a silly little life

I've been so hesitant to get out in the dating world.  Either I was too insecure, couldn't keep up with the games involved or just never met anyone who inspired those kinds of feelings.  But it really has been so long since I've even had a date that I became concerned people had started to question my sexuality (not that there's anything wrong with that!).  I've done Match.com and met only jerks.  I tried Zoosk (please don't ask why, I guess the commercial got me) and was totally creeped out by those guys.  And I had a hard time kinda figuring out the app. My friend CeCe had been on Tinder and was having fun flirting, even met a couple guys.  So I thought I would get my toes wet and try it out.  After a few days a seemingly cute guy named Mike started chatting me up.  We hit it off pretty quickly--smart and a great sense of humor.  Best part was he seemed to pick up on my sarcasm which is not something I have an easy time with.  Plus, ...

Yes, it's been forever and a day since I actually even visited this blog.  But thanks to a recent email, inspiration hit. The way things work out in life are funny.  Sometimes hilarious, other times odd and extremely painful.  What really amazes me is the way relationships can change in an instant.  We can go from best buds to mortal enemies within the blink of an eye.  Once quid pro quo becomes insufficient one of us is out the door. I see girls go from loving me to hating me in my job.  I work with brides, and while we can form an instant connection when she buys a dress it can turn downright ugly if something goes wrong.  Adoring "thank yous" become spiteful words and hysterical dramatics.  It's understandable, considering that I'm in the business of "it better be perfect."  But it's always a shame to see what was a happy and thrilling moment go to shit.  Not that it happens all the time!  Otherwise our store would no longer ...

I find most ironies in life pretty amusing.  In fact, they add a little spice to an otherwise bland existence.  For instance, "if I don't get insurance on my new iPhone then something bad will happen.  But if I don't get insurance, it's a waste of money because nothing will happen."  You can deduct the result of my cheap reasoning: nine months and over $800 later I had the newest iPhone 5. So, at the first of every month I get excited for my paycheck, and excited if I can pay my rent with a little left to pay my credit or cable bill.  Since I am on commission, I never exactly know what amount will be sent my way.  Due to the very large and unexpected expense in December I was thrilled to be able to cover my rent at the first of January.  It looked like there was going to be some "play" money left, so I thought I would treat myself to a little treat: Lauren Bush's Ubiquitous "FEED" bag profits go to hungry children in 3rd world countri...

It's that time again.  The one that only comes every four years and we cannot help but become mesmerized and addicted.  The 2012 Olympics in London.  Honestly, I tuned in for the Opening Ceremonies because I missed the "incredible" Beijing show.  You would think I had learned from the 2012 Winter Olympics it's not a good idea.  I fell asleep as one of the "B" countries was parading in. I've kept my eyes on the games because I wanted to see Michael Phelps break the medal record, for the gymnastics (even though the men's makes me a little uncomfortable) and even some beach volleyball.  The trouble is that I get so wound up and excited that I cannot fall asleep!  Last night's women's gymnastics and men's relay was heart-pounding and nail-biting.  I found myself crying when the USA won a gold in gymnastics.  Then I thought: "why am I crying?  I didn't do anything.  They worked really hard and earned the medal."  Seriously, I a...

Oftentimes when I am in a situation where my name is to be shouted out, I just use the nickname "Mac."  No, it's not an actual nickname of mine, nor is it a very girly moniker.  But it's quick, easy to say and easy to understand.  Surprisingly, "Shannon" is tricky for most. When I lived in Spain, my name in the household was "rubia" because my señora could not say "Shannon."  It became my name in public, too.  At a Starbucks I noticed my amigos were giving themselves pet names as well.  Aubin went by "Sarah" and Amanda went by "Maria" because otherwise we didn't know our drink was ready.  I preferred the quizzical smirks from the Spanish baristas than my drink turning cold. Fortunately most of Starbucks language is universal A while ago I used "Mac" when I was with friends.  One got quite a chuckle out of it.  And I guess I get that--it's not something normally used or heard.  But you know,...

There is a reason people love dogs--they provide unconditional love and support.  Doesn't matter if you're fat, stupid and ugly because your four-legged friend is at home waiting to greet you with love.  If I could, I would have more than one, but I don't have a yard or the kind of money needed with that responsibility.  So I continue to dog sit and consider others' dogs as my own in a way. Look, no one loves a great dog more than me.  I've been taking care of a friend's lab, Moe, and he's the greatest.  He literally understands everything I say, and doesn't even need to be walked with a leash.  He's friendly but tame, a winning combination. But the other day while I was walking him and his cousin, Gabby, a neighbor recognized us and went (pardon my French) apeshit.  She had her hands full of bags but put them all down to "say hello" to Moe.  She kept trying to get him to stop sniffing around and let her pet him.  Gabby, meanwhile, ...

I have been a terrible blog host by not writing for quite some time.  But, all the time spent away has only created more adventures and hijinks to write about! Today marks two full weeks of dog sitting.  Lots of dog sitting!  More business just kept coming, and I am not one to turn it away, especially considering that I was free all day.  Which was no longer the case after the first day of the first job.  I literally found a job that is not off the internet and not some scam.  An old friend owns a bridal shop and she needed help--immediately.  As it turns out, Fortunata, her only consultant, was not so fortunate  as her namesake would have you believe.  She was hit by a car and seriously injured.  When Emma reached out about filling in, I was ecstatic.  While I can forgo any type of big wedding of my own, I found such a job to be ironic for me.  But it turns out that it's even better than any kind of retail: there is very li...