Love Always, Chloe Jayne

When I was just a wee sprout, I remember my grams after a hard day working say “I’m just too pooped to pop!”  Visions of my grams exploding like a water balloon immediately filled my head. Today, however, I know exactly what she meant.

The weekend with Scott was fantastic! I am still planning to go to Alabama for Easter. I’m nervous and excited about it. I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to him since he left Monday afternoon. Actually, I haven’t had the opportunity to do anything except run home, change, shower, try to eat and go right back to work, it seems.  We have four waitstaff members out sick, during one of the busiest weeks of the year, so guess who’s pulling double and triple shifts?

I never fully appreciated my evening shifts until after having to fill in on day shifts this week. OMUHGOSH! I just thought night time was busy!

Anywhoodles, I’m only here for a few minutes, because I’ve got to go to a few appointments before going back to work tonight. I was promised Saturday and Sunday off, and I cannot wait. I think I will just sleep. Maybe indulge in some ice-cream, but definitely sleep.

Good morning Blogsphere!

Have you ever had a day when you woke up and despite the weather - the cold, the clouds, the gloomy day - you just felt like sunshine on the inside?

Last night was wonderful! Scott and I went for a late dinner, and then a bit of dancing. I love to dance, and that man is smooth sis-ta let me tell ya! We stayed out till about 1:30 AM, despite the fact that I have a huge work day today. I didn’t care. It just felt so good to be so close! ::giggle::

I woke up at 6:30! Can you believe that? After not getting home until so late, I figured I’d probably sleep the morning away, but my lil brain was firing neurons bright and early!

Cher and I have been working on getting new products listed for our Shop over on Etsy. I’m really excited about this new venture. She’s got my bags, and is supposed to be photographing them outdoors (I leave that up to her because I truly SUCK with my lil dinosaur of a digital camera) but her weather isn’t cooperating either. None the less, please go check it out. Tell me what you think of the banner graphic because its Chloe Made LOL.

I’m hoping the shop does well, and the items I put on consignment yesterday do well too because…..

(Drum roll)

I’m going to ALABAMA for EASTER!!!!!

Scott asked last night if I would consider coming. Its something we’ve briefly touched on anyway in other conversations, and I told him, as long as I can stay in a hotel, that would be fine. SO! ALABAMA HERE I COME!

Can ya tell I’m a bit psyched about it?

Okay okay, I know you’re all dying for the skinny on my beau, so here ya go -

He’s 35, about to be 36, born in April of 1972 to older parents who are both deceased now.  (Father was retired military).

He has one sister who is 3 years his senior and had a brother who died at age 3 in a drowning accident.

He was born in Atlanta Georgia, but his family moved to Alabama when he was 7. First they lived in Mobile, then some smaller towns but settled in Montgomery when he was in his freshman year of high-school.

He attended Auburn University where he obtained his MBA in Marketing and a BA in Visual Communications Technology. He also recently completed a BA from The University of Phoenix On-line in e-Commerce.

He currently works as the Art Director for a major publishing company who’s headquarters are in Birmingham, with branch offices in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Dallas. I can’t say which for legal purposes.

He owns his own home in Montgomery, near his sister and her family and when he doesn’t work from his home or isn’t flying around the country, he commutes 1.5 hours to the Birmingham office. He says he’s never considered moving to Birmingham because his sister lives in Montgomery. (They are very close)

He is 6′ - 2″ tall (almost an entire foot taller than me), is very muscular (He loves to ski - both water and snow - plays baseball with a city league and swims a lot). He’s got the prettiest blueish-green eyes I have ever seen, has sort of sandy blond hair that is lighter on the top from being out in the sun… ugh! I just can’t describe him enough to do him justice. He’s BEE YOO TEE FULL!!!!!!

There are just so many qualities I find totally endearing about him! Like the fact that his sister has 3 kids - 2 girls and a boy - and although he doesn’t want to have kids of his own, he loves his nieces and nephew and does a lot of things with them. His sister’s husband is military and has been deployed since last May, so he spends a lot of time with her and her children.

