Buy me these, please!

A few bits and pieces of what I want for my birthday in 2.5 weeks:

1. A *jwj* necklace - preferably Toile or Sadie. Yes I can buy it myself but it is almost my birthday and I want someone else to buy it for me. :) When I was getting the original giveaway post ready, I very, very clearly too Florida to the *jwj* Etsy shop and pointed out incredibly carefully which ones I wanted for my birthday...we shall see if he listened (but I don't think he did, and you'll find out why at the bottom)

2.

L.L. Bean's Boat and Tote Zip-Top Bag, Large with Long Handles, Turquoise Sea.
{$31.00}

3.

J. Crew Critter Wedge Flip-Flops in Navy/White Fleur, size 5.
{$26.50 BUT 20% off when you order two}
(second choice = Grey & Pink Skulls)

4. A Vintage Dallas Cowboys fitted t-shirt. (Can't find any cute ones online just now...but I know they are out there.) Florida, listen up: I DO NOT WANT A JERSEY OR ANYTHING PINK!*

5. Sticky notes from Ashley Brooke Designs. A silly gift because I don't have a job where I use sticky notes...but that matters little to me. She had the idea of drawing me on the sticky notes with irises in my hair - cute, no? :)

Well, I suppose I've been selfish enough for this post, haven't I? My birthday is kinda a big deal (to me) and I expect everyone to fully relish in the fact that I was born 28 years + 347 days ago.

::GASP! That's right, I'll be turning 29!!::

This had better be a FAB birthday because it just might be the last one I celebrate!

Happy Tuesday, friends!

Cheers,

Sweet Bea

* Guess what Florida got me for my birthday? After I specifically told him before he ordered my gifts that I did NOT want a jersey because I want to be able to wear the shirt on non-game days? A JERSEY. Boys. Do. NOT. Listen.**

**Am I being harsh and mean, and shouldn't I be thankful I have an amazing boyfriend who even bought me a birthday present? Yes, I should. I know this. But at the same time, when I specifically tell you something that I DON'T want, and when you are ordering the gift next to me and saying "I don't think you'll like this..." shouldn't that be a sign that it's perhaps not the right thing to get??

Update from Florida (in Alabama)

So as I've whined about before, Florida is in Alabama leading USAF Drill Camp for a month.

Le sigh...

We've been keeping in constant contact via text messages (thank GOD I now have unlimited texts) and since I upgraded my text plan so I don't get another $350 cell bill again, I also can send and receive picture messages...so that's been fun. :) I wish I knew how to get them from my cell to my laptop...I'd post some for you - I have a great one of him drilling with bayonets all around his face (a very, very dangerous move obviously, but he trained his men well and trusts them completely...even if I don't!)

Anywho, they are down at Maxwell AFB outside Montgomery...and from what I understand, there ain't a whole lot to do. Basically Hooters, Buffalo Wild Wings, and a movie theater.

So last night, Florida, his best friend, and some of the other guys (all married or with girlfriends, except my poor Diet Boyfriend) decide to go to BWW for food and beer.

Florida is a goofball. He is the life of the party. He's the kind of guy who enters air guitar contests - and wins, hands down. He's just a funny, funny guy. We're always laughing when we're together, which is awesome.

Florida is also competitive. Very competitive. And, (and I've seen this in person so I can attest to it) he is a human garbage disposal.

We went to grab food at Panera one night, and I ordered my standard Asiago Roast Beef with extra horseradish sauce, apple, and water. Florida ordered a bowl of soup, one of their large salads, AND a sandwich.

And proceeded to eat it in about the same time it took me to eat my one, solitary sandwich.

It truly is impressive to watch him eat. As weird as that sounds.

So back to last night...

The boys get to Buffalo Wild Wings and decide to order wings and beer (obvi. What else would you order there?)

My Florida orders his wings, and the table looks at him like they can't believe what they heard.

FLORIDA ORDERED 50 WINGS. FOR HIMSELF.

Now, I know wings are small. I love me some hot wings. LOVE hot wings. But 50 wings???

I wish I could post the picture of him with a HUGE grin holding his 2 BUCKETS of wings. I would not, however, post the picture of him midway through the wings, with sauce all over his face (as funny as it is.)

Needless to say, not only did my Florida put down the 50 wings, he also polished off 2 pitchers of beer.

Like I said...he's the human garbage disposal. Unbelievable.

So - you may be asking yourselves...why on earth is Bea posting about her quasi-boyfriend's digestive abilities?

Well sweet friends, the answer is simple:

He wanted me to.

He loves hearing about my blog, about my blog friends, what I post about him, that I call him Florida, and trying to come up with clever ways of getting me to tell him what it's called (he'll never figure it out, I'm positive.)

And he's very proud of himself. One of his guys tried to keep up with him and only got to 37 before quitting.

So, in honor of my man proudly serving his country by shoving as many chicken wings in his mouth as humanly possible, you have this humble post. :)

Sigh...

I hope you all are having lovely Saturdays - it's mild but cloudy here, and supposed to rain...so I think I might hunker down in the apartment and work on organizing my closet (right now there are dressed mixed in with polos...it's anarchy in there!) while blasting my iTunes' "Getting Stuff Done" mix (basically my fave songs to keep me motivated.)

Cheers!

Sweet Bea

My Latest Diet...

I have a pseudo-boyfriend.

I have a faux-boyfriend.

We came to the conclusion, after he had a discussion with his friends, that we are in fact, in a relationship. Which I am fine with.

I am in lots of relationships - with my friends, with my colleagues...heck with the cheese lady at Eastern Market! So being in a relationship with Florida isn't scary.

It is scary when he says that he wants to be my boyfriend. And, therefore, me his girlfriend.

Ugh...those big scary words again. Why the heck is he doing this! We agreed, from the very beginning, that we both needed to take things slow. Like practically backwards slow. We were both getting out of tough breakups that caught us out of the blue, and were both still not really healed from them.

