be your favorite date.

Yes, I realize it seems a bit ludicrous to say that, but seriously...do yourself a favor and try it out, whether you are single or not.

This evening I went to Robinson Center in hopes of winning the Wicked lottery and scoring 2 orchestra tickets for $25 each. The rules were: you had to sign up 2.5 hours before the show, must have photo i.d., and must pay in cash; also, you could only buy up to 2 tickets. So, I set off to sign up in hopes of snagging tickets for my best friend, Laura, and me. I waited around with a book in hand until the names were drawn. I didn't win; however, after they had called the last name, the lady in charge informed us that there were some orchestra seats still available and seeing as we came out so early for the lottery, we could buy them for $40 a piece but must be with cash. Seeing as I only had $50, I knew that I couldn't score tickets for both Laur and me, but I wanted to see if I could get one and have my chance to see the show. I stayed in line for what seemed like an hour and finally got up to the counter. People had been dropping like flies because we were informed that many of the tickets they had left were not together. "How many?" the sweet lady asked. "Ummm...one, please" came my reply. "Just one??" she inquired with a quizzical stare. "Yes ma'am." I smiled back to her.

Wow. A date with myself. Just me.
While this would probably unnerve many, it made me chuckle because I realized that I was going to have this special night...with me.

I walked down the sidewalk in search of food and found the sushi bar, Wasabi, nearby. So I walked inside to a "seat yourself" sign. So, I did, and my server approached with two menus. "Waiting for someone?" he asked. "No, sir. It is just me." came my reply. Then there came the pity stare, "Oh, ok." he said. After ordering and taking off my coat, sitting there, I realized that I was the only person who was alone. I smiled, and whipped out my latest novel from my satchel and read until my food came. I savored it all and ate my lot. Sitting there, I pulled out my compact and retouched my makeup, packed up my bag, and headed back out into the cold. I walked the couple blocks to Robinson and entered. I found my seat which was completely secluded because there was an empty space beside it for those who require a wheelchair. I could not have been more alone, and I loved it. I sat through that fantastic performance and just soaked it in. It was such a fun night, and while it would seem that it would be horrible not to share it with someone, I really had a great time...with myself.

So, my challenge to you: take yourself on a date.

You have little to no worries of:

1. rejection :)
2. who is going to pay
3. if your outfit is too dressy/not dressy enough
4. whether or not your breath is kicking too much for a goodnight kiss
5. the possibility of another date

Seriously, give yourself a chance. You may surprise yourself because who are you more comfortable with than you?

Have fun.
Love,
lady

the beginning of a new favorite pastime?

going to the movies.

Oh yes, I said it: going to the movies may be my new favorite pastime.

My friends know that I am a lover of movies but not going to the theater. It costs an arm and a leg, you can't pause to go to the restroom, you have to obey certain guidelines (such as not bringing your own snacks, which I do (go ahead and judge...)), and you don't know what the other patrons are going to do during the film.

So, this past week I have gone to see two films: RED and Due Date.  This is completely out of character for me because before this week, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie in the theater due to the aforementioned complaints. Anyway, I have gotten over many of those hesitations this week(perhaps it was the company?). I think my cold, movie heart is melting because the fun with movie theaters is their unpredictability. Is the movie going to be good? I don't know. Is the couple beside me going to make out the whole time? I don't know. Is the group of teenagers behind me going to shut up when the movie starts? I don't know. Before, this always drove me nuts; now, it makes the experience kind of fun.

It seems that some of the reservations I had somewhat service its appeal to me now.

::In other news, I am developing new friendships and feel my social butterfly wings beginning to spread. I have really awkward tendencies, but I feel these walls of anxiety being broken down and opportunities to love and grow with others open. It is a great feeling to be amongst people who believe in life and love our God. Getting over my fears of rejection and disregarding my former hermit existence, I have so enjoyed meeting new people and beginning friendship. This has been such a testimony of God's love to me and His promise never to forsake me or leave me. Putting awesome people in my life has demonstrated His promise to me. I count myself incredibly blessed. Thank you all for being a part of my journey. I hope it continues.

peace and love,
lady

my favorite time of the year.

