The Con's of Being Single

I hate doing this post, but there is always an "ugly" side to being single.  And i'll suck it up and share those reasons with you. 

 

Now...this is where the married/in a relationship gals can be happy they have a man.

1. You have to pay for everything on your own.

If I go out, I have to pay for my own food, booze, movie ticket, etc.  It's nice to be wined and dined every once in a while...but when you're single...that rarely happens. 

2. You don't have any one to go skinny dipping with you.

Now, I like the rest of country am NOT fan of Courtney aka the "winning" model from The Bachelor, but I was pretty jealous of her skinny dipping romp with Ben last night.  It make me want to go grab a cutie and find the nearest (heated) pool.

3.  No "Plus One"

When you get invited to a wedding, birthday party, formal affair, etc there is usually an "and guest" situation.  When you're single...you don't have that automatic date.  You have to go out and search for someone to take so you don't look like the lone loser with no date.

Let me give you the WORST example of this...back in 2008 my friend who was getting married text me to ask my address for the invitations.  Once I gave that to her, her next question was "do you want me to put Beth & Sarah or Beth & Sandi on your invitation?"  Sarah and Sandi are two of my closet friends.  I told her to put "Beth & Guest" on my invitation (like a normal human being).  I wanted to tell her a few other things too.  Needless to say, I was so appauled by this that I didn't even go to her wedding.

4. No "man power" to fix things that are broken.

If my tire go flat, my car battery is dies, my toilet overflows, the faucet is leaky I have no one to call.  A boyfriend would be very helpful in these situations. 

Good thing I have AAA.

5. No one to snuggle with every night.

I am NOT a fan of PDA.  I'm not really one that enjoys doing it in the privacy of my own home.  But it does get lonely sitting on my couch every night with a large glass of wine watching reruns of The Real Housewives on Bravo.

Pro's of Being Single

 I get the feeling the majority of my readers are married or in a long term relationship of sorts.  Well, as you know, I'm not. 

And the way my life looks right now, I'll probably stay that way until I'm at least 85 and I'll be able to have the most amazing pinterest inspired wedding at my nursing home.

But this is not to say that I don't like being single.  I do.  Most days (and nights).  So let me share with you some of the pro's of being single.

1. You get to kiss whoever you want.

You see a cute boy at a bar...you could potentially be making out with him later.  I realize some of you may not see this as a "good time."  Well, then, we probably can't be friends.  Making out is fun...and if you're not making out with a hottie (even if it's your BF or hubs) then you're missing out my friend. 

2. You don't have to cook for anyone but yourself.

I do not cook.  Like ever.  I'm ONE person, why would I cook a meal that serves 6 or 8 when I'm just one person?  I don't have time for that.  There isn't someone nagging me to make them a beautiful steak with all this other jazz.  No thanks.

I've had people ask me "well, what happens when you get married you're not going to know how to cook."  Yes, I know HOW to cook...but I chose not to do so.  And why do I have to be the one to cook?!

3. You can go days (or weeks) without shaving your legs.

If no one is going to be touching them, why fuss over shaving your legs if you don't have to.

4. No required "check-in's"

If I want to go to the mall, Chick Fil-A for the 5th time in a week, or to my favorite bar downtown I can and no one has to know.

5. You're not the annoying friend on Facebook talking about how "awesome", "wonderful", or "great" your boyfriend/husband is. 

I've hidden friends status updates on my news feed because of this.  It makes me nauseous.

If you want to hear more "pro's" of being single take a look at the guest post Lindsey did today at Confessions of Single Mommy. Click here to read.

worst pick-up line (for a ginge)

I've heard some zingers over my single years (which equals all my years)...but one that I heard about a year ago will take the cake in my book.

I was standing in a bar in Knoxville, TN drinking my Bud Light, waiting for my friends to return from the bar minding my own business, when I noticed this guy looking at me.  I was not amused. 

He walked over to me and asked me "Is that your natural hair color?"  I just looked at him with that "are you effin' kidding me?!" face and he promptly said "Well, I just ask because I hear that redheads are going extinct." 

What am I?!  A f*ckin' dinosaur?!  Was he trying to help save my species by procreating with me?   I just confirmed to him that my hair was in fact naturally red and got my friends and walked away. 

