I went to lunch with some of my amazing peers today. And, naturally, after hours of being professional and productive (at work), we were tired of all that.

We discussed weekend plans, recent trips, working out and hair stylists. Then, our conversation took an unexpected, but totally interesting turn: Dating Before Facebook. (DBF, if you will.)

Does anyone remember how nice it was to go out with someone before Facebook existed? You know, when you actually took the time to get to know the person before you made a judgment about them? Now, all it takes is one click for us to say, “Oh my gosh, he’s friends with that guy? This isn’t a good sign.” Or, “Who’s that girl tagged in the photo with him? Is that his ex? Or a friend? Or both?” (Followed by the clicking on said tagged photo, only to find that her profile is private. Damnit.)

Even if you’re lucky enough to not find anything suspect on his Facebook profile at first glance, what about after? For example, let’s say you’ve moved into a more serious phase of the relationship (known as “going steady” to my dad) and you notice someone of the opposite sex who keeps posting on his wall, or commenting on his pictures, or “liking” every darn thing he says? You don’t want to seem paranoid, but after a certain point, you just can’t help yourself. Two and a half glasses of red in and you’re asking, “Who is that annoying girl on Facebook?” It can’t go anywhere but down from there, folks.

Thanks for making modern day dating even more difficult, Facebook. That’s just what us single gals needed.

Via Blackberry Messenger
Me: Pardon the late night interruption, but Vanilla Ice has a show on HGTV?
Ginny: I saw the promo.
Me: I mean, I feel like someone at that network has a big ole sense of humor.
Ginny: I guess at least he’s doing something productive, which is not what I would have predicted.
Me: Yes, I agree. Although the firearm on his t-shirt is a little concerning.

HGTV, really? I would expect this from E! or Bravo, but I thought you were above it. If MC Hammer gets a show about home improvements, I’ll dvr House Hunters no more.

My mama, bless her heart, is totally and completely addicted to eBay. What’s her drug of choice? Smocked dresses.

There isn’t a children’s clothing line that exists that my mother doesn’t know about/bid on. She’s out of control, y’all. Out. Of. Control.

Exhibit A, a text message from my mom:
6:05am: I AM WINNING! May stay home from work so I won’t get outbid.

Exhibit B, while I was watching television at her house:
Mom: 10 SECONDS! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Did I? Yesssssss!!! It’s MINE!!!!! I WON!!!!!!!!
Me: Good lord, this isn’t Vegas.
Mom: Oh, shoot! It’s not her size. It’s for a 5-year-old.

My niece isn’t quite 3 months old, let alone 5 years old. And, like any junkie, my mom hides “the evidence” from my stepdad. Which is pretty hard to do, considering he delivers mail for a living. But, some way, somehow, she sneaks dress after dress into the house…and into my old closet. MY old closet.

I knew this niece was trouble.

Forgiveness – the process of ceasing to feel resentment, indignation or anger against another person for a perceived offense, difference or mistake, or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.

So, the act of forgiveness. It’s not always a piece of cake, right? It can be difficult, and at times can seem about as possible as winning the lottery. In my experience, though, letting go of resentment and anger is an absolute must. I am not myself (or my best self, I should say) with those feelings festering inside of me. It should not come as a surprise to anyone who’s breathing that there are studies that show people who forgive are healthier and happier than those who do not. (If you doubt me, just use your ole friend Mr. Google to find out.)

I am baffled by people who can’t forgive one another. Family members who don’t speak to each other, friends who abandon one another, strangers who are unkind to one another because of different backgrounds, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. It’s all a bunch of bullshit if you ask me.

I’ve been hurt by people whom I never thought would hurt me, betrayed by people I never thought would be anything but loyal, and yet – I’ve forgiven all of them. (I certainly don’t deserve a “gold star” for it, but I’ve done it, and I’m proud of it.) Because if this were my last day on earth, I’d want no part of resentment or indignation. I’ll take happy and healthy, thank you very much.

Reason #546 that I shouldn’t have kids: I pick favorites.

October. It’s my favorite month. I love the weather, I love the pumpkins, I love the trick-or-treaters. Every year around this time, my house is decked out with all things fall-sy. It sort of looks like the season threw up on my house, but I care not. I’m going home to open the windows, look at my jack-o-lantern, light a pumpkin scented candle and drink pumpkin spiced coffee.

October is my Zoloft.

Thanks to a super cool blog reader (who also works down the hall from me), I got this awesome surprise today:

A lunchbox! It’s not Strawberry Shortcake or Rainbow Brite, but it’ll do just fine.

In a world of meat dresses and jeggings, it’s a welcomed relief to see normal clothing on famous people. A sight for sore eyes, Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel looked stunning together at the premiere of Life As We Know It.

Mrs. Heigl’s ruby red one shoulder dress is by David Meister. I adore the color on her, and I covet her side bun (I plan to don one this weekend at my friend Valorie’s wedding). I do think, however, that her hair stylist went a little far with the blonde this time. It’s a little yellow for my liking, but don’t worry, Kat – Josh Duhamel totally distracts from it/anyone near him.

Ben just asked me if I would be interested in running a 5k with him. What the…?

First things first. I don’t run. I did in college, because I was a cheerleader and it was required. And, I never “grew to love it” as so many insist will happen. I loathed just as much the day it was over as the day it began.

Secondly, what (exactly) is he trying to say?

• Does anyone else wonder why people use a “sexy” self-taken photo as their profile picture on Facebook? (Funny/odd self-taken ones are acceptable, but the other ones make me think, “Get over yourself.”)
• Does anyone else regret all those bad things they said about 90+ degree temps?
• Does anyone else miss having a lunchbox?
• Does anyone else watch that show called “Who The (Bleep) Did I Marry?” (Don’t judge me, it’s on the Discovery Channel.)
• Does anyone else get homesick?
• Does anyone else think that Britney on Glee is as hilarious as I do?
• Does anyone else have an obsession with the pumpkin spiced candles from Target?
• Does anyone else go to book club and not really discuss the book that much?
• Does anyone else think Matt Lauer is the best dressed man on television?
• Does anyone else want to de-friend people who ask for you to vote for them in a contest on Facebook?
• Does anyone else consume as much ranch dressing as I do?
• Does anyone else have an extensive “to do” travel list but no travel funds?

Just view this vintage Lucky Strike advertisement: