"Nice Mangoes"

Said the cashier at the QFC grocery store. Funny thing is, although I was wearing a tank that was definitely on the skimpy side, I DID, in fact, have 2 mangoes in my hands. He was correct in both rites (he was clearly checking me out as well as checking me out monetarily speaking), but when he realized what he said, he turned a nice shade of crimson and apologized for being inappropriate. Ha - I laughed for a good block and a half about that!

I finished a really amazing book today. It took me a while to read because I didn't want it to end. Kind of like a Harry Potter, but with less urgency to complete. I definitely recommend it - it's called "I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith and it's a lovely story about a teenage girl who is keeping a journal in order to hone her writing skills. The novel is both captivating and melancholy, both insightful and humane. Quite a brilliant book, if I do say so myself!

My next read is called "The Game" by Neil Strauss and it's about the underground world of pickup artistry and dating. I also have a book on hold at the library by Mystery that is called "How to Get Beautiful Women into Bed." I'm hoping this will help me understand the universe of men and women and dating and relationships. (And perhaps, it will aid in my new book idea - "Playing the Players: A Women's Guide to Dating Defense.") This is one topic that JH and I LOVE to discuss and I figure I can never know too much about the difference and similarities between the two sexes.

In other news, it's apparent to me that I am beginning to act and look like a native around these parts. People (in two seperate instances) have asked me for directions because they thought I "looked like a local." How's that for Seattlelite tendencies? I guess when you're comfortable in your surroundings, have good directional sense, and have built a community of friends in the area, you start to eminate nativeness. Cool!

I was telling JH that I wish all my good friends were in the same damn city. I mean, seriously. Every time I make a special connection with someone (and I'm not talking "How to Get Beautiful Women into Bed"), they leave! Argh! (Or, I leave. That was JH's solution - "Well, then stop moving!" Hmm...seems like selfish advice to me, doesn't it?) In any case, I have great friends spread across the nation, which, with the traveling job I have, comes in handy...but I won't have this job forever! Seattle is really fun - I promise! :) I'm telling ya - KR just moved to Sacramento, AB just moved to DC. Well, I guess that's what happens when you have really amazing, really intelligent friends. They do what you did and move for more and different opportunities. Smart girls!

Last night, JH and I went to a "function" where we looked at some condos in downtown Bellevue. It was an event sponsored by one of his good friend's company and therefore, we mostly went to support, but there was also other motives (read: incredible catered food). The units were beautiful in decoration and style - but I have to admit that viewing new condos with my new boyfriend was a bit jarring. Especially since it has taken me a full 6 weeks of exclusive dating to be 50% comfortable calling him my bf (note that it has taken a total of 17 weeks including both exculsive and non-exclusive dating to get to this point - I was curious, so I counted weeks yesterday). I *think* I'm "there" (as in - I can think of JH and bf as one THING) as it came pretty naturally last night. Oh, and the word "girlfriend" just ROLLS off JH's tongue like he's been saying it for years. Not for this girl, it doesn't. (And usually, my name follows a good 30 seconds after the introduction. "This is my girlfriend.........(pause).........(handshake)..........(pause).........Kelly." Ha. "Nice to meet you, glad you have a name." Double ha.) Additionally, I happen to get another freebie last night (you know, it's my MO to get free stuff) in the form of a 12-month subscription to "425 Magazine" which is the magazine for Bellevue and the surrounding Eastside neighborhoods. Lucky me! JH loves Bellevue (his hometown) and wishes for me to do the same; therefore, I think it was rigged. (Not really, I just like to say that.)

Aside from all this, I've been enjoying my days off and keeping myself busy. Next on the list? Figure out my finances! Invest, pay off some outstanding debt, establish my financial priorities, and determine where my money will be going this next working year. Sounds like fun! (I mean that, for reals.)

I'm also going to the Seahawks game on Sunday with JH and his parents, which should prove to be a good time. Perhaps I'm in for a bit of awkwardness (only on my part, really), but I'm prepared. It's not like I haven't spent time with them before, it's just that this will be the first time I'll see them after dating JH officially AND mingling with them at a company event. It's definitely going to take time getting past the whole "spending my free time at a football game with my boss and his wife" thing. You know, not everyone gets a chance to do that! As JH said, when he becomes JH's dad instead of my boss, we'll have really turned a corner. And I agree.

Now, I'm off to get groceries with a friend and make mini pizzas while watching "America's Next Top Model!" :)