missed connections.

perhaps,
i've had some too?

Craigslist is probably the most visited site after Facebook and Google. I mean, who doesn't love Craig's list of gadgets, jobs, housing and misc services? I owe Craig a lot; he even helped me find my new apartment! Craig even gives us a hand in finding true love. The "Missed Connections" section under the Personals is one of my absolute favorite places to go on the web when I am bored, in need of a cute pick-me-up, or feeling stalkerish. Some posts are put up by insecure perverts in need of a cheap dirty laugh (or some other form of perverse satisfaction), but others are posted by innocent hopefuls genuinely wishing they could find the "tall brunette in purple dress on Q train at 9am today." The romantic in me hopes some of these brave folk find the woman/man they're looking for...

Here are some of my recent favorites:

"Girl you tiny as hell... and by tiny, I mean cute. Sincerely, The Giant who got off at Flushing Ave."

"You sneezed on 13th St near 6th Ave, I smiled. I wanted to say, "Gesundheit," but was thrown off guard by how adorable you were. So in our short amount of time, I could only muster a smile. Hope you have a fantastic Tuesday and aren't catching a cold."

"...was going to ask your name... instead, forgot my own..."

"breezy, brief.. but I do miss you."

"This is a stretch but I saw you in the elevator and we chatted about yellow paint. Can I take you to a movie?"

"We got off together and walked as far as 59th, then I lost you. I should have said something, but all I could do was smile."

"You said 'hello' and I said 'good'... I was nervous and then you walked and never turned back. I wanted to talk but you were gone..... Let's get together for a coffee?"

Man. I was getting the butterflies myself while typing these out! How unbelievably romantic are some of these people? I like to think that maybe someone out there posted one about me once. I think I've had one or two of these moments on a subway or a street corner somewhere. Haven't you? And even if I don't remember the connection, it's nice to think that you gave someone (even if only for that moment) a bit of hope and the chance to muster up enough courage to expose themselves publicly like that. The raw, honest, vulnerability of these people is truly remarkable. I mean, honestly, the cynic in me wants to laugh at how ridiculous and perhaps cowardly these people are, sitting behind their monitors confessing their feelings as opposed to actively pursuing their love interests, but at the end of the day, I am a girl and girls love this stuff (take notes, men). You know, when two people have a connection, no matter how random the location or circumstances are, I'm sure they'd know and I'm sure they'd feel it. Humans thrive on emotion and first impression; who's to say these people haven't experienced love at first sight?

My boyfriend and I have been together for about half a year now and while I love him and am still quite breathless at the thought and sight of him, I know those beginning butterflies and "what if" moments won't come back. I can only smile at the memory of them and be satisfied knowing that I too, once had dizzying spells at his every word, smile, sneeze, glance, and touch.

Sometimes I'll imagine the scene playing out in my head of some of these posts. A cute short film should be made taking bits and pieces from the Missed Connections section, no?

I'd definitely watch it.

Cheers,

Cheryl

quick thought #16.

I absolutely adore rainy mornings.

(I just wish I was able to spend them at home and not in the office!)

a verbal illustration.

my comrades, my comfort.

Amid the fleeting moments the bustle of New York City has to offer, a never-ending conversation full of secrets, laughter, stupidity, and longing finds a niche in the hearts of our blackberries. The chit-chat amongst four 20-something Manhattan gals started who-knows-when and does not cease. The clacking of our nails on the keys is louder and stronger than our heels on the pavement as we make our way to work. The banter exchanged amongst the four during their time in their cubicles, at their seats, in front of their monitors, at their keyboards, always takes precedence over the day's work. The lines of conversation are an endless stream full of codes and puzzles and jokes and gossip that an outsider can only quizzically stare at with no means of any comprehension. As the day progresses and the chatroom finds its winding way through and around the most meaningful of meaningless topics, relationships and friendships both, have the ability to strengthen and weaken in the way only words can force them to. We can only hope that the conversation exchanged face-to-face when at home together at the end of the day, is just as beautifully wild.

Here's to you, bbm.

Cheers,

Cheryl

ride the season.

an epidemic
slow to hit even the most
oblivious of people.

The manfriend recently forewarned me of his tendency to "ride the seasons." In Korean, to "ride a season" means to get a bit moody or sensitive when the seasons start to change. Now, I get sad when I have to put away my bikinis and sandals in exchange for my gloves and sweaters, but it really ain't no thang. I embrace all the seasons in all their extreme glory; then again, I'm not a super moody or sensitive person in general. My mood is, 99% of the time, pretty level.

I guess I can see why someone might get a bit depressed or emotional when the seasons change. It means we're getting a season older. It means we've lost a season that we'll never get back. It means the world is changing when some of us, may be wanting to stay the same. With the season gone, goes with it all the seasonal foods, activities, apparel, even people. In this sense, yes, the transition from one season to the next is pretty darn upsetting. Autumn is peeking its head around the corners of the last of this summer's heat and now that the manfriend mentions it, I am truly sad. Not one trip to the beach, not one chance to tan, and not one legitimate warm vacation taken. Now, I ask myself, how important are all these things? Not too important when I have a lifetime of summers left, I guess. Not too important when I think about the people I've encountered suffering in the devastation and blistering heat of a nation called Haiti (it should really be called Heat-y. Haha.. sorry.. bad joke..). But, you know, just because I have other summers to come doesn't mean I should let this one go so easily. It's dangerous to think so nonchalantly because what could've been in the Summer of 2010, may never be in the Summer of 2011, the Summer of 2012, and beyond. And if there's one thing in the world that I abhor and detest more than mice and pigeons is regret. Which is why I am trying to book a last-minute beach house for a quick getaway. Muhaha.

In conclusion, ladies and gents, I am indeed riding the seasons this year. I'm alright though because I'm lucky; summer and fall are my two favorite seasons and they just happen to be back-to-back so I think I'll enjoy this ride.

...just as long as my ride doesn't last too long.

Cheers,

Cheryl

the same mistake.

but not the same instances
and definitely not the same result.

Girls get curious. Girls are stalkers. Girls over-analyze. Girls get emotional. Girls are evil.

But, boys are stupid.

So girls take pity on boys and let things go. In this instance, however, the girl was stupid as well. Stupid girl has wisened up and learned from past experiences; she is not that same immature irrational girl she was a few years ago. Thank the Heavens.

The circumstances and the situation is just so darn ironic and we're both just so darn silly. Really, we should be able to understand each other and embrace the fact that it's because we care so much about each other that we both feel this way. Be cool, be mature, be calm, be collected--I'm rambling. Bottom line is, the past is the past and I have neither the time nor the energy to dwell on the past. The past really shouldn't taint the present--especially when the present is so good.

A clean slate for us both.

Let's be lovers.

Cheers,

Cheryl

PS: Prayer. Really. Works.

something happens.

after a mission trip.

I came back from my week-long mission trip to Haiti feeling refreshed, blessed, renewed, rejoicing in the Lord, full of God's love and eager to spread it.

Satan is not too happy about this.

He is tempting me and testing me in heartbreaking and truly effective ways.

Pray for me.

Cheers,

Cheryl

quick thought #15.

be a lover.

(we'll make this quick thought a double.)

a smile is universal.