Or the fact that he loves animals - which, I do to, which is why I don’t own one, because I am so goofy I may just accidentally kill it or something.

He’s musical - plays guitar with a group of friends, and also plays piano.

Anywhoodles - probably the thing I like most about him is that he respects me and my values and beliefs. When I told him I’d come if I could stay in a hotel, he didn’t even flinch! He just smiled and said “of course.” He did offer to pay for the room, but I won’t allow it.

(more…)

Good morning blogospherians!!!!

Sorry to keep everyone sitting on the edges of their seats. Remember the incident with the tea and the keyboard? Well, I thought I had the problem well under control, until I got home from my date Wednesday night and tried to post. My keyboard went WONKY! I didn’t realize it until I looked up from my furiously typing posture (yes, I MUSTlook at the keys whilst I type) and saw that where I know I most definitely typed “DATE WITH SCOTT” it looked more likeGWRS QORJ XDIRR. I back spaced, and tried again, thinking maybe I missed some keys or my fingers were misaligned but, it did the same thing, so I gave up the ghost and took poor miss keyboard and put her gently and tenderly in the “recycle me” box.

Wednesday’s coffee date was wonderful. We went to my favorite coffee joint, had my favorite coffee and sat for about 2 hours just talking. I swear it still amazes me how we find so much to talk about! One problem I have always had in relationships is that I get bored very quickly. I know my posts have not reflected this in the least, but (snicker) I’m a bit of an hyperactive person. I tend to go go go till I just can’t go anymore and, unfortunately my brain works the same way, always seeking entertainment and stimulation. So far though, Scott is doing very well at keeping up!

So, after coffee, he went back to his meetings and trainings and whatever else it is he does and I came home, cleaned up and got ready for our movie date. Spiderwick Chronicles is wonderful by the way! I mean, the plot and storyline seem a bit too familiar since the opening of such movies as Bridge To Tarabithia and The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe- being that the fantasy genre is done a great deal lately - but the movie its self, the cinematography, the animation and casting and costuming and digital graphics and videography are superb! I really shouldn’t compare it to other movies though, because really, it isn’t like other movies, except that it is, in a way. Does that make sense?

Oh dear, I’m rambling.

Anywhoodles, after the movie, we caught a late dinner and then took a walk through Really Huge Park and stopped to watch the fountain lights for a bit, cautiously avoiding the fourth bench near the lake. We were standing there, watching the horses spout water and he just very sweetly, leaned over and kissed me. I know I must have looked like a deer in headlights because he sort of stammered a moment and then said, “Was that okay?”

(Insert sound track of my brain screaming HELL YES DO IT AGAIN MAN!)

And he did Longer, sweeter and - hmm I better stop now, or I will be forced to go drag him out of a meeting.

Let me just say, it was very hard to come home alone last night.

This morning we met for breakfast. He’ll be tied up most of the day with work, and I’ve got two meetings - one work related, one art related - and then I work tonight from 2: PM - till 10:PM. We made plans to go out after I get off and I think we may go dancing. There are some great blues clubs around here and I’m a sucker for some blues!

OH YAH! My surprise! He brought me a bottle of “Chloe” perfume! It smells SOOO GOOD! He said he got it because it had my name on the bottle. Awwwww (mushy moment).

Okay, serious moment here.

Blogospherians - I really like this  guy! I mean, really really like him. I keep trying not to think about Monday when he has to leave again, because it makes me sad. Is that nuts? I mean, its too fast to feel that way, right? Dani says that its not really that fast because really we’ve known each other almost a year now, but I say yah, but only in a work related way and how well can you really get to know someone while you’re bringing their steak and pouring their coffee?  I mean we do talk on the phone for hours and hours, but its not face to face, in person, up close contact.

