I Want Romance
Blog ideas come to me at the strangest, and often most inconvenient, times. I nick myself shaving my legs and an idea hits me. I’m struggling to fall asleep, my breathing finally slows and that little Zzzz thought bubble appears above my head, and suddenly, BOOM! Idea! Wake up and write it down before it’s gone forever! And enjoy staring at the clock all night because you just sacrificed a night of sleep to this one idea!
I keep a list of these random ideas in my phone, which I reference when I’m struggling to come up with a blog post. Some of these ideas are genius … and some are, well, a little half-baked. Jump to the end of this post to read some examples of those.
Sometimes, I find phrases on my phone that I added in the middle of the night. It’s kind of like sleep walking, only it’s sleep typing.
The other morning, I found the following addition to my list, which had been updated at 3:04 a.m.:
“I want forgiveness and closure enclosed in a box with a bow from aisle 6.”
What in the world?
It took me about a day to figure out what the hell I was talking about.
My subconscious brain was recalling a beautiful blog post I read last November by Alexia titled, “I want passion.” Something about that piece has stuck with me, nine months later. That line was a portion of my own “I want” post. Part of me has wanted to write a piece like this for a long time.
So with the full understanding that this entire concept is borrowed from the beautiful, lyrical and genius writings of Alexia (have you checked out her website yet?), here’s my version:
I Want Romance
Photo courtesy of Peter Roome
I want excitement. I want a pair of boots that make me feel sexy. I want best friends. I want to smell the first hint of snow. I want to build new memories. I want to see the world through a kaleidoscope. I want to feel comfortable in my own skin. I want soft socks. I want forgiveness and closure neatly enclosed in a box with a bow. I want my Mommy. I want to see my future in someone’s eyes. I want tan lines. I want to wear a white dress. I want to relish my mistakes. I want to inspire. I want travel to be my way of life. I want fingers tickling my back. I want my sisters to thrive and realize their beauty. I want my house to vibrate with his scent. I want romance.
And just for fun, here’s a sampling of ideas from my list that really aren’t going anywhere:
- It’s time to treat men like they have treated women for centuries – I intended to write a whole post about this, but really, that line says it all.
- I should date someone in prison. Or someone who is only in town for the Olympics – I realized a few months ago that I only seem to want unattainable men, or some brief whirlwind romance that has zero future potential. So, maybe I should date a prisoner with a life sentence. Or, Richmond should host the Olympics, during which I could have an amazing fling with a swimmer from Zimbabwe. No way am I ever going to see him again.
- From flirting to farting – I told my friend Cameron about the first time I accidentally let one rip in front of Chef, and he said, “From flirting to farting! What a great blog post!” That’s about as far as this idea got.
- You’re so vain you probably think this blog is about you – Don’t know why, but I really want this to be the title of a blog post.
- Floss fiasco – Random story I wanted to tell about how I went on this tangent one night (after a few glasses of wine) where I decided I wanted to be a better person. And part of that improvement included that I was going to start flossing regularly (not just the week before a dental checkup). People who floss regularly have it together. Ever known a diligent flosser who was a mess? I didn’t think so. Flossing was going to be the first step to the new me. I dusted off my trusty old floss, and pulled off a piece, only to realize it was all gone. Needless to say, a month later, I still need to buy some new floss at the store. Apparently my self-improvement is on hold.
- “Isn’t that like training for a marathon but never running in one?” – What the police officer I dated briefly last summer said about how I wanted to date, meet new people, but not end up in a relationship or have sex with anyone. Okay, so he was right. And we all know how that idea turned out.
- Better to be alone than dating Ike Turner – I have absolutely zero idea where this came from. But it’s true, right?
Now, here’s the important question: What do you want?
Copyright 2011. Simply Solo blog by Catherine Gryp. All Rights Reserved.
