Accessory Doll Gift Gras Jester Mardi Blog

I’ve noticed people tend to settle for less than ideal situations – marriage, dating, jobs, physical fitness, you name it. Settling – or as I call it, “giving up” – isn’t for me. I am an idealist who usually finds a way to get what I want. Having high expectations comes with lots of failures and/or set backs (however you want to perceive it) but that beats walking away with buyers remorse. I expect a lot from myself and no less from others.

I get a lot of flack from female friends that I have high expectations of people I date. True, I want to surround myself with someone intelligent and attractive. That is the part they miss – attraction. I’ve dated women on personality alone so you can’t really fault me for knowing what I want or not trying but at the end of the day, no attraction equals no deal. I am active, nutritionally conscious and expect the same out of a partner. The expression, “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” comes to mind but it is hard not to when having a conversation.

I have been introduced to some of the nicest people who are not that attractive. I’m not breeding ugly kids.

Which leads to the next point… “Why do you like younger women, Paul?”

Younger women, the fountain of youth that Ponce De Leon overlooked. The blunt response is, “have you seen people my age and/or older?” People in my age group are adversely affected by gravity and convenience. Excess baggage (kids, relationship scars, fat) is the norm. I remember when I worked in the “Telecom Corridor” in Richardson. That is when I started getting fat and coined the term “telco physique”. You know what I’m talking about, men in their late 20s, early 30s with guts hanging out from their polo shirts and draping over the waistline of their khaki pants. That is the men and the women fare no better.

Don’t get me wrong, I know there are fit people who are older but a small percentage and even smaller percentage single. Bottom line is the pool of candidates is extremely limited and awash with excess baggage. Younger women usually don’t have kids or emotional scars from a bad marriage, etc. Not to mention their skin is tighter and bodies are firmer (the important things). Likely they will have the sparkle in their eyes many lose as they grow older and become jaded by life. Also, younger usually equates to less time away from physical activity.

“So you want to raise them (sarcasm)?” Nope, just want to pull hair and spank. That is my comeback. Don’t be mad that you are old and not my type (teasing).

My old friends understand this. They know my track record. They know what I like. They joke that I need to find new friends. I am. I am meeting people with similar interests to branch out from the bar scene and into the physically fit.

My friends of fewer years are still learning my quirks and will probably stop trying to introduce me to someone I am not likely to date. I do appreciate the thoughtfulness but maybe it is time to hold off on any more referrals. By the way, I find it odd that there aren’t a lot of attractive people who are friends with my friends. Maybe they are all taken. Right. I think as people age, standards “adjust” without notice and it is so much easier to settle than to challenge yourself.

I’ve busted my ass to reclaim my youth. I am back to high school weight and will have the highest level of fitness than any other time in my life, including varsity sports. I don’t expect to revert to a sedentary lifestyle and need to surround myself with people of the same ideals, motivation and execution.

To paraphrase a friend, “I want a sports car. I have the money to buy a sports car. Why would I leave with a minivan?”

Or something like that! A Knitted Hobby Horse, that’s what it is!

I recently came across a copy of this book that I’d like to giveaway. Not because I don’t want it, but because it’s an awesome book (yes, it really does have a knitted hobby horse in it, as well as cat toys…).

30 projects all packed up in this book, everything from bags, baby buntings and bookmarks to socks, scarves and sleeves.

Does your coffee need a coaster because it’s hot, and a cozy to keep it that way? This book has it (as well as dishrags to wipe up that coffee that spilled). Mittens, gloves and wrist warmers, toys, blankets, hats and pillows, there’s no end to the versatility. You got a persnickity person to knit for? There’s a project in this book that will save the day.

Want to learn a new technique? This book features projects in fair isle, stranding and felting. Embroidery, cables, lace, bobbles, and then it covers finishing techniques!

Knitted Gifts offers more than 30 projects for every gift-giving occasion. Designs include garments and accessories for the entire family as well as gifts for four-legged friends and the home.

What do you have to do to get this book? Tell me what your favorite, last minute, quick to knit idea is.

Giveaway ends Friday the 19th, hurry!

And.. just for a fun little kicker, I’m going to throw in another book featuring a popular gift item, hats! Hat Heads by Trond Afinnsen.

2 for the price of one…… GO!!