One bad nugget...

Spoils the Blog! Thbbbt!

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery...When I find these "they" people, whoever THEY are, I am going to organize an ambush, abduct their leader and feed the rest to the alligators.  Commie B-tards!  Trouble makers I tell ya, trouble! <insert me bursting into song: "I hear ya got trouble, right here in River City, With a capital T which rhymes with P and stands for Pool">...*sigh* That makes twice in two days I have had show tunes running through my head.  Clearly I am aging! 
And now: back to the blogcast! 
But, I would rather just have someone say: "hey, nice shirt!", instead of going out and buying the exact same shirt to wear around.  Seriously, think back to the last time you went to <fill in the appropriate gathering of your choice: e.g., school, work, church, etc> and you and Suzy Snowflake had on the exact same colors.

Ok ok ok people, settle down! Since you twisted my arm, YES!, I will draw a mental picture for you!
You have on a light blue shirt and jeans, S.S. has on a slightly different light blue shirt and jeans.  All day long, when you and S.S. happen to be in the same vicinity of each other Mr. Obvious Guy says: "Hey, you and Suzy have on the same outfit!  Did you call each other before coming to <fill in the appropriate gathering of your choice: e.g., school, work, church, etc> today?!"  Yes, of course I did! Duh! Don't you do that a couple times a month?  You know, after having done all your laundry the night before, you now have ALL your wardrobe sitting there looking back at you; you reach for your favorite outfit but juuust before you take the hanger off the rack you pause and go: wait, I think I am forgetting something.  What was it? Oh, yes! I remember now, I must call that Suzy and make sure she did laundry last night too!  I would hate for Mr. Obvious Guy to have absolutely NOTHING to say to me.  *Kudos to me for giving Mr. Obvious Guy an icebreaker. Good deed for the day? Check!

But have you ever gotten the distinct impression that someone is copying you?  I don't mind when someone I hang around with frequently picks up on styles and/or habits, that is always going to happen; I'm not talking about that.  No, I'm talking about someone you barely know at all; you have contact with said person, just not much interaction.  This person seems quirky cool fun, until you realize that your ideas, thoughts, styles, fill in the blanks keep cropping up in their work.  But it's not like they say:  "Hey Mr. Big Boss Man, Willy Wonka over there told me about this Chocolate Factory that makes great chocolates--he said I should try having some with my almonds at lunchtime. I tried it and YUM!  I would like to see if they would be interested in creating a chocolate with almonds."  Nope, instead they say:  "Hey Mr. Big Boss Man, there's this chocolate factory I've been looking into, I was hoping you'd be interested in helping me pitch them the idea of selling chocolate with almonds."  The resulting product is STILL a chocolate bar with almonds but yet here I am, also still driving my pinto. 

So, you tell me:  Would that make YOU feel flattered?   As for me?  Not so much!


~M


P.S.  We went to see Fast 5 last night (THANK YOU ASH!! You rock, as does Groupon for hosting a free viewing!).  Vin Diesel is a Hottie McNaughty!  But The Rock was oh so fly in his Extra Medium shirt! *stssss* I go shower now...  <insert seal of approval here>  Go see this one!!  Great action and great, well, action! ;)

The Over Share...

With all the social networking available at our fingertips urging everyone to update their status or tell us what is on their minds I can't help but notice a widespread phenomenon I like to call: the over share.

Yes, we've all been guilty of an over share from time to time. In a weak moment when our better judgment lapses and we spout off about things better left unsaid. This lapse in judgment however, would then be considered diarrhea of the mouth (or text). I am guilty of this from time to time. Often when I get put in an uncomfortable situation or am flustered, I will ramble on in circles trying to dig myself out. Inevitably in these moments I end up saying all the wrong things, divulge all the wrong information, and leave out the one sentence I had intended on saying. No no, I'm talking about the repeat offenders here. You know who they are, lurking around on every news feed, some of them you have even hid permanently. But, for those of you who do not recognize yourself in the mirror, I am going to do you a favor. I am going to give you a few examples of what is appropriate vs what is an over share.

