So I guess I’ve kept you waiting long enough. I promised more about James. First off, some things we have in common. At first glance who would think an athlete and an artsy girl would have much in common, but…
- We both work with special needs kids in a school setting. He’s a teacher in an alternative classroom of a middle school. This isn’t really his cup of tea though, so he’ll be looking for something in his field….history.
- We both like volleyball. (Although, this is kind of laughable.) As I told him, I’m only kinda good when I’m on a church women’s league where the average height if 5′4″. He on the other hand is a real pro. He’s played in the AVP tournament…you know the 2 man beach volleyball you see on TV. So I’m a little intimidated to play with him on a league if that opportunity should present itself. He’s very dedicated to the sport and practices 3 - 4 times a week, which is above and beyond his gym workouts.
- We both are very frugal. I’m a bargain shopping queen and he loves that because he’s frugal too. When we go out to eat, we often split a meal. He definitely is not materialistic and is not obsessed about money in the least.
- We both love animals. He has 2 black labs and I of course have the dog and cat. When we take the dogs for walks, it looks like an oreo. Make that a Double Stuff Oreo.
- We’re both down to earth, or as I like to say, low maintenance. Wait, that sounds bad. How about non-high maintenance. And though with other dates I’ve felt this innate need to impress them, I feel totally comfortable around James. He’s seen me in sweats, without makeup….couldn’t imagine after dating someone a few weeks that I’d be comfortable with that.
- Of less importance (but still an added bonus), we’re both tall. I’m 5′11″, so it’s hard to find guys I can look up to. While I have gone out with shorter guys, it doesn’t exactly make me feel feminine. With James at 6′3″ I sometimes feel short compared to him.
- We’re both Ps (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, click here). We both like spontaneity and flexibility over rigidity and routine.
- We both love to travel.
- Most importantly, we are both Christians and have been praying for the right person to come into our lives.

AND other qualities I love about James….
- He is open and honest about his feelings. With James it’s not like most guys where you have to pry them open to get at what they’re thinking or feeling. He’s very forthcoming about his feelings and I find that very refreshing. Emotional availability is one of the main qualities I was looking for.
- He treats me like a queen. Who wouldn’t like that? This boils down to him being a pretty selfless guy and a complete gentleman. If I try to get my own door, he gives my hand a little slap.
- He’s very health conscious and takes great care of himself. He eats organic food, drinks purified water, takes multiple supplements and of course works out. He hasn’t been naggy at all about getting me on the bandwagon, but since he plans to live to 100, I find myself wanting to make some healthy changes.
- He is a friend to anyone. He has some fairly seedy neighbors, but he doesn’t let that stop him from being friendly, offering a listening ear, or giving some financial assistance. He’s the kind of guy that could befriend about anyone. What a great ministry that is.
So there you go. There’s much more I like about him, but 9 + 4 = Your Thursday Thirteen.


























2 healings, 2 re-murders, and at the very last minute, the captain was thrown overboard and the ship overtaken. Alas, no one recovered all the parts of the treasure map, so the treasure still lies buried.
Dirty Dana, I wasn’t aware this was a Christian cruise. What’s with everyone bringing their Bibles?
Greg, is that you hiding behind a gaggle of women?
Schemers…..they’re cat-haters. Probably scheming how to do away with my precious puddy tat.