rush hour, Texas-style

Only in Texas would such events inspire my dad to send me the following email:

Traffic this morning on 35 was all backed up. It was caused by some cattle getting loose between Western Center Blvd. & 35. I got off at Western Center and took my short cut through Old Denton Rd. There I saw 2 police cruisers chasing a black calf. He looked like he was spooked because he was running. Then at the Mark IV & Denton Intersection, I saw a white calf chased by two men on horsebacks. The first one was good. He lassoed the calf with the first try. The second one was not so lucky. While everyone in the traffic was watching, the two guys got down from their horses and wrestled the calf down to the ground. It was better than watching a rodeo. Wish I took some pictures to show you guys. It was MBA!!

Editor's note #1: MBA = Major Bad Ass
Editor's note #2: I WORK AT THE INTERSECTION OF WESTERN CENTER & 35.

poor judgement

So tomorrow is Valentines' Day. Before I met A, it was never really a big day for me. I would write sweet nothings to my girlfriends and perhaps send them a secret Valentine - to be delivered to them in class, of course. Then I met A, and it still didn't seem like a big deal - it was a day of extra obligatory romance, to be sure, but we both knew that we were lucky enough to be able to celebrate in similar fashion any other day of the week if the spirit so moved us... But now that we are in the midst of a month-long sabbatical from our relationship and we "can't" see - or even speak - to each other, February 14th seems to have taken on an entirely new meaning, and I will really miss having the traditional V-day date.

This past week, I contemplated driving the 3 hours to Austin to visit him. It would have been going against the fundamental rules of the break, but I thought it would have been worth it, and I doubt A would have complained. I knew I should probably heed the advice of those of you recommending a continuation of the break, but... it's funny how love does crazy things to you. So the plan was - tentatively - to head out Saturday morning.

But then Friday night happened. I am almost certain that it was fate, as the chances of me enjoying what I believed would be a blissfully perfect pre-V-day weekend were pretty slim. After work on Friday, I went out for a happy hour held at the local BBQ joint in honor of me leaving my old group. (In my book, a free happy hour is always a good thing.) I then proceeded to drink and be merry until 3 am, consequently earning myself my Very First Hangover, complete with all the cranial agony and porcelain-hugging I could handle. When the hell did I lose my tolerance?

So after spending a rainy Saturday recovering from a night of less-than-perfect decision-making, I spent today enjoying the lovely 75 degree, sunshiny weather. Despite my complaints about sucky Texas winters, it sure is nice to be able to wear a t-shirt & shorts in the middle of February! The forecast for Valentines' day? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration predicts:

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 80. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south.

At least Mother Nature is giving us Texas singletons a break.

midnight musings

When not playing with the new TiVo or lamenting the cancellation of this week's fondue class, I have actually been doing a fairly significant amount of reflection. I've come to terms with my commitment issues that have plagued these past 2 years. And I'm starting to see that what I really want isn't a break or even the company of someone new - I miss being with my boyfriend. But it's as if my fear of "forever" has thus far blinded me to the fact that my relationship was everything that I wanted.

So do I still want the same thing? I'm not sure. For now I think I do. He has proven himself perfect for me in almost every imaginable way. But what if want something different in a year... or 2 or 20? Does everyone else go through this when they are embarking on a potential lifelong partnership? Is it normal to have this much self-doubt? And to what extent should I allow my emotional tumult affect those that I love most?

fondue shmondue

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