We both also have talked about not wanting to see other people...so why the need to start putting labels and titles on things? We've been on the same page since Day One.

So, last night, we were talking (have I mentioned that we're now talking on the phone? I like his voice...it's quite nice to actually talk to him instead of just text when we're not together) and he came up with the perfect solution for me, right now:

He is my Diet Boyfriend. Same great taste, fewer scary issues.

All the benefits of having a boyfriend (including the commitment. I don't want you to think that I'm being all weird about this because I want to be messing around with others) but without the scary part of actually being His Girlfriend.

So, perhaps I am silly, but I'm too scared to fully commit publicly that we are, in fact, in a relationship (even though we clearly are.) I should be so lucky that he wants to move our relationship forward and is willing and open to talk about it with me.

But I'm too scared of getting hurt again by falling for someone who I know is leaving. Like Badger.

So, until then, I will GLADLY have my Diet Boyfriend. :)

Have you seen these?

I know I shouldn't like them since they are railing on my party...but I just can't help it.

As you know, I work in politics both here in DC and across the county on campaigns. I can be partisan and can passionately defend my party and my party leaders (the ones I agree with...which is not all.)

But I also have a sense of humour.

Roommate sent me this link earlier today, and I absolutely was beside myself giggling. These are the political equivalent of my other favorite e-card site, someecards.

This is the one I sent LBP today (he's a Republican and I bought him an Obama magnet as a foolie-foolie Christmas present when I went out there last month):


Here is my V-Day card to all my single girlfriends:


And this one, as a little reminder to myself:


HAHAHAHA!! Oh, what fun!

Wish you a very happy and safe Friday evening and Valentine's Day Eve!

Cheers,

Sweet Bea

Why you should never bring a boy around your friends...

So...things with Florida have been going well...he met my friends and I out after dinner on Friday night, and then we went out with some of his friends on Saturday night (to a new bar in Dupont I'll be reviewing in an upcoming post.)

And then Sunday came along...

Sunday morning we decided to get bagels with my friends and after bagels, while we were walking back to my apartment, Friend called me to see if I wanted to head down to the elementary school by my old house and hit a few softballs around.

I ran the idea by Florida, and he was game, so we said we'd see them at the field in 15 minutes or so. Florida had some running gear in his truck, which worked out perfectly, since he was wearing jeans and a button down (have I mentioned that the fiasco that was his wardrobe on our first date seems to have subsided? He's been in jeans, appropriate shoes, and buttons down shirts every other time, thank goodness!)

So, we change at my place and head over to the field.

I decide that I probably shouldn't play, since I can't bend to field plays and probably shouldn't be swinging a bat around, so I'm on the sidelines cheering on everyone and relaxing in the sun (it was 65 degrees out, yay!)

Everyone was switching positions and eventually, Florida was pitching. My friend, Dennis the Menace (which was note going to be his bloggy nickname, but it's appropriate now...) was up to bat.

It should be mentioned that Dennis the Menace (or DtM) played college baseball in the midwest. And, he can probably place this hit wherever he wants to.

Which, in this case, was square in Florida's, um, fun place.

(Sidenote: DtM asked me out the night of the inauguration, and I said no because he's in the group of friends. I thought he was cool with it...but now I'm wondering...)

Needless to say, Florida went down, hard.

I felt so bad for him - but what the heck am I supposed to do in that situation, you know? I don't want to run out and smother him (as I'm sure he was not only in agony but also totally embarrassed) so I just kinda sat there in the dugout until he got up a few minutes later.

Florida, however, is a trooper and got back up and headed to second base to keep playing.

Later that night, I got the following text:

Got an icepack on by balls and a beer in my hand. What a day.

HA! At least he has a sense of humour about the whole thing! SHEESH!

Hope you all had a lovely, toasty warm, and safe weekend!

Cheers!

Sweet Bea

A sneek peak at Florida...

...but I'm not gonna tell you which one he is :)

For all you ladies out there (and I do have a few gentlemen readers, so I don't want to make blanket statements about my readers) I would like to share a lovely video with you.

Introducing...Our United States Armed Forces Honor Guard Drill Teams.

Video available here if it isn't working, scroll down to Drill Teams RECON.
And Air Force is first...you don't have to watch 27 minutes, I promise!! :)

YUM!

Now, as you all know, Florida is stationed at Bolling Air Force Base here in DC. What I haven't mentioned is that he is part of the Honor Guard, and more specifically, part of the Drill Team.

Now, I'm not going to tell you which one he is, but I will say that you can get a pretty good look at him...at one point :)

Muah hah hah, evil Bea!!!!

I'm so sorry, but that's all you'll get from me.

NOW - if you haven't had the opportunity to see these AMAZING men (and sometimes women!) perform in person, you are truly missing out. I dated a Marine for about 2 years and during the summers, had the wonderful experience of going to his parades every Friday night (nothing helps you relax for the weekend like hundreds of Marines in Blue-Whites treating you like a queen) and let me just tell you, the pageantry and precision they exude is truly inspiring.

USMC Silent Drill Platoon, in the formation called "The Long Long"

So...not only do get a video AND a pic of yummy, yummy men in uniform...but as it becomes available, I will share with you information on where you can see the various Drill Teams here in the DC area (and if I can find it, in other areas too!)

Yummy, indeed.

Cheers,

Sweet Bea

Date Night Recap!

YAWN!

My sweet blogger buddies, your Sweet Bea is EXHAUSTED!

I played WAY too late last night, and woke up at 4:00 A.M. FOR NO GOOD REASON and have been up ever since. UGH!

It should be noted that Bea is NOT a morning person, AT ALL. So I apologize in advance for any typographical and grammatical errors (as well as liberal use of CAPS!)

So...I know everyone wants to know how the big first date went!

(Seriously, I am so tired I can barely even see my computer screen!)

So, our plan was to meet at Union Station (the subway -Metro- station closest to my house) and head over to the newly revamped Smithsonian American History Museum to get our culture on (HIS idea - add one point.) Unfortunately, our plan was derailed (ha!) by the Metro...there was a delay on the line he was on, so it took forever for him to get to the city.

