One-and-a-half years out of my last relationship, my single ladies swagger had finally fallen into place. Balancing medical school with extracurricular activities, on top of spending time with family and friends and then juggling dates on a regular basis, balance was in order and life was good.

And then, I met Jason.

Jason and I met at the university gym. He was doing planks on the mat; I was doing floor stretches. Unlikely time and place, and more so--nobody looks attractive when they are heaping hot messes of sweat. He was a business school student, and though there were no overlaps between either of our programs, we were already indirectly networked through the MD/MBA joint program on campus.

We said our names to each other exactly once. A couple of guys approached him soon after, and feeling like I didn't want to intrude, I left and said goodbye.

Later that night, I found an email from him. I had no understanding of how he got my email, but the stalking that he had to accomplish to find my email address and add me on Facebook (despite me being almost impossible to find) was somewhat flattering and less creepy.

Two weeks later, I'm sleeping over, we're cooking breakfast, and making Valentine's Day plans. This is moving so fast. How did we get here? Where are we heading?

He's moving to New Jersey in June after he finishes his program.

June is four months from now. We've got time.

But do I want time? I don't want to fall for him--this can't end well.

I can't leave California, and I would never ask him to stay. I know I'm over-thinking this, but as defensive, guarded, and as afraid as I am of my own emotions, the thought of emotionally investing in something, someone for the short term is mortifying.

Take things slowly--breathe.

Taking a deep breath,

Shopgirl.

Valentine's Day for Single People

So goes another Valentine's Day--or as I have decided to call it (in accordance with all of the other single people out there)--Single Awareness Day!

I celebrated my SAD (um, purely coincidental, by the way) with wonderful friends in Santa Barbara. We drove up there Saturday morning to claim a camp site and proceeded to a 5-mile hike up a luscious green mountain. Here are some pictures from the trip:

Though this was my first Valentine's Day officially celebrated as a SAD, I must say that this was probably the most enjoyable February 14th I've ever had. Didn't have to plan any extravagant event or buy a series of presents to showcase my undying love. It was simple, quiet, and relaxing (except for the couple that was escorted off the camp site for domestic dispute).

Being single isn't as pitiful as I imagined it to be. In fact--I feel empowered being single! So when former suitors are surprised about my not having a date for Valentine's Day, I justly respond, "No, I did not have a date, Sir. And I am completely satisfied with that!"

Ok, I'm exaggerating. But I'm digging this single thing. The freedom rewards me with time to do all the things that I love but have had trouble prioritizing--i.e. reading, practicing music, running, writing silly blogs, etc. Not to mention, the freedom rewards me with time to spend on myself. Hooray for personal improvement?

Always looking up,
Shopgirl.