Simply Solo: Single girl starting over - follow the journey 
You know what, it’s really nice to read writings from women especially about romance. I also want passion and romance. One thing that I’m really missing in my life now… And I like how you put your ideas together about it… Everybody needs romance, and it is good to finally end the last chapter and open your self again for another chapter… Can’t wait to write something about romance too 🙂
Again, thanks!! keep writing 🙂
Thanks, April! I appreciate your stopping by 🙂
Lessons in love: You CAN’T open a new chapter until the last chapter is officially over. Give yourself time, you’ll be ok 🙂
Thanks Catherine, Sure I will… Just need to figure out when 🙂
Borrowed right out of an email I sent Ms. D a week or so ago:
“I want a life where I’m able to challenge myself. I want a partner who wants to be challenged, too. Whether it be learning a new dance and then finding ways to get on the dance floor and try those dances out, or reading about new scientific studies and debating/discussing those things. I want someone I can trust, and trusts me. I want someone unafraid to be herself, and allows me to be myself. I want someone who will find ways to make me happy and allow me to find ways to make her happy. I want someone independent and capable, but she lets me open her door and help her do things. I want someone who doesn’t need to be treated like a child yet isn’t afraid to ask for help, especially when I can and want to help.”
There’s plenty more I want, but I think, for me, this was focused on what I want in a partner.
Hi Zak, exactly the same I guess what everybody is looking for a partner… Thanks for posting this 🙂
I love it, Zak! I especially agree with the challenge part – it’s so important that the person you are with challenges you and also helps you improve. And that you do the same for them. Otherwise things will be boring and you’ll never become a better person.
Nice list. It helps to write it down — and own it.
I want: to publish more books, own a sexy new sports car, preferably a convertible; to retire to France; to dance more; to sit still and stare into the sky and just be quiet; hug my sweetie more often. I want to stop worrying about the future and trust it will (as it usually does) work out just fine, and often much better than I might have even imagined. I want to be the sort of person that people really miss when I am not around.
broadsideblog,
“I want to stop worrying about the future and trust it will (as it usually does) work out just fine, and often much better than I might have even imagined.” I want that too!!
And I bet you are already someone that people miss when you are not around 🙂
I totally agree on the floss. I always say I’m going to floss, wash my face every night and apply night cream regularly. People who have it together do that. I always do it for about a week, then it’s back to irregular flossing and a quick before-bed swipe with a makeup-removing towelette I go.
Megan,
I’m actually pretty good about the washing of my face. The main reason? Because I hate washing my bed sheets so much that I would hate to have makeup on my pillow cases and sheets. Hmmmm…..seems like I have a problem with cleanliness. LOL.
Glad I’m not the only one that can’t seem to keep up with the flossing 🙂
I have begun owning up to the stark realization that I DO want to be wined-and-dined. After all, in my 39 years, I have had more than my fair share being WHINED-and-nickle-&-dimed by dudes.
Time for something different. Plus, I actually have been flossing more regularly (although I still need to be more diligent). So, since I am more “together” now, only a man that is equally, if not more so, together will suit me. (He should be a regular flosser as well, ;)…)
And I agree 100% with you – it is much nicer being single than being with an Ike Turner. Trust me.
goyagrrl,
I like how you said “trust me” about dating Ike Turner. It’s as though you actually dated Ike Turner and you have some inside knowledge. Please share! haha
I ABSOLUTELY want to wined and dined. And I’ll do my part to give back to my partner in a different way. Nothing wrong with that!
(I also like the WHINED and nickle & dimed. Gonna have to steal that)
Ew girl. I think all of your “half-baked” ideas need to be put into the oven and spilled into this blog soon. They all sound awesome. On the want front? My wants change from day to day. The one, constant want is for peace, but that might change when I don’t have a toddler anymore!
Haha, thanks Tori. Peace is a good one. Funny–for me, I’ve never wanted peace. I sort love an ongoing drama to keep me occupied. Yes, I have a problem.