Lucky for me, I headed to Union Station early to drop off a pair of boots that needed new heel caps, and ran into my roomie getting off the Metro. She quizzically looked at me (in her head I know she was wondering why I was out...I'm still supposed to be taking is easy and I get dizzy when I walk more than a few blocks) so I told her that I was meeting Florida there, but she needed to hang out with me until he arrived. So we dropped off my boots, and her phone rang. It was her friend from home who was in town for a med school interview and staying with us. She had just arrived at Union Station herself, and wanted to see if roomie wanted to get food.

So, the 3 of us went upstairs to Sbarro (I guess I should note that Union Station isn't just a Metro stop, it's also the Amtrak, a mall, and has a food court.) and I got a text from Florida saying that the Metro was totally stopped and he had no idea when he would be there. I texted back saying that it was fine, I was ran into my roomie and she was going to hang out with me since he ditched me. Tee hee! I'm pretty sure he knew I was joking...

So, we are at Sbarro and I was a little dizzy, so I decided to get sugar in my body, via Dr. Pepper. I heart Dr. Pepper. But...I don't drink caffeine (New Year's resolution 2006) so I was just a wee bit hyper (lie. I was bouncing off the walls) by the time he finally arrived.

So, roomie and her friend left a few minutes after he got there (which was great because even though I clearly had already stalked him online and found pics to show roomie, I wanted her to see the real thing, you know? I'm so clever!) and we got to talking.

But first: we must discuss the wardrobe choice. Brown boots and jeans, fine. Black UnderArmor sweatshirt? Hmmm. University of West Virginia hat? SERIOUSLY??? I mean, granted, I was wearing jeans and a black long sleeve t-shirt...but I knew I was going to be wearing a danged Florida sweatshirt the whole time...so no need to be super cute! (minus one point.) Under his sweatshirt, I would later find out, is a navy blue LA Fire t-shirt. Not a trendy t-shirt or anything...literally just a t-shirt. He's not from LA. It was weird. BUT - he did say that he tried on 3 shirts before he decided on the winning combination mentioned above (which frightens me about what the other options were...) He said he decided on what he wore because he is just a t-shirt and jeans guy, and wanted to be himself. Which is fine...but couldn't you have been yourself...wearing something that you maybe wouldn't wear out with the boys??? Sigh...

Sorry, got distracted remembering the outfit.

Well we knew that going to the museum was no longer an option because he was so late meeting me, so we ended up just hanging out at the Sbarro and talking until about 6 or so (so about an hour.) He suggested going for a beer because neither of us were really hungry at that point, so we wandered down the road to Union Pub (where, ironically, I had my first date with Badger...) and after playfully arguing with the server that calling their food and drink specials Manic Monday when there were 4 people at the bar was silly. I also said that their "Baby Shot" special (which, and I do not make this stuff up people, was a 1/2 shot of Jager for 1/2 price. So, in other words, not at all a special.) and their beer special ($3 pints...but pitchers were $12...and there are about 4 beers in a pitcher...?) were stupid. But, the server was really nice and played along with my harassment, and we decided to order a pitcher.

Keep in mind that at this point all I've eaten is an English muffin (yum!) and I haven't had anything to drink since I fell last week...so perhaps this wasn't the best idea. But whatevs, it was fun.

One pitcher turned into two, and we were still chatting up a storm. Now, I'm not going to lie...I was partially watching the Louisville and Kansas basketball games over his shoulder, but honestly, for the most part, we were getting along fabulously.

Then came the bomb. He has been married before.

(insert record scratching here)

Now, I know it shouldn't bother me...and as my friend SLR so eloquently said in an email this morning, "As for him being married, at least he told you. Fact is that you are almost 30, guys are going to start to have been married before. Especially military, they tend to get married young. And then divorced young. Be glad there's no kids." But I can't help feeling the teensiest bit weirded out by it. Badger was engaged, but never married before, and that bothered me too.

But SLR is correct...at least he told me...plus one point. It should be noted that SLR will take any opportunity to remind me that I am older than she. Sigh...

Anyways, we talked about all kinds of things, mainly focusing on jobs and what we do in those jobs (since they are pretty foreign to the other person) and before we knew it, we were getting kicked out of the Pub. At 11:00 p.m. And we still hadn't eaten. Whoops!

So, we headed out looking for something that was open (anyone living in DC is laughing right now...ain't NOTHING open!) but we were still wandering down the road and he asked "What time does Metro close."

Oh, crap.

DC'ers are laughing again...because the Metro closes at midnight. Whoops!

We decided to wander in the other direction and see if perhaps anything is open at Union Station. Well, we were in luck! Pizzeria Unos is open until midnight! W00t w00t! Yay us!

After we finished scarfing pizza and getting kicked out of yet another place (as it was now a quarter to 1!) we decided to forgo the Metro and just grab a cab outside at the queue.

Well, like the song goes, the freaks come out at night! That's not entirely fair to say...but our cabbie had no clue what was going on. First, he couldn't get his meter to turn on (I seriously live like 8 blocks from Union Station...I told the driver how much it was going to be and that we didn't need the meter. Don't worry though sweet friends...he was only dropping my off at my house and then taking Florida to his, I promise!) And then, once the meter was working (Florida and I giggling in the back the whole time), he started to drive away from the curb.

BACKWARDS!

WITH ANOTHER TAXI BEHIND US!

I finally hollered "We're going backwards!!!" and he stepped on the brake and decided that perhaps putting the car into drive might be a better option. At this point the backseat giggling had stopped and been replaced by sheer fear.

Well, thankfully, we make it back to my house, and he hands the driver money and asks him to please wait for a moment (AWKWARD!) and we hopped out of the cab...and started to walk up to my building.

I open the door, and we walk into the lobby.

TOTAL college flashback - seriously. I was waiting for the RA to come down the hall. Uber awkward.