In the past week or so we’ve had some pretty serious conversations, you know, about life and life stuff . And we just have so much in common. I mean, neither of us want to have kids (I’ll explain myself on this in another post), really, and we’re both of the same mind about politics and the environment and so many things. We both enjoy the same types of movies and books and music. We have just enough differences to keep things interesting and new, but not so many that it gives us nothing in common, if you follow what I’m saying.

I just know that in the relationships I’ve had, I’ve never felt like I feel now. Sure there was the whole excitement of newness, but not like this. After a while though, I would loose interest. It wasn’t their fault really. I just have never been a person who needed to have daily companionship or daily phone calls or dates. But its not like that with Scott. I get giggly just seeing his number on my caller ID, and I swear, when he talks (and ohmygosh does he have a sexy voice!) I can’t take my eyes off him. I am captivated. He makes me laugh, he stimulates my graymatter, he teaches me about things I never even really considered exploring, and when he smiles? I just feel warm and (in Heidie’s words) TWINNKLY all over.

He asked me last night if I’d ever consider leaving Really Big City, and you know, before I could even stop to think about it, my mouth said “Yes, if I had a reason to.” And I was totally shocked because I LOVE MY CITY and I’ve NEVER wanted to live anywhere else.  I mean, my city has a pulse and a rhythm and a heartbeat and a groove that just is so vibrant and alive! But as I type this, I realize, since Scott’s been back, that’s exactly how I’ve felt. Ooohhh boy!

Anywhoodles. I must get ready for my meetings and accomplish something besides drooling today.  Thank you all who checked in on me! That felt so wonderful. I promise not to abandon post again (hey, I punned!)

Love always,

Chloe Jayne

Okay. I am not here. You do not see me sitting behind this monitor (in my robe no less) typing away on this infernal keyboard. You don’t. You know you don’t. I am merely a figment of the collective imagination of the blogosphere. Agreed? Good.

Firstly - My friend got my shipment yesterday (BTW, Cher, thanksfor calling at 7:30 AM to let me know. luvyabunchesreallymeanit ) so photos of new LACJ bags should be forthcoming.

Secondly - as written in a previous post, I was a complete computerphobe before 2 years ago, right? One of my phobias since I’ve gotten the computer is that something would happen to it - that I would somehow break it. I have exercised extreme caution with this piece of technology taking great pains not to download any malicious software or viruses or bump it wrong and I make sure I shut it down when I’m finished with it. One of my hard fast rules has also been that there will be no food or drink near the computer, for fear of spillage. And what did I do this morning?

Broke my own rule, sat down with a cup of tea, put said tea on my desk, leaned forward to look at something and low and behold when I leaned back, I dumped the ENTIRE CUP OF TEA into the keyboard.

PANIC! MAYHEM! MAJOR FREAK OUT!

I did what all good computer geeks do! I jumped up, ran for a towel, tried to absorb as much of the liquid as possible, and then, turned the thing upside down and whacked the hell out of it till narey a drop of fluid dripped! Then, just for safe measure, I took it out into the commons, and slung it about over my head, lasso style, for a few minutes.

It seems to be working fine for now. Heart attack prevented. But if you suddenly see my typing doing this —-> ;w3p098pasn;cjnasli8ru[M:OYS)E(*&p98UQ2WENASMNF<—–I swear, it isn’t me.

150 hours has expired and Scott is in town. He called when his flight landed, text-ed me from the cab, called again from his hotel and is now busy in a meeting, but assured me he will call when it’s over.

We’re going out for our third date tonight. He says that its actually our seventh, because 4 hour phone calls constitute a date, but I disagree. It isn’t a phone call until it’s past 7 hours at least, and even then I would think it depends solely upon the context of the conversation. Wouldn’t you agree?

Today has been a wonderfully productive day, but my loft is a mess. I have fabric strewn and draped everywhere, and sewing notions and jewelry findings and… wait… how did that empty yogurt container end up in my “in” box? Hmmm… pesky elves!

So, I wanted to take a break before I clean up, and surf a bit.

Thanks to everyone who dropped my friend a line yesterday. Good people really do exist out there and she was so very touched.