Example A:

Appropriate:  Dr. Finklestein, I have been having troubles with my IBS again. *groan* I cannot seem to make it through an entire day without running to the bathroom every 30 minutes. I think I'm getting dehydrated. Is there something you can give me to make it stop?! Please help!!

Over share:  Dear Facebook/Twitter/Myspace/Social Networking Website friends and family: I went to Dr. Finklestein's office today to get a check up on my IBS. After having to excuse myself from several meetings the day before due to the rumbly in my tummbly, I just HAD to find some relief. Thankfully he put me on some new meds. Hopefully I will get this urge to poo under control. Please Pray!!

Example B:

Appropriate:  Best friend A to best friend B: How's everything going with you these days? B to A: Good. Well, except for this rash I keep getting on my arm. I've been putting lotion on it but it doesn't seem to want to clear up. Oh and Tommy didn't take the kids to school today so of course I was running late and blah blah blah blah blah....

Over share:  Lady at the cash register to friend B: How's everything going with you these days? B to Lady: Good. Well, except for this rash I keep getting on my arm. I've been putting lotion on it but it doesn't seem to want to clear up. Oh and Tommy didn't take the kids to school today so of course I was running late and blah blah blah blah blah....


Example C:

Appropriate:   Dear Facebook/Twitter/Myspace/Social Networking Website friends and family: I am having such a bad day!!! *fume* Somebody please cheer me up, I could use a lil love right now.

Over share:   Dear Facebook/Twitter/Myspace/Social Networking Website friends and family: The dumb ***** Cindy called Tommy today...again. I told Tommy to block her phone number, but noo!!

Jane's relationship status has been changed to single.

-----10 likes

-----5 comments telling Jane she is too good for that no good cheating Tommy anyways.

3 Hour lapse in time:

Dear Facebook/Twitter/Myspace/Social Networking Website friends and family: I just love Tommy soooo much, he is just the most amazing man ever!! That Cindy can go kick rocks!

Jane is now in a relationship with Tommy.

-----10 likes

-----5 comments from the same 5 friends trying to smooth everything over from having Jane's back.

My point? Ahem...well, if you can't figure it out, then I'm probably talking about you. ;)

Happy Tuesday Peeps! Hope everyone is over their sugar overdose from Sunday!
~M

P.S. Blue Man Group is in Tucson this weekend!! Guess who got her man tickets for his b-day?? Uh huh, That's right!! This girl right here!! Woot Woot! :)

Weekend Review

Friday night was a fright night indeed!  Scream 4 was scary and fun all at the same time; Insidious just gives me the chills.  I was ok on Friday night, probably because I was so tired by the time my head hit the pillow that I fell asleep immediately.  Last night, however, was an entirely different story.  I kept having "insidious" images pop into my head--flashbacks of the dead.  Ick.  I'm not so sure I should even be writing about this so close to my sleepy time.  Double Ick!

I went to watch my nephew's trap shooting competition on Sat morning.  I have to admit, I was completely blown away.  This "little" (ha! He's 5' 9") 10 year old is the squad leader; he's not only better than his squad, but he's also 2 years younger than all of them AND about 2 feet taller!!  It was so cool to see him in his element.
He has grown taller since the last time I saw him (which was about 2 months ago).  I asked him, when did that happen?  He goes:  April 5th!  I thought that was so funny, he knew exactly the day he'd grown half an inch!  He's such a cool kid; I can't wait to see what he does in the future.

Easter Sunday was very relaxing.  I didn't do anything I had planned to do.
Jason surprised me with an Easter basket full of my favorite addiction:  chocolate!  *groan*  I am certain I blew my diet out of the water this weekend.
He also made my mom a basket.  :) :)  She was so cute, like a kid sorting through it all. :)

Hmmmm, what else? Nope--guess that's it for now.  I'll just have to wait to see what my next rant or rave will be about.  Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!
~M

It's a thriller kind of night...