Anywho, so he says he had a great time and doesn't want to ruin it by asking for a kiss, but really wants to ask for a kiss (so cheesy, but cute) so I reply that a little kiss would probably be ok.

(I've got one eye on the cab driver because I'm not 100% sure he's actually going to wait and this boy is NOT coming upstairs. Absolutely not.)

So we kiss a bit...and we will be working on the kissing. Wasn't bad by any means (maybe that's how his EX-WIFE liked to kiss??) but not my style...so we'll be practicing. Practicing sounds better than working on it.

Anywho, the cabbie waited (thank GOD) and so we parted and I went upstairs, where I tossed and turned until 4:00 a.m. and finally gave up, flipped over on my tummy, and watched the snow fall. And when I heard my roommate and her friend wake up I finally gave up on the snow and started giving them the date recap (since they don't read my lovely prose.)

Anywho, I haven't heard from him today (though we did text till about 2:00 a.m.) which is weird because I usually get a text first thing in the morning.

So...we'll see.

Overall, I give the date an A for good convo, spontaneity, and general fun.

However, like I told my roommate and her friend this morning...I don't really see this going anywhere terribly serious because we are in two TOTALLY different life stages (beyond the fact that he's been MARRIED!) and he's planning on moving back to Florida when he's done with the Air Force this summer...so who knows.

So, my sweet readers, there you have the very in depth recap of the date! I hope you all enjoyed!

Cheers,

Sweet Bea

TEAR! :(

I'm a sad little Bea right now...the Cards were SO CLOSE to Superbowl victory. Tear, indeed :(

BUT - I did win the Superbowl Grid so I ended up winning $20...but alas, there isn't enough money to heal my broken heart or to buy back my dignity after I have to wear a Florida Gators sweatshirt...in public...on a date later this week TONIGHT! SIGH.

Introducing...new boy who shall be called Florida.

Florida and I met last weekend when I joined some girlfriends at a hick country bar in Alexandria, VA. It's always a great time when we go, but it has a cover charge and I ABHOR cover charges and usually refuse to pay them, but we were celebrating a friend's divorce so I didn't choose the location.

So I mentioned the night and what happened to my divorcee friend TDubs in a recent post, but what I didn't mention was that I too met a boy that evening.

So in this bar, there is a wooden fence. Seriously - a wooden fence. It is up against 2 sides of the dance floor, and we lovely ladies were hanging out taking up one side of the fence, and Florida (with BollingBoy and others) was around the corner on the other side of the fence.

Here is a diagram for easy reading:

As you can see, Florida was standing closest to the corner on his side, and I was closest to the corner on mine. We were both pointed away from each other when we were talking to our friends. Even when we were both watching the karaoke singer (or the girls who were celebrating a bachelorette party and literally doing cartwheels on the dance floor) we never were facing each other.

At one point in the evening, Florida left his side of the fence, and asked me if he could stand on my side. I said yes (because I'm polite!) and so we started chatting.

At the end of the night, he went to close out his tab, and my friends literally took off through the back door while Florida was up at the bar. I felt rude just peacing out like that, so I went up to the bar to say goodbye. As I was stepping up next to him, he handed me a piece of paper with his number on it, and said "I wanted you to have my number." I thought it was sweet, thanked him, and left with my friends.

And then I got into the cab and texted him with "Wanted you to have my number as well." (I am so clever!) So then we texted for an hour or so, and have been texting since.

He actually called me on Tuesday night but it was during Idol so I didn't answer, haha. I didn't return the call because then I got an email about a job interview on Thursday so I started preparing. He texted me Wednesday morning saying "it's icy outside, be careful" and clearly I didn't listen to his warning. Alas...

Anywho, we text all day, every day, but haven't talked on the phone. Which, I think, I am ok with? We decided to make a wager on tonight's Superbowl, which I lost. My punishment? I have to wear a University of Florida sweatshirt (because we spent most of our first conversation at the bar talking about how much he loves the Gators and how he can't wait to go to school there once he's done with the Air Force - and about how much I HATE the Gators) on a date this week tonight.

I don't know how I am feeling about going on a date with him for a variety of reasons...but first and foremost because...

...I've never been on a date with a stranger before.

I haven't been on many dates in general (I tend to makeout with boys and then convince them they are my boyfriends and skip the whole awkward dating thing.)

So, I need to rally to get excited for this potentially unbelievably awkward encounter this evening. I have no idea where we are going, other than that he's coming into the city (he lives out in Fairfax - about a half hour-ish away from me) so we'll go somewhere closer to me, which is nice.

Since I'll be wearing a Gators sweatshirt (but apparently he's being nice and letting me wear the grey one and not the bright blue one...OR making me wear his Teebow jersey...) I'm thinking jeans and a fitted long sleeve t-shirt and heels (since I think he's about 6'5 or so)?? Thoughts?

It's times like these when I really miss my Blackberry or wish I had an iPhone so I could live blog the date under the table :)

Cheers!

Sweet Bea

GO CARDS!

image courtesy of Fanster

Hooray! I heart the Superbowl! Even though it means the end of football season, which makes me sad.

Now, I will admit, the Cards are not my first choice team, nor my second choice either.

Frankly, my heart belongs to the Cowboys and Packers, but I'm pretty stoked for the Cards.

After all, the first and only professional football game I ever went to was a Cardinals game (granted the played the Cowboys...but whatevs!)

And Emmitt Smith, the former Cowboy, played for Arizona (his first game was against Dallas - the game I went to.)

And I did go to school in Arizona and spent much time in their original stadium, Sun Devil Stadium.

So clearly, it's natural for me to cheer for Arizona in this matchup.

Bea will be making her famous artichoke dip (which easily beats out all other dips in taste tests year after year) and will be drinking water because she's still not feeling 100% (ugh!)

AND - she met a cute boy last week (more on him later!) and while she is not watching the game with him, they have a bet going (don't know why I'm referring to myself in the third person...)