If you treat men in the same fashion as they’ve treated woman, then you will perpetuate the cycle. You can’t solve a problem with the same energy that created it in the first place. That’s old school thinking. So what can you do differently?
Christopher,
Wow. That was pretty deep. Obviously, you are right. But it would be fun. For like a week. A taste of their own medicine, so to say.
I love your list…I think I would rather be alone than date Ike Turner also…:)
Hehe, thanks my0wneyes. Ike Turner is a mess. I’d rather just completely change my sexual orientation than date him 🙂
for me it is now better to not want anything as then when i dont get it, i will know what i was refused by the great god who wrote this crappy fate of mine. :((
That’s so sad…. I’m not quite sure what to say. Sounds like a miserable place to be in… maybe you could talk to someone?
There is this new floss I heard of that doesn’t cut your gums and you can have it for dessert. Blog post idea: Why dating men is like reading a picture book. Think about it… Here’s all I want: For the census people to knock once, realize you might not be home, and go away. and what’s with those important looking badges they wear like they are swiping into NASA? You count people!! Sorry census workers reading this blog, but seriously.
LOL, Random Cook. Hopefully Katie is reading…that floss was delicious!!! Waaaay better than any strawberry cake…
I don’t know that I get the picture book reference… you’ll have to break it down for me!
HOW ABOUT…you just answer the door when the census people come? Give them the info they need? A: It’s their job. Help them out. Does that seem like a fun job to you? and B: I love the census results. They make me happy. They teach us so much about our country. I’m a weirdo, I know.
Flirting to farting. The crazy thing…it makes sense because oddly enough “passing the gas” in front of someone whom you’re intimate with (regardless or it being emotional, physical, etc) helps you figure out the relationship more/better.
How we deal with something that’s considered something we have to keep a secret and be embarrassed about…though it’s obvious we all fart.
They have Everybody Poops for potty training children. They need to have Everybody Farts as a relationship book.
Haha, good idea Matthew. You should write it!!
I want someone that I can completely relax and be myself with…harder than it sounds…
This seems to be the theme of the week as you will be the fourth person I have shared this thought with… Henry Miller once said that, “If there is a genuine need, it will be met… but not until the very moment at which it can be most appreciated”. I’m paraphrasing, but still… People want a lot of things. Most of them aren’t needs. Narrow down you list. What do you need? Focus on those. The things you need will lead you to things you want.
Thanks Josh. Clearly, many of these aren’t needs. But doesn’t hurt to dream, right? But I do like the quote, thanks for sharing 🙂
Good lord. I thought you wrote, “I want a pair of boobs that make me look sexy.” Funny how one little letter can so drastically change the meaning of an entire blog post! Glad you aren’t obsessing over your body image, at least.
What do I want? Peace, love and alcohol at 5 PM. Give me those few things and I’m happy. 🙂
LOL. No, I’m all set on the boobs front. But thanks for your concern 🙂
I want alcohol at 5 p.m….but no hangovers 🙂
Haha, I totally thought the floss fiasco was going to be about serving dental floss for dessert. You know… like for when someone has to throw away her strawberry cake. 😉 This was lovely, though — really. (And I’ve wanted to use that play on “You’re so vain” before, too!
Hehe, Katie. I wanted to share the “floss fiasco” about your visit, but part of me wonders if I can ever tell that story and have it make sense – or if it’s more of an inside story. LOL!
Got your card this week too – thank you 🙂 And I’m making that damn strawberry cake for you. Mark my words.
I SO get what you mean about flossing… It’s one of those things on my list of habits impossibly put-together women have that I should mimic in hopes of one day also becoming impossibly put-together.