I mean...that's perfectly fine to ask me if you had started with a "hey, how are you?" or "hi, what's your name...nice to meet you?" But let's not get weird the first go around.

count your blessings...

Y'all know I'm not one for sappy, sad, or deep posts so bear with me today.

It's hard not to get caught up in your needs, wants, excuses, and complaints but when tragedy strikes it's hard not to reflect on what you HAVE in your life instead of what you DON'T have.  It's so sad that when something bad happens is usually the only time when we are really forced to count our blessings.  We should count them daily...I know I certainly should.

My real life bestie (and blogger) Sandi and her family have been through the ringer when it comes to tragedy.  Take a look at this post she did yesterday to get more perspective.

So this week I've been reminded to count my many blessings.

1. I have two healthy parents that love me.

My dad had a stroke in 2005 and was in the hospital for several months recovering.  He was laid off from his job a few months before and for over a year was out of work with no income.  But now he's retired and still the same Daddy I've known all my life.  Funny, upbeat, and for lack of a better word...blunt. (If you know my dad you'll know what I mean.)  It could be worse...WAY worse.

2. My maternal grandparents are still alive and well.

My grandfather is in his mid-90's and has diabetes.  He was the baby of his family and the last one that remains.  He's had some scares here and there, but he still wakes up every morning with a smile on his face.

My grandmother had a lumpectomy to remove breast cancer around 2005.  Then in 2010 the cancer came back and she had a full mastectomy.  But you would never know it.  She never talks about it or let others feel sorry for her.  And she still cooks Sunday lunch almost every week.

3. I have a job...that I love.

Some people can't say that they have a job.  And most people can't say they have a job that they love.

4. I'm healthy.

I've never had a broken bone, hospital stay, surgery or what not. *knock on wood*

5. I have a roof over my head and food in my fridge.

It might make me broke some days, but I am able to feed and shelter myself every night.  And if I couldn't do that...I know somewhere I could go to get it.

Southern Royalty

Yesterday, I told you that I am southern royalty.  I mean when I told Kate she was pretty impressed. :)

So ten years ago, I was "presented to society" and had my debut as a woman. 

I need to use the term woman extremely loosely.

I was a freshman at the University of South Carolina, I thought that Smirnoff Ice was from Heaven, I was burning CD's and labeling them "SweetBef's Mix #4", I wore frayed top jeans a la Mariah Carey from her Heartbreaker video, I went to "da club."  I couldn't drink legally.  I could only vote, buy porn, and cigs.  I also had my tongue pierced.

Mandy was a debutante the same year I was...that is when our friendship grew.

Before we were only aquaintances and AIM friends.  Remember the days of AIM?  I'm pretty positive Mandy thought that I was the weird girl that only spoke via internet chat.

Basically, you ask two boys to be your escorts.  You wear a white ball gown (aka a wedding dress) and full length white gloves. 

Your dad helps present you.  You kiss your mother on the cheek and give her flowers.  You do some walking around as an emcee announces you.  You dance with your #1 escort and then your dad.  Then it's a full on dance party.

Legit...that's it.  Every year they present new girls and it's just an excuse for other people to get dressed up and party. 

Maybe I'll have some fun stories for you this year. 

Last year this happened.

Formal Affair: The Hair & Make-Up

I'm sure you're all wondering where it is I'm going that I'm getting all dressed up? 

Well, in the South (and maybe some places in the North) we have what's called Cotillion and every January they present Debutantes. 

For our Cotillion, it's really just an opportunity for everyone to look fancy and take advantage of the open bar.

I was a debutante 10 years ago...yes...you're in the company of true Southern royalty (more on that later).

So...you saw the dress...now onto the hair and make-up.

I'm not the best at make-up or hair.  I always think I look good when I leave the house, but when I look at pictures of myself later I think I look the same as I would on a Monday at work.

BUT...being that I just hopped aboard the obsession express on Pinterest I have some ideas of what I'd LIKE to look like...atleast the eye portion of my face.

Last year was the first year I actually fixed my hair in a manner that wasn't the same as my "everyday hair." 

I got my hair cut on Saturday, but I hope I am still able to do something like this

or this

I don't think i'll be able to do either!  I'm not Pink Lou Lou when it comes to hair.