If Pittsburgh wins, I have to go out with him this week and wear a University of Florida hoodie (UGH! I HATE THE GATORS!)

If the Cardinals win, he has to karaoke ANY SONG I CHOOSE.

Awesome. :)

Ok sweeties, I'm off to gather the ingredients for the famous dip - sit back, relax, and have a GREAT Superbowl Sunday!

Cheers(ing for the Cardinals!),

Sweet Bea

PS - if you're more of the Steelers variety than the Cards...head on over to Wearing Mascara and give her some love!

I've been TAGGED!

Yay! More fun games to play!

Katie, a new bloggy friend, over at A Hokie and a Wahoo tagged me in a Q&A game.

Here are the rules:

Step 1: respond and rework—answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.

Step 2: tag—eight other un-tagged people.

1) What are you wearing right now? Well,it's noon on a Saturday and I am already awake, out of bed, showered and dressed! This is a big achievement for me on any Saturday, and since I don't go to sleep until like 3:00 a.m. last night I'm quite proud. Yay me!

2) What's the last thing I read/ are currently reading? He's Just Not That Into You. My bestie from college, KJ, made me read it while I was visiting her in AZ on my way back to DC from the campaign trail. As my relationship with Badger was literally held together by a thread. I finished it on the plan to DC, and needless to say, I was trying to claw my way through the plane window and jump somewhere over Oklahoma because I think I realized what I had feared through the campaign: Badger had fallen out of love with me.

3) Do you nap a lot? No, not usually, because I can't just take short naps...my naps turn into mini sleep sessions and I always wake up groggy. Now, if it's the weekend and there is no reason for me to try and keep by sleep cycle in proper working order, there is nothing I love more than an afternoon nap.

4) Who was the last person you hugged? My bestie when she brought me home from the hospital!

5) What's your current obsession/addiction? Umm, other than boys? :) I'm kinda obsessed with Lidia's Italy and Lidia's Family Table, on PBS/WETA. I don't have cable (grumble grumble) but we have 5 PBS stations...so I watch the WETA Create channel nearly all day and night. I'm sure my roommate hates me but whatever - she doesn't want to get DirecTv so this is her punishment. Oh - and Facebook.

6) What was the last thing you said out loud? "Why the hell are you calling me?" to my phone as it was ringing, and the name Roger Williams came up on callid. RW was a boy I "dated" during my internship out here...don't know why the hell I dated him other than that I was sad that LOML was heading off to a Teach for America site and hadn't paid much attention to me after I moved out here (turns out he had a girlfriend, whoops!) and RW was the cutest guy in my program. There were, I think, 5 guys TOTAL in the program, fyi. Ugh. He's in the Air Force and while my internship was 5 YEARS AGO he's decided that he wants to call me to randomly check in lately. He did it once on the campaign when I was driving home from work at 10:00 p.m. (which would have been 1:00 a.m. had I been in DC, where he probably thought I was) and just wanted to say hello and catch up. Clearly I didn't have his phone number anymore, but thought it could be a reporter, so good little worker Bea answered the phone. Ugh. Turns out he's stationed in NorCal and "wanted to meet up and hang out." I said "I'm on a campaign. I work 14 hour days, 7 days a week. I do not "hang out." Sorry." SUCH a biatch but I don't care if I ever talk to this guy again, eew. Sorry...had to share :)

7) What websites do you always visit when you go online? My Blogger dashboard to see who of you lovlies has posted something new for me to peruse, J. Crew, and Facebook.

8) What was the last item you bought? Well the last thing I paid for was my pain meds, but technically my bestie bought them for me. Last thing I personally purchased was groceries that now I can't use because it hurts to bend over and reach into the fridge. And a bottle of Moscato and a 6-pack of Leinies...neither of which I can drink since I can't drink alcohol on the meds. Woe is me.

9) What is your most challenging goal? Getting Mother Bea to be proud of me and to stop nagging me about everything. She's actually getting much better since this post.

10) If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished- anywhere in the world, where would it be? THE BEACH! A beach where it stays warm all year round, there the water is warm and clear. Perhaps on an island. I would be perfectly content living on a beach and owning a beach bar where expats come to tell tales of their political days. That would be heaven.

11) Favorite Vacation spot? Well...I have a confession to make. I've never really *been* on a vacation. I went with my parents when I was a kid (and when I was in college because they refused to admit that I really didn't need to look at colleges up and down California for my little brother...) but I've never had a grown-up vacation anywhere. But - I imagine my favorite vacation spot would be a beach, somewhere warm year round. :)

12) Say something to the person who tagged you: Katie I love that when I read your posts, I can see myself telling the stories out loud. Particularly the post about how you and Ryan met. I think we would be real-life friends, indeed!

13) Name one thing you just can't resist no matter how bad it is for you: Brown haired boys with blue eyes. In particular, a brown-haired, blue-eyed boy named 1T. I melt anytime I see him, even though the results are usually disastrous.

14) You are on the Oregon Trail. How are things going? (OMG who cam up with this question?? HILAR!) Things are going well, thanks! I'm a pretty darned good hunter, so we have plenty of food. My oxen are holding up well, as is my wagon, and it's pleasant outside here in Independence. Jolly good day for a wagon ride, I think!

15) Favorite pair of shoes you keep going back to over and over, even though your closet is over flowing with a zillion others? Ooh, tough. In winter, my Uggs. In summer, my KKG flip flops from freshman year of college (nearly a decade ago.) They have light blue straps with dark blue KKG embroidered on them...and while the light blue ain't really that blue anymore, they are so unbelievably comfortable that I lived in them on the campaign.

16) Name one thing you can not live with out: My laptop. It keeps me connected to everyone and everything.

17) Has a celebrity's haircut ever influence you on your own hairstyle? Certainly - I can admit it. Last year I had an angled bob, aka the Posh. It was longer than hers and not as severe...but it was pretty cute.