The list item that I’m currently working on is becoming “sexy nightgown lady”. Yes, I’m single, but I’ve somehow convinced myself that if I’m sexy just for me sometimes, it’ll build post-engagement self-esteem back up. And even if that doesn’t happen, at the very least if my apartment ever catches on fire and I end up on TV, it won’t be while wearing a faded, holey college t-shirt. Although the more I think about it, the less I want to share my “just-for-me” sexy nightgown with an entire fire department and a street full of neighbors. Maybe instead I should strive to be “sexy but fire-appropriate nightgown lady”…
Anyway, isn’t it funny how hard it is to admit that we want romance sometimes? I almost feel embarrassed or judged for wanting it… Like everyone will think I’ve got a princess complex and I’m high maintenance because I want a guy to make an effort. I’m rediscovering how complicated the single life can be, and it’s a little daunting at times…
Great post!
Ally,
I totally know what you mean about being somehow embarassed because you want romance! I don’t think it makes you any less of an evolved woman and it certainly doesn’t make you a princess. And really, I want a man who wants some romance too. It goes both ways.
“sexy but fire-appropriate nightgown lady” — LOL, that’s really funny. I’m glad I’m not the only one with contingency plans for clothing should my apartment catch on fire. I actually refuse to sleep in the nude just in case of this situation. I keep a pair of shoes easily accessibe and always go to bed with some sort of pajamas on. And, I have this theory that’s ridiculously morbid- but should someone want to rob my house in the middle of the night, if I’m dressed, they might be like, “Gonna take the TV and be on my way.” Now, if I’m naked, sprawled out in bed, maybe they’ll think, “Hmm, I could do rape too!’ Okay, I know that’s a ridiculous way to think. But I’ve always had this in the back of my mind – so I sleep with clothes on!!
Thanks for reading/commenting, Ally!
Phew…I was beginning to think I was the only one who wanted tan lines. I should make my own list of wants.
I want you to write your list of wants!! 🙂
Tan lines=summer
Tan lines=having fun/not just laying out or at the tanning bed
Tan lines=youth, activity, getting out of the house
Yep, I love tan lines 🙂
“I want to see the world through a kaleidoscope. I want to feel comfortable in my own skin. I want soft socks. I want forgiveness and closure neatly enclosed in a box with a bow.”
Pure poetry.
This is beautiful, and really inspiring. I, too, get blog ideas at the most inconvenient times, and have a notepad in my iphone called “BLOG IDEAS” full of the random thoughts that float by. Great post, and please do write some of those!
Thank you Larissa! I love your writing so much, so your comment means the world to me 🙂
Love them…all of them. I hope you get your romance. And about farting… http://crystalspins.com/2007/04/22/feminine-humanity-girls-fart/
I wrote 3-part series about things men need to know about women and farting made the list.
LOVE YOU!
Crystal
Ha, love that post, Crystal! 🙂 Thanks for reading/commenting.
What I want? Him here daily. But we live in 2 different cities right now. Long story….but I accepted a job after 18 months of unemployment. And it is a good job..
Boy, I could write a guest post on long distance relationships..this is the 2nd time for us.
Wow, long distance is hard. That’s a very relevant “want,” Jean. And if you ever want to write a guest post on Simply Solo….please let me know!! My email is simplysoloblog@gmail.com
Right now I want ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter and caramelised banana… but that’s not going to happen right now so here’s the remainder of my top 10:
2. Sleep – 8 hours a night on a regular basis
3. A lover who actually calls me because he wants to hear my voice, not because he’s sussing out whether we can meet up
4. Cuddles
5. To accept that I am where I need to be and not to try to rush forward
6. My dog to come when he’s called
7. My dog to stop digging holes in my garden
8. To be deliriously in love and carefree enough to show it
9. Sunshine on Sunday
10. A good belly-laugh
Love these, Serene. “8. To be deliriously in love and carefree enough to show it” DITTO!
I love this blog! All the things you wrote that you want, made me think of all the things I think about and I want. Simple things that maybe under rated, or that you may forget about.
Fitchic,
Thank you! I think we all want to so many of these things. The thing about this “perfect” list is I think it’s achievable for the right man 🙂