Are you all in?

So D, my BF of 15 "Wednesday nights,"recently relayed a conversation he had with some HS buddies that I found both funny and insightful.

First the funny. "So, is she all in?" his friend asked during their GNO. Apparently, this is code for is she all there...not playing games...or playing it safe...and willing to risk "all in" for the relationship even if it means getting hurt. His friend, knowing that D puts himself out there, was interested in D not getting hurt. D replied that I was. Yep, for the first time since the big "D" three years ago and, if you've read my previous blogs, numerous dates...in THIS relationship with THIS guy, I haven't played it safe or by the books. And, it's been amazing.

Now, the insight. "All in" pretty much describes my mantra of late. My career, my parenting style, my homelife....I'm all in. I'm willing to put myself out there with the confidence of knowing that I hold a great hand, and whatever comes as a result, I've played smart and worked hard to be in this position.

I'm going to continue my "all in" status in 2011. Will keep you posted on the big hands, the bluffs, and what happens as a result. I love this game.

What exactly is a self-employed barista?

“I could have met you in a sandbox. I could have passed you on the sidewalk.” John Mayer was onto to something when he wrote, “Love Song for No One.” I think about this a lot – what if I’ve already met that someone I’m supposed to be with. Or, even better, what if that person I’m meant to be with is the random guy I pass on the freeway or stand behind in line at the grocery store. Then again, the whole “fate” concept has always been a little foreign to me, so until someone proves me wrong, I’m sticking to the good old fashioned online dating scene.

After a couple months of dating, Croutons spent a little too much time in the corporate salad dressing and got a little soggy. So, I find myself again, testing the waters of the world wide web in search of a suitor. Ladies and gentlemen, can I just say, I think I’d rather be single right now considering my options at the moment – a self employed barista, a weightlifter, or a musician that waits tables to pay the bills.

Like most people, I have my list of must-haves (integrity, sense of humor, ambition, family-oriented, reliable transportation, sports fan, just to name a few), like-to-haves (stable job, individuality, taller than 5’10”, likes wine, up on current events, etc.) and the deal breakers (infidelity, smoker, dependent, unmotivated, egotistical, poor hygiene, bad manners, etc.). Is a well-rounded gentleman too much to ask for?

Until I find that well-rounded gentleman, I’m going to embrace each new opportunity with an open mind. After all, a great friend once told me you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. And we all know, there are more than enough frogs out there, and even better, tadpoles to have some fun with (more on that in my next post)!