ago.  I had played out how I would tell the story many times in my mind – because it is unbelievable. Yet, after the events of the past week – I figured I should just go with something more current for now.  I think I have pretty thick skin, and a sly sense of humor when it comes to my romantic failures – but the last several days presented content that was a whole lot for anyone to digest.

The week started off with running across of photo on Facebook of a man I dated several months ago.  We stayed friends both in real life, and in our “cyber” lives, because quite frankly, our parting was very cordial, and mutual.  The break-up happened because he finally admitted to me that he wasn’t ready to date, and needed to focus his time on his new home, his career, and his children.  He said he was being “selfish”, and I respected that decision.  Little was I to know that was simply code for “Instead of dating you – I want to date someone else” – ugh :-(.

Now comes the weekend.  I was so excited, because I had tickets to both the WVU game, and the Ravens game.  I was going to enjoy tailgating and game watching with a very dear friend for both, and I was going to see people from college that I hadn’t seen in years.  Football, friends and reunions!  How could this fun filled weekend hit a snag you might ask?  Well……………

…..for starters, I was hit on by two different men (ah hem, boys) who were in their late 20’s. They clearly know my age because we have mutual friends.  Trust me – they are both handsome, successful, very nice men.  20 years ago – I would have been doing the happy dance.  Yet as I find myself closer to receiving my AARP card, than I am being a sorority girl, I had to pass……..I know, shocking!  Being a cougar is just NOT how this girl rolls.

Then – I had the pleasure of meeting not one, but TWO ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend’s.  Regardless of the length of the relationship, or the distance of time since the break-up happened, it is never on the list of the “TOP 10” things I want to do.  Regardless – it happened, and my internal organs are still a little tender from the kick in the gut I took seeing that someone I cared for is happier with someone else.  YES – it happens to many, but to see it right in front of my face made in real.  However – it also allowed me reflect on the fact that those relationships didn’t work for a reason.  Not their fault, not mine – just life and timing.  Thus – I am now given a fresh slate to wake up every morning with the hope that something wonderful is just around the corner 🙂

The experiences of the past week have not only taught me that I am stronger than I give myself credit for, it also reminded me that I have some very dear and amazing friends that have been on this crazy ride with me, and will never let me forget all the good that life has to offer.

As Kelly Clarkson (oh yeah, and Friedrich Nietzsche) said: “What Doesn’t Kill You, Makes You Stronger”.  That being the case – I should be strong enough to lift a house off of a striped sock witch!!

Cynically Optimistic……..