Whatever happened to romance?

Disclaimer: This post originally appeared in 2007 as a blog post, which got resurrected as a column that ran in the HUB section of the Feb. 12 edition of Hattiesburg American. Here it is, presented in its unedited format.

Whatever happened to romance?

I realize that we live in an immediate gratification society, where everyone is trying to beat everyone else to the punch. Where lightning fast internet and up-to-the-minute news still isn't fast enough. Where competitiveness is a national sport and a much sought after personality trait.

Myself, I prefer a nice smile, a great sense of humor and almost lightning fast internet... that's probably why I would never make it as a retail manager or in any sort of competitive based job.

But, I digress...

Whatever happened to slow, soft kisses and holding hands?
They seem to have been replaced with hurrying to stick one's tongue down the other's throat and jumping into bed within minutes of meeting someone.

Call me old fashioned, but it takes more than three dates at allow someone to see the holiest of my... well, you know.

Is chivalry dead?

Women blame it on men; men blame it on women.
Honestly, I think it's both. Men think they can get away with things because there are women out there who let them. And the men who act like gentlemen are shunned by some women into acting... well... ungentlemenly.

Valentine's Day has become a bane to couples and singletons everywhere.
Couples fret over what to get their sweethearts and singletons want to vomit at the sight of couples attached at the lips.

Here's a tip for couples:
Handmade gifts are incrediblely sweet. Remember that old saying: It's the thought that counts. And while jewelry, flowers and other pricey gifts are great, they are almost the easy way out and can require little thought. A gift made from your own hands shows the thought you put into it.

And for you singletons:
Grab a friend or two and head out for a night on the town. Valentine's Day isn't just about lovers. Celebrate the day in your own way, on your own terms. Send valentines to your friends to show that you're thinking of them.

Drink a toast to singlehood, a toast to friendship or a toast to life!
Looking for love in all the wrong places.

I like walks along the beach, sitting around in pajamas eating ice cream and watching movies, hugs, shy glances across the room, roses(who knew?), soft-sweet kisses, more hugs, talking for hours about nothing at all, snuggling and, of course, romance.

Hello, everyone.
My name is Rose and I'm a love-aholic.

Rose Pendleton is a love-aholic looking in all the wrong places.
All roses, chocolates and poetry can be sent to rnpendleton@hattiesburgamerican.com.

Weekend recap

Friday:
While at work, I got a small cake, some loose tea, a hand-made mug and some chocolate.
After work, I got a book, two movies off of my Amazon wishlist

Saturday:
Drove 1 1/2 hours to attend a cat show and shop at a store that no longer exists.
The cat show was lovely. However, getting there wasn't.
The cat show was in a convention center... that many people in the town didn't know existed. AWESOME!
So, I used my excellent deducting skills and decided that the best people that would help who be of people of commerce.
To the Mall we go!
Which worked out, I got candy, did a little Christmas shopping and found out that the convention center did exist.
And was full of adorable cats and kittens. My favorites are the exotic shorthairs (like above). They are so sweet with their smooshie faces. And they always looked surprised or really sweet.

Sunday:
Drove to Jackson to visit the parents and my sister, who's birthday is the 10th.
Got some more presents and good food.

Monday:
Let's see what today brings.

Kittens: medicine for the soul

I've adopted a kitten and I've named her Murmur.
Why 'Murmur,' you ask?
Because, when I asked what I should name her, she said 'mur-mur.'
So, Murmur it is.

She is super affectionate for a hobo cat.
Someone at work found her in a used car lot and brought her back to work. She then cycled throughout the building, with noone wanting her.
And the end of the day, she slept in my lap as I typed and knew she was mine.

Kittens chase away the blues.
They could bottle kittens and sell it for tons of money.

Doctor: I need kittens, stat!

Some Deep Thoughts for Your Consideration

Current Movie Recommendations:
88 Minutes : it has Al Pacino looking freaked out with a side of forensic science
the Bank Job : it has Jason Statham and explosions... yum!
the Other Boleyn Girl : it has Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn; I love Tudor period anythings
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day : someone gets punched... fun!

Things that I find weird:
People who actually say 'LOL' outloud. I don't mind if you write it. That's cool... but then you actually say it and I'm just.... *sigh*

Things that make me smile:
kittens, flowers, books, video games, crabs, jellyfish,shiny things, things with big eyes

Things that bother me:
spiders, Veggie Tales, Lucky Star only having a Region 2 release, bad remakes, chicken on the bone, bridges, being hungry

So, currently pursuing a job at a newspaper. I suppose I should do something with my Journalism degree, hah! While the job I'm currently trying for is an entry level position and is a $1.50 cut in current pay, it would be a job I could proudly say that I work in.... rather than "Hi, I'm Rose. I'm a book store manager." :/ And while it's entry level, I could quickly be promoted to a not-entry position and get paid a million dollars a year..... well, perhaps not a whole million.

Caution! Serious blogging ahead...

Whatever happened to romance?

I realize that we live in an 'immediate gratification' society, where everyone is trying to beat everyone else to the punch. Where lightning fast internet and up-to-the-minute news isn't fast enough. Where competitiveness is a sport and a much sought after quality.
Myself, I prefer a nice smile and a good sense of humor... that's probably why I would never make it as a retail manager or in any sort of competitive job.

But, I digress...

Whatever happened to slow, soft kisses and holding hands?
They seem to have been replaced with hurrying to stick one's tongue down the other's throat and jumping into bed right after meeting someone.
Call me old fashioned, but it takes more than three dates at allow someone to see the holiest of my holies.

Is chivalry dead? Women blame it on men; men blame it on women.
Honestly, I think it's both. Men think they can get away with things because there are women out there who let them. And the men who act like gentlemen are shunned by some women into acting... well... ungentlemenly.

I like walks along the beach, sitting around in pajamas eating ice creams and watching movies, hugs, shy glances across the room, roses(who knew?), soft-sweet kisses, more hugs, talking for hours, snuggling and of course, romance.

Hello, everyone.
My name is Rose and I'm a love-aholic.