18) What is your most embarrassing moment? You mean, other than falling on the ice and causing a rukus? Update on that: I was talking to my friend who lives in the building next to me about what happened...turns out she was driving by and saw all the firetrucks and ambulance taking care of me. HAHA!

19) NEW QUESTION: What brought you to blogland? For me, it was my friend Lulu...I read her blog and thought "that looks like fun, and like she's met a ton of great people. Maybe I should try it!" And just like that, Sweet Bea was born! :)

And who shall be tagged this time around?

Freck

KAG

Kate

ASC

Megan

Liana

Daisy

An open note to men everywhere

Dear Men,

We hope you are well.

I would like to share with you all a story of one man and one woman. This is a story about my good friend TDubs.

See, TDubs is new to dating, as she married her high school sweetheart and is just recently divorced.

TDubs had a friend in town, so she rallied up the ladies to join her at a lovely country bar in Alexandria, VA.

We were all having a great time, karaoking, dancing, and generally enjoying our time together.

Enter BollingBoy.

BollingBoy is a very cute 24-year old Air Force boy stationed at Bolling AFB in DC. BollingBoy and TDubs hit is off, and by the end of the night, had exchanged phone numbers.

TDubs was thrilled and very proud of herself for putting herself back onto the market.

The next night, TDubs rallied the ladies again to join her for more karaoke, at our usual hangout.

BollingBoy and TDubs had texted all day and he was going to try and come out to karaoke to see her. And lo and behold! He showed up about an hour before bar time.

They had a great time and made plans to go out the next Wednesday (tomorrow.)

This is where, dear men, you really need to pay more attention to what you do and say. Honestly - take your head out of your arse and your hands out of your pants and please read this part carefully.

Today, BollingBoy decided he wanted to be online friends too and MySpaced TDubs. She accepted, and as is perfectly natural, started looking through his profile.

What she found however, was less than acceptable.

BollingBoy wasn't 24 like he claimed. He is 21.

BollingBoy has between 2-3 kids (now, I'm not sure why the discrepancy...perhaps a paternity issue with kid 3??)

And worst of all - BOLLINGBOY IS MARRIED. divorced (so he says. MySpace still says married, and I'm inclined to believe MySpace since we already know he lied and he kept his status as married for a reason...)

Sigh...

Men - please heed this advice, for your sake and for ours (and, for the record, we can't believe we have to write you this note - it should be so simple. But, you have proven time and time again that you are not smart enough to play the tape through to the end, and therefore we must step in:

Please, if you are going to want to move things with us into cyberspace, make sure your profile is updated, accurate, and reflects what you have told us on our previous encounters.

Oh yea - and don't be married. Idiots.

Sincerely,

Women

Introducing...LOML

FULL DISCLOSURE: This will be a long-as-heck post. Prepare yourself accordingly. Seriously...use the potty and get refreshments now.

I felt is prudent to share a little bit of history with a certain boy, who shall be named Love of My Life (LOML), or as he's commonly referred to, The One That Got Away.

I'm sure everyone has One That Got Away...but mine seems to shape relationships with one's that didn't get away, and no matter how hard I try, he'll always be who I compare everyone else to.

I first met LOML in college. He was (is, I suppose) the high school best friend of my college best friend, DOB. DOB and I were practically inseparable, and so when his high school friends from LA came to town, it was expected that I would hang out with them.

So, I met LOML, and thought he was very nice, but kinda left it at that - nothing happened between us and he went back to school in Virginia and I didn't really think about it again.

And then that summer came along.

See friends, I am incredibly competitive in many things...and one of the things I am most competitive about is trivia. I am slightly obsessed with Jeopardy, and still kinda freak out whenever Jeopardy mentions Frank Spangenberg, (like I seriously squeal and jump up and down and clap. It's pathetic) and my first post-Badger crush was Ben Bishop (video of Ben here.)

So...needless to say, when I was invited to audition for College Jeopardy that summer, I jump jump jumped at the chance, grabbed a girlfriend from work, hopped in the car, and drove down I-5 to LA. Ahhhhhh, my dreams were coming true!

Now, Bri and I went down to LA a few days before the audition because some friends from college were in town to go to Disneyland and play around, so Bri and I crashed their party (and their hotel room!) and tagged along. When one of DOB's other best friends from high school (Thrasher, who was also a college friend of mine and a fraternity brother of the guys we were crashing with), he got very angry to hear that I was in town and hadn't called him. He demanded that Bri and I stay with his family for my audition the next day (which was perfie since we didn't know where we were going to stay because we didn't plan our trip very well AT ALL.)

So, friends go back to AZ, and Bri and I head out to Thrasher's house. When we get there, Thrasher informs us that we are going out with "the guys" (all the high school best friends, minus DOB who was stuck working in AZ for the summer.) We were going to Rome's house to meet up before heading to a bar.

I swear I can still remember this like it was yesterday...and in fact, if you asked me to repeat my steps I could probably still do it.

Thrasher, Bri, and I head to Rome's house to meet up with everyone, who are sitting and pre-gaming in Rome's bedroom. When we walk in, LOML says "It's you!" and I respond "It's me!" and he gets up and gives me a huge, huge hug.

So not love at first sight...but certainly something at second sight.

That night basically revolved around LOML and I (Bri was o her own, sorry girl!) We discussed everything - from personal details to missile defense shields (seriously. I'm a HUGE dork.) It was like no one else was even at the bar, or anywhere else in the rest of the entire world. We were totally in sync, and I was TOTALLY in love.

The next day was my audition, and while I was thisclose to making it...stupid colonial American history tripped me up (nerves, slight hangover, and lack of sleep due to thinking about LOML all night long didn't help either, I'm sure) and I didn't make it to the second round.

