Love on the Run

It finally happened. The day I've been waiting for arrived shrouded in grey and dissipating mist. I found love on a run — literally. Out there on Saluda Road, just at the edge of town, my love was lying, broken, at the side of the road, not quite in the gutter, where broken love so often abides.

OK, so it was just a broken bracelet of copper beads and bling, but it fit the mood. The morning started with John Mayer's "Love Song for No One." Mayer is pining for someone, his unknown love.

"I'm tired of being alone, so hurry up and get here," he pleads. "… I'm not sure what I'm looking for; I'll know it when I see you," he concedes with confidence.

I've felt that way often. And there are times I've thought for sure I knew just what I was looking for. And yet, I don't believe in "types." Sure, some people have them. And maybe I have a "type," in the broad sense of the word (the pun was unintentional, but I refuse to change it — if you're offended, find another blog).

My friend Ryan wrote a song about his perfect girl and it was pretty specific: hair color, eyes, height. I'm not so refined. I like blondes. But I also like brunettes. And what beats a ginger (I can use that often pejorative term because I am one — look up the rules)? I prefer long hair, but I've gone for short hair, too. Tall? I'm 6 feet tall and not necessarily opposed to a taller woman. In college I dated a girl who barely cracked 5 feet (yes, she was also a college student my age).

"Are you a breast man or an ass man," I was asked by one woman.

"I'm a total package man," I replied honestly.

"Bullshit," she called.

Hey, it's a big world and everyone's looking for someone. Why limit your choices?

The criteria that count?

• Attractiveness: There are a lot of variables in this one. It comes down to the overall package. What appeals to me might not appeal to Joe or Dave or whoever.

• Intelligence: I've been accused of setting the bar too high, eliminating potential dates (when I was online) by weeding out those with poor grammar or spelling or who used all caps or all lowercase. Yeah, eventually we wouldn't be communicating via email/text so much, but a man's gotta have his standards.

• Humor: I like funny. I'm funny. Just ask me. But there are different kinds of funny. Is your sense of humor dry, vulgar, silly, visual? It's nice to have someone who finds you funny and whom you find funny.

• Character: We're talking commitment, dedication, loyalty, integrity, sincerity, humility. You know, character. Who isn't looking for that stuff?

• Complementary: Not complimentary, one who compliments me, but one who complements me, completes me. That’s right, I buy into that feel-good “Jerry Maguire” B.S. So sue me. I know all about being a complete individual, and I am that. But that doesn’t mean one can’t be more complete. I want my cup to runneth over.

Well, for now I've got a busted bracelet. But that's a sign — a good one, I think.

Today’s Stats (Friday, Sept. 20, 2013)

Temp: 67 degrees F, and humid

Distance: 4.64 miles

Treasure: 1 "love" bracelet (copper beads and rhinestone bling); 1 aluminum pie pan; 20 cans. 

We have popcorn chicken and beer-can chicken, how
about beer-can pie to go with that?

iPod Playlist (Shuffle)

Love Song For NoOne (live) – John Mayer

(I love his intro to the song.)

On The Run – Pink Floyd

All I Want Is You (live) – U2

Waiting For A Girl Like You - Foreigner

The Distance – Cake

If Ever You're In My Arms Again – Peabo Bryson

Wouldn't It Be Good – Nik Kershaw

Don't Say YouLove Me – Billy Squier

Prayer Of Saint Francis – Sarah McLachlan

Wrapped Around Your Finger – The Police

Mockingbird (live) – Ryan Adams

It's Coming Down – Cake

Any Time At All – The Beatles

Running From AnAngel - Hootie & the Blowfish