I realize that I have been "somewhat" on a soap box about a certain infidelity topic lately and I know it can be a real drag.  Here's what I'm willing to do for YOU!

In honor of Easter weekend, tonight me and Jason (Jason and I...whatev) are going to have a fright night. 

Jason LOVES scary movies.  He loves them so much that he can watch one right after another.  Why I have NO idea, but same/same. I do NOT love scary movies as I tend to scare fairly easily. Just yesterday at work, I came in and was putting away my things and MB (see also EXTREME introvert who writes, hikes,  and has 4 cats in a filthy house,  although I'm not sure why the filthy house part is an important detail--but, there you have it.) came around the partition all quietly like she is.  Having not heard her coming, I jumped out of my skin when she started talking.  Complete with shriek, heart palpitations, the whole shebang: I was scared!  And now I think MB should have to wear a bell around her neck at all times so I don't pee myself at work--just a suggestion. So, it is few and far between when I want to watch a scary movie.  In saying that, every October, I commit (ok so maybe it's only been 1 October so far, but I am committed to his love of Halloween) to watching all of the Halloweens and Nightmare on Elm Streets and pretty much any scary movie that is out in theaters from Sept to Oct.  I have to say, it takes a toll on my nervous system, I sometimes even have nightmares because of them (in particular, the week after we saw the movie: The Crazies, I had some really bad dreams...I digress, and no I won't just go back and delete said digression.  It's there because I'm like a rabbit in my thought process, always changing directions, but at some point I get there so since the point is coming, just wait for it!) :)
At any rate, Jason loves watching scary movies with me.  He doesn't get scared typically, however when I jump out of the seat or scream it gives him a scare too.  It's like a bonus, he loves the movies, loves watching movies with me, loves getting scared, and loves seeing my reactions.  So, since I am a super trooper, I psych myself up for these moments and take one for the team. 

Tonight we are going to see a double feature.  We will be watching Insidious and Scream 4.  I'm nervous, but the good news is, Sunday is Easter.  I will have thoughts of Resurrection, Bunnies, Chocolates, and Colored Eggs to get me through. (not sure exactly why I capitalized all of those--but I did.)
T.G.I.F!!  Ya'll have a great weekend!! :)
~M
P.S. I didn't have time to proof read this because I have a movie extravaganza to attend so please overlook my grammatical errors! :)

Eye of the...Pitt Bull?...ahem

Females:  scandalous, manipulative creatures.  Beautiful to look at? Yes.  Nurturing?  Absolutely.  Willing to sink their teeth into your throat to protect what is theirs? Without a doubt, YES!
I am aware there are ladies out there who conduct themselves as such.  But even the classiest of ladies will turn into a tiger when pushed to their limit; after all, they don't call it a cat fight for no reason.
I have that killer instinct inside my Self; a primal urge to rip the jowls off a person for stepping on my terrain.  Sometimes I hate when it rears its ugly head, but recently I've come to appreciate the beast within--and here's why:

Not long ago, I had the misfortune to realize an affair was happening within my office.  A married man and an (IMHO) unstable female began lying to everyone in the office in order to sneak off together for an hour or so here and there.  This man was someone I respected; I thought him to be a family man.  This unstable female was someone I didn't understand, yet liked.


The other day I had an experience where someone did something to me that was seemingly harmless yet extremely offensive.  I feel there is a line which should not be crossed in relationships.  It is my opinion that when two people of the opposite sex are both in relationships with other people, out of mutual respect for all parties involved, it is best to abstain from any activity that could be wrongly perceived; e.g, going out alone together without their partners.  To me, it's not a matter of trust but of respect.  Jason trusts me, but out of respect for him, I choose to refrain from behavior that could be misinterpreted.  So, when this experience happened to me, I was over the top upset with her about it.  When talking to Jason about how I felt about this female, he tried to be the devil's advocate and show me a differenct perspective.  I tried to see his side; yet no matter which angle I saw if from, I could still find the fault.  Here is why:

This man and woman, Optimus Prime and Ms. Firedrill from the fire drill, were friends.  Eventually, they began texting; which led to private conversations; which led to time spent alone; which led to where they are today.  Something that starts out innocently can very easily become something else given the right (or wrong, depending on how you word it) situation presents itself.  It is unsettling to watch something like this play out in front of your eyes.  But it is devastating to experience the very same thing happening to you. 