SKIP THIS PART IF YOU DON'T CARE HOW JEOPARDY! AUDITIONS WORK AND WANT TO GET BACK TO THE JUICY STUFF: So they take you to the studio for your audition, which is so totally nerve-racking. OH and Will Smith drove in to the lot right before us. CRAZY. Anywho, the studio itself is so much smaller than you'd think (kinda like the House Chamber when you see the State of the Union) and OMG! Alex Trebek came into the studio and chatted with us auditioners - and asked us what might be one of the most culturally important question of our time: To Shave, or not to Shave? I was a part of history that day friends, and my world has never been the same. So the audition goes like this: there are many of you seated in the audience seats, and you are given a piece of paper and a pencil, write your name on the paper, and label your paper 1-60 (yes, it is very high school.) Then, on the television screens (where I can only assume they show the questions during the real game tapings), they flash a question for 10 seconds, and then it's gone. You only have those 10 seconds to answer the question - they do not replay the question. Needless to say...it's a nervous, nervous process. Then you pass in your papers, and they read the top 10 or so scorers...and the rest go home to booze their loss.

OK, BACK TO THE FUN!

So...after my audition, Bri and I drove around, shopped, and headed back to Thrasher's house to plan the evening - our last evening in town, boo. Our friend's band from AZ was playing in LA, and I wanted to go, but one of Thrasher's friend's was moving the next day, so we went to her going away party instead. LOML was there...

It was at this point that I realized LOML loves to play pool. And was in the middle of a very, very heated game/tournament with some girl. Not cool.

I wasn't feeling the booze that night, so Bri drank and I was DD. When it was time to leave, we hopped in Thrasher's SUV to head home: Me driving, Bri shotgun, Thrasher & LOML in the back seat.

At this point, it's helpful to know that Thrasher, LOML, DOB, and I are all *slightly* obsessed with Dave Matthews Band, and his new album, Everyday, had just come out. The song that came on was Angel, about long-distance and perhaps, unrequited love.

So I'm driving down the road, and this happens:

LOML: Hey Bea?

Bea: Yea?

LOML: This is always going to be our song.

SWOON! I mean sheesh - I'm lucky I could keep the truck on the road!

We go to pick up LOML's car at someone's house, and he and Thrasher hop out and get into his car, leaving Bri and I in the truck.

Apparently, Thrasher got out to absolutely yell at LOML for basically ignoring me all night, because I'm a catch and he's an idiot. I heart Thrasher :)

So we get to Thrasher's house and are watching random TV (COPS, I think actually) and LOML announces that he is going to bed and promptly goes upstairs. No idea where that is, since, you know, he doesn't live there? But I was kinda peeved so I didn't ask or really care.

About a half hour later, I decide that LOML isn't coming back down to make out with me, so I go up to bed. Bri and I had been sleeping in Thrasher's room, with Thrasher sleeping in his little sister's room, and his sister slept with her parents. I go up into Thrasher's room to get ready for bed, and hear breathing...and realize that LOML has decided to sleep in *my* room.

So, I get ready for bed, climb into bed and yell "LOML" to wake him up. I was angry and my feelings were hurt, don't judge me!

So he wakes up and this convo occurs:

Bea: WTF?!? Why did you ignore me all night? That was really not okay with me.

LOML: I know, I'm sorry. I panicked.

Bea: You panicked? What does that even mean?

LOML: I know you're leaving tomorrow and I didn't want to get any closer to you than I already had. I'm sorry.

SWOON.

So, we made out for a bit and then went to sleep. Honest! We weren't going to do anything or rush anything.

Welcome to 6am. I'm woken up to LOML getting dressed, leaning in, giving me a kiss, and walking out the door. In my haze, I honestly thought he was going to pee. It's not until Bri comes in a few hours later that I realize he was gone. GONE! Just like that, GONE!

So, out to brekky Thrasher, Bri, and I go. Thrasher admits that he yelled at LOML for being a jerk, and repeated that LOML said to him the same stuff about not wanting to get too close to me. He also said that he knew LOML must have really, really liked me because he never stays the night. In their several years of being friends, LOML had never stayed at anyone's house...he'd stay up till he sobered, and then go home. But he voluntarily stayed, because I was there. (The reason he left, I found out, was because he was babysitting his little brother and sister for the weekend and HAD to go home. Whoops!)

Long, long, long drive back up to NorCal, needless to say.

Anywho, that was summer of 2001. So we're going on 8 years of torture. 8 years of mostly unrequited love! Over these past 8 years, we've survived both 9/11 and the DC Snipers (he was in town here for both), multiple relationships (including some very, very serious ones), a 2-year separation (while he was in his super-serious relationship), internships, graduations (in fact, my sorority senior prediction was that I'd finally end up with LOML!), crappy jobs, coast-to-coast moves (alas, he's now in LA and I'm not in DC), breakups, heartaches, campaigns, and of course, the occasional visit - most recently in April 2007 for his brother's wedding out here.

There are about 9 additional posts I could do about LOML, but this covers the basics, at least for now.

So yesterday, I sent him an innocent(ish) FB message saying that I haven't heard from him in a while, which could only mean one thing. (We tend not to talk when we are in relationships.) Sure enough...he's back with his ex and thinking about buying a house in LA (thank you crappy economy for ruining my chance at true happiness!)

BOO on me. Not like I need another man to stress about...but to be perfectly honest, this is the one that has never left my head (or, really, my heart.) He is, The One That Got Away.

My mother says that I only like him because I can't have him. DOB said one, in direct reference to LOML, that sometimes the best relationships happen in the course of one day. I hope neither of them are correct, because I continue to hold out hope that we could actually be together - happily - if we could just get our act together.

So, I remain the Charlotte of love - forever the optimist. I am confident that one day he will see the light and realize that WE are MFEO (meant for each other, for those of you who haven't watched Sleepless in Seattle in a while.)

Cheers,

Sweet Bea

Silly boy confession

I don't really have a "type" of boy I date or like.

Granted, the vast majority of them have light eyes and dark hair, but I think that's fairly typical and not really a "type."

They also tend to be more on the preppy side of life, but I still don't think that's really a "type."

But - there is one thing that is a deal breaker nearly 100% of the time.

Jeans with athletic shoes.