I guess we'll see what happens Saturday night! :)

Formal Affair: The Dress

I'm sure this title has thrown some of you off.  But rest assured, this is NOT a wedding post. 

I'm a single girl...single girls don't get married, but we DO dress up and get drunk.

Remember when I posted this?  Where I needed your help picking out a dress to rent for a formal coming up in January?

Well, I ended up getting NONE of those dresses that I asked for your opinion.  Sorry.  I was going to go with this one.

But they didn't have it in my size for the weekend I needed it.

So I picked out this dress. 

Lately, my clothes have been a little snug, so I went back and read over the reviews about size and fit.  Chatted it up with a RTR stylist named Katy and decided to switch out my pretty coral dress for this number.

I'll probably accessorize with these numbers or something BIGGER.

And I own a pair of gold satin peep toe pumps similar to these Mr. Loubie's

...but with a much smaller price tag.

What do you girls think?

Tomorrow...the hair and make-up!

Sweet Blog Friend

One of my favorite parts of blogging is all the fun people you become friends with...blogging is a special community and I think a lot of people that don't blog would be amazed at the friendships that form within this little world.

Okay...enough of the mush.

Back in December, I had mentioned in this post that I liked to collect ornaments from every place I visit and I had forgotten to get one while I was Louisville in late 2010.  Well...this girl blogger girl named Whitney commented and told me she could hook me up with an ornament from Louisville for my Christmas tree.

When I got home on Monday (after a night of soup, grilled cheese, and The Bachelor with some girlfriends) a package was waiting on my doorstep.  I was SURE to check the label to make sure it was for me.  I didn't want another "Pop Pop" to come after me.

It was for me...and inside was a sweet card

and pretty wrapped box from sweet Whitney!

And I'm a South Carolina fan, but I don't mind putting the UK magnets you added on my fridge.  If you're in the SEC you're O.K. in my book.

Thanks again Whitney!  I didn't think anyone would take my "plea" seriously, but I'm glad you did.

Lowered Expecations

I think I should start a series for you guys of the things that happen to me, a single girl, in the bar scene.  I've got some gems.

As I promised you girls yesterday, I would elaborate on more of my weekend happenings.

We can skip over Friday night and move straight into Saturday.

My two single girlfriends and I went out for dinner and had drinks at the bar next door.

We sat on the end of the bar near the entrance, from my seat I could see all the other patrons ordering drinks, taking pictures, being stupid, etc. 

An hour later, a gentlemen (let's use that term loosely) comes up behind me.  I thought he was trying to squeeze in to get a drink so I scooted over to give him more room.  He kept staring at me.  It was awkward. 

Then he preceeded to tell me that he thought he made a "connection" from across the bar.  If by "connection" he means I glanced in his direction then he was correct but I did not recall this face.

Picture it...short dude (we're talking MAYBE 5'5"), ginger hair in a crew cut, eyes with a constant "surprised" expression.  I tried to ignore him.  That did not work.  He asked to buy me and my friends a drink.  Usually when this happens that gives them the invitation to stay and converse had I been interested in him I would have accepted the offer.  But I told him I was good. 

Five minutes later...he's still standing there trying to talk to me.  I just would smile, nod, and give either a "yes" or "no" to his questions.  Pretending to be uninterested was not working.  He ended up asking my friends if they needed a drink and bought us all three drinks.  Thanks friend...but you're still not getting my number.

Later...he removes himself from behind my chair and back to his previous post at the bar.  I was FREE!  So I excused myself to the bathroom.  When I come back around 7 minutes later, he's in my seat. 

My seat was the last at the bar...against a wall, so I stood on the other side where my girlfriend was and chatted with her.  He eventually removes himself and I get back to my seat.

Let me note that he told me..."I never usually like redheads, but you're beautiful."  I'm not sure how to take that with his little preface but I guess a compliment is a compliment.  But if you're a guy and you think a girl is pretty...tell her she's pretty...no little quip at the beginning.

Honestly, these sorts of situations are nothing new in my life.  Something similar happens pretty much everytime I go out.  But at the urging of some of my friends they told me it would be great material for the blog.

I'll share with you soon, some of the WORST pick-up lines I've personally ever heard.