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I was tagged for a meme by Justine!

Legend has it that Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in only six words. His response? "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." Last year, SMITH Magazine re-ignited the challenge by asking readers for their own six-word memoirs. They sent in short life stories in droves, from the bittersweet ("Cursed with cancer, blessed with friends") and poignant ("I still make coffee for two") to the inspirational ("Business school? Bah! Pop music? Hurrah") and hilarious ("I like big butts, can't lie").

This is my Six Word Story:

Here are the rules:
1) Write your own six word story.
2) Post it on your blog [and include a visual illustration if you'd like].
3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post [me!], and to the original post if possible [so we can track it as it travels].
4) Tag at least five others with links.
5) Don't forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.
6) Have fun!

Now, the fun part... I tag: Eric, Lorefel, PDX Fashionista, Iris, Holden, and Marjie

Howdy folks. It is officially almost the weekend! Anyway, I'm super stoked -- I closed a credit card today! Woo-hooooooooo!

037 | + | pay off and close two credit cards (1/2)
    1: HSBC MasterCard closed April 3, 2008

I was honestly expecting a lot more pressure from the representative on the phone to keep me from canceling my account. I seriously practiced what I was going to say before I called! Nerdy, I know. But the last time I closed a credit card, the customer service representative had asked me like fifteen times if I was sure I didn't want to reconsider and I was REALLY mean to him. Ha! So this time around, I wanted to make sure I tried my best to keep it cool. Thankfully, it was unnecessary.

Okay. So I finally have some time to blog about the book, some funny things I've taken away from it, and how it applies to my current situation(s).

For the record, I'm already a "bitch". I mean, the more I read this book, the more I feel better about these habits of mine that I typically consider shortcomings or that I normally blame my "singleness" on. My goal is to reinvent the bitch in me.

The first chapter covered what the author referred to as "Attraction Principles".

Attraction Principle #1: Anything a person chases in life runs away.
The author adds, "With one caveat: If you chase him in a black nightie, first he'll have sex with you... and then he'll run.

Doubt there's much need to embellish on that one -- we've all been on one side of that road, if not both. While it's easier to be on the side being chased, I've come to learn that this game often results in a bit of tug-o-war, am I right? When they stop chasing, you start. When you stop, they start. It's sad. Haha. I'm currently battling with this issue when it comes to "Baja Man". There was already an "us", but it was a long time ago. Boy, was he in love me. But as the saying goes, I didn't know what I had until it was gone and well, now -- yeeeeeears later -- he's got this magnetic force over me that's making me yearn for his attention. I hate it!!

Attraction Principle #2: The women who have the men climbing up the walls for them aren't aways exceptional. Often, they are the ones who don't appear to care much.
"When a woman drives to see a man in the middle of the night, the only thing missing is a neon sign on the roof of her car that reads WE DELIVER."

I actually know a girl who should have that neon sign on her car. So sad! Anyway, this is sooo true. I am definitely not an exceptional girl... at least not at first. But you know what obstacles I run into because I don't seem to care? Guys decide to pursue me as a CHALLENGE. They think they're going to be the one to break me. Psh. It's so annoying. It usually comes in the form of something like "Try not to get attached cuz I'll make you fall in love". And, of course, it never happens this way. In fact, it's almost always the opposite. "A.P." is currently being proven wrong on this subject. Sorry, bud!

Attraction Principle #3: A woman is perceived as offering a mental challenge to the degree that a man doesn't feel he has a 100 percent hold on her.

I hate being a man's challenge. I can't stress that enough.

Attraction Principle #4: Sometimes a man deliberately won't call, just to see how you'll respond.

I respond like this -- actually, I don't respond at all.

Attraction Principle #5: If you start out dependent, it turns him off. But if it is something he can't have, it becomes more of a challenge for him to get it.

Who starts out dependent on a guy? No, really???

Attraction Principle #6: It is your attitude about yourself that a man will adopt.
"The first date is about looks. When he falls in love, it's about your attitude. It's about whether you can hold your own."

Mm-hmm... if a guy leaves you for a seadonkey, she probably has a better attitude than you.

Attraction Principle #7: Act like a prize and you'll turn him into a believer.

Translation: Act like a plaything and he'll play with you.

Attraction Principle #8: The biggest variable between a bitch and a woman who is "too nice" is fear. The bitch shows that she's not afraid to be without him.

"Lou" could not handle this AT ALL. He always said he knew he could never walk away from our relationship because I wouldn't run after him. Well, hello....

Attraction Principle #9: If the choice is between her dignity and having a relationship, the bitch will prioritize her dignity above all else.

Everyone repeat after me, "NO ONE IS WORTH MY DIGNITY."

That was it -- I know, I was looking for a #10, but it wasn't there. The next chapter wasn't as cheesy... well, not entirely, but it shifts gears a little. I'll keep you guys posted. Hopefully it gets better.

I didn't think I'd have anything to write about today, but all of a sudden I'm overwhelmed with random thoughts just racing through my head! It's kind of like when you have dinner with a friend for the first time in a really long time and the first hour or so is filled with half-stories because you both know there's so much to catch up on and you're each spitting out parts of random stories... or does that just happen to me?

For most of the day, I was feeling the same as I was yesterday. Lori hit it on the nose... there's this sort of impending doom in the air. We don't know when it's gonna hit or how hard it will hit... but we're just waiting for it. It bites. I'm walking around on pins and needles and frankly, I feel like I can trust no one.

I had a brief conversation with Judy yesterday, catching up on life and stuff. She recommended that I read a book called Why Men Love Bitches by Sherry Argov. She was convinced I could relate to it. Heck, it was a great title, so I went out and bought it after work.

Iris and I were just talking today about how we no longer have the time to read leisurely anymore, so I felt compelled to take time out today for a little one-on-one time with my new book. The first line of the introduction reads "Why Men Love Bitches is a relationship guide for women who are 'too nice'." Insert rolling-eyes emoticon here. Ha! We all know that's not me. I swear, I almost put the book down... in the trash can.

I decided to at least finish the introduction and give Argov a few more paragraphs to redeem herself. She went on to describe this "bitch" she's referring to in her title.

"The woman I'm describing is kind yet strong. She has a strength that is ever so subtle. She doesn't give up in her life, and she won't chase a man. She won't let a man think he has a 100 percent 'hold' on her. And she'll stand up for herself when he steps over the line."

SO ON POINT! Totally me. Keep in mind that I've always seen these traits in myself and I've always considered them faults and weaknesses! For example, not letting a man think he has a 100 percent 'hold' on me? You mean that's not purely pride and/or my fear of commitment! Who knew?! Argov definitely sugar-coated it nicely for me. She caught my interest again, so I will continue to read. Bravo.

I'll keep you all posted on this read. Could be good. I'll have to save the other random stories for a post this weekend. April just got me hooked on Lipstick Jungle and I need to watch it! This addiction has replaced my Rockstar one... today, anyway.