Looking for Love in a World Crazy for Valentine's Day.

It’s Valentine’s Day again and all this talk of love and chocolate is getting annoying. Apparently there are over 54 million singles in the United States..... really?? 
If so, how many of those are men, taller than me, over age 40, done having children and actually AVAILABLE?

You see, being a 46 yr old, 6 foot tall woman automatically narrows my field of possibilities way down. Then add in personal preferences, lifestyle, faith, and whoa.... there seems to be no men left.

Katie Couric was recently engaged at age 57 and her advice is to date a lot and tell everyone you know that you are available and looking for love. 

Well lately I have gone out on a limb and bravely (or stupidly) let some specific men, who may know other good men, know that I am available. I even let one friend know on Twitter, hoping that might get the word out to the right people.  The problem is that I fear doing this could be translated as desperate or worse, which I am not.

But, like I said, I am 6 feet tall and I would like a tall man.

In fact, I’d like a tall man who puts his faith in God, loves basketball, keeps himself fit, likes to workout, wants a monogamous relationship, likes to be silly and have fun but is also responsible, someone who can laugh at himself, someone who cares for people – ALL people, a man who will try to bring out the best in me and never intentionally take advantage of or disrespect me. I would like a man who values human dignity and social justice, is committed to self-improvement, be a good example for my 20 yr old son, and embrace our simple family motto: Pursue Excellence, Cheer for Others, and Do What’s Right. 
Lastly, a man who will love me in all my perfect imperfections.

So…… here’s my latest attempt to let others know that I am available for the right man.

wink wink.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Lessons Learned

One lesson I learned in 2013, is that blessings don't always come in nicely wrapped packages nor do they always look and feel the way we expect something good to be. Often the blessing comes out of pain, out of lessons learned through experiences we wish we had not encountered. But I am learning that adversity and hardship are blessings in disguise. And I should rejoice in the lessons learned!

Another lesson - it's ok to take risks. Taking risks, takes courage, and we were made to be courageous! I am stronger, more inspiring, braver, more exciting, creative, and more productive when I allow myself to show more courage. I believe it's part of life-long learning and becoming the best me. Recently I let a friend take a photo of me standing on the beach, in the Bahamas, 25 lbs heavier than 6 months ago, in a two piece swimsuit....yikes. I haven't done the bikini pic since I was a teenager. But I did it because I wanted to see if I could look at myself with love and acceptance and maturity rather than with judgement. I did it!
Of course, it is now my "before pic" for inspiring myself to get back in shape. But, it's also a reminder that I am a strong, courageous woman who can love and accept myself as is, while on my way to becoming even better!

And yet another lesson - peace is not the absence of affliction. It is the presence of God!