For me it was a reminder that love is a gift not a right; it is to be savored and cherished.  In doing so we must remember that like a tiger cub, love must be cared for.  It must be nurtured, fed, and protected.  
And like a mama tiger, I am ready (and willing) to pounce on anything/anyone which I perceive as a threat to survival and/or those I love.  Jason says I'm actually more like a Pitt Bull...eh, potato/potato.


I have come to the realization:  we are all humanimals (see also Magnetisms) with survival instincts.  Our fight or flight mechanism is genetically predisposed.  
While I do not have the instincts to go for Ms. Firedrill's throat, I cannot help but be disgusted by them both. 

I thank God for sending me the very best friend I've ever had.  Yes, we've had our share of struggles.  But we are a work in progress.  Each day we are given together, I cherish my relationship with Jason more; I will protect it; I will make neither excuses nor apologies for doing so.


I love my girlfriends; I have a few that I can trust and for them I am grateful.  Without asking, I know that each of them feel the exact same way that I do about this very same subject.  It is because we share the same protective boundaries that we have maintained our friendship throughout the years.  Through thick and thin, no matter the argument, we've come through it all.  They are females, they are vicious, they are beautiful, and I love them.


So, to my besties:  thank you for all that you've done for me.  You are the reasons I do not instantly hate all women.
~M
P.S.  Of course, the women in my family helped too! ;)

Highway to the Danger Zone...

Have you ever started reading a blog but then later realized you had reader's remorse?
Reader's remorse is like buyer's remorse, but no money was harmed during the reading of said blog; just time spent which you can't get back from your life.

Tonight I did what I tend to always do when I get sucked into the vortex also known as the world wide web, which is:  waste hours of my life I can no longer have back.  I have this addictive little (ha, see also big) personality.  Sometimes it's chocolate, farmville, or cityville, but lately it's been perusing the web for little nuggets of bloggy bliss.  I would just like to say that tonight was an epic FAIL!

I did however, finally find my fix.  In a bizarre twist of links I found a website where people advertise their blogs.  I clicked on this one that I thought would be an interesting read (to which I say this: you can't judge a book by its cover nor a blog by it's title).  What I found instead was a series of surveys followed by what appeared to be a numbered list of blog links at the bottom of her page.  Mainly because under the list of links was a box that mentioned typing in your blog's site and getting listed, blah blah blah irrelevant I realize--except for the fact I like to cram every tiny morsel into just about everything  I'd come this far already so, I clicked on one of the links and--how weird--it was her exact same blog but in a different 'setting'.  Bear with me I'm getting to the point   BUT! On the side bar of this particular link was this:  30 things to do before I turn 30 subsequently followed by said list.  I was inspired!  So, dun dun dun dah!  I give you:  35 things to do before I turn 35!  This is like the bucket list on steroids. *Genius*  Who wants to think about things they should do before dying?  Not this girl, nope nope! I mean truly it all comes before the end anyways, so why focus on the minute details?! I will be considering all suggestions given from outside input so:  suggest away!  
~M

P.S. A few things to keep in mind:  I do not enjoy public humiliation or nudity and since I've already sewn more than my fair share of wild oats, criminal activities would be frowned upon. I'm not looking to push my luck just my comfort zone!

What's the dill, pickle?

Today at work we had a mandatory staff meeting.  The meeting was to introduce this "communications expert" who would be conducting 2 seminars/classes/meetings/whatev on how to effectively communicate, both of which are mandatory.

