The Texas Country Reporter

Since I'm back to writing about "normal" stuff I've got a lot of catching up to do! Contrary to previous blogging - I think about more than "just boys"... actually... who am I kidding?? No, seriously - I really don't.

SO... my work takes me away from home and I'm not to fond of leaving the Lone Star State on to often of an occasion, but duty does call. My expertise on all things admissionsly should be shared with those (Yankees) who most need lessons in manners (opening doors for ladies) and speech/grammar (Hi Ya'll! You wanna go get a Coke?).

Right, so when I'm away from home I miss it, right? It's always funny how when I'm gone I'll see something or talk to someone that will remind me of home and provide me with the encouragement to "keep on keepin' on" as my Mom would say. I know this is streching you guys a bit... but just work with me, okay?

BOB PHILLIPS IS H-O-T-T! On my latest trip I was flipping channels and WHEW! a sight for sore eyes did I see! It was Bob Phillips the Texas Country Reporter. Now - most of you can't appreciate Bob Phillips and what he has done for the world. Most important was the fact that Bob taught me to tell time. Every Sunday evening Bob would be on and I knew that when Texas Country Reporter came on it was time to get ready for church (this was back in the olden days when EVERYONE had church on Sunday night). I could start getting ready and as long I was ready by the time TCR was over I was in good shape. Second, though was how TOTALLY COOL Texas Country Reporter was! Man - when I started watching it - I wanted to cry (I think that's because I was tired though) because Bob sees how really awesome Texas is. No one in Washington DC could ever understand that save Dubya himself. Bob would always go and search out these neat festivals (The Annual Heritage Syrup Fesitval sound familiar???) or showcase state artisans. So, THANK YOU Bob Phillips and Texas Country Reporter. May your show be long running and may you someday be picked up by a network.

Chronicles of Boyfriendia-Numero Seite

::sigh:: Every good thing must come to an end and so I'm opting to end on the perfect number: 7
This does not imply, however, that said Boyfriend was Mr. Perfect. So, here's my last and most favorite Chronicle. You've enjoyed more than just a chronicle of "boyfriends", but a chronicle of firsts (first kiss, first boy that made me really cry, first heartbreak) and of my adolescence.

David
Where to start. If you know me, you probably know David. Or knew David. (*snicker* -here's props to my sister for forever hating every boy who ever broke my heart. She ALWAYS takes my side, no matter what. *props* to Brother for scrutinizing every male who ever dared to put his arm around me in church! I LOVE YOU TWO!!)

David was my nemesis. In the 1st grade he proceeded to yank my ponytail with such gusto that on more that one occasion my bow popped out. And I had a famous ponytail-- so he was messing with a legend at the age of six. Daring of him, if I do say so myself.

Our paths crossed sporadically for the next several years. We both interviewed at the same prestigious private school. He opted to attend... I didn't. Our sisters were the same age and so were our brothers, so we knew who each other were. He transferred back to the local high school where my then best friend was and they were in the same Study Hall class. We met because she decided that he was "perfect" for me. She said that he had the "perfect mix of city and country, Beth. He's exactly what you need. He'll totally relax you! And he has a truck! Beth, you've always wanted a guy with a cool truck."

So...without my permission she gave him my number. The next thing I know, we're at a Friday Night Football Game (in East Texas an event like that is capitalized). He invites me to the afterparty-- calls my parents to double check AND offers to drive me home.

From then on we were inseparable. As for what happened from then until now... well, that's history. Everyone has a first love. Since you fine folks have enjoyed the juicy details of every other "first" in my adolescent years... it was only fair to share my first love as well.

I'm sure you're thinking all types of things:

"Why aren't you two together? You loved him right?"

"Will you always love him?"

"Hey, Beth, since you mention it-- what did happen to that guy?"

My reply is this: 'tis better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. I love "first loves". Something about the naivete and the youth and the all-mixed-up-ness of it just makes me love it! For awhile I thought I was the only one in my circumstance - but I've come to discover that I'm not. Just go to a beauty shop and sit and listen and you'll know what I mean.

Chronicles of Boyfriendia-The Ones That Never Were

This entry is for the the guys who never attained boyfriend status... but deserve props! These guys gave me most of my material! So, they will remain unnamed lest they come and try to claim the profits from my million dollar book deal. (I'm convinced that I'm the next Bridget Jones minus the alcohol, cursing and cigarettes.)



Mr. Unattainable
-- the guy I TOTALLY crushed on in Junior High. Everyone has one. I never thought I'd ever actually go out with him!! But... the same girl who was involved with COB #7 set me up with Micah Pettit last summer. WOW! It was so funny to actually catch up with him. *shhhh-- I never let him in on the secret that he was my Junior high crush, didn't want it to go to his head*

Micah also introduced me to Jack Johnson. (I know Laura is thankful for that!)

The Lawyer/City Boy
...he was a Democrat. And divorced. But he drove a truck! I know I sound terribly shallow, but it's just a cover for my vulnerability. He had a knack for catching me when I was about to freak out because of my mom. I have this "never let 'em see you cry" rule... and since I couldn't see him... I could cry and not feel guilty. I'm forever indebted...

My First Old Man/Mercy Date
I think every girl goes out on one of two types of dates in her lifetime: An Old Man or A Mercy Date. Mine just happened to be combined into one. Lucky me. ::said while rolling my eyes:: This dude was, like, 32 years old!!! He was the first divorcee that I went on a date with. Sicko. He tried to kiss me and it was just awful!! I gave him the cold cheek and politely avoided his day-after-follow-up-call. I'm sooo glad that's over!

The Man Who Drove A Car
This guy would've never have ever gotten the time of day because "must drive a truck" is the first, most important item on Beth's To-Be-Or-Not-To-Be Boyfriend Checklist. But... recently it has come under attack from reconnaissance forces, so it's being re-evaluated. Anyway - he drove a car (a very nice one I must admit). He also was "artsy". ::gasp:: Probably the most opposite person (in comparison to myself) that I could have ever gone on a date with.

Mr. Rebound
I saw it from a mile away... and did it anyway! I don't know what I was thinking!! He was incredibly cute... it was winter... I was really uncomfortable with my new singleness...