Being Single

I think single middle aged women have a tatoo on their forehead that says "Hi, I'm over 40, single, and vulnerable. Take advantage of me!" I've had my fare share of experiences in this department.

There was the time a guy lead me on, I was weary of his intentions, was stupid and was left for a women much older than me. That was a new one! Then there are the men that spot you in public and figure you would be harmless to bother like the guy at the bus stop that wanted to massage my feet! These sort of things never happened to me when I was young and single. Somehow men can just tell how vulnerable I am. I'm thinking of getting a ring to wear on my hand so I can avoid these kind of encounters which I don't need.

Don't get me wrong, I would like to be dating, but dating someone normal. I've tried online dating which so far has been a disaster. They are either men I can tell are not honest or they are tech geeks with no social skills. Where are the normal men my age?!!!! Oh that's right, they are married with kids. Darn it!

Moving On

It has now been 3 years since my relationship ended. A lot has happened in that time- I've lost 2 cars, most of my belongings, spent many months living from place to place without a real home, was laid off my job, and somehow I've ended up happier than I was with my partner. I am looking at this period of my life as a new beginning and a chance to live the kind of life I have always wanted. It has not been an easy journey and there are challenges I still have to hurdle, but all in all I would say I am happy.

Not having transportation has its challenges, but I look at it as a chance to do something good for the environment, and my body as well. I bought a bicycle to get around town and to get some exercise. Living in Seattle it rains a lot, so when the sun is out it is wonderful to be able to be outdoors. There is no better way to travel than on a bike in the warm sun. On days when biking is not an option, I have a bus pass that gets me almost anywhere I need to go. On occasions a car is necessary. Zip Car is a wonderful low cost option to owning a car.


The nice thing about not having a lot of possessions is you don't need a lot of room to store them. I am currently renting a small room and all of my belongings have their place. Minimizing is something I've never done and I have to say I am liking it. I now look at every thing I own and say to myself "Is this a necessity? If not, in the garbage it goes.

I couldn't have lucked out more in my current living situation. I am living with 2 other artists and we are creating a business together. Our living room is now a photography studio and gallery space. This has solved 2 problems at once. Where to live and where to work.



All of this would not have been possible had my relationship never ended. It is the best thing that ever happened to me.