Life Update 2011

Hey everyone!

It's been such a long time since we last talked, so let me give you an update on my life so far. I do have more time now that I'm ... ... bum bum bum ... single.

I've accepted another job as an administrative assistant to a very important person. The work is challenging and I feel like I never have enough time, but the people are amazing and I feel like they are actually trying to make a difference in the world. As a result, I could see myself staying until I can no longer handle the workload.

Research has also picked up. We are nearing the end of our data collection and now it's all about completing the last conditions, which is like torture some days, but c'est la vie. I've been reading up on analysis of variance or ANOVA in preparation for the data analysis. I'll also be applying to graduate school 2 years from now. Boy does that sound like a long time. But I will actually need to start applying in a year and half and there is a long process involved in that, so I think I gave myself enough time.

I've also been working out a bit more consistently these days. Every other day an hour of weightlifting and cardio. I'm noticing a bit of a change actually. I was drying myself after a shower recently and my pec flexed. Firstly, I was surprised I had grown at least some pecs and then it actually noticeably moved. I was very satisfied to say the least.

On to the meatier news though, my life post-breakup. I have to admit that I have had my ups and downs this past month, but I'm surviving. I think I am getting used to the fact that it's just me on my own, not that I don't appreciate the time with family, it's just not the same as having a partner/boyfriend/significant other. I feel like I'm monopolizing all of the besties time though. Luckily, by coincidence, they have time to kill or errands that they need help with, so it's all time well spent.

I'm surprised at how clean this breakup has been for me emotionally. I feel like that chapter of my life is over and that I won't return to it. I have no regrets. I did my best and I'm satisfied with how things played out. Although I don't know if we can be friends after all of this, it's just too complicated. Didn't it take me about 5 years to even start talking with my first ex again? I just can't switch from the completely selfless partner mindset to a just friends mindset. It would unsettle me.

On to the wonderful world of dating! I'm definitely more aggressive than I was before and it has been pretty interesting. Let me give you a short summary of the guys I have met and am planning to meet so far. Mostly, it is just chatting right now, but hopefully one of them will grow into something more.

In order of who I have met. Nicknames summarizing each guy provided (I don't mean to insult anyone, it's just a lot easier to keep track of each guy if you have a handy label that summarizes who they are).

(Kid denotes younger aged guys)

1. Gameshow kid. He went to my high school and also did the same trivia gameshow that I did when I was in high school. I have to admit I thought this guy was very promising. The content of what he says implies that he is an altruistic and highly intelligent person versed in politics, general knowledge and science. However, his nonverbal behavior (in particular the way he speaks) is quite cold, uninterested and a bit pessimistic. And he has a disdain for research! *gasp*

We met in person for coffee at Starbucks downtown. It was quite nice. We chatted about our life, what high school was like and played a game of choices (given the choice of A or B, both bad choices, which one would we settle with). I have to admit I had some feelings for him. Although upon further analysis with the help of my male bestie, it seems like I may have been taken by his good looks and his tall stature rather than him as a person. A classic case of misattributing arousal for liking. (Or a classic case of him not demonstrating a liking for me and therefore I backed away).

2. McDonalds kid. He's decent and he seems interested in me. He works a full-time shift that tends to be graveyards though, so I'm not too sure if scheduling will work in this relationship's favor. We have rescheduled twice after initially planning to meet 2 weeks ago. So it doesn't look promising. I feel like I can't get a good impression of him until we meet, so stay tuned about this one.

3. "Jacob". I found a guy who looks like Jacob from the Twilight series. Okay, I have to admit that I'm not a fanatical Twilight fan, but come on, Jacob is uber hot regardless of what show he is in. We have been chatting back and forth and a movie "date" is tentatively in the works. He wants to see Puss in Boots which is a big plus in my boots (hahaha, too corny?). I called him adorable for suggesting the movie and of course said that I would be up for it too. After a few weeks of chatting, I got his number! I'm doing it guys! I'm succeeding at this pursuing guys thing.

4. "History kid". We just started talking today. He's a history major from my university and he is looking to become a secondary school teacher. He loves animals and we share a favourite childhood book. He also loves children. He sounds very very good. The only downside is that he doesn't have a profile picture, so I can't really confirm his identity. He could be any person creating a false persona. Although we have been writing short notes to each other throughout the day which I really enjoy.

I'm really enjoying the variety of guys and the different styles of interaction they all have. It's very enlightening and the socializing makes me feel great. Although my free time has been eliminated to about nothing. It's worth it though, I feel like this is what I've been missing. On the search for Mr. Right.

Interesting sidenotes: 2 of the guys are filipino, all of the guys are taller than I am (which I guess means I'm really short), and all of the guys are out to their family.

That's all for today! I wonder how my readership is doing after my extended hiatus. Thanks guys and gals!

Yours truly,
SG