Dating!

Okay, dear readers, this past year I've done some dating. The man I was seeing is 7 years younger than me (does that make me a cougar??) Oh my goodness! We saw each other on and off since last April when I went to a wedding with him. That was our first date. We had a good time , talking and getting to know each other and he loves to dance. So since April into the summer we were texting and seeing each other and then it stopped. Circumstances (summer vacations) made it tough to get together and by September I didn't hear from him. Then suddenly in October I had a barrage of texts -- and then I realized he needed a date for his brother's wedding. I had plans for that weekend so I couldn't go.

We then started seeing each other again and talking more. He did have a date for that October wedding, someone he had taken out a few times when not seeing me he explained a bit apologetically one evening while watching the Yankees in the World Series at a local bar. Now I've been to quite a few weddings in the past few years by myself and have had a pretty good time. But I do know that I've been to dinner by myself, gone to the movies on my own and am perfectly content being by myself.

He was surprised when I said that as much as I enjoy going out with him, I'm perfectly comfortable and happy when I'm home by myself in my sweats, curled up on the couch, reading, watching tv, listening to music, sipping a glass of wine. I think as I've gotten older and with changing circumstances, I've become much more comfortable with myself. I'm okay and happy being on my own.

He couldn't understand this - he's looking for someone to move in with him, someone to be waiting when he comes home. Ready with dinner, ready to do what he'd like. He didn't get that I'm looking forward to finding a place that's mine, that I've bought for myself, furnished for myself. He mentioned if I needed a place to live, I could move in with him. And my dog and kids (whomever is around) too. I thought to myself that it was a nice offer. But it's not what I want right now.

Well you know what's coming -- I'm not seeing him anymore. And its okay. Yes, he seemed to like me and wanted to be with me. But he never called me on the phone to just talk. I mean, really, if a guy doesn't call -- he's just not that into you! Just like the movie of the same name -- it really is true.

This was another experience, another journey in my life. And it was definitely worth it! I learned alot more about dating and about myself.

And being comfortable with oneself -- how great that is! It's something we should all strive for...In keeping with the theme, I'm making one of my favorite comfort foods -- macaroni and cheese.

This recipe comes from an old cookbook that came with the first blender I ever had! I've changed a few things, but the idea remains the same. It says to mix everything in a blender but I mix it in a saucepan. So here's my version:

Sharon's Macaroni and Cheese

1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni

1 cup cheddar cheese (cubed or grated), 1 cup gruyere cheese (grated, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 1/2 cups milk

2 tbsp. flour

1/2 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, chopped finely

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp salt

Italian bread crumbs (you can add parmesan cheese to them if you'd like for extra flavor)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente, drain well and pour into prepared casserole dish.

Heat milk in saucepan. When hot, mix flour in to thicken. Add cheese, onion and garlic, pepper and salt. Stir until cheese has melted. Here's where you can taste the cheese mixture and see if it is seasoned well enough for you. If not, season to taste.

Mix macaroni and cheese mixture well. Sprinkle top with bread crumbs and dot with butter.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and top is lightly browned.