We’re going to see a movie tonight. Spiderwick Chronicles. NO! DO NOT TELL ME ABOUT IT! I’ve been dying to see it since it came out, so don’t spoil it for me

Scott is in town until Monday morning, so it’s sure to be an exciting and interesting weekend.

Call me old fashioned but I’m just not feeling the whole “have him over to your place” vibe yet. Maybe before the weekend is out, but not yet. I still have these safety zones ya know? I mean, its not that I’m even remotely afraid of him or anything like that. I’m not, in the least. In fact, I feel so comfortable around him, and talking to him that I find myself having internal conversations questioning the reality of it all. But I don’t want things to progress too quickly, if that makes sense. And I sort of like the mystery of it all - being picked up for work, or meeting at a coffee house, instead of here, in my sanctuary.

He says he’s got a suprise for me. I wander what it is? OH! Maybe he’s psychic and brought me a new keyboard, you know, just in case.

I’m off tonight and have the short shift tomorrow and Friday night because I’ll have a huge private party Saturday all to myself. That should be fun. OH! wait, incoming text.

Awwww, my latest message reads:

“It is unbearable torture to be this close to you and not be able to see your face! Abandon your work and meet me for coffee? I’m begging with puppy dog eyes. You can’t see them, but they are puppy-doggish.”

Hmmmm should I go? I do have this mess to clean up. Aww puppy dog eyes. How can I resist?

Dear blogosphere, gone for coffee. Be back … later.

Love always,

Chloe Jayne

Good early morning blogospherians!

Walter Winchell once said “A real friend is one who walks in, when the rest of the world walks out.”

I have to tell you about my friend Cher. If I ever decide to grow up, I want to be like Cher. She is talented, an amazing photographer, intelligent, very funny in that “doesn’t even realize how funny she is” sort of way which makes her even funnier, kind, loyal and generous to a fault.

When I met Cher, it was on the beach. I noticed right away that she walks with a limp, sometimes worse than others. I also noticed several scars (in a bathing suit its hard not to notice scars) so after a few days, I asked her if she’d been in an accident.

“Nope.” She smiled, “I have cancer.”

I know my jaw dropped low enough to scoop sand. I’ve never met anyone with cancer before and all I could say was “I’m sorry.”

She laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to die right here in the waves.” 

Over the last few years I’ve learned that Cher was diagnosed with NHL (Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) at the ripe old age of 26. She under went bone replacement surgery when the cancer manifested its self in her hips and pelvic bone, which is why she limps. She also has scars from other surgeries resulting from the cancer.  She’s been in remission for about 3 years now, but has constant struggles from the side effects of the disease, and other health problems have arisen, including Diabetes, and Congestive Heart Failure.

Now, believe me, Cher never is one to ask for sympathy and I wouldn’t dare try to prompt any for her here. The fact is, she impresses the hell out of me.

When I visited her, I expected to find her taking it easy, doing very little. What I found was a ball of energy who is constantly on the go. When I was there, she and her husband had just bought a house and she was out in her yard, every day, moving rocks and dirt and cutting grass and planting plant things. She also finds time to sew, cook, clean, raise her two children and spend quality time with her four grandchildren, is actively involved in her community and from what I saw when she was around her peer group, people are drawn to her like moths to a flame. Like I said, she impresses me.

So last night, I was browsing around the Internet, instead of working on my designs like I should have been, and I read her blog and became immediately concerned.

I called her and we talked for almost four hours.

Anywhoodles…

I won’t spill the beans about what all is going on with her right now, but I had an idea. I’ve been reading the hopeREVO site, and thought you know maybe I can get people to visit Cher’s siteand just leave her some messages of hope in her in-box. I know she would appreciate it, and I would definitely be grateful! You don’t have to comment on anything she’s posted or written, just leave something HOPEFUL in her box. And if you do, please let me know so I can send you a cute little graphic for your page.

THANKS!

Love always

Chloe Jayne