In our lil meet and greet we went around the room and introduced ourselves one by one.  I really detest doing the round table sort of thing, it makes me squirm by the way.  I'm all for putting my two cents in.  I love giving my unsolicited opinion in an open discussion setting where I know most or all the people present.  However, to be put on the spot and know that your turn is coming, it's unnerving to me.  I get performance anxiety--hoping I don't stutter or mishmash my words all around.
Once we'd all been introduced the lady began her schpeal.  She informed us that in the next two sessions we'd be learning how to "listen with our hearts".  Ok, am I the only person who just threw up a lil?  Out of all the people I work with there are only a handful I genuinely like let alone trust, and you want my heart to be where my ears can barely tolerate?

But, ok...I'll bite...what's the hook?  Homework.  We have each been given a copy of a book to read.  The title?  Well, I'm glad you asked!  The Power of Kindness:  The unexpected benefits of leading a compassionate life
REALLY??

CUT!  Ok, here's where I have to interject with my opinions and thoughts.  There are about 3 maybe 5 (so figure actually 4) people aside from myself....of course... hehe at my job who could actually be accused of being kind.  I have NEVER in my life come across such a grossly isolated population of assholes in my life...ever!!  And believe me, I know a few assholes...I'm even related to some. 
So how can you expect to effectively alter the flow of energy in an office by teaching "listening with your heart" when most of these people are heartless?
I'd settle for listening with your ears followed by a healthy dose of mind your own business...but that's just me.

AND ACTION! So, I'll be interested to see where this workshop winds up.  Already the one person in the office most void of heart has asked if this is something he can read while at work.  He furthered to clarify that he doesn't work from home ever, and to him this is work and so consequently he would be most willingly do it while on the premises.  I thought my head boss lady was going to choke at the idea of paying someone to read a book on kindness. Ok, granted I'm sure at least half of the staff felt like they should get paid for reading a book (to clarify: this is not a short story, not a pamphlet, not a "Lil Golden Book"--no no, it's a full on book:  19 Chapters, 274 pages in all) they didn't choose to read for something they are required to participate in.  But how does someone tactfully say to their boss:  This book; the one here on kindness... yea, it's not something I'm interested in.  I wouldn't typically care anything about the topic, nor would I read it for fun/enjoyment.  So, since you are forcing me to read a book on kindness, can I do it while at work and on the clock?  And to me the best part of this interaction aside from the obvious discomfort on the head boss lady's face, was the answer she gave: Weelll, I'd raaather you nooot...buut, if you can manaaage to get allll your work dooone and not read in front of clients, I guuuueess.  Picture your mom telling you yes, but she really means no.  It was a Kodak moment for sure! (yes, I am old enough to remember a Kodak moment, but if you so happen to be young or dumb enough to point that out, then you're on your own. ;)  )
Although, in this stubborn, heartless, asshole's defense--were this book be about anything else save for kindness, he would've had (and truly still does have) a valid point. 

We reconvene on May 3rd.  I can't wait to share stories of our "trios of listeners, talkers, and observers".  Gag!
~M

 P.S. BTW, this is me being positive about this workshop.
uuuh huh!  I'm positive this concept is out of this population's reach!

Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do...

I am currently fighting back the urge to bawl my eyes out, I'm shaking--I'm so mad.

Have you ever had someone intentionally get under your skin...repeatedly?  I have.  I am not sure why some people feel the need to feed off of a person's weaknesses.  I have certain things in my life to which I simply cannot ignore.  Call it being sensitive, call it insecurities, call it whatever you like, I don't care.  I admit that I have some downfalls.  I admit, I am flawed:  human even.  (*gasp* scary I know, huh?!)

