It Was “Spongebob Squarepants” Themed
Dating, Personal December 14th, 2008
A long time ago, I found out this girl I went out with had a kid. She had texted me that she was having a birthday party for her son. I texted back that I hope her son has a fun party and haven’t talked to her since. To be honest, I was kind of put off. But now, I’m asking myself, “Why did I instantly not like her when I found out that she has a kid?”
I ran through all kinds of excuses: “I’m not interested in becoming a father.” “I don’t want to be involved with a kid right now.” “The kid will be a major distraction.” “I’m afraid of becoming just some kind of monetary support.” “She must have some issues if she’s no longer with the dad.”
And now, I feel guilty for thinking those things. I had a lot of prejudiced ideas. But really, there’s nothing wrong with a single mother wanting to date. There could be all sorts of circumstances behind there not being a father, and I should really learn more about her and what happened before blowing her off. I need to stop looking for ulterior motives when there aren’t any. And it’s not like we’re looking for something long term here (at least I hope that’s the case). So why not have some fun together?
And who knows… down the line, when I’m ready to have a family, I’m not against marrying someone who already has kids. I’m in a step-family, and it’s been good. I consider them part of my real family. I think it’s horrible what kids go through when parents go through a divorce (been through it myself, but that’s not what I want to get into now). It can be just as hard for them to accept someone else in their lives that might seem like they’re intruding in private territory they have no business being in. But if the step-parent truly loves your mom/dad AND you, then it works. I’m no expert in making step-families a success, and it’s not without its bumps and clashes, but when everyone respects one another, you could be getting some of the best people ever being a part of your life. Why pass on a chance like that?
Little Bits
Dating, Reading, Work March 12th, 2008
Yesterday was my first day back in good ol’ MD and it just flew by. It’s so weird not seeing any palm tress around… 
Already I’m back one day and have some interesting moments happen…
First: Got a message from a recruiter who found my resume somewhere and described a position that really piqued my interests. Called back and left a message. Recruiter calls me back and says the position they are hiring for requires someone with more experience and wanted to know if I knew anyone I could refer them to. Told them to “shove it and thanks for giving me false hope and wasting my fucking time” (in my head).
That was OK, because I was in Borders when they had called me back. I got The Oz Chronicles Vol. 2 by L. Frank Baum… took it to the register and it turns out it only costs me $1! This is a book marked as $19.99 on the sticker, but it rang up as $1! The register lady was as pleasantly surprised as I was but gladly accepted my payment. I never thought it, but buying a book unexpectedly for $1 really brightened my day.
After that I went to my favorite store which I dearly missed from my time in Florida, and saw that they had some awesome new shirts. The employees there were more than accommodating, even going so far as to show me some sweet 7 Diamond shirts that just came in.
Alright, this could be nothing, but it was a brief thing that left me smiling but thinking about how I could have done it better… the girl (very cute, I might add… you’ll have to take my word for it) who rang up my purchases at the store asked me for my last name (which they have always done to put into the computer), smiled, and said, “That’s a beautiful last name!” To which I’m sure I was blushing furiously and said, “Thank you!” She started a little conversation about how two of her coworkers were getting married and their old and soon-to-be-new last names were boring like Thompson, Jones, and such. “Aw, well, it’s wonderful that they are getting married at least! That’s great for them!” I said. So anyway, my transaction was completed and I thanked them for their help, wished them well, and went on my way.
Right, so I was saying that could have been nothing, but I have no idea if that was flirting or not. I mean, she could have been just really friendly… but if a girl is comfortable with a stranger to carry a conversation like that, shouldn’t I act on that? I won’t deny that I’m inexperienced and shy in flirting and making friendly conversations with the ladies… because I sort of am when I’m not in a bar or club somewhere buzzed after a couple drinks. But looking back, I should have said something like, “Well what’s your last name?” and learn something about her. Just anything to show that I was interested in talking to her.
But I won’t say it was a total bust. I left a happy camper, not grumpy at all. I love that store. I go there a lot, so hopefully she’ll recognize me next time. And the more I experience and have moments like that, the more capable I am to handle them. 
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