I cannot seem to get enough of Fall. Huzzah! It is seriously my most favorite time of the year; Spring makes a close second.

One reason I enjoy Fall so much is that it always makes me think back to my time of studying in England. It has been five years; time has really gotten away from me. The thing I remember loving the most was wrapping up tight with warm clothing, reading whatever I wanted, hot tea, and not having an agenda. These past two days have been reflecting these ideals, and I couldn't be more grateful.

Yesterday was a wonderful day off. I have a rather stately stack of books on my right nightstand that have been begging me to read them. I am glad to report, I put a nice dent in them the past couple of days. Constantly reading for my students and what we are doing in class, it is nice to sit and just enjoy reading for pleasure, which has unfortunately become a rarity in my life.

Cold weather has finally shown up! I am so excited to be able to double up on socks, long-sleeved t's, and tights. Known for my uncanny fashion statements, Fall offers so many chances for me to express myself with new outfits...because cold weather + need for more layers =some crazy Simmons originals.

Now onto hot beverages and no agenda. Last night, my friend Julie Miller (whose hubs is THE John Miller of the blues band The John Miller Band) and I got together for a fun girl's night while John was out playing gigs. I am pretty sure that she and I sat at our table at Sakura while 3 or 4 couples came in after us and left before we even reached for our checks. I love, love, love no agenda. While living in England, that is one thing the natives told me: when going to dinner, expect it to be at least 2 to 2 and a half hours. They were right, and it was so lovely to be in an atmosphere of no hurrying to go from one thing to another, to be able to invest in people and meaningful conversations. Such a blessing. After a long dinner, she and I returned to her house, and I made my famous Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (eat my shorts, Starbucks!).  Holding our mugs for warmth, we continued conversation and did one of our guilty pleasures: streamed Youtube makeup tutorials through her television. Ha. Before I left, she informed me that she had never seen the movie Amelie. She got it on Netflix instant and I showed her my favorite scene with my favorite song. I think she is a believer, now :)

Hope you all have a fantastic Fall evening. My mug of tea is going fast this afternoon. Off to put more water in the kettle. Make sure you bundle up tonight.

love,
lady

my [short] fall playlist

1. Master Sign-Andrew Bird
2. Head Spins-High Places
3. 1983- The Incredible Moses Leroy
4. The Transfiguration-Sufjan Stevens
5. Stay Golden- Au Revoir Simone
6. Golly Sandra- Eisley
7. Title and Registration- Death Cab for Cutie
8. Each Year- Ra Ra Riot
9. Gobbledigook-Sigur Ros
10. Oh Mandy-The Spinto Band
11. Carry Me Ohio-Sun Kil Moon
12. Leaving In Coffins-Psapp
13. Sort of Revolution- Fink
14. Travel Song-Someon Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
15. Ghosts Under Rocks-Ra Ra Riot
16. Roslyn-Bon Iver
17. Brothers on a Hotel Bed- Death Cab for Cutie
18. Colleen-Joanna Newsom
19. Fade Into You-Mazzy Star
20. Pulling Our Weight-The Radio Dept.
21. Saeglopur-Sigur Ros

Fall is hands-down my favorite time of the year. As an English teacher, I speak often of mood, and let me just say, I am a huge fan of Fall's mood. I love the sleepiness, the spicy, cold air, walking out the door only to realize you must go back inside to add another layer, walking out of school to darkness at 4:00 in the afternoon, a good sweater, and drinking hot beverages in order to have warmth. These songs fit my Fall (note: I think Death Cab for Cutie sound their particularly best during the Fall season).

Happy Fall, everyone. Here's to November!
Would love to hear your favorite tunes for this season :)