I have been told by more than one person in my lifetime that I do not make a great first impression--that I am somewhat of an acquired taste--but that to know me is to love me.  I have made great strides in my willingness to overcome this.  I try very hard to watch what I say around people who do not know me.   I consciously watch my sense of humor around new friends/acquaintances...trying to ease them into my personality rather than dive them head first into my Magnetisms. (just came up with that btw, he he)  However, occasionally I come across people who--no matter how hard I try to like them, chemistry, personality differences, their obvious lack of sense of humor, whatever the case may be--I just cannot seem to like.   It never fails that these particular people ALWAYS manage to be of some importance in my life.  A boss, coworker, friend of a best friend, etc, etc.  Yet, no matter how many times I count to 10 or check myself, they continue to find the ONE nerve that is theirs.  I could name each of these individuals in my life, there are so few of them, yet they all have their very own niche in my skin they love to crawl under.  Not one of them hit on the same nerve, no no...they have their own thing they do that is unique to them, which I cannot, no matter how hard I try, manage to tolerate.  Some of these people have come and gone from my life, others remain.  Yet, no matter the person or situation, one thing remains the same:  they go into hibernation for a while and then out of no where they jump back on my nerve.

Today, I had not one, but two of these people jump on my nerves.   They did their lil dance and then smiled, as if to say: prove it.   Welp, you got me!  Yep, I'm mad.  Nope, can't prove it.   Sure sure, it's all just one big misunderstanding.  It's just my perception, the way I am choosing to take it.

To quote the movie The Fighter:

Mom to girlfriend:  "I've heard a lot about you."
Girlfriend to mom:  "Well I've heard a lot about you too."
Mom to girlfriend:  "What's that supposed to mean?"
Girlfriend to mom:  "The same thing you meant." :)

I've got the man upstairs looking out for me--and no man can pluck me out of my Father's hand--he's got his eye on you, ya big bunch of bullies! Thbbbt! :)
~M

Waist not, want not!

Friday I "jumped" on the scale....drum roll please...
I lost 2 lbs...in 2 weeks.  Talk about excruciatingly S L O W!!  Age truly does come before beauty!  Assuming here that beauty=weight loss and age is the reason I can't seem to drop it as quickly as I once could! *groan*  At any rate, that brings my total lbs left to go to 13! Yay! 
I hope that everyone reads lbs as elle bees. 
Oh, and Friday I saw on yahoo news something about a 17 day diet plan that is sweeping the nation....the thought process is that every 21 days your body makes a habit and so right before you settle into a routine you switch it up...hence 17...
I'm sorry, but I happen to NEED to have an exercise habit...how else will I manage to stick to it?!  

Redbook magazine published a story about a dating website for married people where they sent a reporter "undercover" to find out what makes married people want to be openly unfaithful (although, I'm sure they aren't exactly open with their spouse of their unfaithfulness)--by publishing an article about a dating website for married people, they have now given them a LARGE amount of FREE advertising nationwide (idiots).  What moron thinks going undercover to find out why a person cheats will stop them from doing it?  And publishing the fact that the majority of the clients (over 9 million account holders) are men, in a women's magazine, is essentially helping the website gain a larger female population.  Of course now more women are going to go to the website out of curiosity, and the cycle not only continues but will grow in popularity.  Thank you Redbook!  You have helped millions of families! The website's slogan?  "Life is short. Have an affair."

I'm gonna need a shower after that last sentence. Ick.

Well, it's way past my bed time....I have a breakfast date in the morning w/my love.  I love our Sunday breakfast routine. :) Eggs and pancakes. Delish! :)
~M
 

I feel like the teacher in Charlie Brown...wa waa wa waa wa waa...

I have started to write about several topics tonight...friends, family, values, etc...
I'll write a few sentences or even a couple paragraphs and realize that it has taken a complete left turn somewhere and ended up completely off point and not at all what I want to say.

My thoughts are scattered fragments.  My mind is diligently putting pieces together.  Trying to fit them together like a puzzle, hoping to make some sense of it all. Oh sure, I know what I would like to say and that in a different place I would probably just puke it all out.  But how does one censor feelings?  Emotions that are very real and valid. I find that often it is easier to express my feelings to someone else rather than the person I am feeling them towards.  Makes for conversation but rarely closure.

