Gina's RantSpot

We're having the greatest weather. And I'm battling my ever-increasing addiction to plants. I don't know why I have the gardening bug so strong this year. The problem is that I love buying them, but seem to have a lower level of enthusiasm about actually putting them in the ground. Interesting how that works, isn't it? All I know is that if I buy ONE more perennial, the plant police will be coming to get me.

As a freelance writer/consultant, days like these are kind of scary. My client level has been light lately, which sort of sucks because that means that my billlings will also be light. But there's something exciting about having my own schedule. The first thing I learned when I became a freelancer -- well, actually, probably closer to the third thing -- was to enjoy the lull because you'll be swamped soon enough. It's just hard to believe that you'll be swamped when you're in the middle of a lull. I'm looking forward to being swamped again soon.

On another note, I'm noticing more bold pedestrians these days. I wrote about this many blogs ago, and I think it's gotten worse. Also, tis the season for bikers. I have to admit . . . I hate a biker. Especially a bike messenger or the average rider who's riding in the middle of the street and sincerely believes that his/her 15 mph speed will rival that of a speeding 2 ton vehicle. Hel-lo? Does anyone give tickets to bike riders? They should, because they're like gnats, aren't they? They buzz around on the side of your car -- usually in your blind spot -- and then the riders become upset if you do something that's well within the jurisdiction of driving a car -- like make a right hand turn and inadvertently cutting them off. It makes me want to scream - "Take your ass to a bike path, dammit! Harass pedestrians, for a change!"

I feel much better now.

Finally! Some equality in the cheating game! :-) Men have been really good about reminding me that women also cheat, but since I don't date women, I have no knowledge of it, nor do I care.

Seriously, though . . . I have a clean cheating track record. I'm the serial-breakup-girl. If ever I feel like I can't be monogamous, I'm out the door immediately. I've never cheated, but I've been egregiously cheated on by pretty much all of my boyfriends (and now we see why running into my exes completely sucks, but I digress). Most of my female friends have been cheated on.

That said, I've made the radical decision not to be faithful anymore. I don't see the point. I can't imagine that I have a lot of gold stars next to my name because of it. I don't know where it gets me, and if I'm going to be cheated on anyway, I want to come out of it feeling that I gave as good as I got.

While I don't plan to actively look for cheating partners while I'm in an allegedly committed relationship, I also don't think I'll pass up any opportunities. Who knows what kind of opportunities I've already passed up while trying to be committed to men who were only committed to their own satisfaction?

Perhaps this is my own personal pipe dream, and since I'm not on the fast track to having anyone to cheat on, it won't be happening anytime soon. Maybe I'll find out that I'm not the cheating type, or, even scarier, maybe I'll find out that I'm really good at it, and actually prefer it to an honest, committed relationship. If nothing else it'll give me something to write about.

I hope everyone had a fun 4th of July. My weekend was pretty festive, aside from Friday night -- my night from hell -- which, fortunately, didn't set the tone for the rest of the weekend. Although the on-again-off-again rain storms were slightly annoying. I also realized just how much of an urban girl I truly am. This realization was crystallized after making the silly attempt, after the fireworks show, to find a fun party bar. Everyone was still downtown from their various suburbs/other states, and the bar scene was pure hell -- only exacerbated by thunderstorms. If I thought suburbanites in the city were bad, even worse are WET suburbanites.

Other than that I had a fantastic time with my Godchildren and extended families, by whom I'm so fortunate to have been adopted.

Here's an issue -- I KEEP running into exes. Sunday night, I ran into the one that I fondly refer to as Satan. And don't ask me his name. It really is Satan -- at least in my world. Perception is reality, and whenever I see him, I worry that hell has been left unattended. Our conversation was actually pleasant, which makes me feel somewhat guilty for lambasting him. But not too guilty. Satan disguises himself in mysterious ways! :-) And before anyone asks, yes, I'm completely "over him."

On a serious note, I'm tired of running into these people. The only upside is that I've fortunately managed not to look terrible during these chance meetings. It's like I'm being inundated with my bad choices and I didn't think I needed reminders. Or maybe I do. One of my friends told me that I would be a colorful, single, older person one day. I think he has 2/3 of it right, unless I become colorful someday soon. :-)

Thanks to those who have inquired about my back. It's a little bit better, but Dr. Cutie Pie is definitely the best at giving my adjustments. I'm a chiropractor's nightmare, with my muscular back and extreme inability to relax, so they're definitely working for that insurance money. :-)

Anyone have any GOOD column topic suggestions? I stressed the word good for a reason.

Ta ta!