O.M.G. I just can't deal.

I'm not talking about cute Diesel sneakers or something like that...those are fine, most of the time.

I'm talking about athletic shoes that you would wear to work out in. Even if they are clean and nice looking...I just can't deal.

Here's a perfect example from our Daytona 500/Karaoke party last President's Day weekend - a convo between myself, Friend, and Deuce.

Friend: That guys keeps looking over at you.

Sweet Bea: Oh yea? (Looks) Hmmm, he's kinda cute.

Friend: Go up to the bar and get a drink and talk to him!

Sweet Bea: Heh, maybe. (Looks again, closer this time) No.

Friend: No?? Why not??

Sweet Bea: He's wearing jeans with sneakers. I don't do guys that wear sneakers with jeans.

Deuce: Wait...you don't *d0* guys that wear jeans and sneakers? WTF??

Friend: Are you serious??

Sweet Bea: He's wearing jeans with sneakers and that just ain't gonna happen.

Deuce: You're seriously insane.

***END***

I can't help but look at a guy's shoes when I think he's cute. I'm not picky about them...unless they are sneakers with jeans. I honestly just can't help myself. I just have to look down to see what's on their feet.

So imagine my chagrin when I noticed that when LBP picked me up from the airport he was wearing shoes that looked like these...


...with jeans.

Sigh.

He wore them again on Saturday when we went to the sports bar to watch football...and then when we went to the REAL bar later that night. Double sigh.

I've dated only one person before who wore jeans with sneakers - CTF - and he was a complete and utter TOOL. And I'm certain it was because he wore jeans with sneakers.

Badger also wore jeans with sneakers once, but had come right from a film set so I forgave him.

Besides, on my Badger, it was kinda cute.

I know my obsession with jeans and sneakers is silly and stupid but I don't care.

I texted my bestie, SAR, who knows all about my neurosis about jeans and sneakers...and she gently reminded me that I was in the Midwest and in the Midwest it is perfectly acceptable. She is also from the Midwest and therefore things I'm crazy anyways.

Here's the strangest thing about it...as we were sitting at the sports bar playing pool and watching the Cardinals stomp all over Carolina (aside: who the heck ever thought that ARIZONA would be IN the NFC Championship game...let alone HOSTING IT???) and I of course was half watching the game, half watching LBP play pool (so adorable) and half looking at his feet...when I realized that the jeans and sneakers combo didn't make me want to beat him over the head with a pool stick.

In fact, it was actually kinda cute.

Which means...I might actually have real, big-girl feelings for him.

Which means...I might be in big trouble.

Cheers,

Sweet Bea

Sigh...confession time

I have a confession...and like with most confessions, I'm a wee bit embarrassed by it.

I'm running away this weekend to Madison, Wisconsin to see a boy.

It's not Badger, though he is from Wisconsin, it's a boy I briefly mentioned here in this post (LBP)

As I mentioned then, LBP is a few things:

1) little brother of my good college friend BP (hence why he's called LBP - Little BP)

2) a good friend to one of my college ex-boyfriends (natch...)

3) my 2006 "locationship" for lack of a more PG-term...

So we've kept in touch for the 2+ years since I left Wisconsin and came back to DC, and he was supposed to come visit last April, but as Badger and I were dating, I called it off. He then rebooked for August (after his bro BP moved out here, to make it a little less awkward) and of course, I was in Cali on campaign. Long story short (too late!) it's been over 2 years since I've seen him.

And, well, let's just say that the last 2 years haven't been the nicest to your dear old Bea. I've gained quite a few pounds and frankly I've worked on Capitol Hill for 2 years for some of the toughest Members (which, for those of you not from DC, means I look like I've aged about 5 years, at least.)

Keep in mind that he's a spring chicken of 25 and of course in his prime...and I can only assume, still quite adorable.

So while I'm super excited to see him because we always had fun together...I'm really quite nervous.

For starters, I've had a dang cold since BEFORE New Year's and I still sound like a man going through puberty. I mean, I sound ridiculous.

Next comes the whole "what do I wear" issue? Since I don't really know what we're going to do, I'm not sure what to pack. And I don't want to overpack since I'm carrying-on my bag. And it's going to be F-ing COLD there. But I still want to look nice HOTT...so do I wear the cute little tops or big toasty sweaters?

Also, to Ugg or not to Ugg? I mean, they are the fugliest shoe-things I own...but they're soooooo damn warm!

And then, of course, there is what to do in, you know, *that* department...

See friends, I am soooooooooooooo not ready for this! Oh halp!

Here's my plan:

1) 2 new sweaters from Express (pretty cute, pretty warm, and thin to pack): dark grey and dark teal

2) Black J. Crew cable cashmere sweater from a few years ago

3) COH Jeans: one lighter for day, one dark for night

4) Black Lumiani knee-high boots

5) Black & white Banana Republic graphic dress OR purple Banana Republic graphic dress

6) Express T-back beaded top (dark grey)

7) White House/Black Market Black & white bateau top

8) Ann Taylor cashmere turtlenecks in black OR ivory

9) Old Navy long sleeve T-shirts in black & white (& possibly gray) to wear layered on the plane or just to layer throughout the weekend


Madison by Sweet Bea

See I'm trying to get away with only packing one pair of shoes (other than my Uggs, of course) - my black knee high boots, so everything is going to be in the black & white family or be worn with those shoes (assuming they come back from the shoe man all nice and water/snow/ice proof tomorrow!!!)

I *think* this will be a good plan...I hope! I'm getting my hair cut and straightened tomorrow AM...PLEASE keep good thoughts that it goes well (I don't do well when it comes to getting my hair done AT ALL) as I'm really freaking out that it will somehow be bleached and fall out and I'll have to cancel my trip!

Seriously...with all the stress I'm putting into this damn trip I'm going to NEED the massage LBP booked for me on Friday! Sheesh!!!

Until my next freakout (T-minus a few hours, I'm sure)...

Cheers,

Sweet Bea