I chose to express my feelings yesterday.  I did so in a kind and loving way.  I wasn't trying to be hurtful.  I tried very hard to make sure what I was saying wasn't blaming or harsh.  I followed up with all the wonderful things I love about this person.  I wrote a letter to make sure I didn't get sidetracked and end up arguing.  And now I regret it.  I don't regret what I said nor how I said it.  Rather, I regret that I didn't do it sooner. I bit my tongue for a very long time and let it all out at once instead.  There isn't any amount of gentleness and love that can soften the blow of the truth.  So, since it's hard to hear the truth even when said tactfully, it's best not to save it all up for a rainy day. 

Oh well, here's to hoping that everything will turn out for the best.  I had to do what was right for me.

On another note, me and Jason have been diligently working out with our new regimen and I am now up to 45 minutes on the elliptical.  Yay! :)  I think I can tell a slight difference in my jeans, but that could also be wishful thinking.  I will weigh myself on Friday and let you know if there was a loss or not.  Jason has been doing the P90X....yuck!  To which I say, better him than me!!! :)  I have a bathing suit in mind which I plan to look model-esque (ha ha, right) in! **Fingers crossed**   See the swimsuit

What do you think?  Cute right? :)
~M

Sharing really IS caring!

I have a cat named Shelby, in case you wondered, she's like my kid.  I'm not the crazy cat lady who goes around talking about my cat all the time, nor do I have more than one.  My home is very clean and no, you cannot smell cat pee (or poo for that matter) throughout the apartment.  In saying that, I am extremely protective of my Shelby cat.  She has been my kid now for 10 years and I am VERY stingy with her! I say this because in the past my mom may or may not have tried to "steal" her from me.  It's hard really to say whether or not stealing was the motive, however, a LOT of feeding did occur and not of the cat food kind. So, it's safe to say that there were a few moments when me and my mom went over the who gets to feed MY baby routine...and in case there is any question, it is me! :)

I have a man, his name is Jason, and in case you wondered, he is the love of my life.  Now, I'm not the crazy insanely jealous girlfriend (contrary to previous, although now deleted for my own reasons, blogs may have implied me to be).  In saying this, I feel a couple is TWO and I do not share.  I think my general lack of willingness to share stems from being the youngest of four children who most always got the hand me downs up until the point where I was old enough that most, then all of my siblings had "flown the coup" to which I became the sole focus of my parents. In saying that, I almost always prefer to have my own <fill in the blank>.  I detest sharing for the most part anything--and would almost always prefer giving up the something I have and getting a new something at a later date if the present could not afford such a replacement versus sharing the current something.  The exception to which being things shared between me and Jason:  he is special, therefore exempt. 

So, I emphasize my lack of willingness to share because I have realized something here very recently.  I willingly share my Shelby cat with my Jason, and my Jason with my Shelby cat. 
Shelby LOVES Jason, in fact sometimes I think she feels he is her boyfriend--that he comes over to see her.  You wouldn't believe me unless you see the way she follows him, greets him at the door, and runs to the door to say goodbye when he's leaving.  I've noticed it, my mom has noticed it, and even Jason has noticed it.  She adores him, bugs him constantly to play with her.  It's so adorable.  Equally adorable is how he takes the time to play with her--he's purchased a kitty condo for her, and when I had to put her litter box in my bedroom he got her an enclosed box with a ramp for the excess litter to be caught on.

My Love:  Jason

So, yes, just now I went on and on about my cat like a crazy cat lady.  But what I'm really saying is this:  I have the most amazing boyfriend.  He cares so much about me that he takes the time to love the things I love as much as I love them.  And I love him so much, that when the things I love begin to love him back the way they love me, I don't mind sharing them with him because he deserves all the love he gets!!  He is a wonderful man, and I am blessed to have him in my life.  :)

My Shelby Cat